WO2002096076A1

WO2002096076A1 - Voice attachment to an email using a wireless communication device

Info

Publication number: WO2002096076A1
Application number: PCT/US2002/021634
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vincent Chern
Original assignee: Leap Wireless International, Inc.
Priority date: 2001-03-29
Filing date: 2002-03-28
Publication date: 2002-11-28

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a multimedia electronic (mail) system and method for sending a voice message to an email recipient. The multimedia mail system includes a wireless communications network (220), at least one wireless communication device (115), an interactive voice response server (110) for converting the voice message to a digitally stored audio file, and an email server (105) for sending the audio file to the email recipient. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of communicatively connecting to a first server over the wireless communications network (220), selecting an option to send the audio file to the email recipient, communicatively connecting to a second server over the wireless communications network (220), recording the audio file on the second server, and sending the audio file to the email recipient.

Description

VOICE ATTACHMENT TO AN EMAIL USING A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to radio and/or wireless

communications. In particular, the present invention pertains to a system and method

for providing improved electronic mail services to users of a wireless communication

device.

Background of the Invention

[0003] The advent of wireless personal communications devices has revolutionized

the telecommunications industry. Cellular, Personal Communications Service (PCS)

and other services provide wireless personal communications to businesses and

individuals at home, in the office, on the road, and any other locations the wireless

network reaches.

[0004] Wireless telephone subscribers no longer have to use pay telephones along

the road, or wait until they return home or to the office to check messages and return

important business calls. Instead, wireless subscribers carry out their day to day business from their cars, from the jobsite, while walking along the airport concourse,

and just about anywhere their signals are accessible.

[0005] Thus, it is no surprise that since the introduction of the cellular telephone

service, the number of wireless telephone subscribers has increased steadily. Today,

the number of wireless telephone subscribers is staggering and still growing rapidly. In

fact, many households have multiple wireless telephones in addition to their

conventional land-line services.

[0006] With a market of this size, there is fierce competition among hardware

manufacturers and service providers. In an attempt to lure customers, most providers

offer handsets with desirable features or attributes such as small size, light weight,

longer battery life, speed dial, and so forth. Many recent additions to the marketplace

include multi-functional handsets that even provide pocket-organizer functions and

electronic mail (email) and Internet access integrated into the wireless handset. Most

manufacturers, however, are still scrambling to add new features to their

communication devices to snare a portion of this booming market.

[0007] Access to email is an important new feature in wireless handsets today. To

use this feature, users dial into their email servers. The email can be read on a small

screen on the wireless handset. Alternatively, if the email contains a sound file, or a

link to a sound file, the sound file can be played over the speakers) of the wireless

handset. Users can also reply to email using their wireless handsets. Because of the

limited size of these handsets, a method for inputting responses other than the common

typing keyboard had to be devised. Typically, letters are input based on the traditional telephone keypad. For example, the letters A, B, and C are input by pushing the "2"

pushbutton; D, E, and F are input by pushing the "3" pushbutton, and so on. The

multiple letters associated with a single pushbutton are differentiated by pushing the

same pushbutton repeatedly. For example, D is input by pushing "2" once, E is input by

pushing "2" twice, and F is input by pushing "2" three times. As another example, MIKE

would be input by the following series of pushbuttons: 6, 4-4-4, 5-5, 3-3.

[0008] This method of inputting typed email content, however, is cumbersome. Given

the small keypads included on most wireless communication devices, extensive data

input may be time-intensive and may lead to errors in the email content. Accordingly,

there is a need for a system and method for providing improved electronic mail services

to users of a wireless communication device.

Objects of the Invention

[0009] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide users of a wireless

communication device with an improved system and method for using electronic mail

with a wireless communication device.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for attaching

an audio file to an electronic mail message.

[0011] Another ob\ect of the present invention is to provide a wireless

communications system that enables a user of a wireless communication device to

attach an audio file to an electronic mail message. [0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a convenient and

simple method for sending an electronic mail message with a voice mail attachment.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for sending an

electronic mail message with an attached digital audio file or a link to a digital audio file.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia electronic

mail system over a wireless communications network.

