WO2006004234A1

WO2006004234A1 - Apparatus and method for processing intelligent network call in mobile communication system

Info

Publication number: WO2006004234A1
Application number: PCT/KR2004/001672
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jong-Sun Choi
Original assignee: Jong-Sun Choi
Priority date: 2004-07-07
Filing date: 2004-07-07
Publication date: 2006-01-12

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for processing a mobile phone call having an Intelligent Network (IN) service-based number, e.g., 080, 15XX provided from a common carrier. The method includes the steps of: in a mobile phone, making a call having an IN service-based number; in an MSC, receiving the mobile phone call and transferring to PSTN caller information of the mobile phone and information about a called party; in PBX of the PSTN, analyzing a called number and transferring the call to an apparatus for processing an IN call; in the apparatus for processing an IN call, receiving the call form the PBX, extracting the caller information, accessing to LBSP (Location-Based Service Platform) based on the caller information, and requesting a LBS of the mobile phone; in the LBSP, searching database by using the caller information, reading the location information of the mobile phone, and transmitting the location information to the apparatus for processing an IN call; in the apparatus, searching the database by using the location information of the mobile phone, and reading the phone number of an adjacent branch office; automatically calling to the branch office while holding the mobile phone call; and forming a channel connecting the mobile phone and the branch office.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING INTELLIGENT NETWORK CALL IN MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

Technical Field The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for routing an

Intelligent Network service-related call directed to a wired communication network over a mobile radio communication network. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for connecting an Intelligent Network service- related call to an adjacent branch office according to a requested service from a caller.

Background Art

With the rapid industrial development, companies both big and small have endeavored to provide customers with professional network services. As competition among service providers has been deepened, more companies and business men now pay more attention to intelligent network call services in consideration of advertising efficiency and customer accessibility. Another term for the intelligent network call service is a 080 phone service (toll free service) or 15XX phone service (universal access number service). The intelligent network call service makes it possible to integrate nationwide business telephone numbers to one phone number in order for a customer's call to be handled at a closest branch office from the customer (or the caller) and the charges are paid by the called person or the caller. This type of intelligent network call service is broadly used in government and public offices, large corporations having nationwide branch networks involved in household electric appliances, communication, airlines, insurance, banks, and home delivery services, chain restaurants, and small businesses like a temporary driving company.

Fig. 1 diagrammatically describes intelligent network call services.

As shown in Fig. 1, a subscriber call from Daejeon city to an intelligent network phone number (080-XXXX-YYYY or 15XX- YYYY) is automatically forwarded to a Daejeon branch office (042-XXX-XXXX). Similarly, a subscriber call from Seoul is automatically forwarded to a Seoul branch office (02-XXX-XXXX). This is possible because the phone number is a wired phone number including an area code (e.g., Daejeon: 042, Seoul: 02). That is, the intelligent network call service is for cable subscribers, not for mobile subscribers (mobile subscribers or mobile stations. This is because the phone number of a mobile telephone does not include an area code for identifying the location of the subscriber (the caller).

Fig. 2 illustrates a case where no call center is available. Therefore, the mobile phone call dialed to the intelligent network phone number is lost.

Usually acceptors are stationed at the call center, so the acceptors answer mobile phone calls and personally connect the calls to corresponding branch offices. Of late, all large corporations have built the call centers to make sure that not a single mobile phone call is lost. Unfortunately however, many small and medium-sized companies do not have their own call centers for one reason or another related to expenses or business zone problems.

More specifically, each local agent is run on Pay-As- You-Go basis as a chain so it is difficult for a call center to assign only one specific area as a destination, and although a mobile phone call is routed to the pre-defined destination by mutual consent, the branch office or chain located at the destination will not be able to handle so many calls at a time and thus, its business will be paralyzed by the congestion. Also, there will be many branch offices incapable of handling the calls because of a lack of time or expense, and call center management itself can be the cause of conflict especially if the acceptor at the call center places orders in a specific area according to his personal preference.

In general, the mobile radio communication network service providers have a mobile switching center find the location of a mobile phone. When the power is on or the mobile phone moves to another cell, a corresponding BTS (Base Station Transceiver) locates the mobile phone by using a trigonometric measurement. Then the location of the mobile phone is registered to the mobile switching center and managed therein. Therefore, based on the location information of the mobile phone that is registered to the mobile switching center, it is possible to locate the mobile subscriber in a certain degree (e.g., finding a street where the mobile subscriber might be). Finding the location of the mobile phone of the caller means is closely related to the possibility of connecting the mobile subscriber's call to a branch office or chain adjacent to the mobile subscriber.

