Method and system for delivery of a calling party's location

A method and system for providing a service that delivers location information associated with a caller. The service operates in both wireline and wireless networks, providing called parties with the location information of calling parties who use either stationary terminal devices or mobile devices. The service can operate as a stand alone service or can be a part of a calling name delivery service (or caller-ID service), delivering location information in addition to the conventional name, number, date, and time. The primary components of the present invention include a service control point, an address database in communication with the service control point, and a network that tracks the locations of mobile network users. The system further includes a mapping converter if the location data provided by the network is not meaningful to a subscriber.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to telecommunication systems, and in particular, to caller name delivery services and networks that track the location and identity of network devices.

2. Background of the Invention

Users of modern public switched telephone networks (PSTNs) have long enjoyed the benefits of calling name delivery (CNAM), also known as caller identification or caller ID. CNAM enables a called party to view information about a calling party on a display unit, which is typically a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, or a comparable device. The displayed information generally includes at least the calling party's name, the calling party's directory number, and the date and time of the call.

PSTNs typically provide CNAM information (except for the date and time, which is generally provided by the display unit) using the model illustrated inFIG. 1, which is a prior art schematic of a CNAM system architecture implemented within an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). AIN networks use a complex, high speed, high traffic volume data packet-switched messaging system to provide versatility in the handling of telephone calls. The Advanced Intelligent Network System is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,301 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,838,774, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Referring toFIG. 1, CNAM is typically implemented in the following manner. A calling party101picks up the telephone and dials the directory number of a called party102, which is 404-555-2222. Called party102is a CNAM subscriber having a CNAM display unit116. CNAM display unit116could be separate from or integral to the device of called party102. After calling party101dials the directory number, an central office104(also referred to as a service switching point) serving calling party101obtains routing information and populates an initial address message (IAM) with certain information. The IAM is a parameter that exists within an integrated services digital network user part (ISUP) signaling message. The IAM is a defined message type from TR-NTW-000246 and ITU Q.764/Q.767, and is one of a sequence of messages used in ISUP trunk signaling. An ISUP signaling message employs a Common Circuit Signaling System 7 (CCS7) call setup protocol. In particular, the IAM is populated with the directory number of calling party (404-555-1111), the directory number of the called party (404-555-2222), and a presentation parameter. In this case, the presentation parameter allows a CNAM display.

Central office104then sends this routing information in the signaling message to a central office106, which serves called party102. Recognizing that the call is for a CNAM subscriber, central office106halts the calling process to launch a calling name query150on the CCS7 network. As a part of the query launch, central office106populates a called party address parameter in query150with the directory number of calling party101, in this case 404-555-1111. The called party address parameter is a routing parameter within an Advanced Intelligence Network (AIN) query package.

After central office106has populated the called party address parameter, calling name query150is sent to a signaling transfer point (STP)108. STP108performs a global title translation (GTT) on the called party address parameter to determine to which service control point (SCP) calling name query150should be routed. This determination is made based on the first three digits (the numbering plan area, or NPA) in the directory number of calling party101, which in this case is404. STP108then forwards the calling name query to the appropriate SCP112through CCS7 Network110. SCP112searches a CNAM database114for calling party's record from which SCP112retrieves the associated name. CNAM database114is preferably a part of SCP112, as shown inFIG. 1, but may be separate from SCP112, or incorporated as part of another network element such as a service node or a switch.

SCP112returns the name associated with the directory number of calling party101in a transaction capability application part (TCAP) response151to central office106through CCS7 Network110and STP108. TCAP response151is the final message containing instructions on how to handle the call. TCAP response151ends the SSP/SCP transaction that began with calling name query150. In this example, the full name of calling party101is returned in TCAP response151to central office106.

When central office106terminates the call to called party102, central office106sends the name of calling party101and the directory number of calling party101(404-555-1111). Central office106sends this information over called party's line to called party's display unit116. The information is then displayed on called party's display unit116, along with the date and time of the call (generated by display unit116).

