Methods and systems for instant voice messaging and instant voice message retrieval

Method and system for instant voice message transmission and instant voice message retrieval

Technical field

The present invention relates to telecommunications technology, in particular to wired and wireless telephone and telephone communication systems, as well as through public switched telephone networks such as PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Communication, and more related to communication system No.7 (SS7). The present invention also relates to cellular phone technology, namely: the first generation ("1G", that is, analog cellular phone technology), the second generation ("2G", for example, the Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) Access) and TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)), 2.5-generation ("2.5G", such as General Packet Radio Service or GPRS), and third-generation (3G) cellular phone technologies, such as UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone System) and 1XRTT(1x) wireless transmission technology.

The present invention also relates to message transmission technology, including instant message transmission technology and voice message transmission technology. Instant messaging technology is a relatively new concept, first proposed by ICQ. The present invention also relates to instant messaging and on-site services (IMPS) and push-to-talk (PTT) telephone technology via Internet Protocol (IP) (PTT via VoIP), which is also called instant voice communication (IVC).

Background technique

Many of the existing IVC technologies support instant voice communication technology. Although it is easy to establish telephone voice communication through circuit-switched lines such as telephone connections, it still has delays (such as connection delays). This phenomenon does not exist in PTT technologies, such as iDEN (Integrated Digital Enhanced Network) or TETRA ( Ground relay wireless communication).

The iDEN technology was first developed in 1994 and it is used in the field of cellular phone communications. Its market share is extremely low compared to other cellular phone technologies. As far as iDEN technology is concerned, when a user presses a key on the mobile phone to talk, his designated group station can instantly receive his voice. The iDEN technology is similar to the "walker talker" technology in radio. The other party can reply instantly, which is similar to the "walk-talk machine" system.

TETRA technology is an open standard technology used in a single aggregated two-way wireless network that can support multiple government agencies in various countries and can communicate on the same network, so it has a low market share in the consumer market.

Other IVC technologies include "Personal Mobile Wireless Service", which is a short-range wireless service with limited capabilities. It is mainly used for workgroup stations. It also includes "walkie talkie terminals" such as "Cobra" and "Talkabout". , It represents the growing consumer market (theme parks, ski coaching stations, etc.), but its transmission range is limited.

In the cellular phone market, the share of PTT technology is smaller than other popular cellular phones, such as GSM, CDMA, and TDMA.

In recent years, a concept of emergency "continuous line" for data networks has been developed. In this concept, the user is always connected to the data network through his/her cell phone. Take the GPRS cellular phone technology as an example. Its IP network is connected to the GSM cellular voice network. This kind of permanent data connection capability hopes to open up a situation where cellular phone users are vying to adopt IVC technology.

VoIP technology can transmit voice through the data network, and it is hoped that it will become a key technology of the data network IVC concept. However, the application of the VoIP technology needs to improve the end user's mobile phone so that the mobile phone can support voice encoding and decoding on the IP network. This improvement can be called'client software'.

The existing instant messaging technology ICQ is a widely used instant messaging technology, which originated from Internet-based (and therefore data-based) technology. Using ICQ technology, users can communicate with text messages that are instantly transmitted via the Internet. Users can attach voice files to ICQ messages, but this technology is not a voice-based technology, voice is just an attachment. Although ICQ technology needs to be implemented through an advanced cellular telephone network such as a GPRS network, it uses the data part of the cellular telephone network instead of the voice part. ICQ technology requires the installation of'client software' in the end user's device. In addition, there are other technologies similar to ICQ, such as'AOL message transmission technology'.

Short Message Service (SMS) technology represents another instant messaging platform, which can instantly send messages up to 160 characters through the communication sub-network of the telephone (especially cellular phone) system. EMS (enhanced SMS) technology can connect short SMS messages in series so that pictures or images can be sent.

Another instant voice message transmission method is based on the multimedia service (MMS) "record and send" service. In this service, the user records the message to his mobile phone that supports MMS, and then transmits the message to another mobile phone that supports MMS "record and send". The message is stored in the mobile phone of the other user and can be released in place. This service requires a network that supports MMS and a dedicated mobile phone. In addition, it also requires a lot of interactive efforts to run across various networks and mobile phones.

Another method of instant voice message transmission is voice paging technology (VP). When using the VP technology, first call a phone number, then enter the user's identification number (IDN), and then enter the voice message. The message is sent to a voice paging device.

The birth of 2.5G cellular phone technology such as GPRS allows people to use uninterrupted data networks to transmit instant messages. SMS messages can be transmitted in the same way.

In the "Wireless Village" forum hosted by Ericsson, Motorola and Nokia in April 2001, a series of general specifications for mobile phone instant messaging and incumbent services were stipulated and drafted. This is related to instant messaging or instant messaging technology. Further efforts have been made in standardization. The Wireless Village Forum has drafted a standard protocol for instant messaging and on-site service (IPMS) technology, which includes on-site information management, instant messaging, group site management, and content sharing. Another forum is PAM, which is the forum for incumbent and access management. The PAM Forum is organized by an independent non-profit organization and is used to formulate standards for the management and sharing of existing and accessible information across multiple businesses and networks. The IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) has a group that specializes in instant messaging and the in-place protocol (IMPP). The task of the IMPP team is to process protocols and data formats to establish an Internet terminal user presence warning, notification and instant messaging system. A group recently established within the IETF (October 31, 2002) is the Extended Messaging and In-Place Protocol (XMPP) working group.

The current voice mail technology saves voice messages through the telecommunication network, which is a common function supported by the voice mail system. With this function, you can call the voice mail answering machine, so that the calling user can leave a voice message. Voice mail systems have various capabilities and sizes: telecom carrier systems, medium-sized organizations and even individual users (home answering machines). When the called party does not answer, the called number is busy, or even the call is on standby, the calling user can use these systems to leave a message. When the called party is a cell phone user in a non-radio coverage area, you can also leave a message. Another way to leave a voice message is to dial the voice mail system directly (without calling the target user), including the target user's phone number. For example, after dialing 151-54-123456, you can leave a voice message and/or fax message to user No.054 123456 without calling him/her.

