KR20010082789A - System and method of storing unified messages - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method and a system for storing messages for unified message service are provided to store and manage message data such as electronic mails through Internet networks, voice mails and facsimile mails through general telephone communication networks in the same storage unit. CONSTITUTION: When a unified message server that has received various kinds of messages stores the messages, identification codes selected corresponding to the kinds of the messages are added to the messages to be converted into storage files. The converted storage files are stored in a common storage unit capable of storing the various kinds of messages together. A unified message server system includes a signal service unit for controlling voice mails or facsimile signals received through general telephone networks(110), and a resource processing unit for converting the voice signals into audio files or converting the facsimile signals into graphic files. The system further has a storage unit(200) for storing various kinds of messages in a user directory all together, and a unified message unit for controlling electronic mails received through Internet(120).

Description

Message storage method and system for integrated message service {SYSTEM AND METHOD OF STORING UNIFIED MESSAGES}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for storing an unified message, and more particularly, to integrate and store various types of messages such as voice mail, electronic mail, and facsimile. It's about technology.

Unified message means universal access to a single incoming mailbox that contains e-mail, voice mail, fax, pager messages, etc. that are delivered to the user anytime, anywhere using a telephone or other communication device. to provide access. The subject providing the integrated message receiving mailbox is called a message center, and accessing a message using a wired or mobile telephone or a computer is called universal access.

In general, when a user sends an e-mail, voice mail, fax mail, etc. to another user by using an integrated mail server capable of sending and receiving various types of messages, the message information is once stored in the storage unit of the mail server, If a change is requested, it is changed accordingly and transmitted to the user.

Techniques related to a mail server capable of transmitting and receiving various types of integrated messages are described in US Pat. Nos. 5,608,786, 4,837,798, 5,633,916, 5,647,002, and the like. FIG. 1A illustrates a configuration of an unified message system (UMS) between an integrated mail server capable of transmitting and receiving an integrated message and a user who uses an internet network and a general telephone network according to the related art.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a user 150 uses a personal computer 151, a telephone 152, a fax 153, a mobile communication terminal 154, and the like to connect to the Internet network 120 or a general telephone network 110. You can send messages such as mail, voicemail, pager, and fax. However, the mail server 170 according to the related art stores and manages a plurality of types of mail data separately in each data storage unit in the mail server.

That is, when a plurality of types of mails are received by a user at a mail server capable of transmitting and receiving the various types of messages independently of each other, an operation server for processing various types of message data such as e-mail, voice mail, and fax is present. In addition, a server for processing electronic mail data and a server for processing voice mail and fax data are respectively driven to separately store received mail data in separate storage units in each server.

1B converts an e-mail 161 or voice 163, a fax mail 162, and the like transmitted by a user into an audio file 173, a picture file 172, and an e-mail file 171 according to the prior art. And a system configuration that is stored and managed in each of the storage units 174, 175, and 176. However, since the integrated message storage system according to the related art shown in FIG. 1B is stored in a storage unit independently of each other, it is difficult to easily grasp the mail usage of each user, and according to a separate data management scheme. There is a problem that the processing speed of unnecessary data and the use database space in the storage server are increased to decrease the processing speed of mail data.

That is, the mail data management and storage method according to the prior art has insufficient disadvantages in terms of data management efficiency, database occupied space usage, and processing speed. Thus, a server system that stores and manages various types of transmission message data in a mail system capable of transmitting and receiving integrated messages provides a new method for processing and efficiently storing e-mail data and voice mail data at high speed. In addition, a new method and system suitable for processing and storing voice and non-voice data of a mail server that integrates and manages electronic mail, voice mail, and fax through telephony is required.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a system and operation method capable of storing and managing message data such as e-mail, voice mail, and fax together in one storage unit under a mail server environment capable of transmitting and receiving a plurality of types of messages. To provide.

It is a second object of the present invention to provide a system and an operation method which can more easily identify and manage a user's mail use in a mail server capable of transmitting and receiving a plurality of types of messages in addition to the first object.

A third object of the present invention is, in addition to the first object, a system capable of reducing the occurrence of unnecessary data in a storage unit of a mail server capable of transmitting and receiving a plurality of types of messages and effectively processing the generated unnecessary data; and To provide a method of operation.

Figure 1a is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system for delivering a message to a user by a mail server receiving a plurality of types of messages over the Internet network and a general telephone network according to the prior art.

1B is a diagram showing a method of converting an e-mail, a voice, a fax mail, and the like transmitted by a user into audio files, picture files, and e-mail files according to the prior art, and storing them in respective storage units in the mail server.

2 is a diagram showing a technique in which an electronic mail, a voice mail, a fax mail, or the like sent by a user is stored in a common storage unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system in which a plurality of types of mails sent to a mail server according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention are stored in a common storage unit.

