GB2403621A

GB2403621A - Notifying a caller of a user's availability following a missed call

Info

Publication number: GB2403621A
Application number: GB0315308A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christophe Jean Bataillard
Original assignee: INQUAM
Current assignee: INQUAM
Priority date: 2003-06-30
Filing date: 2003-06-30
Publication date: 2005-01-05
Also published as: WO2005004451A1; GB0315308D0

Abstract

When a caller attempts to call a user and the call attempt is terminated (eg because the user is engaged, not answering, or, in the case of mobile telephones, out of range), the call attempt is recognised (eg in response to a message left on the user's voicemail system) and the caller's contact details are identified. When the user subsequently becomes available, or decides to let callers know that he is available (eg by pressing a dedicated "availability" key on the telephone handset), an availability message is generated and sent to the caller using the caller's contact details. The user can define time periods (eg time of day or interval) when he is to be treated as unavailable and the system can automatically issue availability messages to all callers upon expiry of those time periods. The message may be sent via SMS, EMS or MMS.

Description

240362 1 - 1

COMMUNICATION METEIOD AND SYSTEM

The invention relates to a method and system for communicating information between telecommunications devices. Aspects of the invention find particular application in telecommunication systems, in particular (but not exclusively) wireless telecommunication systems comprising digital mobile communication systems.

Many communication systems provide systems for handling calls which cannot be connected because the called party is engaged, does not answer the call, or the called party communication device is out of range ofthe telecommunication network. These engaged or missed calls can be handled using, for example, a personal telephone answering machine with a prerecorded greeting or an integrated voice message system within a telecommunication network PABX.

Some telecommunications systems also employ a technique known in the communication art as "ring back". In such systems when a caller cannot get through to a desired party, the ring-back function can be enabled by the caller to monitor the status of a desired device (for example a telephone) until it is free to accept an incoming call. The system then establishes a connection between the parties and alerts the caller that the call can now be placed, by "ringing him back". The caller then picks up his phone and is connected to the desired party. Ring back systems, however, do not inform the caller of the actual availability of the desired party.

Furthermore, the party being called has no control over the system and cannot, for example, regulate or vet such incoming calls.

Other communication systems provide "presence" information, which provide users of subscriber-based services with an indication of the availability of fellow subscribers. Typically, this information is provided via a user interface. However, these systems only cater for users of particular proprietary subscriber-based services, and thus cannot handle communication from other users or devices. - 2

Aspects ofthe present invention seek to address problems identified in the above prior art.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of notifying a caller in a telecommunications system of the availability of a user, the method comprising the steps of: identifying a communication attempt by a caller telecommunications device to a user telecommunications device; identifying contact information regarding the caller telecommunication device; identifying information relating to the user being available; and transmitting a message to the caller regarding the availability of the user using the caller telecommunication device contact information.

Examples according to the invention are therefore able to notify callers who have I attempted to communicate with the user as to when the user is available. By sending a message to the caller, the caller is notified that the user is now able to receive a communication, and the caller is free to attempt to contact the user when convenient to him. Furthermore, by sending a message to the caller, the user may stimulate further inbound calls to the user's telecommunications device which potentially benefits the user telecommunication systems provider, by providing a potential stream of inbound cross-network calls which may be a source of revenue for the telecommunications system providers. Furthermore, in general, calling parties pay I for calls, and thus the user will not have to return, and pay for, calls made to him by other parties.

Preferably the message is transmitted to the caller telecommunications device, but other options are discussed below.

Preferably, the communication attempt by the caller telecommunications device comprises an unsuccessful communication attempt.

For example, the user's device may be busy on another call or may be turned off or, for example, in the case of a mobile device, may be out of the range of the telecommunications system.

Preferably, the communication attempt comprises the caller telecommunications device being connected with a message system in respect of the user telecommunications device.

Preferably the message is only sent to a caller who has left a message with the message system, for example a voicemail. In this way, the number of messages sent by the system indicating that the user is available can be reduced, since messages will generally be generated only for callers who are particularly keen to speak with the user. For example, if the caller calls the user's device in error, he is unlikely to wish to leave a message, and therefore no availability message need be generated by the system.