After leaving a voice (and/or fax) message to the target user, the user can learn about the message in the following ways: receiving SMS notification; displaying the mail icon on his/her mobile phone Light up an indicator light on his/her mobile phone (such as a wired telephone connected to a wired telecommunication network or a PBX (personal switch)).

Another way to find out if new voice mail has arrived in someones voice mailbox is to call the voice mail system to listen to how many new messages have arrived. By calling the voice mail system, listening to the interactive voice response (IVR) and following the instructions of the IVR, you can perform message retrieval.

Voice mail technology is a universal technology. Comverse company (69710 Ramat Hachaval HaBarzel Street 29, Tel Aviv, Israel) has developed a voice mail technology and has launched it on the market. Voice mail technology can use SS7 signaling system interconnection technology, which can be connected to the telephone system. Other voice mail systems are transmitted through data networks. These voice mail systems use VoIP technology so that voices can be received and sent to the data network connected to these voice mail systems.

Some voice mail systems (such as the Comverse system) may allow users to mark the word urgent on the message. In this case, all urgent messages are displayed to the target user before the "normal" message (that is, the message without the word urgent). The display order of urgent messages depends on the order of their messages.

The current instant voice communication VoIP technology has several attempts to implement instant voice communication through a data network among traditional technologies. These attempts have attempted to simulate the application experience of the'press to talk' technology. For example, Tornado mobile phone company (6, Galgaley Haplada Street, Herzlya 46140, Israel, PO Box 4043) uses a data network (such as GPRS, 1XRTT, etc.), which is always connected to end users. In this way, the user can always be connected to the network, and therefore can receive the message in a very short time. Since the above-mentioned network is used for data transmission, voice can only be transmitted through the network in VoIP mode. VoIP technology requires the installation of a dedicated network, a dedicated mobile phone, and dedicated interactive capabilities. Therefore, it will be launched to the market in no time. Moreover, the number of users of the system is small, so there are many interactive problems to be solved. In addition, due to the fluctuation (variation delay), delay and bandwidth of the typical characteristics of the VoIP system, the quality of service (QoS) of the VoIP network is low.

Disadvantages of the prior art The prior art cannot provide the same instant voice message transmission as real-time voice communication for all telephone systems and technologies (wired and cellular phones). Most existing technologies require client software to be installed on end user terminals. The market share of most existing technologies is lower than that of iDEN technology or TETRA technology.

For the existing VoIP technology used to implement instant voice communication via a 2.5G cellular phone data network such as a GPRS data network, its voice quality is lower than that of a circuit-switched voice network. This is mainly because the voice quality of the circuit-switched voice network has been improved. The circuit-switched voice network is dedicated to telephone communications, while the data network is used for packet transmission. When the packet transmission network (data network) is used to transmit voice, the VoIP technology is used, and its voice transmission quality is lower than that of a circuit-switched network.

For the existing technology for retrieving voice and/or fax messages, the user needs to call the system and listen to the system greeting and other new messages that arrive before the desired message before retrieving the desired message.

The existing PTT technology does not need to provide a "storage and transmission" engine. In other words, unreceived messages will be lost, similar to two-way wireless communication technology. Due to the lack of a storage and transmission engine, PTT technology is susceptible to interference, that is, when a voice message is played, the mobile phone will suddenly generate interference noise. For example, iDEN technology does not allow storage of messages that have been sent. Therefore, if the target user is not listening, the message will be lost. In addition, the target user is not provided with a sign that the message is trying to reach the target user. In addition, the caller is not provided with a sign indicating whether to accept or not.

The main disadvantage of the existing message retrieval technology is that if the target user does not listen to all the pre-messages, he cannot receive and retrieve a specific message. In addition, even if the target user knows that someone has sent a very important and/or urgent specific voice (and/or fax) message, the target user must call his/her voice mail system and listen to all pre-messages. Another shortcoming of the existing voice mail retrieval technology is the need to listen to greetings and IVR operating instructions. Comverse recently developed a technology called "visual voice mail" that enables instant voice mail retrieval. This technology requires dedicated'client software' or a dedicated mobile phone and an attached communication line equipped with a voice mail system (such as an IP-based conversation line). In fact, according to this method, the end user can browse and dialogue with the voice mail, and the user can find out what message is left for him/her, and can select the message for display. Messages can be displayed upon request. This method requires the use of a dedicated end user device and an IP conversation line equipped with a voice mail server.

US Patent No. 20020146097 discloses a method, device, and system for short voice messaging (SVM), which is transmitted as an SMS message, an SMS-like message, or an instant message. The operation method recommended by the patent application includes one of the following: adopting the MMS protocol in the new user terminal and network; using the existing SMS point-to-point server, and connecting the packet data unit (PDU) in series to form a short voice message; Provide voice to the recorded message in the text converter and provide the text to the voice converter to display it as a message; or transmit the voice message on the data network.

Canadian Patent No. 2355420 discloses a device and method for transmitting information through an electronic network in the form of a user-user voice message service between mobile phone users. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the system as a voice SMS platform includes a voice SMS server and an application user interface layer coupled with a graphical user interface (GUI). The invention is based on the following technologies: a browser-based interface based on Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) or HTML or C-HTML; SIM Application Toolkit (SAT); and Interactive Voice Response (IVR).

U.S. Patent Application No. 20020146-097 and Canadian Patent No. 2355420 do not disclose solutions that are compatible with existing standard networks and end-user equipment that have the flexibility and real-time availability of all end users.

Therefore, it is necessary to develop an instant voice message transmission and voice message retrieval method and system that does not exist in the traditional technology. If this is possible, it is a great improvement.

Summary of the invention

The invention discloses a new instant (instant) voice message transmission (IVM) method and system. Some of the IVM methods disclosed here are used to confirm message reception or non-reception. The IVM method disclosed here is different from the traditional instant voice communication method (such as the PPT method) in that it can be easily used in all cellular telephone networks and wired telephone networks and all existing end-user telephone devices.