[0015] Additional objects and advantages of the present invention are set forth, in

part, in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent to one of ordinary skill

in the art from the description and/or from the practice of the present invention.

Summary of the Invention

[0016] The invention is a system and method directed toward allowing the user of a

wireless communication device with email access to send email with a voice mail

attachment in the form of a digital audio file or a link to a digital audio file that is sent

over the email system.

[0017] The wireless handset user can send email that contains an audio file rather

than text only. After the user selects to send an audio attachment, the user inputs an

audio signal (typically, voice) into the handset microphone. This audio signal is

transmitted to the voice mail server. The server converts the voice message to a digital

file. After the user is finished transmitting the sound signal, the user can send the

newly created digital audio file directly as an attachment to the email, or the user can

send a link to the file for streaming web delivery of the file. Then the user can disconnect from the server or select other options. The user can send an audio file

attachment to a new email addressee or as a response to an email received by the

user. That is, the user can create a new email to be sent and attach an audio file. The

user can also send an audio file attachment as a response to an email containing an

audio file attachment.

[0018] In one embodiment, the present invention is a method for sending an audio file

to an electronic mail (email) recipient over a wireless communications network from a

user of a wireless communication device. The method may comprise the steps of

communicatively connecting to a first server over the wireless communications network;

selecting an option to send the audio file to the email recipient; communicatively

connecting to a second server over the wireless communications network; recording the

audio file on the second server; and sending the audio file to the email recipient.

[0019] In another embodiment, the present invention is a multimedia electronic mail

(email) system for sending a voice message to an email recipient. The system of the

present invention may comprise a wireless communications network capable of

supporting audio and data transmission; and a wireless communication device in

communication with the wireless communications network, the wireless communication

device comprising: a receiver for receiving email text; a display for displaying the email

text to a user of the wireless communication device; and audio input/output means for

receiving audio input and delivering audio output. The system further comprises

converting means for converting the voice message to a digitally stored audio file,

wherein the converting means is in communication with the wireless communication device over the wireless communications network; and mailing means for sending the

audio file to the email recipient, wherein the mailing means is in communication with the

wireless communication device over the wireless communications network.

[0020] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the

following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not

restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are

incorporated herein by reference, and which constitute a part of this specification,

illustrate certain embodiments of the invention, and together with the detailed

description serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying

drawings:

[0022] Fig. 1 is a top level block diagram illustrating an example system architecture

according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example implementation of a wireless _.

communications network according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a wireless handset mobile telecommunication

device and base station according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Fig. 4 is a top level block diagram of a conventional wireless Web architecture

as presently known in the art; [0026] Fig. 5 is a top level block diagram of a conventional wireless telephone

architecture as presently known in the art;

[0027] Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a system architecture according to an

embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example communication flow between

components of the system architecture according to an embodiment of the present

invention;

[0029] Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example communication flow between

components of an architecture for providing audio items to a wireless (device according

to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example communication flow between

components of the system architecture according to an embodiment of the present

invention;

[0031] Figs. 10a-d are block diagrams illustrating a detailed process flow according to

an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Fig. 11 is a block diagram of a user interface for a wireless communication

device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033] Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a general process flow according to an

embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to a preferred embodiment of the

multimedia electronic mail (email) system 10 of the present invention, an example of

which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Fig. 1 is a top level block diagram illustrating an example system architecture

according to one embodiment of the multimedia email system 10 of the present

invention. The multimedia email system 10 includes a wireless communications

network (not shown), a World Wide Web (WWW)/Email server 105, an Interactive Voice

Response (IVR) server 110, and at least one wireless communication device (WCD)

115.

