Patent Publication Number: US-8112068-B2

Title: Updating of intelligent message waiting notification

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/612,522, filed Nov. 4, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,894,798, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/743,072, filed May 1, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,616,945, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/973,300, filed Oct. 27, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,215,946, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention relates generally to providing message services to wireless/mobile users, and more particularly to providing a message waiting notifications which notify wireless/mobile devices (hereafter “mobile” devices) that a message is waiting for retrieval from the service provider. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     For wireless/mobile data users such as cellular phone users and the like, there are a variety of short message services (SMS) which are desirable and available. SMS messages are an alternative to voice communications and are used over a cellular telephone or the like when a silent, private and/or brief communication is the best or is preferred. Typically, SMS messages are sent between users, or to and from an application. Presently, the following SMS categories usable by wireless data service users are in use: cut through paging (CTP), user-to-user text messaging, informational messaging, notification services, premium-based services, and mobile commerce. 
     One of the most common types of SMS is a message waiting indicator (MWI) for GSM cellular phone users, which typically falls under the SMS notification category. An MWI tells a user that they have voice mail, fax or email messages waiting, or that they have a meeting or appointment scheduled. The notification provided by an MWI is thus a key component in any voice mail, fax or email system or method having MWI notification, as this is how the user is made aware that an associated message is waiting for the user to retrieve. Since the MWI has to connect with several network elements, while the associated process and system may be conceptually simple, MWI notification is somewhat complex to implement. Generally, MWI notification uses SS7, SMS and TCP/IP network elements in order to provide infrastructure for the MWI notification service. 
     In a typical MWI case, a cellular user misses a call and the caller leaves a voicemail message, so that the user&#39;s handset then receives an MWI or other indicator. An icon or SMS message is used to provide the MWI to the user. By sending an MWI to the user&#39;s handset, the notification that a message has been stored and is ready for retrieval serves to ensure timely notification of receipt and response to the associated message. Presently, MWI notification is accomplished by several different methods depending on the interface used by a particular voicemail platform. For example, some of the interfaces presently being used in voicemail systems include SMDI (simplified message desk interface), SS7 MWN (message waiting notification), enhance inband, MF (multi-frequency), and HLR (home location registry) specific interfaces. All these are interfaces that are typically connected to the voicemail system and communicate directly with the HLR for the market that is being served. 
     In performing the MWI notification, the voicemail platform initiates a notification process by creating a short message peer to peer (SMPP) protocol message (or other protocol message, as appropriate or desired) which is delivered to an associated MWI sub-system. This indicates that one or more associated messages are in an undelivered status in the user&#39;s voice mailbox. Status of the MWI notification delivery is received by the MWI server from the VM server as the MWI delivery is attempted. The possible status values for MWI notification delivery are “delivered” and “undelivered” (typically for a feature inactive/unknown subscriber). 
     Many methods exist to deliver MWI, and within a single wireless provider more than one method may be used depending on the use of different vendors, hardware, growth capacity and technical requirements, any of which may or may not currently be in place. For example, an MWI notification can be sent using SMPP (short message peer to peer) protocol for GSM (global system for mobile communications) markets, while an SS7 (signaling system 7) icon-based protocol delivery method is used for IS-136 based markets. 
     By way of example, a successful MWI call flow for markets which are IS-136 based would be as follows. Initially, the voicemail platform sends the MWI sub-system a message over the exiting corporate LAN (local area network) via an SMPP to the MWI server. The MWI server then issues an information directive for the HLR (home location registry) via the STP (signal transfer point). The STP forwards the information directive to the IS-136 HLR (home location registry) for MWI notification delivery to the user&#39;s handset. Finally, a return status of “ok” is sent to the MWI server from the HLR through the STP. The MWI server is updated to indicate a “delivered” status, and the MWI server then notifies the voicemail platform that the WI notification was successfully delivered. 
     While MWI is very useful, many user complaints arise due to late or missed delivery of the MWI notification. This problem may be caused by the cellular phone not being turned on at the time that MWI notification is attempted. In such situations, the onus is then on the MWI server to deliver the MWI notification once an HLR sends a notification that the phone is back on and is ready for delivery. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One benefit of this invention is to provide a method and system for consolidating and centralizing MWI solutions where more than one solution is being utilized, including where an outside vendor has a unique solution as well. 
     Another benefit of the invention is the standardization of the approach to MWI. When this invention is accomplished for cellular phones, the need for voice trunk lines which may be needed in some markets is eliminated. In addition, the method and system of the invention provides a solution which provides icon-based MWI without having to purchase additional equipment, which provides an integration of wireless and wire-line messaging with a mobile network, and which enables markets to use existing voicemail platforms across multiple markets. 
     In an illustrated embodiment, a method and apparatus for delivering notifications to a mobile device is provided where the mobile device provider operates in first and second mobile technology types. Initially, a notification is received from a notification sub-system for the mobile device. A first communication of the notification to the mobile device is then attempted via the first technology type. Where the mobile device operates in the second technology type, an error signal is received that the attempting with the first communication has failed. Next, a second communication of the notification to the mobile device is attempted via the second technology type. Where the mobile device operates in the second technology type and receives the notification, a delivery signal that the attempting a second communication step was successful is received. After the delivery signal is received, logging of the second technology type of the mobile device is made so that thereafter for the mobile device, any new notification is attempted using the logged second technology type. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, where the mobile device is not reachable but is of a known technology type, that technology type is then logged. 