The present invention provides a system in a communication network, which is used for instant voice message transmission, and includes an IVM server (detailed later), which simultaneously receives at least one voice message segment from a calling user, and combines the at least one voice message segment It is transmitted to at least one target user; it also includes a switch connected to the IVM server for communicating between the calling user and each target user and the IVM server, and between the calling user and at least one target user, where Each voice message of the above-mentioned calling user can be instantly transmitted to at least one target user through a communication network.

The present invention provides a method for relaying instant voice messages from the calling user to at least one target user through a communication network. The method includes the following steps: at least one IVM server receives at least one voice message segment from the calling user, and At the same time, the receiving step is used to transmit at least one voice segment to at least one target user.

The present invention provides a method for instantly retrieving voice messages transmitted from a calling user to a target user through an IVM server, including the following steps: the target user receives a notification from the IVM server indicating that a specific instant voice message has been sent; the target user directly accesses That specific message.

The present invention provides an instant voice message transmission (IVM) server, which includes: a mechanism for receiving at least one voice message segment from a first user and simultaneously sending the at least one voice message segment to at least one second user; The communication mechanism on the IVM server is used to communicate with the first user and at least one second user.

The present invention provides a system and method for sending instant voice, fax and multimedia messages using existing standard cellular phones and PSTN networks and standard end user terminal technology. It is best to use the "keystroke" method and use merging technology to send the message to the end user, so that the user can listen to the message while recording, and can use simple functions (such as the button on the mobile phone) to retrieve the recorded message . Users can also switch to the full two-way (full duplex) traditional telephone conversation mode.

The present invention provides an improved voice paging (VP), which combines the VP with the instant voice message service of this text. In this way, the IVM service can be extended to the voice paging device. The phone user needs to store the phone number, which includes: (a) instant message transmission service number, (b) voice paging server number, (c) target user paging identification number. When the phone number is dialed, the IVM server is connected to the voice paging server to provide an intuitive and simple instant voice paging service, so that it can be activated from a conventional telephone device.

With the present invention, PTT messages can be transmitted to telephone users who do not have PTT telephones or who are not users of PTT services. The method is to send a PTT message to the IVM server, and at the same time convert the message to an IVM message, and send it to any phone user. The present invention enables each telephone user to send an IVM message to an IVM server, it converts the message into a PTT format, and sends it to the PTT system. The PTT system sends the PTT message to the PTT user designated by the telephone user.

The present invention provides a special dialing feature (method), which can send instant messages to IVM users, and this service can be implemented through the existing telephone network, especially the network using the SS7 signal system. This feature can establish an instant voice message, and at the same time initiate a voice dialogue with the target user. For example, if you dial "152" and then dial the phone number of the phone user, such as 152-054-123456, the instant conversation with the IVM server will start, so that the IVM conversation with the phone user 054-123456 can be started at the same time. In this example, "152" is a dedicated "IVM prefix", which indicates to the switch that the conversation is an IVM conversation and should be transmitted to the IVM server.

The voice dialogue with the target user preferably includes a dedicated notification to the target user so that the target user knows that the dialogue includes an instant voice message communication. Using the IVM server, the calling user can create his/her message, and the target user can hear the message. During the establishment period, the calling user can be notified whether his/her message is being listened to by inserting a special notification (such as a "beep") into the voice conversation conducted by the calling user using the IVM server. It is also possible to notify the calling user that his/her message has been listened to after the calling user ends his/her voice conversation with the IVM server. This notification can be made using SMS or a message that can be created by the IVM server and sent to the calling user. Calling users and target users can be connected to the IVM server, but there is no phone and two-way communication channel between them, although the channel can be easily established. In this way, the IVM service is a content-based call triggering or content-based call screening service, that is, it is determined according to the content of the message to connect the call (call trigger) or not to connect (call screening). With the IVM service, the calling user can pre-select (using different dialing) to send him/her an instant voice message or to make a regular call with the target user. Using the new dialing technology disclosed in this article, the user (the calling user and the target user) can choose whether to use the message transmission mode or the conversation mode when starting a conversation, because there are different conversation mode numbers and message transmission numbers. You can set a time limit for instant voice messages (for example, no more than 2 minutes, etc.).

Using the method and system here, a dedicated single-person conference call can be established. The single-person conference user first says the instant voice message "please join the conference", and then continues as a normal conference call. After sending the short message "please join the meeting" to multiple users, the target user can press the button on the phone to join the meeting with other users.

The invention also discloses a voice and/or fax and/or instant voice message instant retrieval method and system. The system can directly access specific voice and/or fax and/or multimedia and/or unified messages without listening to previous messages and/or system greetings and/or system operation instructions. After the user receives his/her notification, such as SMS notification, it says: "You have a new voice message (and/or fax) from the phone number +972 3 123456", the user can call the above voice mail system, and at the same time Use the information in the notification (here, the number +972 3 123456). For "instant" retrieval, the notification should be "dynamic", such as an SMS with the "dynamic" call number 153 972 3 123456 1997. In this example, "153" is the prefix, which tells the switch that this is an instant retrieval of an instant voice message. The switch will send the call to the IVM server, but it is different from the "152" prefix used to access the aforementioned server. "152" indicates that the message establishes a dialog, and "153" indicates a message retrieval dialog. The IVM server treats all calls with the prefix "153" as a search call. "1997" represents the suffix, which is used to specify a specific message for instant retrieval. After combining the calling user's number with the suffix, the suffix can be shortened, because in this case, the suffix only specifies the message left by the calling user, not all the message messages in the system.

An example of SMS text (content) is as follows: "You have an instant voice message from 972 3 123456; for instant retrieval, please dial the number of the message sender". Press the CALL or SEND button on the mobile phone, and the user can use the number in the SMS.

With the instant retrieval method and system for normal voice, fax, and instant voice messages of the present invention, it is also possible to directly and instantly access unheard (unlistened) instant voice messages that have become voice mail messages. The method is: when the IVM message is transmitted from the IVM server to other storage such as voice mail system, the IVM server can communicate with other storage (voice mail in this case) server to obtain a dedicated indicator for use in Instant access to the message in the new memory. The receiving (target) user does not need to know whether the message has been transferred to other storage. The user uses the dial-up method to instantly access the messages stored in the IVM server. If the message has been transmitted, the IVM server can still access it and display it instantly. In addition, each message stored in a traditional memory system such as a voice mailbox can obtain an instant access indicator, and the above-mentioned dynamic notification can be sent to the receiving user, so that he/she can retrieve the message instantly without using an IVM server.

