User Configurable Call Handling Services in IMS Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks lack the ability for users to customize call handling services such as voicemail, call forwarding, and ringtones, limiting user experience as these services are typically configured and controlled by the operator with only one default configuration.
Innovation Solution
Users can create and customize a service profile that defines preferences for handling incoming calls based on the identity of the caller and time of day, allowing for personalized ringtone activation, call forwarding, and voicemail messages, as well as sending SMS messages, through a wireless communication network that includes an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) with nodes like HSS, S-CSCF, and TAS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the network operator provides default configuration for call handling services, then the service coverage is ensured, but the user customization capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The service profile is segmented into multiple call handling rules that can be independently configured. Each rule can be defined with specific conditions (time of day, caller identity, call duration) and corresponding actions (forwarding, voicemail, ringing). This segmentation allows users to customize individual aspects of call handling without overwhelming complexity, as each segment can be configured separately and combined to form the complete service behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The call handling service is made dynamic by allowing users to configure different behaviors based on changing conditions such as time of day, caller identity, and call duration. The system can automatically switch between different service profiles or modify existing ones based on real-time conditions. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to various scenarios without requiring multiple static service configurations, thereby improving customization while managing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If only one default service configuration is provided, then the network operation is simplified, but the user experience is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to self-configure their own service profiles without requiring network operator intervention. Users can access the service configuration interface through their mobile devices, define their preferred call handling behaviors, and have these profiles automatically applied by the network. This self-service capability significantly improves user experience by allowing personalized configurations while simplifying network operations, as the network only needs to store and execute the user-defined profiles rather than managing complex configurations centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
The service profile framework is designed to be universal, supporting multiple call handling scenarios and behaviors within a single unified system. The same configuration mechanism can handle different types of calls (incoming, outgoing, missed calls), different conditions (time-based, identity-based), and different actions (forwarding, voicemail, ringing). This multi-functionality allows users to customize their experience without requiring separate configurations for each scenario, thereby improving ease of operation while managing complexity through a unified approach.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the network provides comprehensive call handling services, then the service functionality is enhanced, but the configuration control is concentrated with the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration control is extracted from the network operator and transferred to the end user. Instead of the operator centrally managing all service parameters, the system allows users to extract and define their own service profiles through a user-friendly interface. Users can specify conditions and actions for call handling, and the network simply executes these user-defined profiles. This extraction of control significantly enhances user autonomy and satisfaction while maintaining comprehensive service functionality, as the network retains the capability to provide all necessary call handling features but now does so according to user preferences rather than operator dictates.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication network provides various services to its subscribers. Techniques and architecture described herein allow subscribers to the wireless communication network to configure various services related to handling of telephone calls to the subscribers. Such techniques allow for a user to define preferences related to third parties that call the user and how the user wishes for such calls from the third party to be handled by the wireless communication network.