Preferably, identifying the communication attempt comprises identifying that the caller telecommunications device has left a voicemail message in respect ofthe user telecommunications device.

Preferably, the step of identifying information relating to the user being available includes receiving a user input.

Preferably the information relating to the user being available is identified as a result of an action taken by the user to inform the system, for example that he is now available to receive calls.

In preferred examples, the user notifies the system when he is available. This is particularly advantageous, as the generation of the availability information is controlled by the user, providing the user with greater control over when he is deemed - 4 to be available. This is more useful than a system in which only the availability ofthe user's telecommunications device is considered when determining availability. For example, if a user is busy on another call when the communication attempt by the caller is made, he could, at the end of the call still be unavailable to speak with the caller, for example if he has to immediately make a further call or if he is in a meeting. A system in which, for example, the user's availability is equated with the availability of the user's telecommunications device is therefore, in many situations, inferior.

Preferably, the step of identifying information relating to the user being available includes receiving a communication from the user telecommunication device.

This communication may comprise, for example, a communication from the user that they are now available. This communication may be user initiated, or may be prompted by the system. In a preferred example, where the caller has left a message for the user, for example a voicemail, the system gives the user an option of sending an availability message to the caller who left the voicemail. Message systems are known in which after the user listens to a message he is given the option of calling the caller who left a message. However, in this system the user is given an option of sending a message to the caller indicating that he is now available, and the caller then has to call the user back. Similarly, where messages are sent directly to the user communication device for off- line review, an option may be given by the communication device to send an availability message to a caller who has left a message for the user.

In some examples of the invention, the message to the caller telecommunications device may be generated by the user telecommunications device direct.

In some examples ofthe invention, the step of identifying information relating to the user being available includes receiving an input in the user telecommunication device. - 5

For example, the user may press a key to identify to his device that he is now available. Preferably, the telecommunications device includes a dedicated input key for this purpose, for example an "availability button". Preferably, the message is generated by the telecommunication system itself, for example by a message management component of the system.

In alternative examples, the system may identify that the user's device is available without requiring a specific input from the user himself. For example, the system may identify that the user telecommunication device is now available, for example: after a call has finished; when the device is turned on; or as soon as the device comes within range of the telecommunication system.

In a further example, the system can receive information regarding future availability of the user. For example, the user can notify the system that he is to be treated as being unavailable for a specific time interval or until a specific time of day. In this case, as soon as that time interval has passed, or once a specific time has been reached, the system will send availability messages to any callers who have tried to contact the user in the meantime.

Preferably, the message is transmitted using an asynchronous messaging protocol.

In preferred examples, the availability message sent to the caller telecommunication device comprises an SMS. Other types of message may be sent, for example MMS, EMS or a voicemail message. The message may include multimedia content, text, pictures and/or other content.

The message may include a prompt to make a further communication attempt to the user telecommunication device. For example, the message sent may include information relating to the user telecommunication device so that the caller can make the further call attempt, for example without needing to look up the user's telephone - 6 number.

Preferably, the content of the message is predetermined.

In this way, the sending ofthe message can be facilitated. It is envisaged that the user could generate a bespoke message, alternatively or in addition to there being the possibility of sending a predetermined message. In some examples, the user and/or the system may be able to choose between a set of predetermined messages. For example the content of some of the messages may be more informal than for others, and the user can select a suitable messages having regard to the identity ofthe caller.

The predetermined message may be a default message, for example provided by the telecommunications system, or may be a personalized message, for example created by the user.

Preferably, the message is generated automatically.

By using the contact information regarding the caller telecommunication device, and the predetermined content ofthe message, the message can be generated without any specific external input, for example by the user.

Preferably, the message is transmitted automatically.

For example, once the availability of the user is identified, availability messages might automatically be sent to all of the callers who have made communication attempts. Alternatively, or in addition, there may be an option requiring that the user confirm whether to send the message before the message is transmitted. This user confirmation may be required for each message to each caller to be sent.

Preferably, the contact information regarding the caller telecommunication device comprises caller line identity information.

Depending on the arrangement, this information may be received at the user telecommunication device and/or in the telecommunication system, for example in a message management device of the telecommunications system.

