CA2315420A1 - Multi-service directory and communication system - Google Patents
Multi-service directory and communication system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2315420A1 CA2315420A1 CA002315420A CA2315420A CA2315420A1 CA 2315420 A1 CA2315420 A1 CA 2315420A1 CA 002315420 A CA002315420 A CA 002315420A CA 2315420 A CA2315420 A CA 2315420A CA 2315420 A1 CA2315420 A1 CA 2315420A1
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- Prior art keywords
- directory
- service
- user
- application
- recipient
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
- H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
- H04M3/487—Arrangements for providing information services, e.g. recorded voice services or time announcements
- H04M3/493—Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals
- H04M3/4931—Directory assistance systems
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L51/00—User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
- H04L51/48—Message addressing, e.g. address format or anonymous messages, aliases
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L61/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
- H04L61/45—Network directories; Name-to-address mapping
- H04L61/4505—Network directories; Name-to-address mapping using standardised directories; using standardised directory access protocols
- H04L61/4523—Network directories; Name-to-address mapping using standardised directories; using standardised directory access protocols using lightweight directory access protocol [LDAP]
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
- H04L67/50—Network services
- H04L67/51—Discovery or management thereof, e.g. service location protocol [SLP] or web services
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L61/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L69/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- H04L69/30—Definitions, standards or architectural aspects of layered protocol stacks
- H04L69/32—Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
- H04L69/322—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions
- H04L69/329—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
Abstract
A multi-service directory system that allows a communication originator to search for a recipient (or recipients) and be presented with a listing of the communications services used by the recipient. Preferably, the originator need not switch applications and re-enter address information, but merely selects the desired service indicated for the recipient. The multi-service directory system would then launch the selected service and automatically provide the service with the recipient's address.
Description
File No.10589STCA02U
MULTI-SERVICE DIRECTORY AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to directory systems for communication services.
Background to the Invention Today, users of communications technology are faced with many choices.
Typically, one can communicate via telephone, wireless telephone, e-mail, voice-mail, pager, message service, etc.
In many circumstances a user who desires to commence communication with one or more entities (e.g., a person, or a function, such as an information systems adviser) typically starts with a directory. Unfortunately, directories are focused on a particular media; telephone directories show telephone numbers, e-mail directories show e-mail addresses, and pager service directories show pager numbers. With some communication services, the originator may not have knowledge of the service or of the recipient's use of the service, and hence may never even consider using the service.
While some directories offer the ability to store additional address information, they certainly do not facilitate its use. For example, a widely used electronic mail (e-mail) system is Microsoft Outlook TM readily available from Microsoft Corp.
Outlook allows users to send e-mails to recipients, and also includes a directory system which lists Outlook users within an organization. The Outlook directory system does allow a user to find a recipient in the directory in order to send an e-mail to that recipient.
Furthermore, the Outlook directory system can provide other communication addresses, for example department numbers (for internal mail delivery of paper documents) and telephone numbers. However, a user can not readily launch other communication services associated with a recipient from the Outlook directory. One can store a pager number in Microsoft's Outlook directory, but to use it, one must open the paging application, and manually enter the number to send the recipient a page. This is 2 File No. 10589STCA02U
inconvenient, especially so if a user wishes to send a page to members of a distribution list stored in Microsoft Outlook's directory, as each number must be manually entered in the paging service's user interface.
Summary of the Invention The invention herein seeks to remedy this problem, by providing a multi-service directory system. The communication originator can search for a recipient (or recipients) and is presented with the full set of communications services used by the recipient.
Preferably, the originator need not switch applications and re-enter address information, but merely selects the desired service indicated.for the recipient. The mufti-service directory system, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, would then launch the selected service and automatically provide the service with the recipient's address.
In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a directory system comprising:
a directory application for accessing one or more directory databases and retrieving data related to entities and communication services associated with said entities;
a user interface for receiving user input, and for displaying a plurality of communication services associated with each entity; and an access mechanism for initiating communication with one or more selected entities via one or more user selected communication services.
According to one embodiment, the directory application accesses several directory databases in order to retrieve a comprehensive list of communication services associated with an entity. Preferably, the application then combines the plurality of communication services associated with each entity into a single presentation for the user.
Alternatively a single database can be accessed if said single database is maintained to include a comprehensive list of communication services associated with an 3 File No.10589STCA02U
entity.
According to one embodiment, the user interface displays said plurality of communication services associated with each entity that satisfies criteria specified in said user input.
