SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING DIALING SERVICE BY USING STRING OF CHARACTERS INPUT TO MOBILE COMMUNICATION TERMINAL
Technical Field The present invention relates to a system for providing a dialing service using a character string input to a mobile communication terminal in an intelligent network, and a method thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for providing a dialing service, in which in case that a user inputs the character string associated with a called party, not a telephone number, into the mobile communication terminal and transmits a hashing number, a mobile communication network connects a call to a particular called telephone number that is mapped with the transmitted hashing number.
Background Art Outstanding and remarkable developments in fields of the recent electronics and communication engineering have brought variety of functions to mobile communication terminals. That is, as wireless communication and data processing technology develop rapidly, now people can make voice communication using mobile communication terminals and use functions of wireless Internet accesses, picture communications, transmission of moving picture messages, and the like. Moreover, owing to widespread distribution of mobile communication terminals in our daily lives, a large amount of contacts among people are performed via the mobile communication terminals. Thus, mobile communication terminals are necessary contact means to our modern lives. Like above, mobile communication terminals are used as indispensable means of life to today's people. Consequently, the number of telephone numbers required for contacting to an opposite party increases largely. Users used to record telephone numbers in separate recording media such as notes and the like, with pens or the like, and find the recorded telephone numbers when necessary. However, now mobile communication terminals are embodied to have a function of storing a lot of telephone numbers. Accordingly, users store lots of telephone numbers and names of opposite
parties corresponding to the telephone numbers in mobile communication terminals and use them. The telephone numbers stored in mobile communication terminals like above are searched through predetermined search procedures and used for dialing. The first method for dialing via the mobile communication terminal using the stored telephone number is to store the predetermined number (generally, 10-30) of the latest call list in the mobile communication terminal and search the stored latest call list sequentially using a scroll key. The second method is to store addresses storing telephone numbers and information on the opposite party, directly input a particular address upon search for a telephone number and thereby search for the telephone number. The third method is to directly input all the characters or a part of characters constituting a name and thereby search for a telephone number. However, the aforementioned methods for searching telephone numbers have problems or disadvantages which will be described below. In case of the first method, the number of telephone numbers that are classified into the latest call list to be stored in the mobile communication terminal is limited to around 10 to 30 and when searching for a telephone number besides the latest called/calling telephone number, there is a problem that searching is impossible. Of course, it may be possible to expand memory space of the mobile communication terminal storing the latest called/calling telephone numbers to increase the number of the latest call list. However, in this case, there is a disadvantage that a user has to use a scroll key a lot to find out a wanted telephone number and spend much time in searching. Accordingly, it is meaningless to increase the number of telephone numbers stored in the latest call list up to more than an appropriate number. In case of the second method, in order to precisely input a memory address set with respect to a telephone number that a user wants to find out, the user has to remember every single address storing a names and a telephone number corresponding thereto. However, there is a difficulty for a general user to precisely memorize many addresses and general users remember only a small number of particular addresses. Thus, there is a disadvantage that it is ineffective for the user to input a memory address to find out a telephone number. The third method is widely used as the most effective method to search for telephone numbers and disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2000-0018534
filed on September 2, 1998 and in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2001-0047903 filed on November 24, 1999. However, this method for inputting a part of or all the characters constituting a name of the opposite party to search for a telephone number also requires procedures of inputting a Hangul name or an English name into the mobile communication terminal and of searching for a telephone number corresponding to the name. Therefore, there is a disadvantage that inconvenience is caused to the user. That is, the aforementioned methods for dialing by storing telephone numbers in the mobile communication terminal and searching for a wanted telephone number cause inconveniences due to storage and searching. Moreover, in case that the user loses the mobile communication terminal, there is a problem that it is very hard for the user to remember out all the stored telephone numbers and the user has to accept the risk that personal information such as telephone numbers might be leaked. Accordingly, there is provided a method for storing and managing telephone numbers per person in a predetermined server via Internet, which is in preparation for the loss of the mobile communication terminal. However, this method only facilitates management of telephone numbers and there is not suggested a method for improving complicated dialing procedures that are performed in the mobile communication terminal.
Disclosure of the Invention Technical Goals The present invention is conceived to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art. Thus, the present invention provides system and method for providing a dialing service, in which in case that a user inputs a character string associated with a called party, not a telephone number, into a mobile communication terminal, and transmits a hashing number, a mobile communication network connects a call to a particular called telephone number that is mapped with the transmitted hashing number. The present invention also provides system and method for providing a dialing service, enabling a user to dial by inputting a name or a nickname of a called party without storing a telephone number of the called party in a mobile communication terminal, and thereby providing the user convenience in performing dialing. The present invention also provides system and method for providing a dialing
service, when a user dials, enabling the user to recognize characteristics or personality of a called party by using a name or a nickname of the called party or other expressions in stead of a telephone number, and thereby enhancing advertising effects with respect to the called party. The present invention also provides system and method for providing a dialing service, capable of bringing benefits to a service provider through charging with respect to registration of a character string and extension of a valid period for use. The present invention also provides system and method for providing a dialing service, enabling a user to perform dialing based on a group that the user subscribed, and thereby reducing the length of string of a called number transmitted to a mobile communication terminal.
Technical Solutions In order to achieve the above objects and solve the problems in the prior art, a system for providing a dialing service using a character string according to the present invention comprises: in response to a request for establishment of wireless channel received from a mobile communication terminal converting input character string into hashing number of a numeric character string by using a hash function, generating a called number in which an identifier is allocated to the hashing number, and transmitting the generated called number with a call request message, a Base Station setting the wireless channel, and receiving and transmitting the call request message; a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) determining whether the call request message is associated with a character string trigger by using the identifier included in the call request message, through a connection to the base station, and generating and transmitting a call transfer number request message including the called number; and a Local Service Control Point (SCP) receiving the call transfer number request message, and searching for and abstracting a call transfer number that is a telephone number of a terminal of a called party mapped on the called number, so as to transfer the abstracted call transfer number to the Mobile Switching Center (MSC). A method for providing a dialing service using a character string according to one aspect of the present invention, comprises the operations of: (a) confirming a called number by receiving a call request message transmitted from the mobile communication
terminal, wherein an identifier is allocated to the called number; (b) determining whether the call request message is associated with the character string trigger by using the identifier included in the called number; (c) in case that it is determined that the call request message is associated with the character string trigger, inquiring of the Local Service Control Point (SCP) about the call transfer number mapped on a hashing number and the local group ID included in the called number; and (d) performing a call processing procedure to a terminal of a called party tlirough the Base Station by using the call transfer number received from the Local Service Control Point (SCP). A character string registering system for providing a dialing service by using a character string according to other aspect of the present invention comprises: a Gateway receiving a registration request signal including at least one piece of character string registration information selected from a group consisting of a character string for registration, a call transfer number corresponding thereto and information on a valid period of registration from the terminal, determining user validity and validity of the character string registration request, and in case that it is determined to be valid, generating and transmitting registration request data; a Master Service Control Point (SCP) receiving the registration request data from the gateway, determining whether the character string for registration is registered and the valid period passes, based on the determination, storing information on the character string registration in a character string master database, and transmitting the registration request data; and a Local Service Control Point (SCP) receiving the registration request data from the Master Service Control Point (SCP), storing the received registration request data in a character string local database, and transmitting a result of registration to the Master Service Control Point (SCP). A character string registering method for providing a dialing service based on a character string according to another aspect of the present invention, wherein the Mater Service Control Point (SCP) performs the operations of: (a) receiving the character string registration information transmitted from the terminal, through the Gateway; (b) determining whether a character string for registration included in the character string registration information is stored in a character string master database; (c) in case that it is determined to be stored in the operation (b), determining whether a valid period set in the stored character string for registration passes; (d) in case that it is determined to be