[0036] The WWW/Email server 105 is communicatively coupled with the IVR server

110 and the WCD 115. In one embodiment, the WWW/Email server 105 and the IVR

server 110 can be housed in a common platform means, such as, for example, a

computer. Alternatively, the WWW/Email server 105 and the IVR server 110 can each

reside on a separate computer. The WCD 115 is communicatively coupled with the

WWW/Email server 105 and the IVR server 110 over the wireless communications

network.

[0037] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example implementation of a wireless

communications network 205 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The wireless communications network 205 may comprise at least one base transceiver

station (BTS) 220, at least one base station controller (BSC) 225, and at least one

mobile switching center (MSC) 230. The WCD 115 may communicate with public networks 235 through the MSC 230 of the wireless communications network 205.

Examples of the public networks 235 that the MSC 230 may interface with include, but

are not limited to, an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) 240, a Public Switched

Telephone Network (PSTN) 245, a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) 250 and a

Packet Switched Public Data Network (PSPDN) 255. The wireless communications

network 205 may comprise a cellular network, a GSM network, a PCS network, or any

other wireless or radio communication network.

[0038] Generally, the WCD 115 is the mobile equipment or phone carried by a user of

the wireless communications network 205. The BTS 220 interfaces with multiple WCDs

115 and manages the radio transmission paths between the WCDs 115 and the BTS

220. The BSC 225 manages the communication flow between a WCD 115 and the

multiple BTSs 220. For example, the BSC 225 handles communication traffic with the

MSC 230. As described above, the MSC 230 may interface with a plurality of public

networks 235.

[0039] The WCD 115 can communicate with the BTS 220 using a standardized radio

air interface, colloquially referred to as the "Urn" interface. The BTS 220 is typically

within a geographic area known as a "cell" and handles communications for all wireless

devices within the cell. The BTS 220 is usually in the center of the cell and consists of

one or more radio transceivers with an antenna. The BTS 220 establishes radio links

and handles radio communications over the Urn interface with the WCDs 115 within the

cell. The transmitting power of the BTS 220 defines the size of the cell. Each BSC 225

can manage multiple (as many as hundreds) of the BTSs 220. The BTS/BSC communication may take place over a standardized interface, which is specified by the

industry to be standardized for all manufacturers. The BSC 225 may allocate and

manage radio channels and control the handover of calls between the BTSs 220.

[0040] The BSCs 225 communicate with the MSC 230 over a standardized interface.

The MSC 230 may manage communications between two mobile subscribers at

separate WCDs 115. Additionally, the MSC 225 may manage communications

between mobile subscribers at a WCD 115 and a second party in one of the public

networks 235. Details of the wireless communication network 205 are presented for

illustrative purposes only and implementation of the invention is not dependent on any

particular wireless communication network.

[0041] One embodiment of the WCD 115 and the BTS 220 is illustrated in Fig. 3. In

the preferred embodiment, the WCD 115 is a wireless phone. The WCD 115 may

comprise a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) phone, a cdma2000 phone, a 3G

phone, a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) phone, and/or any other wireless

communication device suitable for voice and data communication over the wireless

communications network 205. The WCD 115 typically includes an antenna 910, a

transceiver 915, a baseband processor 940, a controller 935, and a user interface 945.

As discussed, the WCD 15 is configured to communicate with other communications

devices, such as the BTS 220.

[0042] The transceiver 915 includes a transmitter 925 that transmits voice and data

information via the antenna 910 to a recipient communication device such as, for

example, a BTS 220. The transceiver 915 also includes a receiver 920 that receives voice and data information from another communication device (e.g., BTS 220). The

received voice and data information is provided to the user or used to facilitate device

operation.

[0043] In one embodiment, the multimedia email system 10 further includes a call

detector 950, as shown in Fig. 3. In the preferred embodiment, the call detector 950 is

a caller ID system used to identify the user of the WCD 115. The call detector 950

includes an antenna 955 for transmitting and receiving caller identification information,

a receiver 960 for receiving voice and data information from another communication

device, and a call indicator 965, such as, for example, an LED screen, for indicating the

information about the incoming call. In the preferred embodiment, the call detector 950

is part of the IVR server 110. Alternatively, the call detector 950 may be housed

separate from, but in communication with, the IVR server 110.

