FR2825549A1 - MULTI-PROTOCOL, MULTIMEDIA AND CONTEXTUAL CONNECTION SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for connecting a data receiver (1) to at least two information provider resources (5,6) via at least one data transfer network (4), consisting of a connection platform (3) comprising a computer-based server (7) and information storage means (8), said data receiver (1) comprising at least one terminal adapted for information exchange on the data transfer network.The data transfer network is characterised in that it is a computer network,whereby at least two resources work according to different information exchange protocols: also characterised in that the connection platform (3) comprises multi-protocol connection means adapted to connect said data transfer network (1) and said two resources (5,6) regardless of the information exchange protocol being used.

Description

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 The present invention relates to a system for connecting an information receiver station with an information provider platform.

 In a conventional manner, such systems operate on an information transfer network such as the Internet computer network and present a platform of information providers comprising resources of the same nature and means of connection adapted to these resources alone.

fonctionnant selon le protocole de transfert d'informations vocales sur internet VOIP . For example, the platform is a telephone call center accessible through a website and having telephone resources

operating according to the VOIP internet voice information transfer protocol.

 In such systems, the information provider has no flexibility as to the modification of its platform. If the latter changes, it is necessary to acquire new means of connection adapted to the new resources.

 The information provider is also obliged to thoroughly restructure its website each time the platform changes.

 In addition, existing systems cannot adapt to the specifics of information exchange. The diversity of receiver positions often leads information providers to restrict their offers to one type of media, and the context of the call is ignored.

 For example, a website has a national toll-free number while the website is accessible worldwide.

 Under these conditions, setting up a free service is limited to a type of resource accessible from a dedicated terminal and a geographic area.

 It therefore appears that existing connection systems are limited to a single type of resource, the implementation of which is geographically restricted, and have no capacity to adapt to operating conditions as well as low and costly flexibility.

 The present invention aims to remedy these problems by allowing a multi-protocol, multimedia and contextual connection.

 The subject of the invention is a system for linking an information receiver station with at least two supplier resources.

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 information through at least one information transfer network, which includes a connection platform comprising a computer server and information storage means, said information receiver station comprising at least one terminal adapted to exchange information on said at least one information transfer network, characterized in that said at least one information transfer network is a computer network, in that said at least two resources operate according to protocols exchange of different information, and in that said connection platform includes multi-protocol connection means adapted to link said information receiver station and said at least two resources regardless of the protocols exchange of information used.

 According to other characteristics of the invention: the system further comprises another computer server, accessible through said at least one network, and comprising means for routing communications to said computer server of said connection platform, which computer server is then a dynamic computer server; - the connection platform is adapted to allow exchanges of information of at least one type among the following group of information: - information of digital type; - alpha-numeric type information; - sound type information; and - video type information; - the connection platform is adapted to allow exchanges of information in real time; - the connection platform is adapted to allow exchanges of information in deferred time; the connection platform includes billing means which make it possible to bill the communications to the supplier and to make at least part of the connection services free for the recipient of information; the connection platform includes management and configuration means accessible through said at least one transfer network

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 information in order to configure the operating conditions of the resources of the same supplier forming an information supplier platform; - the connection platform includes reduced management and configuration means accessible through a voice communication network in order to configure, from information input means of a telephone terminal, the operating conditions of the resources d '' a single supplier forming an information supplier platform; the computer server of the connection platform allows the connection with different resources of the information provider platform as a function of the configuration information stored in the information storage means by the management means and configuration ; - It further comprises means for acquiring and transmitting parameters making it possible to deliver the parameters characteristic of the context of the communication between the receiver station and the supplier platform; - said means for acquiring and transmitting parameters make it possible to deliver at least one parameter from the following group of parameters: - context for initializing the communication; - identifier of the nature of the information receiver position; - dating of the communication; and - geographic location of the information receiver position; the computer server of the connection platform allows the connection with different resources of the information provider platform as a function of the information delivered by the means of acquisition and transmission of parameters; - said connection platform includes at least one element chosen from the following group of linking elements: - an Internet mail server; - means for managing voice communications adapted for the exchange of voice communications on said at least one information transfer network; - videophone communication management means suitable for videophone communication exchanges on said at least one information transfer network;