The principal advantage of conventional CNAM services is the ability to screen calls. Upon receiving a call, a called party can review the information on the display unit and decide whether or not to answer the call. However, users wanting to screen calls and fulfill other location-sensitive purposes often prefer to know more about the calling party than just name, number, date, and time. For instance, a service dispatcher monitoring the activities of his service technician may wish to receive the exact location of his technician each time the technician calls in, so as to facilitate efficient scheduling of the next assignment. Although the name and number on the CNAM display unit could possibly provide clues to the technician's location, the dispatcher would prefer seeing a more precise and easily understandable description of location, e.g., a street address or building name. Thus, although the typical CNAM information may be suitable for simple call screening, many telephone users would prefer to receive even more information about the calling party.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a method and system for providing a service that delivers location information associated with a caller. The service operates in both wireline and wireless networks, providing called parties with the location information of calling parties who use either stationary or wireless telephones. The service can operate as a stand alone service or can be a part of a CNAM service, delivering location information in addition to the conventional name, number, date, and time. In conjunction with any call, the present invention reports to the called party the location from which the calling party is calling. Therefore, a subscriber can use the valuable location information to better screen calls and to fulfill other location-sensitive purposes.

The primary components of the present invention include a service control point, an address database in communication with the service control point, and a network that tracks the locations of network users. The service control point operates within a PSTN in cooperation with other AIN components, such as signal transfer points and service switching points. The address database operates within the location-tracking network and allows access by the service control point to its contents. The location-tracking network interfaces with the PSTN to terminate calls between location-tracking network users and PSTN users. For example, for a wireline network, central offices provide this interface. As another example, for a wireless network, mobile switching centers (MSCs) provide this interface. As another example, for voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) calls, an Internet protocol network and an IP-to-PSTN gateway provide the interface.

The service control point performs service logic in response to a query requesting the location of a calling party. The service control point can also execute logic in response to a query for the caller name. The service control point accesses the name database (for CNAM) and the address database (for location information delivery). In response to queries, the service control point also returns routing instructions to direct the service switching points how to terminate a call and to provide CNAM and location information for presenting on a display unit.

The address database cross-references location information with directory numbers, listing location information for every directory number. These directory numbers (commonly referred to as telephone numbers) correspond to stationary terminal devices (e.g., telephones connected to the wireline network) and to mobile devices (e.g., cellular telephones). For stationary terminal devices, the location-tracking network records each entry in the address database upon service activation and does not change the entry unless the terminal device is disconnected and/or moved. For mobile devices, the location-tracking network periodically updates entries in the address database, changing the location information as the mobile devices move from place to place.

The location-tracking network is a call carrier that tracks the locations of its users and maintains the information in the address database. For example, the location-tracking network could be a wireline network that records the location of stationary terminal devices upon service activation. As another example, the location-tracking network could be a conventional wireless network providing such services as paging, digital cellular, and personal communications services (PCS). To track location of wireless network users, the wireless network would use, for example, handheld device location systems or network-based location systems. As another example, the location-tracking network could be an Internet protocol network, in which location could be an email address.

Together, in the context of a call, these components deliver the location of a calling party to a called party for presentation to the called party using such media as textual displays, graphical displays, and audio messages. The methods by which the locations are delivered vary depending on whether the calling party is using a stationary terminal device or a mobile device. Broadly stated, the method of the present invention for delivering a calling party's location in the context of a call from a stationary terminal device includes receiving the call at a service switching point, activating a trigger set for calls to a location delivery subscriber (the called party), sending a query to the service control point requesting location information, searching the address database for the calling party's directory number to determine the calling party's location, returning routing instructions and the calling party's location to the service switching point, routing the call to the called party, and displaying the calling party's location on the called party's display unit. Alternately, the method could also include searching a name database in communication with the service control point for the calling party's number to determine the calling party's name, returning the calling party's name, and displaying the calling party's name on the display unit.

In the context of a call from a mobile device, the method of the present invention generally includes determining the calling party's location using a location system of the location-tracking network, recording the calling party's location in the address database with an associated identifier (e.g., Mobile Identification Number, or MIN), forwarding the call to a service switching point of the PSTN, activating a trigger set for calls to a location delivery subscriber (the called party), sending a query to the service control point requesting location information, searching the address database for the calling party's directory number to determine the calling party's location, returning routing instructions and the calling party's location to the service switching point, routing the call to the called party, and displaying the calling party's location on the called party's display unit.

Preferably, the location system records the calling party's location in a way meaningful to the location delivery subscriber of the location information delivery service. For example, location information could include street addresses, landmarks, or building names. However, if the location system provides less descriptive location information, this method may also include the step of converting the location information provided by the location system into a more meaningful description or a description better suited for displaying on a display unit. For example, if the location system merely provides position coordinates, the service control point could use a mapping converter to translate the position coordinates received from the address database into a street address or building name for display on the display unit.

