JP2008507186A - Communication terminal and method - Google Patents

Abstract

  The communication terminal (22) has an input port (24) for connection to the portable device (18), an output connection (26) for connection to the network (30), and a processor (28). The processor is configured to automatically connect to a predetermined remote destination when the portable device (18) is received at the input port, and automatically uploads information from the portable device to the portable device. Configured to download to the mold device.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication terminal and method.

  It is known to access voicemail from a remote location. In general, a user of such a system dials a known telephone number, enters a dedicated security code, and causes the user's voicemail to be played to the user. There are several disadvantages in the system that require the user to remember the phone number and the user's own security code. The system also does not allow a user to save a message being played to the user, nor does it allow a message to be sent back through the system.

  The object of the present invention is therefore to improve the known art.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication terminal having an input port for connection to a portable device, an output connection for connection to a network, and a processor, wherein the processor is the portable type It is configured to automatically connect to a predetermined remote destination when a device is received at the input port, and information is automatically uploaded from the portable device and downloaded to the portable device. A communication terminal configured as described above is provided.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the step of accepting the portable device, the step of automatically connecting to a predetermined remote connection destination, the automatic uploading of information from the portable device, and the portable device A communication method is provided that includes downloading to a mold device.

  The present invention allows a user to automatically access the user's voicemail from a remote location and allows the user to save the user's voicemail. Users can also upload voicemails at the same time. The present invention also utilizes a public telephone network for content refresh and profile changes.

  Advantageously, the input port is a slot and the portable device is a data card or a handset. Alternatively, the input port is a USB connection and the portable device is a handset and a USB cable. Preferably, the terminal comprises a part of a public telephone kiosk.

  In a preferred embodiment, the information downloaded to the portable device depends on the location of the portable device. This allows relevant local information to be supplied to the portable device.

  Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a communication system for providing content and personal communication in an asynchronous manner. The program of content downloaded to the portable device 10 is determined by the user profile initially determined by the user's demographics. The user profile can be modified from any telephone on the public switched telephone network (PSTN) using an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) application. In addition, subscribers can access and play interactive content with a standard telephone. Refreshing the content of the device (uploading voicemail and program responses to be delivered and downloading new voicemail and new programs received) may also be performed by the PSTN. A PSTN operator billing system used to collect micropayments may be used to charge users for the use of these services.

  In the system, the portable device 10 has the function of receiving and storing structured audio programs for later playback. The offline playback is interactive and user responses are stored on the device and subsequently uploaded to the content or service provider. Content is exchanged between the network and the handset 10 in a regular wired docking process. The public telephone network is used as a means for setting programs and downloaded contents.

  To make new content available to various content providers (government organizations, job agencies, health centers, NGOs, radio stations), content is marked up (in the markup language VIMF (Voice Interactive Media Format)). The Regional Content Centers (RCC) 12 performs editing control and makes initial proposals for distribution to various interest groups.

  The RCC 12 is then responsible for outputting the new content to the distribution center, i.e., the Internet Tele-Centres (ITC) 14 and the Data Card Refresh Service (DCRS) 16. The DCRS may arbitrarily take charge of data card creation. The ITC is an Internet access point and may take the form of a telecenter, kiosk, properly configured ATM, post office or dedicated DCRS. Caching content at these centers significantly reduces the load of distributing large amounts of content with limited bandwidth. The proposed synchronization process for handset 10 can take two routes. That is, docking in the ITC 14 of the handset (or card only) or refreshing in the DCRS 16 of its own data card 18 (which would be utilized in the handset 10).

In the case of docking in the ITC 14, the user ID is checked, giving the user the opportunity to modify the user's settings online to change sensitive information such as the user's security code. At the same time, normal information exchange can be performed. The information exchange generally takes the following form.
1. A voice message (“Vmail”) from a user waiting for delivery is uploaded.
2. The response that the user made to the program before is uploaded,
3. Unnecessary programs and data on the card are erased,
4). A new Vmail for the user is downloaded,
5. A new program is downloaded.

  If the user docks in DCRS, the owner of the data card may not exist and the card 18 is simply “docked” and refreshed and then sent out for return to the owner of the card. The refresh process is the same as described above, except of course that there will be no user authorizing the refresh or interacting with any service (eg profile modification, etc.).

