EP1733545A1

EP1733545A1 - Communication robot for improved communication and contacts

Info

Publication number: EP1733545A1
Application number: EP05701279A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pierre-Alain Cotte; Michael Greve; Matthias Greve; Frank SCHÜLER
Original assignee: Combots Product GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Combots Product GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2004-01-30
Filing date: 2005-01-31
Publication date: 2006-12-20
Also published as: WO2005074237A1; AU2005208404A1; CA2551783A1; JP2007527662A; US20050281206A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for making contact between a unit offering contact and a target unit. Said method comprises the following steps: The contact perameters are defined by means of a unit offering contact, the contact parameters are implemented in means offering contact, means offering contact are allocated to the target unit, at least one part of the means offering contact is provided on the target unit, and the possibility of controlling the at least one part of the means offering contact is maintained by means of the unit offering contact, said part being provided for the target unit.

Description

COMMUNICATION ROBOTS FOR IMPROVED COMMUNICATION AND CONTACTS

The present invention relates to communication methods and systems, and more particularly to a method and system for providing communication offerings and communication facilities in accordance with predetermined communication parameters.

The field of communication is experiencing rapid changes, particularly in terms of ever more advanced technologies, various types of communication and evolving content, and an increasing level of communication. However, there is often a mismatch between the expectations of the user (usability, tailored to the communicating parties or partners) and the characteristics of already existing communication environments. Especially in the field of Internet based or

Internet-based communication will routinely require users (callers or called parties) to operate a complex system that, unlike the development stage, must be operated from a technical perspective in a rather user-unfriendly manner. For example, the number and complexity of individual steps that must be performed for a user to communicate over the Internet is generally more complicated than communication using a conventional telephone.

As a result, the possibilities of the communication environment are not extensively utilized. This is in conflict with a growing need for more and more advanced communication.

In US 2003/0051003 AI a cell phone is described in which images can be linked to an address record. These images can then be sent and contain the IP address of the transmitter or the mobile phone. In this way, a visual representation of the contacts in an address database is possible.

EP 0858202 A2 describes a graphical user interface for use in a telephone directory. It describes that people from the advertising industry can share detailed information with people in a specific destination. For example, a traveler entering a new geographic area and displaying his or her presence via the phone may be sent various graphics such as rental car icons or hotel icons. These graphic images can be filed by the recipient in categories. In addition, it is described that business people can exchange electronic business cards over these phones, so that the collection of contact data does not have to be done by hand.

In order to assist users in Internet-based or Internet-related communications, it is also known to integrate so-called "call me" and "contact" buttons into a web page or emails. A user may activate such a button, for example by clicking on the button to establish a communication link to the owner of a webpage or the sender of an email. When activating such a button, it becomes for the user may be required to enter some information to actually establish a communication link, such as telephone number, a telephone number of a party to be called, personal information, etc.

It is also known to send software applets, for example, as an attachment to an email which, when received by a computer system, will be installed on that computer system. The software applet can then be activated by the user to create a

Telephone communication connection between a user's phone and a predetermined phone or a phone that is selected by the user to establish. In any case, the user must enter information to use the telecommunication capabilities of the software applet.

One difficulty that generally exists in all known ways is that the user must become active in order to initialize communication. However, users often forget to do so, for example, they forget to call a friend in special circumstances such as birthday, ignore an appointment-based business call, etc. Furthermore, users are often reluctant to use communication facilities because they fear or incur the associated costs Reason for missing information about the party with whom the communication is desired.

To avoid the user's omissions, it is possible to remind the user by any means, e.g. For example, a letter, an email or a phone call. Nevertheless, the user still has to be reminded to communicate and at the same time have the information ready to set up the appropriate communication connection and he also has to pay for the communication. Another disadvantage of the known approaches is that a person from whom a communication should originate must know the party to be called or at least have information that belongs to that party, such as a telephone number. Furthermore, one party may wish to be contacted by another party without having to provide the other party with the detailed information, such as a telephone number.

Another disadvantage of most approaches is that the communication device (for example, the user's hardware, the user's software, the user interface) is designed in the same way for a plurality of different users. As a result, individual requirements and references of users as well as the

Individuality of the individual user not taken into account.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to avoid the disadvantages of the known communication. In particular, the present invention has the object to provide a solution that enhances the possibilities of the communication technologies, so that users are supported in the communication in an improved user-friendly, comfortable and simple way and the personal and individual aspects of the user from both the caller side and from the called side of the communication. The object is achieved by the device and the method in the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments are defined in the dependent claims.

The inventive method for establishing contact between a communication unit or entity (COE) and a destination unit (TE) comprises defining communication parameters under the control of the communication unit ( Communications offering entity), implementing the contact or communication parameters into communication offering means, allocating the contact providing means to a target entity, providing at least part of the contact or means of communication Communication-providing means to the destination unit and maintaining the possibility of the control of the destination unit providing at least a part of the contact-providing means by the contact offering unit. In this way, a method for contacting or communication is provided, in which the sender or the contact or communication providing unit can determine the extent to which a communication by the receiver or the target unit by means of the target unit ( Communication or contact-providing means) is made available, whereby the framework conditions defined here or defined communication parameters can still be modified or controlled by the sender after receipt by the recipient. In this way, the sender can subsequently adapt, update or change the communication parameters at the receiver. For example, it is possible for the sender to providing means, such as a small software application, to the recipient to provide contact, including program code, by means of which the recipient (e.g., by double-clicking) connects to the sender according to the attached parameters, such as the IP address or telephone number; can build up. If the sender's contact data now changes in the future, this can be made available to the sender by updating the communication parameters in the software application that is already at the receiver, so that a contact is already made at the next contact reception by the receiver to the sender or a communication according to the new parameters can take place - preferably this is done without the recipient of the communication offering means this must take note. The sender can as

Communication parameters also specify that the resulting fees are taken over by the sender up to a total of one hour in a corresponding connection from the recipient to the sender. If this time is then used up in the future, the recipient can set the connection or time quota by changing the contact parameters and, for example, increase it. On the other hand, he can also subsequently limit the time from one hour to forty minutes - preferably this is done without the recipient having to take note of this.

The at least partially provided communication offering means are preferably arranged to animate, inspire and / or stimulate the target entity to communicate with the offering entity or person or to communicate with another entity that the offering entity desires she is contacted by the destination unit. Thus, the offering means or at least those parts provided to the destination unit are also called communication robots or "combots" for short.

In this context, entities should be understood to include users or owners (e.g., individuals, a company) of communications systems (e.g., computer systems, Internet servers, service providers, email servers, telephone systems, SMS systems), addresses (eg, IP addresses , Telephone numbers, email addresses, websites, internet links, SMS addresses, postal addresses), facilities (for example company buildings), end user units (for example PCs, telephones, SMS devices) etc. Preferably, a unit is an individual person, a group of individual persons, or a company associated with at least one end user unit.

The communication or contact offering unit or the

For example, a sender can be a company, a company, or an individual who wishes to offer, enable, and / or remember another entity, such as a person, to communicate. The destination unit or the receiver can, for example, a

Company or individual person or group of individual persons or companies that is a "target" or desired party on the part of the communication providing entity that is to be able to communicate, but with framework conditions that determined by the communication providing unit, such as defined in the communication parameters. Examples of end user devices include any devices, devices or means that can be used to communicate. Preferred end-user devices include stationary mobile telephones (eg, PSTN phones, 2G and 3G devices, GSM and UMTS phones), stationary and mobile computer systems, devices and devices and the like that allow data and / or information to be sent and / or transmitted Provide reception facilities for communication purposes.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the communication provided to the destination unit can be established via any communication networks, such as a conventional telephone network, mobile communication networks, computer networks, radio broadcast networks, the Internet, etc.

Communication parameters include any type of parameter that can be used to perform communication. The communication parameters preferably comprise at least one of the following: an identification of the communication providing unit (for example name, postal address, email address, IP address, etc.), an identification of the destination unit (for example name, postal address, email address, IP address, etc.), an authorization of the destination unit in response to the communication offer to communicate, - a definition of at least one communication link that can be used for communication in response to the communication offer (for example, an internet communication link, a telephone connection, etc.),

at least one communication network that can be used for communication in response to the communication offer (for example, the Internet), a telephone network, etc.),

at least one point in time at which the communication offer is scheduled (for example, Monday morning 11:00 am, birthday of a user to the destination unit, etc.),

at least a minimum number and a maximum number of communication offers made available to the destination unit (for example a minimum of four telephone calls and / or SMS, a maximum of 18 telephone calls and / or SMS),

- at least a minimum duration or a maximum duration of communications made possible in response to the communication offer (for example, telephone call and / or an Internet link of at least two minutes, telephone call and / or a maximum of two minutes Internet link, etc.),

a definition of security requirements (eg communication in response to the communication offer requires a password, communication in response to the communication offer is possible only when using a special end-user device, etc.),

a definition of at least one point in time at which the communication offering means can be activated (for example, on the birthday of the user of the destination unit, etc.), a definition of at least a minimum number or a maximum number of activations of the communication offering means, a definition of an operational condition of the target entity for at least activating the communication offering means or providing the communication offer (eg the target entity is currently being operated upon, operating for a given one Time, communicates instantaneously, etc.), - a definition of an operational condition of the communication providing entity for activating the communication providing means or providing the communication offer or the communication offer.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of providing a communication offering for communication in accordance with

Contact parameters to the destination unit through the contact offering means. By means of this communication offer, the recipient or the destination unit receives from the sender an invitation to communicate in accordance with the communication parameters specified by the sender (with this or with third parties) or make contact. This offer is preferably forwarded to the recipient at the beginning when the communication or contacting means are made available to him. The recipient is thus informed about which contact options or

Communication offers the sender provides him. Preferably, such a communication offer is made available to the recipient whenever the Sender has subsequently changed or updated the communication parameters - the recipient is hereby kept informed about the contact possibilities of his Combo.