     It is also a benefit of the present invention to provide that where the mobile device becomes registered, the notification is then sent to the mobile device. 
     Other objects and features of the present invention are stated in or apparent from detailed descriptions of embodiments of the invention found hereinbelow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various exemplary embodiments will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components or steps, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a message waiting indication (MWI) system in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic flow diagram where an MWI notification is delivered to a mobile in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic flow diagram where an MWI notification is un-deliverable to a mobile in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic flow diagram where an MWI notification which was previously un-deliverable is now delivered to a mobile in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Methods and systems for updating of intelligent message waiting notifications are described hereafter. In the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form rather than detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
     This invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     It also will be understood that, as used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is open-ended, and includes one or more stated elements, steps and/or functions without precluding one or more unstated elements, steps and/or functions. 
     The present invention is described below with reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations of methods and wireless terminals according to embodiments of this invention. It is understood that each block of the block diagrams and/or operational illustrations, and combinations of the blocks in the block diagram and/or operational illustrations, can be implemented by radio frequency, analog and/or digital hardware, and/or computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), and/or other programmable processing apparatus; and these computer program instructions create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or operational block or blocks. In some alternate implementations, the functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or possibly inversely. 
       FIG. 1  schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a message waiting indication (MWI) notification system  10  in accordance with the present invention. Initially, as noted above, MWI can be accomplished by several different methods depending on the interfaces used by a message receiving (e.g. voicemail) platform, such as voicemail platform  12 , such as SMDI, SS7 MWN, enhance inband, MF, and HLR (home location registry) specific interfaces. 
     With the introduction of GAIT (GSM ANSI-136 (American National Standards Institute) interoperability team), it has been realized that there is a need to know what HLR and what technology a mobile  14  has in order to update mobile  14  with the correct MWI notification. For example, with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , respective TDMA (time division/demand multiple access) and GSM (global system for mobile communications) mobile switches  16 A and  16 B and their connected HLRs are depicted, and it will be appreciated that these must be updated differently with respect to the signaling network messages being used for mobile  14 . Thus, as there are two different methods for MWI, two different sets of support must be provided for each method including separate HLRs associated with switches  16 A or  16 B. 
     In order to support GAIT, system  10  is used to provide an MWI from voicemail platform  12  (or whatever notification sub-system is used) which attempts delivery to mobile  14  first via one method and then via the other (or even more methods if needed). In particular, when voicemail platform  12  records a message, an SMPP is sent via a TCP/IP to a message notification (MWI) delivery sub-system  18  which is typically part of the MWI server  22 . This SMPP is used to indicate that one or more messages are in an undelivered status in the user&#39;s voice mailbox. The status of the MWI notification delivery is also preferably stored in delivery sub-system  18  as well. Delivery sub-system  18  then sends the MWI notification SMPP via TCP/IP over the existing corporate LAN  20  to an MWI service control point (SCP)  22  (actually, there are usually two such processors not co-located for redundancy, though only one is shown for convenience of illustration). In a presently preferred embodiment, MWI processor  22  includes a self-contained (such as Sun Netra t1400®) series system that hosts the MWI application, related libraries and APIs (application program interfaces). MWI processor  22  connects to the SS7 STPs (not separately shown, but schematically illustrated as well known in the art), either through a suitable platform (such as a MicroLegent 4000®) or directly through TALI over TCP/IP (but typically not both since the platform is not needed if TALI is used). In either event, MWI processor  22  connects to the SS7-related network elements through TCP/IP and passes the SS7-related message content through these network elements. When MWI processor  22  receives the MWI notification, it determines which mobile switch  16 A or  16 B is associated with mobile  14  and issues an information directive through the STP to the correct mobile switch  16 A or  16 B for notification to mobile  14 . 
     However, if the MWI processor does not know which associated HLR and mobile switch  16 A and  16 B to send the information directive to, then MWI processor  22  simply directs the MWI to one HLR and the associated switch  16 A or  16 B. The choice can be made based on a predetermined selection, such as switch  16 A where it is known that a majority of the mobiles of the carrier use TDMA (ANSI-136)—and of course this predetermined selection could be changed later in time if sufficient numbers of the mobiles were switched (updated) and were then using GSM. If delivery of the MWI notification through switch  16 A is not successful, then MWI processor  22  would then direct the MWI to the other (or second) switch  16 B. 
     Preferably, the MWI processor  22  also includes a database which logs each successful MWI delivery. Thus, when a subsequent MWI notification was received for the same mobile  14 , this database would direct the MWI notification to the correct (known) switch  16 A or  16 B. Of course, if mobile  14  changes from one delivery type to the other, then the database would also keep track of the subsequent failure to deliver and would try the other delivery type; and if that delivery were successful, record in the database that the other delivery type is now the correct one. 