Alternatively, in addition to location delivery, the present invention could also include searching a name database in communication with the service control point for the calling party's identifier to determine the calling party's name, returning the calling party's name, and displaying the calling party's name on the display unit.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a subscriber with the location of a calling party.

Another object of the present invention is to provide location delivery subscribers with easy to understand location descriptions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a location delivery service for both wireline and wireless network users and for both stationary terminal devices and mobile devices.

These and other objects of the present invention are described in greater detail in the detailed description of the invention, the appended drawings, and the attached claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a location delivery service for called parties. The invention provides subscribing called parties with location information about calling parties, for both stationary terminal devices (e.g., wireline) and mobile devices (e.g., wireless). The location delivery service enables a subscriber to more effectively screen calls and to satisfy other location-sensitive purposes. The present invention contemplates future enhanced digital cellular networks that will track the identity and location of each wireless network user.

The system of the present invention provides location delivery using at least a service control point, an address database in communication with the service control point, and a network that tracks the locations of network devices. If the location-tracking network provides location information in a form unsuitable for display on a display unit, the system further includes a mapping converter in communication with the service control point. The method of the present invention varies according to whether a calling party is a stationary terminal device (e.g., wireline) or a mobile device (e.g., wireless). The system architecture ofFIG. 2aand the corresponding flowchart ofFIG. 2billustrate the location delivery service for a wireline call from a stationary terminal device, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system architecture ofFIG. 3aand the corresponding flowchart ofFIG. 3billustrate the location delivery service for a wireless call from a mobile device, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 2a, the primary components of the stationary terminal device embodiment of the present invention include SCP200and address database202. Address database202is a part of location-tracking network201and contains a location description for the location-tracking network terminal devices (e.g., telephones) organized by directory number. SCP200is in communication with address database202and is specially programmed to perform location delivery logic. Specifically, in response to a query requesting location information, SCP200reads the calling party information embedded in the query, and consults address database202for the calling party's location (i.e., the location of the calling party's wireline network terminal). SCP200returns routing instructions including the location of the calling party. Optionally, the query also asks for call name delivery information, in response to which SCP200consults name database114for the calling party's name and SCP200returns the name and telephone number of the calling party along with the location information.

Address database202and name database114are preferably maintained by location-tracking network201as shown inFIG. 2a, whereby network user names and locations are stored upon service activation and SCP200is given access to the information. Alternatively, the network of SCP200could maintain address database202and name database114.

Based on the system architecture shown inFIG. 2a, a preferred embodiment of the present invention delivers the location information of a calling party using a stationary terminal device according to the method shown inFIG. 2b. Although this method describes location information delivered in the context of CNAM, the present invention could provide location delivery wholly separate from a CNAM service. In addition, while the system operation described herein and illustrated in the diagrams and flowcharts contains many specific details, these specific details should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as examples of preferred embodiments thereof. As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, many other variations on the system operation are possible, including differently grouped and ordered method steps. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring toFIGS. 2aand2b, in step260, calling party101dials the directory number of a called party102(404-555-2222). Called party102is a CNAM subscriber having a display unit117. In step262, central office104serving calling party101obtains routing information, populates an initial address message (IAM) with the directory number of calling party101(404-555-1111), the directory number of the called party102(404-555-2222), and a presentation parameter (in this example) that allows a CNAM display. In step264, central office104sends this routing information in the signaling message to central office106, which serves called party102.

In step266, the signaling message activates a trigger on central office106set for calls to a CNAM and location delivery subscriber (the called party). The trigger launches a query250asking for the name and location of the calling party, and including in the called party address parameter the directory number of calling party101, 404-555-1111. In step268, central office106sends query250to STP108, which performs a global title translation on the called party address parameter and determines that query250should be routed to SCP200. STP108then forwards the query250to SCP200through CCS7 Network110in step270.

In response to query250, in step272, SCP200searches name database114for calling party101's record, from which SCP200retrieves the associated name. SCP200also searches address database202for calling party101's record from which SCP200retrieves calling party101's location information.