Particularly preferably, the contact or communication offer by the Combot, d. H. the means offering the contact are also carried out in such a way that the combo is animated visually or via sound and, for example, signals to the recipient by waving that a

Communication is desired or possible, for example, with the sender of the Combots. This communication offer can either be controlled by the Combot on the basis of an event by which the sender himself is triggered manually in "remote control", according to established rules of external circumstances, etc. The sender is thus able to communicate to the receiver by remote control of his Combo By remote control of the combo or transmitting of states of mind or further information, the sender can communicate with the recipient so not verbally.So, the sender can, for example, the birthday present of the birthday party of the recipient to present a birthday cake and play the song Happy Birthday without the need to directly set up a traditional communication connection via telephone or email, thus allowing the receiver to communicate via the communication wishes or intentions d the sender is constantly informed. In this way, the recipient will often contact the sender and thus revive his contact with the sender. By the Invention is thus a living contact between the recipient and sender (living contact) made sure.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control of the at least a portion of the contact offering means by the contact offering unit by modifying the

Communication parameters. In this way it is possible for the sender, by controlling the contact or communication parameters to make the scope of the Combo also later or change. By simply changing the communication parameters once set, this defines a simple and easy-to-control update process.

Preferably, the contact offering means is a software application that is arranged to correspond to a unit that selected the communication providing entity, i. H. to offer the destination unit communication that matches the communication parameters, that is, the way the communicating unit wishes the destination unit to communicate. However, the communication providing entity may be embodied, for example, in the form of an email or an internet link, as long as the chosen embodiment is selected to provide a communication offer in accordance with the communication parameters.

The means offering communication may be implemented as "integrated" means (ie means provided on a device that is operated and / or physically present on a specific device, such as a computer system, the communication providing entity or associated with, comprising or forming the target entity) or as a "composite" means (ie, provided by discrete components, entities, devices, etc. and / or operated and / or physically present in different entities that together comprise the

Make communication offering means). In the second case, at least one component of the "composite" communication offering means is provided to the destination unit while an "integrated" communication offering means is provided to the destination unit as a whole.

The implementation of the communication parameters in the communication offering means may, for example, be achieved by generating a software application containing the communication parameters or corresponding information. Thus, the communication offering means preferably at least virtually includes all the information about the communication form provided by the entity offering the communication, i. H. the sender is offered. As a result, a network node comprising the contact-providing means as well as the functions associated therewith is provided on the receiver side.

From the point in time at which at least part of the communication offering means has been made available to the destination unit, the means offering the communication can provide a communication or contact offer. How and / or when the offer of contact to the destination unit is provided is preferably defined in the contact parameters. This preferably also refers to the way and / or the way in which the communication offer is made available. The communication offering means For example, the communication offers may be made available at a particular time (eg, hour, day) and / or with respect to a predefined event (eg, birthday, meeting, conference communication). The communication offering means can the

A communication offer in the form of a button, an icon, or an interactive part of a graphical user interface, a (complex) video, an animated icon, or a button representing a visual reminder or other action indicating a possibility to the target unit according to the communication parameters communicate, to provide.

Preferably, the communication offering means (combos) of the destination unit appear in the form of graphic elements on the desktop of the PC or on the display of the screen or terminal. The communicating entity or sender may also have corresponding graphical elements on their desk top or display. Both corresponding elements are connected to each other via a network connection through which the communication offering unit, i. the sender can control the appearance at the destination, in particular the shape, dimension, color, and animation parameters of the combo. The control can also be performed automatically by the system depending on contact and / or communication parameters, such as time, duration, urgency, type of communication (email, telephone, fax, SMS, instant

Messaging), and the like. For at least a given amount of time, the combos may be permanently available on both sides for immediate display. On in this way a permanent contact connection is established between the two units, ie sender and receiver, which constitutes a stimulating precursor for spontaneous communication. Since the Combot is preferably displayed on the desk of the target unit, the target unit can move the Combot to his / her preferred locations. Communication can then be easily established by performing a simple drag-and-drop operation, such as picking up an item, such as the link to a document file (Word, Power Point, Excel), or to a data file (audio, photo, video). and then dragging it on the combo and let it go. Then, communication is automatically started by sending the document or file to the other side where it will appear, ie displayed or loaded, by the corresponding combo on the other side. It is also conceivable that by simply clicking on the combo a communication application, such as e-mail, instant messaging, voice over IP and / or PSTN calls, or the like, can be started immediately.

For the target entity, the combo appearing on its side is, in a sense, a universal interface offered to him / her to immediately establish communication with the communicating entity. At the offering side, the combo appearing there is a counterpart to the combo on the side of the target unit. Thus, the two combos and the connection between them can be regarded as a kind of tube between the two units in order to be in constant contact with each other and communicate directly with each other. The term tube should not mean that only a direct connection between the two Units is possible. There may also be more than two units connected via this path. These features and many other ways of implementing the invention will be described in more detail later. Also, the presentation form of the Combots (communication offering means) can be very different.

Examples of communication-providing means in the form of a graphic element and / or button include:

a beating heart intended to remind a lover of destination to call his / her lover, who is the communicating entity, an advertising clip for a product offering to a consumer who is the target entity, for example to be connected directly to a salesperson who is the communication providing entity - and all this at the expense of the seller, - a picture of a grandmother who is the communication providing unit who wants to be called by her grandchildren who are the target unit - for example, at their expense, - a conference button reminding a person as a destination of a conference at a specific time, for example only available at that time at the expense of the company providing the communication-providing unit, - an easy-to-use button for a child as a destination on vacation abroad to the parent who is the communication-providing unit, Call, for example, at the expense of the parents. In particular, the fact that the communication providing means are assigned to the destination unit makes it clear that the means for communicating are not directed generally to any generality but to a particular entity or person. The assignment of

Communication-providing means or the combo to a destination unit can be performed, for example, by providing a software application to the destination unit (for example embedded in an email, a webpage, etc. as described below) and in particular to an end-user unit thereof. Although preferred embodiments are related to Internet-based communication offering means, other electronic means may be considered as communication offering means such as SMS, optionally with automatic answering function, UMTS-based means, etc.

The communication offer is distinguished from the real communication. The communication offer indicates to the destination unit that communication is possible and further indicates the communication possibilities according to the communication parameters. For example, the communication offer may indicate that the destination device may establish a communication, such as a telephone call, to the communication providing entity. For example, suppose a company wants to remember as a communication offering unit a customer representing the target entity to contact the company or a representative. The means offering the communication to the customer, for example, by displaying an icon, button or animated or highlighted or graphically highlighted part of a graphical user interface to establish communication with the company or the representative. It is preferably also possible that the communication offer indicates that the destination unit can communicate with a unit or party other than the unit offering the communication. For example, the communication offer of an individual person as

Show target unit that this can communicate with any other person, but for example, unlike a conventional telephone call within the given communication parameters, for example, with a predetermined number of parties to be called, for a predetermined period of time, each of these calls, during a certain time on Cost of the communication offering unit, etc. The communication offer is preferably selected, ie the communication parameters are defined as offering the destination unit communication that the destination unit or an end user unit connected thereto may perform, for example, the communication offer may consider an offer for the destination unit by using an e-mail, a telephone call, an SMS, a facsimile, etc., if the destination unit has access to and / or accesses an email-enabled end-user unit, a telephone, an SMS-enabled unit, a fax, etc. includes. In case the destination unit comprises different end user devices, the communication offering means can ensure for which of the end user devices the communication offer is to be provided (e.g. the only operated end user unit, the end user unit preferred by the destination unit, etc.). Accordingly, the communication path provided by the communication offering means can be appropriately selected. In a preferred embodiment, the providing step comprises transmitting at least a portion of the communication offering means to the destination entity.

This may be done by transmitting a software application to the destination device or an applet, an internet link, an email, an SMS or MMS, for example comprising a link to download the at least part of the communication offering means, an email or MMS, for example this at least one Part of the communication offering means.

In a further preferred embodiment, the providing step comprises the installation of the at least part of the communication offering means to the destination unit.

