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`US 20030169865Al
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`Oren
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0169865 Al
`Sep. 11, 2003
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR
`COMPLETING A CALL WHEN A CALLED
`PARTY HAS NOT ANSWERED THE CALL
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: David Oren, Melville, NY (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`ERICSSON INC.
`6300 LEGACY DRIVE
`M/S EVW2-C-2
`PLANO, TX 75024 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/094,687
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Mar. 11, 2002
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. CI.7 ...................................................... H04M 3/42
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................................ 379/207.08
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The present invention provides a method, apparatus and
`system of completing a call when a called party has not
`answered the call from a calling party. A signal indicating
`that the called party has not answered the call is detected
`(300) and the call is terminated (302). A message is pre(cid:173)
`sented to the calling party that indicates the called party has
`not answered the call and prompts the calling party to
`compose a multimedia message to be delivered to the called
`party (304). The multimedia message is then sent to a
`multimedia messaging service server ( 402) for subsequent
`delivery to the called party whenever the calling party
`completes composition of the multimedia message (308).
`This functionality can be implemented using a computer
`program embodied on a computer readable medium wherein
`each function is executed using a code segment.
`
`toO
`
`RingTone
`\.le:> .z...
`
`1----Answer---.i
`L,uB
`
`NoAnswer
`\.. /10
`
`HangUp
`l 11+
`
`BusyTone-------..i
`l tu4
`
`SendConfirm
`'- I z.o
`
`L _____ .. ,1 .. 11:5 u, - - - - -A
`
`Petitioner Exhibit 1049, Page 1 of 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Sep. 11, 2003 Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 2003/0169865 Al
`
`toO
`
`RingTone
`'-tc>z...
`
`>----Answer·--111.1
`L,us
`
`NoAnswer
`'- /IO
`
`HangUp
`'- I t+
`
`BusyTone------a.1
`l t64
`
`SendConfirm
`\. I z.o
`
`,-----BusyTon---~
`'-1,.0+
`
`2.,oO
`
`RingTone
`\.1o '2..
`
`io0
`,,,--
`------HangUp
`
`MM Notification
`\ 7-1 'l-
`
`214
`
`RetrieveConfinn"
`';2.lft
`
`{") Or, compose and send reply ...
`'-2. /'tS
`
`Petitioner Exhibit 1049, Page 2 of 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Sep. 11, 2003 Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 2003/0169865 Al
`
`"Announcement", "Busy"
`or "No Answer" Signal
`Detected
`
`102
`
`Terminate Call
`
`:]<J4
`
`Present Message to Calling Party that Indicates the
`Called Party had not Answered the Call and Prompt
`the Calling Party to Compose a Multimedia
`Message to be Delivered to the Called Party
`
`Send Multimedia Message to
`MMS Server Associated with
`the Called Party
`
`End
`
`Petitioner Exhibit 1049, Page 3 of 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Sep. 11, 2003 Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 2003/0169865 Al
`
`4oo
`Calling Party
`MMS Capable
`Terminal
`
`+a 2.
`MMS Server
`
`4-o4
`Called Party
`MSC
`
`40~
`1 - - - - - - -Ca l l - - - - - -+ - - - - - - - - - - - - . l
`
`4-0'8
`Detect Signal and
`. Terminate Call
`
`,---,,_,
`
`410
`Present Message
`and Prompt MM
`Composition
`
`412
`1----Multimedia Message-'---.i
`
`f-c>O
`Calling Party
`MMS Capable
`Terminal
`
`4-<J 2.
`MMS Server
`
`404
`Called Party
`MSC
`
`1 - - - - - - -Ca l l - . . -L . - - - - t - - - - - - - - - - - . l
`
`Detect Signal and
`Terminate Call
`
`1+-------------4--..---Signal-----1
`5"04
`::;or.,
`Present Message
`and Prompt MM
`Composition
`
`5"0((;
`1----Multimedia Message
`
`\
`
`Petitioner Exhibit 1049, Page 4 of 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Sep. 11, 2003 Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 2003/0169865 Al
`
`4-oo
`Calling Party
`MMS Capable
`Terminal
`
`4-0-z...