not stored in the operation (b), or in case that it is determined that the valid period has passed, storing the character string registration in formation in the character string master database; and (e) transmitting the character string registration information to the Local Service Control Point (SCP), so that the transmitted character string registration infonnation is stored in a character string local database. A call processing method according to another aspect of the present invention comprises the operations of: (a) receiving the character string input into the mobile communication terminal; (b) hashing the received character string by using hashing digit allocated to a local group ID corresponding to the character string so as to convert the character string into a hashing number; (c) generating a called number to which an identifier corresponding to the character string and the local group ID are allocated; and (d) transmitting the called number with, a call request message. A call processing method according to another aspect of the present invention comprises the operations of: (a) storing connection information between an alternate identifier designated by a user of the called terminal and a telephone number of the called terminal, in a predetermined storage means; (b) receiving a call connection request message from the calling terminal; (c) determining whether a predetermined character dialing identifier is included in the call connection request message; (d) in case that it is determined that the character dialing identifier is included in the call connection request message, abstracting the telephone number of the called terminal from the storage means using identification of a called party included in the call connection request message; and (e) setting a call path between the calling terminal and the called terminal. A method for transmitting a character message according to another aspect of the present invention comprises the operations of: (a) storing an alternate identifier designated by a user of the called terminal and information corresponding a telephone number of the called terminal, in a predetermined storage means; (b) receiving a character message transmission request message from the calling terminal; (c) determining whether a predetermined character dialing identifier is included in the character message transmission request message; (d) in case that it is determined that the character dialing identifier is included in the character message transmission request message, abstracting the telephone number of the called terminal from identification of
a called party included in the character message transmission request message; and (e) transmitting the character message to the called terminal. A method for enabling a terminal to be connected to a resource on wireless Internet according to another aspect of the present invention comprises the operations of: (a) storing an alternate resource identifier for replacing a resource identifier of the resource and information corresponding to the resource identifier in a predetermined storage means; (b) receiving a connection request message from the terminal; (c) determining whether a predetermined character dialing identifier is included in the connection request message; (d) in case that it is determined that the character dialing identifier is included in the connection request message, abstracting the resource identifier from the storage means by using resource identification information included in the connection request message; and (e) enabling the terminal to be connected to the resource by redirecting a connection of the terminal to the resource. A system for providing a Short Message Service (SMS) to a mobile communication terminal in an intelligent network by using character string input dialing according to another aspect of the present invention comprises: a mobile communication network including a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) and a Base Station receiving the Short Message Service (SMS) transmitted from a mobile communication terminal converting an input character string into a hashing number of a numeric character string by using a hash function, generating a called number in which an identifier is allocated to the converted hashing number, and transmitting the generated called number with an input short message, and transmitting a Short Message Service (SMS) transmission request message; a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) receiving the Short Message Service (SMS) transmission request message, transmitting a call transfer number request message by using the called number included in the Short Message Service (SMS) transmission request message, and storing and forwarding the short message to a terminal of a called party by using the received call transfer number; and a Local Service Control Point (SCP) receiving the call transfer number request message, abstracting the called number, and searching and abstracting the mapped call transfer number, so as to transmit the abstracted call transfer number to the Short Message Service Center (SMSC). A method for providing a Short Message Service (SMS) according to another
aspect of the present invention, wherein the Short Message Service Center performs the operations of: (a) receiving a Short Message Service (SMS) transmission request message transmitted from the mobile communication terminal, tlirough the mobile communication network; (b) recognizing a called number included in the received Short Message Service (SMS) transmission request message, so as to transmit a call transfer number request message to the local name database; (c) receiving an answer message including the call transfer number from the local name database; and (d) storing and forwarding the short message to a terminal of a called party in accordance with the received call transfer number.
Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a view illustrating configuration of a system for providing a dialing service using a character string input in an intelligent network according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view illustrating one example of a character string table stored in a character string master database according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view illustrating one example of configuration of word dialing data of a mobile communication terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4 to 6 are views illustrating examples of tables included in a Local
Service Control Point (SCP) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a view illustrating one example of a display selecting a character string input mode on a mobile communication terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for registering a character string according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing dialing according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting a short message according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG.11 is a view illustrating configuration of a system for providing a dialing service according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a view illustrating one example of a character-numeric connection rule on a keypad of a mobile communication terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating one example of a lookup table of a character- numeric connection rule according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a view illustrating one example of configuration of a character string database according to one embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for registering a character string at a character string registering server according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a call connection request and call processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method for requesting a call connection of a character string at a calling terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a view illustrating one example of a display for a numeric dialing mode and a display for a character dialing mode in a mobile communication terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 19 to 20 are views illustrating flows with respect to a call processing method in a calling MSC according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a view illustrating flows with respect to a method for transmitting a short message through character dialing according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a view illustrating one example of configuration of a character string database for accessing wireless Internet, which is operated by a WAP Gate server, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a method for accessing wireless Internet through character dialing according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Hereinafter, the present invention will be fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noticed that reference symbols to components of each drawing are
given, so that the same components may have the same symbols although the components are indicated on respectively different drawings. In addition, in case that it is determined that concrete description with respect to related common configuration or function might make the substance of the present invention indistinct, the detailed description related thereto is omitted. FIG. 1 is a view illustrating configuration of a system for providing a dialing service using a character string input in an intelligent network according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a dialing service providing system 100 includes a mobile communication terminal 110 and an intelligent network (IN) A 120 comprising a Base Transceiver Subsystem (BTS) 121, a Base Station Controller (BSC) 122, a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 123, a Service Switching Point (SSP) 124, a Home Location Register (HLR) 125, a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 126, a Local Service Control Point (Local SCP) 127, and the like. At this time, the mobile communication terminal 110 and the intelligent network A 120 are managed by a Master Service Control Point (MSCP) 130. In addition, the same 110 and 120 are managed in such a manner that Local Service Control Points 162 and 172, which are included in other intelligent networks (IN) B and C 160 and 170, are comiected to the MSCP 130, and the intelligent networks (IN) B and C 160 and 170 have similar system configuration to the intelligent network A 120. Each of intelligent networks (IN) 120, 160, and 170 may be built and operated by the same common carrier or respectively different common carriers. The MSCP 130 is connected to an Internet Protocol (IP) network such as Internet 150 via a Gateway 140. The mobile communication terminal 110 functions to transmit a called number to a communication network by using a character string input from a user in a character- based dialing system according to one prefened embodiment of the present invention. Generally, call process protocol between a mobile communication terminal and a BS (Base Station)/MSC (Mobile Switching Center) in a wired/wireless communication system transceives numbers such as telephone numbers and the like, so as to process a call. Thus, call process protocol does not process a character string. Accordingly, the mobile communication terminal 110 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention converts an input character string into a numeric character string by using an
