Patent Publication Number: US-7917136-B2

Title: Apparatus, and associated method, for facilitating formation of a call connection in a radio communication system with a service center identified by a short dialing code

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a manner by which to facilitate formation of a call connection of a call originated by a user of a mobile node placed to a service center, identifiable by a short dialing code, such as a 9-1-1 or 9-9-9 dialing code. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus, and an associated method, by which to permit user-entered dialing digits to be transposed into dialing digits used to identify a selected service center at the network at which the mobile node is registered, thereby to permit a call connection to be formed with the service center. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many aspects of modern society require the use of modern communication systems through which to communicate information to effectuate a communication service. Many varied types of communication systems have been developed to permit the effectuation of many different types of communication services. Scientific discoveries and technological advancements have permitted, and continue to permit, new types of communication systems to be developed and deployed. New communication systems generally permit information to be communicated at increased rates and from, and between, locations at which communications previously had been unavailable. 
     Amongst the advancements that have been adapted for use in many modern communication systems, are advancements in digital communication technologies. The use of digital communication techniques provide various advantages, mainly related to the ability to provide improved communication efficiencies in the communication system in which the digital communication techniques are utilized. And, the information, once digitized, can be communicated during discrete intervals. 
     A radio communication system is an exemplary type of communication system. Information is communicated between communication stations of a radio communication system upon radio communication channels defined upon a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Many radio communication systems make use of digital communication techniques to effectuate communications between radio communication stations operable therein. Due to the bandwidth limitations regularly associated with radio communication systems, the use of digital communication techniques is particularly advantageous when adapted for use in a radio communication system. 
     Radio communication systems provide various advantages in contrast to wireline counterparts. For instance, costs associated with the initial installment and deployment of a radio communication system are generally less than the corresponding costs required to install and deploy a wireline counterpart. And, a radio communication system is amenable for implementation as a mobile communication system. In a mobile communication system, mobility of communications is provided to one, or more, of the communication stations. 
     A cellular communication system is a type of radio communication system. The network infrastructures of successive generations of cellular communication systems have been installed over significant portions of the populated areas of the world. And, such systems have achieved significant levels of usage. While the types of communication services that are effectuable by way of a cellular communication system are increasing, cellular communication systems are still used, in significant part, to effectuate telephonic communication of voice information. 
     Telephonic communications are typically effectuated in a cellular communication system through the use of a mobile station. A mobile station is portable radio transceiver, typically of dimensions permitting their hand carriage by a user. The user purchases access to communicate by way of the mobile station through the communication system or otherwise purchases access to the system. 
     A GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) cellular communication system is exemplary of a cellular communication system that utilizes digital communication techniques. The GSM system operates pursuant to the standards and protocols set forth in an operational specification promulgated by the ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). The GSM system defines a communication scheme that utilizes a combination of frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and time division multiple access (TDMA) communication schemes. Networks constructed to be operable pursuant to the operational specification of the GSM system have been installed throughout many areas. And, the GSM system has become one of the, if not the, dominant cellular communication system-types in the world. An IS-95 (Interim Standard 95) cellular communication system is another exemplary cellular communication system. An IS-95 system utilizes a CDMA (code division multiple access) communication scheme. And operating standards for a UMTS (universal mobile telephone service) system are undergoing development. 
     Mobile stations operable in a GSM system, as well as other mobile stations, are constructed, typically to mimic operation of conventional telephonic stations. That is to say, mobile stations are typically operable both to originate and to terminate telephonic calls in manners that correspond, at least from the perspective of the user, to manners by which conventional telephonic stations are utilized to originate and terminate telephonic calls. 
     Calls placed elsewhere are terminated at the mobile station through formation of a call connection, and calls are originated at the mobile station for termination elsewhere by way of a call connection. Pursuant to call placement, signaling is generated with the mobile station pursuant to a call set-up procedure. When a call is terminated at a mobile station, an alert, such as a ringing tone, is caused to be generated at the mobile node as part of the set-up procedure. The alert alerts the user of the mobile station of the placement of the call to the mobile station. And, the user of the mobile station permits formation of the call connection by acceptance of the call responsive to the alert. The call is accepted in a manner analogous to the manner by which the user of the conventional wireline device takes a wireline station off-hook. 