In step274, SCP200returns the name and location associated with the directory number of calling party101(along with call routing instructions) in a transaction capability application part (TCAP) response251to central office106through CCS7 Network110and STP108. In step276, central office106terminates the call to called party102, sending the name, directory number, and location of calling party101. Finally, in step278, the information, including the location of calling party101, is displayed on called party's display unit117. Display unit117also generates and displays the date and time of the call. Thus, for the wireline call, called party102knows the location of calling party101before answering the telephone call.

Although called party102is depicted as a wireline device inFIG. 2a, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that called party102could also be a wireless network user to which SCP200delivers location information. In such a case, the system architecture would preferably include a mobile switching center (MSC) between central office106and called party102. The location information originating from SCP200would pass through CCS7 Network110, STP108, central office106, the MSC, and onto the called party202. Also, preferably display unit117would be integral to the device of called party102.

In addition, although calling party101is shown as a part of a separate location-tracking network201inFIG. 2a, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that calling party101could be within the same network as called party102. In such case, address database202and name database114would also be within the same network.

In an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention, the calling party is a stationary VoIP telephone, instead of a stationary wireline telephone, and the location-tracking network is an IP network (shown generally as299). As shown inFIG. 2c, VoIP telephone290is in communication with IP network292. IP network292is in communication with name database114and address database202and maintains the information within the databases. To facilitate calls to and from the circuit-switched PSTN network, IP network292is in communication with central office106through gateway294. Gateway294handles IP to PSTN conversions. Within this IP/PSTN system architecture, the method for delivering location information is as described above for the stationary wireline telephone, inFIGS. 2aand2b.

FIG. 3aillustrates a system architecture that provides location delivery for calling parties using mobile devices, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the primary components of the mobile device embodiment of the present invention include SCP300and a location-tracking network302, which in this case is a wireless network. Wireless network302tracks the location of wireless network devices, such as cellular telephones and interactive pagers, and records location data in address database202as part of each call. The methods by which wireless network302determines the location of a mobile wireless network device are described below. Wireless network302provides SCP300with access to address database202. SCP300is specially programmed to perform location delivery logic. Specifically, in response to a query requesting location and CNAM information, SCP300reads the calling party information embedded in the query, which includes the calling party's directory number. Based on the directory number, SCP300consults name database114for calling party101's name and address database202for calling party101's location information. SCP300returns routing instructions including the name, telephone number, and location of the calling party.

If wireless network302provides location data in a rudimentary form not easily understood by a CNAM subscriber, the primary components of the wireless embodiment further include a mapping converter304in communication with SCP300, as shown inFIG. 3a. An example of a rudimentary form would be GPS coordinates, with which the typical telephone user is unfamiliar. As used herein, “raw” refers to location data in a rudimentary form, unsuitable for display on a calling name display unit. “Displayable” refers to location data already suitable for display on a display unit. Mapping converter304translates the location data provided by wireless network302into descriptions that are understandable to the typical user. For example, if wireless network302furnishes GPS coordinates, mapping converter304could translate coordinates X-Y into “101 Park Place.” In this manner, SCP300reads the location data provided by wireless network302, as translated (if necessary) by mapping converter304, and delivers the location information to display unit117.

AlthoughFIG. 3ashows mapping converter304as a separate component within the PSTN network, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the functions and structure of mapping converter304could be located in several different places. For example, mapping converter304could be located within SCP300or within name database114. As another example, mapping converter304could also be located within wireless network302, in communication with location system or as part of location system. Regardless of where mapping converter304is provisioned, the desired end result is to deliver displayable location information to display unit117.

In tracking the location of network devices, wireless network302determines the location of a network device during origination of the call from the calling party, and records the location data in address database202. To obtain the location data, wireless network302uses any suitable location system. Examples of suitable location systems include handheld device location systems and network-based location systems. One example of a handheld device location system is a GPS mounted in a cellular telephone. Examples of network-based location systems include triangulation systems and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) location systems. Depending on the desired degree of accuracy, one or both of the location systems can be used to determine a device's location.

Suitable WAP location services are described in WAP version 1.1, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. WAP is an application environment and set of communication protocols for wireless devices designed to enable manufacturer-, vendor-, and technology-independent access to the Internet and advanced telephony services. WAP provides wireless Internet access through all digital cellular networks, giving network users a menu driven method for downloading information, such as flight schedules and bank account balances, to wireless devices from the Internet.