π 1
embedded hash function. At this time, the hash function is a uni-directional function and a kind of message digest function which is not functional into a revere direction. Procedures of inputting a character string into the mobile communication terminal 110 to transmit a call request message according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be further fully described. In the mobile communication terminal, a flash memory is provided with a character string call procestsing program capable of inputting a character string instead of a telephone number to connect a call. Therefore, a user who wants a call to be connected loads the character string call processing program by operation of key buttons and inputs a character string by using the loaded character string call processing program. At this time, the character string call processing program may provide the user with a Graphic User Interface (GUI) enabling the user to input the character string. Moreover, the character string call processing program functions to display the input character string in real time. In case that the input key value is not a character string but a numeric character string, the character string call processing program passes the input numeric character string over to a control processor, so as to enable general call process. In case that the user finishes inputting the character string and presses a key button connected to a call connection such as a "send" button, the character string call processing program senses the event that the send button is pressed and converts the input character string into a numeric character string (hereinafter, 'hashing number') by using the hash function embedded in the mobile communication terminal. Moreover, the character string call processing program adds a particular identifier to a front part of the hashing number converted by the hash function and transmits the hashing number added with the particular identifier as a called number. At this time, the identifier is used to notify the communication network of the fact that the called number transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 110 is a number for character dialing. Therefore, information on the identifier for character dialing is pre-stored in a switching point which is a call process apparatus installed in the communication network. The identifier like above is a trigger in an intelligent network system. Generally, the trigger is an operation automatically performed when a predetermined condition by a database is satisfied or a predetermined motion is performed. For example, in case that 'cook' is input using a character string, the character string call processing program generates a
hashing number such as '777-8888' and generates a called number such as '0507-777- 8888' by adding the identifier to the front part of the generated hashing number, and thereby transmits the generated called number to the communication network. In the meantime, according to the prefened embodiment of the present invention, the character string call processing program may generate the hashing number by using the hash function that is basically embedded in the mobile communication terminal. More preferably, the character string call processing program may generate the hashing number by embedding a particular hash function therein. This is to increase the number of character strings that may be expressed into the hashing number since there are a lot of kinds of character strings capable of being input. Namely, in case that the hash function basically embedded in the mobile communication terminal generates a hashing number consisting of a seven-digit numeric character string, the same hashing number may be generated when the number of character strings exceeds a predetermined number. This is since the hash function is a uni-directional function. When it is possible to increase a digit of an input character string to a numeric character string consisting of eight digits, nine digits, ten digits and the like, a crash between hashing numbers is prevented. For example, when there is used a hash function converting a character string into a hashing number consisting of a numeric character string of ten digits, the number of character strings enabled to be input into the mobile communication terminal is ten billion at the maximum. Meanwhile, the mobile communication terminal 110 is provided with 'a character string call management program' capable of storing a calling record in a separate telephone list such as 'a character-based calling telephone list', not a basic 'calling telephone list', and searching for the calling record. Moreover, in case of call incoming, the character string call management program also provides a function of storing the provided character string in 'a character string received telephone list' that is provided through a 'lettering' service. At this time, the lettering service is a service which enables a name or a nickname designated by the calling party to be displayed on a called terminal. For example, expressions input by the calling party such as "honey" when giving a phone call to a boy friend or a girl friend, "Mommy, it's me" when giving a phone call to a mother are displayed on the mobile communication terminal of the called party. Accordingly, the character string call management program also provides
a function, capable of storing the received expressions in 'the character string received telephone list and searching for the same by adding a predetermined tag to expressions provided through the lettering service upon receipt thereof. At this time, the tag indicates a character string directing the opposite party. The mobile communication terminal 110 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a cellular phone, a PCS (Personal Communication Service) phone, a hand-held PC, a CDMA-2000 (IX, 3X) phone, a WCDMA (Wideband CDMA) phone, a Dual Band/Dual Mode phone, a GSM (Global Standard for Mobile) phone, a MBS (Mobile Broadband System) phone, a notebook computer, and the like. At this time, the MBS phone is a cellular phone which will be used in a fourth-generation system currently in discussion. A calling apparatus for dialing using a character string input, which is technical spirits of the present invention, is not limited to the mobile communication terminal 110 and if a character string input and dialing is possible, may include a personal computer, a wired telephone, and the like. At this time, the aforementioned character string call processing program should be installed in the personal computer and the wired telephone. In case of using a computer, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) should be possible. The BTS (Base Transceiver Subsystem) 121 and the BSC (Base Station
Controller) 122 are apparatus constituting a wireless BS (Base Station). The BTS 121 receives a request message for establishment of wireless channel, a call request message, and the like from the mobile communication terminal 110, and transmits the same to the BSC 122, and establishes a wireless channel with the mobile communication terminal 110 in accordance with an establishment instruction for establishment of wireless channel from the BSC 122. The BSC 122 functions to control the BTS 121, establish and remove a wireless channel with the mobile communication terminal 110, control transmission and output of the BTS 121 and the mobile communication terminal 110, determine whether to perform hard handoff and soft handoff between cells, and operate and maintain a wireless access network, Transcoding and Vocoding. The MSC 123 functions to control such that wireless Base stations efficiently
operate and interoperate with an electric switching point which is installed in a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). In addition, the MSC 123 functions to process basic and added services, process a received call and a sending call of a subscriber, process a location register procedure and a handoff procedure, and interoperate with other networks, etc. In the meantime, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the MSC 123 may have the function of recognizing and processing an identifier which is transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 110 and received through the Base station. That is, the MSC 123 may perform a post-processing procedure after recognizing an identifier included in a called number and confirming that the identifier is a character dialing identifier. At this time, the post-processing procedure is that the MSC 123 having confirmed that the identifier was a character dialing identifier takes the called number (e.g., '0507-777-8888') as a message parameter and transmits the call transfer number request message to the LSCP (Local Service Control Point) 127 thereby. Meanwhile, the BTS 121, the BSC 122, and the MSC 123 have configuration capable of supporting a mobile communication system such as IS (Interim Standard)-95 A/B, CDMA 2000 IX, CDMA 2000 lx EV-DO (Evolution-Data Only)/EV-DV (Evolution-Data and Voice), CDMA 2000 3X, WCDMA, GSM, an All-IP network which is a forth generation mobile communication network, and the like. The SSP (Service Switching Point) 124 is a switching system connecting a service user to an intelligent network and performs a call process function of recognizing an intelligent network service call from calls received from a service user and notifying the same to a Service Control Point. In addition, the SSP 124 performs a CCF (Call Control Function), a CCAF (Call Control Agent Function), a SSF (Service Switching Function), and the like. In the meantime, in case that there is no trigger function with the MSC 123, the SSP 124 receives a called number from the MSC 123, confirms an identifier, and performs the aforementioned post-processing procedure. Although the MSC 123 and the SSP 124 are separated as separate apparatus in FIG. 1, the MSC 123 and the SSP 124 may be integrated or used as the same means under circumstances. The HLR (Home Location Register) 125 functions to recognize registration, delete registration, confirm a location, and the like, in the mobile communication