     When a call is originated at the mobile station, the user initiates the origination of the call by entering dialing digits that identify the terminating station, i.e., the called party, at which the call is intended to be placed, or terminated. Upon entry of the dialing digits, call signaling procedures are performed to set-up the call. The call signaling procedures are generally transparent to the user. 
     Short codes are sometimes used to identify certain designated service centers in some areas. That is to say, short dialing codes identify the certain designated service centers. In the United States, for instance, some areas have 9-1-1 emergency service centers. The 9-1-1 code is sometimes referred to as an emergency number. A person placing the request for emergency assistance enters the 9-1-1 code at a telephonic station. The call is routed to an appropriate 9-1-1 service center. The 9-1-1 service center provides facilities for quick response to the call. But, in other areas, different codes other than the 9-1-1 code, are used to identify the emergency service center. For instance, in the United Kingdom, an emergency service center is accessed telephonically from a telephonic station through entry of a 9-9-9 code. 
     Short dialing codes are sometimes also utilized to identify other service centers. For instance, directory service centers are accessed telephonically in some areas of the United States through the entry of a 4-1-1 code. In parts of the United Kingdom, a directory service center is accessed telephonically through the entry of a 1-9-2 code. Also analogously, operator assistance is accessed telephonically in some areas through entry of the dialing digit ‘0’. In some other areas, the operator assistance is accessed through entry of the short code 1-0-0. 
     A user of the mobile node is generally aware of the short dialing digits that identify selected service centers in the area in which the user of the mobile station is accustomed. However, due to the mobility inherent of the mobile node, the mobile node might be positioned in an area that utilizes other dialing digits to identify selected service centers than the dialing digits with which the user is accustomed. For instance, the user of the mobile node might be accustomed to the dialing digits 9-1-1 to identify an emergency service center. But, the user, together with the mobile station, might be positioned in an area in which other dialing digits, such as the 9-9-9 dialing code is used to identify the emergency service center. If the dialing code is associated with a service center that the user of the mobile station intends to call differs with the dialing code that is used in the area from which the call is placed, the call is not routed to the proper service center. 
     A manner is needed, therefore, by which better to provide for placement of a call from a mobile station to a service center identified by a short dialing code. That is to say, a manner is needed by which to take into account the mobility inherent of a mobile station so that a service center that is accessed through entry of short dialing digits by a user of a mobile station remains accessible irrespective of the position of the mobile station when the call is placed to the service center. 
     It is light of this background information related to call placement of a call to a service center by way of a radio communication system that the significant improvements to the present invention have evolved. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a functional block diagram of a radio communication system in which an embodiment of the present invention is operable. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a representation of dialing codes stored pursuant to operation of an embodiment of the present invention and their indexing theretogether also pursuant to operation of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a message sequence diagram representative of signals generated during operation of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary message generated during operation of an embodiment of the present invention by which to provide a mobile node with indications of short dialing codes used in an area at which the mobile node is positioned. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention, accordingly, advantageously provides apparatus, and an associated method, by which to facilitate formation of a call connection of a call originated by a user of a mobile node placed to a service center and identifiable by a short dialing code, such as a 9-1-1 or 9-9-9 dialing code. 
     Through operation of an embodiment of the present invention, a manner is provided by which to permit user-entered dialing digits to be transposed into dialing digits used to identify a selected service center. 
     A call connection is formed even if the short dialing code used at the network into which the mobile station roams differs with the dialing code normally used by the user to originate a call to the service center. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, the short dialing codes that identify service centers in the area at which the mobile station is positioned are downloaded to the mobile station upon registration of the mobile station with the network. When the mobile station enters into another area necessitating renewed registration, the short dialing codes are again downloaded to the mobile station so that current short dialing code values are stored and maintained at the mobile station. 