[0044] An embodiment of the user interface 945 of the WCD 115 is shown in Fig. 11.

Typically, the user interface 945 will include a keypad 1100 for controlling the device

and data entry, a display 1110 for displaying relevant information to the user, a

microphone 1130 for receiving audio input, and a speaker 1120 for delivering audio

output, as shown in Fig. 11. The microphone 1130 accepts voice or other audio input

from the user and converts this information into electrical signals that can be

transmitted by the transceiver 915. Likewise, the speaker 1120 converts electrical

signals received by the transceiver 915 into audio information that can be heard by a

user of the WCD 115. The display 1110 shows information such as call information,

email text information, keypad entry information, signal presence and strength information, battery life information, or any other information useful to the user. The

WCD 115 and the display 1110 may be adapted to present text to the user by means of

a wireless markup language, such as, for example, wireless application protocol (WAP)

and/or handheld device markup language (HDML). The display 1110 preferably takes

the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD), which has low power consumption

characteristics, but could also be implemented as a light emitting diode (LED) display or

any other appropriate visual indicator.

[0045] The keypad 1100 typically includes an alphanumeric keypad and may also

include special function keys. In one embodiment, the keypad 1110 is backlit to permit

viewing of the keys in low light or dark conditions. The WCD 115 may also include a flip

panel (not shown) that can be closed to conceal some or all of the keypad 1100.

[0046] The user utilizes the user interface 945 to generate information to be

transmitted back to the other party to the communication link. The user interface 945

transforms the user input into electrical signals to be used by the WCD 115. The

transformed electrical signals are coupled from the user interface 945 to the baseband

processor 940, as shown in Fig. 3. The baseband processor 940 formats the electrical

signals. The baseband processor 940 may filter, amplify, and modulate the user signals

into specified formats. The formatted signals are then coupled to the transmitter 925.

[0047] The transmitter 925 filters, amplifies, and converts the signal. The transmitter

925 then couples the resultant RF signal to the duplexer 930, which couples the signal

to the antenna 910. The transmitted signal then propagates from the antenna 910 to

the BTS 220. [0048] A power source (not shown) provides power to the various components of the

WCD 115. Any suitable power source may be utilized, but a rechargeable lithium ion

battery is preferable. In one embodiment, the battery is implemented as an easily

removable and exchangeable battery pack. Power may also be provided by an

external cable that plugs into a mating slot in the WCD 115, either to recharge the

battery or to act independently as a power source.

[0049] The WCD 115 may further include a subscriber identity module (SIM) 215, as

shown in Fig. 2. The SIM 215 may be a memory device that stores identification

information about the subscriber of the multimedia email system 10 and/or the WCD

115. The SIM 215 may be implemented as a smart card or as a plug-in module that

activates service from any WCD 115. Among the information stored on the SIM 215

may be a unique International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) that identifies the

subscriber to wireless communication network 205, and an International Mobile

Equipment Identity (IMEl) that uniquely identifies the mobile equipment. Alternatively, a

unique identifier for the mobile WCD 115 may be the telephone number for the WCD

115. Other information, such as, for example, a personal identification number (PIN)

and billing information, may be stored on the SIM 215.

[0050] Fig. 4 is a top level block diagram of a conventional wireless Web architecture

as presently known in the art. The WCD 115 is connected to the WWW/Email server

105 through a wireless communications network including a BTS 220. The WCD 115

communicates with the WWW/Email server 105 in data mode, which allows for the

exchange of data in discrete packets. [0051] Fig. 5 is a top level block diagram of a conventional wireless telephone

architecture as presently known in the art. The WCD 115 is connected to a telephone

exchange 405 through a wireless communications network including a BTS 220. The

WCD 115 communicates through the telephone exchange 405 in voice mode, which

provides a dedicated circuit for audio communications between the WCD 115 and the

device with which it is temporarily connected.

