Architecture and methods for inter-carrier multi-media messaging

• US 8,275,098 B2
• Filed: 09/18/2008
• Issued: 09/25/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 08/19/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sybase 365 Incorporated (SAP SE)
• Original Assignee: Sybase 365 Incorporated (SAP SE)
• Inventors: Dudley, William H., Tam, Derek Hung Kit, Farrow, James C., Beggerly, Brian Jeffery, Tsai, Kirk, Chu, William, Lovell, Robert C. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Gauthier, Gerald
• Application Number:
  US12/233,158
• Publication Number:
  US 20090104922A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,468 Days
• Field of Search: 370/389, 379/88.13, 379/221.08, 455/414.1, 455/456.3, 455/466, 455/445, 709/206, 709/232, 709/238, 709/246, 719/313, 726/24
• US Class Current: 379/88.13
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/58 Message adaptation for wireless communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/00 Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/50 for cross-charging network operators
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/55 for hybrid networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/80 Rating or billing plans; Tariff determination aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0152 General billing plans, rate plans, e.g. charge rates, numbering plans, rate centers, customer accounts
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/2026 Wireless network, e.g. GSM, PCS, TACS
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/2046 Hybrid network
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/52 Interconnection, inter-exchange, reseller billing, billing agreements between different operators, e.g. billing identifier added on the CDR in order to cross charge the other operator, inter-operator accounting, reconciliation, bill directly resellers customers
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/06 Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/12 Messaging; Mailboxes; Announcements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/18 Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/24 Accounting or billing

Abstract

Architecture and methods to provide an intermediary model for inter-carrier Multi-Media Messaging (MMS) services so that numerous wireless operators can transmit MMS messages between them. The architecture also provides for delivery, at least of notification messages, to those wireless operators who are not part of the overall inter-carrier MMS infrastructure.

Claims

1. A method for providing Multimedia Message Service (MMS) interoperability among a plurality of carriers, comprising:

receiving an MMS message from an originating carrier wherein the MMS message is intended for delivery to a recipient mobile subscriber of a destination carrier;

performing at least one processing step on aspects of the MMS message, including at least querying a carrier profile repository yielding at least a carrier profile for the destination carrier wherein the carrier profile includes at least information regarding aspects of the MMS capabilities of the destination carrier; and

responsive to at least aspects of the carrier profile (a) storing at least aspects of the MMS message for a defined period of time during which same are viewable through a portal and sending a notification message to the recipient mobile subscriber or (b) sending at least aspects of the MMS message to the destination carrier.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the carrier profile repository contains carrier profiles for a plurality of carriers.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the information regarding the aspects of the MMS capabilities of the destination carrier includes whether or not the destination carrier is a connected MMS customer.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the information regarding the aspects of the MMS capabilities of the destination carrier includes an MMS format acceptable to the destination carrier.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one processing step further comprises querying a number portability repository to determine an identity of the destination carrier.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising transcoding aspects of the MMS message in accordance with at least aspects of the carrier profile to yield a transcoded MMS message.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the portal is Web-based.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification message is a Short Message Service message.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification message is an e-mail message.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising reporting back to the originating carrier.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the reporting comprises indicating delivery of the MMS message to the recipient mobile subscriber.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the reporting comprises indicating reading of the MMS message by the recipient mobile subscriber.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the reporting comprises a billing transaction.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising a billing transaction.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the billing transaction comprises delivery of the MMS message or delivery of the notification message.

16. A method for providing Multimedia Message Service (MMS) interoperability among a plurality of carriers, comprising:

receiving an MMS message from an originating carrier wherein the MMS message is intended for delivery to a plurality of recipient mobile subscribers;

performing at least one processing step on aspects of the MMS message, including at least (a) querying a number portability repository to determine an identity of a destination carrier for each recipient mobile subscriber and (b) querying a carrier profile repository for each destination carrier that is different from the originating carrier wherein respective carrier profiles include at least information regarding aspects of MMS capabilities of corresponding destination carriers; and

responsive to at least aspects of each carrier profile, when the destination carrier for an intended recipient mobile subscriber is different from the originating carrier (a) storing at least aspects of the MMS message for a defined period of time during which same are viewable through a portal and sending a notification message to the intended recipient mobile subscriber or (b) sending aspects of the MMS message to the destination carrier of the intended recipient mobile subscriber.