Preferably the information regarding the caller communication device is captured from the communication attempt by the caller. For example, the telephone number of the caller may be captured. This information may be stored until the availability message is sent to the caller (or the user decides that no availability message is to be sent to that caller).

The caller may also be informed that an availability message will be sent, for example upon connection to a voice message system. The caller may be given an option as to whether or not he wishes to receive an availability message. The caller may also, for example, be asked for contact information. In this case, the contact information given by the caller may comprise information regarding the caller telecommunication device, but might equally relate to a different communication device, for example, a landline where the caller is located.

Preferably, the method further comprises storing information regarding caller communication devices to which the message can be transmitted, the method further comprising consulting the stored information prior to transmitting the message.

In this way, the user can specify particular callers to whom such availability messages can be sent. For example, the messages might only be sent to callers whose contact details are stored in the user communication device, and/or callers whose contact details are specified by the user to the system.

Preferably, the user telecommunication device is a mobile communication device. - 8

The terms "telecommunications device" and "communications device" as used herein preferably refer to any device used for the purpose of voice or data communication, or other kinds of communication. In preferred examples, a wireless communications device is used, that term preferably referring to devices which provide communication functions for communicating over a wireless communications network or system.

Examples of such communication devices include mobile or handheld devices, such as wireless or mobile telephones, wireless modems, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other devices, for example, devices comprising a combination of features of a mobile telephone and a PDA, or combinations of devices, for example, a non-wireless device such as a PDA or laptop connected to a wireless device.

Preferably the mobile communication device comprises a mobile telephone.

The caller telecommunication device may comprise a mobile communication device, or a landline or other communication device.

Also provided by the invention is apparatus for carrying out the method described herein.

For example, the method steps may all be carried out by the user's telecommunications device, by one or more components of the telecommunications system, for example a message management device, and/or by a combination of two or more of those.

The invention further provides a message system, a telecommunications system, and/or a communication device adapted to carry out one or more of the steps of a method described herein.

Also provided by the invention is a message system for notifying a caller in a - 9 - telecommunications system ofthe availability of a user, the system comprising: means (for example a processor with associated memory) for identifying a communication attempt by a caller telecommunications device to a user telecommunications device; means (for example a processor with associated memory) for identifying contact information regarding the caller telecommunication device; means (for example a processor with associated memory) for identifying information relating to the user being available; and means (for example a processor with associated memory) for transmitting a message to the caller regarding the availability of the user using the caller telecommunication device contact information.

The invention further provides a telecommunication system including a message system as described herein.

The invention further provides a telecommunication system for notifying a caller in a telecommunications system of the availability of a user, the system comprising: means (for example a processor with associated memory) for identifying a communication attempt by a caller telecommunications device to a user telecommunications device; means (for example a processor with associated memory) for identifying contact information regarding the caller telecommunication device; means (for example a processor with associated memory) for identifying information relating to the user being available; and means (for example a processor with associated memory) for transmitting a message to the caller regarding the availability of the user using the caller telecommunication device contact information.

The invention further provides a telecommunication device for notifying a caller in a telecommunications system of the availability of a user, the device comprising: means (for example a processor with associated memory) for identifying a communication attempt by a caller telecommunications device to a user telecommunications device; means (for example a processor with associated memory) for identifying contact information regarding the caller telecommunication device; - 10 means (for example a processor with associated memory) for identifying information I relating to the user being available; and means (for example a processor with associated memory) for transmitting a message to the caller regarding the availability of the user using the caller telecommunication device contact information. , According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a telecommunications device for notifying a caller in a telecommunications system of I the availability of a user, the device comprising an availability button for identifying information relating to the user being available.

The invention further provides an availability message sent using a method or using apparatus as described herein.

The invention also provides a computer program and a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.

The invention also provides a signal embodying a computer program for carrying out; any of the methods described herein and/or embodying any ofthe apparatus features described herein, a method of transmitting such a signal, and a computer product having an operating system which supports a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.

The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.

Preferred features of the present invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a telecommunications system; Figure 2 shows functional elements of a voice message system for use in a telecommunications system; Figure 3 shows functional elements of a communications device; and Figure 4 shows a flowchart comprising a general sequence of steps required to identify a call attempt and transmit an availability message.