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 - a voicemail server adapted to receive messages from said at least one information transfer network; - means for managing written communications in real time; - means for reversible conversion of voice communications between said at least one information transfer network and said voice communication network; - Means for reversible conversion of fax communications between said at least one information transfer network and said voice communication network; - means for transmitting short SMS messages between said at least one information transfer network and said voice communication network; and - a voice communications abutment server; - Said connection platform further comprises remote display control means by synchronization of the information receiver station with an IT resource of the information provider platform; - Said connection platform further comprises remote display control means controlled by information input means from one of the resources of the information provider platform; - said computer server of said connection platform includes software means exportable to said supplier platform making it possible to create said means for routing communications of said other computer server; - said computer server of said connection platform includes software means exportable to said supplier platform making it possible to create said means for acquiring and transmitting parameters; said computer server of said connection platform includes referencing and sorting means, accessible through said at least one network from the information receiver station, in order to carry out

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 searches in the list of information providers referenced on said connection platform; - said computer server of said connection platform includes means for managing the dating of events based on a world time reference; the means for bringing said connection platform into contact include monitoring means connected to said information storage means, in order to compare the nature of the operations relating to information stored in the information storage means and to interrupt the connection in the event of a discrepancy.

 The invention will be better understood on reading the description which will follow and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which: - FIG. 1 schematically represents the architecture of a linking system according to the invention; - Fig. 2 shows the detail of a system according to the invention; - Fig. 3 represents a block diagram of the configuration sequence of the linking system as described with reference to FIG. 2.

 - Figs. 4 and 5 show diagrams of use of the linking system as described with reference to FIG. 2, in the context of exchanges of information in real time; and - Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of the use of the linking system as described with reference to FIG. 2, in the context of exchanges of information in deferred time.

 In Figure 1 there is shown schematically the architecture of a linking system according to the invention.

 This system includes an information receiver station 1, an information provider platform 2 and a connection platform 3. These elements are linked through an information transfer computer network 4 which can be, for example the Internet.

 The information provider platform 2 comprises two resources 5 and 6 operating according to different information exchange protocols. Examples of resources used in the context of the invention will be described in more detail, with reference to FIG. 2.

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 The connection platform 3 includes a computer server 7 which makes it possible to manage the operation of the system by taking into account parameters stored in information storage means 8, also located in the platform 3.

 The platform 3 also includes connection means 9 adapted to allow the connection of the receiver's station 1 and the resources 5 and 6, whatever the information exchange protocols implemented by these elements .

 In FIG. 2, a linking system according to the invention has been detailed.

 The system presented has a complex infrastructure in order to illustrate the invention as widely as possible.

 It includes, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the information receiver station 1, the information provider platform 2, the connection platform 3 and the Internet network 4.

 It further comprises a computer server 12 belonging to a third party and hosting the conventional website of the information provider.

 In another configuration, the computer server 12 is integrated into the information provider platform 2 or even into the connection platform 3.

 The system also comprises, connected to the information receiver station 1, to the supplier platform 2 and to the connection platform 3, a telephone network 14 which may for example be the switched PSTN network equipped with gateways, not represented, with a mobile telephone network such as the GSM network.

 The information receiver station 1 consists, for example, of a multimedia microcomputer 16 of conventional type, a mobile telephone station 18, a fixed telephone station 20 and a fax machine 22.

 In another example, the microcomputer 16 is replaced by a digital personal assistant, or PDA, or any other terminal having means of connection to the internet network 4.

 The microcomputer 16 is equipped with conventional software means, not shown, or browser, allowing access and dialogue on the Internet network 4 to which the microcomputer 16 is connected by a connection of the conventional type.

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 The supplier platform 2 includes a set of IT resources comprising an Internet mail server 24 or SMTP server, a multimedia microcomputer 26 of conventional type, a voice communication terminal on the Internet 28 or IP telephone. , means 30 for managing a voice and / or videophone communication on the internet network 4 or GATEKEEPER VOIP and distribution means 32 allowing the routing of voice and / or videophone and / or written communications, or ACD-IP.

 Each resource operates using its own information exchange protocol. For example, the IP telephone 28 uses the VOIP Internet voice communication standards and the SMTP messaging server uses information transmission according to the conventional Internet protocol TCP-IP.

 All of the resources 24, 26 and 28 as well as the management means 30 and 32 which are associated with them, are linked together by means of a local network 34 or LAN. This is connected to the Internet 4 by means of routing and computer protection means 36.