Brief Description of Drawings The above objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an Intelligent Network service;

FIG. 2 illustrates a case where a mobile phone call having an Intelligent Network service-based phone number is lost;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed network architecture of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates in detail an apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 describes a control procedure of a mobile communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 describes a control procedure of an apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call according to one embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 8 describes a signal (or a message) that is transmitted or received between apparatuses according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for automatically connecting a mobile phone call having an Intelligent Network service-based phone number to an adjacent branch office according to a requested service.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for automatically connecting a mobile phone call having an Intelligent Network service-based phone number to a user's desired branch office.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for processing an Intelligent Network call in mobile communication system, wherein the apparatus is provided with information about the location of a mobile phone and based on the location of the mobile phone, it connects the mobile phone call having an Intelligent Network service-based phone number to an adjacent branch office according to a requested service.

Technical Solution To achieve the above object, there is an apparatus for processing an Intelligent

Network call in mobile communication system, the apparatus comprising: a database for storing locations and telephone numbers of branch offices; a switch for switching signals; a central office matching unit connected to the switch, and interfacing signals between a central office (CO) with the switch; a caller information extractor connected to the switch, and extracting caller information of a mobile phone from a ring signal that is received from the central office when receiving the mobile phone call and transmitting the caller information to LBSS (Location-Based Service Server); LBSS connected to the switch, and obtaining location information of the mobile phone from LBSP (Location-Based Service Platform) of an MSC by using the caller information transmitted from the caller information extractor, processing the location information in a zip code format data, and transferring the data to a controller; controller connected to the switch, and reading from the database a telephone number of a branch office adjacent to the mobile phone on the basis of the location information provided from the LBSS and transferring the telephone number to a DTMF transmitter while holding the mobile phone call; and DTMF transmitter connected to the switch, and generating to the central office a DTMF signal corresponding to the telephone number provided from the controller, wherein after receiving a response from the adjacent branch office, the controller controls the switch to form a channel connecting the held call to the adjacent branch office. Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call in mobile communication system, the apparatus including: an MSC for receiving a mobile phone call having Intelligent Network service-based number, and transmitting the mobile phone call and caller information to PSTN; PBX (Public Branch eXchange) for receiving the mobile phone call from the MSC, analyzing the called number, and transferring the mobile phone call to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call; and LBSP (Location-Based Service Platform) for managing the location of the mobile phone, wherein after receiving the mobile phone call from the PBX, the apparatus accesses to the LBSP based on the caller information, reads from the database a telephone number of a branch office adjacent to the mobile phone, performs automatic calling while holding the mobile phone call, and after receiving a response from the branch office, connects the mobile phone call to the branch office, thereby forming a channel therebetween.

Still another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call in mobile communication system, the apparatus including: an MSC equipped with a subscriber processing unit for receiving a mobile phone call having Intelligent Network service-based number, and transmitting the mobile phone call, caller information, and information about a called party to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call; LBSP (Location-Based Service Platform) for managing the location of the mobile phone, wherein after receiving the mobile phone call from the MSC, the apparatus accesses to the LBSP based on the caller information, reads from the database a telephone number of a branch office adjacent to the mobile phone, performs automatic calling while holding the mobile phone call, and after receiving a response from the branch office, connects the mobile phone call to the branch office, thereby forming a channel therebetween. Yet anther aspect of the invention provides a method for processing an

Intelligent Network call in mobile communication system, the method including the steps of: when receiving a mobile phone call, extracting caller information of the mobile phone from a ring signal; based on the caller information, accessing to LBSP (Location- Based Service Platform) of an MSC and obtaining location information of the mobile phone; based on the extracted location information, reading from database a telephone number of a most geographically proximate branch office to the mobile phone; detecting a hook-up state of the mobile phone call, and forming a channel to the mobile phone; performing automatic calling to the telephone of the branch office and forming a channel to the branch office; and connecting the mobile phone call to the branch office and thereby, forming a channel between the mobile phone and the branch office.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for processing an Intelligent Network call includes the steps of: in a mobile phone, making a call having an Intelligent Network service-based number; in an MSC, receiving the mobile phone call and transferring to PSTN caller information of the mobile phone and information about a called party; in PBX (Public Branch eXchange) of the PSTN₅ analyzing a called number and transferring the mobile phone call to an apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call; in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, receiving the mobile phone call form the PBX, extracting the caller information, accessing to LBSP (Location-Based Service Platform) based on the caller information, and requesting a Location-Based Service of the mobile phone; in the LBSP, searching database by using the caller information, reading the location information of the mobile phone, and transmitting the location information of the mobile phone to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call; in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, searching the database by using the location information of the mobile phone provided from the LBSP, and reading a telephone number of a branch office adjacent to the mobile phone; in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, performing automatic calling to the branch office while holding the mobile phone call; and in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, connecting the mobile phone call to the branch office and thereby, forming a channel between the mobile phone and the branch office.