`MMS Server
`
`4o4
`Called Party
`MSC
`
`.
`
`r
`
`.
`
`~
`
`~{);?.'
`
`Detect Signal and
`Terminate Call
`
`.
`.....
`
`\.
`
`Invoke Signal
`~04-
`
`t-------Call
`
`r.,oo/
`
`(,Dr., '\
`
`--
`
`14:----Messa
`ge
`/' ~oe
`Present Mes sage
`and Prompt
`MM
`
`Composit1 on
`
`essage
`---Multimedia M
`
`r, to
`\;
`
`Petitioner Exhibit 1049, Page 5 of 12
`
`

`

`US 2003/0169865 Al
`
`Sep. 11,2003
`
`1
`
`METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR
`COMPLETING A CALL WHEN A CALLED PARTY
`HAS NOT ANSWERED THE CALL
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field
`of communications and, more particularly, to a method,
`apparatus and system for completing a call when a called
`party has not answered the call.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002]
`In a mobile communications system, significant
`system resources are devoted to completing a call when the
`called party does not answer the call. For example, the
`mobile service center ("MSC") associated with the called
`party or the central switch office of the network provider is
`programmed to "forward" or "divert" unanswered calls to a
`voice mail or unified messaging intelligent peripheral. These
`unanswered calls can be characterized by the generation of
`an "announcement", "busy" or "no-answer" signal. The
`voice mail or unified messaging intelligent peripheral, which
`is a cumbersome, expensive and complex network compo(cid:173)
`nent, then carries on a limited interaction with the calling
`party. The voice/unified mail intelligent peripheral com(cid:173)
`pletes the call by providing an announcement that the called
`party is unavailable and/or provides the calling party with
`the opportunity to leave a voice mail message for the called
`party. This online and timely content exchange is limited
`because message "composition" requires fairly complex
`interactions, such as "Press 1 to leave a voice message" and
`"Press 2 to leave a fax message."
`
`[0003]
`In addition, this call completion process increases
`circuit switching within the network, reduces circuit quality
`and prolongs the duration or "air-time" of the connection
`( e.g., silence, hesitation, data rate, etc.). As a result, the
`network operator incurs increased operation and mainte(cid:173)
`nance costs. In addition, the calling party and the called
`party are likely to incur additional expenses related to the
`prolonged "air-time" and the messaging service.
`
`[0004] There is, therefore, a need for a method, apparatus
`and system for completing a call when a called party has not
`answered the call that eliminates or minimizes the previ(cid:173)
`ously described problems.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0005] The present invention provides a flexible architec(cid:173)
`ture that allows the calling party's terminal to complete a
`call that has not been answered by the called party. Note that
`the present invention completes an interaction between the
`parties, rather than just completing a voice call. The func(cid:173)
`tionality provided by the present invention can be imple(cid:173)
`mented solely on the calling party's terminal or split
`between the calling party's terminal and the called party's
`MSC. As a result, a network operator's central office may
`reallocate "circuit switching" and voice channels for other
`context, while reducing real-time voice interaction con(cid:173)
`straints within the network. In addition, messaging content
`generated by the present invention is transmitted in less
`expensive "data circuit" channels, such as the Internet.
`
`[0006] For example, the present invention provides a
`method of completing a call when a called party has not
`
`answered the call from a calling party by detecting a signal
`indicating that the called party has not answered the call and
`terminating the call. A message is presented to the calling
`party that indicates the called party has not answered the call
`and prompts the calling party to compose a multimedia
`message to be delivered to the called party. The multimedia
`message is then sent to a multimedia messaging service
`server ("MMS Server") for subsequent delivery to the called
`party whenever the calling party completes composition of
`the multimedia message. As mentioned above, this method
`can implemented solely on the calling party's terminal or
`split between the calling party's terminal and the called
`party's MSC. Moreover, this method can be implemented
`using a computer program embodied on a computer readable
`medium wherein each function is executed using a code
`segment.
