IP-Based USSD Routing via SIP and Diameter Sh

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cellular communication networks face challenges in transitioning from legacy SS7 protocols to IP-based IMS systems, particularly in efficiently handling USSD services, which limits flexibility and increases costs due to reliance on outdated infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that uses SIP INVITE messages to route USSD requests through a Telephony Application Server (TAS) and Home Subscriber Server (HSS) within an IMS network, leveraging the Diameter Sh interface for communication, allowing USSD messages to be processed and responses sent back to mobile stations via SIP BYE messages, thereby reducing reliance on SS7 protocols and enabling more flexible feature deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If SS7 protocols are used for USSD services, then legacy network compatibility is maintained, but network modernization and flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelegacy network compatibilityVSAvoidnetwork modernization flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that translates USSD messages into SIP protocol communications, allowing legacy SS7-based USSD services to interoperate with modern IP-based networks without requiring direct SS7 infrastructure, thus bridging old and new systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the communication protocol parameter from SS7 to SIP by mapping USSD message structures to SIP message formats (INVITE, BYE, CANCEL), enabling the same service functionality to operate over different protocol stacks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If SS7 infrastructure is maintained for USSD services, then existing service compatibility is preserved, but infrastructure costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice compatibilityVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the USSD service logic from the SS7 protocol dependency by implementing a translation layer that handles USSD message conversion to SIP protocols, separating the service functionality from the legacy protocol infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a functional copy of USSD service capabilities using SIP protocol messages, where SIP INVITE, BYE, and CANCEL messages replicate the request-response behavior of traditional USSD interactions over SS7

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If traditional USSD messaging is used, then service code functionality is provided, but initiation flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice code functionalityVSAvoidinitiation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional USSD initiation model by enabling server-side initiation of USSD-like services through SIP INVITE messages, rather than only client-initiated service codes, allowing the network to proactively engage users for services

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3479604B1IP-based USSD communications

Publication Date: 2023.10.25 T MOBILE US INC

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AI summary

A USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) message may be transmitted by a communication device to an IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) within a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) INVITE message, where it is received by a TAS (Telephony Application Server). The TAS sends the USSD message to an HSS (Home Subscriber Service) of the IMS using an existing Diameter Sh interface between the TAS and the HSS. The HSS then communicates with a USSD gateway to obtain a USSD response, which is sent back to the TAS over the Diameter Sh interface. The TAS sends the USSD response to the communication device within a SIP BYE message.