Still another aspect of the invention provides a method for processing an Intelligent Network call in mobile communication system, the method including steps of: in a mobile phone, making a call having an Intelligent Network service-based number; in an MSC, receiving the mobile phone call and transferring caller information of the mobile phone and information about a called party to an apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call; in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, receiving the mobile phone call from the MSC, extracting the caller information, accessing to LBSP (Location-Based Service Platform) based on the caller information, and requesting a Location-Based Service of the mobile phone; in the LBSP, searching database by using the caller information, reading the location information of the mobile phone, and transmitting the location information of the mobile phone to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call; in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, searching the database by using the location information of the mobile phone provided from the LBSP, and reading a telephone number of a branch office adjacent to the mobile phone; in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, performing automatic calling to the branch office while holding the mobile phone call; and in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, connecting the mobile phone call to the branch office and thereby, forming a channel between the mobile phone and the branch office.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail.

The present invention will describe a method for automatically forwarding a mobile phone call having an Intelligent Network service-based phone number (e.g., 080-XXX-YYYY, 15XX- YYYY) to an adjacent branch office according to a requested service. The "apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call" of the invention is provided with information about the location of a mobile phone, and based on the location information it automatically forwards the mobile phone call to an adjacent branch office according to a requested service. Here, the location information is obtained from a mobile switching center over the mobile communication network.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the network architecture of the present invention includes a mobile phone 1, a mobile communication network 2, PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 3, an apparatus for processing Intelligent Network calls 4, and branch offices (who are business subscribers) 5 and 6. Referring to FIG. 3, the mobile phone 1 enables a user to wirelessly communicate with others. Particularly in this embodiment, the mobile phone 1 is used to make a specific intelligent network call like 080-XXX-YYYY or 15XX- YYYY. The mobile communication network 2 then analyzes a called number (the intelligent network service-based phone number) from the mobile phone 1, and transfers it to the PSTN 3. In this procedure the mobile communication network 2 obtains a calling number information and transfers the mobile phone call with the calling number to the PSTN 3. The PSTN 3 transfers the mobile phone call that is transferred over the mobile communication network 2, the calling number and the called number to a corresponding apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 4. From the aspect of the PSTN 3 the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call is treated as a subscriber. On the basis of the calling number of the mobile phone 1, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 4 accesses to a mobile switching center (MSC) through a separate data circuit and obtains location information of the corresponding mobile phone 1 being saved. Then based on the location information (of the caller), the apparatus automatically forwards the call to an adjacent branch office 5 or 6 from the mobile phone 1. If the adjacent branch office makes a response, a channel connecting the mobile phone call to the branch office 5 or 6 is formed.

As another embodiment, the mobile communication network 2 analyzes a called number (Intelligent Network service-based phone number) of the mobile phone call, and transfers it to an apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 4-1. In this procedure, the mobile communication network 2 obtains a calling number information and transfers the mobile phone call with the calling number to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 4-1. From the aspect of the mobile communication network 2, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 4-1 is treated as a subscriber. On the basis of the calling number of the mobile phone 1, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 4-1 accesses to a mobile switching center (MSC) through a separate data circuit and obtains location information of the corresponding mobile phone 1 being saved. Then based on the location information (of the caller), the apparatus automatically forwards the call to an adjacent branch office 5 or 6 from the mobile phone 1. If the adjacent branch office makes a response, a channel connecting the mobile phone call to the branch office 5 or 6 is formed.

The apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 4 or 4-1 is built for an individual business, and in some cases one business may build a plurality of apparatuses for processing an Intelligent Network call. FIG. 4 illustrates in detail the network architecture of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 particularly shows a signal transfer route.

As shown FIG. 4, the architecture of the mobile communication network 2 includes a mobile phone 40, a BTS (Base Station Transceiver) 41, a BSC (Base Station Controller) 42, an MSC (Mobile Switching Center) 43, and LBSP (Location-Based Service Platform) 44. The architecture of the PSTN 3 (in FIG. 3) includes an apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45, a mobile switching center 46, and a branch office's telephone (or a branch office) 47.

Referring to FIG. 4, the mobile phone 40 is within the range of one BTS 41, and the channel and caller information of the mobile phone 40 are connected and transferred, respectively, to the MSC 43 via the BTS 41 and the BSC 42. The location of the mobile phone 40 is calculated by applying triangulation using three BTSs, a main BTS 41 where the channel is formed, and two adjacent BTSs 41-1 and 41-2. The calculated location value is transmitted to the MSC 43 via the BSC 42. Since the user moves around, carrying the mobile phone and communicates with others (circuit and packet communication), the location value of the mobile phone 40 is inevitably varied as well.

