WO2009139000A2

WO2009139000A2 - Method and system for providing commercial information to a caller in a communication network

Info

Publication number: WO2009139000A2
Application number: PCT/IN2009/000270
Authority: WO
Inventors: Koranapalli Nagaraju Rohith; Babu Harish
Original assignee: Onmobile Global Limited
Priority date: 2008-05-06
Filing date: 2009-05-05
Publication date: 2009-11-19
Also published as: WO2009139000A3

Abstract

A method for providing commercial information to a user in a communication network is disclosed. The method includes transferring the call to a commercial information module in the event of occurrence of certain call transfer conditions. The commercial information module plays commercial information to the user.

Description

TITLE: METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING COMMERCIAL INFORMATION TO A CALLER IN A COMMUNICATION NETWORK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and -a system for providing Commercial Information (Cl) in a communication network.

DEFINITIONS

Caller: The mobile phone user who initiates a call is called a 'caller'. Callee: The mobile phone user to whom the call is made is called a 'callee'.

Ring back Tone (RBT): A tone which is played to the caller while he/she is waiting for the callee to respond to the call is called an RBT. The RBT is, in general, played till the callee responds to the call.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a communication network, a caller can communicate with a callee by using a communication device. Examples of the communication device include, but are not limited to, a landline telephone and a mobile phone. The caller may communicate with the callee by dialing the callee's phone number by using the communication device. The communication network authenticates the callee's phone number and establishes a call connection between the caller and the callee. The callee's mobile phone starts ringing when., the call connection is established. The caller hears a call progress tone on his/her mobile phone while the callee's mobile phone is ringing. The transmission of the call progress tone to the caller's mobile phone stops when the callee initiates a conversation with the caller by accepting the call. The call progress tone may be a ring-back tone (RBT), busy tone, call- waiting tone or the likes. The RBT, conventionally a monotonous sound, can be replaced by other tones, for example, songs, music, news, sports commentary or the likes. Generally the caller prefers to listen to some information, such as Commercial Information (Cl), instead of a monotonous sound as the RBT, while waiting for the callee to respond to the call. There exist systems which enable the playing of Cl as RBT to the caller.

However, there are instances when the RBT played to .the caller stops abruptly i.e. before the full RBT is played to the callej. For example, callee disconnecting the call, callee responding to the call, callee's mobile phone is busy etc. are instances when the RBT being played to the caller stops abruptly.

In the abovementioned instances, the caller receives only a part of the information which was being transferred as RBT. Thus, for example, the Cl might have been transmitted as RBT to the caller but the caller might have received only a part of the Cl due to the transmission of RBT stopping abruptly. Thus the caller might lose the part of the Cl which was valuable to him/her.

Further, there are instances when the caller would like to listen to some Cl, based on RBT being played, instead of initiating the conversation with the callee. Such instances occur typically when the Cl being played as RBT is of relevance to the caller and the caller wants further information on the Cl played as RBT. However, existing system stop the transmission of RBT to the caller abruptly, as the callee responds to the call; and existing systems do not provide such flexibility to the caller so that the caller can choose to listen to some Cl instead of having a conversation with the callee.

Further, in case callee disconnects the call when RBT was being transmitted to the caller, there is an opportunity to provide Cl to the caller which the existing systems do not provide.

A method is required to overcome the limitations mentioned above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method and a system for providing Commercial Information (Cl) in a communication network are disclosed. The Cl may be an advertisement of a product or a service. A caller has initiated a call with a callee and the caller is listening to the RBT while waiting for the callee to respond to the call. According to an embodiment of the invention, the caller indicates a desire to listen to the Cl instead of initiating a conversation with the callee. The caller indicates the desire by pressing a dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) key. Upon pressing of the DTMF key by the caller, the call connection between the MSC and the callee is disconnected and a call connection between the caller and a Cl module is established. The Cl module is used to provide CIs to the caller.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a call connection between the caller and the Cl module is established in case the callee disconnects the call while the caller is listening to the RBT.

The context of the Cl can be an advertisement from a retailer. The Cl may be transmitted in various forms such as text, video, voice, sound or the likes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic depicting a communication environment according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating RBT system according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating application server according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for providing Cl to caller according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. Various aspects and features of example embodiments of the invention are described in more detail hereinafter.