The present invention is applicable to various cellular telephone technologies and wired telephone technologies. Compared with the existing technology, the present invention preferably adopts a circuit-switched network to implement the instant voice message service, thereby providing high-quality transmission voice.

Description of the drawings

Examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings are for illustration only and do not constitute a limitation. Although the present invention has been described in the preferred embodiments, it does not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention. With reference to the following description and drawings, the structure, operation and advantages of the preferred embodiments of the present invention can be further understood.

Figure 1a is a block diagram of the basic preferred implementation of the instant voice message transmission (IVM) system of the present invention; Figure 1b shows an example of each IVM number; Figure 1c shows multiple target user IVM numbers; Figure 2a shows the IVM "key" function of the present invention Figure 2b shows the details of the steps in the flow diagram of Figure 2a; Figure 2c shows the IVM additional processing steps sent in Figure 2b; Figure 2d shows the instant voice message transmission of the IVM instant retrieval function of the present invention The flow diagram of the main steps of the preferred embodiment; Figure 2e shows the details of the steps in the flow diagram in Figure 2d; Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the IVM system of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows an example of the flow diagram of the IVM server-calling user notification when a message is sent to a target user; Figure 5 shows an example of the flow diagram of the IVM server-calling user notification when a message is sent to multiple target users; 6 shows another embodiment of the IVM system of the present invention, which includes multiple optional parts in addition to those shown in Figs. 1 and 3; Fig. 7 shows another embodiment of the IVM system of the present invention, in which the IVM server and IP (data) connection under VoIP technology; FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the IVM system of the present invention, in which the IVM server is connected to the sub-PTT system and/or the VoIP-based PTT.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention discloses a method and system for instant voice message transmission and voice message retrieval.

Fig. 1a is a block diagram of a basic preferred embodiment of the instant voice message transmission system 100 of the present invention. The system includes a calling end user device (calling user) 102, which is coupled to an instant voice message (IVM) server 106 through a telephone line or a VoIP switch 104, which is installed on a telephone (cellular telephone or wired telephone) line or a VoIP network 108 on. The calling user can be connected to one or more target user devices ("target users) 110 through the switch 104. With reference to the description made by one target user, it can be proved that the present invention is also applicable to multiple users. The device of the calling user and the target user can be a cellular phone (analog and/or digital 2G, 2.5G, or 3G), a wired phone or a VoIP device, with optional memory for storing numbers. In the following, all these devices are referred to as "cell phones". Assign an instant voice message number to each user. The details are as follows. It represents the main new feature of the present invention. After dialing the IVM number of the target user, a dialogue can be established (triggered) with the IVM server 106 in real time, so that the calling user can establish an instant voice message. At the same time, the server 106 establishes a dialogue with one or more target users. The message part (segment) that has been established by the calling user is transmitted (combined) to the target user by the IVM server, while the calling user can still establish other segments, which is different from the known existing voice message technology.

The following is the first main feature of the IVM dialing system that can simultaneously establish an IVM by the calling user and establish a dialogue between the IVM server and the target user. The ability to store message segments at the same time and merge them into the target user is the second main feature. It is a "segment storage merge" module 120, which is set in the IVM server 106. The module 120 is used to identify the format of the received message and store the message in a prescribed format, such as MP3 format. The module is also used to store messages in segments with a prescribed length, and merge (transmit) these segments to the target user before all the messages are received by the IVM server.

The system 100 may include an optional "instant retrieval" module 122, which is preferably (but not necessarily) installed in the server 106. When it is set, the module 122 provides a "dynamic" notification (such as a "dynamic" caller ID or SMS) to the target user. When the "key" fails, or when he/she accesses a message that has been listened to and saved, the notification can be used by the target user. Through this notification, the target user can instantly access the saved message. In the present invention, "dynamic" means a counting system that enables instant retrieval of specific messages. The system 100 may further include an in-place status module 326, which is preferably installed in the IVM server to provide the status of the target user. The details are as follows.

The module 122 is used to identify the stored messages and indicate these messages so that they can be retrieved instantly. In addition, the module can also establish dynamic notifications. The IVM server does not need to store IVM messages. For example, if the target user has listened to the message during the preparation process, and there is no request to save it or transmit it, the message can be deleted. In this case, the IVM server only functions as a buffer, not as a memory. In addition, the operator can specify not to store the IVM message, but only buffer it, and only listen to it during the preparation process.

Figure 1b shows an example of each IVM number (such as a dialogue between a calling user and a target user). Figure 1c shows IVM numbers of multiple target users (a dialogue between the calling user and multiple target users). When the calling user dials, the switch recognizes it as a call sent to the IVM server. Before the end of the message, that is, before the end of the recording in the server, the IVM server recognizes it as a "press button" instant message (instant send), and sends it to the target user together with the phone number in the IVM number. Each IVM service number can include two or three parts. The two-part IVM number includes an IVM prefix 152 and target user number 154, such as 152 054 123456, where "152" is the prefix, and 054-123456 is the target user number. As with the telephone network, when adding a prefix, the zero (0) in front of the number can be omitted. Therefore, the target user number 154 can also become 54123456. Generally speaking, if the three parts 152 (IVM prefix), 154 (target user number) and 156 (IVM suffix, such as "789") are included, as shown in Figure 1b, the prefix or suffix will both identify the conversation as an IVM conversation . That is, the phone or VoIP switch can use a prefix or suffix to notify the IVM server to transmit the message. Using part 154, the IVM server can instantly'request' the phone or VoIP switch to connect to the target number. The IVM number of the target user can be accessed instantly, thus immediately starting a conversation. "152", "154" and "156" can also represent IP addresses and have an IP address format (for example, "152" can be regarded as 172.24.204.205).