Examples of this embodiment include:

an email or MMS comprising software that constitutes at least part of the communication offering means. - Opening the email or MMS results in an installation of the software at the target device, ie on an end user device connected to it. An email or MMS comprising software that constitutes the at least part of the communication offering means. The opening of the software or a data file comprising the software results in an installation of the software at the destination device, ie, for example, on an end user device connected thereto, for example, the computer of the person selected as the destination device. - An email, including an internet link. Opening the link causes the download of software containing the forming at least part of the communication offering means, to the destination device and an installation of the software at the destination device. - An SMS or MMS, including a link. Opening the link causes downloading of software, which forms at least part of the communication offering means, to the destination unit and installation of this software at the destination unit. Software that forms at least part of the communication offering means is transmitted to the destination unit in the form of self-executable software or a self-executable / extractable data file. Upon receipt of this software or data file, installation will be performed at the destination unit. "Direct" installation of the communication offering means by the communication offering entity at the destination entity using file-sharing or application-sharing - an email, SMS or MMS comprising a link The link remains in the email / SMS / MMS and can be activated there The link is copied by the user of the target device and installed, for example, on the desktop of the target device, an email containing a link, which installs itself when opening the email or opening the link on the desktop destination.

In a further preferred embodiment, the providing step comprises placing the communication offering means in a ready (operational) state. In this context, the term "ready operational status" indicates that the

Communication offering means function as a background process of the destination entity that does not affect the activity of the destination entity and is not perceived by a user of a destination entity. In particular, the communication offering means does not operate in the ready operational status to offer the communication. For example, offsetting the

Communication offering means are executed in the ready but idle operation status by starting an operation of the communication offer in response to the target unit being set in operation so that the communication offering means are active in the "background".

However, the communication providing means may perform some functions in the ready, idle operational status. For example, the combo may communicate information to the communicating entity regarding the status of the target entity, such as the communication activities currently being performed by the target entity. Furthermore, the combo may be controlled in the ready, idle operational state by the communication providing entity, as will be described in more detail below. For example, in the case where the combo is provided in the form of a graphical object displayed on a monitor of the target unit, controlling the combo in the ready, idle operational state by the communicating entity causes the combo to change its visual appearance (for example The combo can be controlled to wave or to be acoustically alert, to change in size, or to otherwise signal to the target unit that a communication or contact request exists with the unit or person behind the combo ).

In a further preferred embodiment, the means providing at least part of the communication, i. the combo, provided by means of an electronic message or by means of a portable data carrier, such as a USB stick.

Examples of an electronic message include emails, SMS, MMS, electronic faxes, and the like. Examples of portable data carriers include chips or smart cards, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, floppy disks, prepaid telephone cards, USB sticks and the like.

In another preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the communication offering means (combo) is provided in a manner not controlled by the destination entity. This embodiment will be understood more readily with reference to the following description of preferred embodiments.

In a further preferred embodiment, the communication parameters are preferably varied by the implementation of different communication parameters in the combos.

This embodiment allows the modification of communication parameters (for example, the predefined boundary conditions of the offered communication forms) without to use another Combot or to replace an existing Combot. As a result, the Combot remains assigned to the target unit, but now offers other communication or contact options, in particular communication offers according to the modified communication parameters.

The communication parameters are preferably varied under control of the communication providing entity.

From the point of view of the communication offering unit, this embodiment is of particular interest, since the communication providing entity as the party responsible for the communication offer is thereby enabled to modify the type of communication offered, for example the functions and operations modify or modify the combo can perform (for example, phone call instead of SMS communication, communication with another company or another person), as well as the number of offered communications (for example, an additional 10 phone calls or SMS) to subsequently change or to supplement, etc.

In addition, the communication parameters may preferably also be changed by another unit that is not the communication-providing unit. For example, the communication parameters by a

Communications providers are modified (for example, an email provider, a telephone company, etc.), which should be used for the offered communication (for example, as indicated by the communication parameters). For example, such a further unit can adapt the communication parameters, so that For example, new or changed communication charges may be taken into account in the future or that offered communications that were originally defined to take place over a particular network will now be executed over another network. In general, modification of the communication parameters improves the individual and personalized communication characteristics of the present invention more than any other forms of communication known heretofore.

The communication parameters are preferably varied or changed if the means offering the communication or at least part of the combos have already been made available to the destination unit.

This embodiment allows a modification of the communication parameters without it being necessary to reassign a combo to the destination unit. For example, the communication parameters may be changed by changing sources (eg, data, software applications, hardware components) used by the combots to provide the communications offer. If the combo has been provided in the form of a software application, the communication parameters may be varied by changing a so-called ".INI" file or data that the combo accesses without any activation of the combo For example, is designed as an Internet link, the communication parameters can be changed by modifying the data and content to which the Internet link refers. The communication offering means, ie, the combo's, are preferably controlled if at least a portion of the combos have already been provided to thereby control an existing condition of the combo.

The control of the combo may cause the destination unit's combo and / or user (visually and / or audibly) to provide information to, for example, indicate and / or attract attention to a current operating mode of the combo, such as displaying an icon and / or to animate (waving, blinking, jumping, singing, etc.)).

In another example, controlling the combo may cause the combo to perform the

Provides a communication offer in a manner not previously defined by the communication parameters. This allows, for example, the provision of a communication offer that has not been considered when the communication parameters have been pre-defined or the combo is made available in response to a particular situation or event (for example, an important communication to schedule a meeting ).

Such control of the Combo further enhances the individual and personalized characteristics of the communication of the present invention.

The control of the combo can be achieved by the use of a control means associated with the communication offering unit. In this way, an individual adaptation can be initiated by the party responsible for the communication offer, ie the communication offering entity, which is generally the party that knows best which communication offer or communication will be optimal.

The control of the combo may be performed in response to at least one of the events related to the destination unit or to an event relating to the communicating unit.

The control of the combo may be performed depending on at least one condition of the destination unit or a condition of the communication offering unit.

These embodiments are further steps towards individualized and personalized communication. For example, if the destination unit is in a state that is not suitable for communication, it may be avoided to provide the communication offer. The same applies comparatively to a state of communication-providing entity. As another example, control of the combo may be dependent upon the operational mode or status of either the communicating entity or the destination entity, or both. If the communicating entity or the target entity is already communicating, providing the communication offer could result in technical conflicts and / or conflicts of interest. Withdrawing the provision of the communication offer in such situations may be advantageous. However, providing the communication offer may also be desirable in case the destination unit already communicates. For example, the destination entity may communicate via an Internet link with a first enterprise that is a competitor of a second enterprise that is the communication providing entity. Here, a communication offer may be provided to offer the destination entity to communicate with the communicating entity, that is, the second entity, to perhaps influence the destination entity's decision as to which of the two companies should consider it. Providing the communication offer may also be desirable if the communication providing entity is already communicating. For example, the communicating entity may be in communication with a third party on an issue that the target entity may also be interested in or that might have an impact on the target entity. Thus, a communication offer can be made available to include the destination unit in the already ongoing communication, for example in the form of conference communication.

It is further preferred that the communication offer is made available as a function of at least one condition of the destination unit and one condition of the communication providing unit.

This embodiment additionally enhances the individualized and personalized communication characteristics of the present invention. As stated above, the communication offer can be made at any time according to the communication parameters or an external control. Then situations can arise Similar to those discussed in connection with the aforementioned embodiments, and providing the communication offer may be optimized in view of the conditions of the communicating entity and the destination entity.

Assuming the communication providing entity has defined in the communication parameters that the destination entity should communicate with the communicating entity at least once within two weeks. Then, a corresponding communication offering means is assigned to the destination unit, wherein it is ascertained whether the communication offering unit and the destination unit had communications within the last two weeks (for example, by checking the telephone history of the communication providing unit and / or the destination unit). If there has been no communication in time, the Combot reminds the destination unit to communicate with the communicating entity, i. H. it provides a corresponding communication offer. The

Synchronization between the combo and the communication providing unit and / or the destination unit can be realized by means of a connection established at specific times, at specific time intervals or continuously.

Another example is a person or company that is the communication offering unit that intends as a gift to offer five free text messages and 10 minutes of toll-free telephone communication to a friend or customer for a specific event (for example, a birthday). Then the Combot will be available in response to this particular event so that this communication offer of five free SMS and 10 minutes of toll-free telephone communication of the target unit is available.

In another embodiment, the Combot is synchronized with at least one state of the destination device and / or one state of the communication providing entity.

The synchronization can be performed to establish interdependence between the Combot and the

To receive communication offering unit and / or target unit. For example, if the combo has been provided to the destination unit so that the combo or at least a portion thereof is located at the destination unit, the synchronization may cause the communication providing unit to be kept up to date with the destination unit regarding the operations of the combo and vice versa. The same applies accordingly if at least part of the Combo is located at the communication offering unit.

Preferably, the synchronization comprises the exchange of data, in particular via information of the destination unit to the communication offering unit. Such synchronization can be performed directly by exchanging data from the combo to the communicating unit, or from the combo to a database where the information is stored. Preferably, the updating or updating of the information of such a database of the communication providing unit is displayed and made known, for example by the display of a corresponding window, which displays the updated information. The communication offering unit may preferably be invited to decide on this updated data information whether it is to be retained in the database or whether this update should be ignored. Thus, the communicating entity preferably chooses to accept such updated data.

The Combot preferably provides information of a state of the destination unit to the communication offering unit and / or provides information of a state of the communication providing unit to the destination unit.

Information regarding the destination unit and / or the communication providing unit may be made available at any time when the combo has been at least partially provided to the destination unit.

On the one hand, this embodiment enables the communication offering entity to more specifically perceive the destination entity as an "individual" communication party and thus make customizations in an individualized and personalized manner with respect to the destination entity, for example by (re) defining the communication parameters by controlling the combo by synchronization, etc. Furthermore, the embodiment of the communication providing unit allows to take into account characteristics and / or a current status of the destination unit, which are usually unavailable or change over time.