  The handset 10 has a USB 2.0 data connection and provides a data rate that reaches 480 Mbit / s. The data card 18 used in the handset may be equipped with between 32 MB and 256 MB of flash memory that requires at most a few seconds for refresh. Here, it is assumed that the ITC 14 or DCRS 16 has an upload function and pre-cached content ready for download.

  Communication to and from device 10 via ITC 14 passes through gateway 20. The ITC 14 connects to the gateway 20 via a telephone network (PSTN) in most examples.

  The PSTN is configured to be suitable for micropayment management and there are many mechanisms that can accept payments from PSTN users. For example, the IVR calling card mechanism may use a RADIUS (Remote Authentication, Dial-In User Service) server that provides authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA).

  Internet kiosks in current public places require computer skills, cannot be used by unskilled users, are expensive to maintain, are vulnerable to vandalism, and are used online There are serious limitations such as what needs to be done. Although there is an opportunity for the user to use a personal computer and modem connected to the PSTN to access the RCC 12 to refresh the content and download the Vmail, this method itself has a relatively low bandwidth (40-50 kb / s ), Leading to very long calls (and high costs) to download and upload large amounts of audio, suitable PCs and modems are expensive for individuals, and used by many targeted users Probability not possible.

  In many countries, with the widespread use of mobile phones, there is a popular network of public telephone kiosks that are not fully utilized. Utilizing these kiosks for the purpose of accessing Vmail can provide benefits (in terms of revenue) for telephone operator and user access points. Using public telephone infrastructure to improve digital inclusion is a priority for many governments.

  Various PSTN terminals can be used as a front end for accessing services and refreshing content. Furthermore, there are many options for delivering access to content and services to the PSTN. These are described in the following subsections.

Accessing services from a dedicated or public telephone The first option is a means that allows the use of a dedicated telephone (on the PSTN) to use services available through the network. The means include a gateway to a network to check authorization, and a service that can be interacted (using an interactive voice response type service) using a standard telephone interface (profile change) And a mechanism for providing the user with a new program selection).

  By allowing access to the service from any phone on the PSTN, the subscriber can access the subscriber's program and Vmail even when the subscriber's handset is unavailable, Alternatively, a data card subscription application for the service is possible without requiring a handset or data card. By allowing a user to set up his / her profile using the PSTN, the user gains online access to the latest information on available channels and immediately subscribes to programs or services Is possible. Subscribers will have extensive access through thousands of available public phones, as well as private and mobile phones.

  If a user wants to update his profile etc., there is no need to wait for a synchronous update in the ITC (which can involve potential communication and queuing), and a very long two-stage when using DCRS There is no need for processing. The user can make payments for services using standard call payment mechanisms. Furthermore, allowing access to services from the PSTN facilitates PSTN users to access other services as if they were native PSTN-based IVR applications. This opens up PSTN subscriber bases (and more revenue streams) to application providers, further increasing the integration of new infrastructure (systems aimed at the poorer public) and existing public telephone networks. Let

Accessing services from an extended public telephone kiosk The method described above can be extended to include access to services from a public telephone kiosk, whereby the user dials up the gateway and the user himself You can interact with services that include changing your profile. The user may insert the user's data card into such a kiosk and update the content on the card. The user enjoys the high speed data download enabled by the ADSL modem at the kiosk. Users can pay for content and services via telephone charges, cash, or telephone cards (calling cards or smart cards).

  By allowing users to use public kiosks much like the ITC, the network can be expanded hugely and very quickly. Phone kiosks are secure, extremely robust against vandalism, and have a familiar interface that provides ease of use. Furthermore, if the telephone kiosk has the function of receiving and storing content on the data card, the user can immediately complete the synchronization process, further reducing the load on the ITC / DCRS and the load on the RCC.

  Extending the kiosk with broadband data connection (ADSL or similar technology) to the Internet and local memory storage to enable fast uploading and downloading of content is effective for kiosks as content access points and refresh points Further expand sex. A further advantage is the possibility of using a known location of a public kiosk in order to adapt the content provided to the user to the user. For example, directions to a job agency can be made taking into account the user's current location, reducing complexity and greatly improving relevance.

Access to Service from Inexpensive Refresh Device (Infocharger) FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the communication terminal 22. The device 22 or “Infocharger” has an input port 24 that receives the data card 18 and plugs it into a standard telephone socket via an output connection 26. The device 22 automatically dials into the network 30 (to a preset free call number using a preset handshake protocol) and automatically synchronizes the user program and Vmail. have. The Infocharger 22 is expanded by using one or two LEDs 32.