Figure 1 shows a mobile telecommunications system implemented using Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), for example CDMA2000-1X. However, it will be understood that other telecommunications systems, for example CDMA2000-3X, Global System for Mobile Telecommunications (GSM) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) could equally be employed. Further information on mobile telecommunications systems and CDMA2000 in particular may be found in the book "3G Wireless Networks" by Smith, C. and Collins, D. (McGraw-Hill, 2002).

The telecommunications system includes a telecommunications network 100 which comprises several Base Transceiver Stations 4a-c. Each Base Transceiver Station (BTS) 4 comprises a means for transmitting and receiving data with the communications device 2 through a wireless communications channel 3. Each BTS 4 communicates with those communications devices 2 that are located within a finite geographical area proximal to the BTS 4, known as a cell. The size of the geographical area covered by a cell is dependent upon factors including the power of the transmitters of both the BTS 4 and the communications device 2 and geographical features. A number of suitably located BTSs 4 are provided such that the whole of a - 12 geographical area of interest (or a significant part thereof) is covered by cells.

The communications device 2 communicates with only one BTS 4 at any given time; this is typically the most proximal BTS and is thus the BTS with which the communications device can send and receive a communications signal of greatest power. It is possible that the communications device 2 will move between seveMI cells if it moves within the geographical area covered by the telecommunications network 100. To attempt to ensure that the communications device 2 maintains an adequate communications link with the telecommunications network 100, the communications device will cease communicating with the BTS 4 located within the original cell and will commence communicating with the BTS of the new cell. For example, if a communications device 2 that originally communicates with the BTS denoted by the reference numeral 4b moves to a different geographical location, and hence moves to a different cell, the communications device will communicate with a different BTS such as that denoted by the reference numeral 4c. If the communications device 2 moves out of the range of any of the BTS 4 the link with the telecommunications network 100 will be lost and the wireless channel 3 will not be available for communication.

A Base Station Controller (BSC) 6 manages the functions of several BTSs 4 and supervises the assignment of different BTSs to a communications device 2 that is moving between cells. The telecommunications network 100 can comprise several BSCs 6, each of Which manages several BTSs 4. A Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) 8 manages the functions of one or more BSCs 6. The MSC 8 also handles the initiation and termination oftelephone calls within the mobile telephone network 100 and to external networks or systems via appropriate gateways which interface two different networks. For example, communication with a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 31 is achieved via a PSTN gateway 27, which connects the PSTN 31 with the mobile communication network l DO. A PSTN communication device 33 connected to the PSTN 31 can thereby communicate with the mobile device 2. - 13

Similarly, communication with other mobile telecommunications networks is achieved via Mobile Network Gateway (MNG) 29 which enables a device 37 connected to a mobile communications network 35, with similar capabilities to communications device 2, to communicate with device 2. Communication is also possible with other systems such as an Internet Protocol (IP) based system through a Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN) 14 and Packet Data Gateway Node (not shown).

The MSC 8 also communicates with a Home Location Register (HLR) 10. The HLR is a database which stores and manages information pertaining to users of the mobile telecommunications system. Information stored by the HLR 10 includes the present location ofthe communications device 2 (to assist with routing telephone calls to the communications device via the appropriate BTS 4) and details of the capabilities of me communications device 2. The MSC 8 and HLR 10 are particularly relevant to circuit switched telecommunications, such as voice communications, as opposed to packet switched telecommunications, such as data communications.

The BSC 6 also communicates with the Packet Control Function (PCF) 12. In some examples, the BSC 6 comprises the PCF 12. The PCF 12 provides a gateway for date communications between the communications device 2 (via the BTS 4) and those functional blocks of the network that handle packet switched communications.