4 is a diagram illustrating a workflow in which message data transmitted through a general telephone network is stored in a common storage unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a diagram illustrating a workflow in which message data transmitted via an internet network is stored in a common storage unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6a illustrates a method for a user connecting to a web server of a mail server and logging in according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6b illustrates a method of sending a message stored in a common storage unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

6C illustrates a method of confirming a message stored in a common storage unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

110: general telephone network

120: Internet network

130: wireless communication network

150: user

160: message

170: mail server

200: storage unit

320: integrated message unit

330: Fire Wall Unit

340: internal network bus

600: data accessing block

610: message spooler block

611: Store Provider Block

612: Transport provider block

620: Email Function

630: Web Server Block

640: Web Interface Block

650: service command function

660: service data function

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a voice mail, a signal service unit for controlling a fax signal, a resource processing unit for converting a voice signal into an audio file or a fax signal into a picture file, A mail server system is provided that includes a network high capacity storage unit that stores message data together in a user directory and an integrated message unit that controls incoming e-mail through the Internet.

Further, in order to achieve another object of the present invention, a mail server receiving a plurality of types of messages delivers the plurality of types of messages to a user, wherein the identification code selected corresponding to the plurality of types is received. And converting the converted storage file into a storage file according to the type of the message, and storing the converted storage file in a storage unit capable of storing the plurality of types of messages together.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the integrated message storage technology according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.

2 is a diagram illustrating a method of storing electronic mail, voice mail, fax mail, etc. sent by a user in a common storage unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, a user 150, a general telephone network 110, an internet network 120, a message 160, a mail server 170, and the like are illustrated.

The user 150 uses the personal computer 151, the telephone 152, the fax 153, and the mobile communication terminal 154 to send an e-mail 161 and a fax through the general telephone network 110 and the Internet network 120. 162, the message 160 of the voice mail 163 may be transmitted to the mail server 170. Also, the e-mail 161 message sent to the mail server 170 is an e-mail data file 171, the fax 162 message is a picture data file 172, and the voice mail 163 is an audio data file ( 173 may be converted and stored together in the storage unit 200.

The storage unit 200 according to the present invention can be placed on a network and shared by several servers. On the other hand, the message files stored in the storage unit 200 according to the present invention may be transmitted to the user to access and deliver from the storage unit 200 by the user's 150 command or the user's request to receive the message. .

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the user 150 transmits the message 160 to the mail server 170 via the general telephone network 110 and the Internet network 120, and the mail server 170 has a plurality of types. Messages can be converted into data files that can be stored and stored in the storage unit 200.

3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system in which a plurality of types of mails sent to a mail server are stored in a common storage unit, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, a signal service unit 311 for controlling voice mail and a fax signal received through a general telephone network, a resource processing unit 312 for converting a voice signal into an audio file or a fax signal into a picture file, A storage unit 200 for storing a plurality of types of message data together in a user directory, an integrated message unit 320 for controlling e-mail coming in through the Internet, an external telephone, a fax or an internet signal to recognize and prepare a scenario Main control unit 314, a multi-function unit 313 for recording various data information such as user information, e-mail information, voice mail information, fax information, etc., and a voice synthesis unit for voice text message information to be read through a telephone. 316, an automatic tone that recognizes the voice signal coming through the phone and allows you to proceed to the next scenario Fire a month unit 330 which allows only use of the mail server and the homepage of controlling the recognition unit 317 and the signal coming from the external Internet network is shown.

The integrated message unit 320 includes a web server function 321 for a user who uses a homepage, an e-mail server function 323 for a user who uses an e-mail, and an integrated message function for controlling a web server function and an e-mail server function. 322 is included. In addition, the units and functions are connected to each other by the internal network bus 340 in the mail server 170 so that messages, signals, data, and commands transmitted through the general telephone network 110 or the Internet network 120 may be provided. The information can be shared or transmitted.

4 is a diagram illustrating a flow of work in which message data transmitted through a general telephone network is stored in a common storage unit, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the user 150 connects to the unified message server 170 to transmit a plurality of types of messages 160 through the general telephone network 110 (step S400).

Subsequently, the signal service unit 311 in the server 170 recognizes the telephone signal transmitted through the general telephone network 110, and controls the signal to connect the telephone line with the server 170 (step S401). Subsequently, after the server and the telephone line are connected, the main control unit 314 in the server 170 proceeds with the scenario prepared according to the request or command with the user (step S402).

The scenario prepared in the main control unit 314 may include announcements, greetings, and options. The user's request or command may include voice input and telephone number input. Subsequently, the resource processing unit 312 converts the voice message to be transmitted by the user 150 into an audio data file and the fax data file into a picture data file (step S403). The resource processing unit 312 may include a message management and control operation in which the user 150 leaves, modifies, or deletes the message 160 during the telephone line connection.