  By providing a cheap and simple modem 22 with a slot 24 for the data card 18 and a connector 26 for a standard telephone socket, the user can use any available socket (dedicated or public). It is possible to undertake the minimum necessary refresh (ie Vmail exchange, upload of important responses and program download) when needed. The simplicity of the device 22 allows use by many of the target population.

Access to Services from an Inexpensive Docking Device (Infocharger 2) The second embodiment of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 3 can be used. The device 36 allows the handset 10 to be connected from a PSTN connection to a service. A mechanism is also provided that allows the docked device to interact with the application. This allows the user interface of the handset to be used for service interaction, allows the user to modify his / her own profile and program selection, and allows the content on the data card 18 to be modified. Update is possible. The input port 34 is a USB connection. As described above, the communication terminal 36 is configured to automatically connect to a predetermined remote connection destination when the portable device is received at the input port 34, and automatically receives information from the portable device 10. Processor 28 configured to automatically upload or automatically download information to portable device 10.

  It is also possible to provide a mechanism for more efficient download to the handset 10 via Infochargers 22 and 36. Each Infocharger 22 and 36 has a small amount of embedded software and memory. Infochargers 22 and 36 may be personalized for a set of users with the same address (possibly 15 to 20 people). If Infochargers 22 and 36 are personalized, an entry in RCC 12 is created for a particular user of Infochargers 22 and 36. Whenever a user sends a mail, the RCC 12 forwards the mail to the respective Infochargers 22 and 36 with which the recipient is registered. The advantage of this is that mail is downloaded at high speed. This is because the voice mail already exists in Infochargers 22 and 36. The Infochargers 22 and 36 themselves are very easy to access by the user. This is because it will be located relatively close to the final recipient's residence. Of course, such a system for downloading to Infochargers 22 and 36 can also be applied to program downloading and Vmail.

  An inexpensive docking device provides the benefits of Infocharger, but also allows interaction with the service through the handset interface that the subscriber will be familiar with. Users can immediately start tasks such as account setting and profile update as if in ITC. Unlike Infocharger, the user can enter a security code that would be required for some services. Unlike the ITC, the interaction takes place over a regular telephone line and thus data exchange is slow, which is not a problem for subscribers exchanging small amounts of content.

  A mechanism is needed through the PSTN network to inform the user how much the transaction will cost before a particular transaction is initiated. A mechanism to confirm credits before the transaction is completed is also needed. The mechanism for charging the user for the use of the service can be done by a number of means using the PSTN charging architecture. For example, charging from the user's home phone fee, charging to the user's calling card (network-based credit), charging to the telephone card, charging with cash, charging with a credit card (or bank account) Etc.

  A mechanism may be provided for charging the user for content services using the same charging mechanism used for payment for calls. A mechanism for variable rate charging may be provided. Some content may be free (eg notifications about health or social matters), some content may be at a constant rate (eg Vmail is a constant cost per minute) Some may also be variable costs with costs related to the quantity and quality of the music (eg music MP3 download). Note that some uses of the network, such as filling out questionnaires and listening to advertisements, result in debits as well as credits for the user.

  Billing is one of the greatest benefits of allowing the PSTN infrastructure to be used to access services and refresh the handset / data card. Telephone operators and public telephone networks are adapted to extract millions of micropayments from a vast number of users. The billing infrastructure is secure and connects to banks and other financial systems or databases.

  Providing access to the network is accomplished by providing a gateway on a dedicated infrastructure. Gateway options are described in more detail below.

  Basically, the PSTN telephone number (access number) is greeted by an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system that connects the caller to the PSTN gateway of the network and links available choices. For the subscriber, there is an option to enter the subscriber's unique address and then enter the subscriber's security code for identity verification. Subscribers are also required to enter a security code when using a handset. The subscriber is then informed of the option to listen to new content available to the subscriber. The subscriber also receives the subscriber's Vmail index and the latest “broadcast” notification of the program received by the subscriber and selects the Vmail or content to play online via the PSTN. Also, if necessary, get informed about new programs, subscribe to new channels, access (and change) the subscriber's profile, and install new programs or Vmail (locally attached to PSTN terminals) (Although it is possible to initiate downloads to the refresh system and even enter a request for these downloads to be made to a remote refresh point (one user at the terminal can either specify a particular program or transferred Vmail) (Note that other users or groups of users may be nominated or referenced to receive subsequent downloads).