Advantageously, such a Multi-Service Directory system can be used as a single access point for a variety of communication services. For example, a mufti-service directory system can be used to:
1 ) Create and Send a voice message to one or more recipients;
2) Create and Send a short text message to one or more recipients (for example, via numeric pagers, GSM's Short Message Service, or Nortel's Companion Q-Msg Messaging System);
3) Create and Send a short text message with response options to one or more recipients (for example, via some advanced pagers and Nortel's Companion I-Msg Messaging System);
MULTI-SERVICE DIRECTORY AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to directory systems for communication services.
Background to the Invention Today, users of communications technology are faced with many choices.
Typically, one can communicate via telephone, wireless telephone, e-mail, voice-mail, pager, message service, etc.
In many circumstances a user who desires to commence communication with one or more entities (e.g., a person, or a function, such as an information systems adviser) typically starts with a directory. Unfortunately, directories are focused on a particular media; telephone directories show telephone numbers, e-mail directories show e-mail addresses, and pager service directories show pager numbers. With some communication services, the originator may not have knowledge of the service or of the recipient's use of the service, and hence may never even consider using the service.
While some directories offer the ability to store additional address information, they certainly do not facilitate its use. For example, a widely used electronic mail (e-mail) system is Microsoft Outlook TM readily available from Microsoft Corp.
Outlook allows users to send e-mails to recipients, and also includes a directory system which lists Outlook users within an organization. The Outlook directory system does allow a user to find a recipient in the directory in order to send an e-mail to that recipient.
Furthermore, the Outlook directory system can provide other communication addresses, for example department numbers (for internal mail delivery of paper documents) and telephone numbers. However, a user can not readily launch other communication services associated with a recipient from the Outlook directory. One can store a pager number in Microsoft's Outlook directory, but to use it, one must open the paging application, and manually enter the number to send the recipient a page. This is 2 File No. 10589STCA02U
inconvenient, especially so if a user wishes to send a page to members of a distribution list stored in Microsoft Outlook's directory, as each number must be manually entered in the paging service's user interface.
Summary of the Invention The invention herein seeks to remedy this problem, by providing a multi-service directory system. The communication originator can search for a recipient (or recipients) and is presented with the full set of communications services used by the recipient.
Preferably, the originator need not switch applications and re-enter address information, but merely selects the desired service indicated.for the recipient. The mufti-service directory system, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, would then launch the selected service and automatically provide the service with the recipient's address.
In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a directory system comprising:
a directory application for accessing one or more directory databases and retrieving data related to entities and communication services associated with said entities;
a user interface for receiving user input, and for displaying a plurality of communication services associated with each entity; and an access mechanism for initiating communication with one or more selected entities via one or more user selected communication services.
According to one embodiment, the directory application accesses several directory databases in order to retrieve a comprehensive list of communication services associated with an entity. Preferably, the application then combines the plurality of communication services associated with each entity into a single presentation for the user.
Alternatively a single database can be accessed if said single database is maintained to include a comprehensive list of communication services associated with an 3 File No.10589STCA02U
entity.
According to one embodiment, the user interface displays said plurality of communication services associated with each entity that satisfies criteria specified in said user input.
Advantageously, such a Multi-Service Directory system can be used as a single access point for a variety of communication services. For example, a mufti-service directory system can be used to:
1 ) Create and Send a voice message to one or more recipients;
2) Create and Send a short text message to one or more recipients (for example, via numeric pagers, GSM's Short Message Service, or Nortel's Companion Q-Msg Messaging System);
3) Create and Send a short text message with response options to one or more recipients (for example, via some advanced pagers and Nortel's Companion I-Msg Messaging System);
4) Create and Send e-mail to one or more recipients; or 5) Initiate a telephone call to one or more recipients.
Preferably, the mufti-service directory can be used to access more than one service, depending on the nature of the desired communication, the services available to desired recipients, and the results of prior communication attempts. For example a user can make successive attempts to reach a recipient using the same service in the event a first attempt fails. Alternatively the user can attempt to reach a user using multiple communication services, for example, voice, text message and e-mail for urgent situations.
The Mufti-service directory system can, as an enhancement, store information about the initiating user, so that messages sent from any service can have the appropriate return address/sender information associated automatically.
The directory system's database should be updated whenever a new entity needs to be added, or when an existing entity gains access to an additional communication File No.10589STCA02U
service. Thus, according to another aspect of the invention there is provided a computer-readable medium containing a computer program that when loaded into a computer-based system ("CBS"), instructs the CBS to operate a directory system according to the steps of:
receiving an indication that an entity has access to one or more communication services, and whether any of said communication services are supplemental services;
updating a directory database associated with said directory system to store the communication services associated with each entity and to store a link for each supplemental service accessible by said directory system; and linking said link to an application for providing said supplemental service such that said application is launched when a user accessing said directory system selects said link.