`
`[0007]
`In addition, the present invention provides a ter(cid:173)
`minal capable of completing a call when a called party has
`not answered the call from a calling party. The terminal
`includes means for detecting a signal indicating that the
`called party has not answered the call, terminating the call,
`and presenting a message to the calling party indicating that
`the called party has not answered the call and prompting the
`calling party to compose a multimedia message to be
`delivered to the called party. The terminal also includes
`means for sending the multimedia message to a MMS Server
`for subsequent delivery to the called party whenever the
`calling party completes composition of the multimedia mes(cid:173)
`sage.
`
`[0008] The present invention also provides a system for
`completing a call when a called party has not answered the
`call from a calling party that includes a MMS Server and a
`terminal operated by the calling party that is communicably
`coupled to the MMS Server. The terminal detects a signal
`indicating that the called party has not answered the call,
`terminates the call, and presents a message to the calling
`party indicating that the called party has not answered the
`call and prompts the calling party to compose a multimedia
`message to be delivered to the called party. The terminal
`then sends the multimedia message to the MMS Server for
`subsequent delivery to the called party whenever the calling
`party completes composition of the multimedia message.
`
`[0009] Moreover, the present invention provides a system
`for completing a call when a called party has not answered
`the call from a calling party that includes a MSC associated
`with the called party, a MMS Server and a terminal operated
`by the calling party. In a first configuration, the MSC detects
`a signal indicating that the called party has not answered the
`call, terminates the call, and sends the signal to the terminal
`to invoke a message. In a second configuration, the MSC
`detects the signal indicating that the called party has not
`answered the call, terminates the call, and sends an invoke
`message to the MMS Server. Also in the second configura(cid:173)
`tion, the MMS Server is communicably coupled to the MSC
`and sends a message to the terminal indicating that the called
`party has not answered the call in response to the invoke
`message. In both configurations, the terminal, which is
`communicably coupled to the MSC and the MMS Server,
`presents the message to the calling party and prompts the
`calling party to compose a multimedia message to be
`delivered to the called party. The terminal then sends the
`multimedia message to the MMS Server for subsequent
`
`Petitioner Exhibit 1049, Page 6 of 12
`
`

`

`US 2003/0169865 Al
`
`Sep. 11,2003
`
`2
`
`delivery to the called party whenever the calling party
`completes composition of the multimedia message.
`
`[0010] Other features and advantages of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon
`reference to the following detailed description taken in
`conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0011] For a better understanding of the invention, and to
`show byway of example how the same may be carried into
`effect, reference is now made to the detailed description of
`the invention along with the accompanying figures in which
`corresponding numerals in the different figures refer to
`corresponding parts and in which:
`
`[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a "no answer" or
`"busy" call completion process in accordance with an
`embodiment of the present invention;
`[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an "announcement"
`call completion process in accordance with an embodiment
`of the present invention;
`
`[0014] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of
`completing a call in accordance with the present invention;
`
`[0015] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a call
`completion process in accordance with one embodiment of
`the present invention;
`
`[0016] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a call
`completion process in accordance with another embodiment
`of the present invention; and
`
`[0017] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a call
`completion process in accordance with another embodiment
`of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`[0018] While the making and using of various embodi(cid:173)
`ments of the present invention are discussed in detail below,
`it should be appreciated that the present invention provides
`many applicable inventive concepts, which can be embodied
`in a wide variety of specific contexts. For example, in
`addition to telecommunications systems, the present inven(cid:173)
`tion may be applicable to other forms of communications or
`general data processing. Other forms of communications
`may include communications between networks, communi(cid:173)
`cations via satellite, or any form of communications not yet
`known to man as of the date of the present invention. The
`specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustra(cid:173)
`tive of specific ways to make and use the invention and do
`not limit the scope of the invention.
