WO2004004300A1

WO2004004300A1 - System and method for forwarding voice messages to text base message service

Info

Publication number: WO2004004300A1
Application number: PCT/US2003/020288
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Gothard Knutson
Original assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
Priority date: 2002-06-28
Filing date: 2003-06-26
Publication date: 2004-01-08
Also published as: AU2003256321A1

Abstract

A message handling system comprises a device adapted to record at least one voice message (102), and at least one network interface connected to the device, wherein the network interface provides an interface to a network of processors (104, 106, 108). The message handling system further comprises a network engine connected to the device, wherein the network engine attaches the voice message to a communication (110), a user interface connected to the device (112), and a protocol means for defining an initial setup communication for configuring the device to connect to a service provider (114).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORWARDING VOICE MESSAGES TO TEXT BASE MESSAGE SERVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to voice messaging, and more particularly to accessing audio messages via a computer network. 2. Discussion of Related Art

Telephone messaging is a powerful method of communication, providing a convenient means for leaving messages that can be accessed later. In some systems, these messages can be accessed remotely by telephone.

However, system or method is known to exist for accessing voice messages via a computer network. Therefore, a need exists for a system and method for forwarding voice mail messages to network accessible nodes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A message handling system comprising: a device for recording at least one message; a data network appliance coupled to the recording device for retrieving at least one message and for converting the message into a texual format for transmission into a data network for storage at a prescribed address; and an interface for coupling the data network appliance to the data network.

The system of claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least one of an answering machine and a voice mail system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a diagram of a system for providing remote access of voice mail via a computer network according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a flow chart of a method for providing remote access of voice mail via a computer network according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 3 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system and method provides remote access to audio messages via a network of processors, for example, the Internet. These messages can include, inter alia, recordings on an answering machine and voice mail. Referring to Fig. 1, a device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a core answering machine 102, one or more network interfaces (104, 106 and 108), an Internet appliance engine 110 and a user interface 112. The core answering machine 102 provides at least conventional answering machine functions, e.g., recording incoming messages and providing a means for retrieval of recorded messages. It is to be understood that the present invention may be implemented in various forms of hardware, software, firmware, special purpose processors, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention may be implemented in software as an application program tangibly embodied on a program storage device. The application program may be uploaded to, and executed by, a machine comprising any suitable architecture. Preferably, the machine is implemented on a computer platform having hardware such as one or more central processing units (CPU), a random access memory (RAM) and input/output (I/O) interface(s). The computer platform also includes an operating system and micro instruction code. The various processes and functions described herein may either be part of the micro instruction code or part of the application program (or a combination thereof), which is executed via the operating system. In addition, various other peripheral devices may be connected to the computer platform such as an additional data storage device and a printing device.

It is to be further understood that, because some of the constituent system components and method steps depicted in the accompanying figures may be implemented in software, the actual connections between the system components (or the process steps) may differ depending upon the manner in which the present invention is programmed. Given the teachings of the present invention provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the related art will be able to contemplate these and similar implementations or configurations of the present invention. The user interface 112 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display or a personal computer connected to the device. The user interface can provide information, for example, information related to setup parameters for establishing a network connection. The user interface can provide caller identification information and message status, for example, indicating that two new messages have been recorded.

The phone line network connection 104 can be connected to the device. The phone line connection 104 can comprise a means for detecting incoming calls. The phone line connection 104 can digitize incoming calls for processing and capture caller identification signals for demodulation. The phone line network connection 104 can condition incoming signals, wherein conditioning comprises modifying incoming signals for attachment to a subsequent communication.

The Internet appliance engine 110 comprises a processor for sending a voice message as an attachment to a communication. The communication can be directed to a predetermined node, for example, a server for handling an email address to which the communication is addressed. It should be noted that these attachments can be secured. For example, the communication and/or the attachment can be encrypted and/or digitally signed.

A computer network connection can be provided, for example, through a cable modem or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or a dialup connection. The computer network connection can be provided in combination with a means for providing network access parameters, for example, a destination email address. In the case where the computer network connection is a home network interface, personal computer (PC) application software can be provided to set up the system, for example, a configuration wizard. Where the system implements a dialup modem, a setup service can be provided to allow configuration via the dialup modem.

The system and method can be implemented as part of a home network, where a user has a permanent Internet connection, such as a cable modem or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) modem. The system and method can be implemented as a dialup system, where a phone line can be used to forward messages to the Internet. The system can be implemented in an application specific device, including an interface or network connection as determined according to the needs of the system. For example, a device provided to a traveling subscriber, which can be used by the answering machine and forwarded to a network accessible account. In a dialup modem configuration, the answering machine can access the user's dialup

Internet account, or a forwarding service provided or established by a service provider, for example, the answering machine manufacturer. Email can be initiated via an Internet service provider (ISP). The system and method comprise a protocol 114, wherein the protocol 114 can be embodied in hardware and/or software. The protocol 114 defines an initial setup communication for configuring the device to connect to the ISP. For setup of the device, the user can use an existing email account or the user can be provided with an account as part of the setup. The user can provide setup information, for example, information needed to connect to the ISP. The setup information including, for example, an access number, a user name and password, a forwarding address, speech compression algorithm, and encryption preferences, can be provided to setup service provider. The setup service provider can verify the validity of the setup information, and log the setup information for customer service if a problem arises. Furthermore, to minimize cost, use of the dialup modem for all interfaces can minimize the number of interfaces on the answering machine. An email Setup Service can help the user configure the answering machine to use the ISP, or use the service provider provided by the manufacturer.