[0052] Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example architecture for attachment of

a voice message to an email message sent with the WCD 115 according to an

embodiment of the present invention. The WCD 115 is connected to the WWW/Email

server 105 through the wireless communications network 205, including the BTS 220.

The WCD 115 communicates with the WWW/Email server 105 in data mode, which

allows the user of the WCD 115 to navigate through an electronic mail account

provided by the server. When the user of the WCD 115 selects an option for attaching

a voice file to an electronic mail, the WCD 115 disconnects from the WWW/Email server

105 and connects to the IVR server 110. The connection between the WCD 115 and

the IVR server 110 is in voice mode, which provides a dedicated circuit for audio

communication between the WCD 115 and the IVR server 110. As previously

mentioned, the WWW/Email server 105 and the IVR server 110 may be housed

together in a single unit 505.

[0053] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example communication flow between

components of an architecture for sending an audio attachment to an email on the

WCD 115 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Once the WWW/Email server 105 instructs the WCD 115 to disconnect and connect to the IVR

server 110, the WWW/Email server 105 notifies the IVR server 110 of the pending

connection with the WCD 115. To notify the IVR server 110, the WWW/Email server

105 sends certain information to the IVR server 110. For example, the WWW/Email

server 105 may send information that uniquely identifies the WCD 115 by its user

identification (UID). In one embodiment, the UID may be the telephone number for the

WCD 115.

[0054] Communication between the WWW/Email server 105 and the IVR server 110

can be direct inter-process communication or network based communication. For

example, if the WWW/Email server 105 and the IVR server 110 are housed in a single

computer 505, then inter-process communication may be advantageously used by the

WWW/Email server 105 to notify the IVR server 110 of the pending connection from

WCD 115.

[0055] In addition to passing the UID, the WWW/Email server 105 can also pass a

command to the IVR server 110 to record an audio file from the WCD 115. In this

manner, when the IVR server 110 receives the connecting call from the WCD 115, it

informs the user that it is ready to record the audio file for attachment.

[0056] Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example communication flow between

components of an architecture for providing audio to the WCD 115 according to one

embodiment of the present invention. Once the user of the WCD 115 has selected the

option for an audio attachment to an electronic mail, the WWW/Email server 105

instructs the WCD 115 to terminate the data mode connection and establish a voice mode connection with the IVR server 110 (not pictured). The WWW/Email server 105

may accomplish this by passing data to the WCD 115. In one embodiment, the data

passed to the WCD 115 by the WWW/Email server 105 includes a telephone number

for the IVR server 110. In one embodiment of the present invention, the WCD 115 then

automatically connects with the IVR server 110. In an alternative embodiment, the user

of the WCD 115 uses the information contained in the data passed to the WCD 115 by

the WWW/Email server 105 and manually connects with the IVR server 110.

[0057] Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example communication flow between

WCD 115 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Once the WCD 115

has disconnected from the WWW/Email server 105 (not pictured), it can connect to the

IVR server 110. When connecting to the IVR server 110, the WCD 115 passes a user

identification (UID) to the IVR server 110. In one embodiment, the UID allows the IVR

server 110 to uniquely identify the WCD 115.

[0058] For example, the UID can be the unique telephone number assigned to the

WCD 115. When the WCD 115 connects with the IVR server 110, it passes the UID to

the IVR server 110. Based on the information received from the WWW/Email server

105, the IVR server 110 expects to record an audio input from the WCD 115.

[0059] Fig. 12 is a general flow diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of the

method of the present invention. Figs. 10a-d form a detailed flow diagram illustrating a

preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0060] With reference to Fig. 12, the user of the WCD 115 connects to the

WWW/Email Server 105, as shown in step 1115, and described in connection with Figs.