Examples of the information concerning the destination unit may include: - technical details of the target entity or of an end-user device connected to it to optimize the communication offer accordingly, - operational states or modes of the target entity (eg operating in non-operation, execution of software applications, communication activities, etc.), and a history of the target entity (a history of the target entity can include when, how, and with whom the target entity has communicated), - presence of the target entity (indicated by operational status information such as keyboard input, data is detected, the mouse cursor position changes over time, etc.).

On the basis of the operational states, modes or the history of the destination unit, the communication-providing unit can individually adapt the communication parameters and / or the combo and thus also the communication offerings.

On the other hand, this embodiment enables the target unit to perceive the communication providing entity as an "individual" communication party, for example, the target entity or a user may adapt responses to the communication offer, for example by accepting the communication offer only at a specific time of day, or in special weeks etc. and / or in special operational modes of the communicating entity and / or with regard to specific events / situations, it is further possible for the target entity to provide the properties and / or current status of the communication Unit that is usually unavailable or changes over time.

The information regarding the communication providing entity includes, for example:

technical details of the communication offering entity or of an end user device arranged therefor to optimize the corresponding response to the communication offer, operational states or modes of the communication providing entity (eg operating in non-operation, execution of software applications, communication activities etc.), and - a history of the communication offering entity (a history of the communication offering entity can indicate when, how, and with whom the communication offering entity has communicated).

The states of the communication offering entity (s) to be considered by the present invention may further include states such as: The destination entity is operational, at least one end user device in communication with the destination entity is in operation, a predefined one Event relating to the destination has occurred (eg birthday, scheduled conference call), - a communication history of the destination has a predefined profile (for example, communication with a special party, communication with a) special group / type of party (e.g., users belonging to a group, end user devices of a particular type), communication of a specific data type, e.g., voice and / or video data), communication for a predetermined length of time, the lack of communication for a specific period of time , Communication frequency etc. ), the communication providing unit is in operation, - at least one end user device connected to the communication providing unit is in operation, - a predetermined event relating to the communication offering unit has occurred (for example, the communication offering unit is in operation taken, the communication providing unit has (not) communicated within a specific period of time, communication frequency exceeds a given limit, etc.) and a communication history of the communication offering unit has a predefined profile.

In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the use of building means to implement the communication parameters. This can simplify the implementation of communication parameters in the Combot.

Such building means may be provided in the form of a software application. This embodiment can be used when using templates for combo's (templates) representing communication providing means without implemented communication parameters. Alternatively or additionally, the building means may be designed so that the combots or a corresponding "template" or template may be created by using the building means.

This embodiment may be used in the event that the communication providing means as such (i.e., without implemented communication parameters) or a corresponding "template" is not available or provided.

The building means are preferably assigned to the communication-offering unit. This allows an improved optimized personal and individual design of the Combots by the communication offering unit.

In another embodiment, control means are used to control the means offering communication. Preferably, the control means is assigned to the communication offering unit.

The control means allow (for example, the communication offering unit) the

To change communication parameters, to control the Combots, to ensure the synchronization, for example via an interface or an interface over which the communication offering means or Combots can communicate with the control means or communication providing unit.

The building means and the control means may be provided in integrated fashion or as standalone means. An integrated version may, for example, be used by or associated with the communicating entity. For example, a standalone version may be used such that the building means are used by the communication providing unit, while the control means are used by a unit which has instructed or instructed the communication offering unit to send the communication offering means to the destination unit. and / or paid for the communications that are executed in response to the communications offer.

Another possible feature is that the Combots provide the destination unit with a representation of the communication offering unit.

Such representation may include graphics, text, icons, logos, videos, sound, language, etc to inform the destination device or a user thereof about the communicating entity. Such information can

Information regarding communication with the communication providing entity includes (for example, name, telephone number, email address, IP address, postal address, etc. of the communication providing entity) regarding the field of the communication offering entity (e.g. products, services, etc.), It is preferred that the representation of the communication providing entity is applied during periods when the Combot is not in the above-described idle operating condition. Nonetheless it is also possible that the Combot is also in the unemployed Operating state can provide such representations.

Preferably, the Combot communicates with another Combot, which had been provided to the target unit by a further communication offering unit.

Such an embodiment allows at least two combos to be connected.

Preferably, this embodiment is dependent on the communication parameters, i. H. that the communicating entity must agree that "its" Combos communicate with other Combots.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided in which the communication between COM COM COM 'combo is enabled in the case by the combo COM, COM' in a special directory or a group are summarized or stored. Two or more communication offering means COM, COM ', COM', ... can preferably be brought into contact with each other by the destination unit, whereby the destination unit can decide which COMs COM should communicate with each other in which context this communication has to take place, for example, the destination unit TE can be provided with a special directory in which the communication providing means or combos can be moved The chapters which are in this special directory can communicate with each other, preferred with regard to hobbies and personal data and information of their respective communication offering Units or persons, ie the corresponding senders of the Combots. In another directory, the destination unit may move into the combos where these combo's start communicating by exchanging data for business-oriented information and passing that type of communication and information to their respective communication units. Thus, the destination entity can decide which communication offering agents or combos should communicate to what extent. Instead of a specific directory, the destination unit may choose to group the different combos in a different way, preferably a special application is provided that allows for the grouping of the individual combos.

In this case, it is preferred that the first combo and the further combo communicate in such a way that the combo provides at least one of the communication parameters at the further combo.

It is also or alternatively possible for the further combo to make at least one of its communication parameters available to the first combo.

The communication between means offering at least two communication makes it possible to exchange information between two different communication-providing units and thus to contact different and / or new communication-providing units.

In a preferred embodiment, the Combot provides the information provided by the further Combot to its sender. It is too preferred that the further Combot provides information that was provided even by the first Combot to the communication offering unit to which the other Combot is assigned, ie that the sender of the first Combots is notified of the data or information that This first Combot has passed in a Botarium to another Combot (and thus to its sender).

This embodiment makes it possible for the

Communication-providing entities that have not yet "known each other" may receive information from each other.The information-providing entity's information may be provided to the other entity offering communication and include personal information of the user of the communication-providing entity.

The communication offering means preferably provides the information of the user of the combo comprising at least one of the following: graphical user interface, an icon, - text of alphanumeric character, voice or voice reproduction, - a picture or a picture, a video , - graphics, - a data transfer to a server system, which is connected to the communication providing unit, etc. For example, the Combot provides this information as a file to a database or server system in communication with the communicating entity, and a contact manager in that database can open a window to the user of the communicating entity on which the updated data is displayed will be offered by the Combot. The user of the communication providing entity is then able to decide whether to keep this updated information in the database or to be replaced by others. Thus, the user of the communication offering unit is in the position to update data provided by the combo with respect to the destination unit and / or other communication units or the user thereof.

The system according to the present invention preferably comprises a communication providing unit adapted to control a definition of communication parameters, a destination unit capable of communicating, a communication offering means (Combot) associated with the destination unit and which is at least partially provided to the destination unit, and a building means for implementing the communication parameters in the combo, the communication providing means or the combo being adapted to provide a communication offer to the destination unit in accordance with the communication parameters.

The construction means are preferably designed so that the

Construction funds can also be used to generate and generate the combots, in particular, to them Assign contact parameters that the sender has specified or defined.

In a preferred embodiment of the system, the building means are associated with the communication offering unit.

In a further preferred exemplary embodiment, at least one of the communication-providing units, the combots and the building means is designed such that the implemented communication parameters can be varied or changed.

The system may further comprise control means for controlling the communication offering means. Here it is particularly preferred that the control means are assigned to the communication offering unit.

According to a preferred embodiment, the system is designed as such to operate in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Further features of the system according to the invention correspond to the method steps described above.

Brief Description of the Drawings In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings wherein: FIG FIG. 1 illustrates the principle of the present invention,

Figures 2 to 4 illustrate embodiments of the communication providing unit according to the present invention,

Figures 5 to 7 illustrate embodiments of the communication offering means according to the present invention,

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate embodiments of the target unit according to the present invention,

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the environment according to the present invention,

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the address means according to the present invention,

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the building material according to the present invention,

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the allocation step of the method according to the present invention, FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the communication providing means according to the present invention,

Figure 15 illustrates an embodiment of a graphical user interface according to the present invention, which comprises an embodiment of the communication providing means according to the present invention,

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of the control means according to the present invention,

Figures 17A-17C illustrate an embodiment of the steps of the method according to the present invention for communication between communication providing means according to the present invention,

Figure 18 illustrates an embodiment of offering communication-providing resources on the desktop for initiating communication through drag-and-drop operations;

Figures 19A / B generally illustrate network structures for implementing the invention, Figure 20 illustrates the method steps within such a network structure for carrying out a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention,

Figure 21 illustrates desktop views and method steps for performing a reproduction process according to the invention,

22a shows a representation of a contact connection in the form of a two-point contact connection, in which the method according to the invention is used and in which contacts on the desktop are represented by so-called ComBots;

Fig. 22b shows representations of further contact connections, in particular multipoint contact connections, in which the method according to the invention is used and in which contacts on the desktop are represented by so-called ComBots;

FIG. 23 shows a representation of a group formation of ComBots as so-called GroupComBots; FIG. FIG. 24 shows a representation of a system architecture for managing contacts by means of the method according to the invention with involvement of ComBots and / or GroupComBots.