`
`[0019] The present invention provides a flexible architec(cid:173)
`ture that allows the calling party's terminal to complete a
`call that has not been answered by the called party. Note that
`the present invention completes an interaction between the
`parties, rather than just completing a voice call. The func(cid:173)
`tionality provided by the present invention can be imple(cid:173)
`mented solely on the calling party's terminal or split
`between the calling party's terminal and the called party's
`MSC. As a result, a network operator's central office may
`reallocate "circuit switching" and voice channels for other
`context, while reducing real-time voice interaction con-
`
`straints within the network. In addition, messaging content
`generated by the present invention is transmitted in less
`expensive "data circuit" channels, such as the Internet.
`
`[0020] The present invention operates within a multimedia
`messaging service environment ("MMSE"), which may
`comprise fixed networks, mobile networks, Global System
`for Mobile Communications ("GSM") second generation
`("2G") mobile networks, 3G mobile networks and Internet/
`IP networks. The MMSE provides users with the ability to
`view, compose and handle multimedia messages (e.g., sub(cid:173)
`mitting,
`receiving, deleting of multimedia messages)
`through an efficient packet-data bearer. Multimedia mes(cid:173)
`sages consist of one or more media elements, such as text,
`voice, image and video, and it is the combination of these
`media elements in an ordered synchronized manner that
`creates a multimedia presentation, which is also referred to
`as multimedia content. The MMSE provides all the neces(cid:173)
`sary service elements, e.g. delivery, storage and notification
`functionality. These service elements may be located within
`one network or distributed across several networks or net(cid:173)
`work types. The MMSE includes one or more multimedia
`messaging centers ("MMC"), which include at least a MMS
`Server a message storage device. The MMC is responsible
`for storage and handling of incoming and outgoing messages
`and for the transfer of messages between different messag(cid:173)
`ing systems.
`
`[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, a diagram illustrating a "no
`answer" or "busy" call completion process in accordance
`with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. A
`calling party initiates a call using a terminal as indicated by
`state 100. The terminal can be a handheld device or handset,
`such as a personal data assistant ("PDA"), mobile phone or
`combination thereof, which has multimedia capability. The
`terminal or other network element senses a ring tone 102 or
`a busy tone 104. A ring tone 102 will place the terminal or
`network element in a wait state 106. Thereafter, the terminal
`or network element will sense an answer 108 or a no answer
`110. If the called party answers 108 the call, the call is
`completed and the parties "talk" as indicated by state 112.
`When one of the parties "hangs up"l14, the call is termi(cid:173)
`nated and the process is done as indicated by state 116.
`
`[0022] On the other hand, a busy tone 104 or a no answer
`110 will terminate the call and place the terminal or network
`element in a message state 118. In the message state 118, the
`calling party is given the opportunity to compose a multi(cid:173)
`media message that will be delivered to the called party. A
`multimedia message as observed by a called or calling party
`is a combination of one or more different media elements in
`a multimedia presentation that can be transferred between
`the parties without having to be transferred in real time. If
`the calling party completes the multimedia message, the
`multimedia message is sent 120 and a confirmation that the
`appropriate network element received the multimedia mes(cid:173)
`sage is received, which will complete the process 116. If,
`however, the calling party does not complete the multimedia
`message or "hangs up", the process is also terminated 116.
`
`[0023] Now referring to FIG. 2, a diagram illustrating an
`"announcement" call completion process in accordance with
`an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this
`case, the called party has selected an announcement, which
`is a default message or composed a pre-canned multimedia
`message (e.g., I'm traveling over here ... picture), to be
`
`Petitioner Exhibit 1049, Page 7 of 12
`
`

`

`US 2003/0169865 Al
`
`Sep. 11,2003
`
`3
`
`delivered to a calling party on a no-answer signal. The
`announcement may provide information and/or an optional
`redirection address for the reply ( e.g., "e-mail, "follow me",
`etc.). When the called party's terminal is unreachable, a
`network element triggers delivery of the announcement to
`the calling party. The announcement may offer to have a
`multimedia message reply or just state some fact.