1, 6, 7, and 8. In step 1220, a user may choose to send an email file with a voicemail

audio attachment. In step 1230, the WCD 115 connects to the IVR Server 110, as

described in connection with Figs. 1, 6, 7 and 9. In step 1240, the IVR records the

audio input and stores It as an audio file. In step 1250, the WWW/Email Server 105

attaches the audio file to the email and sends the email. In step 1260, the WCD 115

reconnects to the WWW/Email Server. This is a general description of the flow of the

present invention.

[0061] A more detailed description of the flow of the present invention will now be

explained, with reference to Figs. 10.a-d. With reference to Fig. 10a, steps 1000 to

1008 show typical ways that the user may choose to communicatively connect to the

WWW/Email Server 105 by means of the WCD 115. In step 1000, the user dials the

number on the WCD 115 to make a connection to the WWW server of the WWW/Email

server 105. In step 1002, a data mode connection is made between the WCD 115 and

the WWW Server. In step 1004, the user selects an option for connecting to an Email

Server of the WWW/Email server 105. This establishes a data mode connection with

the Email Server, as shown in step 1008. Alternatively, as shown in step 1006, the

user may dial the number for a connection to the Email Server directly. This also

establishes a data mode connection with the Email Server, as shown in step 1008. In

the preferred embodiment, the data mode connection may be the same data mode

connection as that employed for the connection to the WWW Server. It is contemplated that the WWW server and the Email server may reside separately or may be part of the

same server, and are collectively referred to as the WWW/Email server 105.

[0062] Steps 1010 to 1016 show typical ways that the user may select an option to

attach an audio file to an email to be sent, as shown generally in step 1220 of Fig. 12.

With continued reference to Fig. 10a, in step 1010, the user selects an option to

compose a new email. In step 1016, the user selects an option to attach an audio file

to the email. In step 1013, the email Server 105 flags the email that was being

composed.

[0063] Alternatively, as shown in step 1012, the user may choose to view a received

email. In step 1011 , the user selects an option to respond to the email. Then, in step

1016, the user may choose to attach an audio file to the response to the received email.

In step 1013, the email Server 105 flags the email that was being viewed. In the

alternative, after viewing a received email, as shown in step 1012, the user may choose

to listen to an audio attachment to the received email, as shown in step 1014.

[0064] Next, the WCD 115 must connect to the IVR server 110, as shown generally in

step 1230 of Fig. 12. This step is shown in more detail in steps 1018 to 1026 of Fig.

10b. In step 1018, the Email Server 105 sends a command to the WCD 115 to

disconnect from the Email Server 105 and connect to the IVR Server 110. The

command also may contain a telephone number for the connection to the IVR server

110. In step 1020, the Email Server 105 sends a command to the IVR Server 110 to

prepare for the call from the WCD 115. The command may also contain a number

identifying the WCD 115. Preferably, the number is the telephone number of the WCD 115. In step 1022, the WCD 115 terminates the data mode connection with the Email

Server 105. In step 1024, the WCD 115 dials the number to connect to the IVR Server

110, making an audio mode connection. In step 1026, the WCD 115 stores state

information telling itself to reconnect to the WWW/Email Server 105 after it disconnects

from the IVR Server 110.

[0065] Steps 1028 to 1048 show, in detail, the processes which may lead to recording

of the audio file. The process of recording the audio file is shown, generally, in step

1240 of Fig. 12. With reference to Fig. 10b, in step 1028, the IVR Server 110 answers

the question whether the purpose of this connection was to listen to an audio

attachment to a received email (step 1014) or to record an audio attachment for an

email to be sent (step 1016). The purpose was sent by the Email Server 105 in step

1020.

[0066] As shown in step 1030, the purpose may be to record an audio attachment to

an email to be sent. In this instance, the IVR Server 110 records audio input and stores

it as an audio file. Then, as shown in step 1040, the user indicates that the audio input

is complete, or a maximum time elapses.