Description of preferred embodiments

Figure 1 illustrates in a schematic way the principle underlying the present invention. A

Communication offering unit COE intends to provide an offer to a destination unit TE, which moves the destination unit TE to perform communications in accordance with communication parameters defined by the communication offering unit COE. For this purpose, the communication offering unit COE assigns to the destination unit TE a communication offering means COM. This assignment of the communication offering means COM to the destination unit TE is illustrated by case 1 in FIG. In technical terms, the allocation of the

Communication offer means COM to the destination unit TE by transmitting at least a part of the communication offering means COM via a network N to the destination unit TE done.

The network N comprises at least one network which enables communications between the communication offering unit COE and the destination unit TE. Examples of the network N include computer networks of the Internet, networks of stationary and / or mobile phones, and the like. When the communication offering means COM is assigned to the destination unit TE, the destination unit TE can be provided with a communication offer according to the communication parameters implemented in the communication offering means COM.

With the provision of the communication offer, the destination unit TE or a user (not shown) of the destination unit TE can communicate according to the communication parameter; This communication is shown in Figure 1 by arrow 3.

As shown in Fig. 2, the communication offering unit COE comprises address means ADR, means BM and control means CM. Address means ADR comprise information on the basis of which units can be identified. Such information includes names, addresses, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, facsimile numbers, numbers of SMS units, and the like. The address means ADR may be used by the communication providing unit COE for various purposes, but one of them will be described herein in connection with the definition of a communication offering means COM for the destination unit TE. To define the communication offering means COM, the communication providing entity COE first selects information provided by the address means ADR, which designates a entity which the communication offering entity COE has selected as the destination entity TE. Then, the communication providing unit COE uses the building means BM to generate the communication offering means COM. The generation of the communication offering means COM comprises at least the conversion of the destination unit TE identifying information such that the generated communication offering means COM is uniquely assigned to the destination unit TE.

If the communication offering unit COE intends to use a standardized communication offering means, the building means BM may provide a template or the like of a communication offering means comprising standardized communication parameters in the form of previously implemented parameters. Through the implementation of information characterizing the destination unit TE, the personalized communication offering means COM is generated. However, it is assumed that the communication providing entity COE does not normally intend to use given communication parameters. In order to implement communication parameters of which the communication providing entity COE wishes to be involved in the communication offering means COM, the means BM provides functionalities for defining and implementing communication parameters.

After the communication offering means COM is generated, it is assigned to the destination unit TE. It is to be noted that the communication offering means COM after its assignment to the destination unit TE can still be controlled by the communication offering unit COE. With respect to the communication parameters, the building means BM allows to modify and vary implemented communication parameters and / or to implement additional and / or new communication parameters and / or to delete previously implemented communication parameters, even if the communication offering means COM is already assigned to the destination unit TE.

The control of the communication offering means COM can be done by the control means CM. In comparison to the building medium BM, the control means CM makes it possible to control the current operating state and / or the behavior of the communication offering means COM. A control by the control means CM has no influence on the converted communication parameters and is limited by the limits set by the implemented communication parameters.

In order to improve the understanding of the differences between the building medium BM and the control means CM, reference will be made to the following example. A person (communication providing unit) who makes models (communication offering means), such as model airplanes or model cars, has a workshop (building means) in which a desired model (personalized communication offering means) is built and can be modified later. To define the characteristics and to change the characteristics of the model, the person can choose from a variety of components of the workshop. After the person has made a decision regarding the characteristics (communication parameters) of the model, such as the "fly" characteristic of a model airplane, the person can continue to make changes through the use of the workshop. However, the control by the remote control is in some ways due to the characteristics (communication parameters) of the model (Communication offer means) limited. For example, the remote control of a model airplane allows a variety of flight figures, which are limited by the characteristics of the model airplane. For example, with a remote control of the model airplane, it can not be achieved that the model airplane behaves like a model ship.

Embodiments of the communication offering units COE shown in FIG. 2 include addressing means ADR, building means BM and control means CM. However, it may suffice that at least one of the address means ADR, building means BM and control means CM is assigned to the communication offering unit COE.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention

Communication-providing unit COE, wherein address means ADR, building means BM and control means CM are assigned to the communication offering unit. Assigned in this context means that the communication providing unit COE or their users functions of the address means ADR, the

Do not use resources BM and the control means CM, these means are not included per se in the communication offering unit COE.

For example, the address means ADR may be implemented to include a unit ADR 'of the address means ADR from the communication offering unit COE, whereas the remaining portion ADR' 'of the address means ADR may be provided by a central computer system SER (for example, a server of a network operator of the Network N) is included. Around

Provide functionalities of the address means ADR of the communication offering unit COE to provide the address means unit ADR 'at least one front end of Address means ADR. For example, when the address means ADR is used in combination with a computer system, the address resource unit ADR 'may comprise a graphical user interface that provides functions of the address means ADR, such as functional information, relocatable buttons, and the like.

The address means unit ADR '' may include hardware and / or software, which form in combination with the address means unit ADR 'the address means ADR. The address resource unit ADR '' may comprise, for example, hardware with which information relating to the units described above can be exchanged with the address resource unit ADR and / or information of the address resource unit ADR 'can be controlled with respect to the units described above (for example address information of a destination unit TE), Hardware and / or software for providing a graphical user interface, hardware and / or software for providing the interactivity of the address resource unit ADR 'and the like.

The above observations and / or operations concerning the address means ADR and its units ADR 'and ADR' 'apply mutatis mutandis to the means BM and the control means CM and their units BM' and BM '' and CM 'and CM' '.

The communication offering unit COE may be a single, complete standalone communication unit such as a personal computer, a stationary telephone, a mobile telephone, a computer system, and the like. However, the communication offering unit COE may also comprise two or more communication units, as illustrated in FIG. In the illustrated exemplary Embodiment of the communication offering unit COE includes communication offering unit elements COE ', COE''andCOE'''. For example, communication offering unit element COE 'may be a personal organizer with address means ADR, whereas communication offering element COE''may be a PC (personal computer) with means BM and communication offering unit element COE''' a portable communication device (e.g. a portable computer or a telephone) with control means CM can be. In contrast to the illustrated embodiments of the communication offering unit COE, embodiments (not shown) are also contemplated which comprise two communication offering elements which all together comprise the address means ADR, building means BM and

Control means CM include, or embodiments are considered which four or more

Comprise communication offer unit elements, which at least one of the address means ADR, building medium BM and control means CM redundancy ??? may include.

The operation of the communication providing unit COE can in the embodiment shown in Figure 4 by communication or transmission of corresponding information and / or corresponding data between the

Communication offering unit elements COE ', COE''andCOE''' take place. Such communications or transmissions may occur between these communications offering unit elements over a network N and / or via communication links between these entities. Communication links between the communications offering unit elements COE ', COE''andCOE''' may be in the form of cable connections, wireless Radio signal connections, infrared communication links and connections based on Bluetooth technology.

The assignment of the communication offering means COM to the destination unit TE may be performed such that, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the communication offering means COM is transmitted to the destination unit TE. The result of this is that the destination unit TE comprises the communication offering means COM.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate embodiments in which the communication offering means COM is not included by the destination unit TE. In these embodiments, the destination unit TE comprises a part COM 'of the

Communication offering means COM, which in combination with COM '', a second part of the

Communication offering means, which is covered by the communication offering unit COE or a central system SER, the communication offering means COM forms.

Accordingly, it is possible to have a part of the communication offering means COM "on a server SER constituting, for example, a part of a database. Consequently, the communication offering means COM, in the form of a combination of COM 'and COM ", can use the resources on the server and accordingly be connected to data which is not available on the destination unit TE.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the target unit TE may be in the form of a single, complete one Communication device such as a personal computer, a mobile or stationary phone and so on. Then it is through the

Communication offer means COM or a part COM 'of the communication offering means COM (for example, a

Front-end communication offering means) of the destination unit TE itself or its users are provided with a communication offer. One by the

Communication offer means COM (COM ') provided communication offer can by a on the

Desktop of a computer system, which represents the target unit TE displayed icons, an entry in an address list of a telephone, which represents the destination unit TE, and so on.

By activating such an icon or address entry, for example by clicking on it, communications with a called unit TE via the network N become possible in response to the communication offer. Communication restrictions, as defined by communication parameters implemented in the communication offering means COM, may specify a communication offer, for example, as communication with a particular entity (eg, the communication offering entity COE, a service provider, etc.), certain types of communication links, data types, duration, and so on ,

However, the target unit TE may also comprise two or more units, as illustrated in FIG. In this case, the communication offering means COM is assigned to the destination unit TE by assignment to the destination unit element TE '. An activation of the Communication offering means COM may cause a communication offer to be provided by using the destination entity element TE ". For example, the destination unit element TE "may be a computer system that includes the communication offering means COM or

Communication offering means front end COM 'includes. In order to provide a communication offer, the communication offering means COM (COM ') establishes a communication link with the destination entity element TE ", such as a mobile telephone or a mobile computer system. Such a communication connection between the destination unit elements TE 'and TE "may be established directly between these units (for example, via a cable or a wireless connection) or indirectly via a network N.