The present invention will enjoy widespread application as location-tracking networks continue to emerge. In particular, the present invention will take advantage of location data provided by federally mandated enhanced wireless 911 (E911) services. E911 services help ensure that wireless telephones provide 911 call centers, or Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), with vital information necessary to locate and identify a caller in an emergency. To comply with E911 standards promulgated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), wireless network providers will soon be required to track the location and identity information of all wireless callers, with the purpose of providing such information to emergency personnel when a caller dials 911 from a wireless telephone. The FCC's wireless E911 rules require certain Commercial Mobile Radio Services (CMRS) carriers to begin transmission of enhanced location and identity information in two phases. Phase I requires carriers to transmit a caller's telephone number and general location to a PSAP. Phase II requires carriers to provide more precise location information to the PSAP. Thus, the present invention will parlay the location data obtained for the mandated E911 location tracking systems into valuable location information for the benefit of all location delivery and CNAM subscribers.

Based on the system architecture shown inFIG. 3a, a preferred embodiment of the present invention delivers the location information of a wireless calling party according to the method shown inFIG. 3b. Although this method describes location information delivered in the context of CNAM, the present invention could provide location delivery wholly separate from a CNAM service. Referring toFIGS. 3aand3b, in step360, calling party101dials the directory number of a called party102(404-555-2222) using a wireless device that is part of location-tracking wireless network302. Called party102subscribes to location delivery and CNAM and has a display unit117. In step362, if wireless network302includes a handheld location system, the wireless device of calling party101forwards the location information to wireless network302, which records the location information in address database202. If wireless network302includes a network-based location service, the network-based location system determines the location of the handheld device and records the location information in address database202.

In step364, MSC306forwards the call to central office106, which serves called party102. The call includes the directory number of calling party101(404-555-1111), the directory number of the called party102(404-555-2222), the mobile identification number of calling party101, and a presentation parameter that enables a CNAM display.

In step366, the call activates a trigger on central office106set for calls to a location delivery and CNAM subscriber (the called party). The trigger launches a query350asking for the name and location of the calling party, and including in the called party address parameter the directory number of calling party101, 404-555-1111. In step368, central office106sends query350to STP108, which performs a global title translation on the called party address parameter and determines that query350should be routed to SCP300. STP108then forwards query350to SCP300through CCS7 Network110in step370.

In step372, in response to query350's asking for name and location information, SCP300searches name database114for calling party101's record (using calling party101's directory number and/or mobile identification number) from which SCP300retrieves the associated name. SCP300also searches address database202and retrieves the associated location information.

In step374, SCP300determines whether the location data received from wireless network302is in raw or displayable form. If the location data received from wireless network302is in raw form not easily understood by subscribers (e.g., the location data is GPS coordinates), in step376r, SCP300forwards the location data to mapping converter304, which translates the location data into a descriptive title corresponding to the raw location data and returns the descriptive title to SCP300. SCP300then substitutes the descriptive title for the raw location data. If the location data is in displayable form, in step376d, SCP300forwards the location data without involving mapping converter304.

Having the location information and the name of calling party101, SCP300, in step378, returns the name and location associated with the directory number of calling party101(along with call routing instructions) in a transaction capability application part (TCAP) response351to central office106through CCS7 Network110and STP108. In step380, central office106terminates the call to called party102, sending the name, directory number, and location of calling party101. Finally, in step382, the information, including the location of calling party101, is displayed on called party's display unit117, along with the date and time of the call as generated by display unit117.

In delivering location information, the present invention is compatible with most conventional CNAM display units. CNAM display units typically have a screen of three to four lines of text displaying 14 characters each, and can accept up to 256 characters in each TCAP message. If a CNAM delivers a calling party's name, directory number, and time and date of the call, as well as the location information of the present invention, the CNAM display unit preferably contains a screen of four lines to accommodate these four items of information. If the CNAM display unit contains only three lines, preferably the unit provides means for scrolling through the text. In either case, because conventional CNAM display units accommodate a TCAP message containing as many as 256 characters, the units have existing capacity with which to display location information. Thus, the present invention carries the advantage of not requiring the procurement of additional hardware, i.e., display units.

In an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention, calling party101and called party102are wireless device users, both associated with the same wireless network or different wireless networks. In this embodiment, for a wireless to wireless call between calling party101and called party102, the method and system of location delivery occurs as outlined above, except that wireless components are used in the system architecture and wireless protocols (e.g., Wireless Intelligent Network (WIN)) are used instead of wireline protocols (e.g., AIN).