Brief Description of the Drawin,~s The present invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof will be further understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings in which:
Fig Figure 1 illustrates an example of a user interface output showing a directory retrieval listing according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates another example of a user interface output showing a different directory retrieval listing according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a mufti-service directory and communication system according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a mufti-service directory and communication system according to another embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments File No.10589STCA02U
Note that we will describe the preferred embodiments of the invention using the example of a user who desires to communicate with another individual. However, the invention is applicable to other entities, such as a business or corporation, or a specific 5 function (e.g., customer service), department or store, as well as specific individuals.
Figure 1 illustrates a portion of the user interface 10, displaying search results in response to a user input, according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 shows an example of a directory retrieval search result for a user input requesting individuals with the surname Brennan for an organization called "com". Each entry provides typical directory information (name 15, department 20, location 25), primary communication addresses, such as phone number30 and e-mail address 35, as well as supplementary communication services 40 associated with the user. Some users, for example Samuel Brennan may have no supplementary communication services associated with them.
Other individuals, for example Paul Brennan, may be accessible via several supplementary communication services (e.g., via a Companion Handset messaging system 57 or via a text pager 59). According to an embodiment of the invention, a sender (a user who desires to communicate with an entity) accesses the mufti-service directory application via a web browser. Each of the underlined items represent a user selectable text hyperlink for launching communication with the recipient associated with the icon, using the appropriate service. Alternatively, a user selectable icon can be displayed for launching the appropriate service. We will use the term "link"
to refer to either a text hyperlink, icon, pull down or "right mouse click" menu or similar mechanism for allowing a user to use the mufti-service directory user interface to select and launch the appropriate service. If a user wishes to communicate with one of the Brennan's via one of the other communication services, they simply select the appropriate link, and are then presented with an interface allowing them to specify their message, response options, etc., according to the selected service.
Preferably, the mufti-service directory system is configurable so that the user (or system administrator on behalf of the user) can select preferred applications and interfaces for launching communication services. For example, if a user had a suitable Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) application, the user can select the phone 6 File No. 10589STCA02U
hyperlink 53 to automatically dial Paul Brennan's telephone number. Similarly, by clicking on hyperlink 55, the user would be presented with their e-mail interface for sending an e-mail to Paul Brennan. If the user does not have a preferred application for launching a communication service associated with a recipient, the mufti-service directory system would launch an application associated with the recipient's service. For example, communication with Paul Brennan can be initiated using a CompanionTM
Handset 57 messaging service. This service, for example is a messaging service with its own application and user interface, as described in commonly assigned patent applications, namely United States Patent Application Serial No. 09/429,488 filed October 29, 1999 titled Group Messaging System; and United States Patent Application Serial No. 09/429,496 filed October 29, 1999 titled Interactive Messaging System, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1, but shows a directory retrieval of all users in department "SA01 ". In additional to the features already described in association with Figure 1, it also shows at the bottom of the display Group Message functions, for example Group Message via Companion Handset 75 and Group Message via Text Pager 80, which allow the user to send a message to a group of recipients. If such a group message function is selected, the user is presented with an interface allowing them to confirm the list of users, and to specify the message, response options, etc., for example, as described in the above referenced commonly assigned patent applications.
Alternatively, the mufti-service directory can include its own messaging application, which can send a message via a variety of communication services. For example, a user can select a link to a messaging application, enter the message details, and select Companion Handset for some users, text pager for others, and/or e-mail for users who have access to neither of the above.
Both Figures 1 and 2 show a system in which availability of, and access to, special communication modes are represented through indications and features provided as part of each entry. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that a user interface may also present these in a less explicit fashion, either only in response to one or more entries being selected, or via a right-mouse menu, or a number of other well known user interface techniques. Also, an interface may present indications as part of the entry, but 7 File No.10589STCA02U
require the user to activate access to the special communication mode via an alternate mechanism (e.g. separate functional buttons, a right-mouse menu, or a number of other well known user interface techniques).
Figure 3 shows a fully integrated Multi-Service Directory System, according to one embodiment of the invention, which runs on a computer-based system (CBS).
Such a computer-based system comprises one or more processors (which may be integrated, or located in separate computers in communication), and associated memory for loading and executing a computer program which instructs the CBS to operate as described herein. In the embodiment shown, the system utilizes a single, Multi-service Directory Database 110 containing data relevant to each entity in the directory and their associated services. The system includes a Multi-Service directory Application 100, which supplies to a user a Multi-service Directory User interface 120 for receiving input from a user and displaying data from said database to said user.
In this embodiment, the Multi-service Directory User interface 120 integrates a directory user interface 130 with user interfaces for providing access to each service, for example Service 1 Access User Interface 140 for accessing Service 1, Service 2 Access User Interface 150 for accessing Service 2, ... Service N Access User Interface 160 for accessing Service N.