Hereinafter, it is assumed that the communication offering means COM (COM ') provides a communication offer in the form of a free telephone call or a free SMS to the destination unit TE. For this purpose, the communication offering means COM (COM ') may provide the destination entity element TE "with corresponding information or data so that an operation of the destination entity element TE" makes it possible to use the offered communication. For example, the communication offering means COM (COM '') may transmit a telephone number to the destination entity element TE ', allowing a free telephone call originating from the destination entity element TE' for the destination entity TE to any called entity CE. In order to establish such a telephone connection, it is also possible that the communication offering means COM (COM ') via the network N establishes a telephone connection to the destination unit element TE '' and a telephone connection to the called unit CE and connects these telephone connections so that communication between the destination unit element TE '' and the called unit CE is possible.

Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment in which the communication offering unit COE comprises a personal computer PCI, a stationary telephone ST1, a mobile telephone MTl and an SMS-capable unit SMSl. Each of these components of the communication providing unit COE can be used to generate a communication offering means (not shown) and to assign this to the destination unit TE. Depending on which unit of communication providing unit COE is used to

An appropriate network can be used to generate communication offering means and / or assign the destination unit TE. Figure 10 exemplifies a computer network CN, a stationary telephone network SCN, a mobile telephone network MTN and an SMS-capable network SMSN.

Dependent, for example, on the type of communication offering means allocated by the communication offering unit COE to the destination unit TE and / or the type of the intended one to be provided

Communication offer, a personal computer PC2, a stationary phone ST2, a mobile phone MT2 or an SMS-capable device SMS2 of the destination unit TE can be used.

With reference to FIGS. 11 to 18, embodiments are described in which it is assumed that both the communication providing entity COE and the target entity are computer systems that the network N is the Internet, and that the communication offering means COM is assigned to the destination unit TE via an e-mail from the communication offering unit COE.

FIG. 11 illustrates a graphical user interface or a front end of the address means ADR, which is displayed on a display device of the communication providing unit COE. The illustrated graphical user interface of the address means ADR presents to a user of the communication offering unit COE names and address information of communication devices and / or individuals to select one of them as a destination unit TE.

To create a communication offering means COM, the respective one of the interactive buttons Bot Builder (BB) must be operated. The operation of one of the buttons BB leads to a graphical user interface or also to a front end of the building material BM, which will be explained in detail with reference to FIG.

If one or more of the displayed communication devices and / or individuals has been previously selected as a destination unit and provided with a communication offering means by assignment, it is possible to display information that such

Communication devices and / or individuals are "online." In Figure 11, such a display is provided by the field PD (stands for "presence display"). For example, by using different colors, the PD can be displayed the online presence of a unit to which a communication offering means has been assigned. The graphical user interface of the address means ADR also provides an interactive section BOT controller (BC) Available, which leads to a graphical user interface or even a front end of the control means CM (see Figure 17). Interactive sections of the graphical user interface of the address means ADR are operable only for those listed units to which

Assigned to communication offering means; without a communication providing means assigned to a unit, the control means CM would not allow control of a communication offering means because there is no communication offering means for control.

After a unit has been selected as the target unit TE, the display device of FIG

Communication offering unit COE a graphical user interface or even a front end of the building material BM in response to operation of a corresponding interactive button BB. Figure 12 illustrates an example of a graphical user interface of the building material BM.

The address field AF of the graphical user interface of the construction material BM displays the address, the name and the like of the destination unit. Optionally, this graphical user interface comprises a profile field PF in which the profile of the communication-providing unit or its user is respectively displayed. A profile of the communicating entity COE or its users, respectively, may include address information, the username, a telephone number, an email address, personal information (eg, age, gender, occupation), and the like. The

Profile field will be included in the graphical user interface of the resource BM, if the communication offering means COM is a profile of each Communication offering unit COE or the user should contain. If the communication offering means does not include such a profile, the profile field PF is not displayed or displayed without information contained therein. To select one of these options, a respective communication parameter is used in the communication offering means COM.

The introduction of communication parameters in the communication offering means COM is realized by using the communication parameter field CP of the graphical user interface of the building material BM. The communication parameter field CP provides a list of communication parameters that can be introduced into the communication offering means COM.

It is possible, for example, in the

Communication offer means COM communication parameters introduce so that the communication offer includes free SMS for the destination unit TE. This can be achieved by selecting the communication parameter "Free SMS" and specifying the number of free SMSs to be offered to the destination unit TE.

The communication parameter "birthday communication offers" allows the configuration of the communication offering means COM such that the destination unit TE on the birthday whose users a communication offer is made available.

The communication parameter "presence information" enables the address means ADR to indicate whether the destination unit TE is online (see FIG. 1). The communication parameter "Profile of the sender" indicates that the communication offering means COM is to comprise a profile of each of the communication offering entity or its users.

The icon field IF of the graphical user interface of the building means BM provides a plurality of different icons, which are displayed as a graphical representation of the communication offering means COM on the destination unit TE.

The bottom section of the BM's graphical user interface provides interactive buttons "Language", "Sound / Music", "Video" and "Picture".

The "Language" button makes it possible to integrate a voice message or voice data (for example of a user of the communication offering unit COE, pre-recorded / stored messages / data) into the communication offering means COM.

The "Sound / Music" button makes it possible to integrate a noise (eg a ringtone) and / or music (eg the latest song from ...) into the communication offering means COM. Sounds to be included and / or music may be provided by the user to the communication offering unit COE (for example, by a transmission of sound / music data to the communication offering means COM) and / or a part of the building material (eg stored in a property assigned to the building medium or memory contained in the construction medium) and / or by a third party in network N. Consequently, it is possible to use different sources for the files to be included, in particular even sources offered by third parties in a network. Accordingly, widely distributed databases and

File server can be used as a source for the various files to be included.

The "Video" button allows you to watch a video (eg pictures of the last trip to ...,

Video clips, etc.) into the communication offering means COM. The video to be included can be provided by the user to the communication offering unit COE (eg by a transmission of a video file to the communication offering means COM) and / or by a part of the building material (eg stored in a memory allocated or contained in the building means) and / or by a third party in network N.

The "Picture" button allows to include at least one picture (e.g., pictures of holidays in ..., grandmother's picture) in the communication offering means COM. The images to be merged may be provided by the user of the communication offering unit COE (for example by a transmission of an image file to the communication offering means COM) and / or by a part of the building material (eg stored in a memory associated or contained in the building means) and / or by a third party in network N.

The embedded voice, sound, music, video and image files can be used to provide respective acoustic and / or visual information in, among others, the following cases:

in providing the communication offering means COM to the destination unit TE to inform the destination unit TE that the communication offering means COM has now been assigned. During operation of the communication offering means COM to inform the destination entity TE that the communication offering means COM is operational or active.

- To attract attention when providing a communication offer.

To indicate that the communication offering means COM is currently being controlled.

- To indicate that communication parameters have been changed.

After the communication offering means COM has been generated, the communication offering unit COE provides at least part of the communication offering means COM by transmitting at least part of the communication offering means COM to the destination unit TE via the network N (see Fig. 13). For that purpose, an e-mail may be used which comprises data / information / software constituting the communication offering means (see Fig. 14). After the communication offering means COM is received, an icon or an image selected for the communication offering means is displayed in the display means of the destination unit TE (see Fig. 15A / B).

After the communication offering means COM has been provided to the destination unit TE, it is possible to control the communication offering means COM by means of the control means CM. Referring to Fig. 11, the interactive panel BC associated with the destination unit TE is activated. As a result, the communication providing unit COE is presented with a graphical user interface or a front end of the control means CM (see Fig. 16).

The address field AF of the graphical user interface of the control means CM displays information which identifies the destination unit TE. The control panel CF of the graphical user interface of the control means CM shows a variety of options for controlling the

Communication offering agent COM. For example, the "wink" control option causes an icon used to represent the communication offering means COM on a display unit of the destination unit TE to be waved or a corresponding icon selected to behave in a similar manner. The voice message control option may be used to reproduce predefined voice messages or voice messages entered by a user of the communication offering unit COE to a user of the destination unit TE. The control option "Movie" causes a predefined video sequence or a communication by a user video unit or a movie is presented to a user of the target unit TE.

In the motion field MF of the graphical user interface of the control means CM, interactive buttons or icons are provided, which allow a user of a communication offering unit COE to move an icon used for the communication offering means COM via the desktop of the destination unit TE. The speech field TF of the GUI of the control means CM allows a user of the communication offering unit COE to talk directly to a user of the destination unit TE. By operating the video button VF of the GUI of the control means CM, a real-time video, e.g. a video taken by a video camera of the user of the communication offering unit COE, video are transmitted directly to the destination unit TE.

Figures 17A to 17C illustrate an embodiment, hereinafter referred to as "Botarium" (corresponding to the term aquarium, which stands for a container with fish or fish tank), to designate a procedure with which two or more communication offering means (communication robot or Combots) are "limited".