Subsequently, the multi function unit 313 may store and control information related to the message data files 171, 172, and 173 and the user 150. The information related to the message data files 171, 172, and 173 and the user 150 may include stored location information of the data, stored size information, stored and modified time information, user ID, and password. Meanwhile, a plurality of types of message data files 171, 172, and 173 including message contents are stored in the network high capacity storage unit 200 in the server 170.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of work in which message data transmitted through the Internet network is stored in a common storage unit according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the user 150 accesses the mail server 170 to transmit a plurality of types of messages 160 through the Internet network 120 (step S500).

Subsequently, the signal transmitted to the mail server 170 through the Internet network 110 is recognized by the fire wall unit 330 in the mail server 170, and the use of the e-mail and the homepage in the mail server 170 is allowed. The signal is controlled to be controlled (step S501). On the other hand, after the mail server 170 and the Internet line are connected, a plurality of types of message data files 171, 172, and 173 containing the message contents are stored in the storage unit 200 in the mail server 170 (step) S502).

6A illustrates a method for a user to log in by accessing a web server function 321 of a mail server 170 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. That is, the user 150 accesses the mail server 170 using a web browser, the user 150 presents the user ID and password to the mail server 170, and the mail server 170 of the user. Demonstrate your identity and allow you to log in.

A method for a user to log in to the web server 170 capable of transmitting and receiving a plurality of types of messages 160, the user 150 accessing through a web browser and entering an identification (ID) and password And requesting that the input ID and password confirm that the web interface block 640, which is an extension of the web server block 630, is a valid user for the data access block 600, and the data access. Requesting information about the user 150 to the service data function 650 with the ID received from the web interface block 640, and the data access block 600 Determining whether the user is a valid user based on the user information returned from the data function 150, and whether the accessing block 600 is a valid user or not (true) or false (false). To provide a management method comprising the steps returns to the web interface (640).

6B is a diagram illustrating a method of sending a message stored in a common storage unit 200 in a mail server 170 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In a method for a user to send a message stored in a mail server 170 capable of transmitting and receiving a plurality of types of messages 160, the user 150 stores the message stored in the storage unit 200 through the web interface block 640. Requesting to send a message to the storage provider block 611, and requesting the service command function to send an Internet mail to the storage provider block 611 according to the command. Connecting to the service data function 660 to obtain the location information of the message data for obtaining from the (200), and wherein the storage provider block 611 has network information with the location information of the message data obtained from the service data function 660; Obtaining message data from the high capacity storage unit 200, wherein the storage provider block 611 has a network high capacity; Forwarding the message obtained from the storage unit 200 to a transport provider block 612, wherein the Internet mail messaged by the transport provider block 612 is spooler 610 and e-mail function 620; It provides a method of operating the mail server 170 comprising the step sent through.

FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating a method of confirming an e-mail message stored in a common storage unit 200 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A method for a user 150 to check an e-mail message stored in an integrated message server 170 capable of transmitting and receiving a plurality of types of messages 160, wherein the user 150 stores a storage unit through the web interface block 640. Requesting to view a message stored at 200, the web interface block 640 requesting a message from the current user 150 to the storage provider block 611, and the storage provider block 611. Obtaining mail related data of the current user 150 in the service data function 650, and the storage provider block 611 having obtained the data requested from the service data function 650 in the storage unit 200; Obtaining a message and forwarding the message data obtained by the storage provider block 611 to the user 150 through the web interface block 640. Provides a method of operating the server 170.

As a preferred embodiment of the approach of the storage unit 200 according to the present invention, it is possible to use the network file system (NFS) method in Unix systems, and the Samba protocol in the case of Windows or NT systems. In addition, in order to distinguish a plurality of types of messages according to the present invention, an identifier may be added as a first letter to a file such as voice mail, fax mail, voice data received for voice recognition, or an electronic mail.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention to better understand the claims of the invention which will be described later. Additional features and advantages that make up the claims of the present invention will be described below. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments of the invention disclosed may be readily used as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out similar purposes to the invention.

In addition, the inventive concepts and embodiments disclosed herein may be used by those skilled in the art as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. In addition, such modifications or altered equivalent structures by those skilled in the art may be variously changed, substituted, and changed without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention described in the claims.

As described above, the integrated message data storage technology according to the present invention adds a function for integrated management of e-mail, voice mail, and fax data to a database of a mail server that receives a plurality of types of messages. From this point of view, user management and message data management can be conveniently performed.