`[0024] A calling party initiates a call using a terminal as
`indicated by state 200. The terminal or other network
`element senses a ring tone 202 or a busy tone 204, either of
`which will place the terminal or network element in a wait
`state 206. If the calling party "hangs up"208 before the
`announcement is triggered the call is terminated and the
`process is done as indicated by state 210. If, however, the
`announcement is triggered 212 (MM notification), the ter(cid:173)
`minal or network element presents the announcement to the
`calling party as indicated by state 214. Once the announce(cid:173)
`ment is presented, a confirmation that the terminal received
`the multimedia message is sent 216 and the process is
`terminated 210. The calling party may be given the oppor(cid:173)
`tunity to compose a multimedia message that will be deliv(cid:173)
`ered to the called party 218 as a reply to the retrieved
`announcement. If the calling party completes the multimedia
`message, the multimedia message is sent and a confirmation
`that the appropriate network element received the multime(cid:173)
`dia message is received, which will complete the process
`210. If, however, the calling party does not complete the
`multimedia message or "hangs up", the process is also
`terminated 210.
`
`[0025] Referring now to FIG. 3, a flow chart illustrating
`a method of completing a call in accordance with the present
`invention is shown. The process begins with a signal indi(cid:173)
`cating that the called party has not answered the call is
`detected in block 300. The signal can be an "announcement"
`signal, a "busy" signal, a "no answer" signal or any other
`similar signal. The signal can be generated by a network
`element, such as the MSC associated with the called party,
`or by the terminal operated by the calling party. The call is
`then terminated in block 302 by the appropriate device
`(MSC or terminal). Thereafter, a message is presented to the
`calling party indicating that the called party has not
`answered the call and prompting the calling party to com(cid:173)
`pose a multimedia message to be delivered to the called
`party in block 304. The message can be: (1) generated by the
`terminal in response to the signal, which is generated by the
`terminal or by the MSC associated with the called party, or
`(2) received from a MMS Server as a result of an invoke
`message from the MSC associated with the called party. In
`addition, the message can be a default message or a cus(cid:173)
`tomized message as determined by the calling party ( a
`terminal preference), the called party (the announcement) or
`a network element (MMS Server or MSC associated with
`the called party). The message may contain one or more
`multimedia elements.
`
`[0026]
`If the calling party completes composition of the
`multimedia message, as determined in decision block 306,
`the multimedia message is sent to a MMS Server for
`subsequent delivery to the called party in block 308 and the
`process ends in block 310. The MMS Server stores the
`multimedia message if the MMS Server is also associated
`with the called party, or it forwards the multimedia message
`to the MMS Server associated with the called party for
`storage. The appropriate MMS Server sends a notification to
`
`the called party that the multimedia message has been
`received and is ready for delivery. As previously mentioned,
`the multimedia message may include text, pictures and
`audio files. The MMS Server may also send a confirmation
`to the terminal indicating successful receipt of the multime(cid:173)
`dia message. Alternatively, the multimedia message may be
`sent to another destination, such as an e-mail address. In
`addition, the multimedia message may be set for deferred
`delivery on a later schedule, which may be selected by the
`network operator (e.g., low cost, low priority, quality of
`service parameters, service plan, etc.), by the called party
`(e.g., "I'll be back from my honeymoon on ... ", etc.) or by
`the calling party (e.g., a "birthday card", etc.). Likewise, the
`multimedia message may be set for expedited or "rush"
`delivery on an earlier schedule. If, however, the calling party
`does not complete composition of the multimedia message
`or "hangs up", as determined in decision block 306, the
`process ends in block 310.
`[0027] Now referring to FIG. 4, a sequence diagram
`illustrating a call completion process in accordance with one
`embodiment of the present invention is shown. This
`sequence represents a system that includes a terminal 400, a
`MMS Server 402 and a MSC 404, all of which are com(cid:173)
`municably coupled to one another as indicated by the
`message flows illustrated. The terminal 400, which is mul(cid:173)
`timedia service capable and operated by the calling party,
`initiates a call 406 to the called party. The call 406 is directed
`though the communications network to a MSC 404 associ(cid:173)
`ated with the called party. The terminal 400 detects a signal
`indicating that the called party has not answered the call and
`terminates the call 406 in process step 408. The signal can
`be an "announcement" signal, a "busy" signal, a "no
`answer" signal or any other similar signal. The terminal 400
`then presents a message to the calling party indicating that
`the called party has not answered the call and prompts the
`calling party to compose a multimedia message to be
`delivered to the called party in process step 410. The
`message is generated by the terminal 400 in response to the
`signal, which is also generated by the terminal 400. In
`addition, the message can be a default message or a cus(cid:173)
`tomized message as determined by the calling party ( a
`terminal 400 preference). The message may contain one or
`more multimedia elements.