  The application may be provided to the user in a VIMF description language by radio stations, health centers, NGOs, etc., and is made available to the user mainly by a platform for offline use. There are several ways in which these applications can be made available to PSTN users.

  One way in which these services are made available to PSTN users is to convert the VIMF program to the IVR format used by PSTN, and in a manner similar to the manner in which other PSTN-based IVR services are provided. Is to provide. VIMF is an XML-compliant language developed in consideration of the features of VoiceXML. This simplifies the mapping of the VIMF program to the VoiceXML IVR application due to the correspondence between these two markup languages.

  VIMF applications need to provide robust error handling and error recovery. This is because the interaction with the service provider can take place over a period of days or weeks. If such an application is made available to PSTN users, much of the error detection and correction may be performed in real time dialog, eliminating the need for such powerful error resiliency. Other improvements for optimizing the IVR version may be added by the IVR application programmer.

  The VIMF application may result in responses being obtained as replies to institutions such as health centers and vocational agencies, and these responses are processed offline over the Internet on a schedule requested by these institutions ( Resulting in efficient use of resources and lower service costs). An IVR application generally results in a transaction that is completed within a single call. If a VIMF application is played as an IVR, the application may need to maintain that element of the VIMF service model to allow the service provider to maintain control that needs to process the response. .

  If the user interacts with the VIMF program, the response is collected on a data card for later reply to the content or service provider or their holder via the Internet. If the IVR version of the application is run by a PSTN user, the IVR program may output a similar response file in the same format for reply to the content or service provider or its holder. A further addition is needed to allow further contact between the consumer and the service provider, ie the consumer's PSTN telephone number. The PSTN telephone number is provided to the content provider in a manner similar to the case where the user's unique address is provided for use of the service in the address space.

  Public kiosks may simply be extended with the ability to read / write data cards used in the handset. In addition, by including a suitable modem with no changes to the cable, the kiosk enables high bandwidth data exchange (ie, ADSL), thus providing most of the functionality of the internet-enabled telephone kiosks found today. Can do. Of course, it is also possible to convert the telephone kiosk to a high bandwidth network via fiber optic data cable, WiFi <802.11 *> wireless link, 3G wireless connection and the like. In this way, the kiosk provides a function very similar to that in the ITC.

  To utilize the kiosk, the user dials in to the gateway via the PSTN access number and interacts with the IVR as described above. In addition, when the user inserts the user's data card into an additional data card slot at the kiosk and proper security code authentication is made, the user refreshes the data card and is selected during the call. New programs can be downloaded. Since the telephone kiosk accesses the Internet via the PSTN, a secure connection to the appropriate interface (ie web server) for accessing content and services for the user (caller at the kiosk) may be established. it can. The IVR exchange is used to initiate a synchronization session. Because broadband technologies such as ADSL are utilized, data connections can be utilized in parallel with voice calls (and IVR interactions) and can appropriately determine the content to be downloaded.

  At the end of the family of possible terminals that can be used for access is an “Infocharger”. The device does not have an interface for the user to interact, and only supports card refresh. The device is basically a minimum hardware with a modem (with telephone socket connector) and a card slot for data cards. The device has a small battery and includes a minimal flash memory to hold a pre-set dial-up number and a handshake protocol for the gateway modem. The device has one or two LEDs for displaying the current status. The device is intentionally simplified and kept inexpensive.

  In order to use the device, the user must first store the dial-up number and protocol on the data card (the dial-up number is a toll-free phone number or toll-free number that allows usage from all telephone lines without charge) Or a constant rate number). The user removes the data card from the handset and inserts the data card into the Infocharger slot. When the Infocharger is plugged into a telephone socket, it automatically dials the supplied telephone number using the selected modem settings and, once connected, to obtain authorization to refresh the data card A handshake using a modem (providing the user's unique address etc.) is automatically initiated. When authorization is obtained, data refresh begins as if the data card was refreshed in DCRS. The data rate is the level available on the line and is the level supported by the modem. Thus, uploading and downloading of content can be time consuming (possibly several hours).

  A further improvement of the device is to include enough memory to allow the Infocharger to extract data from the card, thereby uploading data to the system even if the download is complete and the card is removed. Is to be able to continue. This can halve the time that the card is occupied, allowing the user to continue to interact with new content.