The PCF 12 communicates with a Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN) 14, which routes data packets, manages Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) sessions for data communications and manages communications between the communications device and an Authentication, Authorisation and Accounting (AAA) server 16. The functions ofthe AAA server 16 include authentication ofthe communications device during the initiation of PPP sessions. The PDSN 14 also communicates with a Home Agent (HA) 18, which tracks the location ofthe communications device 2 to ensure that data packets are routed correctly. - 14

The functional blocks of the communications device 2, the BTSs 4, the BSC 6, the MSC 8, the HER 10 all represent typical components of a basic mobile communications system. Additional components PCU 12, the PDSN 14, the AAA server 16 and the HA 18 all represent typical components of a basic CDMA2000-1X communications system.

System components used to provide further functionality, such as messaging, are provided by Voice Message System (VMS) 21 and Short Message Service Centre (SMSC) 25, which are each connected to, and communicate with, the MSC 8.

As shown in Figure 2, the VMS 21 provides voice message functionality which provides the record, playback, store and forward, and other voice message manipulation functionality. Figure 2 illustrates selected generic functional components 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, and 280 of the VMS 21; these functional components are notional components which comprise hardware and/or software components (not shown) which work to provide the functions described. Voice messaging systems vary widely in the art and therefore a broad functional description will suffice for the purposes of illustrating examples of aspects of technical features or solutions referred to herein.

The components of VMS 21 include a Voice Message System Server (VMSS) 260 which co-ordinates the functions of the VMS 21. The VMSS 260 is connected to a voice message engine (VME) 220 for recording and forwarding voice messages, an SMS message engine (SMSE) 240 for generating, sending and receiving SMS messages, and an electronic voice message store (VMS) 230 used for storing voice messages, application software and/or for general purpose information storage. The VMS 21 also includes a programmable menu system (PMS) 250 used for enabling configurable communication with communication devices, for example any one of devices 2,37 or 33. Thus, for example, by sending particular audible prompts to the communications device 2 and monitoring and receiving responses from the communications device 2, for example, a DTMF tone generated by pressing key on the communications device keypad or by a voice prompt, the PMS 250 can communicate with the communication device 2. In an example, PMS 250 uses extensible Messaging Framework (XMF) comprising configurable scripts and rule based decisions to allow customisation of system behaviour. The PMS 250 can also incorporate voice recognition technology.

The VMS 21 also comprises an availability application program AA 280 for co- ordinating the provision of availability message services to a communications device 2.

Typically VMSS 26O, VME 220, SMSE 240, PMS 250 and AA 280 comprise a processor with associated memory and VMS 230 comprises an electronic data storage device.

In an example, VMS 21 is a multimedia message centre capable of generating, sending and receiving messages over a communications system, the messages comprising singly or in combination; text, picture information, video clip information or sound information.

In an example VMS 21 comprises a multimedia message generation and transmission function according to established protocols governing multimedia messaging including 3GPP TS 22.140, TS 23.140, WAP Forum MMS Specifications 205,206, 209, OMA MMS Specifications version 1.1, EAIF and MM7.

The SMSC 25 (as shown in Figure 1) provides store and forward services for short messages sent between telecommunication system components, for example VMS 21 and MSC 8, and peer devices, for example between communications devices 2 and 37. In some cases, a PSTN communications device 33 and PSTN system 31 may also be adapted to receive and transmit SMS or other asynchronous messages and the - 16 SMSC 25 may also store and forward messages sent to and from the PSTN communication device 33.

SMS messaging services are well known in the communications industry and specifications detailing its implementation, for example in a GSM network,are readily available (refer to the GSM Mobile Application Part (MAP) defined by European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and IS41 defined by Telecommunications Industry Association (TSI) in the United States).

The communications device 2 typically comprises electronic components (not shown) including: an antenna; a modulator; a demodulator; an amplifier; a central processing unit, such as a microprocessor or micro- controller, programmed with appropriate software; memory; and a power source, such as a battery, and a user interface such as a keypad. These electronic components cooperate to allow the mobile telephone to transmit and receive data (including data representing voice communications) with a telecommunications network in a known way.

Furthermore, as shown schematically in Figure 3 the communications device 2 includes an operating system 320 which manages the hardware and software of the communications device 2. The operating system 320 is connected to a communications interface 310, a memory store 340, input device(s) 330, a messaging application 360, an availability message application 370 and a display device 380.

It will be appreciated that communications devices are well known in the art and functional descriptions referred to herein are generalised across the broad scope of known communications devices.