 The information provider platform 2 also includes a set of telephone resources which includes voice mail 38, a fax machine 40, a mobile phone 42, a landline phone 44 and distribution means 46 or ACD allowing routing communications over the telephone network 14 to resources 38, 40, 42 and 44 depending on the types of communications and the availability of resources.

 Each of the resources 38, 40, 42 and 44 uses its own information exchange protocol. For example, the landline telephone 44 communicates according to the standard for PSTN switched telephony and the facsimile machine 40 operates using the standard facsimile protocol.

 All of the resources 38, 40, 42 and 44 and the management means 46 which are associated with them, are connected to a switchboard standard 48 itself connected to the telephone network 14.

 It is also possible to envisage the use of resources directly connected to the telephone network 14.

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 The connection platform 3 consists of the computer server 7, information storage means 8 and connection means 9 described with reference to FIG. 1.

 In the example described, the computer server 7 is a so-called dynamic server such as the MICROSOFT ASP server. It makes it possible to dynamically constitute an Internet page integrating options for accessing resources available from an Internet page hosted by another server, such as the server 12.

 In the case where the computer server 12 hosting the supplier's website is integrated into the connection platform 3, it can be confused with the computer server 7. This server will then display different Internet pages depending on the communication, on the base of the information contained in the database 8.

 The connection platform 3 also comprises means for managing its operation 50.

 In order to be able to adapt to all the information exchange protocols, the connecting means 9 have different elements.

For example, they include: - an Internet mail server 52 or SMTP server - means for managing voice communications 54 on the network
Internet 4 or VOIP controller; a voice mail server 56 adapted to receive voice messages from the Internet 4 or IP voice mail; means for managing written communications in real time 58 or tRC-CHAT server; - Reversible conversion means 60 for voice communications between the telephone network 14 and the Internet network 4 or VO gateway! P-RTC; reversible conversion means 62 for fax communications between the fax standard on the telephone network
14 and the fax standard on the Internet 4 or IP fax gateway;

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means of transmission 64 of short SMS messages ensuring the transfer and processing of SMS messages between the Internet network 4 and the telephone network 14 or gateway
SMS; and - a call termination server 66 allowing the termination of PSTN or IP telephone communications.

 The management means 50 include billing means 68, administration and configuration means 70 and a minimum configuration voice server 72 actuable from a telephone keypad.

 All the elements constituting the connection platform 3 are connected to each other by means of a local computer network 74 or LAN which is connected to the Internet network 4 by means of routing and computer protection 76.

 The connection platform 3 described with reference to FIG. 2, makes it possible to relate the information receiver station 1 and the resources of the information provider platform 2. The details of its operation will now go be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6.

 FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the configuration sequence of the linking system such as that described with reference to FIG. 2.

 The information provider is considered to have a conventional website hosted by the computer server 12, to the information provider platform 2, and to have subscribed to the connection services provided by the platform. -connection form 3.

 The supplier, from the microcomputer 26 provided with an Internet browser, connects to the dynamic computer server 7 of the connection platform 3.

 In the case where the supplier is not yet listed, he has the possibility of subscribing to the linking services offered by the connection platform 3. To do this, he requests, during a step 100, the creation of a new user account on the platform 3.

 The server 7 returns to the supplier, during a step 102, a form to be completed.

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This form may for example include the following information: - administrative information of the supplier (company name, address, telephone number, name of contact person, etc.);
Definition and configuration of the various resources of the information provider platform 2 such as: - telephone number of the subscriber switchboard 48; - fax number 40; - number of the mobile telephone 42 supporting the reception of SMS messages; - IP address or name of the GATEKEEPER VOIP 30; - Internet address of the SMTP 24 mail server; - configuration of operating conditions (day and time of availability of each resource); - languages available for each resource and default language; - definition of default resources and replacement resources in the event of failure or unavailability of a requested resource; - customization of the ergonomics of the linking options (size and positioning of the windows); - geographic availability of each resource; etc ...

 Once all the information has been completed, during a step 104, the microcomputer 26 returns all this information to the computer server 7.

 The latter stores this information in the storage means 8, during a step 106.

 All of the information entered and recorded in the database 8 is summarized in an Internet page returned, during a step 108, to the microcomputer 26 of the supplier.

 The information provider must then slightly modify his website hosted on the computer server 12 in order to insert a line of code allowing the implementation of the connection platform 3.