  An improvement to Infocharger is a dock that allows the user to interact with the service as if the service were being used offline (normal mode). Instead of a slot for a data card, the device has a USB connection suitable for connection to a handset. Once the handset is docked to the device and connected to the network, online user interactions such as profile changes are possible through the handset itself.

  Like the Infocharger, the device dials up to the gateway when connecting to the phone line and requests a phone number from the user if necessary. In addition, the user is required a security code to access the service. The connection is data and the interaction is via the VIMF program. The advantage in this situation is that the user can interact with these programs in real time as long as the communication speed allows. During the process, some of the data packets sent to the handset are for addition to the data card, while other data packets are concurrently handset user interface for online control commands and responses Note that can be routed through.

  In the above, only a few of the possible ranges for PSTN docking points have been described. An office user may have a central data card refresh point in the office, for example, and further control the point from the office phone. In some cases, user interaction is supported via the PSTN keypad or voice control, and in other cases via the handset's own interface.

  There are several possible variations on setting up the gateway between the PSTN and the private network. One such setting is shown in FIG. The dedicated gateway provides an IVR access mechanism (user authorization and authentication) and initiates access to dedicated services such as profile changes, new programs, Vmail, etc. With the details of the IP address of the user's PSTN terminal, the gateway then initiates a data connection, allowing the content on the user's data card to be refreshed.

  On the PSTN side, some access control and data routing are required, and the PSTN requires the existence of a gateway between the PSTN and the dedicated network. If the PSTN resident plays a major role in providing dedicated services to the PSTN terminal, it will reduce the load on the dedicated gateway and increase the usefulness for the end user.

  The public telephone charges the user (or lends in some situations) for all situations where it is used as a means to interact with a dedicated service and download content for immediate playback or download Several mechanisms for this are available. First, the user needs to be notified of the intended billing. If the user requests the notification, this is accomplished at the gateway using a text-to-speech (TTS) module, and the charge calculated by the billing administrator is played back in voice. As the user continues the transaction, the user is charged for calling cards (network-based lending), charging for telephone cards (card-based lending), and charging for cash (long-distance calls) Or an opportunity to select a payment method such as charging for a credit card or bank account. Both of these methods are currently used for payment for ongoing voice calls and can therefore be easily used for payment for dedicated content. The dedicated billing system needs to look into the payment scheme to send the required billing details to the PSTN network and ultimately to the kiosk when billing is done from a telephone card or cash loan. An example of a billing system is shown in FIG.

  Part of the billing made for the dedicated service is to the PSTN (to cover the cost of providing the service), part to the administrator of the dedicated system, and part to the appropriate service It may be allocated appropriately to the provider. Because of the revenue chain, a standard mechanism to ensure the integrity of security and payment data with the included network will be required.

  The methods and systems described above have focused on extracting value for subscribers through the use of popular public telephone networks. However, the method and system also opens the benefits, content and services of a dedicated system to any PSTN subscriber.

1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system. A schematic diagram of a communication terminal is shown. The schematic diagram of the 2nd Example of a communication terminal is shown. It is a block diagram of a gateway structure. It is a block diagram of a charging mechanism.

Claims (15)

  A communication terminal having an input port for connecting to a portable device, an output connection for connecting to a network, and a processor, wherein the processor is adapted to receive the portable device at the input port. A communication terminal configured to automatically connect to a predetermined remote connection destination and configured to automatically upload information from the portable device and download the information to the portable device.   The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the input port is a slot and the portable device is a data card.   The terminal of claim 1, wherein the input port is a slot and the portable device is a handset.   The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the input port is a USB connection, and the portable device is a handset and a USB cable.   The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the terminal has a part of a public telephone kiosk.   The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the information includes a data file.   The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the information includes voice mail.   The terminal according to claim 1, wherein information downloaded to the portable device depends on a position of the portable device.   Communication comprising: accepting a portable device; automatically connecting to a predetermined remote destination; and automatically uploading information from the portable device and downloading to the portable device Method.   The method of claim 9, wherein the portable device is a data card.   The method of claim 9, wherein the portable device is a handset.   The method of claim 9, wherein the input port is a USB connection and the portable device is a handset and a USB cable.   The method according to claim 9, wherein the information includes a data file.   14. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the information comprises voice mail.   15. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the information downloaded to the portable device depends on the location of the portable device.

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