Preferably, the Multi-service directory system, can allow a user to launch multiple communication services to a recipients) in a relatively easy manner.
For example a user can make successive attempts to reach a recipient using the same service in the event a first attempt fails. Alternatively the user can attempt to reach a user using multiple communication services, for example, voice, text message and e-mail for urgent situations.
For example, in Figure 3, the Directory User interface can provide a link to an access mechanism for launching a text message application (not shown) so that the user can enter a text message for delivery to a recipient(s). The user would then select desired services, for example both e-mail and pager service, and the application would automatically launch both services and instruct both services to send the message. Such File No. 10589STCA02U
a text message application could, for example, interact with the user interface without further user action, or as an alternative, by pass the user interface for the selected services and provide the required data directly to the service.
Thus Figure 3 shows an application component separate from a user interface component, as is common today with servers and clients typically separated by the world-wide-web, with user interface applications often running as HTML or JAVA
or CGI. Advantageously, this allows the user to seamlessly move between the directory user interface and the access user interface for each service. Note that a separate instance of the mufti-service directory application 110 can be created for each sender, or preferably, the database 110 is shared with many other users. However, an equivalent implementation can include a single combined application/user interface, running on an individual user's computer. In this case, the database can also be located on the individual user's computer.
Note that Figure 3 assumes a single mufti-directory database is maintained, which must be updated whenever a new entity is added, or an existing entity gains access to an additional service. Fortunately, the CBS can operate the directory system according to the steps of:
receiving an indication that an entity has access to one or more communication services, and whether any of said communication services are supplemental services;
updating a directory database associated with said directory system to store the communication services associated with each entity and to store a link for each supplemental service accessible by said directory system; and linking said link to an application for providing said supplemental service such that said application is launched when a user accessing said directory system selects said link.
This allows for automatic updates to the directory system, provided the system is supplied with an indication whenever a new entity is added (or removed), or an existing entity gains (or loses) access to an additional service. However providing this indication still requires overhead, and the database will contain incorrect information if this File No. 10589STCA02U
indication is not received. Thus, as an alternative, the application can access a plurality of directory databases in order to retrieve a comprehensive list of communication services associated with an entity, for example, as illustrated in Figure 4.
Figure 4 shows a non-integrated Multi-Service Directory, with a Multi-Service Directory application 200 assembling data from non-integrated databases and providing a simple launch point to each service application user interface, according to another embodiment of the invention. Again, Figure 4 shows applications separate from user interfaces; they can of course be combined.
In Figure 4, a CBS loads software into memory for executing a Multi-Service Directory Application 200, which in turn provides a Multi-Service Directory User Interface 230 to a user, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The directory user interface 230 receives input from a user and displays directory data to said user. In this embodiment, the Application 200 accesses a plurality of Service directory databases (e.g., Service 1 Directory Database 220, Service 2 Directory Database 250, ...
and Service N Directory Database 270), retrieves data from each database which satisfies a user request, and combines said data to provide the search result output (e.g., as shown in Figures 1 and 2). If a link is selected by the user, the Application 200 in turn launches the appropriate Service (e.g., Service N 265) via its access user interface (e.g., Service N
Access User Interface 260).
Note that it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that partial integration would be possible, with an architectural hybrid somewhere between those illustrated in figures 3 and 4. Furthermore, LDAP, which is a known directory protocol for communicating between directory databases, can be used for implementing the above referenced system.
Note we have described examples of fully featured systems, wherein all communication services were accessible from said mufti-directory system. It should be noted that this is not necessary. Such a system may only list the primary communication addresses, and only include an access mechanism (e.g., selectable link) for accessing the supplemental services. Such a system is useful for users who, for example, do not have File No. 10589STCA02U
access to computer integrated telephony, and would initiate a telephone call manually by dialing the recipient's phone number on their telephone. Furthermore, e-mail can be an exception, wherein the link simply causes the user's operating system to send the recipient's e-mail address to the user's default e-mail service, which creates a new e-mail 5 message directed to the recipient.
Other optional features of the directory system can include providing status information to the user. This status information can include information about the recipient's usage of said one or more services. For example, assuming a user selected to 10 send an interactive page to a particular recipient, the system can provide status information as to whether the recipient was reached on the last 4 page attempts, or whether the account has been inactive for 3 months, etc. Furthermore, the directory system can provides user information about the sender to selected services such that a recipient can be notified as to who is attempting to contact them.
Numerous modifications, variations and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.
Preferably, the mufti-service directory can be used to access more than one service, depending on the nature of the desired communication, the services available to desired recipients, and the results of prior communication attempts. For example a user can make successive attempts to reach a recipient using the same service in the event a first attempt fails. Alternatively the user can attempt to reach a user using multiple communication services, for example, voice, text message and e-mail for urgent situations.