Table 1 shows the contents of the phone memory. The stored number is the IVM number, and its prefix is "152". After dialing each number, it starts to transmit IVM to users with the following prefix numbers.

Table 1 If there are multiple (or "group") target users, the multiple target user IVM numbers preferably also have three parts, as shown in Figure 1c. In other words, multiple target user IVM numbers include an IVM session identifier, a multi-target user identifier, and a phone number or IP address of each target user (such as an Internet-based system). The first part 160 "notifies" the phone or VoIP switch, indicating that the conversation is an IVM conversation. The second part 162 notifies the IVM server, indicating that this is an IVM conversation request between a calling user and multiple target users. The third part 164 includes all the phone numbers of the target user. All phone numbers of all target users can be directly entered one by one or separated by symbols.

As shown in Figure 1c, the multi-target user IVM number can be: 152*054 123456#054 765432#053234876. Among them, "152" (part 160) means "start IVM conversation". "#" (Part 162) represents a dialogue with multiple end users, and "#" represents the isolation between the phone numbers of different members (the three numbers 054 123456, 054765432, and 053 234876 form part 164 here). Multiple target user IVM numbers can be saved in the calling user device, and their name is "IVM to my classmates". In addition, you can dial 152 to the IVM server, and then enter a number such as 777 to specify the user group. They will get an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) to introduce it to the group member number. Next, the group will get a group identification number, such as "54321", and then by dialing such as 152 54321, leave an IVM message for the entire group. It is also possible to always access the IVM server (WEB interface) through the Internet, and specify user groups.

During the IVM conversation, the IVM server is included as a channel in all communications between the calling user and the target user. However, any user (target or calling user) can request the IVM server to change the communication mode, that is, enter a two-way telephone call (two participants) from an IVM conversation, or enter a conference call (more than two participants). In this case, after the calling user presses a certain key (for example, press ##), the IVM server can signal the phone or VoIP switch to initiate a two-way call or conference call.

The IVM server can record messages so that they can be displayed to all users connected to it at any time during the connection period. This kind of message can guide the calling user and the target user to use various functions, so as to set up a formal voice telephone conversation by pressing a certain key.

The IVM server can have the function of limiting the length of the instant voice message, thereby preventing the telephone network from overloading due to the excessive length of the instant voice message. The IVM server can stop the operation of the IVM after the limited length (for example, 2 minutes). Next, a notification is sent to the calling user to establish a message that is not longer than a limited period of time.

Figure 2a shows a flow diagram of the main steps of the preferred implementation of the instant voice message transmission method of the IVM "key" function of the present invention. It includes in step 200, receiving at least one voice message segment from the calling user in the IVM server, and in step 202, simultaneously receiving and merging the at least one voice message segment to at least one target user. Figure 2b shows the details of these steps.

As shown in Fig. 2b, step 200 also includes the following content: in step 210, after the calling user performs an IVM "key" operation, the IVM number of the target user is provided to the IVM server through a switch (ie, a signal dialog is established). In step 212, using the number, the IVM server is accessed by the calling user (ie, a voice conversation is established). After the visit, the IVM server sends a notification to the calling user, such as a beep, to indicate to the calling user that it can start recording messages. In step 214, two processes are performed at the same time: the IVM server records the message provided by the calling user (using the segment memory and the merging module 120), and accesses the target user at the same time. The IVM server continues to record and store the message segment until the calling user has sent all the messages.

As shown in Fig. 2b, step 202 also includes the following content: after being accessed by it, the target user may or may not reply to the IVM server. If the target user replies, the IVM server merges the stored segment information in step 216 until all the messages are transmitted. The target user can transfer to a full-duplex conversation with the calling user at any merging stage (step 218). If the target user replies to the IVM message, the calling user can press a key on the mobile phone at any time to convert the IVM conversation into a two-way telephone conversation. The user can inform the server that he/she is willing to have a full-duplex conversation with other people. The notification can be made through, for example, a DTMF (Dual Tone Multi-Frequency) signal, and the establishment method is to press any key on the phone. Other notifications can also be made, such as any instruction in the IP phone based on the data code generated by the user's mobile phone. After being notified, the IVM server connects the user to the full-duplex conversation through the server, or instructs the telephone (or VoIP) switch to directly connect the user to the full-duplex conversation through the switch.

The target user can also process the message, such as storing it, replying to it, or transmitting it, as described in steps 248-258 of Figure 2c. If the target user does not reply to the server (step 215), the server processes the message according to predetermined rules. It includes storing in the IVM server, transmitting to the voice mail system, or resending the IVM message. For example, if the message is still stored in the IVM server, the message will be displayed immediately. If the message is not stored, the IVM server will contact the voice mail system for dynamic retrieval (instant display of the message), or do not implement any "dynamics", but only connect the retrieval user to the voice mail system (for normal message retrieval). Users can always access voice mail and retrieve existing messages. If the message is in the voice mail system, the user can just listen to it.

Figure 2c shows the details of the IVM processing flow in the present invention. After starting the process, the calling user selects (or "types") the number in step 232 and presses the "send" button on the mobile phone. In step 234, the connection between the calling user and the IVM server is instantly established. The IVM server provides confirmation (such as a "forward" notification) to the calling user in step 236. Next, two steps are implemented at the same time (same as 212/222): in step 238, the calling user records his message in the IVM server, and the IVM server calls the target user in step 240. In step 242, it is checked whether the target user answers the call. If it responds ("yes"), the IVM server displays the recorded message part (segment) to the target user in step 244. The target user can press the DTMF key on the phone in step 246 to select one of the six options: save the message in step 248, or: reply to the instant voice message in step 250, or: if there is more than one target user, in step 256 Reply to all users, namely the calling user and all target users, or: in step 252, send the message as an IVM to other users, or: in step 254, establish an instant full-duplex phone conversation with the calling user, or: delete the message in step 258 . The target user can also end the conversation.

If the target user does not reply to the call ("No" in step 242), then in step 260, the recorded message is displayed when accessed by the target user, or, if the target user does not access within the specified time, the recorded message may be displayed in step 260 262 is sent to the voice mail, and the processing ends.