As shown in Figure 4, in use, when a caller using a mobile communications network device 37 connected to external mobile network 35 attempts to call a user using communications device 2, indicated by step 410, and is unable to establish a voice call with the user device 2, either because the user is engaged on another call, did not - 17 answer the call, was out of range or the user device 2 or was inoperable at the time ofthe call attempt, the call attempt is terminated by the caller device 37, as indicated by step 420, either by leaving a voicemail message using VMS 21 or by ending the call aRer the user device had received the call attempt. This call attempt is identified by the VMS 21, indicated by step 430.

The VMS 21 then identifies 440 the contact information 440 of the caller device by logging the Caller Line Identity information supplied by the mobile network 35 during the communication attempt, by receiving the contact information from the MSC 8 which is passed by the network gateway 29 during the call attempt by device 37.

Once the user becomes available and reviews missed calls and voice mail messages by calling the voice mail system VMS 21, indicated by step 450, he can decide whether or not to send an availability message to the caller device 37 (step 460). A user is able to send availability messages via the VMS 21 during playback of voicemail messages by responding appropriately to the prompts supplied by VMS 21 using DTMF keypad tones. Thus, by monitoring the user device 2 response to various VMS 21 prompts VMS 21 identifies that the user is available (step 470).

Once the system has determined the user's availability, by receiving the responses at VMS 21 as described above, a message is generated at VMS 21 (step 480). The content of this message being either pre-determined by VMS 21 or previously determined by the user and stored in VMS store 230.

The message is then transmitted to the caller device 37 by VMS 21 (step 490) by dispatching the message to SMSC 25 for forwarding to caller device 37 using the caller contact information obtained in step 440. The message may be transmitted automatically as the user availability information is identified in step 430.

Alternatively, the message may only be transmitted once the VMS receives a - 18 confirmation response from device 2. ' In an alternative example, the communication device 2 may be adapted to handle the transmission of the availability message.

In this case, the device 2 could be suitably programmed to prompt the user to indicate his availability to callers, for example by pressing a key on the input device 330, which in an example could be known as an 'availability button' which when pressed sends messages to all caller devices which have been identified under a caller list, for example a "missed calls" menu. In this way, by full or partial automation of each the steps (430 - 490) an availability message can be transmitted directly from the device 2 to the caller device 37.

A number of the above-mentioned steps are now described in further detail.

Identification of a communication attempt As discussed above, a communication attempt is identified by the VMS 21. Thus, when a voice call attempt originating in mobile network 35 is routed via mobile network gateway 29 to MSC 8 which attempts to establish a communication channel 3 with communications device 2 using the HLR10 and the appropriate BTS 4, and a channel 3 is not established, for example because communications device 2 is out of range of the BTS 4, or the device 2 is switched off, or for any other reason, the MSC 8 will forward the call from device 37 to VMS 21. The VMS 21 will, for example, then prompt the caller to leave a message. The caller then has the option of terminating the connection with the VMS 21 before leaving a message. If the caller terminates the connection with VMS 21 before leaving the message the caller information may not be saved by the VMS 21 or the MSC 8, resulting in no record of the communication attempt. If the caller does record a message, the communication attempt is identified by the VMS 21 by virtue of the stored message and the captured information relating to the communication attempt and the caller - 19 device 37.

Identification of the contact information of the caller device The VMS 21 identifies the contact information of the caller device 37 by receiving the Caller Line Identity (CLI) information supplied by the mobile network 35 during the communication attempt. Alternatively, where the CLI information is not supplied by mobile network 35, the contact information of the caller device 37 is received by the VMS 21 via input from device 37 by using DTMF tones through use of PMS 250 in VMS 21. In this case the PMS 250 includes a menu option which may prompt device 37 for direct input of the caller contact information.

The VMS 21 stores information captured regarding the caller device 37,33 in VMS store 230. This information is stored until it is used or discarded, preferably independently ofthe voice message with which it is associated. This provides VMS 21 the ability to use the caller contact information independently from communication with the user device 2 regarding the contents of the voice mail inbox.