The Mufti-service directory system can, as an enhancement, store information about the initiating user, so that messages sent from any service can have the appropriate return address/sender information associated automatically.
The directory system's database should be updated whenever a new entity needs to be added, or when an existing entity gains access to an additional communication File No.10589STCA02U
service. Thus, according to another aspect of the invention there is provided a computer-readable medium containing a computer program that when loaded into a computer-based system ("CBS"), instructs the CBS to operate a directory system according to the steps of:
receiving an indication that an entity has access to one or more communication services, and whether any of said communication services are supplemental services;
updating a directory database associated with said directory system to store the communication services associated with each entity and to store a link for each supplemental service accessible by said directory system; and linking said link to an application for providing said supplemental service such that said application is launched when a user accessing said directory system selects said link.
Brief Description of the Drawin,~s The present invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof will be further understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings in which:
Fig Figure 1 illustrates an example of a user interface output showing a directory retrieval listing according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates another example of a user interface output showing a different directory retrieval listing according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a mufti-service directory and communication system according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a mufti-service directory and communication system according to another embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments File No.10589STCA02U
Note that we will describe the preferred embodiments of the invention using the example of a user who desires to communicate with another individual. However, the invention is applicable to other entities, such as a business or corporation, or a specific 5 function (e.g., customer service), department or store, as well as specific individuals.
Figure 1 illustrates a portion of the user interface 10, displaying search results in response to a user input, according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 shows an example of a directory retrieval search result for a user input requesting individuals with the surname Brennan for an organization called "com". Each entry provides typical directory information (name 15, department 20, location 25), primary communication addresses, such as phone number30 and e-mail address 35, as well as supplementary communication services 40 associated with the user. Some users, for example Samuel Brennan may have no supplementary communication services associated with them.
Other individuals, for example Paul Brennan, may be accessible via several supplementary communication services (e.g., via a Companion Handset messaging system 57 or via a text pager 59). According to an embodiment of the invention, a sender (a user who desires to communicate with an entity) accesses the mufti-service directory application via a web browser. Each of the underlined items represent a user selectable text hyperlink for launching communication with the recipient associated with the icon, using the appropriate service. Alternatively, a user selectable icon can be displayed for launching the appropriate service. We will use the term "link"
to refer to either a text hyperlink, icon, pull down or "right mouse click" menu or similar mechanism for allowing a user to use the mufti-service directory user interface to select and launch the appropriate service. If a user wishes to communicate with one of the Brennan's via one of the other communication services, they simply select the appropriate link, and are then presented with an interface allowing them to specify their message, response options, etc., according to the selected service.
Preferably, the mufti-service directory system is configurable so that the user (or system administrator on behalf of the user) can select preferred applications and interfaces for launching communication services. For example, if a user had a suitable Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) application, the user can select the phone 6 File No. 10589STCA02U
hyperlink 53 to automatically dial Paul Brennan's telephone number. Similarly, by clicking on hyperlink 55, the user would be presented with their e-mail interface for sending an e-mail to Paul Brennan. If the user does not have a preferred application for launching a communication service associated with a recipient, the mufti-service directory system would launch an application associated with the recipient's service. For example, communication with Paul Brennan can be initiated using a CompanionTM
Handset 57 messaging service. This service, for example is a messaging service with its own application and user interface, as described in commonly assigned patent applications, namely United States Patent Application Serial No. 09/429,488 filed October 29, 1999 titled Group Messaging System; and United States Patent Application Serial No. 09/429,496 filed October 29, 1999 titled Interactive Messaging System, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1, but shows a directory retrieval of all users in department "SA01 ". In additional to the features already described in association with Figure 1, it also shows at the bottom of the display Group Message functions, for example Group Message via Companion Handset 75 and Group Message via Text Pager 80, which allow the user to send a message to a group of recipients. If such a group message function is selected, the user is presented with an interface allowing them to confirm the list of users, and to specify the message, response options, etc., for example, as described in the above referenced commonly assigned patent applications.
Alternatively, the mufti-service directory can include its own messaging application, which can send a message via a variety of communication services. For example, a user can select a link to a messaging application, enter the message details, and select Companion Handset for some users, text pager for others, and/or e-mail for users who have access to neither of the above.
Both Figures 1 and 2 show a system in which availability of, and access to, special communication modes are represented through indications and features provided as part of each entry. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that a user interface may also present these in a less explicit fashion, either only in response to one or more entries being selected, or via a right-mouse menu, or a number of other well known user interface techniques. Also, an interface may present indications as part of the entry, but 7 File No.10589STCA02U
require the user to activate access to the special communication mode via an alternate mechanism (e.g. separate functional buttons, a right-mouse menu, or a number of other well known user interface techniques).