terminal 110. Moreover, in case that the HLR 125 receives a signal requesting a location of the mobile communication terminal 110 from the SMSC (Short Message Service Center) 126, the HLR 125 searches a database storing the information to confirm address information of a Base Station in charge of an area where the mobile communication terminal 110 is located and provides the searched information on the location thereof. The SMSC 126 will be described later. When the SMSC 126 receives a short message transmission request from the mobile communication terminal 110 through a wireless Base Station and the MSC 123, the SMSC 126 functions to confirm address information of a wireless Base Station in charge of the conesponding mobile communication terminal through interoperation with the HLR 125, and store and forward the short message. Meanwhile, in case that a short message transmission request occurs by a character dialing method, the SMSC 126 according to the prefened embodiment of the present invention checks an identifier included in a received called number, so as to confirm that the it is the short message transmission request using character dialing. After this, the SMSC 126 performs a post-processing procedure requesting a call transfer number to the LSCP (Local Service Control Point) 127, which is similar to the MSC 123 or the SSP 124. The Local SCP 127 is an apparatus performing a core function for providing a service based on an intelligent network, and has program and subscriber data which are required to control a service in the intelligent network, and is connected to the MSC 123 or the SSP 124 through a Signal Transfer Point (not illustrated). At this time, the Signal Transfer Point 127 is a No. 7 common channel signaling network and encourages efficient use of network resources by providing a message transmission function between network components. Accordingly, the LSCP 127 comprises a No. 7 message transceiving module in charge of transceiving a No. 7 message with the SSP 124 or the MSC 123 connected through a common channel signaling network; a No. 7 message processing module processing a transmitted or received No. 7 message; a character string local database storing a character string; a Master SCP interfacing module in charge of communication with the Master SCP 130; a control unit, and the like. Meanwhile, in case that the Local SCP 127 receive a call transfer number request message from the MSC 123, the SSP 124 and the SMSC 126, the Local SCP
127 functions to search the local database storing a character string, abstract a call transfer number mapped with a hashing number included in the called number, and transmit the abstracted call transfer number to a conesponding apparatus. The Master SCP 130 manages a plurality of Locall SCP 127, 160, and 170, and processes management functions such as registration of a character string, deletion thereof, change thereof, and the like for providing a dialing service using a character string according to one embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the Master SCP 130 comprises a Local SCP interfacing module in charge of communication with Local SCP 127, 160, and 170; a character string master database integrally storing character strings which are distributed to each of intelligent networks and stored therein; a Gateway interface module in charge of communication with the Gateway; a control unit and the like. At this time, all the character strings stored in a character string local databases included in a plurality of Local SCP 127, 160, and 170 are integrally stored in the character string master database and the plurality of Local SCP 127, 160, and 170 are managed by the Master SCP 130. FIG. 2 is a view illustrating one example of a character string table stored in the character string master database according to one embodiment of the present invention. The character string table stored in the character string maser database includes a field of character strings, a field of hashing numbers, a field of call transfer numbers, a field of registered users, a field of registrant residence numbers, a field of registration dates, a field of valid dates, and the like. The field of character strings is a field where an input character string is stored. At this time, the character string is input in procedures of registering the character string through character dialing system 100. In addition, representative information on a user such as the user's real name, nickname, and the like is stored in the field of character strings. Character strings stored in the field of character strings are respectively different with respect to each of users and have unique characteristics. The hashing number is a number into which an input character string in a procedure of inputting the character string is converted by using a hash function, and the hashing number consists of a plurality of numeric characters. Meanwhile, the hashing number stored in the character string master database is generated by the hash function embedded in the Master SCP 130. At this time, the hash function embedded in the
Master SCP 130 is same to that embedded in the mobile communication terminal 110. The call transfer number is a telephone number of a registered user's mobile communication terminal or wired telephone and is mapped on the hashing number. In addition, the valid period for registration is a period for which a character string registered to the character string master database by a user may be usable, and a certain period from date when the character string is registered may be designated as the valid period for registration. Accordingly, in case that the valid period is expired and use of the character string becomes suspended, and the suspended character string may be newly registered by another user. In case that the character string is deleted due to passing of the valid period for registration, the Master SCP130 notifies a conesponding user of deletion of the character string. Meanwhile, the Master SCP 130 may provide a user with information on a registration extension request of the character string a certain period before the valid period for registration of the character string stored in the character string master database is expired. At this time, information on the registration extension request includes information on a registration valid period of a conesponding character string, information on a registration extension period, information on a registration extension fee, and the like. In case that registration extension is requested by the user, the registration valid period is updated in association with the requested registration extension period and stored in the character string master database and the character string local database. At this time, it may be also possible to enable a user who pays a predetermined fee to use a particular character string permanently. FIG. 3 is a view illustrating one example of configuration of word dialing data of a mobile communication terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, word dialing data of the mobile communication terminal 110 are set by each thereof 110. The word dialing data may include a field of data type, a field of local group IDs, a field of group names, a field of hashing digits, a field of identifiers, and the like. At this time, the field of group names is a field where an input character string is stored, and the character string is input in procedures of registering the character string through the character dialing system 100. In addition, representative
information on a user such as the user's real name, nickname, and the like is stored in the field of group names. Character strings stored in the field of group names are respectively different with respect to each of users in a conesponding group and have unique characteristics. FIGS. 4 to 6 are views illustrating examples of tables included in a Local
Service Control Point (SCP) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a group ID length table by each user, FIG. 5 shows a group ID conversion table and FIG. 6 shows a group ID table. The group ID length table by each user includes a field of telephone numbers and a field of group ID lengths. The group ID conversion table includes a field of identification numbers of mobile communication terminals, a field of local group IDs, and a field of global group IDs. Moreover, the group ID table includes a field of global group IDs, a field of character strings, a field of hashing numbers conesponding to the character strings, and a field of call transfer numbers. At this time, the hashing number is a number into which an input character string in a procedure of inputting a character string is converted by using a hash function, and the hashing number consists of a plurality of numeric characters. Meanwhile, the hashing number stored in a local name database 127 is generated by the hash function embedded in a master name database 130. At this time, the hash function embedded in the master name database 130 is same to that embedded in the mobile communication terminal 110. Moreover, the call transfer number is a telephone number of a registered user's mobile communication terminal or wired telephone and is mapped on the hashing number. In case that a call transfer number request message including a called number
(e.g., '070-9288-1-12345') is received, the local name database 127 first confirms a digit of a local group ID corresponding to a calling telephone number by refening to the group ID length table by each user. In the next, the local name database 127 confirms that a global group ID conesponding to T is '10,000,000' by refening to the group ID conversion table, and confirms '017-789-1000', which is a telephone number conesponding to '10,000,000' and '12345', by referring to the group ID table. The master name database 130 according to the prefened embodiment of the
present invention manages a plurality of local name databases 127, 160 and 170, and performs management functions such as registration of a character string, deletion thereof, change thereof, and the like, for providing a dialing service using a character string according to embodiments of the present invention. In the meantime, local name databases 127, 160 and 170, and the master name database 130 according to the prefened embodiment of the present invention may be interoperated with subscriber information of a wired/wireless internet server. Namely, it is possible to employ a character-based dialing method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in association with an ID or a nickname of an Internet cafe and corresponding telephone number information. This is cunently widely being employed. FIG. 7 is a view illustrating one example of a display selecting a character string input mode on a mobile communication terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a user who wants to dial using a character string may select a VPN (Virtual Private Network) word dialing mode, which is a character string input mode. When the VPN word dialing mode is selected, the user can input a character string and dial thereby. Moreover, the user may select a group that the user wants to dial. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for registering a character string according to one embodiment of the present invention. A user who wants to register a character string in a character-based dialing system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention transmits a registration request signal for registration of the character string by using the mobile communication terminal 110 (operation 800). The registration request signal transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 110 is transferred to the Gateway 140 and the Gateway checks whether the user and the request for character string registration is valid using the received registration request signal (operation 802). Namely, the Gateway 140 checks whether user information, information on a fee of character string registration and the character string for registration, which are transmitted from the mobile communication terminal 110, satisfy a required condition. For example, the Gateway 140 checks whether a user