     The user of the mobile node need only be aware of the short dialing codes with which the user is normally associated, or otherwise cause entry of the dialing digits, such as by way of a speed-dialing procedure. That is to say, the dialing digits normally used by the user continue to be used to identify the service center upon initiation of an origination of a call to a service center. The entered digits, however, are transposed, if necessary, at the mobile node into a number that permits the call connection to be formed. 
     In one aspect of the present, downloaded, short dialing codes, downloaded to the mobile node, such as during registration of the mobile node, are stored at the mobile node. Subsequently, when a user of the mobile node initiates origination of a call to a selected service center, the dialing digits entered, or caused to be entered, by the user are indexed together with corresponding values downloaded to the mobile node. The corresponding value, i.e., the values corresponding to the entered values, are substituted for the entered dialing digits, and the call is placed to the calling station identified by the substitute dialing digits. That is to say, the entered dialing digits are transposed into other dialing digits to permit completion of the call. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, the downloaded dialing digits, downloaded to the mobile node, are stored at a storage element that permits updating of the memory contents thereof. In a GSM, or other analogous, cellular communication system that utilizes SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards, the downloaded short dialing codes are stored at an SIM card of the mobile node. When a call to a service center is subsequently initiated, the entered dialing digits associated with the initiation of the origination of the call to the service are indexed together with corresponding values stored at the SIM card. The corresponding values are substituted for the entered values, and the call is placed to the service center using the dialing digits appropriate for the area at which the mobile node is positioned. In an IS-95, or other analogous, cellular communication system that utilizes R-UIM cards, the short dialing codes are stored at the R-UIM (Removable User Identity Module) card of the mobile node. 
     In one implementation, pursuant to registration of the mobile node with the network, an SMS (Short Message Service) message is sent to the mobile node. The SMS message is formed, e.g., of an Envelope command message in which the short dialing digit used to identify service centers at which the mobile node is positioned are encapsulated therein. When received at a receive part of the mobile node, the SMS message is forwarded to the SIM card, and the encapsulated values are stored at the SIM card. When the mobile node subsequently re-registers, another SMS message is downloaded to the mobile node, and the updated values of the dialing codes are stored over the existing dialing codes at the SIM card. 
     Thereby, the user of the mobile node is able to originate a call to a selected service center using short dialing digits known to the user. Substitution of the short dialing digits used in an area at which the mobile node is positioned is performed to permit call connection of the call to the appropriate service center. Delayed call connection, or failure to form call connections, are less likely to occur through operation of an embodiment of the present invention. 
     In these and other aspects, therefore, apparatus, and an associated method, is provided for a radio communication system having a mobile node operable by a user to communicate with a network part of a communication network. At least a first service center is coupled to the network part. A call originated by the user at the mobile node is selectably routable to a selected one of the at least the first service center to form a call connection therebetween. Routing of the call to the selected one of the at least the first service center is facilitated. A first storage element stores first values that identify the at least the first service center. A selected one of the first values is used by the user of the mobile node when initiating origination of the call to the selected one of the at least the first service center. A second storage element stores second values that identify the at least the first service center. The second values are used at a network part of the communication network at which the mobile node is presently registered. An indexer is coupled to the first storage element and to the second storage element. The indexer indexes together the selected one of the first values, when used by the user to initiate origination of the phone call, to a corresponding one of the second values. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , a mobile communication system, shown generally at  10 , provides for communications with mobile nodes that are permitted mobility at least throughout the area encompassed by the communication system. A representative mobile node  12  is shown in the Figure. In the exemplary implementation, the communication system forms a multi-user system permitting of a plurality of concurrent communication sessions with a plurality of mobile nodes. Additional mobile nodes can also be represented in the Figure, analogous to the representation of the mobile node  12  to represent other mobile nodes with which other communication sessions are effectuated. 
     In the exemplary implementation shown in the Figure, the communication system  10  forms a cellular communication system that operates, in general, in conformity with the operating parameters and protocols set forth in a GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) operating specification. In other implementations, the communication system is representative of cellular communication systems operable pursuant to other operating specifications, such as the aforementioned IS-95 system or an UMTS system. And, more generally, the communication system is representative of any of various types of radio communications that provide for telephonic communications. Accordingly, while exemplary operation of an embodiment of the present invention shall be described with respect to its implementation in a cellular communication system operable in conformity, generally, with a variant of a GSM operating specification, in other implementations, embodiments of the present invention are analogously operable in any of various other radio communication systems. 