As used herein, a communication network may refer to a network of communication devices and/or stations having wired or wireless interconnection for establishing communication. Communication may include, without limitation, transmitting and receiving signals. Communication may further include, without limitation, transferring information and data such as voice, audio, video, graphics and the like. Communication network may include, without limitation, Internet, intranet, extranet, Wide Area Network (WAN), wireless WAN (WWAN), Local Area Network (LAN), wireless LAN (WLAN), transducer links such as those using Modulator-Demodulators (modems), telecommunication network, personal area network and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Telecommunication network may include, without limitation, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and Code Division Multiple Access network (CDMA). Personal area network may include, without limitation, Bluetooth and Infrared, and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

FIG. 1 is a schematic depicting a communication environment. Communication service provider enables caller 102 to connect to a communication infrastructure 104 for making a call to a callee -106. Caller 102 and callee 106 may use a communication terminal like a fixed landline telephone, mobile telephone, or the likes to establish a connection with communication infrastructure 104. Communication infrastructure 104 includes coYitrol unit 108 for managing a call connection between caller 102 and callee 106. Control unit 108 includes a Mobile Switching Centre (MSC)/Service Switching Point (SSP) 110 and a Service Control Point (SCP) 112.

Communication infrastructure 104 also includes a central database 114 used to store subscription information related to subscribers of the communication service. An example of central database 114 is a home location register (HLR). For each subscriber, the subscription information includes a unique identifier for the subscriber, telephone number of the subscriber, current location of the subscriber, and various services the subscriber has registered for or the likes. Communication infrastructure 104 further includes a Value Added Service (VAS) system 116 for providing VAS services, like RBT services, voice mailbox service or the likes to the mobile phone user.

According to an embodiment of the invention, VAS system 116 is an RBT system for playing the RBT and Commercial Information (Cl) to caller 102. When caller 102 initiates a call with callee 106 using a mobile phone, the call is forwarded to control unit 108. MSC 110 establishes the call connection between caller 102 and callee 106. After a call connection is established with callee 106, i.e. the mobile phone of callee 106 starts ringing; a switch at MSC 110 forwards the call to VAS system 116. Thus, MSC 110 has call connection with callee 106 and VAS system 116 simultaneously. VAS system 116 transmits the RBT to caller 102 via MSC 110. Further, VAS system provides Cl to caller 102. The method of providing Cl to caller 102 has been discussed in conjunction with FlG. 4. VAS system 116 is discussed in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating VAS system 116 according to an embodiment of the invention. VAS system 116 includes signaling cards 202 and media cards 204 for communication with MSC 108. Signaling cards 202 are used for processing signals from MSC 110 that provide specific information related to a call. For example, MSC 110 sends signals regarding initiation of call by caller 102, termination of call by caller 102, termination of call by callee 106 or the likes. The signals are transmitted using standard protocols such as the SS7 protocol. An example of signaling cards 202 is NMS TX-4000 cards. Signaling cards 202 includes a software component used for signal handling. The software component may be written in C/C++ or any other programming language.

Media cards 204 are used for processing media, for example playback, recording, detection and generation of DTMF, or the likes, to and from MSC 108. An example of media cards 204 is NMS AG-4040 card. Media cards 204 comprise a software component used for media processing and handling. The software component may be written in C/C++ or any other programming language.

Media cards 204 and signaling cards 202 are connected with an application server 206 and serve as a link between, control unit 108 and application server 206. Further, application server .^"206 includes various applications based on computer programming languages like JAVA, C/C++, or the likes. Different applications are invoked based on input from media cards 204 and signaling cards 202. For example, an application for playing RBT to caller 102 is invoked when caller 102 initiates the call with callee 106. Details of application server 206 have been discussed in conjunction with FJG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating application server ^'206. Application server 206 includes various applications that may be used to provide different VAS to the subscribers. The various applications are based on computer programming languages like JAVA, C/C++, or the likes. According to an embodiment of the invention, application server 206 includes an RBT module 302, a Commercial Information (Cl) module 304, a Call Transfer (CT) module 306 and a master database 308.