who requests character string registration is a user registered to the system, whether a registration fee of the character string is normally paid, and whether the character string for registration satisfies a criterion for character string registration. At this time, the criterion for character string registration is predetermined for normally registering the character string, and includes the minimum and/or the maximum number of characters of the character string, whether alphabetic characters are supported, whether Hangul and alphabetic characters are supported, whether special symbols are supported, and forbidden characters. The Gateway 140 determines whether the user and character string registration request checked in the operation 802 is valid (operation 804), and in case that it is determined to be valid, transmits the registration request data to the Master SCP 130 (operation 806). On the other hand, in case that it is determined to be invalid in the operation 804, the Gateway 140 transmits the results to the mobile communication terminal 110, such that the user re-performs procedures of registering the character string. The Maser SCP 130 receives the registration request data and determines whether the character string for registration included therein is registered using the character string master database (S808). In case that it is determined that the character string for registration is registered, the Master SCP 130 determines whether the valid period with respect to the received character string for registration has passed (operation S810). In case that it is determined that the received character string for registration is not registered in the operation 808, or that the valid period of the received character string for registration has passed in the operation 810, the Master SCP 130 registers the character string for registration to the character string master database (operation 812). The Master SCP 130 registers the character string to the character string master database successfully in the operation 812 and then transmits the registration request data to the Local SCP 127 (operation 814). The Local SCP 127 registers the character string for registration received from the Master SCP 130, to the character string local database (operation 816). The Master SCP 130 receives results with respect to the character string registration request from the Local SCP 127, and in case that it is determined that the valid period has passed in the operation 810, transmits results of failure with respect to the character string registration request to the Gateway 140
(operation 818). The Gateway 140 transmits the results received from the Master SCP 130 to the mobile communication terminal 110 (operation 820). The mobile communication terminal 110 receives the transmitted results to display the same (operation 822). FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing dialing according to one embodiment of the present invention. A user who wants to dial using a character string loads a character string call processing program which is provided at the mobile communication terminal 110 and converts the mobile communication terminal 110 into a character string input mode, before inputting the character string (operation 900). Moreover, the user may select a group after converting the mobile communication terminal 110 into the character string input mode. The character string input in the operation 900 is displayed on the display of the mobile communication terminal in real time. The user who completes input of the character string presses a button related to a call connection (operation 902). The character string call processing program determines whether key values input in the operation 902 are associated with input of the character string (operation 904). In case that it is determined that the character string is input, the character string call processing program performs an operation of converting the input character string into a hashing number (operation 906). In addition, the character string call processing program allocates a predetermined identifier indicating a character string trigger to a front part of the converted hashing number, so as to generate a called number. In case that a numeric character string is input instead of the character string in the operation 904, or in case that generation of the called number is completed in the operation 906, the mobile communication terminal 110 requests the wireless Base Station to establish a wireless channel and transmits a call request message including the called number to the wireless Base Station (operation 908). The wireless Base Station receives a request signal for establishment of wireless channel and establishes the wireless channel with the mobile communication terminal 110 (operation 910), and abstracts the called number from the received call request message to connect a line with the MSC (Mobile Switching Center) 123 and then transmits the call request message including the called number (operation 912). The MSC 123 abstracts the called number included in the call request message
received from the Base Station, to determine whether the abstracted called number satisfies an intelligent network trigger condition (operation 914). At this time, whether the called number satisfies the intelligent network trigger condition is determined by checking whether the identifier included in the called number is one of a plurality of numbers allocated to the intelligent trigger. In case that it is determined that the intelligent network trigger is unsatisfied in the operation 914, the MSC 123 performs a general call process procedure with respect to the received called number (operation 916). On the other hand, in case that it is determined that the intelligent network trigger is satisfied in the operation 914, the MSC 123 determines whether the called number also satisfies a character string trigger condition according to the embodiment of the present invention (operation 918). Although the flowchart in FIG. 9 describes that the MSC 123 determines whether the intelligent trigger condition and the character string trigger condition are satisfied, as described in FIG. 1, in case that MSC 123 has no trigger determination function, the SSP 124 may perform the trigger determination function. In case that it is determined that the character string trigger condition unsatisfied in the operation 918, the MSC 123 processes the called number with the conesponding intelligent network trigger and performs a call process procedure (operation 920). In case that the character string condition is satisfied in the operation 918, the MSC 123 transmits a call transfer number request message which requests a call transfer number, to the Local SCP 127 (operation 922). At this time, the call transfer number request message includes the called number. The Local SCP 127 receives the call transfer number request message from the MSC 123, and searches for and abstracts a call transfer number mapped on the received called number (operation 924), and includes the abstracted call transfer number in an answer message to transmit the same to the MSC 123 (operation 926). The MSC 123 performs a call process with the call transfer number included in the received answer message (operation 928). When the MSC 123 performs the call process through the wireless Base Station and the mobile communication terminal of a called side answers, there is disclosed a communication with the mobile communication terminal of a calling side (operation 930). FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transmitting a short message
according to one embodiment of the present invention. A calling party loads the character string call processing program which is embedded in the mobile communication terminal of the calling side, and inputs and transmits a character string and a short message with respect to a called party (operation 1000). At this time, as described in the operation 906 of FIG. 9, the mobile communication terminal converts the input character string into a hashing number by applying the hash function to the input character and generates the called number in which an identifier is allocated to a front part of the hashing number. Therefore, the called number is included in the short message transmitted from the mobile communication terminal of the calling side. The MSC and the wireless Base Station of the calling side receive the short message from the mobile communication terminal thereof and transmit the received short message to the SMSC of the calling side, so as to request transmission of the short message (operation 1002). The SMSC of the calling side receives the short message transmission request and transmits an answer message to the MSC and the wireless Base Station of the calling side (operation 1004). At this time, the MSC and the wireless Base Station of the calling side transmit the answer message to the mobile communication terminal of the calling side (operation 1006). Meanwhile, the SMSC of the calling side abstracts the called number included in the received short message and confirms the identifier thereby, and requests the call transfer number to the Local SCP 127 (operation 1008). The Local SCP 127 receives a request for the call transfer number, searches the embedded character string local database to abstract the call transfer number mapped with the hashing number included in the received called number, and transmits the abstracted call transfer number to the SMSC of the calling side (operation 1010). The SMSC of the calling side which receives the call transfer number includes the received call transfer number in the short message and transmits the short message transmission request to the SMSC of the called side (operation 1012), and receives an answer message therefrom (operation 1014). The SMSC of the called side requests the MSC and the wireless Base Station of the called side to transmit the received short message (operation 1016). The MSC and the wireless Base station of the called side transmit the received short message to the mobile communication terminal of the called side (operation 1018). At this time, the mobile communication terminal of the called