`[0028]
`If the calling party completes composition of the
`multimedia message in process 410, the multimedia mes(cid:173)
`sage 412 is sent to a MMS Server 402 for subsequent
`delivery to the called party. The MMS Server 402 stores the
`multimedia message 412 if the MMS Server 402 is also
`associated with the called party, or it forwards the multime(cid:173)
`dia message 412 to a MMS Server associated with the called
`party for storage. The appropriate MMS Server 402 sends a
`notification to the called party that the multimedia message
`412 has been received and is ready for delivery. As previ(cid:173)
`ously mentioned, the multimedia message 412 may include
`text, pictures and audio files. The MMS Server 402 may also
`send a confirmation to the terminal 400 indicating successful
`receipt of the multimedia message 412. In addition, the
`multimedia message may be set for deferred delivery on a
`later schedule, which may be selected by the network
`operator (e.g., low cost, low priority, quality of service
`parameters, service plan, etc.), by the called party ( e.g., "I'll
`be back from my honeymoon on ... ", etc.) or by the calling
`party ( e.g., a "birthday card", etc.). Likewise, the multimedia
`message may be set for expedited or "rush" delivery on an
`
`Petitioner Exhibit 1049, Page 8 of 12
`
`

`

`US 2003/0169865 Al
`
`Sep. 11,2003
`
`4
`
`earlier schedule. If, however, the calling party does not
`complete composition of the multimedia message in process
`410 or "hangs up" the process ends. Note that the means for
`implementing the process described above within the ter(cid:173)
`minal 400 may be accomplished via hardware, software, or
`a combination thereof.
`
`[0029] Referring now to FIG. 5, a sequence diagram
`illustrating a call completion process in accordance with
`another embodiment of the present invention is shown. This
`sequence represents a system that includes a terminal 400, a
`MMS Server 402 and a MSC 404, all of which are com(cid:173)
`municably coupled to one another as indicated by the
`message flows illustrated. The terminal 400, which is mul(cid:173)
`timedia service capable and operated by the calling party,
`initiates a call 500 to the called party. The call 500 is directed
`though the communications network to a MSC 404 associ(cid:173)
`ated with the called party. The MSC 404 detects a signal
`indicating that the called party has not answered the call and
`terminates the call 500 in process step 502. The signal can
`be an "announcement" signal, a "busy" signal, a "no
`answer" signal or any other similar signal. The MSC 404
`then sends the signal 504 to the terminal 400. The terminal
`400 then presents a message to the calling party indicating
`that the called party has not answered the call in response to
`the signal 504 and prompts the calling party to compose a
`multimedia message to be delivered to the called party in
`process step 506 The message is generated by the terminal
`400 in response to the signal. In addition, the message can
`be a default message or a customized message as determined
`by the calling party (a terminal 400 preference). The mes(cid:173)
`sage may contain one or more multimedia elements.
