International Call Forwarding via Service Control Point Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication systems face challenges in forwarding calls to international numbers, particularly when users roam internationally, as they can only configure local numbers, leading to complications in call charging and network modifications, resulting in unreasonable charging practices and high costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allows call forwarding to an international number by determining if the user has activated the redirection international number service, obtaining and prioritizing the redirection numbers, and connecting the call to the number with higher priority, using a Service Control Point (SCP) and Home Location Register (HLR) without modifying the international gateway.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If international forwarding service is provided by modifying the core network, then call forwarding to international numbers is enabled, but system complexity and implementation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall forwarding capabilityVSAvoidcore network complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an international gateway as an intermediary component between the domestic mobile network and international networks. The gateway handles the complex international routing and signaling functions, allowing the core network to remain unmodified while still enabling international call forwarding capability. The gateway acts as a mediator that translates and forwards calls according to international standards without requiring changes to the existing core network architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If call forwarding is routed through international gateway, then international numbers can be reached, but call charge computation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternational number reachabilityVSAvoidcharge computation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The international gateway serves as an intermediary that centralizes the charge computation function. By routing all international forwarding calls through the gateway, the complex charging logic is consolidated in one location rather than being distributed across the core network. The gateway has direct access to calling party information and can compute charges based on standardized international rates, simplifying the overall charging architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring forwarding rules and rate information in the international gateway before calls are routed. The gateway maintains pre-established relationships with international networks and has pre-loaded charging parameters, allowing for efficient real-time charge computation without complex on-the-fly calculations during call setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If incoming signaling is forwarded to international gateway, then call routing is enabled, but original called number information may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall routing efficiencyVSAvoidoriginal called number information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The international gateway implements feedback mechanisms to verify and preserve calling party information. When a call is forwarded internationally, the gateway receives signaling information, validates it against pre-configured rules, and can request additional information or corrections if needed. The gateway maintains a record of the original called number and uses feedback loops to ensure accurate routing information is preserved throughout the international forwarding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The international gateway acts as an intermediary that preserves and translates signaling information between domestic and international networks. It maintains the original called number information in its databases and uses this information to properly route calls even when the incoming signaling format differs from international standards. The gateway ensures information integrity by acting as a trusted mediator that validates and preserves critical call routing data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If international gateway has strict signaling format requirements, then call quality is improved, but core network must be updated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecall forwarding reliabilityVSAvoidcore network update requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The international gateway serves as an intermediary that handles all signaling format conversions and validations. It has built-in capabilities to understand both domestic signaling formats and international standards, translating between them as needed. This eliminates the need to update the core network to meet international signaling requirements, as the gateway alone performs the necessary format transformations to ensure reliable international call forwarding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2190223B1Method, apparatus and system for forwarding a call to an international number
Publication Date: 2013.11.13 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2190223B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2190223B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2190223B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method, device and system for forwarding a call to an international number are disclosed. The method includes: receiving a trigger request sent by an end office; connecting the call to a preconfigured redirection international number if it is determined that a called user has activated redirection international number service, according to the trigger request. The device for forwarding a call to an international number includes a receiving unit, a forwarding service determination unit and a redirection number connecting unit. With the provided technical solution, the issue of forwarding the called user to the international number is addressed by using the number-modifying function of the SCP without modifying the international gateway.