It is assumed by three communication offering means COMl, COM2, COM3, which are assigned to a destination unit TE. FIG. 17A illustrates a view of a display of the target unit TE having graphs of this communication offering means. FIG. 17A further illustrates a section or window of the destination unit TE, which is identified by the reference BOT is designated. This window BOT is a graphical representation of the "Botarium" of the destination unit TE. This window can be a specific directory. The Combots in this window can also be members of a group by naming the Combots in this container of the "Botarium".

To communicate between the

Communication offering means to perform COMl, COM2 and COM3, these communication offering means are placed in the Botarium BOT, moved or copied (for example, by a drag and drop operation) as shown in Figure 17B. If they are bounded in Botarium BOT, the communication offering means recognize this state and exchange the information included in each one.

Specifically, the communication offering means COM1, COM2 and COM3 exchange profiles of those communication offering entities from which they originated.

After exchanging information, each communication offering means COM1, COM2 and COM3 communicates the newly received information to its associated communication offering unit (see Figure 17C). Such a communication may also be initiated by a corresponding communication offering entity by appropriately controlling the associated communication offering means. Then, the affected communication providing units C0E1, ..., COEn are each provided with information / profiles of the other communication offering units. As a result, each communication providing entity has come to know at least one new communication offering entity and thus new contacts and relationships can be established. In that In the case where the communication offering means are server-based (see FIG. 7), an exchange of, for example, profile information between the

Communicating means in COMl, ..., COMn are also performed by corresponding data transfers or data shifts (for example, between different storage areas), etc. on the servers involved.

FIG. 18 shows a further illustration for explaining a further preferred embodiment. In this case, the at least one part of the communication offering means, namely the combo, is made available to the destination unit (the target user) on its / her desktop depending on an event, in particular a pending event, which event is related to the offering unit and in particular triggered by the offering unit. As can be seen from FIG. 18, two COM1, COM2, COMs are provided, which have been sent to the target user's desktop. The first combo COMl has the shape of a heart with changing proportions, so it seems that the heart is beating. This desktop element "Heart" was sent by the offering unit, such as a flower shop, to remind its customers of the upcoming Valentine's Day. The closer this event gets, the higher will be the beating frequency of the beating heart. This is controlled by the offering entity or its system. Of course, not only the one target user will receive such a combo as shown in Figure 18, but also every other customer of the offering unit (flower shop). The Combot is connected to the website of the offering unit, which customers can access by simply clicking on the COMl combo. If Customers do so, they are invited to take part in a lottery whose first use of, for example, one Euro is sponsored by the offering unit. In addition, the target user may send any document or other file to a website of the offering unit where the document will be published (for example, a poem, a photograph, etc.).

To do this, the user simply has to drag a corresponding desktop element onto the combo COMl (see arrows 181-183) and the file is immediately transmitted to the offering unit. The parameters of the Combo are defined to control and / or filter the transmission of the files depending on the type of file the target user wants to send. All documents or text files become one at the offering unit

Rendering application to convert the various formats (Word, PDF, ...) into a standard format, such as a simple TXT format. The image files are all filtered and reduced in size to a standard JPEG file format. Finally, all converted files are combined in an HTML web page presented on the website.

Of course, every other scenario is conceivable. The combo COM1 shown in Figure 18 could also have been sent by another (private) entity, in particular the friend of the target user, to remind him of the upcoming date, marriage day, or the like. To trigger a communication with his girlfriend, the user simply pulls appropriate files from his desktop onto the heart-shaped COM coml and drops them there. The files, for example MP3- the JEPG- Files will be sent to the friend immediately and will appear on their desktop. Consequently, the combos on both sides are universal interfaces for a permanent contact connection between these two persons. Any form of communication can be triggered immediately by a simple drag-and-drop operation. It is not necessary to manually start a corresponding program or application, such as an e-mail or voiceover IP program, and the like. Any form of communication is automatically started and controlled depending on the combo setting and rules defined by the offering unit. Of course, the destination unit may define other rules according to their will and claims.

FIG. 19a shows a basic network structure for

Implementation of the aforesaid method, the structure having a platform, in particular a communication website CW with control means and means for monitoring the history of the contacts and / or communications. Both units are connected to this platform in such a way that the desktops on both sides display a Combo COMA or COMB respectively. Consequently, a permanent contact link or connection is established to spontaneously start communication by simply pulling and dropping, as described above. In FIG. 19a, by way of example, a document is transmitted directly from user A to user B. Of course, any other type of communication can be triggered and carried out. As shown in Figure 19b, the principle of the invention is not limited to one-to-one connections. Any other configuration is conceivable, such as one-to-many or group configurations in the form of a star. The contact connection, which connects people via Combots, is thus a kind of precursor to a full communication link. From the user's desktop view, each Combot appears as a stimulating element to interact more closely and to communicate with the offering unit / offering user. The Combot can be understood as both the entrance and the exit of a permanent contact link to another user or even to a group of users. In order to prevent any abuse, it may be useful to provide a "clearing unit" or equivalent device within the structure, as shown in Figure 20, to further restrict usage of the system. As indicated by the arrows 201A to 201C, this may mean that not only are documents uploaded by the offering unit 201, but also that rights to access these documents or even to the computer at the offering site are granted or denied ( see arrows 201B). As a result, the target user may not have all the rights to fully benefit from the system's uploaded files and capabilities.

However, even a direct transmission, in particular a peer-to-peer transmission, can be performed as shown by arrow 201C. On the landing page, the user can simply get pop-up information about incoming documents (see arrow 205A) or he can get the document / file immediately without having to actively download it (see arrow 205B). The document can also be automatically downloaded as long as the user is not offline. If the user is offline, the document is initially cached on the CW website. FIG. 21 illustrates a method of reproducing contacts along with a combo and associated files and / or applications. On the left is the screen of a first user named Frank. Frank wants to send a second user, Michael, a combo, which he has received from another user named Matthias. As a result, Frank selects Matthias's record in his contact list and clicks on the option "Duplicate" within a pull-down menu to trigger a duplication of this combo. Now Frank wants to send this combo to Michael and therefore chooses Michael's name from the contact list, namely an email list, to trigger the transmission of an email to Michael. Alternatively, Frank Michael can also contact IM via IM. The Combot will be sent together with the e-mail or instant message.

As can be seen from the right-hand side of FIG. 21, the e-mail is received by Michael, who sees the e-mail with a footer containing the Combot on his screen. As soon as Michael pulls this combo onto his desktop, the combo will be labeled "Frank" to indicate that Frank is the offering unit. The combo then allows Michael to access Frank's website and access files such as audio MP3 or image files or the like. In addition, Michael is provided on this website a little space to leave there for Frank files. As soon as Michael contacts Frank, the combo on Frank's side will be named Michael. Figures 22 to 24 illustrate a particular application of the invention in which contacts for communication of any kind (email, SMS, telephony, instant messaging, file sharing ...) are in permanent or at least quasi-permanent contact with each other, with special graphical elements (the above-mentioned ComBots) on the desktop of the computer (desktop) show the current state of the respective contact partner and where several of these elements in groups (GroupComBots) can be summarized.

First, FIG. 22a shows a schematic representation of an existing contact connection between a first user A and a second user B.

Shown is the respective desktop DTA from the user A or DTB from the user B and the respective graphical element in the form of a ComBot, which represents the contact with the other user. Thus one finds on the desktop DTA the ComBot for the user B and vice versa. Both users are logged into a system to be described later (see Fig. 24), so that the users are constantly in contact with each other and are to be regarded as contact partners, who may want to spontaneously communicate with each other. This connection is thus a quasi-permanent contact connection, which serves as a preliminary stage for the spontaneous establishment of one or several communication links. For this purpose, the respective ComBot displays the current status (status) of the contact partner by means of a graphical change, animation or comparable measures. For example, ComBot B on user A's desktop DTA changes color as soon as user B is online. The ComBots are not only status indicators, but also direct access to the contact partner to send him messages and / or files of any kind. For example, by simply dragging and dropping on the desktop, user A may send user B a document, such as a text file, image file, or entire directories, or at least grant him access to these files. To do this, user A pulls the symbol for the file onto ComBot B located on the desktop DTA. The files and directories exchanged and / or shared among the users appear on a system-managed common website TCW, preferably within a double window. The double window essentially has two subareas, each of which is assigned to one of the two users. Thus, all the associated files and directories appear in the subarea of user A, and the associated files and directories also appear in the subarea of user B. This is shown by way of example with reference to FIG. 22a. In addition, many other data and information are provided and managed on the TCW website, in particular the contact data (names, addresses, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, etc.) itself and communication data (date, time, history, type of communication, name of the exchanged files etc.). Thus, the TCW website particularly serves to manage and conduct communication between contacts. The website TCW is therefore also referred to as a telecommunications website.

The operation of the shown ComBots as well as the use of the website TCW is particularly easy through drag and drop operations on the respective user interface, ie on the personal desktop and / or in the double window represented by the browser.

If, for example, the user A wants to transmit a directory with MP3 audio files to the user B, A merely needs to drag and drop the icon of the directory onto the ComBot B of the other user on his desktop DTA and drop it. Thus, the system will automatically provide this directory on the TCW website for the user B and inform the user B by animating the ComBot A on the desktop DTB. In the opposite direction, the transmission of directories and / or files is done in the same way, i.e. in the same way. by simple drag and drop. This is illustrated by the arrows in Figure 22a.