The setup service can allow the user to originate an email to the setup service. The format of the email can be defined by the protocol 114. Referring to Fig. 2, the email can comprise setup information for the device 202. The device can be identified by its electronic serial number or other unique identification. The device can be identified in a configuration email by including the electronic serial number. The setup service can be offered on a factory-set number (e.g., toll-free) that the answering machine can call after the user has sent the configuration email. The setup server can check the unique identification in the setup message 204 to determine validity. A reply can be sent to the user 206. The reply can include a copy of the setup configuration, a setup key sequence 206. The reply can automatically setup the answering machine. Alternatively, the reply can enable the user to setup the answering machine. Upon determining that the configuration email is not valid, the server can send a reply indicating a problem with the data received from the answering machine 208 enabling the user to correct the problem 210.

Upon calling the setup number, the answering machine can be programmed with the information provided in the configuration email 212. An example of the setup parameters is shown in tables 1 and 2. The user can also setup answering machine ring schedules. The method can also check the validity of the setup key sequence 214. Upon identifying a problem, the server can notify the user 216. If no problem is determined with the configuration information, the answering machine is operational 218. If a manufacturer sponsored email service is used, phone numbers and area codes can be entered to discover the local dialup number for the email service provided. Billing addresses can be entered for the service provider. Thus, credit card information would not need to be sent via email, for example, wherein the service is fee based.

Having setup the answering machine, the answering machine will record calls, and periodically contact the ISP and email the compressed voice messages to the designated forwarding address. The user can optionally have the calls deleted after they have been successfully emailed. The messages will be played using standard multimedia player software available on all PCs. If Caller ID information is available, it can be embedded in the email message as well.

Table 1.

From: <user address>

To: setup@answeringmachineco.com

Subject: <electronic serial number of unit>

Retype Electronic Serial Number of Unit

ISP_Dailup

ISP User Name

ISP Password

Forwarding Address 1

Additional parameters, delimited by carriage returns.

Table 2.

Referring to Fig. 3, a message handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention can record a message 301, convert the message to a compressed format 302, such as MP3, attached the compressed message to an electronic message 303, and forward the message and attachment to a storage node wherein the message can be retrieved later 304.

Having described embodiments for a method for accessing voice mail via a computer network, it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons, skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Having thus described the invention with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A message handling system comprising: a device (102) for recording at least one message; a data network appliance (108) coupled to the recording device for retrieving at least one message and for converting the message into a texual format for transmission into a data network for storage at a prescribed address; and an interface (106, 108) for coupling the data network appliance to the data network.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least one of an answering machine (102) and a voice mail system.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises at least one of a modem (106), a phone line, and a home network interface (108).

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmission is an electronic mail message.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface (112) that is one of a liquid crystal display and a personal computer.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmission is to a network node, accessible to a user, and wherein the message is directed to the user.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the message is converted to a user-defined compressed format prior to attachment.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the message attachment is encrypted.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a protocol (114) for identifying an address on the network for the transmission the protocol comprising a predetermined configuration of a setup communication, and wherein the configuration is verified by a setup network node.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the protocol comprises a setup key for activating the message handling system.

11. A message handling system comprising: a telephone answering machine (102); a network interface (106, 108) connected to the answering machine; a network processor (110), coupled to the answering machine, for attaching a voice message recorded by the answering machine to an electronic mail, the electronic mail being forwarded to a user's email address, and the voice message being direct to the user; a protocol (114) for defining a communication that configures the answering machine to connect to a service provider.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the answering machine is a voice mail system.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the network is the Internet and the interface comprises at least one of a modem (106), a phone line, and a home network interface (108).

14. The system of claim 11, further comprising a user interface (112) that at least one of a liquid crystal display and a personal computer.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the voice message is converted to a user-defined compressed format prior to attachment.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the voice message attachment is encrypted.

17. A method of handling a message comprising the steps of: configuring, initially, a message forwarding system to connect to a service provider; recording a message, wherein the message is directed to a recipient (301); converting the message to a compressed format (302); attaching the message to an electronic mail communication (303); and forwarding (304) the communication and attachment to a network location accessible by the recipient.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of configuring further comprises the steps of: contacting the service provider through the message forwarding system, wherein the message forwarding system is adapted to record at least one message; verifying, at the service provider, a configuration of the message forwarding system; activating the message forwarding system given a setup key provided by the service provider; and verifying a connection between the service provider and the message forwarding system.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the network location is a mail server.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of providing the mail server for a fee.

21. A method of handling messages, comprising the steps of: recording at least one voice message; retrieving the at least one converted message and converting the retrieved message into a text message; transmitting the text message into a data network for storage at a prescribed address.

22. A method for handling messages, comprising the steps of:

receiving in a data network a text message addressed to a prescribed address, the text message representing a recorded voice message; storing the text message at the prescribed address; and transmitting to a subscriber the stored text message upon request.