Multimedia Subsystem Call Continuity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems lack efficient methods for transferring calls between user terminals across different networks, such as cellular and WLAN, resulting in cumbersome processes that disrupt conversations and limit seamless network transitions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multimedia subsystem (MS) with a continuity control function (CCF) that anchors call control, allowing for seamless call transfers between user elements across various access networks by managing signaling paths and bearer paths, enabling transfers between user elements in the same or different subsystems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If call transfer is implemented between user elements in different networks (cellular and WLAN), then call continuity and user convenience are improved, but network complexity and control difficulty increase due to independent network architectures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Multimedia Subsystem (MS) as an intermediary layer that sits between the independent cellular and WLAN networks. The MS provides a unified call control function that mediates call transfers between user elements in different networks, abstracting away the network-specific complexities from the transfer operation. This allows call transfer to work seamlessly across cellular and WLAN boundaries without requiring direct integration between the independent network architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The Multimedia Subsystem is designed to provide universal call control functionality that works across multiple network types (cellular, WLAN, and future networks). The MS implements a standardized interface and control mechanism that can handle call transfers regardless of which network the user elements are connected to, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to different network configurations without increasing operational complexity for the user.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional park and pickup method is used for call transfer, then call transfer capability is achieved, but conversation interruption and transfer time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the call control framework and signaling paths through the Multimedia Subsystem before the actual transfer is needed. The MS maintains readiness to handle transfers by having the call control function and necessary signaling infrastructure in place, so when a transfer is initiated, the system can execute it rapidly without needing to set up control mechanisms during the transfer process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements call transfer in a way that maintains the continuity of the call control function throughout the transfer process. The Multimedia Subsystem ensures that the call remains actively managed and controlled during the transition between user elements, avoiding the complete interruption and re-establishment required by traditional park and pickup methods. The useful action of call control continues uninterrupted, enabling faster transfers with minimal conversation interruption.
3Productivity
If call control is distributed across multiple subsystems (cellular, WLAN, PSTN), then network autonomy and independence are maintained, but unified call transfer control and seamless transitions become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call control function by separating it from the individual network infrastructures (cellular, WLAN, PSTN) and placing it in a dedicated Multimedia Subsystem. This segmentation allows each network to maintain its autonomy and independence while the MS provides unified control for call transfers. The call control function is divided into network-independent management tasks handled by the MS and network-specific transmission tasks handled by the individual networks, resolving the contradiction between distributed autonomy and unified control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention moves service control, including call control, for a user element from any number of subsystems to a multimedia subsystem (MS). Call control for originating or terminating a call in any subsystem as well as transferring the call between user elements is anchored at a continuity control function (CCF) in the MS. A call may be transferred by the CCF from a first user element to a second user element in the same or different subsystems upon receiving a request from the second user element. A user may invoke a transfer from the first user element to the second user element by having the second user element send an appropriate request to the CCF. The request may be provided to the CCF by initiating a call from the second user element that is intended for the CCF, when the call with the first user element is active.