The BTS 41 connects the mobile phone 40 to the BSC 42, and wireless communicates with the mobile phone 40 while communicating with the BSC 42 over the cable network. The BSC 42 connects the BTS 41 to the MSC 43 to adjust connection between BTSs 41, and performs signal processing for communication between the BTS 41 and the MSC 43. The MSC 43 is connected to the BSC 42 through El or Tl₅ and performs call matching and call switching with the PSTN. LBSP 44 is a server installed in the MSC 43 internally or externally to locate the mobile phone 40 utilizing the location information provided from the plural BTSs. The apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 is connected to the

LBSP 44 through a separate data private line, and obtains the location information of the mobile phone 40 using the caller information of the mobile phone 40 provided from the MSC 43. Then on the basis of the location information, the apparatus automatically forwards the mobile phone call to an adjacent branch office from the mobile phone 40. Although FIG. 4 illustrates that the MSC 43 and the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 are connected directly to each other, it is also possible that the call from the MSC 43 can go through a number of PBX (Public Branch eXchange) telephone systems within the PSTN before being connected to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45. The MSC 46 is in charge of call switching within the PSTN. Here, the MSC 46 forwards the Intelligent Network call from the apparatus 45 to the telephone 47 of a corresponding branch office.

As described above, the mobile phone call (i.e., a phone call having an Intelligent Network service-based phone number) is transferred to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 via a corresponding BTS 41, a BSC 42, an MSC 43, and PBX (Public Branch eXchange) telephone system, or directly to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 from the MSC 43 using a subscriber processing unit 43-1. In this procedure, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 obtains location information of the mobile phone 40 from the LBSP 44 using the caller information that is received together with the call. Afterwards, whiling holding the mobile phone call, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 automatically forwards the call to the adjacent branch office 47 based on the location information of the mobile phone 40. If the branch office responds, the channel connecting the mobile phone call to the adjacent branch office 47 is formed. FIG. 5 depicts in detail the structure of an apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 includes a controller 500, ROM 501, RAM 502, a switch 503, a central office matching unit 504, a DTMF transmitter 505, a DTMF receiver 506, a tone generator 507, an automatic answer back 508, a caller ID extractor 509, and LBSS (Location-Based

Service Server) 510.

Referring to FIG. 5, the controller 500 controls call switching and general operations for routing an Intelligent Network call. The ROM 501 stores program data for controlling the general operation of the controller 500 and initial service data. The RAM 502 temporarily stores data generated during the execution of the program of the controller 500. Particularly in the present invention, the RAM 502 is equipped with a database similar to <Table 1> below. That is to say, the controller 500 reads from the database like <Table 1> the telephone number of a branch office adjacent to the location of the mobile phone 40 that is provided from the mobile communication network, and performs an automatic calling. If the adjacent branch office responds to the call, the controller controls the call connection process from the mobile communication network to the corresponding branch office.

The switch 503 switches signals under the control of the controller 500. The matching unit 504, also under the control of the controller 500, seizes a central office

(CO) and forms a CO call loop, thereby interfacing a signal between the CO matching unit 504 and the PBX (Public Branch eXchange). The DTMF transmitter 505 converts digital data outputted from the controller 500 to a DTMF signal, and outputs it to the switch 503. Here, the DTMF signal outputted from transmitter 505 becomes the telephone of a corresponding adjacent branch office that is read from the database like the <Table 1>. The DTMF receiver 506 analyzes the DTMF signal inputted from the switch 503, converts the signal into digital data, and outputs it to the controller 500. Here, the DTMF signal inputted to the DTMF receiver 506 from the switch 503 becomes a DTMF tone signal that is received through the central office. The tone generator 507 generates all kinds of tone signals under the control of the controller 500, and outputs them to the switch 503. The automatic answer back 508 stores guidance messages to be sent to the mobile phones and branch offices connected to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45. And under the control of the controller 500, the automatic answer back 508 reads a corresponding guidance message, converts the message into a voice signal, and outputs it to the switch 503. For example, when receiving a call, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call emits to the mobile subscriber a variety of guidance messages for convenience like "Thank you for calling. This is XXX. Your call will be connected to Haewa branch office in Seoul. If you press the # key while connecting, you will be guided to other branch offices." The automatic answer back 508 includes a voice memory and CODEC.

The caller ID extractor 509 extracts a called number that is received together with a ring signal, and a calling number (or a caller ID) among the data about the mobile phone, and transmits them to the LBSS 510. The LBSS 510 is connected to the LBSP 44 via a separate data line, and obtains the location information of the mobile phone 40 by using the calling number, and provides it to the controller 500.