Figure 3 shows a fully integrated Multi-Service Directory System, according to one embodiment of the invention, which runs on a computer-based system (CBS).
Such a computer-based system comprises one or more processors (which may be integrated, or located in separate computers in communication), and associated memory for loading and executing a computer program which instructs the CBS to operate as described herein. In the embodiment shown, the system utilizes a single, Multi-service Directory Database 110 containing data relevant to each entity in the directory and their associated services. The system includes a Multi-Service directory Application 100, which supplies to a user a Multi-service Directory User interface 120 for receiving input from a user and displaying data from said database to said user.
In this embodiment, the Multi-service Directory User interface 120 integrates a directory user interface 130 with user interfaces for providing access to each service, for example Service 1 Access User Interface 140 for accessing Service 1, Service 2 Access User Interface 150 for accessing Service 2, ... Service N Access User Interface 160 for accessing Service N.
Preferably, the Multi-service directory system, can allow a user to launch multiple communication services to a recipients) in a relatively easy manner.
For example a user can make successive attempts to reach a recipient using the same service in the event a first attempt fails. Alternatively the user can attempt to reach a user using multiple communication services, for example, voice, text message and e-mail for urgent situations.
For example, in Figure 3, the Directory User interface can provide a link to an access mechanism for launching a text message application (not shown) so that the user can enter a text message for delivery to a recipient(s). The user would then select desired services, for example both e-mail and pager service, and the application would automatically launch both services and instruct both services to send the message. Such File No. 10589STCA02U
a text message application could, for example, interact with the user interface without further user action, or as an alternative, by pass the user interface for the selected services and provide the required data directly to the service.
Thus Figure 3 shows an application component separate from a user interface component, as is common today with servers and clients typically separated by the world-wide-web, with user interface applications often running as HTML or JAVA
or CGI. Advantageously, this allows the user to seamlessly move between the directory user interface and the access user interface for each service. Note that a separate instance of the mufti-service directory application 110 can be created for each sender, or preferably, the database 110 is shared with many other users. However, an equivalent implementation can include a single combined application/user interface, running on an individual user's computer. In this case, the database can also be located on the individual user's computer.
Note that Figure 3 assumes a single mufti-directory database is maintained, which must be updated whenever a new entity is added, or an existing entity gains access to an additional service. Fortunately, the CBS can operate the directory system according to the steps of:
receiving an indication that an entity has access to one or more communication services, and whether any of said communication services are supplemental services;
updating a directory database associated with said directory system to store the communication services associated with each entity and to store a link for each supplemental service accessible by said directory system; and linking said link to an application for providing said supplemental service such that said application is launched when a user accessing said directory system selects said link.
This allows for automatic updates to the directory system, provided the system is supplied with an indication whenever a new entity is added (or removed), or an existing entity gains (or loses) access to an additional service. However providing this indication still requires overhead, and the database will contain incorrect information if this File No. 10589STCA02U
indication is not received. Thus, as an alternative, the application can access a plurality of directory databases in order to retrieve a comprehensive list of communication services associated with an entity, for example, as illustrated in Figure 4.
Figure 4 shows a non-integrated Multi-Service Directory, with a Multi-Service Directory application 200 assembling data from non-integrated databases and providing a simple launch point to each service application user interface, according to another embodiment of the invention. Again, Figure 4 shows applications separate from user interfaces; they can of course be combined.
In Figure 4, a CBS loads software into memory for executing a Multi-Service Directory Application 200, which in turn provides a Multi-Service Directory User Interface 230 to a user, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The directory user interface 230 receives input from a user and displays directory data to said user. In this embodiment, the Application 200 accesses a plurality of Service directory databases (e.g., Service 1 Directory Database 220, Service 2 Directory Database 250, ...
and Service N Directory Database 270), retrieves data from each database which satisfies a user request, and combines said data to provide the search result output (e.g., as shown in Figures 1 and 2). If a link is selected by the user, the Application 200 in turn launches the appropriate Service (e.g., Service N 265) via its access user interface (e.g., Service N
Access User Interface 260).
Note that it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that partial integration would be possible, with an architectural hybrid somewhere between those illustrated in figures 3 and 4. Furthermore, LDAP, which is a known directory protocol for communicating between directory databases, can be used for implementing the above referenced system.
Note we have described examples of fully featured systems, wherein all communication services were accessible from said mufti-directory system. It should be noted that this is not necessary. Such a system may only list the primary communication addresses, and only include an access mechanism (e.g., selectable link) for accessing the supplemental services. Such a system is useful for users who, for example, do not have File No. 10589STCA02U
access to computer integrated telephony, and would initiate a telephone call manually by dialing the recipient's phone number on their telephone. Furthermore, e-mail can be an exception, wherein the link simply causes the user's operating system to send the recipient's e-mail address to the user's default e-mail service, which creates a new e-mail 5 message directed to the recipient.