RBT module 302 includes an RBT player 310 and an RBT controller 312. RBT player 310 is used for playing the RBT to caller 102. RBT controller 312 is used to select a particular RBT which is played to the caller 102. Call forwarded to VAS system 116 by MSC 108 is received by RBT controller 312 of RBT module 302. Further, RBT controller 312 also receives call information from MSC 110. Call information includes, but is not limited to, phone number of caller 102, and phone number of callee 106. RBT controller 312 queries master database 308 about the RBT to be played to caller 102 based on the call information. Master database 308 stores a plurality of RBTs. RBT player 310 plays the RBT to caller 102.

Commercial Information (Cl) module 304 includes Cl player 314 and Cl controller 316. Cl player 314 is used for playing the Cl to caller 102. Cl controller 316 selects the Cl, to be played by Cl player 314, from master database 308. The Cl could be selected based on RBT played to caller 102 or the Cl could be selected randomly. According to another embodiment of the invention, Cl may be selected based on the call information. Master database 308 stores a plurality of Cl.

Call transfer (CT) module 306 receives notification regarding pressing of DTMF keys by caller 102. According to an embodiment of the invention caller 102 presses a predefined DTMF key while listening to the RBT and waiting for callee 106 to respond to the call. By pressing the predefined DTMF key, caller 102 expresses a desire to listen to Cl instead of initiating a conversation with callee 106. CT module 306 informs SCP 112 about pressing of any DTMF key by caller 102. SCP 112, then, instructs MSC 110 to disconnect the call connection between MSC 110 and callee 106 and establish call connection between caller 102 and Cl module 304.

The applications in application server 206 are connected to signaling card 202 and media card 204. Application server 206 sends and receives inputs from the signaling cards 202 and media cards 204. Any transfer of media to and from the applications in the application server 206 is through media cards 204. For example, pressing of DTMF key by caller 102 is recognized by media cards 204 and is conveyed to CT module 306. Similarly, playing of. RBT to caller 102 from RBT module 302 is routed through the media cards 204. Signaling card 202 sends signaling information to application server 206, for example, when callee 106 is busy or disconnects the call a signaling message indicating the status of callee 106 is sent to application server 206. Similarly on receiving the signaling information that a connection is established between caller 102 and callee 106, RBT player 310 starts playing RBT to caller 102. Further, on receiving signaling information callee 106 is busy, callee 106 has disconnected the call when RBT was playing, or when the callee has answered the call; RBT player 310 stops the transmission of RBT to caller 102.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for providing Cl to caller 102, according to an embodiment of the invention.

At step 402, the RBT is transmitted to caller 102. At step 404, certain call transfer conditions are verified. According to an embodiment of the invention, call transfer conditions include situations when transmission of RBT to caller 102 stops abruptly. Examples of such situations include, but are not limited to, caller 102 presses a particular DTMF key while listening to the RBT and waiting for callee 106 to respond to the call; callee 106 sending a request to disconnect the call; or callee 106 is busy.

Caller 102 may press a DTMF key while listening to RBT and waiting for callee 106 to respond to the call, thereby indicating a desire to listen to Cl instead of initiating a conversation with callee 106. The information about pressing of DTMF key by caller 102 is received by CT module 306.

According to some embodiments, CT module 306,- then, informs SCP 112 regarding pressing of the DTMF key by caller 102. SCP. 112 instructs MSC 110 to disconnect the call connection between MSC 110 and callee 106. According to other embodiments CT module 306 may send call release message with a specific release code directly to MSC 110 after caller 102 has pressed a DTMF key. MSC 110 directly gets the notification about other scenarios such as callee 106 disconnecting the call, callee 106 phone being busy. After either receiving disconnecting instructions from SCP 112 or receiving release message from CT module 306 or receiving indication that callee 106 has disconnected the call, callee 106 is busy, at step 406, MSC 110 disconnects the call connection between MSC 110 and callee 106.