     The communication system includes a fixed network portion with which the mobile node  12  communicates. Communications are effectuated between the network part and the mobile node by way of radio channels defined upon radio links extending between the network part and the mobile node. Data communicated by the network part to the mobile node is communicated upon downlink channels defined upon a radio downlink. And, data communicated by the mobile node to the network part is communicated upon uplink channels defined upon a radio uplink. Here, the downlink is represented by the arrow  14  extending between the network part and the mobile node. And, the uplink is represented by the arrow  16  extending between the mobile node and the network part. Control data and traffic data are both communicated upon various channels defined upon the downlink and uplink. 
     The network portion of the communication system is here shown to include two GSM networks, a first GSM network  18  and a second GSM network  22 . The networks  18  and  22  are connected together, in conventional manner, by way of a signaling network, here an SS7 signaling network  24 . Other signaling networks, in other implementations, interconnect the networks  18  and  22 . For instance, in one other implementation, an X.25 network interconnects the GSM networks  18  and  22 . 
     The GSM networks  18  and  22  are each operable pursuant to a variant of the GSM operating specification. Each of the networks is formed of radio network elements that permit telephonic communication with the mobile station  12  when the mobile station is positioned within the coverage area encompassed by the separate networks. Each network includes, for instance, a base transceiver station (BTS)  26  and a base station controller (BSC)  28  coupled thereto. The base transceiver station includes radio transceiver circuitry to transceive data communicated upon the downlink and uplink channels with mobile stations, such as the mobile station  12 . The base station controller, in turn, is coupled to a mobile switching center/visited location register (MSC/IVLR)  32 . A home location registers (HLR)  34  is also shown to form a portion of each of the GSM networks, functionally coupled to an associated mobile switching center/visited location register. 
     Each of the networks  18  and  22  also includes a short message service (SMS) center (SMS-C)  38 . The short message service centers are each operable to form SMS messages and selectably to send SMS messages to mobile stations, such as the mobile station  12 . Of particular significance to an embodiment of the present invention, the SMS center sends selected SMS messages pursuant to registration of a mobile node with which the short message service center is associated. 
     The SS7 network  24 , or other analogous network, that interconnects the networks  18  and  22 , forms a signaling network for providing signaling, and other, connections between the networks. The signaling network is here shown also to include a switching node that forms a signaling transfer point (STP). Other types of networks, other than the GSM networks  18  and  22 , are also connectable to the SS7 network  24 . A public-switched telephonic network or an integrated service digital network, for example, are each also connectable to the SS7 network. 
     An exemplary service center, here a service center  44 , is functionally coupled to the SS7 network. The service center  44  is connected, for instance, by way of a public switched telephonic network or integrated service digital network to the SS7 network. A service center is, alternately, connectable to the network part of the communication system at another location or by way of another connection. The service center  44  is representative of any calling location identified by a coded sequence of digits. More particularly, here, the exemplary service center is representative of a calling location identified by a first short code at the first network  18  and identified by a second code at the second network  22 . 
     The service center  44  is representative, for instance, of an emergency dispatch center. As noted previously, the emergency dispatch center is identified, in different areas, by different short dialing codes. In one area, for instance, the center is identified by the short dialing code 9-1-1. And, in another area, the service center is identified by the short dialing code 9-9-9. The service center  44  is alternately representative of, for instance, a directory service center. In some areas, the directory service center is identified by a first short dialing code, such as 4-1-1. And, in other areas, the directory service center is identified by a second short dialing code, such as 1-9-2. And, the service is also alternately representative of an operator assistance center that, for instance, is identified by the dialing code of ‘0’ and in other areas, by the dialing code of 1-0-0. Various other service centers are also represented by the exemplary service center  44 , accessible telephonically through entry of an appropriate short dialing code. 
     A call connection is formed with the service center through call set-up procedures when a call is originated at an originating calling station, such as the mobile node  12 . 