More specifically, when a RING signal is received, the caller ID extractor 509 extracts out of the ring signal a calling number of the mobile phone 40, and transmits the calling number to the LBSS 510. The LBSS 510 accesses to the LBSP 44 (in FIG. 4) via a data private line, and sends a mobile phone location inquiry request. Then the LBSP 44 searches the BTS DB, generates a location inquiry result message, and transmits it to the LBSS 510 via TCP protocol. Later the LBSS 510 processes the location value of the mobile phone 40 provided from the LBSP 44 to a zip code format data, and provides it to the controller 500 according to http/post protocol system. Then the controller 500, based on the location information of the mobile phone 40, searches the DB to find an adjacent branch office to be connected. Then the controller 500 controls the switch 503 to connect the call to the automatic answer back 508. Under the control of the controller 500, the automatic answer back 508 sends a corresponding guidance message. After the guidance message is sent, the controller 500 controls the DTMF transmitter 505 and thus, performs automatic calling to the adjacent branch office. When there is a response from the adjacent branch office, the controller 500 controls the switch 503 again and forms a channel connecting the mobile phone call to the adjacent branch office.

FIG. 6 describes a control procedure of the mobile communication network 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is assumed that the following algorithm is carried out in the MSC 43 among the unit systems of the mobile communication network 2.

Referring to FIG. 6, the MSC 43 checks whether a call is received from the mobile phone 40 (S601). If the mobile phone call is received, the MSC 43 analyzes a called number (S603). If there is no mobile phone call made, the MSC 43 remains in its standby mode. After analyzing the called number, the MSC 43 checks whether the called number has an Intelligent Network service-based phone number (080-XXX- YYYY, 15XX- YYYY) (S605).

If the called number does not have the Intelligent Network service-based phone number, the MSC 43 proceeds to step 609 and performs call processing in general. On the other hand, if the called number has the Intelligent Network service-based phone number, the MSC 43 routes the call together with the ring signal, the calling number and the called number to a corresponding WAN, and then forms a channel (S 607). At this time, an Intelligent Network switch of a common carrier who received the mobile phone call routes the call over local and toll network to the apparatus for processing an

Intelligent Network call 45 having a called number per subscriber, according to the routing information (which is a regular telephone number coming after the Intelligent Network service number).

Referring again to FIG. 6, in the case that the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call is connected directly to the mobile communication network 2, the MSC 43 checks whether a call is received from the mobile phone 40 (S601). If the mobile phone call is received, the MSC 43 analyzes a called number (S603). If there is no mobile phone call made, the MSC 43 remains in its standby mode. After analyzing the called number, the MSC 43 checks whether the called number has an Intelligent Network service-based phone number (080-XXX-YYYY, 15XX-YYYY) (S605).

If the called number does not have the Intelligent Network service-based phone number, the MSC 43 proceeds to step 609 and performs call processing in general. On the other hand, if the called number has the Intelligent Network service-based phone number, the MSC 43, with help of a subscriber processing unit 43-1, routes the call together with the ring signal, the calling number and the called number to one of mobile communication subscribers, i.e., an apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45, and then forms a channel (S607).

FIG. 7 describes a control procedure of the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the controller checks whether a call is received (S701). Here, the call refers a mobile phone call having an Intelligent Network service-based phone number. When the mobile phone call is received, the controller 500, with help of the caller ID extractor 509, obtains a calling number of the mobile phone 40 that is received together with a ring signal, and gains the location information of the mobile phone 40 on the basis of the caller information. For instance, the caller information is like a caller ID, and is received with the ring signal. In other words, the caller ID extractor 509 extracts the phone number of the caller (the calling number or the caller ID) that is received during a pause of the ring signal, and then transmits it to the LBSS 510 (S703). The LBSS 510 accesses to the LBSP 44 through the data private line, and using the caller information (or the caller ID) it sends a mobile phone location inquiry request. Then the LBSP 44 searches the BTS DB, generates a location inquiry result message, and transmits it to the LBSS 510 via TCP protocol. Later the LBSS 510 processes the location value of the mobile phone 40 provided from the LBSP 44 to a zip code format data, and provides it to the controller 500 according to http/post protocol system.

Using the location information of the mobile phone 40, the controller 500 searches the DB that looks like the <Table 1> to read the phone number of an adjacent branch office (S705). Later the controller 500 detects a hook-off state of the mobile telephone call

(S707), and connects the mobile phone call to the automatic answer back 508 to send out a first guidance message (S709). For example, the first guidance message can be "Thank you for calling. This is XXX. Your call will be connected to Lotte Shopping Jamsil branch office in Seoul. If you press the # key while connecting, you will be guided to other branch offices." After sending the first guidance message, the controller 500 checks whether a tone signal (a DTMF signal) on a user's choice is received (S711). This is detected through the DTMF receiver 506.

