Dialing Rule Determination via Directory Code Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining dialing rules in wireless networks based on mobile station identifiers (MSIDs) is unreliable, and obtaining mobile directory numbers (MDNs) is difficult for carriers, as handsets register with MSIDs rather than MDNs, and carriers typically shield their customers' MDNs from other carriers.
Innovation Solution
A call processing system that determines dialing rules based on mobile directory numbers (MDNs) by processing a device code to identify a directory code and applying an override dialing rule, allowing users to dial either the first or second portion of a phone number depending on the MDN, without requiring carriers to divulge their customers' MDNs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If dialing rules are determined based on MSID, then the system can automatically enforce dialing rules during device registration, but the reliability of dialing rule determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary process where the MSID serves as an initial identifier that triggers a lookup mechanism to retrieve the associated MDN. This intermediary step allows the system to maintain automatic enforcement while improving reliability by using the more reliable MDN for actual dialing rule determination. The call processing system acts as an intermediary that translates from MSID-based registration to MDN-based rule enforcement.
2Reliability
If carriers obtain and use MDNs for dialing rule determination, then the reliability of dialing rule enforcement improves, but the difficulty of obtaining MDNs increases due to carrier privacy policies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the MDN serve multiple functions: it is used for dialing rule determination, for identifying the originating directory number in call records, and for compliance with telecommunications regulations. By consolidating these functions into a single data element, the system justifies the effort to obtain the MDN through its broad utility across multiple system operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by obtaining and storing the MDN association with the MSID during the device registration process, before actual call placement occurs. This preliminary acquisition of the MDN information eliminates the need for repeated MDN retrieval during call processing, reducing the overall difficulty of MDN acquisition while ensuring reliability when dialing rules need to be enforced.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If carriers shield customers' MDNs from other carriers, then customer privacy and security are protected, but the ability to obtain MDNs for dialing rule determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by restricting MDN visibility and access to specific authorized contexts within the call processing system, rather than broadly exposing or shielding it universally. The MDN is made available for specific functions (dialing rule determination, call setup) while remaining protected from unauthorized access or exposure to other carriers, thus maintaining both security and functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A call processing system for processing calls in a communications network comprising an interface configured to receive a message to register a device with a communications network, wherein the message indicates a device code associated with the device and a processing system configured to process the message to determine a directory code associated with the device based on the device code, process the directory code to determine an override dialing rule based on the directory code, and apply the override dialing rule to calls placed from the device.