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 The supplier has the possibility of downloading onto his microcomputer 26 from the computer server 7 during steps 110 and 112, a software application allowing him to simply modify his website.

 This software application is a code generation tool for modifying an Internet page in order to insert a link to a dynamic Internet page hosted on the computer server 7 and means for acquiring and transmitting parameters, not shown. These enable, when the link is activated, to provide the dynamic server 7 with the context of the communication (address of the website visited, language selected, resource questioned, etc.).

 Subsequently, the supplier can connect again to the computer server 7 and, by means of identification and authentication, access and modify all of the information concerning him.

 Thanks to the minimum management means 72, the supplier is offered the possibility of performing configuration operations on the connection platform 3 directly from the keypad of a telephone.

 For example, the supplier uses the mobile telephone 42 in order to call, through the telephone network, the minimal configuration voice server 72 accessible directly through the telephone network 14, during a step 114.

 The voice server 72 then requires identification and authentication of the supplier, for example by entering a digital code using the telephone keypad 42.

 Once the authentication of the supplier has been carried out, a communication is set up during a step 116 between the voice server 72 and the mobile telephone set 42.

 The voice server 72 then proposes, using voice menus, the consultation or modification of specific information from the supplier.

 For example, the supplier, during a step 118, using the telephone keypad 42, enters a new operating time range for a selected resource. This information is received by the server 72 which formats it and transmits it to the database 8, during a step 120, so that it is stored in the specific information of the supplier.

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 It will be considered below that the resources of the information provider platform 2 are configured and that the configuration information is stored in the storage means 8 of the connection platform 3.

 We will now, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, describe the implementation of the linking system according to the invention.

 The exchange of information between the information receiver station 1 and the information provider platform 2 can be a real-time exchange such as a telephone conversation or a deferred time exchange such as access to a messaging service.

 FIG. 4 shows the block diagram of an exchange of information in real time between the multimedia microcomputer 16 of the receiver station 1 and the fixed telephone 44 of the supplier platform 2.

 From the microcomputer 16 of the receiver station 1, which has an Internet browser and is connected to the Internet network 4, one connects, during a step 122, to the website of the supplier hosted by the computer server 12.

 A page is downloaded during a step 124, on the microcomputer 16. It contains the line of code inserted by the supplier as it has been described with reference to FIG. 3. This line of code results in the presentation an Internet link to the dynamic server 7 of the connection platform 3.

 For example, this link is in the form of a button called Contact Us.

 When the user validates this link, during a step 126, a request is transmitted to the dynamic server 7 of the connection platform 3.

 During this step 126, the means of acquisition and transmission of parameters inserted in the Internet page allow the transmission of parameters defining the context of the communication.

 For example, these arguments include the address of the Internet page from which the communication was initiated, the language of this Internet page, the time of the communication and the country from which it was initiated, the number of the caller, the nature of the terminal 16 from which it is connected, etc.

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 The dynamic computer server 7, extracted from the database 8, during steps 128 and 130, all of the information specific to the supplier whose website is visited.

 From this information and from the arguments transmitted by the means of acquisition and transmission of arguments, the dynamic Internet server 7 locally generates a dynamic Internet page taking into account all of this information.

 Of course, in the event of redundancy, the parameters transmitted during the request have priority over those obtained from the database 8.

 For example, the default language is English, but if a request occurs with a different language choice parameter, it is this language which, if available, will be used.

 This Internet page, transmitted to the microcomputer 16 during a step 132, contains links to the resources accessible according to the context of the call and the configuration made by the supplier.

 For example if the communication is initiated outside working hours and days, this Internet page proposes the connection with the resources operating in deferred time of the platform of information provider 2. In this case, links towards Internet messaging 24, the fax machine 40, the SMS service or the deferred callback service, are offered to the user of the microcomputer 16 of the receiver station 1.

 Links to unavailable resources may not be displayed or be displayed without being validable.

 In addition, other information showing the hours of availability of the other resources of the provider platform 2 can be presented on this page.

 In the event that the call is made within working days and hours, this Internet page offers the connection with the resources operating in real time from the supplier platform 2.

 However, this display can also take into account the availability of these resources and propose means of connecting in deferred time in the case where the resources are occupied for, for example, reasons of maintenance or overload.

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 All this information is displayed in the manner defined by the supplier during the configuration of the linking system.