If the tone signal is not received, the controller 500 automatically forwards the call to the telephone number of the adjacent branch office being read (S713). That is to say, the controller 500 controls the CO matching unit 504 to seize a central office, and controls the DTMF transmitter 505 to send the DTMF signal for the telephone number through the central office. Afterwards, the controller 500 controls the automatic answer back 508 to send a call waiting tone to the mobile phone 40 (S715), and checks whether a response (a hook-off signal) is made by the adjacent branch office (S717).

When the response is made, the controller 500 connects the call, which is connected to the adjacent branch office, to the automatic answer back 508 to send a second guidance message (S719). One example of the second guidance message is "This is a customer's order." Later the controller 500 connects the mobile phone call to the automatic answer back 508 to send a third guidance message (S721). Here, the third guidance message sounds like "Your call is connected." And, the controller 500 connects the mobile phone call to the adjacent branch office 47 (S723), and forms a channel between the mobile phone 40 and the adjacent branch office 47.

After forming the channel, the controller 500 checks detects a hook-on state of the mobile phone 40 or the adjacent branch office 47 to find out if the call is completed (S725). If the completion of the call is detected, the controller 500 releases the channel (or opens the calling loop) (S727).

On the other hand, if no response is made by the branch office (S717), the controller 500 checks whether a setup time has passed (S729). If it turns out that the setup time has passed, the controller 500 connects the mobile phone call to the automatic answer back 508 to send a fourth guidance message (S731) before completing the call in step 725. One example of the fourth guidance message is "I'm sorry. Your call cannot be connected. Please call again." If the setup time has not passed, the controller 500 sends out a call waiting tone (S715). However, if a tone signal is received in step 711, the controller 500 analyzes the tone signal to check whether a customer wants to be connected to another branch office (S733). If a received tone signal is not the predetermined tone signal, the controller 500 sends an error message (S741) and then the procedure returns to step 709 to send the first guidance message. In the case of connecting the mobile phone call to another branch office, the controller 500 connects the mobile phone call to the automatic answer back 508 and sends a fifth guidance message (S 735). One example of the fifth guidance message is "We will connect your call to the closest branch offices from where you are. Please press number 1 for Lotte Dept Store in Jamsil and press number 2 for Lotte Dept Store in Songpa." Later the controller 500 detects a tone signal received from a central office (S727). If the tone signal is received, the controller 500 analyzes the tone signal and confirms a corresponding branch office (S 739). Going back to step 713, the controller 500 automatically forwards the call to the branch office.

So far it has been described how the apparatus 45 of the invention processes the mobile phone call. In effect, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 processes a call from a wired telephone caller (subscriber). For example, if a call from a wired telephone caller is received, the apparatus 45 obtains the address of the caller by using an area code included in the calling number or a subscriber information of a common carrier providing a wired communication service over a specific private data network, and sends to the caller a message (a first guidance message) guiding a most geographically proximate branch office to the caller, and automatically forwards the call to the branch office. When a response from the branch office is received, the controller connects the call from the wired telephone caller to the corresponding branch office and forms a channel therebetween. Namely, only with the difference in obtaining the location of the subscriber, the procedures in both cases are same.

FIG. 8 illustrates signals (or messages) that are transmitted/received between apparatuses according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, when a customer calls the Intelligent Network service- based number using a mobile phone 40, a calling message is transmitted from the mobile phone 40 to a mobile communication network 2 (S801). As described before, the calling message is transferred to the MSC 43 via the BTS 41 and the BSC 42. Receiving the calling message, the MSC 43 confirms the called number (080-XXX- YYYY, 15XX- YYYY) included in the calling message (S 803), and routes the mobile phone call together with the called number and the calling number to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 (S805).

For example, if the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 is connected to the PSTN 3, the mobile phone call is received to the apparatus 45 via at least one PBX (Public Branch eXchange). In this case, the calling number of the mobile phone 40 and the ring signal are transferred to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45.

On the other hand, if the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 is connected to the mobile communication network 2 and if the customer uses a mobile phone 40 to call the Intelligent Network service-based number, a calling message from the mobile phone 40 is transmitted to the mobile communication network 2 (S801). The calling message is transferred to the MSC 43 via the BTS 41 and the BSC 42. Receiving the calling message, the MSC 43 confirms the called number (080-XXX-YYYY, 15XX- YYYY) included in the calling message (S803). And, according to routing information (the mobile phone number subordinated to the Intelligent Network service-based number) wherein an Intelligent Network service subscriber (or 1588 subscriber) is designated as he subscribes to an Intelligent Network number, the MSC 43 processes the mobile phone call by using the subscriber processing unit 43-1 of the MSC 43 where the mobile phone call is treated as a mobile subscriber, and routes the mobile phone call to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 having the called number (S 805). Li short, in the case that the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 is connected to the mobile communication network 2, the mobile phone call is forwarded directly to the apparatus 45 without going through the PBX 46 of the PSTN 3. In this case, the calling number of the mobile phone 40 and the ring signal are transferred together to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45.