side receives the short message, generates and answer message and transmits the generated answer message to the wireless Base Station and the MSC of the called side (operation 1020). The MSC and the wireless Base Station of the called side transmit the received answer message to the SMSC of the called side (operation 1022). Meanwhile, although FIG. 10 describes where there are two different SMSC associated with transmission of the short message, it may be also possible to transmit the short message only with the SMSC of the calling side, and the MSC and the wireless Base Station of the calling side. Moreover, FIGS. 9 and 10 describe only with respect to a SMS (Short Message Service) which transmits a short message, however, not only the short message but also a MMS (Multimedia Message Service) and an UMS (Unified Messaging Service) also may be provided through the same procedures. FIG.11 is a view illustrating configuration of a system for providing a dialing service according to another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 11, a dialing service providing system 1100 includes a wireless communication network 1120 and a character string registering server 1160 which is comiected to the wireless communication network 1120 and accessed through wired/wireless Internet by user clients 1110 and 1112. The character string call processing program for character dialing is installed in a terminal 1110 to perform a call connection request by character dialing of the present invention, among wireless terminals. In case that a user inputs a character string in a character dialing mode and presses a calling key, which is a "send" button, the character string call processing program of the calling terminal 1110 first converts each character constituting the input character string into a numeric character string in accordance with a predetermined rule and next allocates an identifier indicating character dialing, thereby transmitting the call connection request message to a calling MSC 1126 through Base Stations 1122 and 1124 of the wireless telephone network. According to the prefened embodiment of the present invention, the character string call processing program converts the character string input by a user of the calling terminal 1110 into a numeric character string in accordance with a character-numeric connection rule on a keypad. For example, FIG. 12 shows a character-numeric connection rule on a keypad according to a Hangul input method which is adopted in most of cellular phones of
Samsung electronics, in which the character string call processing program converts each character constituting the input character string into a numeric character string according to the rule as illustrated. In order to process a call connection request by character dialing, each of Mobile Switching Centers (MSC) 1126 and 1136 of the wireless communication network 1120 stores not only the character-numeric connection rule illustrated in FIG. 12, but also character-numeric connection rules with respect to terminals of all manufactures, in a type of lookup tables. FIG. 13 illustrates a lookup table of a character-numeric connection rule which is operated by the MSC 1126 and 1136. Moreover, each of the MSC 1126 and 1136 of the wireless communication network 1120 is provided with a database for storing mapping information on character string- called party identification number that each of users pre-registers. FIG. 14 illustrates one example of field configuration of a character string database which is operated by the MSC 1126 and 1136. Each of records stored in the character string database includes a field with respect to a character string registered by a user, a Mobile Identification Number (MIN) of the user who registers the character string, a registration date thereof, and the like. In addition, a field for a valid period determined by the user or an operator of the system may be further included in the record. At this time, the character string is a real name of each user or a nickname given thereby, which becomes a representative name. More than two character strings may be registered with respect to one user. In case that a character dialing identifier is included in the call connection request message received from the calling terminal 1110, the calling MSC 1126 abstracts a numeric character included in the call connection request message as an identification code of the called party, and restores the character string input by the user of the calling terminal 1110 by refening to the lookup table in FIG. 13, and confirms a telephone number of the called party (e.g., a Mobile Identification Number (MIN) or a wired telephone number) from the database in FIG. 14, wherein the telephone number of the called party is pre-registered by the called party with respect to the character string. In the next, the calling MSC 1126 confirms a location of the called terminal 1150 by a general method, i.e. from the HLR 1134, and addresses the confirmed location to the called MSC 1136 managing the called terminal 1150, to perform a call process with
respect to the called terminal 1150. The character string registering server 1160 is accessible through wired Internet from the user client 1112 and enables each user to register a character string of one's prefened name or brand as a full name, an abbreviation, a nickname, or the like, which is suitable to express the user to other users. The character string may be registered through the wireless terminal 1150, for example, through wireless Internet based on WAP (Wireless Application Protocol). That is, the user of the wireless terminal 1150 accesses a WAP Gateway server 1140, for example, a NATE server of SK Telecom company, and selects a menu of character string registration through navigation of menus to register the character string. The character string registering server 1160 provides character string information registered by the user, for the SCP 1130, voluntarily or in response to demand of the SCP 1130 whereby the SCP 1130 is enabled to store the provided information in the database and use the same upon receipt of the call connection request by character dialing to confirm an identification number of the called party (e.g., a Mobile Identification Number). Meanwhile, the user may delete or change the registered character string by accessing the character string registering server 1160 through wired/wireless Internet. In the wireless communication network 1120, the BTS (Base Transceiver Subsystem) 1122 transceives a wireless signal with the terminal 1110 and modulates/demodulates the transceived signal. Moreover, the BTS 1122 transmits a request message for establishment of wireless channel, a call request message, and the like, received from the calling terminal 1110 to the MSC 1126 via the BSC (Base Station Controller) 1124 and establishes the wireless channel with the calling terminal 1110 in accordance with instruction for establishment of wireless channel received from the BSC 1124. The BSC 1124 controls the BTS 1122's establishment and removal of the wireless channel with respect to the calling terminal 1110, controls transmission and output of the BTS 1122, determines whether hand-off is performed, and controls a wireless connection between the BTS 1122 and the calling terminal 1110. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the wireless connection between the BTS 1122 and the calling terminal 1110 is based on a standard, such as IS- 95 A/B/C, CDMA 2000 lx EV-DO/EV-DV, WCDMA, GSM, or ALL-IP network which is the fourth mobile communication network, etc. In addition, the wired connection
between the BTS 1122 and the MSC 1126 is based on a standard of IS-95 Series, GSM, or AAL Signaling. Meanwhile, although omitted for brief illustration, the called MSC 1136 for providing a service to the called terminal 1150 also has similar technical configuration to the calling MSC 1126 and may be connected to the called terminal 1150 through a Base Station Controller and a Base Transceiver Subsystem, which are not illustrated. The SSP (Service Switching Point) 1128 of the calling MSC 1126 performs a SSF (Service Switching Function) processing a called signal and a calling signal from a subscriber and a CCF (Call Control Function) processing a location registration procedure and a hand-off procedure. In addition, the SSP 1128 controls wireless Base Stations to be operated efficiently. The SSP 1128 is set by a trigger point for recognizing an intelligent network service call. Thus, the SSP 1128 processes a service added by the subscriber under the control of a SCP (Service Control Point) 1130. Particularly, according to the present invention, the SSP 1128 includes a trigger point for detecting an identifier indicating a request by character dialing in a call connection request. Thus, in case that the trigger point is detected, the SSP provides the SCP 1130 with a trigger signal, together with a Mobile Identification Number of the calling party and a called party code, and thereby, receives service control from the SCP 1130. The SCP 1130 is connected to the SSP 1128 through a Signaling System No. 7 Signaling Network, and at a request of the SSP 1128, performs the SCF based on information registered in the database, so as to control operations of the SSP 1128. Particularly, according to the present invention, in case that the character dialing trigger signal is received from the SSP 1128, the SCP 1130 restores a character string from a numeric character string by refening to the lookup table in FIG. 13 and confirms a telephone number of the called party which is pre-registered by the user with respect to the character string, in the database of FIG. 14. At this time, the character string is input by the user of the calling terminal 1110 and the numeric character string is transmitted from the terminal as the called party code. In the next, the SCP 1130 provides the SSP 1128 with the identification number of the called party, such that the SSP 1128 continues call process. As aforementioned, the HLR (Home Location Register) 1134 is a register having an inter-network database function, managing subscriber information and
location information with respect to a home subscriber. A VLR (Visitor Location Register) 1132 is a register temporarily storing visitor information and location information with respect to a visitor. The WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) Gateway server 1140 is connected to the calling MSC 1126 through an IWF (Inter-Working Function) 1138. The IWF 138 is a network interoperating unit enabling a connection between the wireless communication network and the wired communication network, i.e. a Gateway, which is already well-known to those skilled in a field of wireless communication. Thus, further description in relation thereto will be omitted. The WAP Gateway server 1140 is a server providing information, for example, based on WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), just like a NATE server which is operated by SK Telecom company. Thus, in accordance with client demand, the WAP Gateway server 1140 stores information therein or provides the client with contents provided at external CP (Contents Providers) servers 80a to 80n.. The SMSC (Short Message Service Centers) 1146 and 1148 for providing a SMS (Short Message Service) are comiected to the calling MSC 1126 and the called MSC 1136. The SMSC 1146 and 1148 maintain and transmit short messages transceived from the terminals 1110 and 1150. On the other hand, the BSC 1124 of the wireless telephone network 1120 may be directly connected to the WAP Gateway server 1140 through an IP (Intelligent Peripheral) network. At this time, the BSC 1124 is connected to a PDSN (Packet Data Service Node, not illustrated) and transceives data transmitted from the terminal 1110 to the wireless network and data transmitted from the wireless network to the terminal 1110 per packet through the IP network by way of the PDSN. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for registering a character string at a character string registering server according to one embodiment of the present invention. A user who wants to register a character string for character dialing, for example, a user of the called terminal 1150 accesses the character string registering server 1160 using a data terminal 1152 such as a PC and registers the character string.
At this time, the user first accesses the WAP Gateway server 1140 through wireless Internet by using the calling terminal 1150 and next selects a registration menu of the character string in menus, to register the character string. At this time, the menus are provided at the WAP Gateway server 1140.