 This display can, for example, be done in a new window inserted in the initial window.

 This architecture defines a so-called parent-child link between the initial parent window and the child window presenting the connection options.

 Thus, the child window has the same rights as the parent window and accesses specific information from the parent window, in particular, history, dating, location of the call information.

 This information can then be used by the means of acquisition and transmission of parameters.

 In the following, we place ourselves in the case where the communication occurs within working days and hours, the real-time communication resources of the supplier platform 2 being available.

 In particular, this Internet page includes a link for telephone contact with the information provider platform 2.

 It is assumed that the terminal 16 has the conventional means necessary for voice communication on the Internet 4.

 During a step 134, the information receiver validates this link, which results in a request sent to the VOIP controller 54.

 This returns to the microcomputer 16, during a step 136, the IP address or the machine name of the VOIP-RTC gateway 60.

The microcomputer 16 then makes a communication request, during a step 138, to this VOIP-PSTN gateway 60
The latter performs a validity test of the conditions of the call with the VOIP controller 54 during steps 140 and 142.

 If this test is validated, the VOIP-RTC gateway 60 makes a call over the telephone network 14 to the subscriber switchboard 48 during a step 144.

 This call contains, in the PSTN call signaling and possibly in coded form or even in the form of a voice message, information concerning the context of the communication in particular, the Internet page being consulted, the language of the Internet site visited. ..

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 In another configuration, the context of the call is transmitted in the form of an internet page to the microcomputer 26 of the supplier platform 2.

 During a step 146, the subscriber switchboard 48 transmits this information to the ACD 46 responsible for distributing the calls.

 The latter returns, during a step 148, the telephone number of the agent most capable of processing the request as a function of the context of the call, in the example, telephone number 44.

 The subscriber switchboard 48 then routes the incoming telephone call to the telephone set 44 during a step 150.

 When an operator picks up the telephone set 44, the connection information is sent back to the subscriber switchboard 48 during a step 152 then to the VOIP-RTC gateway 60, during a step 154 and finally to the microcomputer 16 during a step 156.

 A voice communication is then established, in a step 160, between the microcomputer 16 of the information receiver platform 1 by virtue of the multimedia functions integrated therein, and the fixed telephone 44 of the communication platform. information provider 2.

 Subsequently, the microcomputer 16 requests the disconnection or the operator hangs up the telephone 44 which results in the end of the communication.

 During the connection and disconnection phases, an update of the resources available on the information provider platform 2 is made on the database 8.

Possibly, in H 323 routed mode, this call could have passed through the VOIP controller 54 of the connection platform 3
The billing means 68 can make the connection service free for the recipient by conventionally billing the communication to the supplier and not to the recipient.

 In addition, in the case of an end-to-end VOIP communication, thanks to the GATEKEEPER VOIP 30 of the information provider platform 2 and to the means of distribution of calls ACD-IP 32, the call could have been directed to the IP phone 28 of the information provider platform 2.

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 Similarly, it would have been possible, with the aforementioned means, to put the microcomputer 16 of the information receiver station in contact with the microcomputer 26 of the information provider platform 2.

 This communication would have made it possible to convey a voice communication according to the VOIP protocol and / or a videophone and / or written communication.

 FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an exchange of information in real time between the mobile telephone 18 of the receiver station 1 and the mobile telephone 42 of the supplier platform 2.

 As in the example described with reference to FIG. 4, the communication begins with the connection of the microcomputer 16 of the receiver station to the website of the supplier hosted by the computer server 12.

 This connection implements the dynamic computer server 7 and results in the display on the microcomputer 16 of a dynamic Internet page presenting the various resources accessible according to the context of the call.

 More details on this connection will be found with reference to steps 122-132 in Figure 4.

 The call is considered to take place in circumstances allowing the immediate recall of the information recipient.

 If this service is used for the first time, the contact page asks the receiver to enter the number of the telephone on which he wishes to be called. We also ask how soon the receiver wishes to be called back and whether this telephone number is used for the Internet connection in which case it is necessary to break the connection once the request has been issued.

 In the case presented the receiver provides the telephone number of the mobile telephone 18. It will therefore be considered that the microcomputer 16 will remain connected throughout the communication.

 Once all of this information has been entered, the microcomputer 16 sends a request to the abutment server 66, through the computer server 7, during steps 164 and 165.