After receiving the mobile phone call, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 extracts caller information (the calling number) of the mobile phone 40 from the ring signal (S807). And, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45, utilizing the caller information, sends a mobile phone location inquiry request to the LBSP 44 (S809). Here, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 and the LBSP 44 are connected to each other through a specific data private line, and communicates with each other based on the TCP protocol system. After receiving the request, the LBSP 44 searches the BTS DB and generates a location data inquiry result message (S811) and transmits it to the LBSS 510 via TCP protocol.

After receiving the location information from the LBSP 44, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 confirms a branch office 46 adjacent to the mobile phone 40 (S 813). And, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 detects a hook-off state of the call, and forms a channel to the mobile phone 40 (S815). Afterwards, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 performs automatic calling to the branch office (S 817), and forms a channel to the branch office 47 (S 819). The channel is formed by the response (hook-off) of the branch office 47.

Following the formation of the channel to the branch office, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 sends to the branch office 47 a guidance message (a second guidance message, i.e., "This is a customer order.") (S821). And, the apparatus 45 also sends a guidance message (a third guidance message, i.e., "Your call is connected.") to the mobile phone 40 (S823). And, the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call 45 connects the mobile phone call to the branch office 47 and thus, forms a channel between the mobile phone 40 and the branch office 47 (S 825). In this manner, the mobile phone call 40 is connected to the adjacent branch office 47.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Industrial Applicability

The present invention can be advantageously used for connecting a mobile phone call having the Intelligent Network service-based number to an adjacent branch office. Therefore, chains running on the Pay-As- You Go basis can save the expenses on the construction of a call center. Moreover, since the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call of the present invention connects not only a mobile phone call but also a call from a wired telephone caller to a corresponding branch office adjacent to the calling location, the call congestion phenomenon in a certain area only can be prevented. Also, because the mobile phone call is not lost but is safely received to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, the average revenue per unit (ARPU) of the common carrier is increased.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. An apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call in mobile communication system, the apparatus comprising: a database for storing locations and telephone numbers of branch offices; a switch for switching signals; a central office matching unit connected to the switch, and for interfacing signals between a central office (CO) with the switch; a caller information extractor connected to the switch, and for extracting caller information of a mobile phone from a ring signal that is received from the central office when receiving the mobile phone call and transmitting the caller information to LBSS (Location-Based Service Server);

LBSS connected to the switch, and for obtaining location information of the mobile phone from LBSP (Location-Based Service Platform) of an MSC by using the caller information transmitted from the caller information extractor, processing the location information in a zip code format data, and transferring the data to a controller; controller connected to the switch, and for reading from the database a telephone number of a branch office adjacent to the mobile phone on the basis of the location information provided from the LBSS and transferring the telephone number to a DTMF transmitter while holding the mobile phone call; and

DTMF transmitter connected to the switch, and generating to the central office a DTMF signal corresponding to the telephone number provided from the controller, wherein after receiving a response from the adjacent branch office, the controller controls the switch to form a channel connecting the held call to the adjacent branch office.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an automatic answer back connected to the switch, and sending guidance messages to the mobile phone and the branch office, under the control of the controller.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a DTMF receiver connected to the switch, and detecting a DTMF tone signal received from the central office and transferring the DTMF tone signal to the controller.

4. An apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call in mobile communication system, the apparatus comprising: an MSC for receiving a mobile phone call having Intelligent Network service- based number, and transmitting the mobile phone call and caller information to PSTN;

PBX (Public Branch eXchange) for receiving the mobile phone call from the MSC, analyzing the called number, and transferring the mobile phone call to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call; and

LBSP (Location-Based Service Platform) for managing the location of the mobile phone, wherein after receiving the mobile phone call from the PBX, the apparatus accesses to the LBSP based on the caller information, reads from the database a telephone number of a branch office adjacent to the mobile phone, performs automatic calling while holding the mobile phone call, and after receiving a response from the branch office, connects the mobile phone call to the branch office, thereby forming a channel therebetween.