Identification of information relating to the user availability As discussed above, while the user is accessing the voicemail system to check messages the VMS 21 uses the Programmable Menu System (PMS) 250 to send an audible prompt to device 2 requesting the user to press a specified key on the device 2 keypad to send a message to the caller device 37 indicating the user's availability for receiving further voice calls. This occurs after the voice message has been replayed to the user.

It will be understood that the user's availability can also be determined by the VMS 21 by receiving at VMS 21 a pre-determined sequence of DTMF tones from the device 2. It will be appreciated that many combinations of prompts by VMS 21 and possible responses by device 2 can be used to identify information relating the user being available, for example by using availability application 280 to perform a logical - 20 analysis of the information provided by PMS 250.

In an alternative example, the VMS 21 identifies information relating to the user being available by using HER 10 information, for example, if the user of device 2 desired to be identified as available when device 2 was accessible by the I communications system 100. In this case the MSC 8 queries the HER 10 for i information relating to device 2, which is passed to the VMS 21.

Generation of the message As discussed above, the message indicating the availability of the user is generated at V MS21. In particular, the availability application (AA) 280 uses the SMSE 240 to generate an availability message indicating the availability of the user for transmission to the caller device 37.

Transmission of the Message The availability message is sent to the caller device 37 from V MS 21 via SMSC 25 by using the contact information identified relating to the caller device 37.

In particular, the user device 2 sends a request to the PMS 250 to transmit the availability message. The availability message is then transmitted from the SMSE240 only after the correct response is made to the PMS250. Thus, the user can confirm the sending of availability message to a caller device 37 by pressing, for example, numeral '1 ' on the communication device 2 input device 330.

Typically the message content is specified by the user or selected from pre- determined message templates.

For example, the message content may be specified by the user during a voicemail session. In particular, the message content is determined by the user by responding via the device 2 to a prompt made by PMS 250 requesting input of specific - 21 availability message content. A voice message can be recorded, for example by VME 220 and stored for later use in VMS store 230.

PMS 250 can be navigated by the user of device 2 by user input action on the input device 330. Where input device 330 is a keypad, a user presses keys on the keypad, I and where input device 330 comprises voice recognition apparatus, voice recognition i technology is used to interpret standard word choices, using techniques common in the art of voice recognition technology. PMS 250 is programmed to communicate to the device 2 a list of standard or pre-recorded messages, which can be voice or SMS messages, for the user of device 2 to select, as appropriate, depending on the caller information and the user availability.

In order to choose from pre-determined message templates, the AA 280 uses pre determined availability message templates as previously determined by the user. i As mentioned, the availability message may be in the form of an SMS message, alternatively, the availability message may be in the form of a voice message, in which case the VME 220 can record a voice message specified by the user of device 2 during a voice call with the VMS 21.

In other examples, the availability message is a multimedia message and the VMS 21 comprises a multimedia message generation and transmission function according to established protocols governing multimedia messaging including 3GPP TS 22.140, TS 23.140, WAP Forum MMS Specifications 205, 206, 209, OMA MMS Specifications version 1.1, EAIF and MM7. Alternatively, the availability message comprises streaming media for 3G systems.

A number of alternative examples of the system are now discussed in more detail.

In an example the communication attempt is identified at the device 2 by recording - 22 the relevant information regarding the call attempts. In this case, caller contact information is stored in the device memory 340 for later retrieval by the user and/or operating system 320. This information can then be viewed on the device 2 display device 380. For example, the user may view information regarding call attempts by accessing 'missed call' and/or 'received call' registers. I The availability application (AA) 370 then prompts the user of device 2 for input regarding the availability ofthe user. For example, the availability information could be communicated to AA 370 by a single key event, i.e. the user of device 2 pressing a key when the user is available to receive further communication from a caller.

Alternatively, the AA 370 prompts the user of device 2 for input regarding the availability of the user with respect to individual callers. For example, AA 370 can; use call attempt information stored in memory store 340 to query the user of device i 2 regarding availability ofthe user with regard to selected call attempts, for example from callers the user already knows.

The messaging application 360 in device 2 is then used to generate a message automatically indicating the availability of the user using availability information determined at user device 2 by availability application 370 together with contact information of the caller device stored in memory store 340. The messaging application 360 then transmits an availability message to the communications system SMSC 25, for forwarding to the caller device, for example device 37.