 During this request, the microcomputer 16 provides arguments identifying the supplier, the profile to be used and defining the context of the call, by

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 example, the mobile phone number 18, the time frame within which the recipient wishes to be called back, but also the address of the website visited, the language of this site ...

 The abutment server 66 extracts, during steps 166 and 168, all of the information concerning the supplier, from the database 8.

 The abutment server 66 returns all this information to the dynamic server 7, during a step 170, which generates a confirmation and status page of the communication that it sends during a step 172 to the microcomputer 16 .

 The abutment server 66 transmits a call request transmitted to the mobile telephone 42 via the telephone network 14.

 The connection information of the mobile telephone 42 is transmitted to the abutment server 66 during a step 176. The abutment server 66 then sends a call request to the mobile telephone 18 through the telephone network 14, during from step 178.

 When the mobile telephone 18 accepts the incoming telephone call, the abutment server 66 connects the mobile telephone 18 of the receiver station 1 and the mobile telephone 42 of the supplier platform 2.

 In the present case, the telephone line used for voice communication is a line different from that used by the microcomputer 16 for connection to the Internet 4.

 Since the microcomputer 16 is still connected, it can continuously scan the state of the abutment server 66 and keep the connection window up to date as a function of the parameters of the communication, during steps 182 and 184.

 Disconnection is done in a conventional manner for telephone communication.

 Of course, the receiver of information could have provided the number of the landline telephone 20 and be called back on the latter.

 The system described also allows other real-time connections such as, for example, the written sessions of real-time dialogs between the microcomputers 16 of the receiver station 1 and 26 of the supplier platform 2, thanks to the implementation of the IRC CHAT 58 server.

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 When connecting in real time, one can imagine the use of a remote display control system. Such systems allow for example the synchronization of the microcomputer 16 of the receiver station with the microcomputer 26 of the supplier platform.

 This makes it possible to control the display of Internet pages on the microcomputer 16 in parallel with the existing communications.

 It is also possible to envisage the use of a remote display control system using the keys of a telephone keypad such as the system described in the French patent application filed on January 22, 2001 under the number 01 00823 by the applicant.

 This request concerns a system which makes it possible, using the so-called DTMF codes from the telephone set 28,42 or 44 of the information provider and transferred in juxtaposition of a voice communication, to control the display of Internet pages on the terminal 16 of the information receiver station 1.

 The DTMF codes transmitted by the telephone terminal 28, 42 or 44 of the information provider are interpreted by software extraction means located at least in part on the terminal 16 of the receiver station.

 Interpretation is made on the basis of correspondence information stored in the database 8 of the connection platform 3. Thus, the DTMF codes are interpreted and allow the extraction means located on the terminal 16 of the station receiver 1 to fetch the corresponding information on the Internet 4.

 FIG. 6 shows the block diagram of an exchange of information in deferred time between the microcomputer 16 of the receiver station 1 and the Internet mail server 24 of the provider platform 2.

 As in the example described with reference to FIG. 4, the communication begins with the connection of the microcomputer 16 of the receiver station to the website of the supplier hosted by the computer server 12.

 This connection implements the dynamic computer server 7 and results in the display on the microcomputer 16 of a dynamic Internet page presenting the various resources accessible according to the context of the call.

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 More details on this connection will be found with reference to steps 122-132 in Figure 4.

 Communication is considered to take place under conditions which do not allow for real-time contact. The receiver of information is then offered various options for connecting in deferred time. Among them, the possibility of leaving a voice message.

 When the information receiver validates this option, the microcomputer 16 sends a request to the VOIP controller 54, step 190. The latter returns to the microcomputer 16 the address of the IP voice mail server 56 during a step 192.

 The microcomputer 16 then sends a request containing all the arguments defining the context of the call to the IP voice mail server 56, step 194.

 In the case of using a routed H323 communication protocol, this request passes through the VOIP controller 54.

 During steps 196 and 198, the IP voicemail server 56 checks with the VOIP controller 54 for the validity of the call. The IP voicemail server 56 then accepts the call and contacts the microcomputer 16 during step 200.

 The user of the receiver station leaves his voice message through the multimedia communication means of his microcomputer 16 on the IP voicemail server 56.

 When the receiver has finished recording his voice message, he sends a disconnection request during step 202. This request is confirmed by the voice mail server 56 during step 204.