[0067] In the alternative, as shown in step 1032, the purpose may be to listen to an

audio file attached to a received email. In step 1034, the IVR Server 110 plays the

audio file on the WCD 115 for the user. The user may then choose, as shown in step

1036, to reply with an email having an audio file attachment. In this case, and if the

purpose was to record an audio file attachment for an email to be sent, the IVR Server

110 records the audio input from the user, converting it and storing it as a digital audio file, as indicated by step 1038. It is contemplated that the audio file may comprise a

.wav file, a streaming audio file, or any other suitable audio medium adapted for storing

on the IVR server 110 and delivery over the wireless communications network 205.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 10c, in step 1042, the IVR Server 110 asks the user whether

they wish to re-record the audio file attachment, cancel, or send the email with the

audio file attachment. If the user selects to re-record, as shown in step 1046, the flow

returns to step 1038. If the user chooses to cancel, as shown in step 1044, the flow

returns to step 1008. If the user chooses to send the email with the audio file

attachment, as shown in step 1048, the process of recording the audio file attachment,

step 1240 of Fig. 12, is complete, and the process flow continues to step 1050.

[0069] Steps 1050 to 1052 show, in detail, a process for sending the email with the

audio file attachment. This process is shown generally in step 1250 of Fig. 12. With

reference to Fig. 10d, in step 1050, the IVR Server 110 notifies the WWW/Email Server

105 that an audio file is ready for attachment to an email. The notification may also

contain an identification indicating which WCD 115 this audio file is for. The

identification is preferably the telephone number of the WCD 115. In step 1052, the

WWW/Email Server 105 attaches the audio file from step 1038 to the email flagged in

step 1013, and sends the email. In the alternative, the attachment of the audio file in

step 1052 may include sending a hyperlink to the audio file stored in a database on the

IVR Server 110. It is contemplated that, if more than one email was flagged in step

1013, the WWW/Email Server 105 may prompt the user with the option of selecting to

which electronic text mail message the audio file or hyperlink should be attached. [0070] Steps 1054 to 1066 show a detailed flow process of how the WCD 115

reconnects to the WWW/Email Server 105. This process is shown generally in step

1260 of Fig. 12.

[0071] With continued reference to Fig. 10d, in step 1054 the IVR Server 110 asks

the user whether the user wishes to listen to the next audio file attached to an email or

return to viewing text email. If the user selects an option for listening to another audio

file attached to an email, as shown in step 1058, the flow returns to step 1034. If the

user selects an option for returning to viewing text email, as shown in step 1056, the

IVR Server 110 sends a command to the WCD 115 to disconnect from the IVR Server

110, as shown in step 1060. Then, as shown in step 1062, the WCD 115 disconnects

from the IVR Server 110 and reconnects to the WWW/Email Server 105, based on its

saved state information from step 1026. This creates a data packet mode connection,

as shown in step 1064. In step 1066, the WWW/Email Server 105 returns the user to

the same place in the user's email accounts as where the user left off from steps 1010,

1012, or 1014. For example, the user may have folders in the user's email account,

and the user may return to viewing the same folder that the user was using in steps

1008, 1010, 1012, or 1014.

[0072] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and

variations can be made in the construction, configuration, and/or operation of the

present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For

example, in the embodiments mentioned above, various changes may be made to the

WWW/Email server, the IVR server, the wireless communication device, and the wireless communications network without departing from the scope and spirit of the

invention. Moreover, it may be appropriate to make additional modifications or changes

to the method of attaching a voice message to an email message without departing

from the scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the

modifications and variations of the invention provided they come within the scope of the

following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is Claimed:

1. A method for sending an audio file to an electronic mail (email) recipient over

a wireless communications network from a user of a wireless communication device,

comprising:

communicatively connecting to a first server over the wireless communications

network;

selecting an option to send the audio file to the email recipient;

communicatively connecting to a second server over the wireless

communications network;

recording the audio file on the second server; and

sending the audio file to the email recipient.

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein the step of communicatively connecting to a

first server further comprises the steps of:

dialing a phone number for connecting to the first server using the wireless

communication device; and

establishing a data packet connection between the wireless communication

device and the first server.

3. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the step of selecting an option to send the

audio file further comprises the steps of:

selecting an option for composing a new email file; and selecting an option for attaching the audio file to the new email file.

4. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the step of selecting an option to send the

audio file further comprises the steps of;

viewing a received email file on the wireless communication device;

selecting an option to respond to the received email file; and

selecting an option for attaching the audio file to the response to the received

email file.

5. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the step of communicatively connecting to a

second server further comprises the steps of:

transmitting a signal to the second server indicating a pending connection with

the wireless communication device;

terminating the connection with the first server; and

establishing an audio connection between the wireless communication device

and the second server.

6. The method of Claim 5, wherein the step of transmitting a signal to the

second server further comprises the step of sending user identification information to

the second server.

7. The method of Claim 5, wherein the step of terminating the connection with

the first server comprises the step of storing a set of state information on the wireless

communication device, the state information comprising a status of an interaction

between the wireless communication device and the first server for allowing the

wireless communication device to return to the same state in the first server that existed

prior to the step of terminating the connection.

8. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the step of recording the audio file comprises

the steps of:

providing an audio input through the wireless communication device; and

storing the audio input as an audio file on the second server.

9. The method of Claim 8, further comprising the step of providing the user with

at least one option, the option selected from the group consisting of: re-recording the

audio file, canceling the recording, and sending the audio file to the email recipient.

10. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the step of sending the audio file to the

email recipient further comprises the steps of:

transmitting a signal to the first server indicating that the audio file is ready to be

sent;

attaching the audio file to an electronic mail file; and

sending the electronic mail file to the email recipient.

11. The method of Claim 1 , further comprising the step of reconnecting to the

first server.

12. The method of Claim 11 , wherein the step of reconnecting to the first

server comprises the step of providing the user with a plurality of options selected from

the group consisting of: listening to a second audio file stored on the second server,

and reconnecting to the first server.

13. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the first server comprises an email server.

14. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the second server comprises an interactive

voice response server.

15. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the first and second servers are connected

by common platform means.

16. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the audio file comprises a .wav file.

17. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the step of sending the audio file to the

email recipient comprises the step of sending a hyperlink to the audio file stored on the

second server.

18. A method for sending a message to an electronic mail (email) recipient over

comprising:

dialing a phone number for communicatively connecting to an email server in a

data packet connection over the wireless communication network;

selecting an option to send a voice message to the email recipient;

recording the voice message on an interactive voice response server; and

sending the voice message in an attachment to an email to the email recipient.

19. A multimedia electronic mail (email) system for sending a voice message to

an email recipient, comprising:

a wireless communications network capable of supporting audio and data

transmission, said wireless communications network comprising at least one base

station, at least one base station controller, at least one mobile switching center;

a wireless communication device in communication with the wireless

communications network through the at least one base station, said wireless

communication device comprising:

a receiver for receiving email text;

a display for displaying the email text to a user of said wireless communication

device; and

audio input/output means for receiving audio input and delivering audio output;

converting means for converting the voice message to a digitally stored audio file, said converting means in communication with said wireless communication device

over said wireless communications network; and

mailing means for sending the audio file to the email recipient, said mailing

means in communication with said wireless communication device over said wireless

communications network.

20. The system of Claim 19, wherein said wireless communication device is a

wireless phone.

21. The system of Claim 19, wherein said converting means is an interactive

voice response server and said mailing means is an email server.

22. The system of Claim 19, wherein said wireless communication device is

adapted to call said mailing means and present identification information to said mailing

means.

23. The system of Claim 19, wherein the digitally stored audio file comprises a

.wav file.

24. The system of Claim 19, wherein the digitally stored audio file comprises a

streaming audio file.

25. The system of Claim 19, wherein said wireless handset is further adapted to

present information to the user by means of a wireless markup language.

26. The system of Claim 19, wherein said mailing means and said converting

means are connected by common platform means.