     The mobile node includes, in conventional manner, a user interface, typically including a telephonic keypad actuable by a user to initiate a phone call, such as a call to the service center. In the Figure, the mobile node is shown to include a user interface  48 , formed of a user input actuator  50  and a user display  52 . 
     When a user of the mobile node initiates a call to a selected service center, the user actuates the actuation keys of the telephonic keypad to enter the dialing code associated with the user of the mobile node intends to communicated telephonically pursuant to a call connection formed with a called station. And, more particularly, here, when the user intends to place a call to the service center  44 , the user enters the short dialing code associated with the service center. Because the short dialing code that is associated with the service center might differ, depending upon with which of the networks that the mobile node is registered, proper routing of the call to the service center to permit a call connection to be formed therewith requires that the dialing digits used in the network through which the mobile node communicates when requesting the call be used. 
     Operation of an embodiment of the present invention provides a manner by which better to ensure that the correct short dialing code is used when requesting a call connection to be formed with a service center. And, pursuant to an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile node includes apparatus  58  of an embodiment of the present invention. 
     When a mobile node is initially turned-on, enters the coverage area of a network, such as the networks  18  or  22 , and at additional selected intervals, the mobile node registers with the network part of the communication system. Various conventional procedures are carried out by the communication system pursuant to the registration of the mobile node, including, for instance, authentication of the mobile node to communicate by way of the network part of the communication system. Additionally, pursuant to an embodiment of the present invention, during registration procedures, the SMS service center of the network with which the mobile node is registering, generates and causes to be communicated to the mobile node an SMS message. The SMS message includes values that identify the short dialing codes used in the network to identify selected service centers. Thereby, the mobile node is provided with the short dialing codes used in the network to which the mobile node becomes registered. The information contained in the SMS message is thereafter utilized by the mobile node when a call is placed to a selected service center. 
     The elements of the apparatus  58  embodied at the mobile node are functionally represented. And, the functions carried out by the functional elements are carried out in any desired manner, such as, for example, by algorithms executable by processing circuitry. 
     The apparatus  58  is here shown to include an SMS message detector  62  that is coupled to, or forms part of, the receive circuitry of the mobile node. The SMS message detector operates to detect the SMS message sent to the mobile node. 
     Detections made by the detector are provided to an indexer  64 . The indexer  64  also forms part of the apparatus  58 . The indexer includes, or is coupled to, a storage element  66 . 
     The indexer  64  operates to index values of identification codes downloaded to the mobile node as part of the SMS message sent during registration procedures and detected by the detector  62  together with permanently stored values of the identification codes that are associated by the mobile node or the user thereof, with the service centers. The permanently stored values are those, for instance, of the home network in which the mobile node is normally registered. By indexing the permanently stored values with the downloaded values, an association is formed between the separate values, permitting matching of the values and use of the appropriate values when a call is subsequently placed to a selected service center. 
     The values, indexed together, are stored at the storage element  66 . In the exemplary implementation, the storage element is embodied at a SIM card. In an IS-95 system that utilizes R-UIM devices, the storage element is embodied thereat. The values are available for subsequent retrieval when a call is subsequently placed at the mobile node to a selected service center. The values remain stored thereat, in the exemplary implementation, until subsequent registration, and subsequent download of an SMS message alters the values. Thereby, the values of the short dialing digits used in the network with which the mobile node is registered, is updated, as necessary, to ensure that the dialing codes used in the network are always available at the mobile node. 
     The apparatus  58  further includes a transposer  72  that is coupled to both the indexer and the user input actuator  50  of the user interface  48 . When a call is placed by a user of the mobile node to a service center, the transposer is made aware of the call placement. That is, when the user enters a shortened dialing code that the user associates with a service center, the values entered by the user are provided to the transposer. And, responsive to the entered code, the transposer operates to transpose the entered values with the values stored at the storage element  56  if the values differ. The substitute values are then provided to a transmit part of the mobile node, and normal call procedures are utilized to place the call to the service center. A call connection that would otherwise not be made to the selected service center is, through operation of the apparatus  58 , formed. And, services are then able to be provided by the service center. 
