Method for procuring instructions regarding a target subscriber in a telecommunication network and nodal points for this

• US 6,337,902 B1
• Filed: 12/09/1998
• Issued: 01/08/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/10/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: WSOU Investments, LLC (WSOU Holdings, LLC)
• Original Assignee: Alcatel SA (Nokia Corporation)
• Inventors: Lautenschlager, Wolfgang, Weik, Hartmut
• Primary Examiner(s): SMITH, CREIGHTON H
• Application Number:
  US09/207,663
• Time in Patent Office: 1,126 Days
• Field of Search: 379/88.16, 379/213, 379/229, 379/230, 379/207, 379/201, 379/114.28, 379/127.01, 379/213.01
• US Class Current: 379/114.28
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1307 Call setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1313 Metering, billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13204 Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13345 Intelligent networks, SCP
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1338 Inter-exchange connection
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13546 Intelligent Peripheral
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0016 Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0029 Provisions for intelligent networking

Abstract

A method for procuring instructions regarding a target subscriber in a telecommunication network, who cannot be reached via the subscriber number dialed at a source terminal (TSRC). By dialing the subscriber number at the source terminal, a connection (CON1, CON2) is established from the source terminal via a first nodal point (XSRC)—which can be connected with an intelligent network unit (SCP)—to a second nodal point (XDEST). The second nodal point sends the first nodal point an answer message that the desired subscriber number cannot be reached. The connection on a section (CON2) to the first nodal point is released, and after receiving the answer message, the first nodal point requests instructions from the intelligent network unit regarding the target subscriber unable to be reached via the dialed subscriber number. Using the instructions, the first nodal point supplies a speech announcement to the source terminal or it executes the instructions for charging. Nodal points (XSRC, XDEST) for this method are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A method for procuring instructions regarding a target subscriber in a telecommunication network who can no longer be reached via a subscriber number dialed at a source terminal, comprising:

dialing the subscriber number at the source terminal,

establishing a connection from the source terminal via a first nodal point to a second nodal point,

sending from the second nodal point to the first nodal point an answer message that the desired subscriber number cannot be reached via the second nodal point, and releasing the connection on the section from the second nodal point to the first nodal point,

sending an instruction request from the first nodal point to an intelligent network installation, after receiving the answer message, regarding the target subscriber, and then

receiving at the first nodal point the requested instructions from the intelligent network installation;

wherein, when the instructions concern charging for a call to a new subscriber number of the target subscriber, the first nodal point executes the instructions for charging.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the answer message is contained in a release message that is sent for releasing the connection on the section from the second nodal point to the first nodal point.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the answer message indicates that the dialed subscriber number cannot be reached because the subscriber number has been replaced by a new subscriber number.

4. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first nodal point requests the speech announcement from a speech announcement unit and that the speech announcement unit transmits the speech announcement to the first nodal point.

5. A nodal point for procuring instructions regarding a target subscriber in a telecommunication network who can no longer be reached via a subscriber number dialed at a source terminal, comprising:

means for making a connection, when dialing the subscriber number at the source terminal, from the source terminal through itself and to at least a second nodal point, whereby the nodal point is connected with an intelligent network unit;

means for receiving and reading an answer message sent from the second nodal point when the desired subscriber number cannot be reached via the second nodal point;

means for sending an inquiry, in response to reading said answer message, to the intelligent network unit, said inquiry requesting instructions regarding the target subscriber unable to be reached via the dialed subscriber number;

means for receiving the requested insructions from the intelligent network unit; and

means for executing said received insructions, including executing instructions concerning charging for a call to a new subscriber number of the target subscriber unable to be reached via the dialed subscriber number.

6. An intelligent network unit for providing instructions regarding a target subscriber in a telecommunication network who can no longer be reached via a subscriber number dialed at a source terminal, comprising:

means for storing instructions concerning charging for a call to a new subscriber number of the target subscriber;

means for receiving an inquiry from a nodal point requesting instructions regarding the target subscriber unable to be reached via the dialed subscriber number;

means for responding to said inquiry from said nodal point by determining said instructions for charging for said call for said new subscriber number; and

means for sending to said nodal point said instructions concerning charging for said call to said new subscriber number of the target subscriber unable to be reached via the dialed subscriber number.