Mid-Call Service Extension via Vertical Service Code Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mechanisms for invoking mid-call services on wireless networks, such as USSD and in-band DTMF tones, impose limitations, especially with the growth of new business services in Fixed Mobile convergence solutions, making it difficult to integrate additional services into existing voice sessions.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a second call session directed to a vertical service code on the wireless communication network, which is terminated on the PSTN and routed to an application server that instantiates and applies mid-call services to the initial call session.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanisms (USSD or in-band DTMF tones) are used to invoke mid-call services on wireless networks, then existing 2G mobile devices can access services, but the solution cannot integrate new business services and imposes cost limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dual-call session mechanism where a second call session acts as an intermediary to invoke mid-call services on the first call session. The second call session is directed to a vertical service code, which serves as a mediator between the user's service request and the application server that provides the actual service. This intermediary approach allows new business services to be integrated without modifying the original USSD or DTMF mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If USSD techniques are used for mid-call services, then data messaging capability is provided, but the service set is limited and cannot accommodate new business services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal service invocation mechanism that works across multiple service types and network configurations. The second call session to a vertical service code serves as a universal interface that can access any mid-call service through the application server, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to new business services while maintaining ease of operation through familiar dialing procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If in-band DTMF tones are used to invoke mid-call services, then media path monitoring can detect tones, but media resources are costly and limit service availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the service invocation function from the media path monitoring mechanism. Instead of using in-band DTMF tones that require expensive media resources for detection and monitoring, the service request is extracted into a separate signaling channel (the second call session to the vertical service code). This separates the control plane from the media plane, eliminating the need for costly media resource monitoring while maintaining service access flexibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a second call session is established to a vertical service code, then mid-call services can be extended to wireless devices with broader service range, but additional call sessions increase network resource usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by establishing the second call session to the vertical service code before actually invoking the mid-call service on the first call session. This preliminary call session prepares the service invocation context and routes the request through the application server, allowing the actual service to be applied to the first call session without requiring continuous resource allocation for service monitoring or management.
Data Source
AI summary
Mid-call services may be added to a communication session such as a telephone call (call session) by a wireless device on a mobile telephone network by causing the wireless device associated with the communication session to invoke a second call session directed to a vertical service code. The second call session is established on the wireless communication network and terminated on the PSTN to an application server associated with the vertical service code. The application server on the PSTN instantiates the service and matches the service associated with the vertical service code on the second call session with the first call session. The application server then applies the mid-call service associated with the vertical service code to the first call session to thus enable mid-call services to be applied to the first call session by the wireless device.