Other optional features of the directory system can include providing status information to the user. This status information can include information about the recipient's usage of said one or more services. For example, assuming a user selected to 10 send an interactive page to a particular recipient, the system can provide status information as to whether the recipient was reached on the last 4 page attempts, or whether the account has been inactive for 3 months, etc. Furthermore, the directory system can provides user information about the sender to selected services such that a recipient can be notified as to who is attempting to contact them.
Numerous modifications, variations and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.
Claims (27)
1. A directory system comprising:
a directory database including a list of entities and an indication of services for communicating with each entity; and an application for accessing said database and displaying data from said database to a user, wherein said application includes an access mechanism for receiving input from a user and initiating one or more services based on said input from said user.
a directory database including a list of entities and an indication of services for communicating with each entity; and an application for accessing said database and displaying data from said database to a user, wherein said application includes an access mechanism for receiving input from a user and initiating one or more services based on said input from said user.
2. The directory system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said indication includes a link to a service application associated with each service wherein said access mechanism initiates a selected service by linking to said service application.
3. The directory system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said indication includes a client selectable link for sending a message to one or more entities via a message delivery service.
4. A directory system comprising:
a directory database including:
a list of entities, a list of primary communication addresses associated with each entity, and an indication whether each entity has access to supplemental services; and an application for accessing said database, said application including a user interface for receiving input from a user and displaying data from said database to said user.
a directory database including:
a list of entities, a list of primary communication addresses associated with each entity, and an indication whether each entity has access to supplemental services; and an application for accessing said database, said application including a user interface for receiving input from a user and displaying data from said database to said user.
5. The directory system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said application includes a mechanism for initiating communication with a recipient via a service associated with said recipient.
6. The directory system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said primary communication addresses includes a phone number and wherein said supplemental services includes a message delivery service.
7. A directory system comprising:
a directory application for accessing one or more directory databases, said application including a user interface for receiving input from a user and displaying data from said database to said user, wherein said data retrieved via said application and displayed to the user includes:
a list of entities, a list of primary communication services associated with each entity, and an indication whether each entity has access to supplemental services.
a directory application for accessing one or more directory databases, said application including a user interface for receiving input from a user and displaying data from said database to said user, wherein said data retrieved via said application and displayed to the user includes:
a list of entities, a list of primary communication services associated with each entity, and an indication whether each entity has access to supplemental services.
8. The directory system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said application includes a mechanism for initiating a particular service associated with a person.
9. The directory system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said primary communication services includes phone service and wherein said supplemental services includes a message delivery service, and wherein said application includes a user selectable link for sending a message to said person via said message delivery service.
10. The directory system as claimed in claim 9 wherein said primary communication services further includes an e-mail address associated with said entity and wherein said link, when selected allows said user to send a message to said entity via said message delivery service, via e-mail, or via both.
11. The directory system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said indication includes an access mechanism for launching a user selected service.
12. The directory system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said application includes a mechanism for initiating communication with a group of entities using one or more services selected by a user via said user interface.
13. The directory system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said primary communication services includes phone service and wherein said supplemental services includes a message delivery service, and said application includes a mechanism for initiating communication with a group of entities using one or more services selected by a user via said user interface.
14. A method for a sender to send a message to a recipient who subscribes to a message delivery service comprising:
displaying a directory of a group of recipients to said sender, said directory listing a list of primary communication addresses associated with each recipient within said group and an indication whether each recipient has access to a message delivery service;
receiving a request from said sender to send a message to a recipient via said message delivery service;
launching an application associated with said message delivery service for sending said message to said recipient and connecting said sender to said application.
displaying a directory of a group of recipients to said sender, said directory listing a list of primary communication addresses associated with each recipient within said group and an indication whether each recipient has access to a message delivery service;
receiving a request from said sender to send a message to a recipient via said message delivery service;
launching an application associated with said message delivery service for sending said message to said recipient and connecting said sender to said application.
15. A method for a sender to send a message to one or more recipients who subscribe to a message delivery service comprising:
displaying a directory listing for a group of recipients to said sender, said directory listing a list of primary communication addresses associated with each recipient within said group and an indication whether each recipient has access to one or more supplemental services;
receiving a request from said sender to communicate with a selected one or more recipients via said one or more supplemental services;
launching an application associated with the selected one or more supplemental services, and providing said application with a list of selected recipients and connecting said sender to said application.
displaying a directory listing for a group of recipients to said sender, said directory listing a list of primary communication addresses associated with each recipient within said group and an indication whether each recipient has access to one or more supplemental services;
receiving a request from said sender to communicate with a selected one or more recipients via said one or more supplemental services;
launching an application associated with the selected one or more supplemental services, and providing said application with a list of selected recipients and connecting said sender to said application.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein said indication is a link, which when selected by said sender, produces said requests.