When the user logs-in in the operation 1500, the character string registering server 1160 performs a procedure of authenticating a service subscriber (operation 1502). In case that the user accesses the character string registering server 1160 through the wired Internet client 1112, the character string registering server 1160 demands an ID and a password and receives the same from the user, and compares the received ID and password with registered information, thereby performing an operation of authenticating the subscriber. At this time, the character string registering server 1160 may introduce membership and then perform a required procedure with respect to a user who is not registered. Meanwhile, in case that the user accesses wireless Internet by using the terminal 1150, the character string registering server 1160 abstracts an identification number of the calling party included in an access request message, and performs the authentication operation without input of the ID and the password. When the subscriber authentication is completed, the user may request the character string registering server 1160 to register the character string. In case that the registration request is received (operation 1506), the character string registering server 1160 determines whether the character string requested for registration is repeated with registered character strings (operation 1508). In case that it is determined to be repeated, the character string registering server 1160 provides a message notifying that the character string is registered, and demands the user to modify the input character string (operation 1510). In case that it is determined that the character string requested for registration is not repeated in the operation 1508, the character string registering server 1160 determines whether each of character strings has a valid length (operation 1512). According to the prefened embodiment of the present invention, when each character string is converted into a numeric character string, the length of each character string should be within the range of Message Capsule Size which is defined as a standard supported by the wireless communication network, so as to be included in the call connection request message as an identification code of the called party. In case that the registration request is performed with respect to the character string of which the converted numeric character string exceeds the Message Capsule Size, the character string registering server 1160 provides a message notifying that the length of the character string exceeds the standard, and demands the user to modify the character
string shortly (operation 1514). In case that it is determined that the character string requested for registration has a valid length in the operation 1512, the character string registering server 1160 stores the character string in an embedded database and notifies the user that the registration is completed (operation 1516). In the next, the character string registering server 1 160 provides the SCP 1130 with the newly registered or modified character string regularly or inegularly (operation 1518). Then, the SCP 1130 stores the provided character string in a database and confirms the identification number of the called party using the character string when the call connection request by character dialing is received. Meanwhile, in providing the SCP 1130 with the registered or modified character string, the character string registering server 1160 may provide the same in response to a request when the request for character string registration information is received directly from the SCP 1130 or via another agent. Moreover, determination operations in the operations 1508 and 1512 may be performed by one operation and thereby, notification operations in the step 1510 and 1514 may be performed by one operation. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a call connection request and a call processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. In case that a user inputs a character string instead of a telephone number for a call connection, the character string call processing program is loaded to the calling terminal 1110 and executed. At this time, the character string call processing program converts the input character string into a numeric character string in accordance with a certain rule, without reference to an address table, and transmits the converted call. In case that a calling party inputs the character string of the called party and presses a "send" key in a standby display (operations 1600 and 1602), the character string call processing program converts the character string input by the calling party into a numeric character string (operation 1604), allocates a predetermined identifier indicating character dialing to a call connection request message with the converted numeric character string and transmits the call connection request message to the calling MSC 1126 through Base Stations 1122 and 1124 of the wireless telephone network, to request allocation of resources (operation 1606) The calling MSC 1126 receives the call connection request message and
verifies whether the character dialing identifier is included therein (operation 1610). In case that the character dialing identifier is included in the call connection request message, the calling MSC 1126 confirms a called telephone number from the numeric character string which is included in the call connection request message as an identification code of the called party, by referring to the lookup table of FIG. 13 and the character string table of FIG. 14 (operations 1612 and 1614). As aforementioned, in case that the user wants or in conespondence to a registration fee paid by the user with respect to each character string, the predetermined valid period may be registered, at the same time, in registering the character string. At this time, in case that the valid period passes, the conesponding character string is deleted from the character string registering server 1160 and the database of the SCP 1130. In the meantime, the valid period may be set per user or per character string by the character string registering server 1160. The valid period is suitable, particularly when a service according to the present invention is provided as a paid service. Like above, in case that the service is provided for pay, the character string registering server 1160 may provide a corresponding user with information on a registration extension request a certain period before the valid period of the registered character string is expired. At this time, information on a registration extension request includes information on a registration valid period of a conesponding character string and information on a registration extension fee. When the registration extension request is received from the user, the registration valid period with respect to the character string is updated and the updated registration information is provided to the SCP 1130. In case that, with respect to a called party of which character string is registered, a calling party who knows the character string originates a call, the calling party may request a call connection by inputting the character string in the terminal 1110 of its own. Accordingly, the calling MSC 1126 perform a call process. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method for requesting a call connection of a character string in a calling terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. According to the preferred embodiment, in case that the calling party wants to dial using a character string, the calling party first presses a particular key or combination of keys on a keypad, for example, presses a "#" key at least one second,
and thereby a terminal is enabled to enter a character dialing mode. The character string call processing program continuously monitors whether there is any key input (operation 1650) and in case that there is a key input, determines whether the key input is for entry into the character dialing mode (operation 1652). In case that the key input is not for entry into the character dialing mode, a conesponding function is performed (operation 1654). In case that it is determined that the key input is for entry into the character dialing mode, the standby display changes from a display 1801 into a display 1802 indicating a character dialing mode, in FIG. 18. After this, a call connection process by character dialing in operations 1656 to 1662 is performed. In the operation 1656, the character string call processing program receives a character input through the keypad and indicates the same on the display in real time. The operation 1656 is continued until the calling party presses a calling key, i.e. a "send" button or abandons a call connection. The character string call processing program continuously monitors whether the calling key is pressed (operation 1658) and in case that the calling key is recognized to be pressed, converts each character constituting the input character string into a plurality of numbers in accordance with a character-numeric connection rule, i.e. the lookup table in FIG. 12 (operation 1660). For example, according to the table in FIG. 12, in case that the calling party inputs "-£)- °1 ~] " and presses a send button, the input character string "ώ}-o| ~ " is converted into "0 23 12 0 1 6 21". In the next, the character string call processing program includes the converted numeric character string in the input character string and allocates a character dialing identifier, so as to transmit the call connection request message to the MSC 1126 through the Base Stations 1122 and 1124 of the wireless telephone network (operation 1662). The identifier may be indicated by setting a reserved field in the call connection request message and may be added to a front part of the numeric character string. Meanwhile, the terminal 1110 is provided with 'a character string call managing program', capable of storing a calling record in a separate list such as a list of 'the latest calling character string', not a list of 'the latest calling number', and searching the calling record. However, according to the modified embodiment like above, the latest calling character string may be stored in a general list of 'the latest calling number'. In this case, it is preferable that the character string call processing program adds and stores a
predetermined tag to indicate that the character string is not a name registered to an address book, but used for character dialing of the present invention. In case that the calling party wants to dial using the character string stored in a list of 'the latest calling number', the character string call processing program recognizes that the character string is used in character dialing by the tag and performs a call connection request in the aforementioned method. The calling terminal 1110 illustrated in FIG. 11 may be any one of a cellular phone, a PCS phone, a PDA, a Hand-Held PC, and a notebook computer. In addition, the call connection request method by character dialing of the present invention is not limited to the wireless communication terminal and may be applied to a general PC enabled with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) communication and may be further applied to a wired telephone receiving a communication service through the wired telephone network. In this case, the aforementioned character string call processing program should be installed in the PC or the wired telephone. FIGS. 19 to 20 are views illustrating flows with respect to a call processing method in a calling MSC according to one embodiment of the present invention. In case that the calling terminal 1110 tries a call connection request and demands the Base Station 1122 of wireless resource allocation (operation 1900), in response thereto, the Base Station 1122 allocates wireless resource to the calling terminal 1110 (operation 1902). At this time, in case that the calling party requests a call connection by character dialing in demanding wireless resources in the operation 1900, the calling terminal 1110 includes a numeric character string into which the character string input by the calling party is converted as an identification code of the calling party, and includes a character dialing identifier and transmits the call connection request message. In the operation 1904, the Base Station 1122 demands wired resource allocation with respect to the SSP 1128 of the calling MSC 1126. In response thereto, the SSP 1128 of the calling MSC 1126 allocates wired resource to the conesponding Base Station 1122 (operation 1906). The SSP 1128 of the calling MSC 1126 is provided with a trigger point detecting a character dialing identifier which may be included in the call connection request message. In case that the trigger point is detected in the operation 1908, the SSP 1128 provides the SCP 1130 with trigger identification information indicating