 The voice mail server 56 then extracts from the database 8 all of the information specific to the supplier whose recipient visited the website, during steps 206 and 208.

 The IP voice mail server 56 then generates an Internet message intended for the Internet mail server 24 of the information provider platform 2.

 This message, emitted during a step 210, includes in the body of the message all the information relating to the context of the call and, in part

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 attached, the voice message stored in a format usable by the microcomputer 26.

 Subsequently, an agent of the information provider platform 2 connects, using the microcomputer 26, to the messaging server 24 during a step 212.

 The latter then transmits to the microcomputer 26 the message containing the voice message, step 214.

 The voice message could also have been recorded directly on the voice mail server 38.

 The system described also allows other types of deferred time relationships.

 In particular, thanks to the Internet mail server 52 of the connection platform 3 and to the Internet mail server 24 of the supplier platform 2, it is possible to send from the microcomputer 16 an Internet message to the attention of the microcomputer 26.

 Likewise, the microcomputer 16 can make it possible to fill out a form which is then translated by means of the fax facsimile over IP 62, into a message intended for the facsimile machine 40 of the information provider platform 2.

 Likewise, the message can be sent in SMS format to the mobile telephone 42 of the information provider platform 2 thanks to the transmission means 64 allowing the transfer of an SMS message.

 The information receiver also has the option of leaving the number of his fax machine 22 in order to subsequently receive a fax from the information provider platform 2.

 These connections are made contextual by inserting, in the body of the messages or in the call signaling parameters, information characteristic of the call obtained thanks to the transmission of parameters during the connection and thanks to the information retrieved from the database 8.

 This processing is carried out on the connection platform 3.

 Each of the operations performed on the connection platform 3 is recorded in the information storage means 8. This allows the

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 supplier to have access to statistical information concerning the use and the requests sent to the supplier platform 2.

 In addition, the billing means 68 record a trace of each of the operations and in particular make it possible to debit the supplier for the cost of communications instead of debiting the receiver, thereby making the connection service free for the recipient.

 They also allow information providers to access statistics on the use of their matchmaking services.

 Furthermore, the various means of connection such as the server 7, the abutment server 66, may include monitoring means in order to verify the validity of any connection by comparing the parameters of connection with a table. security recorded by supplier 2 in database 8.

 In the event that a linking link has been modified or hacked, the linking means can thus detect this modification and interrupt the linking.

 We can also consider access to the service, by connecting directly, thanks to the microcomputer 16, to the computer server 7 instead of connecting to the computer server 12.

 In this case, if the server 7 is equipped with referencing and sorting means, one can access a list of all the suppliers having subscribed to the linking service instead of passing through the supplier's website.

 It therefore appears that the system described makes it possible, thanks to the connection platform 3, to put the information receiver station 1 into contact with the information provider platform 2 whatever the exchange protocols. information used by the resources available on the information provider platform 2 and by the information receiver station.

 Although various embodiments have been described, they are not considered to limit the scope of the present invention.

 Indeed, other modules or other protocols than those described can be used.

 In particular, it is possible to envisage the use, within the framework of the invention, of UMTS, WAP, or GPRS information exchange protocols, as well as intranet and extranet networks.

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 The terminal 16 of the information receiver station can also be a mobile terminal.

 In this case, one can imagine the use, in the connection platform 3, of a localization module in order to allow the contextual connection according to the location of the receiver station with different resources of the platform. form of information provider.

 Likewise, due to the geographical diversity of the possible accesses on such a system, so that the connection is made in a contextual manner, the system should be equipped with dating means operating according to a world reference.

 For example, the system includes a reliable dating management tool, based on the SNTP protocol and the GMT time reference.

 Finally, in the embodiments described, only one information provider platform is presented. Of course, such a system allows a connection with several platforms of information providers.

 In addition, one can imagine, within the framework of the invention, a system allowing the connection with at least two platforms of information providers each comprising a single resource, the two resources operating according to exchange protocols. different.