Fig. 2d is a flow diagram of two main steps in the preferred embodiment of instant voice message transmission of the IVM instant retrieval function of the present invention. It includes receiving a "dynamic" notification by the target user from the IVM server, indicating that the instant message (voice, fax, etc.) has been transmitted to him/her in step 264, and in step 266, directly accessing the specific instant message. Figure 2e shows the details of these steps.

Before step 264, the IVM server sends a "dynamic" notification to the target user, such as "caller ID": "instant voice message from ABC#XYZ*W054 123456". Here, "ABC" represents the access code to the IVM instant retrieval module of the IVM server (ie, module 122) or other systems capable of storing messages. "#XYZ" indicates the unique identification code of a specific message, and "*W" indicates the message type (voice mail, MMS message, unified message or IVM). For example, W=1 means voice mail message, W=2 means MMS message, W=3 means unified message, and W=4 means instant voice message. If the target user does not see the caller ID and thus loses (unanswered) the incoming IVM message, the target user who sees the "lost instant voice message" notification can read the list of lost (unanswered) instant voice messages, including Prefix (step 276), and the prefix number of a specific message can be manually dialed to retrieve it instantly (step 278). In step 278, the target user can also press the'DIAL' key or the'CALL' key of the mobile phone while observing the'lost' message notification. At this time, the phone will automatically dial the prefix number.

The notification can be an SMS message, as detailed below. The target user selects in step 270 whether the notification is a caller ID or an SMS message. If it is an SMS message (step 272), the target user can read the message in step 280, access the number of the SMS sender in step 282, and instantly connect to the IVM server in the message retrieval mode in step 284. If it is a caller ID notification (step 274), then in step 276, the caller ID is displayed on the mobile phone of the target user, and the target user accesses the displayed number in step 278, and then connects to the IVM server in step 284. The IVM server will check 285 to confirm whether the message is stored in the IVM server. The message can be stored in the memory module 623 (see FIG. 6) for immediate retrieval in the future. If it has been stored, the target user directly accesses and retrieves the message in step 287. If it is not stored, the IVM server will check whether the message is transmitted to other storage servers (not shown in step 289). A voice mail server (not shown) is coupled to the server 106. In addition, multimedia messages can also be saved in an MMS server (not shown), and unified messages can be saved in a unified messaging system (UMS) (not shown). These servers and their connections to telephones or VoIP systems or networks are known to those in the industry. In the affirmative situation, the IVM server also checks in step 292 whether there is a dynamic connection with the storage server. If the connection exists (yes), the IVM server provides the stored message ID number to the storage server in step 296, so that the message can be accessed immediately and displayed to the target user. Otherwise, the target user is connected to the storage server by the IVM server and guided by the menu of the storage server, as shown in step 294. If the message is not transmitted to other storage servers in step 289, the retrieval process ends in step 289, and a "delayed" instant message retrieval is performed.

"Instant retrieval" refers to direct access to specific voice and/or fax and/or multimedia and/or unified messages without listening to previous messages and/or system greetings and/or system operating instructions. The instant retrieval module 122 implements this function.

After step 276, if the message is still stored in the IVM server, the message will be displayed immediately. If the message is not stored, the IVM server will connect to the voice mail system for dynamic retrieval (the message will be displayed at this time), or the IVM server will not implement "dynamic" Active, only connect the retrieval user to the voice mail system (normal message retrieval is performed at this time), and the user can always access the voice mail and retrieve any existing messages. As mentioned above, the IVM server may not be used at this time. If the message is in the voice mail system, the user can hear it.

By adding additional functions, the basic system shown in Figure 1a can be expanded as follows.

Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the instant voice message system of the present invention. The system 300 includes all the units of the system 100 in FIG. 1a, and an optional on-site server 302 is added. With an in-place server, users can specify whether they can receive messages. Insiders know the server in place. The existing devices in place are ICQ, Odigo, Converse ('Next2Me') and AOL (AOL'messenger'). The GMS cellular phone system is included in the IVM, and the in-position server can be connected to a home location register (HLR) 306. The presence server 302 is coupled to the IVM server 106, and each user can specify his/her presence parameters. Another "dynamic" numbering method can be used, such as dialing "152#0", the user specifies him/her as "offline" and dialing "152#1", the user can specify him/her as "online". HLR stores information about cell phone users. The existing standard is that the target user's mobile phone is on or off. On-off conversion is registered by HLR. The in-place server requests the HLR to obtain this information and uses it as an in-place (accessibility) standard.

The in-position parameter is a selection state of the user, indicating the ability or willingness to retrieve instant voice messages. This status can include'online', which means that the user can retrieve the IVM;'send me a message', which means that the user requests to receive instant voice messages; and'offline', which means that the user cannot receive instant voice messages. The special number can be dialed to specify the in-position status, which can be kept in the device memory of the target user, and can be dialed quickly. The dedicated presence status number preferably includes two parts, the first part is the above-mentioned IVM prefix. The second part is the code, which represents the presence status of the IVM server. If the IVM server receives the in-position status command, it communicates with the in-position server 302 and updates the database in the in-position server (not shown).

Suppose the calling user wants to update the presence status to'offline'. The user dials 152#*111 054 987654. The IVM prefix "152" tells the phone switch that this is an IVM conversation, which is connected to the IVM server. "#*" tells the IVM server that this is an in-position status update command. The IVM server establishes a communication session with the on-site server 302. "111" tells the incumbent server that the user wants to be'offline'. The user is identified by his caller ID or the number after the presence status (in this case, it is 054 87654). The on-site server updates the on-site status of the user whose telephone number is 05487654 in the database to the'offline' state. If the dialing method is used as the in-position feature, or the in-position status is obtained from the HLR, the in-position server can be a module in the IVM server. Before setting up an instant voice message conversation with one or more target users, the IVM server can check the presence status of each target user, whether it is a single user or a group of users. If the in-position status is'offline', no IVM dialogue is set, and the voice message will be stored in the IVM server until the target user can conduct the IVM dialogue. If the target user cannot conduct an IVM conversation, the calling user is notified during the establishment of the IVM. The notification is preferably inserted as a special beep and sent by the IVM server to the calling user.