According to some embodiments, at step 408, MSC 110 establishes a call connection between caller 102 and Cl module 304 immediately after receiving instructions/release message with a specific release code. According to other embodiments, the playback of RBT is continued to caller 102 and after the RBT has been played, RBT module 302 send the indication to MSC ^'.I IO which may establish call connection between caller 102 and Cl module 304. ^'

According to some embodiments Cl module 304 is the RBT module 302. In such a scenario, no establishing of connection is required and the connection between caller 102 and RBT module 302 is continued (i.e. ring back tone continues) after the occurrence of call transfer conditions.

After the call connection is established between caller 102 and Cl module 304, Cl player 314 plays Cl to caller 102. Cl controller 316 decides upon the suitable Cl to be played to caller 102.

According to an embodiment of the invention, caltee 106 disconnects the call. In such a case, SCP 112 directs MSC 110 to disconnect the call connection between MSC 110 and callee 106. MSC 110, however, maintains the call connection between caller 102 and MSC 110. At step 406, call connection between caller 102 and callee 106 is disconnected. At step 408, a call connection is established between caller 102 and Cl module 304. After the call connection is established between caller 102 and Cl module 304, Cl player 314 plays Cl to caller 102. According to another embodiment of the invention, RBT player 310 continues transmission of RBT to caller 102, after callee 106 has disconnected the call.

According to an embodiment of the invention RBT player 310 continues transmission of RBT to caller 102 in case caller 102 is busy.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, MSC 110 establishes call connection between caller 102 and an external Cl provider in case caller 102 indicates a desire while listening to Cl played by Cl player 314. Caller 102 may indicate the desire by pressing a DTMF key.

According to another embodiment of the invention, Cl may be transmitted to caller 102 in the form of text message, voice message, video message, or a combination thereof. The Cl may also contain certain instruction to be followed by caller 102.

According to an embodiment of the invention, caller 102 may be charged for the Cl. According to another embodiment of the invention, the Cl provider may be charged for the Cl played to caller 102. Incentives may be provided to caller 102 for listening to the Cl. Examples of incentives include, but are not limited to, extra talk time, waving of call charges, gifts, discount offers, monetary benefits, cash, money transfer to bank account of caller 102, money transfer to mobile phone account of caller 102, and the like.

While example embodiments of the invention have been, illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A method of providing commercial information to a caller, the caller having initiated a call with a callee, the method comprising: a. playing ring-back tone to the caller while the caller is waiting for the callee to respond to the call; b. receiving an indication of occurrence of one or more call transfer conditions; c. sending instructions for disconnecting the callee from the call; d. sending instructions for forwarding the call to a commercial information module, thereby establishing a call connection between the caller and the commercial information module; and e. providing a commercial information to the caller through the commercial information module.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the instructions for forwarding the call are sent after the ring back tone has been played.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more call transfer conditions belong to the group comprising: the callee sending a request to disconnect the call, the callee being busy and the caller pressing a predefined dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) key.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the commercial information is the ring back tone.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the commercial information is a combination of one or more messages, the one or more messages belonging to the group comprising: text message, voice message and video message.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of charging the caller for the commercial information.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of charging a provider of commercial information.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of providing one or more incentives to the caller for the commercial information.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more incentives to the caller comprise one or more of monetary and non-monetary benefits, the benefits belonging to the group comprising: extra talk time, waving of call charges, gifts, discount offers, cash, money transfer to bank account of the caller and money transfer to mobile phone account of the caller.

10. A system for providing commercial information to a caller, the caller having initiated a call with a callee, the system comprising: a. a call transfer module, the call transfer module configured to i. receive an indication of occurrence of one or more call transfer conditions;

. ii. send instructions to connect, disconnect, or forward a call based on the occurrence of one or more call transfer conditions. b. a service control point, the service control point configured to send instructions to the mobile switching centre to connect, disconnect or forward a call based on instructions received from the call transfer module; c. a mobile switching centre, the mobile switching centre configured to connect, disconnect or forward a call among, a plurality of communication devices; d. a master database, the master database configured to store a plurality of commercial information messages; and e. a commercial information module, the commercial intormation module configured to select a commercial information from the master database and provide the commercial information to the caller.

1. The system of claim 9, wherein the commercial information module further comprises: a. a commercial information controller, the commercial information controller configured to select the commercial information message from the master database; and b. a commercial information player, the commercial information player configured to play (or send or provide) the commercial information message to the caller.