Circuit Switched Call Session Management via Alternative Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current call setup procedures in circuit-switched networks are inefficient as they rely on static or dynamically configured directory numbers, which can lead to complexities in establishing and managing subsequent sessions, especially when transitioning between different communication domains.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a user agent (UA) sends setup messages over control signaling to establish a circuit-switched bearer, with a network component providing configuration data for subsequent sessions, including session identifiers that can be used for future calls, allowing for dynamic management and routing optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If static or dynamically configured directory numbers are used for call setup, then circuit-switched calls can be established, but the complexity of managing subsequent sessions increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesession establishment efficiencyVSAvoidcall management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing the user agent with configuration data including session identifiers before subsequent calls are initiated. The network component sends this configuration data in advance during the initial session setup, enabling the UA to efficiently manage future sessions without recalculating routing information, thereby reducing both complexity and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where a network component acts as a mediator between the user agent and the circuit-switched network. This intermediary provides configuration data and session identifiers that simplify the UA's task in managing subsequent sessions, reducing the complexity burden on the UA while maintaining efficient call establishment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional call setup procedures are used, then circuit-switched bearers can be established, but transitions between communication domains become complex and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedomain transition flexibilityVSAvoidsession management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a configuration data structure that serves multiple functions: it provides routing information for circuit-switched calls, includes session identifiers for session management, and enables seamless transitions between different communication domains. This multi-functional approach allows the same mechanism to handle various call scenarios without increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If directory numbers are used for routing, then calls can be established, but subsequent session management becomes inefficient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesession setup timeVSAvoidcall establishment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces session setup time by performing preliminary action - the network component provides configuration data including session identifiers before the UA initiates subsequent calls. This advance provisioning eliminates the need for time-consuming lookup and routing calculations during each new session establishment, directly improving call establishment efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2204065B1System and method for managing a circuit switched call using alternative signaling at successful session set-up
Publication Date: 2013.07.17 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2204065B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2204065B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2204065B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for providing a user agent (UA) with configuration data for a subsequent session is provided. The method includes the UA sending a first setup message over a first control signalling to control a second control signalling. The method further includes the UA sending a second setup message via the second control signalling, the second setup message initiating procedures to establish a circuit switched-based bearer. The method further includes a network component sending the UA a control message via the first control signalling indicating that a session has been established, the control message containing information related to configuration data for a subsequent session.