Figure 4 shows an example of the flow diagram of the IVM server-calling user notification. The IVM server sends the notification to the calling user who sent the IVM message to the target user. After establishing a voice dialogue between the calling user and the IVM server, the IVM server provides the calling user (102) with a "forward" signal (beep, etc.) in step 402. The calling user records the message in step 404. At the same time, in step 405, the IVM server checks the presence status of the target user by communicating with the incumbent server (302 in FIG. 3). If the target user is in the'offline' state and cannot receive the IVM message, the IVM server uses a voice signal (using a series of rapidly repeating beeps) to notify the user in step 420. The IVM server-calling user notification can be sent through a short text message (SMS) and an IVM dialogue between the IVM server and the calling user. The conversation can be initiated by the server receiving the recorded voice announcement. In the SMS notification, the IVM server establishes communication with the SMSC605. The notification text message can be stored in the IVM server and sent to the user as a text SMS message via the SMSC. In the telephone network, the SMSC is connected to the telephone switch, as shown in Figure 6.

If the target user is'online' and can receive the IVM message, the IVM server calls the target user in step 406. At this time, the target user can choose to reply to the incoming message in step 410, reject the incoming message in step 412, or let the phone ring idle (in this case, the IVM server will send a notification to the calling user).

The IVM server can request a switch to notify it that the target user has replied to the conversation. At this time, the IVM server may notify the calling user in step 414 (for example, inserting a specific beep in the conversation with the calling user) that the target user has replied to the conversation or has received the message. The IVM server can receive the conversation time with the target user from the switch (login during CDR-call). If the time is similar to the original message time of the caller leaving a message, the IVM server can make the conversation not only be replied, but the message can also be heard. If the target user receives an incoming IVM message in step 412 (for example, pressing the'end' button on the mobile phone), the IVM server can notify the calling user through a voice signal (such as a beep) in step 416. The target user can specify an "invisible state", in which the calling user cannot receive notifications from the IVM server about the receipt and rejection of messages sent from the user to the target user. The above operations can be performed by dialing a specific number in a similar way to the presence status.

Fig. 5 shows an example of the flow diagram of the IVM server-calling user notification when a message is sent to multiple target users. In step 502, the message is sent to multiple calling users as described above. Since each target user can hear incoming messages at different times (for example, the first person responds after one ringtone, the second person responds after three ringtones, etc.), different methods are needed to notify the calling user of the real-time status, such as messages Received (listened) or rejected. When all target users have listened to the IVM message, or after a predetermined time has passed, the notification may be sent to the calling user in step 504. In the latter case, the IVM can identify the calling users whose target users have heard the message and the calling users whose target users have not heard the message. In step 506, the notification is sent using one of the above steps.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the IVM system 600 of the present invention, which includes a plurality of optional parts other than those shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. These optional parts can be added separately or in combination to the basic system configuration shown in Figure 1a. For example, the system 600 may include a voice and/or text paging system 602 that communicates with the IVM server, and a text that receives paging messages (voice or text) from the paging system 602 and sometimes can reply voice or text messages to the calling user through the paging system. Pager 604, a self-selected short message server center (SMSC) 605. The SMSC 605 is coupled to the IVM server 106 and, in a telephone or a VoIP network such as the network 108, is also coupled to a telephone or a VoIP switch 104. The system 600 may further include a voice recognition module 606 for converting voice messages into text messages, a voice paging module 608, a text-to-speech module 610, an SMSC module 612, and an IVM establishment module 614. These modules are best installed in the IVM server. The network 108 may also be coupled with other telephone or VoIP networks 630.

The calling user can dial an instant message access number (such as 152), and then dial a number that is unique to voice paging messages (such as 99999), and dial the target paging user number (identification code, such as 3963). If the paging system is a voice paging system, the IVM server converts the message into a voice paging message (with a voice paging format) in the voice paging module 608, and then transmits the message to the voice paging system 602, which uses the target user Number, and his/her message is transmitted as a voice paging message.

In order to transmit text messages, after the IVM access code (such as 152), dial the number that is unique to the text paging message (such as 88888), and then dial the target paging user number (such as the identification code 4175). The voice recognition module 606 is used to convert a voice message into a text message. If the text paging system has a response function (text response), the response text message from the text pager 604 is forwarded to the IVM server via the text paging system 602. The text message is converted from text to voice by the module 610 in the server, and converted into the IVM format by the module 614. The message is sent to the calling user as an IVM message. When a text SMS message is sent to a calling user or a target user, and when the SMSC number of the message is a number belonging to the SMSC module 612, the text-to-speech module 610 is required. After designating an SMSC number that "belongs to" the IVM server (via module 612), the text SMC message can be received in the SMSC module 612, the message converted into voice by the text-to-speech module 610, and converted into the IVM format by the module 614 as IVM message is a message transmitted by the IVM server to a specific user. Another occasion where the text needs to be transmitted to a specific module is: the text message is an IP-based text message (such as an ICQ message or an email message) or other types of text messages. In this case, the ICQ or e-mail message is sent to the target user via the IVM server and using the number method. For example, the IVM server can have an email domain, such as "IVM.com", and each user can have an email address, such as "123456@IVM.com". If the user receives an email, the IVM server will use the text-to-speech module , Convert it into an IVM message. In the case of ICQ, the IVM server can be identified as a user with multiple ICQ numbers. Each ICQ number belongs to a different target user and is stored in the database in the IVM server. If an ICQ user sends an ICQ message to a target user, the ICQ message will reach the IVM server logged in for the ICQ user. The IVM server then converts the ICQ text message into a voice message in the text-to-speech module, and sends it as an IVM message to the target user representing the ICQ number in the database of the IVM server.

If the IVM server has sent an IVM message that needs to be prepared in the IVM server, such as a notification message, the IVM module 614 is adopted. The module can also provide an IVM format for text messages or voice paging messages that are converted into IVM messages.