`
`[0030]
`If the calling party completes composition of the
`multimedia message in process step 506, the multimedia
`message 508 is sent to a MMS Server 402 for subsequent
`delivery to the called party. The MMS Server 402 stores the
`multimedia message 508 if the MMS Server 402 is also
`associated with the called party, or it forwards the multime(cid:173)
`dia message 508 to a MMS Server associated with the called
`party for storage. The appropriate MMS Server 402 sends a
`notification to the called party that the multimedia message
`508 has been received and is ready for delivery. As previ(cid:173)
`ously mentioned, the multimedia message 508 may include
`text, pictures and audio files. The MMS Server 402 may also
`send a confirmation to the terminal 400 indicating successful
`receipt of the multimedia message 508. Alternatively, the
`multimedia message 508 may be sent to another destination,
`such as an e-mail address. In addition, the multimedia
`message may be set for deferred delivery on a later schedule,
`which may be selected by the network operator (e.g., low
`cost, low priority, quality of service parameters, service
`plan, etc.), by the called party (e.g., "I'll be back from my
`honeymoon on ... ", etc.) or by the calling party (e.g., a
`"birthday card", etc.). Likewise, the multimedia message
`may be set for expedited or "rush" delivery on an earlier
`schedule. If, however, the calling party does not complete
`composition of the multimedia message in process step 506
`or "hangs up" the process ends.
`
`[0031] Now referring to FIG. 6, a sequence diagram
`illustrating a call completion process in accordance with
`another embodiment of the present invention is shown. This
`sequence represents a system that includes a terminal 400, a
`MMS Server 402 and a MSC 404, all of which are com(cid:173)
`municably coupled to one another as indicated by the
`
`message flows illustrated. The terminal 400, which is mul(cid:173)
`timedia service capable and operated by the calling party,
`initiates a call 600 to the called party. The call 600 is directed
`though the communications network to a MSC 404 associ(cid:173)
`ated with the called party. The MSC 404 detects a signal
`indicating that the called party has not answered the call and
`terminates the call 600 in process step 602. The signal can
`be an "announcement" signal, a "busy" signal, a "no
`answer" signal or any other similar signal. The MSC 404
`then sends an invoke message 604 to the MMS Server 402.
`The MMS Server 402 sends a message 606 indicating that
`the called party has not answered the call to the terminal 400
`in response to the invoke message. The message can be a
`default message or a customized message as determined by
`the called party (the announcement) or a network element
`(MMS Server 402 or MSC 404 associated with the called
`party). The message may contain one or more multimedia
`elements. The terminal 400 then presents the message 606 to
`the calling party and prompts the calling party to compose
`a multimedia message to be delivered to the called party in
`process step 608.
`[0032]
`If the calling party completes composition of the
`multimedia message in process step 608, the multimedia
`message 610 is sent to a MMS Server 402 for subsequent
`delivery to the called party. The MMS Server 402 stores the
`multimedia message 610 if the MMS Server 402 is also
`associated with the called party, or it forwards the multime(cid:173)
`dia message 610 to a MMS Server associated with the called
`party for storage. The appropriate MMS Server 402 sends a
`notification to the called party that the multimedia message
`610 has been received and is ready for delivery. As previ(cid:173)
`ously mentioned, the multimedia message 610 may include
`text, pictures and audio files. The MMS Server 402 may also
`send a confirmation to the terminal 400 indicating successful
`receipt of the multimedia message 610. Alternatively, the
`multimedia message 610 may be sent to another destination,
`such as a redirection address provided in the message 606
`for the reply ( e.g., "e-mail", "follow me", etc.). In addition,
`the multimedia message may be set for deferred delivery on
`a later schedule, which may be selected by the network
`operator (e.g., low cost, low priority, quality of service
`parameters, service plan, etc.), by the called party ( e.g., "I'll
`be back from my honeymoon on ... ", etc.) or by the calling
`party ( e.g., a "birthday card", etc.). Likewise, the multimedia
`message may be set for expedited or "rush" delivery on an
`earlier schedule. If, however, the calling party does not
`complete composition of the multimedia message in process
`step 608 or "hangs up" the process ends.
`[0033] The embodiments and examples set forth herein are
`presented to best explain the present invention and its
`practical application and to thereby enable those skilled in
`the art to make and utilize the invention. However, those
`skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing descrip(cid:173)
`tion and examples have been presented for the purpose of
`illustration and example only. The description as set forth is
`not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
`precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations
`are possible in light of the above teaching without departing
`from the spirit and scope of the following claims.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A method of completing a call when a called party has
`