17. A computer-readable medium containing a computer program that when loaded into a computer-based system ("CBS"), instructs the CBS to operate a directory system according to the steps of:
receiving an indication that an entity has access to one or more communication services, and whether any of said communication services are supplemental services;
updating a directory database associated with said directory system to store the communication services associated with each entity and to store a link for each supplemental service accessible by said directory system; and linking said link to an application for providing said supplemental service such that said application is launched when a user accessing said directory system selects said link.
receiving an indication that an entity has access to one or more communication services, and whether any of said communication services are supplemental services;
updating a directory database associated with said directory system to store the communication services associated with each entity and to store a link for each supplemental service accessible by said directory system; and linking said link to an application for providing said supplemental service such that said application is launched when a user accessing said directory system selects said link.
18. A method for a sender to send a message to a recipient who subscribes to a message delivery service comprising:
accessing a directory of entities, said directory listing communication services associated with each entity;
displaying, for one or more entities which satisfy a criteria:
a list of primary communication addresses associated with each entity, and an indication whether each recipient has access to a message delivery service;
receiving a request from said sender to send a message to a recipient via a message delivery service;
launching an application associated with said message delivery service for sending said message to said recipient and connecting said sender to said application.
accessing a directory of entities, said directory listing communication services associated with each entity;
displaying, for one or more entities which satisfy a criteria:
a list of primary communication addresses associated with each entity, and an indication whether each recipient has access to a message delivery service;
receiving a request from said sender to send a message to a recipient via a message delivery service;
launching an application associated with said message delivery service for sending said message to said recipient and connecting said sender to said application.
19. The method as claimed in claim 18 wherein said indication is selectable by said sender, and wherein said receiving step comprises receiving a notification that said indication is selected.
20. A directory system comprising:
a directory application for accessing one or more directory databases and retrieving data related to entities and communication services associated with said entities;
a user interface for receiving user input, and for displaying a plurality of communication services associated with each entity; and an access mechanism for initiating communication with one or more selected entities via one or more user selected communication services.
a directory application for accessing one or more directory databases and retrieving data related to entities and communication services associated with said entities;
a user interface for receiving user input, and for displaying a plurality of communication services associated with each entity; and an access mechanism for initiating communication with one or more selected entities via one or more user selected communication services.
21. The directory system as claimed in claim 20 wherein said user interface displays said plurality of communication services associated with each entity which satisfies criteria specified in said user input.
22. The directory system as claimed in claim 20 wherein said access mechanism launches a text message application for entering a message, for receiving input from a user selecting one or more recipients and one or more communication services for each selected recipient, and for sending said message to selected recipients using selected communication services.
23. A computer-readable medium containing a computer program that when loaded into a computer-based system ("CBS"), instructs the CBS to:
display a directory of a group of recipients to a sender, said directory listing a list of primary communication addresses associated with each recipient within said group and an indication whether each recipient has access to a message delivery service;
upon receiving a request from said sender to send a message to a recipient via said message delivery service, launching an application associated with said message delivery service for sending said message to said recipient and connecting said sender to said application.
display a directory of a group of recipients to a sender, said directory listing a list of primary communication addresses associated with each recipient within said group and an indication whether each recipient has access to a message delivery service;
upon receiving a request from said sender to send a message to a recipient via said message delivery service, launching an application associated with said message delivery service for sending said message to said recipient and connecting said sender to said application.
24. The directory system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said indication includes entity specific information for communicating with each entity via each service and wherein said access mechanism initiates a selected service by linking to a service application dependent on said entity specific information
25. The directory system as claimed in claim 1 which, upon initiating said one or more services, provides user information to said one or more services.
26. The directory system as claimed in claim 1 which provides status information to the user.
27. The directory system as claimed in claim 26 wherein said status information includes information about the recipient's usage of said one or more services.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002315420A CA2315420A1 (en) | 2000-06-20 | 2000-08-10 | Multi-service directory and communication system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002315420A CA2315420A1 (en) | 2000-06-20 | 2000-08-10 | Multi-service directory and communication system |
| USUNKNOWN | 2000-12-22 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2315420A1 true CA2315420A1 (en) | 2001-12-20 |
Family
ID=4166855
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002315420A Abandoned CA2315420A1 (en) | 2000-06-20 | 2000-08-10 | Multi-service directory and communication system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2315420A1 (en) |
-
2000
- 2000-08-10 CA CA002315420A patent/CA2315420A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Discontinued |