In another situation, a telephone user may wish to send an ICQ user a message that was originally a voice message (IVM). The ICQ user can be an IP device 704 (Figure 7) using instant text messaging software such as ICQ. In fact, each ICQ user can be provided with a unique phone number (used to receive instant voice messages). The phone number belongs to the IVM server that receives the IVM message, and there is also a list for specifying phone numbers and ICQ numbers. The IVM server converts the voice message into text by the module 606, and sends the text message to the IP server 704 (see the description of FIG. 7 below) via the IP domain 702 (see the description of FIG. 7 below).

If one or more target users receive an instant voice message and cannot reply loudly (such as in a meeting place), the IVM can be displayed on each mobile phone, such as: "An instant voice message is sent from...". The target user can reply via SMS. You can use the sender's number in the "Caller ID" to reply to the SMS message.

The IVM server may also include a "matching module" 650, which users can use to use the server via the Internet or via telephone calls and IVR (Interactive Voice Response), and establish a standard for the IVM server to send back IVM messages. In this situation, the IVM server can send the IVM to multiple users in time, and these users can instantly establish a two-way voice conversation between them.

The IVM server may also include a "dynamic charging module 660, which enables the telephone system to provide "dynamic charging for the IVM service. For example, the target user chooses to establish a two-way telephone call after receiving the IVM message. The dynamic charging module informs the charging system of the telephone system that the object to be charged at this time is the target user.

Any implementation of the system of the present invention may also include a dedicated mobile phone 670 for each user. The mobile phone 670 includes a set of keys including "dedicated" keys, such as a dedicated IVM key 672, a dedicated SMS key 674, a dedicated PTT key 676, and so on. The calling user selects a target phone number and presses the dedicated key for the desired function. In this way, after pressing the IVM key 672, the calling user can automatically send the IVM to the target user. After pressing the SMS key 674, the calling user can automatically send the SMS to the target user. After pressing the PTT key 676, the calling user can be automatically sent to the target user. Send a PTT message to the target user. The same is true for mail, paging (voice and text), instant IP text messaging (such as ICQ), etc. This set of keys can provide menu-based mobile phone operations.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the system of the present invention, in which the IVM server is connected to the IP (data) domain 702 on an optional basis. Instant voice messages are sent from the user's phone device to one or more IP devices 704, which can be VoIP phones or personal computers (PCs), or other devices with data (IP) connections running text or voice messaging software. The IVM server can recognize instant voice messages sent to VoIP clients by adding a suffix to the number dialed by the calling user. The number can be an IVM access number, such as "152" or an IVM access number, followed by the normal phone number of the IP device. After the suffix, the IP address of the target IP user is 192.168.100.11, where'.' can be replaced and'#' can be used. All dialed numbers can be 152 192#168#100#11 or 15254 123456 192#168##11#11, where 54123456 is the assigned IP user phone number. If each IP user obtains a dedicated (normal phone) phone number or other IP identification number (such as an email address), the suffix can be omitted. The device 704 (including the telephone software client in the PC) can send an instant voice message to the line switching telephone (normal telephone) user by specifying the IP address of the IVM server and the telephone number of the target user.

It should be noted that the IP device can be a text device, such as ICQ or mail in a PC, or a VoIP device, such as VoIP software in a PC. If the target device is a text IP device (that is, the target user is specified as a text user), it is better to use the voice recognition module 606 to convert the initial IVM message into a text message. You can assign a phone number to each IP user. The number can be saved in the database of the IVM server together with the user's IP address. The telephone system 108 can assign these phone numbers to the IVM server. Whenever a calling user sends an IVM message to the phone number, the IVM server receives the message, converts it into the above text message, and then sends it as a text message to the IVM server. User 704 based on text IP. If the target IP user 704 is a VoIP user (VoIP software running on a PC), the initial IVM message cannot be converted into a text message. The database in the IVM server will be updated according to the nature of the IP target user (text or voice). The database includes a set of dedicated telephone numbers logged in the IVM server, with which the IVM server can implement this interconnection with the IP database. A suffix can be added to the dialed number (for example, the suffix *01 is added to the text user, and the suffix *02 is added to the voice user), so as to provide a kind of information to the IVM server to indicate whether the target user is a text user or a voice user.

Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the system of the present invention, where the IVM server includes a PTT module 802 and is connected to the sub-PTT system 804 or the IP (VoIP)-based PTT system 806, so as to send and/or relative to the PTT system Or receive instant voice messages. Other dialing formats can be used, such as using the prefix "154" instead of dialing the "152" prefix to make the connection (it indicates that this is an IVM conversation). The "154" prefix is identified by the phone switch as a call to the IVM server. However, the IVM server recognizes "154" as a message sent to the PTT system, and appends the number of the PTT target user 806 or the VoIP PTT user 812.

If the PTT user 810 or the VoIP PTT user 812 decides to send a PTT message to a certain phone number, and if the PTT system recognizes the target number as not belonging to the PTT login user, the PTT system sends the message to the IVM server. The IVM server converts the PTT type message into an IVM format, and sends the message to the desired target user. The IVM server may also be a PTT user with a PTT module 802, which receives and/or sends PTT messages to the PTT system (the same as the PTT user 810 or the VoIP user.812). However, each IVM user preferably has a unique "PTT" user number, which is used as an IVM number to log in in the PTT system. Therefore, the PTT message will be sent to the IVM server. The IVM server is equipped with a database that matches the PTT number and normal phone number, and each user has this unique match. Therefore, the received PTT message will be received by the PTT module 802, and then converted into the IVM format in the IVM establishment module 614, and sent to the target IVM user. The IVM user can reply to the message, it needs the IVM server to convert the reply into PTT format (using the PTT module 802), and send the reply to the PTT subsystem 804 or the IP PTT system 806, and it sends the message to the corresponding PTT Sub-user 810 or VoIP PTT user 812.

In this specification, all publications, patents, and patent applications involved in this specification are referred to within the scope of the subject matter of each publication, patent, and patent application. In addition, any reference citation or identification in this specification does not mean that such reference constitutes the predecessor technology of the present invention.

The present invention has been described in conjunction with limited embodiments, but various modifications, improvements, and other uses can also be made to the present invention.