Unlike the prior art, the message data storage technology according to the present invention can reduce the throughput of unnecessary data generated when each storage unit is operated for each message data, so that mail data can be processed more quickly.

In addition, since the integrated message data storage technology according to the present invention uses the existing NFS or SAMBA protocol, it is possible to access the storage unit of data in a conventional manner, and the entire access method can be modified with one modification.

Claims (19)

In a method for storing a user's message by an integrated message server having received a plurality of types of messages, Converting an identification code selected according to the type of the message into a storage file in addition to the message; Storing the converted storage file in a common storage unit capable of storing the plurality of types of messages together. Integrated message server operating method comprising a. The method of claim 1, wherein the message is transmitted through a medium including a personal computer, a telephone, a fax, and a mobile communication terminal. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of types of messages include any one or a combination of electronic mail, fax, and voice mail. The method of claim 1, wherein the message is transmitted through any one or a combination of an internet network, a general telephone network, and a wireless communication network. The method of claim 1, wherein the file converted for storage in the storage unit comprises any one or a combination of a picture file, an audio file, an e-mail data file. The method of claim 1, wherein the administrator of the mail server measures the amount of message data occupied in the storage unit only by information on the directory of the user. A signal service unit for controlling voice mail or fax signals coming through a general telephone network; A resource processing unit for converting a voice signal into an audio file or converting a fax signal into a picture file; A storage unit for storing a plurality of kinds of message data together in a user directory; And Integrated message unit to control e-mail coming from the Internet Integrated message server system comprising a. 8. The integrated message server system according to claim 7, wherein the integrated message server system further comprises a main control unit for executing a scenario prepared by recognizing an external telephone, fax or Internet signal according to a user's request or command. The scenario prepared in the main control unit may include any one of announcements, greetings, options, or a combination thereof, and the user's request or command includes voice input and telephone number input. Integrated message server system, characterized in that the. 8. The integrated message server system according to claim 7, wherein said resource processing unit includes a message management and control task in which said user leaves, modifies, or deletes a message during telephone line connection. 8. The integrated message server system according to claim 7, wherein said integrated message server system further comprises a multi-function unit for recording electronic mail information, voice mail information, fax information, or user information. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the multi-function unit comprises the e-mail information, voice mail information, fax information, and user information including stored location information of the message data, stored size information, time information stored, modified or changed, and user ID and secret. The integrated message server system that contains the number. 8. The integrated message server system according to claim 7, wherein the integrated message server system further comprises a text speech unit that reads the text message information through a telephone. 8. The integrated message server system according to claim 7, wherein said integrated message server system further comprises an automatic speech recognition unit capable of recognizing a voice signal coming through a telephone and proceeding to the next scenario. 8. The integrated message server system according to claim 7, wherein the integrated message server system further comprises a fire wall unit which controls only a signal from an external Internet network to allow the use of an e-mail and a homepage. 8. The integrated message unit of claim 7, wherein the integrated message unit includes a web server function for a user using a homepage, an electronic integrated message server function and a web server function for a user using an e-mail, and an electronic message management function. Integrated message server system containing message functions. A method for a user to log in to the integrated message server capable of transmitting and receiving a plurality of types of messages, the method comprising: Accessing the user through a web browser and inputting an ID and a password; Requesting that the input ID and password confirm that the web interface block, which is an extension of the web server block, is a valid user for the data access block; Requesting, by the data accessing block, information about the user from a service data function with the ID received from the web interface block; Determining whether the data accessing block is a valid user with the user information returned from the service data function; Returning true / false to the web interface whether the data accessing block is a valid user Operation method of an integrated message server comprising a. In the method for the user to send a message stored in the integrated message server that can send and receive multiple types of messages, Requesting the user to send a message stored in a network high capacity storage unit via the web interface block; Giving a command to the storage provider block to send an Internet mail on the service command function side; In accordance with an instruction, the storage provider block connecting to a service data function to obtain a specific message from a network high capacity storage unit to obtain location information of the message data; Obtaining, by the storage provider block, message data from a network high capacity storage unit with location information of the message data obtained from a service data function; Forwarding, by the storage provider block, to a transport provider block for sending a message obtained from a network high capacity storage unit; The Internet mail messaged by the transport provider block is transmitted via a spooler and an e-mail function Operation method of an integrated message server comprising a. In the user to check the message stored in the integrated message server that can send and receive multiple types of messages, Requesting the user to view a message stored in a network high capacity storage unit via the web interface block; The web interface requesting a message of a current user from the storage provider block; The storage provider block obtaining mail related data of a current user from the service data function; The storage provider block obtaining the requested data from the service data function obtaining a message from a network high capacity storage unit; Delivering the message data thus obtained by the storage provider block to the user through a web interface block. Operation method of an integrated message server comprising a.