The TCW website shows within the double window which files and directories have been provided by which user for use by the other user. The physical storage locations may be centrally located on a server of the system or they may also be located remotely on the respective computers and terminals of the users or on other external computers. By clicking on the respective ComBot or by accessing the TCW website, which can be reached at a specific URL, users can obtain information about the current state of affairs and take over individual or multiple files as well as entire directories as they wish. This means, for example, that the user B moves by dragging and dropping on the web page of the website TCW a file located there in the subarea of the user A into its subarea B. Alternatively, or in addition, automatically downloading this file or a copy thereof from the TCW on the computer of user B done. The functions will be described below with reference to FIG 24.

As Figure 22a illustrates, the method and system of the invention is appropriate between users

(Contact partners) to establish a quasi-permanent contact connection via a dedicated website TCW and to display the current status on the desktops of the computer and / or the displays of the users' devices as well as the direct access to the respective contact partner by means of graphic elements, the so-called ComBots. to enable.

As also illustrated in FIG. 22b, in the simple case there is a two-point connection between two contact partners via their ComBots COMA and COMB. But there are also conceivable multipoint connections of any kind, such as a fan-shaped point-to-multipoint connection from a ComBot COMA to several ComBots COMBl, COMB2 ... COMn. Or star-shaped multipoint connections are made between a variety of ComBots COMl, COM2, COM3 ... COMn. In the case of multipoint connections, a ComBot (e.g., COMA or COMl-COMn) may each represent a plurality of contacts, that is, a group of contacts.

With reference to Figure 23 will now be explained in more detail how a group formation can be done by simply dragging and dropping ComBots on the sender: If on the desktop DTA of a user already two or more ComBots (or here as a representative of the control means CM) for individual contacts , such as for B and C, so the user or sender can drag and drop a combo (eg ComBot B) on the other (ComBot C) form a so-called GroupComBot GRP. This GroupComBot GRP then represents the contacts (here B and C), ie it corresponds to a contact group. By further Drag & Drop, the GroupComBot GRP can be extended at any time, such as another contact D. Thus, instead of many individual ComBots appears on the desktop of the user only one icon, namely the GroupComBot GRP. For the sender, this represents the consignments he has sent to others - he can address them via the graphics (combos) lying on his desk. With a simple double-click or similar measures, the GroupComBot GRP is broken down again into the individual ComBots (here in B, C and D).

Pooling multiple contacts into a group in the form of GroupComBots provides a much better overview on the desktop, thus increasing the ease of use for the user. In addition, the group formation is very flexible, so that the user can form GroupComBots in any way. He can also integrate a single ComBot, which is assigned eg to a work colleague and friend, into several GroupComBots, such as one for "work colleagues" and one for "friends". In addition, the user can combine several GroupComBots into GroupComBots. For example, he can group the two GroupComBots "Coworkers" and "Friends" into a GroupComBot "My Birthday Party" because he wants to invite all of his coworkers and friends to his next birthday party For example, GroupComBots formed by persons (contacts), time, event, and / or project Grouping by itself, in which the system automatically creates virtual GroupComBots and proposes them to the user.

The system and the system will now be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 24. The system LC is constructed on the Internet and essentially comprises one or more servers that manage contact data for a plurality of users for possible communication and the provision of user data. In FIG. 24, the system LC is represented symbolically. In addition, two users A and B are shown by way of example, as well as a website TCW provided by the system to the users. The system LC provides each user with a storage area (e.g., MEM-A for user A). This memory area is e.g. on the drive of the LC server or on an associated data storage medium. In addition to the system-internal memory areas MEM-A and MEM-B, the users can also use system-external memory, in particular the drives HD-A or HD-B of their computer PC or their terminals PDA, to any files and / or directories for other users (contacts) to provide.

If z. B. two users A and B via the system LC are in contact with each other, then located on the desktops of their computer PC and / or devices PDA each have a graphical element in the form of a so-called ComBot, which allows direct access to the respective contact partner. It thus represents the combination of communication-providing means of the other partner as well as their own

Control means for controlling the other provided provided Combots dar. The user A has the ComBot B. on his desktop DTA. The user B is just the opposite. For both users A and B, the system LC provides a website TCW with a double window in which all data collected by the system LC, in particular the contact data of the two users A and B and the user data provided by them, can be displayed. Through this website TCW and simple operation, especially through drag and drop operation, users can access their own data and the data released by the contact partner from any internet access at any time. As soon as a user changes their contact data (such as address, telephone number or e-mail address), this is recorded by the system LC and an automatic synchronization with the contact partners is carried out so that all contact partners always have the latest current status of the contact data. Changes and updates can be displayed immediately via the ComBots.

However, the ComBots are also used for direct contact by a user (here A) clicks on the ComBot of the desired contact (here B) and then from an appearing communication menu an application such. Email, telephony (PSTN and / or VoIP) or SMS starts. Immediately the communication with the contact partner is started. The system LC thereby assists the user by providing only the possible or even preferred communication methods, e.g. Email or SMS, suggest. It takes into account the user profiles and user-defined requirements managed by the system itself.

Likewise, spontaneous communication can be initiated by simple drag & drop. Does the user pull A? For example, a WORD file on the ComBot B of its contact partner B, then the system LC converts this file into a PDF format and transmits the PDF file as an attachment together with a notification email to the user B.

In another example, illustrated in FIG. 24, user A pulls on the ComBot B an MP3 file (symbolized by a star) currently located on hard disk HD-A of user A's computer PC. At the same time, the system LC starts an upload by transferring this MP3 file into the system-internal memory area MEM-A of the user A and displaying this on the website TCW. The user B now receives an indication that A provides him with a file. For this purpose, the system LC animates the ComBot A on the desktop DTB of the user B, the ComBot B e.g. receive a balloon with the message "MP3 from A for you".

The user B can then immediately surf on the website TCW and there access to its own memory area (right side of the double window) and also on the A memory area released (left side). Either the user B leaves the MP3 file (see star) there in the memory area of the A or the user B causes a transfer of the file in its memory area. This can be done by dragging and dropping the file symbol, ie by dragging the star from left to right (see arrow). At the same time, the system LC controls a corresponding file transfer from the hard disk HD-A to a storage area specified by the user B, here on the hard disk HD-B, which is located in the user B's terminal, here in the mobile personal digital assistant PDA. The file transfer takes place via a Two-point connection in the form of a peer-to-peer transmission p2p. Many other applications are conceivable. The LC system is particularly characterized by the fact that it uses all possible communication techniques for contacts spontaneously and through simple desktop-optimized usability, whereby the contact data are automatically updated.

The functions described on the basis of two individual contacts and their ComBots can also be applied to contact groups in the form of GroupConBots. As already shown in FIG. 23, these GroupComBots correspond to any combination of individual ComBots and / or smaller GroupComBots.

Claims

1. A method for establishing contact between a contact offering unit (COE) and a target unit (TE), comprising the steps:

Define contact parameters (CP) by the contact offering unit (COE),

Implementation of the contact parameters (CP) in contact offering means (COM),

Assignment of the contact offering means (COM) to the target

Unit (TE),

Providing at least a portion of the contact offering means (COM) to the target unit (TE), and maintaining the ability to control the target

Unit (TE) provided at least part of the contact offering means (COM) by the contact offering unit (COE).

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step: providing a contact offer (CO) for establishing contact according to the contact parameters (CP) to the target unit (TE) by the contact offering means (COM)

3.The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control of the at least part of the contact-offering means (COM) by the contact-offering unit (COE) takes place by modification of the contact parameters (CP).

4.A method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact-offering means (COM) is a software application.

5.The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact-offering means (COM) is put into a ready operational state after being made available to the target unit (TE).

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the contact-providing means (COM) are made available to the target unit (TE) in a manner that is not controlled by the target unit (TE).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact parameters are changed by implementing changed contact parameters in the contact offering means (COM).

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the contact parameters are changed by the contact offering unit (COE).

9.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact-offering means (COM) is controlled by a control means which is assigned to the contact-offering unit.

10.The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact offering means (COM) with another

Contact offering means (COM '), which has been made available to the target unit by a further contact offering unit (COE'), makes contact.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the contact-offering means (COM, COM ') can then contact one another if both are in a special directory of the target unit (TE) are stored or have been combined by the target unit into a group of means offering contact.

12.The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the contact-offering means (COM, COM ') come into contact with one another in that

- The first contact-offering means (COM) provides the further contact-offering means (COM ') at least one contact parameter and / or information of the first contact-offering unit, and / or

- The further contact offering means (COM) provides the first contact offering means (COM ') at least one contact parameter and / or information of the further contact offering unit.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the contact-offering means (COM, COM ') transmit and / or display the corresponding contact and / or the content of this contact to their corresponding contact-offering units (COE, COE').

14. Contact system comprising:

a contact offering unit (COE) which is designed to control a definition of contact parameters, a target unit (TE) which is designed to communicate in a network,

a contact-offering means (COM) which is assigned to the target unit and at least partially made available to the target unit, - control means (CM) which is assigned to the contact-offering unit (COM) and is designed such that the contact-offering unit ( COM) the agent (COM) offering the contact assigned to the target unit (TE) is controllable is.

15. Contact system according to claim 14, wherein the contact parameters of the contact offering means (COM) can be changed via the control means.