character dialing, together with a Mobile Identification Number of the calling party and an identification code of the called party, so as to request service processing (operation 1910). The SCP 1130 converts the identification code of the calling party included in the service processing request, which is a numeric character string, into the character string input in the terminal 1110 when the called party dials by using the lookup table in FIG. 13 (operation 1912). In the next, the SCP 1130 confirms a telephone number of the called party, which is a Mobile Identification Number (MIN) or a wired telephone number, in the character string database of FIG. 14 (operation 1914). At this time, the telephone number of the called party is pre-registered by the called party. In the operation 1916, the SCP 1130 provides the SSP 1128 with the telephone number of the called party in response to the service processing request received in the operation 1910, such that the SSP 112 continues a call process. Hereinafter, description with respect to operations 1918 to 1932 assumes that the called terminal is a wireless terminal receiving a service through the same network to that of the calling terminal 1110. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the related art that the illustrated call processing method is not limited thereto and may be similarly applied where the called terminal is a wireless terminal in another wireless telephone network or a wired telephone receiving a service through a wired communication network. In the operation 1918, the SSP 1128 of the calling MSC 1126 asks the HLR
1134 of called location information. In response thereto, the HLR 1134 asks routing information to the called MSC 1136 conesponding to the called terminal 1150. With respect to the request of the HLR 1134, the called MSC 1136 responds routing information including a TLDN (Temporary Local Directory Number). At this time, the TLDN is an identifier temporarily allocated to the called terminal while a call establishment is in progress. In the operation 1920, the HLR 1134 responds the called location information including the routing information with respect to the SSP 1128 of the calling MSC 1126. In case that the called terminal 1150 is off or engaged, the calling MSC 1126 provides the calling terminal 1110 with a guidance message or a corresponding tone. However, in case that the called terminal 1150 is on or free, the calling MSC 1126 transmits an IAM (Initial Address Message) to the called MSC 1136, based on the called
location information and thereby, tries a ISUP (ISDN User Part) call (operation 1922). In response thereto, the called MSC 1136 transmits an ACM (Address Close Message) to the SSP 1128 of the calling MSC 1126 (operation 1924). In the next, the called MSC 1136 enables a ring back tone to be played in the calling terminal 1110 via the calling MSC 1126 (operation 1926) and performs paging to the called terminal 1150 (operation 1928). In case that the called terminal 1150 answers with respect to the paging (operation 1930), the called MSC 1136 confirms called party identification information included in the answer message and transmits the answer message to the calling MSC 1126 and sets a call path between the calling MSC 1126 and the called terminal 1150, so as to enable a call message to be transceived between the calling terminal 1110 and the called terminal 1150 (operation 1932). In the meantime, character dialing according to the present invention may be employed to process a voice call and transmit a short message. FIG. 21 is a view illustrating flows with respect to a method for transmitting a short message through character dialing according to one embodiment of the present invention. In case that a calling party wants to transmit a short message by character dialing, the calling party selects a character message transmission menu in the calling terminal 1110 and inputs a called party identifier. At this time, the calling party enters a character dialing mode and inputs a character string indicating the called party, instead of inputting a telephone number as the called party identifier. When the calling party inputs the character string indicating the called party and presses a transmission key, the character string call processing program converts each character constituting the input character string into a plurality of numbers in accordance with the character-numeric connection rule, i.e. the lookup table in FIG. 12. In the next, the terminal 1110 includes the numeric character into which the character string is converted, as an identification code of the called party and allocates a character dialing identifier, thereby transmitting the short message to the calling MSC 1126 through the Base Stations 1122 and 1124 (operation 2106). In the operation 2102, the calling MSC 1126 requests the SMSC 1142 of the calling side to transmit a conesponding short message. The SMSC 1142 of the calling side transmits an answer message to the calling MSC 1126 (operation 2104), and in
response thereto, the calling MSC 1126 transmits the answer message to the calling terminal 1110 through the Base Stations 1122 and 1124 (operation 2106). In case that the character dialing identifier is detected in the short message transmission request message (operation 2108), the SMSC 1142 of the calling side provides the SCP 1130 or a separate conversion server with the identification code of the called party, which is a numeric character string, to translate the same into a telephone number of the called party (operation 2110). The conversion server converts the numeric character string into the character string that is input in the terminal 1110 when the calling party dials, by using the lookup table in FIG. 13. In the next, the conversion server confirms a telephone number of the called party in the character string database and provides the SMSC 1142 of the calling side with the telephone number (operation 2112). At this time, the telephone number of the called party is pre- registered by the called party. The SMSC 1142 of the calling side receives the telephone number of the called party and includes the same in the short message and requests the SMSC 1144 of the called side to transmit the short message (operation 2114). In response thereto (operation 2116), the SMSC 1144 of the called side transmits the short message to the called terminal 1150 through the operations 2118 to 2124. In the meantime, character dialing according to the present invention may be employed in wireless Internet navigation, besides voice call processing and short message transmission. So that a wireless Internet user may access a wireless Internet page by a character string, a wireless Internet content provider (CP) or a wireless Internet server operator may register a page and a character string to the character string registering server 1160, through similar procedures to those illustrated in FIG. 15. At this time, the page is provided by the wireless Internet CP or server operator and the character string is used in designating the page. The character string registering server 1160 stores the character string for access of wireless Internet, which is registered by the user, in a table as exemplified in FIG. 2, and provides the same for the WAP Gateway server 1140. Accordingly, the WAP Gateway server 1140 stores the provided character string in the database and uses the information to process a call connection by character dialing. In this case, the character string may be registered through wired Internet or wireless Internet.
In a state where the character string is registered like above, the wireless Internet user may input the pre-registered character string with respect to a WAP page that the user wants to access on his/her own terminal 1110 and request access to wireless Internet. The calling MSC 1126 and the WAP Gateway server 1140 perform processing conesponding thereto and enable the calling terminal 1110 to directly access the conesponding page. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a method for accessing wireless Internet through character dialing according to one embodiment of the present invention. In a state where the calling terminal 1110 is in a standby display mode or accesses wireless Internet, when a terminal user presses a particular key or combination of keys, the calling tenninal 1110 enters a character dialing mode. In case that the user inputs a pre-registered character string in the character dialing mode, with respect to a content page that the user wants to access (operations 2300 and 2302), the character string call processing program converts the character string input by the user into a numeric character string (operation 2304), allocates the converted numeric character string and character dialing identifier, and thereby transmits the call connection request message to the calling MSC 1126 through the Base Stations 1122 and 1124 of the wireless telephone network (operation 2306). The calling MSC 1126 sets a call path between the calling terminal 1110 and the WAP Gateway server 1140 with respect to the wireless Internet connection call. The WAP Gateway server 1140 receives the call connection request message and verifies whether the character dialing identifier is included therein (operation 2310). According to the prefened embodiment, the WAP Gateway server 1140 is embedded with the lookup table of FIG. 13 and the character string table of FIG. 22. In case that it is determined that the character dialing identifier is included in the call connection request message, the WAP Gateway server 1140 confirms a called URL from the numeric character string by refening to the lookup table of FIG. 13 and the character string table of FIG. 22, and redirects the call to the called URL, thereby enabling the calling terminal 1110 to be connected to the content page (operations 2312 and 2314). At this time, the numeric character string is included in the call connection request message as an identification code of the called party. According to the embodiment like above, the SCP 1128 of the calling MSC 26
is provided with the lookup table of the character-numeric connection rule in FIG. 13 and the character string database in FIG. 14 and maintains the same. In an description like above, it is described that while the SCP 1128 of the calling MSC 1126 are provided with a lookup table of the character-numeric connection rule in FIG. 13 and the character string database in FIG. 14 and maintains the same directly, the SCP 1128 converts the character string input by the calling party into a telephone number by refening to information pre-registered by the called party and provides an identification number of the called party so that the SSP 28 continues a call process. However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the lookup table of the character-numeric connection rule and the character string database may be operated by an Intelligent Peripheral (IP). Although the present invention has been described in connection with the embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended thereto and their equivalents.
Industrial Applicability According to the present invention, there are provided system and method for providing a dialing service, in which in case that a user inputs a character string associated with a called party, not a telephone number, into a mobile communication terminal, and transmits a hashing number, a mobile communication network connects a call to a particular called telephone number that is mapped with the transmitted hashing number. Also, according to the present invention, there are provided system and method for providing a dialing service, enabling a user to dial by inputting a name or a nickname of a called party without storing a telephone number of the called party in a mobile communication terminal, and thereby providing the user convenience in performing dialing.
Also, according to the present invention, there are provided system and method for providing a dialing service, when a user dials, enabling the user to recognize characteristics or personality of a called party by using a name or a nickname of the called party or other expressions in stead of a telephone number, and thereby enhancing advertising effects with respect to the called party. Also, according to the present invention, there are provided system and method for providing a dialing service, capable of bringing benefits to a service provider through charging with respect to registration of a character string and extension of a valid period for use.