Claims (20)

1. System for linking an information receiver station (1) with at least two information supplier resources (5,6) through at least one information transfer network (4; 14), which comprises a connection platform (3) comprising a computer server (7) and information storage means (8), said information receiver station (1) comprising at least one suitable terminal (16) for exchanging information on said at least one information transfer network (4), characterized in that said at least one information transfer network (4) is a computer network, in that said at least two resources ( 5,6) operate according to different information exchange protocols, and in that the said connection platform (3) includes multi-protocol connecting means (9) adapted to link said station of information receiver (1) and said at least two resources (5,6) whatever either the information exchange protocols used.  2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises another computer server (12), accessible through said at least one network (4), and comprising means for routing communications to said computer server ( 7) of said connection platform (3), which computer server (7) is then a dynamic computer server.  3. System according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the connection platform (3) is adapted to allow exchanges of information of at least one type among the following group of information:

 - digital information; - alpha-numeric type information; - sound type information; and - video type information.  4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connection platform (3) is adapted to allow exchanges of information in real time.  5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connection platform (3) is adapted to allow exchanges of information in deferred time. <Desc / Clms Page number 24>  6. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connection platform (3) comprises billing means (68) which make it possible to bill the communications to the supplier and to render at least part free matchmaking services for the recipient of information.  7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connection platform (3) comprises management and configuration means (70) accessible through said at least one network for the transfer of information (4) in order to configure the operating conditions of resources (24,26, 28,30, 38,40, 42,44) of the same supplier forming an information supplier platform (2).  8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connection platform (3) comprises reduced management and configuration means (72) accessible through a voice communication network (14) in order to configure, from information input means of a telephone terminal (42,44), the operating conditions of the resources (24,26, 28,30, 38,40, 42,44) of a same supplier forming information supplier platform (2).  9. System according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the computer server (7) of the connection platform (3) allows the connection with different resources (24,26, 28,30, 38, 40, 42, 44) of the information provider platform (2) as a function of the configuration information stored in the information storage means (8) by the management and configuration means (70, 72) .  10. System according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises means for acquiring and transmitting parameters making it possible to deliver the parameters characteristic of the context of the communication between the receiver station ( 1) and the supplier platform (2).  11. System according to claim 10, characterized in that said means for acquiring and transmitting parameters make it possible to deliver at least one parameter from the following group of parameters: - context for initializing the communication; - identifier of the nature of the information receiver position (1); <Desc / Clms Page number 25>  - dating of the communication; and - geographic location of the information receiver station (1).  12. System according to claim 11, characterized in that the computer server (7) of the connection platform (3) allows the connection with different resources (24,26, 28,30, 38,40, 42 , 44) of the information supplier platform (2) as a function of the information delivered by the means of acquisition and transmission of parameters.  13. System according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said connection platform (3) comprises at least one element chosen from the following group of linking elements: - a mail server Internet (52); - voice communication management means (54) adapted for the exchange of voice communications on said at least one information transfer network (4); - videophone communication management means suitable for videophone communication exchanges on said at least one information transfer network (4); - a voice messaging server (56) adapted to receive messages from said at least one information transfer network (4); - means for managing written communications in real time (58); - reversible conversion means (60) for voice communications between said at least one information transfer network (4) and said voice communication network (14); - reversible conversion means (62) for facsimile communications between said at least one information transfer network (4) and said voice communication network (14); - means for transmitting (64) short SMS messages between said at least one information transfer network (4) and said voice communication network (14); and - a voice communications abutment server (66).  14. System according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said connection platform (3) further comprises <Desc / Clms Page number 26>  remote display control means by synchronization of the information receiver station (1) with a computer resource (26) of the information provider platform (2).  15. System according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that said connection platform (3) further comprises remote display control means controlled by information input means of one of the resources (26,28, 42,44) of the information provider platform (2).  16. System according to any one of claims 2 to 15, characterized in that said computer server (7) of said connection platform (3) comprises software means exportable to said supplier platform (2) allowing to create said means for routing communications from said other computer server (12).  17. System according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that said computer server (7) of said connection platform (3) comprises software means exportable to said supplier platform (2) allowing to create said means for acquiring and transmitting parameters.  18. System according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that said computer server (7) of said connection platform (3) comprises referencing and sorting means, accessible through said at least one network (4) from the information receiver station (1), in order to carry out searches in the list of information providers referenced on said connection platform (3).  19. System according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that said computer server (7) of said connection platform (3) comprises means for managing the dating of events based on a world time reference .  20. System according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the connecting means (7; 52.54, 56.58, 60.62, 64.66) of said connection platform (3) include monitoring means connected to said information storage means (8), in order to compare the nature of the operations relating to the information stored in the means of <Desc / Clms Page number 27>  storage of information (8) and to interrupt the connection in the event of discrepancy.