5. An apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call in mobile communication system, the apparatus comprising: an MSC equipped with a subscriber processing unit for receiving a mobile phone call having Intelligent Network service-based number, and transmitting the mobile phone call, caller information, and information about a called party to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call;

LBSP (Location-Based Service Platform) for managing the location of the mobile phone, wherein after receiving the mobile phone call from the MSC, the apparatus accesses to the LBSP based on the caller information, reads from the database a telephone number of a branch office adjacent to the mobile phone, performs automatic calling while holding the mobile phone call, and after receiving a response from the branch office, connects the mobile phone call to the branch office, thereby forming a channel therebetween.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising: a database for storing locations and telephone numbers of branch offices; a switch for switching signals; a central office matching unit connected to the switch, and interfacing signals between a central office (CO) with the switch; a caller information extractor connected to the switch, and extracting caller information of a mobile phone from a ring signal that is received from the central office when receiving the mobile phone call and transmitting the caller information to LBSS (Location-Based Service Server);

LBSS connected to the switch, and obtaining location information of the mobile phone from the LBSP of the MSC by using the caller information transmitted from the caller information extractor, processing the location information in a zip code format data, and transferring the data to a controller; controller connected to the switch, and reading from the database a telephone number of a branch office adjacent to the mobile phone on the basis of the location information provided from the LBSS and transferring the telephone number to a DTMF transmitter while holding the mobile phone call; and

DTMF transmitter connected to the switch, and generating to the central office a DTMF signal corresponding to the telephone number provided from the controller.

7. A method for processing an Intelligent Network call in mobile communication system, the method comprising the steps of: when receiving a mobile phone call, extracting caller information of the mobile phone from a ring signal; based on the caller information, accessing to LBSP (Location-Based Service Platform) of an MSC and obtaining location information of the mobile phone; based on the extracted location information, reading from database a telephone number of a most geographically proximate branch office to the mobile phone; detecting a hook-up state of the mobile phone call, and forming a channel to the mobile phone; performing automatic calling to the telephone of the branch office and forming a channel to the branch office; and connecting the mobile phone call to the branch office and thereby, forming a channel between the mobile phone and the branch office.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the steps of: if a call connection request signal to another branch office is received from the mobile phone after the channel to the mobile phone is formed, sending to the mobile phone a guidance message, guiding to other adjacent branch offices; if a call connection request signal to a specific branch office is received from the mobile phone after the guidance message is sent, performing automatic calling to the specific branch office and forming a channel to the specific branch office; and connecting the mobile phone call to the specific branch office and thereby, forming a channel between the mobile phone and the corresponding branch office.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of: if no response from the branch office is received for setup time after the automatic calling is made to the branch office, sending to the mobile phone a guidance message informing connection failure.

10. A method for processing an Intelligent Network call in mobile communication system, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a mobile phone call and analyzing a called number; checking whether the called number has an Intelligent Network service-based number; if the called number has the intelligent Network service-based number, routing the mobile phone call, caller information, and information about a called party to PSTN or an apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call.

11. A method for processing an Intelligent Network call in mobile communication system, the method comprising the steps of: in a mobile phone, making a call having an Intelligent Network service-based number; in an MSC, receiving the mobile phone call and transferring to PSTN caller information of the mobile phone and information about a called party; in PBX (Public Branch eXchange) of the PSTN, analyzing a called number and transferring the mobile phone call to an apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call; in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, receiving the mobile phone call form the PBX, extracting the caller information, accessing to LBSP (Location-Based Service Platform) based on the caller information, and requesting a Location-Based Service of the mobile phone; in the LBSP, searching database by using the caller information, reading the location information of the mobile phone, and transmitting the location information of the mobile phone to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call; in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, searching the database by using the location information of the mobile phone provided from the LBSP, and reading a telephone number of a branch office adjacent to the mobile phone; in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, performing automatic calling to the branch office while holding the mobile phone call; and in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, connecting the mobile phone call to the branch office and thereby, forming a channel between the mobile phone and the branch office.

12. A method for processing an Intelligent Network call in mobile communication system, the method comprising the steps of: in a mobile phone, making a call having an Intelligent Network service-based number; in an MSC₅ receiving the mobile phone call and transferring caller information of the mobile phone and information about a called party to an apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call; in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, receiving the mobile phone call from the MSC, extracting the caller information, accessing to a LBSP (Location-Based Service Platform) based on the caller information, and requesting a Location-Based Service of the mobile phone; in the LBSP, searching database by using the caller information, reading the location information of the mobile phone, and transmitting the location information of the mobile phone to the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call; in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, searching the database by using the location information of the mobile phone provided from the LBSP, and reading a telephone number of a branch office adjacent to the mobile phone; in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, performing automatic calling to the branch office while holding the mobile phone call; and in the apparatus for processing an Intelligent Network call, connecting the mobile phone call to the branch office and thereby forming a channel between the mobile phone and the branch office.