Transmission of the availability message can be automatic depending on the settings of the availability application 370, which can be set and adjusted by the user. For example, the availability application 370 may cause the generation and transmission of the availability message when the user device 2 is switched on and is in communication with a BTS 4. Furthermore, additional criteria for transmitting availability messages can include synchronization with a user's schedule information - 23 stored in memory store 340 or can be dependent on the caller contact information, for example by way of comparison with a previous stored list of caller contact information, for example, a list accorded a particular level of priority by the user. : Thus, availability messages can be sent automatically to known callers.

Alternatively, transmission of the availability message can also be set by the user on an individual basis, for example, transmission of the message can be triggered by a user input action on device 2 using input device 330 in response to a prompt made by availability application 370. In an example, a prompt or option may be made, available to the user to send selected availability messages while reviewing missed ' calls.

In an example, the availability message is pre-determined and stored in device memory 330. In this case, an appropriate message can be chosen from a menu of possible availability messages displayed using display device 380. I It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modification of detail can be made within the scope of the E invention. i Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination. - 24

Claims

CLAIMS ' I 1. A method of notifying a caller in a telecommunications

system of the availability of a user, the method comprising the steps of: identifying a communication attempt by a caller telecommunications device to a user telecommunications device; identifying contact information regarding the caller telecommunication device; identifying information relating to the user being available; and transmitting a message to the caller regarding the availability of the user using the caller telecommunication device contact information.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the communication attempt by the caller telecommunications device comprises an unsuccessful communication attempt. I
3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the communication attempt comprises the caller telecommunications device being connected with; a message system in respect of the user telecommunications device. i
4. A method according to claim 3, wherein identifying the communication attempt comprises identifying that the caller telecommunications device has left a voicemail message in respect of the user telecommunications device.
5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of identifying information relating to the user being available includes receiving a user input.
6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of identifying I information relating to the user being available includes receiving a - 25 communication from the user telecommunication device.
7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the message is transmitted using an asynchronous messaging protocol.
8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the content of the message is predetermined.
9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the message is generated automatically.
10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the message is transmitted automatically.
1 1. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the contact information regarding the caller telecommunication device comprises caller line identity information.
12. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises storing information regarding caller communication devices to which the message can be transmitted, the method further comprising consulting the stored information prior to transmitting the message.
13. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the user telecommunication device is a mobile communication device.
14. Apparatus for carrying out method according to any of claims 1 to 13.
15. A message system for notifying a caller in a telecommunications system of the availability of a user, the system comprising: - 26 means for identifying a communication attempt by' a caller telecommunications device to a user telecommunications device; means for identifying contact information regarding the caller a telecommunication device; means for identifying information relating to the user being available; and means for transmitting a message to the caller regarding the availability of the user using the caller telecommunication device contact information.
16. A telecommunication system including a message system according to claim 15.
17. A telecommunication system for notifying a caller in a telecommunications system of the availability of a user, the system comprising: means for identifying a communication attempt by a caller 1 S telecommunications device to a user telecommunications device; means for identifying contact information regarding the caller telecommunication device; means for identifying information relating to the user being available; and means for transmitting a message to the caller regarding the availability ofthe user using the caller telecommunication device contact information.
18. A telecommunication device for notifying a caller in a telecommunications system of the availability of a user, the device comprising: means for identifying a communication attempt by a caller telecommunications device to a user telecommunications device; means for identifying contact information regarding the caller telecommunication device; means for identifying information relating to the user being available; and means for transmitting a message to the caller regarding the availability ofthe user using the caller telecommunication device contact information. - 27
19. A telecommunications device for notifying a caller in a telecommunications system of the availability of a user, the device comprising an availability button for identifying information relating to the user being available. s
20. An availability message sent using a method according to any of claims 1 to 13, or using apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 19.
21. A method being substantially as herein described having reference to any of the accompanying drawings.
22. A telecommunication system being substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.
23. A communications device being substantially as herein described having reference to and/or as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.
24. Any feature of component being substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.