     In operation, the process for the present invention is as follows. Initially, it will be appreciated that MWI system  10  is set up so that the existing technology type defines the current handset and switch which is at present predominantly in place. If TDMA (and/or GAIT) transitioning to GSM is taking place, this technology type is selected as TDMA such that new and unknown mobiles to the MWI database will attempt MWI notification using the TDMA/HLR path first, followed by the GSM/HLR path next. Of course, when a majority of the subscriber base has transitioned to GSM, this type will be changed to use the GSM/HLR path first and then the TDMA/HLR path. 
     In the case where mobile  14  is available, as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the process is as follows. When a voicemail message is left on voicemail platform  12 , an SMPP notification message is sent to the associated MWI delivery processor  22  in the region for mobile  14 . It will be appreciated that each region has at least one MWI server co-located near the STP in a mobile telephone switching office (MTSO); and that each MWI server connects to at least two STPs, either through a suitable platform (e.g., a MicroLegend 4000®) or directly through a transport adapter layer interface (TALI) over TCP/IP (or other suitable SS7 over IP protocol). At least one extra connection to another STP is required for SS7 network redundancy in case of a network link or STP failure. The MWI SS7 configuration thus behaves like an SS7 SSP (service switching point) in terms of SS7 connectivity and service. 
     MWI processor  22  then reviews a local database to determine the proper technology for the MWI delivery. If mobile  14  has an entry in the MWI processor  22  local database, direct action is taken for the proper technology (GSM or TDMA). If there is no database entry, an attempt is made based on the pre-selected type. As shown in  FIG. 2 , no entry is present in the local database for mobile  14 , so that the default/pre-selected type initially tried is TDMA. Thus, an information directive is sent via STP  30  to TDMA/HLR switch  16 A. However, as mobile  14  is not of that type or at least is not available (this could be either because mobile  14  is GSM and properly registered, or because mobile  14  is a TDMA homed GAIT roaming on a GSM/HLR), a return/error message is sent back from TDMA switch  16 A to MWI processor  22  as shown. 
     MWI processor  22  then tries the other (and successively next, if more than two) type, in this illustrated case a GSM type. A send routing information for short messaging (SRIS) request is thus sent to the GSM/HLR switch  16 B, and there is thus obtained the IMSI (international mobile subscriber identity) and the LMSI (local mobile subscriber identity) of mobile  14 . This information is returned by GSM/HLR switch  16 B to MWI processor  22 , whereby a forward short message (FSM) is in turn sent from MWI processor  22  to STP  30  for the serving MSC (mobile switching center)  32  for delivery to mobile  14  of the appropriate MWI notification. A return/acknowledge signal from mobile  14  is in turn sent back via serving MSC  32  and STP  30  to MWI processor  22  so that the delivery of the MWI notification is logged by MWI processor  22 , including logging in the local database for future reference when mobile  14  again requires an MWI notification. 
     The case where mobile  14  is not registered on the provider&#39;s network (i.e., typically where mobile  14  is turned off, or where there are equipment problems or an over the air programming failure) is shown in  FIG. 3 . In this situation, the same process as described above for  FIG. 2  occurs, except that instead of delivering the MWI notification with serving MSC  32 , mobile  14  is not reachable from serving MSC  32 . Thus, serving MSC  32  instead provides a return error message via STP  30  to MWI processor  22 . Upon receipt of this message, MWI processor  22  provides a delivery notification of the MSISDN (mobile station ISDN number) to STP  30  and thus to GSM/HLR switch  16 B. Switch  16 B then acknowledges this notification, and waits for mobile  14  to be registered again (see  FIG. 4  below). 
     The case where an absent mobile  14  is once again registered after delivery is attempted and fails, as explained above with respect to  FIG. 3 , is shown in  FIG. 4 . In this situation, the continuing process is as follows. Upon registering of mobile  14 , updated location information is forwarded by serving MSC  32  to STP  30  so that the this information is then provided to GSM/HLR switch  16 B by STP  30 . As GSM/HLR already has a delivery notification for mobile  14  (as described above in  FIG. 3 ), MWI processor  22  is then sent an alert through STP  30 , which alert is acknowledged by MWI processor  22 . MWI processor  22  then sends a routing for short messaging (SRIS) message to STP  30  and GSM/HLR switch  16 B, which returns the SRIS together with the IMSI and LMSI information to MWI processor  22 . Using this information, MWI processor  22  then sends a forward short message (FSM) to STP  30  which in turn forwards it to serving MSC  32  for delivery to mobile  14 . After receipt by mobile  14 , mobile  14  acknowledges receipt of the FSM to serving MSC  32  which is passed back through STP  30  to MWI processor  22 . It will be appreciated that while GSM has been described above, any suitable standard could be used as desired such as TDMA, CDMA/NEXTEL or even UMTS. 
     While the present invention has been described above with respect to a voicemail platform  12 , it will be appreciated that the invention is also applicable to other platforms, and particularly to a cut through paging (CTP) platform using a CTP server in a similar manner. In addition, it does not have to be a VM platform providing the notification message, as it could also be such things as an email or fax server. 
     Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.