     The transposing of the entered short dialing code into the dialing code needed to form the call connection in the area encompassed by the network with which the mobile node is registered is performed automatically, without need of the user to know of the transposing of the dialing codes. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a representation, shown generally at  76 , representative of dialing codes stored at the storage element  66 . A first set of codes is designated in the column  78  as the permanent service center codes that are used at the home network associated with the mobile node. And, a second set of codes, indicated at the column  82 , are used in the network with which the mobile node is registered, downloaded to the mobile node pursuant to registration procedures, to be stored at the storage element, and dynamically updated as appropriate. Each of the codes is identified by a purpose, here represented by the entries in the column  84 . 
     In the exemplary implementation in which the mobile node forms a GSM mobile terminal, the storage element  66  is embodied at the SIM card of the mobile node. In an alternate implementation, the SMS message that is delivered to the mobile node is used to form a database of all of the networks into which the mobile node might roam. In this implementation, an SMS message need not be delivered to the mobile node with each registration of the mobile node in a new network. Additional storage capacity is required at the SIM, in such an implementation, for the storage of the lists of information. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a message sequence diagram, shown generally at  92 , representative of operation of the communication system  10 , shown in  FIG. 1  pursuant to operation of an embodiment of the present invention. Again, operation is described with respect to an implementation in which the communication system forms a GSM system. Analogous operation can be described with respect to a system that is operable pursuant to another operating standard. 
     The mobile station initiates registration with the network, here the network  18 , and registration procedures are carried out, as indicated by the segment  94 . And, as indicated by the segment  96 , a mobile originated USSD is generated by the mobile node and sent to the wireless network. The wireless network, in turn, forwards on a request for operator specific short codes, indicated by the segment  98 , that are delivered to the USSD service center. The codes are retrieved and returned, indicated by the segment  102 , to the SMS center. The SMS center, in turn, generates an SMS message, indicated by the segment  104 , that contains the operator specific short codes of the service centers. An SMS message is sent, indicated by the segment  106 , over a radio downlink channel, to be delivered to the mobile node. In the exemplary implementation, the SMS message is an envelope message that is passed by the receive circuitry of the mobile node to the storage, here the SIM card. Forwarding of the encapsulated message is indicated by the segment  108 . When the information is stored at the SIM card, a terminal response, indicated by the segment  112 , is provided. The mobile node is capable of accessing the contents of the SIM card, here indicated by the segment  114 . 
     The message sequence diagram also illustrates return of a mobile terminated response, indicated by the segment  116 , sent by the mobile node to the wireless network  18 , and an acknowledgment message passed on, indicated by the segment  118 , to the SMS center and, as indicated by the segment  122 , to the USSD server. A request operator specific short codes acknowledgment is then returned, indicated by the segment  124 , to the wireless network and, in turn, to the mobile device, indicated by the segment  126 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another message sequence diagram, shown generally at  132 . The message sequence diagram  132  is representative of further operation of the communication system pursuant to an embodiment of the present invention. First, and as indicated by the segment  134 , the mobile node registers with a wireless network, here again the wireless network  18 , and convention registration procedures are carried out. Then, and as indicated by the segment  136 , an initial DP is forwarded by the wireless network to the communication server. A command, indicated by the segment  138 , is returned to the SMS service center to send codes to the mobile station. And, as indicated by the segment  140 , a download operator specific short code message is provided to the wireless network, and short message service message is sent, as indicated by the segment  142  to the mobile node. An encapsulated SMS message is forwarded by the mobile node to the SIM card, indicated by the segment  144 . A terminal response is provided, indicated by the segment  146 . Thereafter, a get response procedure is carried out, indicated by the segment  148 . A mobile terminated response is formed and sent, indicated by the segment  152  to the wireless. Messages are forwarded, indicated by the segments  154  and  156  to the c-server. A subsequent file change notification message, indicated by the segment  158  selectably provided by the SIM card to the mobile node structure. 
     The previous descriptions are of preferred examples for implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should not necessarily be limited by this description. The scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims: