CA2338821A1 - Performing interactive service dialogs in a telecommunication network - Google Patents
Performing interactive service dialogs in a telecommunication network Download PDFInfo
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- CA2338821A1 CA2338821A1 CA002338821A CA2338821A CA2338821A1 CA 2338821 A1 CA2338821 A1 CA 2338821A1 CA 002338821 A CA002338821 A CA 002338821A CA 2338821 A CA2338821 A CA 2338821A CA 2338821 A1 CA2338821 A1 CA 2338821A1
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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
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- Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
- Exchange Systems With Centralized Control (AREA)
- Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
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Abstract
During a dialogue between a service (DST) of a telecommunications network and a subscriber (TNR) connected to said network via a terminal (MTL), information is read out via the terminal and information is entered by the subscriber. To this end the terminal (MTL) following a specific command entered into same, on the basis of dialogue information (dif) which is transmitted to the terminal via a network connection, stored in said terminal and concerns the conduct of the dialogue, effects the read-out(s) to the subscriber (TNR) and receives the input(s) of the subscriber (TNR) and processes same. From this a dialogue result (drs) is derived, which is transmitted to the service (DST) via a network connection. On the network side the service (DST) is continued in accordance with the dialogue result (drs).
Description
Description Performing interactive service dialogs in a telecommunication network The invention relates to a method for performing a dialog between a service of a telecommunication network and a subscriber connected to the network via a terminal, in which method, at least messages and/or input requests are output to the subscriber and at least information is input by the subscriber, in the dialog via the terminal, and the service is continued in dependence on a dialog result derived therefrom.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a telecommunication terminal which can be connected to a telecommunication network and which is set up for exchanging messages and/or commands with the network and for outputting messages and input requests to a subscriber utilizing the terminal for using the network, and for receiving inputs of the subscriber.
Similarly, the invention relates to a telecommunication network in which services can be utilized by subscribers, in connection with which a dialog with the subscriber utilizing the service .and connected to the network via a terminal being provided in at least one of the services and in this dialog, at least messages and/or input requests are output to the subscriber and at least information is input by the subscriber.
In many telecommunication networks, other services which can be addressed by a subscriber to the network and which will be called intelligent services in the text which follows are set up in addition to the basic services such as, e.g. the telephone and facsimile service of a telephone network. These intelligent services can be, for example, supplementary services - 2a -network via its terminal and the intelligent service or, respectively, the network node controlling ' - 3 -the performance of the service is carried out with the aid of separate user-service-signaling systems. For example, the use of a DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency) interface is known for the transmission of data to the service control point, but in this method, only numbers and a few special characters can be transmitted; in the opposite direction, spoken announcements are made in most cases which are called up when necessary by a so-called peripheral. In a GSM network, the service of the "unstructured supplementary service data" (USSD) can be utilized. This is a special type of signaling which can be initiated in phase 2 of the GSM network in both directions between terminal and network service.
Another example is the utilization of information elements of an "intelligent network application part"
(INAP) protocol such as, e.g. the core INAP according to the ETSI standard "intelligent network (IN);
intelligent network capability set 1 (CS1), core intelligent network application protocol (INAP), Part 1: Protocol specification" 300 374-l, July 1994, of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI);
these protocols were originally designed for the internal communication in the network between switching centers and a service control point but can also be used for user-service-signaling. Na~urally, the various types of signaling can be combined, e.g. an intelligent service can request the user to make an input via his mobile terminal. via the above-mentioned INAP mechanism, in which procedure an announcement stored in the switching center or in a peripheral associated with the switching center is played and the user input occurs via DTMF signals which are collected via the switching center or, respectively, the peripheral and are forwarded to the service.
It is also :Known to arrange these dialogs in a so-called menu. The dialog is controlled by - 3a -the service network node, often with the aid of a peripheral.
' CA 02338821 2001-O1-26 ' - 4 -In this method, the service presents a selection of various possibilities which are in each case allocated to a specific code, e.g. a number key; these are usually the numbers which are transmitted and decoded in accordance with the DTMF method. The menu can be announced to the mobile subscriber, e.g. with the aid of a peripheral, via a voice announcement. If the subscriber then enters his response, i.e. the number associated with the response, the corresponding GTMF
signal is transmitted, received by the network and translated; the intelligent services branches into the part of the program in which the corresponding program section is executed and, if necessary, a corresponding voice announcements is generated in the service network node or the peripheral. Branching into a submenu is also possible and a later return to a higher-level menu etc.
However, the dialogs of the known type are often associated with high expenditure of network resources since the service network node or, respectively, the associated peripheral are also occupied during the times between output to the subscriber and his input of a response. In the case of complicated, e.g. multi-stage dialogs, the signal complexity via the connecting interface, e.g. the air interface in the case of mobile radio systems, can also become very high.
It is also known that a terminal for request subscriber inputs, e.g. a PIN code. However, these requests are predetermined for the terminal and non specific to the service used by the subscriber and do not result in any simplification for the performance of, in particular, complex dialogs.
From EP 0 812 120 A2 and from the publication "wireless application protocol- wireless telephony application specification- draft version" of AMENDED PAGE
- 4a -30.4.1998, WAP Forum Ltd, XP002128849, it is known in each case to transmit dialog information, for the performance of a dialog between a service of a telecommunication network and a terminal, to the terminal, to store and to process it there and to transmit back a dialog result.
It is, therefore, the object of the invention to reduce the expenditure of resources for performing interactive dialogs. It is also intended to create the possibility of faster and simpler handling AMENDED PAGE
and processing of a dialog between subscriber and intelligent service.
On the basis of a method of the type initially mentioned, this object is achieved in that, according to the invention, the service transmits dialog information relating to the performance of the dialog, independently of actions of the subscriber, to the terminal of the subscriber via a network connection, this dialog information is stored by the terminal and the terminal performs the outputs) to the subscriber by means of the stc:>red dialog information on the basis of a specific command given to it and receives and processes the inputs) of the subscriber, derives a dialog result therefrom and transmits this result to the service via a network connection.
Performing the dialag in the terminal saves implementing corresponding dialog procedures in the network and expending resources. All information required for performing the dialog is transmitted to the terminal at the beginning of the dialog or during a preceding network connection so that the relevant network resources are only occupied for this comparatively short time.
The dialog information suitably contains commands of a dialog program which is executed by a processor of the terminal for performing the dialog and determining the result of the dialog.
The dialog information advantageously also contains message informatian which describes t:he messages and input requests to be output and the type of expected inputs.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the output to the subscriber is carried out via a display, e.g. by means of text and/or graphics, to increase the user friendliness.
In another advantageous embodiment, an increased ease of operation is achieved in that the output to the subscriber is at least partially carried out via voice announcements which are requested from the network and are received from the network via a voice channel of a network connection at the time of the output and are output to the subscriber.
To relieve the volume of signaling via the telecommunication network, it is advantageous if the dialog information and/or the dialog result are at least partially transmitted via a transaction connection of the network.
The dialog information can also advantageously remain stored in the terminal after the dialog is finished which also lowers the required signaling volume and accelerates the performance of the dialog by the terminal.
The transmission of dialog information is advantageously requested by the terminal by means o.f a message sent to the network, e.g. at a point provided in the service operation by the terminal for requesting additional dialog information when the terminal is ready for receiving the information.
In this context, it is advantageous if the terminal checks the stored dialog information to find out whether it is adequate for performing the relevant dialog and, if not, sends a request message for the transmission of corresponding dialog information. In the other case, the request is not necessary which, in turn, has a relieving effect on the signaling volume.
~
_ 7 _ The output to the subscriber is advantageously effected via at least one menu which offers a predetermined number of input possibilities to the subscriber, the subscriber selects one of these input possibilities by means of his input and this input is used, in dependence on the menu logic, as a dialog result or for the menu-controlled continuance of the dialog. This allows a comfortable, easily traceable representation of the output.
The object set out above is also achieved on the basis of a telecommunication terminal of the type initially mentioned which, according to the invention, exhibits a memory device for storing dialog information relating to the performance of at least one dialog with I5 the subscriber, a control device for executing the outputs) to the subscriber, for receiving and processing the inputs) of the subscriber and for deriving a dialog result by means of the dialog information, and a transmitting device for receiving dialog information and for transmitting a dialog result via a network connection.
The advantages of this solution have already been explained with reference to the method according to the invention.
The control device of the terminal is suitably constructed as processor for executing a dialog program, the commands of which for performing the dialog and determining the dialog result are contained in the dialog information.
In the sense of enhanced ease of operation, a voice output device for outputting voice announcements to the subscriber can be provided in the terminal.
In this context, the terminal is advantageously set up for requesting voice announcements from the network and receiving these ~
_ g _ from the network via a voice channel of a network connection and outputting them to the subscriber.
In another advantageous embodiment, the terminal is set up for requesting the transmission of the dialog information by means of a message sent to the network.
In order to reduce the signal volume when a dialog is used repeatedly, the terminal is suitably set up for keeping the dialog information stored after the end of the dialog.
To simplify the signal volume, it is also advantageous if a device for receiving dialog information and/or for sending a dialog result via a transaction link of the network is provided in the terminal.
The object set above is similarly achieved b:y a telecommunication network of the type initially described, which is set up for transmitting, in dependence on the service operation, the dialog information required by the terminal for performing 'the dialog, via a network connection, receiving a dialog result transmitted by the terminal and continuing the service in dependence on this result.
The advantages produced by this solution have already been represented above.
An advantageous embodiment of the telecommunication network according to the invention is set up for transmitting dialog information on the basis of a specific request message of the terminal.
:30 The telecommunication network is also advantageously set. up for transmitting voice announcements, which can be used by the terminal in an output to the subscriber, _ g _ on the basis of a specific request message of the terminal.
An advantageous embodiment of the telecommunication. network according to the invention exhibits a server device for centrally storing the dialog information and/or output information, especially voice announcements, which simplifies the administration and the call-up of these data.
In this arrangement, the telecommunication network can advantageously forward request messages relating to the transmission of dialog information and voice announcements, respectively, to the server device and accept from the latter the requested dialog information or, respectively, voice announcements and transmit these to the terminal.
It is also advantageous if the telecommunication network is set up for handing over control of the service to the server device for the duration of the performance of the dialog and continuing the service after the end of the dialog and reception of the dialog result from the server device.
In the text. which follows, the invention will be explained in greater detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment, using the attached drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic overview of a telecommuriicatio:~ network, and Figure la shows the terminal in greater detail;
Figure 2 shows a signaling sequence of an interactive dialog.
The exemplary embodiment relates to a c;SM
network MFN, the essential components of which, inasmuch as they are of significance to i=he representation of the invention, are shown in Figure 1.
For administering arid executing intelligent services, a service control point SCP, which is constructed, e.g.
as a so-called "CAMEL Service Environment" (CSE) according to the CAMEL standard is set up in the network MFN. The subscriber TNR which is here representative for the subscribers of the network MFN
which are authorized to use the service, is connected to the mobile radi.a network MFN via his terminal, a mobile telephone MTL in the exemplary embodiment. A
connection here means any type of technical measures which enable the relevant subscriber or, respectively, terminal to establish network connections, for instance the access air interface ALS of the GSM network between the terminal MTL and a base station of the network in the example, in connection with the associated configuration data of the subscriber TNR for the network MFN, e.g. the subscriber characteristics, stored in the serv~_ce control point SCP and/or a home location register including any personal access codes which may have been issued such as, for example, a so-called "personal identification number" (PIN). ;~11 connections and control messages which relate to 'the subscriber TNR pass via the switching center, which is a "mobile service switching point" (MSP) in the present case and which is associated with the connection ALS, as long as the subscriber is located within the coverage area of the switching point MSP.
It is assumed that. a so-called "prepaid"
service is set up, for example, in the mobile radio network MFN, which service allows a call to be charged at the same time as the connection is being operated.
For this purpose, an account in a network component, e.g. the service control point SCP, is allocated to the subscriber TNR. A connection of the subscriber is monitored by the associated switching point MSP and t:he service control. point SCP with regard to the charges arising. At the latest at the end of the connection, an amount corresponding to the appropriate tariff model is deducted from the user - l0a -account. The account can also be "stocked up" again by the subscriber TNR. For this purpose, and for interrogating the account, a statement-of-account service is offered under its own service call number.
If the subscriber dials this call number, the relevant service is called up via the switching point MSP. A menu interrogation can have the following appearance, for example:
1 Information on the service 2 Current balance 3 Restocking the account 4 Changing the PIN
Furthermore, the invention relates to a telecommunication terminal which can be connected to a telecommunication network and which is set up for exchanging messages and/or commands with the network and for outputting messages and input requests to a subscriber utilizing the terminal for using the network, and for receiving inputs of the subscriber.
Similarly, the invention relates to a telecommunication network in which services can be utilized by subscribers, in connection with which a dialog with the subscriber utilizing the service .and connected to the network via a terminal being provided in at least one of the services and in this dialog, at least messages and/or input requests are output to the subscriber and at least information is input by the subscriber.
In many telecommunication networks, other services which can be addressed by a subscriber to the network and which will be called intelligent services in the text which follows are set up in addition to the basic services such as, e.g. the telephone and facsimile service of a telephone network. These intelligent services can be, for example, supplementary services - 2a -network via its terminal and the intelligent service or, respectively, the network node controlling ' - 3 -the performance of the service is carried out with the aid of separate user-service-signaling systems. For example, the use of a DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency) interface is known for the transmission of data to the service control point, but in this method, only numbers and a few special characters can be transmitted; in the opposite direction, spoken announcements are made in most cases which are called up when necessary by a so-called peripheral. In a GSM network, the service of the "unstructured supplementary service data" (USSD) can be utilized. This is a special type of signaling which can be initiated in phase 2 of the GSM network in both directions between terminal and network service.
Another example is the utilization of information elements of an "intelligent network application part"
(INAP) protocol such as, e.g. the core INAP according to the ETSI standard "intelligent network (IN);
intelligent network capability set 1 (CS1), core intelligent network application protocol (INAP), Part 1: Protocol specification" 300 374-l, July 1994, of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI);
these protocols were originally designed for the internal communication in the network between switching centers and a service control point but can also be used for user-service-signaling. Na~urally, the various types of signaling can be combined, e.g. an intelligent service can request the user to make an input via his mobile terminal. via the above-mentioned INAP mechanism, in which procedure an announcement stored in the switching center or in a peripheral associated with the switching center is played and the user input occurs via DTMF signals which are collected via the switching center or, respectively, the peripheral and are forwarded to the service.
It is also :Known to arrange these dialogs in a so-called menu. The dialog is controlled by - 3a -the service network node, often with the aid of a peripheral.
' CA 02338821 2001-O1-26 ' - 4 -In this method, the service presents a selection of various possibilities which are in each case allocated to a specific code, e.g. a number key; these are usually the numbers which are transmitted and decoded in accordance with the DTMF method. The menu can be announced to the mobile subscriber, e.g. with the aid of a peripheral, via a voice announcement. If the subscriber then enters his response, i.e. the number associated with the response, the corresponding GTMF
signal is transmitted, received by the network and translated; the intelligent services branches into the part of the program in which the corresponding program section is executed and, if necessary, a corresponding voice announcements is generated in the service network node or the peripheral. Branching into a submenu is also possible and a later return to a higher-level menu etc.
However, the dialogs of the known type are often associated with high expenditure of network resources since the service network node or, respectively, the associated peripheral are also occupied during the times between output to the subscriber and his input of a response. In the case of complicated, e.g. multi-stage dialogs, the signal complexity via the connecting interface, e.g. the air interface in the case of mobile radio systems, can also become very high.
It is also known that a terminal for request subscriber inputs, e.g. a PIN code. However, these requests are predetermined for the terminal and non specific to the service used by the subscriber and do not result in any simplification for the performance of, in particular, complex dialogs.
From EP 0 812 120 A2 and from the publication "wireless application protocol- wireless telephony application specification- draft version" of AMENDED PAGE
- 4a -30.4.1998, WAP Forum Ltd, XP002128849, it is known in each case to transmit dialog information, for the performance of a dialog between a service of a telecommunication network and a terminal, to the terminal, to store and to process it there and to transmit back a dialog result.
It is, therefore, the object of the invention to reduce the expenditure of resources for performing interactive dialogs. It is also intended to create the possibility of faster and simpler handling AMENDED PAGE
and processing of a dialog between subscriber and intelligent service.
On the basis of a method of the type initially mentioned, this object is achieved in that, according to the invention, the service transmits dialog information relating to the performance of the dialog, independently of actions of the subscriber, to the terminal of the subscriber via a network connection, this dialog information is stored by the terminal and the terminal performs the outputs) to the subscriber by means of the stc:>red dialog information on the basis of a specific command given to it and receives and processes the inputs) of the subscriber, derives a dialog result therefrom and transmits this result to the service via a network connection.
Performing the dialag in the terminal saves implementing corresponding dialog procedures in the network and expending resources. All information required for performing the dialog is transmitted to the terminal at the beginning of the dialog or during a preceding network connection so that the relevant network resources are only occupied for this comparatively short time.
The dialog information suitably contains commands of a dialog program which is executed by a processor of the terminal for performing the dialog and determining the result of the dialog.
The dialog information advantageously also contains message informatian which describes t:he messages and input requests to be output and the type of expected inputs.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the output to the subscriber is carried out via a display, e.g. by means of text and/or graphics, to increase the user friendliness.
In another advantageous embodiment, an increased ease of operation is achieved in that the output to the subscriber is at least partially carried out via voice announcements which are requested from the network and are received from the network via a voice channel of a network connection at the time of the output and are output to the subscriber.
To relieve the volume of signaling via the telecommunication network, it is advantageous if the dialog information and/or the dialog result are at least partially transmitted via a transaction connection of the network.
The dialog information can also advantageously remain stored in the terminal after the dialog is finished which also lowers the required signaling volume and accelerates the performance of the dialog by the terminal.
The transmission of dialog information is advantageously requested by the terminal by means o.f a message sent to the network, e.g. at a point provided in the service operation by the terminal for requesting additional dialog information when the terminal is ready for receiving the information.
In this context, it is advantageous if the terminal checks the stored dialog information to find out whether it is adequate for performing the relevant dialog and, if not, sends a request message for the transmission of corresponding dialog information. In the other case, the request is not necessary which, in turn, has a relieving effect on the signaling volume.
~
_ 7 _ The output to the subscriber is advantageously effected via at least one menu which offers a predetermined number of input possibilities to the subscriber, the subscriber selects one of these input possibilities by means of his input and this input is used, in dependence on the menu logic, as a dialog result or for the menu-controlled continuance of the dialog. This allows a comfortable, easily traceable representation of the output.
The object set out above is also achieved on the basis of a telecommunication terminal of the type initially mentioned which, according to the invention, exhibits a memory device for storing dialog information relating to the performance of at least one dialog with I5 the subscriber, a control device for executing the outputs) to the subscriber, for receiving and processing the inputs) of the subscriber and for deriving a dialog result by means of the dialog information, and a transmitting device for receiving dialog information and for transmitting a dialog result via a network connection.
The advantages of this solution have already been explained with reference to the method according to the invention.
The control device of the terminal is suitably constructed as processor for executing a dialog program, the commands of which for performing the dialog and determining the dialog result are contained in the dialog information.
In the sense of enhanced ease of operation, a voice output device for outputting voice announcements to the subscriber can be provided in the terminal.
In this context, the terminal is advantageously set up for requesting voice announcements from the network and receiving these ~
_ g _ from the network via a voice channel of a network connection and outputting them to the subscriber.
In another advantageous embodiment, the terminal is set up for requesting the transmission of the dialog information by means of a message sent to the network.
In order to reduce the signal volume when a dialog is used repeatedly, the terminal is suitably set up for keeping the dialog information stored after the end of the dialog.
To simplify the signal volume, it is also advantageous if a device for receiving dialog information and/or for sending a dialog result via a transaction link of the network is provided in the terminal.
The object set above is similarly achieved b:y a telecommunication network of the type initially described, which is set up for transmitting, in dependence on the service operation, the dialog information required by the terminal for performing 'the dialog, via a network connection, receiving a dialog result transmitted by the terminal and continuing the service in dependence on this result.
The advantages produced by this solution have already been represented above.
An advantageous embodiment of the telecommunication network according to the invention is set up for transmitting dialog information on the basis of a specific request message of the terminal.
:30 The telecommunication network is also advantageously set. up for transmitting voice announcements, which can be used by the terminal in an output to the subscriber, _ g _ on the basis of a specific request message of the terminal.
An advantageous embodiment of the telecommunication. network according to the invention exhibits a server device for centrally storing the dialog information and/or output information, especially voice announcements, which simplifies the administration and the call-up of these data.
In this arrangement, the telecommunication network can advantageously forward request messages relating to the transmission of dialog information and voice announcements, respectively, to the server device and accept from the latter the requested dialog information or, respectively, voice announcements and transmit these to the terminal.
It is also advantageous if the telecommunication network is set up for handing over control of the service to the server device for the duration of the performance of the dialog and continuing the service after the end of the dialog and reception of the dialog result from the server device.
In the text. which follows, the invention will be explained in greater detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment, using the attached drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic overview of a telecommuriicatio:~ network, and Figure la shows the terminal in greater detail;
Figure 2 shows a signaling sequence of an interactive dialog.
The exemplary embodiment relates to a c;SM
network MFN, the essential components of which, inasmuch as they are of significance to i=he representation of the invention, are shown in Figure 1.
For administering arid executing intelligent services, a service control point SCP, which is constructed, e.g.
as a so-called "CAMEL Service Environment" (CSE) according to the CAMEL standard is set up in the network MFN. The subscriber TNR which is here representative for the subscribers of the network MFN
which are authorized to use the service, is connected to the mobile radi.a network MFN via his terminal, a mobile telephone MTL in the exemplary embodiment. A
connection here means any type of technical measures which enable the relevant subscriber or, respectively, terminal to establish network connections, for instance the access air interface ALS of the GSM network between the terminal MTL and a base station of the network in the example, in connection with the associated configuration data of the subscriber TNR for the network MFN, e.g. the subscriber characteristics, stored in the serv~_ce control point SCP and/or a home location register including any personal access codes which may have been issued such as, for example, a so-called "personal identification number" (PIN). ;~11 connections and control messages which relate to 'the subscriber TNR pass via the switching center, which is a "mobile service switching point" (MSP) in the present case and which is associated with the connection ALS, as long as the subscriber is located within the coverage area of the switching point MSP.
It is assumed that. a so-called "prepaid"
service is set up, for example, in the mobile radio network MFN, which service allows a call to be charged at the same time as the connection is being operated.
For this purpose, an account in a network component, e.g. the service control point SCP, is allocated to the subscriber TNR. A connection of the subscriber is monitored by the associated switching point MSP and t:he service control. point SCP with regard to the charges arising. At the latest at the end of the connection, an amount corresponding to the appropriate tariff model is deducted from the user - l0a -account. The account can also be "stocked up" again by the subscriber TNR. For this purpose, and for interrogating the account, a statement-of-account service is offered under its own service call number.
If the subscriber dials this call number, the relevant service is called up via the switching point MSP. A menu interrogation can have the following appearance, for example:
1 Information on the service 2 Current balance 3 Restocking the account 4 Changing the PIN
5 End The mobile subscriber can be notified of this menu, e.g. via a vcice announcement of the form "dial 1 in order to find out general information on the service - dial 2 for interrogating your balance...". If the subscriber then enters the number 2, the intelligent service is intended to interrogate the current balance of the account from a database and then produce a corresponding voice announcement, for instance "your balance is ..." .
According to the invention, the dialog such as the DTMF menu described is then carried out by a program logic executed locally on the terminal MTL. In the text which follows, the operation of a service in which a dialog takes place will be represented by way of example by means of the above-mentioned "prepa:id"
service, referring to Figure 2.
It will be assumed, for instance, that the subscriber would like to interrogate his balance. For this purpose, the subscriber dials the call number #dst of the statement-of-account service which is transmitted via the terminal MTL to the associated switching point MSP in a SETUP message. In t:he switching point MSP, an initial detection point (II)P) message is generated which starts the desired service DST in the service control point SCP. The IDP message :35 is a part of the INAP protocol; in other embodiments, the appropriate signaling types known to the expert must be used. The service DST usually runs in the service control point SCP in the form of a service control function (SCF).
The service controller then recognizes possibly after initialization of the service and first working steps - that an interactive dialog with the subscriber TNR has to take place and that this is tc> be executed on the terminal MTL of the subscriber. The information required for performing the dialog is then transmitted to the terminal. For this purpose, the service control point transmits a request message anf to a dialog server DGS especially set up for the purpose of storing the dialog information and/or the output information used during dialogs, especially voice announcements, and orders the server to carry out the interactive dialog DIG.
In the exemplary embodiment, the dialog server DGS is a separate network node which is set up in the network MFN for the central storage of the dialog information necessary for the performance of dialogs by terminals and, if necessary, for voice announcements.
The dialog server DGS can also take over control of the service DST for the duration of the performance of the dialog from the service control point SCP; when the dialog is finishe<a, the dialog server returns the operation of the service to the service control point SCP. In a telecommunication network MFN, a number of dialog severs can be provided which, e.g., in each case supply different groups of services or different coverage areas of the network. The dialog server ~~an also be, for example, a data server computer connected via another information or data network such as the Internet.
The dialog server DGS is advantageously incorporated directly in the network MFN so that the transmission of the data 2 to and, respectively, from the terminal MTL has to occur directly via the switching point MSP but not via the service control - 12a -point SCP. Of course, it is also possible and, in special cases, suitable, to connect the dialog server DGS via the service control point SCP or another network node, e.g. a gateway.
Naturally, it is also possible for the storage and administration of dialog information to be handled by one or more network nodes such as, e.g. a switching center or, in particular, also the service cont=rol point SCP.
The dialog server DGS then transmits to the terminal MTL data which relate to the performance of the dialog DIG, a menu of the type described above in the example, by the terminal. Using these data, which are here designated dialog information dif, the terminal MTL - after the dialog DIG has been started.
by the termination of the transmission of the dialog information dif - executes the outputs) to the subscriber TNR according to the invention, receives the inputs) of the subscriber and processes these. During the execution of a dialog DIG, the service goes into a suspended state in a network MFN
until further information from the terminal arrives which indicates the end of the dialog.
The address of the terminal to which the dialog information dif is to be sent, the dialog server DGS
receives as a parameter of the dialog request anf or via a separate message, e.g. of the INAP protocol from the service control. point SCP or the switching point MFP. This is necessary because the transmission of the dialog information dif and the return messages of the terminal can take place via different transmission paths, in particular also via other connections than the subscriber connection ALS.
If necessary, ~he interrogation is conducted by a dialog server DGS
itself, e.g. by means of an inquiry at the home location register of the net work in an any-tirne-interrogation message.
After the dialog information dif has been transmitted, the connection of the terminal MTL to the network can be taken down which is necessary, in particular, if the terminal will be blocked by the reception of the dialog information due to the full connection. It i.s also possible to reduce the expenditure of resources, especially in the case of elaborate dialogs, by taking down the full connection and establishing, e.g. a transaction link. The release of the network connection can be initiated by the terminal MTL, e.g. by means of an REL message ("release call") or initiated by the network, either directly or by an indication to the terminal which requests the terminal to release the connection. As another possibility, the original connection can remain in existence and be released at a later time, e.g. at the end of the dialog.
The dialog information dif can be, for example, data which control in a program permanently stored in the terminal MTL or a code which can be interpreted or executed in the manner of a program. Thus, the dialog information dif can be written, e.g. in Java code which is executed by a so-called Java Virtual Machine in the terminal MTL. The dialog information dif stored in the terminal MTL forms, together with the hardware and/or software of the terminal which is provided for controlling the interactive dialog and, in particular, the interpretatioru and execution of the dialog information, a local "branch" of the service which precedes the service DST as "service front end" SFE and handles the interaction with the subscriber TNR for this service. In the wider sense, the front end SFE can also be considered as a subroutine of the service DST.
The terminal MTL exhibits a transceiver device SEE, a terminal controller EST for coding and decoding the received signals and those to be sent - 14a -for the output and, respectively, of the input of the user and an input/output device ' CA 02338821 2001-O1-26 EAG which exhibits, e.g. a keypad TAS and a microphone/loudspeaker device MLE in a mobile telephone; in addition, a display ANZ can also be provided. To execute the front end SFE, a memory MEM
for storing the received dialog information dif and a processor PRZ which executes, e.g. the commands contained in the dialog information or performs the dialog by means of a separate permanently programmed interpreter logic with reference to the dialog information, are advantageously provided. The processor PRZ can be designed as a separate component or as a part of other components, e.g. integrated with the terminal controller. In accordance with the network MFN, the terminal can be implemented, for example, as line network telephone, as mobile radio telephone, as so-called mobile communicator or as any other device equipped as a terminal for receiving, processing and transmitting telecommunication messages.
Performing the dialog in the terminal MTL makes it possible to save on implementing corresponding dialog procedures in the network MFN, such as, e.g. in peripherals, and the expenditure of resources which are required for the messages to be exchanged between the subscriber TNR and the service DSG in the course o:f a dialog. All information dif required for performing the dialog is transmitted to the terminal at the beginning of the dialog so that the appropriate network resources are only occupied for this comparatively short time.
The front end thus created runs in the terminal MTL, i.e. at the location of the subscriber TNR. At this point, it should be emphasized that the invention is just as suitable for intelligent networks implemented as line networks as for GSM networks in which, e.g. the CAMEL standard is implemented, or other mobile radio networks such as, e.g. IS-95 used in the US, or also the "universal mobile telecommunication system" UMTS.
' CA 02338821 2001-O1-26 The front end SFE thus runs on the terminal MTL
and executes the dialog DIG with the subscriber here.
In the example, this means that the menu explained above is displa~~ed and/or announced to the subscriber.
The form of representation of the output to the subscriber is carried out via the input/output device EAG of the terminal. Depending on what components the input/output device EAG has, namely, for example,, a microphone/loudspeaker device MLE and/or a display ANZ
etc., in addition to the usual keypad TAS, the menu can be output in many ways, e.g. as a text with a fixed character set (e.g. ASCII) and/or as graphics on the display ANZ, as a voice output or in any suitable form.
It is an essential advantage of the invention that it provides for the output on the terminal to be in visual form or combined audio-visual form.
As a part of the output to the subscriber TNR, the latter is requested to select a menu item. Once the subscriber has made his choice, he inputs it, e.g. via the keypad TAS; depending on the dialog structure, the dialog then branches e.g. into another menu or the dialog is continued in another form. During this process, the front end SFE determines a dialog result drs, forwards it to the transceiver device SEE of the terminal for transmission to the network MFN and finally terminates the dialog. In the example, the subscriber selects the menu item "current balance" and presses number key 2 of his mobile telephone MTL. In the example, the dialog result drs is the number of the selected menu branch but can be generally a subset of the subscriber inputs, or all of the subscriber inputs or a result calculated from this via the front end S:EE.
The transmission of the dialog result drs does not need to take place via a full connection, i.e. a call connection of the mobile radio network MFN in the example, but other - 16a -transmission paths can be used, especially if the original connection has already been released, e.g. via short message services or the like; these solutions will stall be discussed in greater detail below.
In a variant, a number of dialog results drs can also be sent back to the network from a dialog. In this case, it is advantageous if the termination of the dialog DIG or, respectively, of the dialog front end SFE is indicated t~:~ the service DST in the last dialog result sent or in a separate message.
The dialog result drs is forwarded in the network MFN to the dialog server which processes it and sends a return message, e.g. as FIN message, to the service control point. Depending on the result of the dialog received in the dialog result drs and the return message rmd, the service DST then continues.
In the example, the service branches to the section which outputs the current balance of the subscriber TNR in accordance with the choice of the subscriber. In the service control point SCP an interrogation is carried out in familiar manner and the relevant balance is determined. The balance can then be output to the subs~~riber TNR in an interactive dialog also according to the invention, instead of being carried out by means of a peripheral in familiar manner. For this purpose, the service control point directs a second request message anf', in which a corresponding information dialog is requested and the balance is used as parameter, to the dialog server DGS.
Analogously to the process described above, the dialog server DGS then sends dialog information which describes this information dialog DIG' with the current balance. In this particular case, it suffices if the dialog result drs' comprises the acknowledgement message for the reception of the dialog information dif' and/or the output of the balance information. 'rhe subscriber acknowledges the output of the balance message, e.g.
- 17a -by pressing a key provided for this purpose. After the appropriate return message ~
rmd' of the dialog server DGS, the service DST is terminated in the example; naturally, in other cases, post processing can still occur i.n dependence on the relevant service and the preceding events and dialog results, e.g. other dialogs can be initiated or a new connection is established (initiated by a connection request CON).
As already mentioned, the invention reduces the consumption of resources, especially via the access interface ALS from the network MFN to the terminal MTL.
This also leads tct faster handling and processing of the dialog between the user and the service - more precisely the front:: end, since it is not necessary to wait for messages to be transmitted in the network.
Furthermore, the representation of the dialog can be made user-friendly :in a simple form.
An interactive dialog can be triggered in accordance with known methods as can be seen, e.g. in ETSI standards for:' intelligent networks or the GSM
CAMEL standards. To call up a service dialog or a service controlled by means of dialogs, the subscriber can dial, for example, a predetermined call number #dst. Furthermore, an intelligent service can also switch in familiar manner, e.g. via a peripheral, during a dialog to a front end in the terminal MTL
which continues the dialog or performs a part of the dialog; as wel:L, dialog steps can be conversely used in accordance with known methods in a dialog via the terminal MTL. Naturally, a transmission of corresponding messages between the terminal MTL and the service network node MSP, SCP or, respectively, the dialog server DGS for requesting the relevant dialogs or dialog functions must be provided for this purpose.
For the terrninal MTL, the arrival of the dia:Log information dif, the input of a specific command by the ' CA 02338821 2001-O1-26 subscriber TNR or another adequate event such as, e.g.
the reception of a starting message sent by the network, serves as a signal for starting the dialog DIG
or, respectively, the front end SFE.
As already mentioned, the dialog can be divided into parts, especially in the case of complex dialc>gs, and the dialog can be executed in such a manner that only one dialog part is transmitted in a dialog information message. The other parts are requested as required, advantageously by means of corresponding request information which is stored in the dialog information of the dialog part which has just been executed. Thus, for example, a main menu can be transmitted first and the subordinate submenus are only transmitted when the relevant submenu is requested as a consequence of a corresponding choice of the subscriber.
The structure of the dialog information dif can differ in dependence on the requirements of the transmission via l:he access interface ALS and the display capabilities of the terminal MTL; corresponding parameter information is stored, if necessary, in the subscriber characteristics. The dialog information can be available, for example, as program code, as mar k-up document (see below or as a simple text in the form. of a character string.
In the case where the dialog information dif is implemented as program code, the dialog information is available as code, e.g. as Java code, which can be executed or interpreted by the processor PLZ of t:he terminal MTL. Furthermore, it can be provided, for t=he case where the terminal MTL is not immediately capable of interpreting the dialog information dif, to transmit an interpretation program from the network to t:he terminal MTL in order to realize a so-called "virtual machine".
Another possibility is to display the dialog information dif by means of a mark-up document, e.g. an HTML
(Hyper-text mark-up language) document or a mobile-radio-specific mark-up language such as, for instance, HDML (hand-held mark-up language) or WML (wireless mark-up language). Mark-up languages are used as t=ext setting languages for representing texts, where information on the formatting of text, text styles, cross references etc, are represented as so-called mark-ups . Mark-ups are commands in text form which can be recognized as commands from certain features, e.g. a backslash. A mark-up text interpreter or compiler, a so-called browser, converts these mark-ups into the corresponding features for the remaining text. In this case, the browser part is the front end SFE and the output is effected with the aid of the display ANZ of the terminal MTL. The dialog in the form of a mark-up document can be animated with the aid of embedded program routines (so-called applets). These program routines can request: the user to input an information item and can also perform syntax checks or semantic checks locally at the terminal MTL via the input characters. The dialog content, especially the text of the menus, can be ~~isplayed, e.g. in the form of text characters, as graphics or via cross references and by combinations of these. In this process, a predetermined file format can also be demanded.
In the simplest case, the dialog information dif consists of a sequential character string. 'the individual entries of a menu can be separated by specific codes. A code at the beginning of the character string, for example, identifies the character string as a menu, possibly with a specification with regard to an interleaved menu. A code at the end of the character string is used for identifying the end of menu. The character string can also contain, if necessary, formatting information with regard to l.he display on the display ANZ, and separating symbols for differentiating between the individual menu lines. The significance of these - 20a -codes is defined on the basis of a suitable output rule which is permanently programmed in the processor.
The dialog information can be suitably transmitted via a transaction link, i.e. a connection without voice channel. Examples of this in the GSM
network are, for instance, the aforementioned USSD or a short message service (SMS). In this connection, parts of the dialog information, e.g. individual menu entries, can be transmitted in different messages, if this is required because of the volume of the information to be transmitted or is expedient for other reasons, which messages are received by the terminal and are jointly processed. Even if the original connection has. not yet been released (REL message in Figure 2), the message can be received via the transaction link. Due to their codes, the content of the dialog information dif transmitted via USSD, as short message or the like can be recognized by the terminal MTL as menu of an interactive dialog and can be displayed correctly on a display by means of the formatting. Thus, tvhe message is not simply displayed as USSD message or short message or stored in a memory otherwise provided for these messages but displayed as dialog information in the format of the menu. During this process, the terminal MTL can temporarily buffer the arriving information, e.g. in a part-area of the memory MEM reserved for this purpose, until the menu display to be outpi.zt has been completely received and processed.
At this point, the so-called GSM service data transfer or a transmission by means of the WAP proto~~ol which forms the basis of the above-mentioned WML mark up language must be mentioned as examples of other possibilities for transmitting the dialog information dif. Packet-oriented services such as, e.g. "the general packet radic:~ service" (GPRS) of the GSM network or circuit switched connections such as, e.g. via "high-speed circuit switched data" (HSCSD) in the GSM
network can also be used. The examples mentioned here relate to mobile networks, but corresponding solutions are also ' CA 02338821 2001-O1-26 available for land networks; at this point, the use of a service for electronic mail (e-mail) must also be mentioned. In addition, these methods can also be combined with one another. The corresponding addresses, via which the subscriber TNR or, respectively, the terminal MTL can be reached via these transmission methods, a . g. an SMS address code or an Internet or e-mail address, are stored in the service control point SCP, the home location register of the mobile radio network MFN or directly in the dialog server DGS.
The selection of the transmission methods used can be permanently preset for the subscriber or can be determined on the basis of the resources which are currently available, in dependence on information about the capabilities of the terminal MTL and the performances offered by the network MFN, which can be used with regard to the subscriber location. Thus, for instance, it can be provided to use GPRS for transmitting dialog information for a GPRS-capable terminal as lang as the terminal is located within a coverage area with GPRS provision. The relevant decision can be made by the service DST (or, respectively, the service program), the dialog server DGS or, if the first request is made by the terminal MTL, at the terminal MTL (or, respectively, the front end SFE). In this arrangement, a certain transmission path, e.g. USSD, could be preset.
The dialog result drs and possibly other messages relating t:o the performance of the dialog for example error messages - can be transmitted on one of the abovementioned transmission paths, the same path as for the transmission of the dialog information dif being usually used for the sake of simplicity; in special cases, however, it may also be expedient to change the transmission method. In addition, terminal-oriented signaling systems such as, for instance, DTMF, can also be used.
' CA 02338821 2001-O1-26 According too the invention, the terminal is capable of executing one or more of the following functions or combinations thereof:
- executing a code, e.g. a program code, - interpreting a code, e.g. a Java code, - interpreting a mark-up document (e.g. in HTML, WML
etc.) and displaying it appropriately, e.g. on the display ANZ, - receiving and processing a message via a full link or a transaction link, e.g. via SMS, USSD or the like (see above) and displaying the mess<~ge content in ac~~ordance with an output format in each case defined for the message, - functions for user input, e.g. via keypad, w_Lth the aid of programmable keys (so-called soft keys) by means of a touch-sensitive screen etc., - coding and sending a message via a full message or a transaction message;
and, naturally, the functions required for requesting :?0 and receiving a connection as a terminal including t:he receiving and sending of user information.
In the dialog between the subscriber TNR and the service front end SFE, it is necessary that the subscriber inputs information which is used for a?5 controlling the dialog and/or far determining the result of the dialog drs. The inputs can be made, for example, via a keypad TAS which can also use programmable keys, the function of which can then differ within t:he respective menu, via touch-sensitive ~0 input/output devices, by using a mouse for clicking on a screen etc.
A dialog can also be started in a service which has been called up due to an event in the network. Thus it is possible, for example in the "prepaid" service ?5 that in the case where the balance of the account ~
of the calling subscriber is exhausted during a call, the call connection is disconnected or suspended and a corresponding service is called up which informs the subscriber of the reason for the interruption, e.g. by means of the menu shown above, and invites him to conduct a menu interrogation and stocking-up of the balance. If the latter takes place, the subscriber is asked in another menu whether the call is to be _ continued again. Iru the meantime, an announcement (e. g.
"please wait") is fed to the other party.
In a variant of the invention, the dialog information dif card be stored at the terminal MTL, for example in the memory MEM of the terminal or on an SIM
(subscriber identit:.y module) card which can be written to and read out again by the terminal via a protocol interface. In this way, a repeated loading of the same dialog information in successive dialogs or uses of the service can be avoided. This means a saving in resources, especially at the access interface ALS.
If the subscriber TNR, for instance, enters the service call number #dst of a service at the terminal MTL, the terminal MTL checks whether this service begins with an interactive dialog, the dialog information dif of: which is already stored at the terminal. If this is so, the dialog DIG or, respectively, the front end SFE, is performed immediately by the terminal MTL. When the dialog is finished, the dialog result drs is sent, together with an unambiguous code for the executed dialog DIG and the service DST, to the network. If necessary, e.g. for reasons of network: administration or for correctly performing the dialog refreshments, an indication that the service dialog DIG is started on the terminal MTL
can already be sent to the network MFN or, respectively, the service control point SCP at the start of the dialog. In this arrangement, a special call number, provided for these transmissions between the terminal MTL and the service control point SCP, can be used which, e.g., is permanently stored in the terminal as a service-independent number or is stored as part of the dialog information dif. Between the dialog server DGS
and terminal MTL, there is a correlation defined by the dialog information. Dialog information dif is transmitted as soon as this is recognized as necessary by the service DST or the terminal MTL. In any case these messages can be transmitted independently of a user connection.
The dialog information stored in the terminal are refreshed, for example, when a new software version of the dialog is taken into operation or if it is requested by the terminal. The dialogs stored by the terminal are selected as determined by the available memory space, e.g. on the basis of the frequency of the dialogs or menus and submenus used. If the subscriber accesses a certain selection of a certain submenu of the menu very frequently, the corresponding dialog information is kept in a cache memory; other information must be requested from the network, if necessary. This shortens the access times for selection paths which are used frequently.
Thus, the transmission of the dialog information dif and the execution of the dialog DIG on the front end SFE can take place at separate times. The dialog DIG is started by a corresponding command by t:he subscriber, for example by the input of a call number :30 or by means of a command key on the terminal. 7.'he transmission of the dialog information dif, however, is initiated by the service DST.
In special cases, e.g. in the case of a predictable frequent use of a certain dialog, the :35 corresponding dialog information can also be stored in a part designed as permanent memory (ROM memory) of the terminal memory MEM.
It should be noted that the invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments listed, especially not to its use in a mobile radio network but is suitable for telecommunication networks of any type.
Moreover, the inputs are not restricted to keypad inputs or DTMF signals, or the outputs are not restricted to screen outputs or output of prerecorded voice announcements but all methods of information input/output including voice-controlled input/output, pointer-controlled :input (e.g. by mouse) etc. known to the expert can be used.
According to the invention, the dialog such as the DTMF menu described is then carried out by a program logic executed locally on the terminal MTL. In the text which follows, the operation of a service in which a dialog takes place will be represented by way of example by means of the above-mentioned "prepa:id"
service, referring to Figure 2.
It will be assumed, for instance, that the subscriber would like to interrogate his balance. For this purpose, the subscriber dials the call number #dst of the statement-of-account service which is transmitted via the terminal MTL to the associated switching point MSP in a SETUP message. In t:he switching point MSP, an initial detection point (II)P) message is generated which starts the desired service DST in the service control point SCP. The IDP message :35 is a part of the INAP protocol; in other embodiments, the appropriate signaling types known to the expert must be used. The service DST usually runs in the service control point SCP in the form of a service control function (SCF).
The service controller then recognizes possibly after initialization of the service and first working steps - that an interactive dialog with the subscriber TNR has to take place and that this is tc> be executed on the terminal MTL of the subscriber. The information required for performing the dialog is then transmitted to the terminal. For this purpose, the service control point transmits a request message anf to a dialog server DGS especially set up for the purpose of storing the dialog information and/or the output information used during dialogs, especially voice announcements, and orders the server to carry out the interactive dialog DIG.
In the exemplary embodiment, the dialog server DGS is a separate network node which is set up in the network MFN for the central storage of the dialog information necessary for the performance of dialogs by terminals and, if necessary, for voice announcements.
The dialog server DGS can also take over control of the service DST for the duration of the performance of the dialog from the service control point SCP; when the dialog is finishe<a, the dialog server returns the operation of the service to the service control point SCP. In a telecommunication network MFN, a number of dialog severs can be provided which, e.g., in each case supply different groups of services or different coverage areas of the network. The dialog server ~~an also be, for example, a data server computer connected via another information or data network such as the Internet.
The dialog server DGS is advantageously incorporated directly in the network MFN so that the transmission of the data 2 to and, respectively, from the terminal MTL has to occur directly via the switching point MSP but not via the service control - 12a -point SCP. Of course, it is also possible and, in special cases, suitable, to connect the dialog server DGS via the service control point SCP or another network node, e.g. a gateway.
Naturally, it is also possible for the storage and administration of dialog information to be handled by one or more network nodes such as, e.g. a switching center or, in particular, also the service cont=rol point SCP.
The dialog server DGS then transmits to the terminal MTL data which relate to the performance of the dialog DIG, a menu of the type described above in the example, by the terminal. Using these data, which are here designated dialog information dif, the terminal MTL - after the dialog DIG has been started.
by the termination of the transmission of the dialog information dif - executes the outputs) to the subscriber TNR according to the invention, receives the inputs) of the subscriber and processes these. During the execution of a dialog DIG, the service goes into a suspended state in a network MFN
until further information from the terminal arrives which indicates the end of the dialog.
The address of the terminal to which the dialog information dif is to be sent, the dialog server DGS
receives as a parameter of the dialog request anf or via a separate message, e.g. of the INAP protocol from the service control. point SCP or the switching point MFP. This is necessary because the transmission of the dialog information dif and the return messages of the terminal can take place via different transmission paths, in particular also via other connections than the subscriber connection ALS.
If necessary, ~he interrogation is conducted by a dialog server DGS
itself, e.g. by means of an inquiry at the home location register of the net work in an any-tirne-interrogation message.
After the dialog information dif has been transmitted, the connection of the terminal MTL to the network can be taken down which is necessary, in particular, if the terminal will be blocked by the reception of the dialog information due to the full connection. It i.s also possible to reduce the expenditure of resources, especially in the case of elaborate dialogs, by taking down the full connection and establishing, e.g. a transaction link. The release of the network connection can be initiated by the terminal MTL, e.g. by means of an REL message ("release call") or initiated by the network, either directly or by an indication to the terminal which requests the terminal to release the connection. As another possibility, the original connection can remain in existence and be released at a later time, e.g. at the end of the dialog.
The dialog information dif can be, for example, data which control in a program permanently stored in the terminal MTL or a code which can be interpreted or executed in the manner of a program. Thus, the dialog information dif can be written, e.g. in Java code which is executed by a so-called Java Virtual Machine in the terminal MTL. The dialog information dif stored in the terminal MTL forms, together with the hardware and/or software of the terminal which is provided for controlling the interactive dialog and, in particular, the interpretatioru and execution of the dialog information, a local "branch" of the service which precedes the service DST as "service front end" SFE and handles the interaction with the subscriber TNR for this service. In the wider sense, the front end SFE can also be considered as a subroutine of the service DST.
The terminal MTL exhibits a transceiver device SEE, a terminal controller EST for coding and decoding the received signals and those to be sent - 14a -for the output and, respectively, of the input of the user and an input/output device ' CA 02338821 2001-O1-26 EAG which exhibits, e.g. a keypad TAS and a microphone/loudspeaker device MLE in a mobile telephone; in addition, a display ANZ can also be provided. To execute the front end SFE, a memory MEM
for storing the received dialog information dif and a processor PRZ which executes, e.g. the commands contained in the dialog information or performs the dialog by means of a separate permanently programmed interpreter logic with reference to the dialog information, are advantageously provided. The processor PRZ can be designed as a separate component or as a part of other components, e.g. integrated with the terminal controller. In accordance with the network MFN, the terminal can be implemented, for example, as line network telephone, as mobile radio telephone, as so-called mobile communicator or as any other device equipped as a terminal for receiving, processing and transmitting telecommunication messages.
Performing the dialog in the terminal MTL makes it possible to save on implementing corresponding dialog procedures in the network MFN, such as, e.g. in peripherals, and the expenditure of resources which are required for the messages to be exchanged between the subscriber TNR and the service DSG in the course o:f a dialog. All information dif required for performing the dialog is transmitted to the terminal at the beginning of the dialog so that the appropriate network resources are only occupied for this comparatively short time.
The front end thus created runs in the terminal MTL, i.e. at the location of the subscriber TNR. At this point, it should be emphasized that the invention is just as suitable for intelligent networks implemented as line networks as for GSM networks in which, e.g. the CAMEL standard is implemented, or other mobile radio networks such as, e.g. IS-95 used in the US, or also the "universal mobile telecommunication system" UMTS.
' CA 02338821 2001-O1-26 The front end SFE thus runs on the terminal MTL
and executes the dialog DIG with the subscriber here.
In the example, this means that the menu explained above is displa~~ed and/or announced to the subscriber.
The form of representation of the output to the subscriber is carried out via the input/output device EAG of the terminal. Depending on what components the input/output device EAG has, namely, for example,, a microphone/loudspeaker device MLE and/or a display ANZ
etc., in addition to the usual keypad TAS, the menu can be output in many ways, e.g. as a text with a fixed character set (e.g. ASCII) and/or as graphics on the display ANZ, as a voice output or in any suitable form.
It is an essential advantage of the invention that it provides for the output on the terminal to be in visual form or combined audio-visual form.
As a part of the output to the subscriber TNR, the latter is requested to select a menu item. Once the subscriber has made his choice, he inputs it, e.g. via the keypad TAS; depending on the dialog structure, the dialog then branches e.g. into another menu or the dialog is continued in another form. During this process, the front end SFE determines a dialog result drs, forwards it to the transceiver device SEE of the terminal for transmission to the network MFN and finally terminates the dialog. In the example, the subscriber selects the menu item "current balance" and presses number key 2 of his mobile telephone MTL. In the example, the dialog result drs is the number of the selected menu branch but can be generally a subset of the subscriber inputs, or all of the subscriber inputs or a result calculated from this via the front end S:EE.
The transmission of the dialog result drs does not need to take place via a full connection, i.e. a call connection of the mobile radio network MFN in the example, but other - 16a -transmission paths can be used, especially if the original connection has already been released, e.g. via short message services or the like; these solutions will stall be discussed in greater detail below.
In a variant, a number of dialog results drs can also be sent back to the network from a dialog. In this case, it is advantageous if the termination of the dialog DIG or, respectively, of the dialog front end SFE is indicated t~:~ the service DST in the last dialog result sent or in a separate message.
The dialog result drs is forwarded in the network MFN to the dialog server which processes it and sends a return message, e.g. as FIN message, to the service control point. Depending on the result of the dialog received in the dialog result drs and the return message rmd, the service DST then continues.
In the example, the service branches to the section which outputs the current balance of the subscriber TNR in accordance with the choice of the subscriber. In the service control point SCP an interrogation is carried out in familiar manner and the relevant balance is determined. The balance can then be output to the subs~~riber TNR in an interactive dialog also according to the invention, instead of being carried out by means of a peripheral in familiar manner. For this purpose, the service control point directs a second request message anf', in which a corresponding information dialog is requested and the balance is used as parameter, to the dialog server DGS.
Analogously to the process described above, the dialog server DGS then sends dialog information which describes this information dialog DIG' with the current balance. In this particular case, it suffices if the dialog result drs' comprises the acknowledgement message for the reception of the dialog information dif' and/or the output of the balance information. 'rhe subscriber acknowledges the output of the balance message, e.g.
- 17a -by pressing a key provided for this purpose. After the appropriate return message ~
rmd' of the dialog server DGS, the service DST is terminated in the example; naturally, in other cases, post processing can still occur i.n dependence on the relevant service and the preceding events and dialog results, e.g. other dialogs can be initiated or a new connection is established (initiated by a connection request CON).
As already mentioned, the invention reduces the consumption of resources, especially via the access interface ALS from the network MFN to the terminal MTL.
This also leads tct faster handling and processing of the dialog between the user and the service - more precisely the front:: end, since it is not necessary to wait for messages to be transmitted in the network.
Furthermore, the representation of the dialog can be made user-friendly :in a simple form.
An interactive dialog can be triggered in accordance with known methods as can be seen, e.g. in ETSI standards for:' intelligent networks or the GSM
CAMEL standards. To call up a service dialog or a service controlled by means of dialogs, the subscriber can dial, for example, a predetermined call number #dst. Furthermore, an intelligent service can also switch in familiar manner, e.g. via a peripheral, during a dialog to a front end in the terminal MTL
which continues the dialog or performs a part of the dialog; as wel:L, dialog steps can be conversely used in accordance with known methods in a dialog via the terminal MTL. Naturally, a transmission of corresponding messages between the terminal MTL and the service network node MSP, SCP or, respectively, the dialog server DGS for requesting the relevant dialogs or dialog functions must be provided for this purpose.
For the terrninal MTL, the arrival of the dia:Log information dif, the input of a specific command by the ' CA 02338821 2001-O1-26 subscriber TNR or another adequate event such as, e.g.
the reception of a starting message sent by the network, serves as a signal for starting the dialog DIG
or, respectively, the front end SFE.
As already mentioned, the dialog can be divided into parts, especially in the case of complex dialc>gs, and the dialog can be executed in such a manner that only one dialog part is transmitted in a dialog information message. The other parts are requested as required, advantageously by means of corresponding request information which is stored in the dialog information of the dialog part which has just been executed. Thus, for example, a main menu can be transmitted first and the subordinate submenus are only transmitted when the relevant submenu is requested as a consequence of a corresponding choice of the subscriber.
The structure of the dialog information dif can differ in dependence on the requirements of the transmission via l:he access interface ALS and the display capabilities of the terminal MTL; corresponding parameter information is stored, if necessary, in the subscriber characteristics. The dialog information can be available, for example, as program code, as mar k-up document (see below or as a simple text in the form. of a character string.
In the case where the dialog information dif is implemented as program code, the dialog information is available as code, e.g. as Java code, which can be executed or interpreted by the processor PLZ of t:he terminal MTL. Furthermore, it can be provided, for t=he case where the terminal MTL is not immediately capable of interpreting the dialog information dif, to transmit an interpretation program from the network to t:he terminal MTL in order to realize a so-called "virtual machine".
Another possibility is to display the dialog information dif by means of a mark-up document, e.g. an HTML
(Hyper-text mark-up language) document or a mobile-radio-specific mark-up language such as, for instance, HDML (hand-held mark-up language) or WML (wireless mark-up language). Mark-up languages are used as t=ext setting languages for representing texts, where information on the formatting of text, text styles, cross references etc, are represented as so-called mark-ups . Mark-ups are commands in text form which can be recognized as commands from certain features, e.g. a backslash. A mark-up text interpreter or compiler, a so-called browser, converts these mark-ups into the corresponding features for the remaining text. In this case, the browser part is the front end SFE and the output is effected with the aid of the display ANZ of the terminal MTL. The dialog in the form of a mark-up document can be animated with the aid of embedded program routines (so-called applets). These program routines can request: the user to input an information item and can also perform syntax checks or semantic checks locally at the terminal MTL via the input characters. The dialog content, especially the text of the menus, can be ~~isplayed, e.g. in the form of text characters, as graphics or via cross references and by combinations of these. In this process, a predetermined file format can also be demanded.
In the simplest case, the dialog information dif consists of a sequential character string. 'the individual entries of a menu can be separated by specific codes. A code at the beginning of the character string, for example, identifies the character string as a menu, possibly with a specification with regard to an interleaved menu. A code at the end of the character string is used for identifying the end of menu. The character string can also contain, if necessary, formatting information with regard to l.he display on the display ANZ, and separating symbols for differentiating between the individual menu lines. The significance of these - 20a -codes is defined on the basis of a suitable output rule which is permanently programmed in the processor.
The dialog information can be suitably transmitted via a transaction link, i.e. a connection without voice channel. Examples of this in the GSM
network are, for instance, the aforementioned USSD or a short message service (SMS). In this connection, parts of the dialog information, e.g. individual menu entries, can be transmitted in different messages, if this is required because of the volume of the information to be transmitted or is expedient for other reasons, which messages are received by the terminal and are jointly processed. Even if the original connection has. not yet been released (REL message in Figure 2), the message can be received via the transaction link. Due to their codes, the content of the dialog information dif transmitted via USSD, as short message or the like can be recognized by the terminal MTL as menu of an interactive dialog and can be displayed correctly on a display by means of the formatting. Thus, tvhe message is not simply displayed as USSD message or short message or stored in a memory otherwise provided for these messages but displayed as dialog information in the format of the menu. During this process, the terminal MTL can temporarily buffer the arriving information, e.g. in a part-area of the memory MEM reserved for this purpose, until the menu display to be outpi.zt has been completely received and processed.
At this point, the so-called GSM service data transfer or a transmission by means of the WAP proto~~ol which forms the basis of the above-mentioned WML mark up language must be mentioned as examples of other possibilities for transmitting the dialog information dif. Packet-oriented services such as, e.g. "the general packet radic:~ service" (GPRS) of the GSM network or circuit switched connections such as, e.g. via "high-speed circuit switched data" (HSCSD) in the GSM
network can also be used. The examples mentioned here relate to mobile networks, but corresponding solutions are also ' CA 02338821 2001-O1-26 available for land networks; at this point, the use of a service for electronic mail (e-mail) must also be mentioned. In addition, these methods can also be combined with one another. The corresponding addresses, via which the subscriber TNR or, respectively, the terminal MTL can be reached via these transmission methods, a . g. an SMS address code or an Internet or e-mail address, are stored in the service control point SCP, the home location register of the mobile radio network MFN or directly in the dialog server DGS.
The selection of the transmission methods used can be permanently preset for the subscriber or can be determined on the basis of the resources which are currently available, in dependence on information about the capabilities of the terminal MTL and the performances offered by the network MFN, which can be used with regard to the subscriber location. Thus, for instance, it can be provided to use GPRS for transmitting dialog information for a GPRS-capable terminal as lang as the terminal is located within a coverage area with GPRS provision. The relevant decision can be made by the service DST (or, respectively, the service program), the dialog server DGS or, if the first request is made by the terminal MTL, at the terminal MTL (or, respectively, the front end SFE). In this arrangement, a certain transmission path, e.g. USSD, could be preset.
The dialog result drs and possibly other messages relating t:o the performance of the dialog for example error messages - can be transmitted on one of the abovementioned transmission paths, the same path as for the transmission of the dialog information dif being usually used for the sake of simplicity; in special cases, however, it may also be expedient to change the transmission method. In addition, terminal-oriented signaling systems such as, for instance, DTMF, can also be used.
' CA 02338821 2001-O1-26 According too the invention, the terminal is capable of executing one or more of the following functions or combinations thereof:
- executing a code, e.g. a program code, - interpreting a code, e.g. a Java code, - interpreting a mark-up document (e.g. in HTML, WML
etc.) and displaying it appropriately, e.g. on the display ANZ, - receiving and processing a message via a full link or a transaction link, e.g. via SMS, USSD or the like (see above) and displaying the mess<~ge content in ac~~ordance with an output format in each case defined for the message, - functions for user input, e.g. via keypad, w_Lth the aid of programmable keys (so-called soft keys) by means of a touch-sensitive screen etc., - coding and sending a message via a full message or a transaction message;
and, naturally, the functions required for requesting :?0 and receiving a connection as a terminal including t:he receiving and sending of user information.
In the dialog between the subscriber TNR and the service front end SFE, it is necessary that the subscriber inputs information which is used for a?5 controlling the dialog and/or far determining the result of the dialog drs. The inputs can be made, for example, via a keypad TAS which can also use programmable keys, the function of which can then differ within t:he respective menu, via touch-sensitive ~0 input/output devices, by using a mouse for clicking on a screen etc.
A dialog can also be started in a service which has been called up due to an event in the network. Thus it is possible, for example in the "prepaid" service ?5 that in the case where the balance of the account ~
of the calling subscriber is exhausted during a call, the call connection is disconnected or suspended and a corresponding service is called up which informs the subscriber of the reason for the interruption, e.g. by means of the menu shown above, and invites him to conduct a menu interrogation and stocking-up of the balance. If the latter takes place, the subscriber is asked in another menu whether the call is to be _ continued again. Iru the meantime, an announcement (e. g.
"please wait") is fed to the other party.
In a variant of the invention, the dialog information dif card be stored at the terminal MTL, for example in the memory MEM of the terminal or on an SIM
(subscriber identit:.y module) card which can be written to and read out again by the terminal via a protocol interface. In this way, a repeated loading of the same dialog information in successive dialogs or uses of the service can be avoided. This means a saving in resources, especially at the access interface ALS.
If the subscriber TNR, for instance, enters the service call number #dst of a service at the terminal MTL, the terminal MTL checks whether this service begins with an interactive dialog, the dialog information dif of: which is already stored at the terminal. If this is so, the dialog DIG or, respectively, the front end SFE, is performed immediately by the terminal MTL. When the dialog is finished, the dialog result drs is sent, together with an unambiguous code for the executed dialog DIG and the service DST, to the network. If necessary, e.g. for reasons of network: administration or for correctly performing the dialog refreshments, an indication that the service dialog DIG is started on the terminal MTL
can already be sent to the network MFN or, respectively, the service control point SCP at the start of the dialog. In this arrangement, a special call number, provided for these transmissions between the terminal MTL and the service control point SCP, can be used which, e.g., is permanently stored in the terminal as a service-independent number or is stored as part of the dialog information dif. Between the dialog server DGS
and terminal MTL, there is a correlation defined by the dialog information. Dialog information dif is transmitted as soon as this is recognized as necessary by the service DST or the terminal MTL. In any case these messages can be transmitted independently of a user connection.
The dialog information stored in the terminal are refreshed, for example, when a new software version of the dialog is taken into operation or if it is requested by the terminal. The dialogs stored by the terminal are selected as determined by the available memory space, e.g. on the basis of the frequency of the dialogs or menus and submenus used. If the subscriber accesses a certain selection of a certain submenu of the menu very frequently, the corresponding dialog information is kept in a cache memory; other information must be requested from the network, if necessary. This shortens the access times for selection paths which are used frequently.
Thus, the transmission of the dialog information dif and the execution of the dialog DIG on the front end SFE can take place at separate times. The dialog DIG is started by a corresponding command by t:he subscriber, for example by the input of a call number :30 or by means of a command key on the terminal. 7.'he transmission of the dialog information dif, however, is initiated by the service DST.
In special cases, e.g. in the case of a predictable frequent use of a certain dialog, the :35 corresponding dialog information can also be stored in a part designed as permanent memory (ROM memory) of the terminal memory MEM.
It should be noted that the invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments listed, especially not to its use in a mobile radio network but is suitable for telecommunication networks of any type.
Moreover, the inputs are not restricted to keypad inputs or DTMF signals, or the outputs are not restricted to screen outputs or output of prerecorded voice announcements but all methods of information input/output including voice-controlled input/output, pointer-controlled :input (e.g. by mouse) etc. known to the expert can be used.
Claims (21)
1. A method for performing a dialog between a service (DST) of a telecommunication network (MFN) and a subscriber (TNR) connected to the network via a terminal (MTL), in which method, at least messages and/or input requests are output to the subscriber and at least information is input by the subscriber, in the dialog via the terminal (MTL), and the service (DST) is continued in dependence on a dialog result (drs) derived therefrom, wherein the service (DST) transmits dialog information relating to the performance of the dialog, independently of actions of the subscriber, to the terminal of the subscriber via a network connection, this dialog information is stored by the terminal and the terminal performs the output(s) to the subscriber by means of the snored dialog information on the basis of a specific command given to it and receives and processes the input(s) of the subscriber, derives a dialog result therefrom and transmits this result to the service via a network connection, characterized in that the stored dialog information is checked via the germinal (MTL) to see whether it is adequate for performing the relevant dialog and, if not, a request message for the transmission of corresponding dialog information is sent and that the transmission of dialog information (dif) is requested via the terminal (MTL) by means of a message sent to the network (MFN).
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the dialog information (dif) contains commands of a dialog program which is executed by a processor (PRZ) of the terminal for performing the dialog and determining the dialog result (drs).
3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dialog information (dif) contains message information which describes the messages and input requests to be output and the type of expected inputs.
4. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the output to the subscriber is effected via a display, e.g. by means of text and/or graphics.
5. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the output to the subscriber is effected at least partially via voice announcements, which are requested from the network (MFN) and are received from the network via a voice channel of a network connection at the time of the output and are output to the subscriber.
6. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the dialog information (dif) and/or the dialog result (drs) are at least partly transmitted via a transaction link of the network (MFN).
7. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the dialog information (dif) remains stored in the terminal after the dialog has finished.
8. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the output to the subscriber (TNR) is advantageously effected via at least one menu which offers a predetermined number of input possibilities to the subscriber the subscriber selects one of these input possibilities by means of his input and this input is used, in dependence on the menu logic, as a dialog result (drs) or for the menu-controlled continuance of the dialog. This allows a comfortable, easily traceable representation of the output.
9. A telecommunication terminal (MTL) which can he connected to a telecommunication network (MFN) and which is set up for exchanging messages and/or commands with the network (MFN) and for outputting messages and input requests to a subscriber (TNR) utilizing the terminal (MTL) for using the network and for receiving inputs of the subscriber (TNR), which exhibits the following:
- a memory device (MEM) for storing dialog information (dif) relating to the performance of at least one dialog with the subscriber (TNR), - a control device (PLZ) for executing the output(s) to the subscriber (TNR), for receiving and processing the input(s) of the subscriber and for deriving a dialog result (drs) by means of the dialog information, and - a transmitting device (SEE) for receiving dialog information (dif) and for transmitting a dialog result (drs) via a network connection characterized in that the terminal (MTL) is constructed in such a manner that the stored dialog information is checked via the terminal (MTL) to see whether it is adequate for performing the relevant dialog and, if not, a request message for the transmission of corresponding dialog information is sent, -29a-and the transmission of dialog information (dif) is requested via the terminal (MTL) by means of a message sent to the network (MFN).
- a memory device (MEM) for storing dialog information (dif) relating to the performance of at least one dialog with the subscriber (TNR), - a control device (PLZ) for executing the output(s) to the subscriber (TNR), for receiving and processing the input(s) of the subscriber and for deriving a dialog result (drs) by means of the dialog information, and - a transmitting device (SEE) for receiving dialog information (dif) and for transmitting a dialog result (drs) via a network connection characterized in that the terminal (MTL) is constructed in such a manner that the stored dialog information is checked via the terminal (MTL) to see whether it is adequate for performing the relevant dialog and, if not, a request message for the transmission of corresponding dialog information is sent, -29a-and the transmission of dialog information (dif) is requested via the terminal (MTL) by means of a message sent to the network (MFN).
10. The terminal (MTL) as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the control device (PLZ) is set up as processor for executing a dialog program, the commands of which for performing the dialog and determining the dialog result are contained in the dialog information.
11. The terminal (MTL) as claimed in claim 9 or. 10, characterized by a voice output device (MLE) for outputting voice announcements to the subscriber.
12. The terminal (MTL) as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that it is set up for requesting voice announcements from the network (MFN) and receiving these from the network via the voice channel of a network connection and outputting them to the subscriber.
13. The terminal (MTL) as claimed in one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that it is set up for requesting the transmission of the dialog information (dif) by means of a message sent to the network (MFN).
14. The terminal (MTL) as claimed in one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that it is set up for keeping the dialog information (dif) stored after the dialog has ended.
15. The terminal (MTL) as claimed in one of claims 9 to 14, characterized by a device for receiving dialog information (dif) and/or for sending a dialog result (drs) via a transaction link of the network (MFN).
16. A telecommunication network (MFN) in which services for subscribers can be used, a dialog with the subscriber (TNR) who uses the service and is connected to the network via a terminal (MTL) being provided in at least one the services (DST) and in this dialog, at least messages and/or input requests are output to the subscriber and at least information is input by the subscriber, characterized in that it is set up for transmitting, in dependence on the service (DST) operation, the dialog information required by the terminal (MTL) for performing the dialog, via a network connection, receiving a dialog result (drs) transmitted by the terminal (MTL) and continuing the service (DST) in dependence on this result.
17. The telecommunication network (MFN) as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that it is set up for sending dialog information (dif) on the basis of a specific request message by the terminal (MTL).
18. The telecommunication network (MFN) as claimed in claim 16 or 17, characterized in that it is set up for sending voice announcements, which can be used in an output to the subscriber by the terminal, on the basis of a specific request message by the terminal (MTL) .
19. The telecommunication network (MFN) as claimed in one of claims 16 to 18, characterized by a server device (DGS) for central storage of dialog information (dif) and/or output information, especially voice announcements.
20. The telecommunication network (MFN) as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that it is set up for forwarding request messages relating to the transmission of dialog information (dif) and, respectively, voice announcements to the server device (DGS) and accepting from the latter the requested dialog information (dif) and, respectively, voice announcements and transmitting them to the terminal (MTL) .
21. The telecommunication network (MFN) as claimed in claim 19 or 20, characterized in that it is set up for transferring the control of the service (DST) to the server device (DGS) for the duration of the performance of the dialog and continuing the service after the dialog has ended and the dialog result (drs) has been received by the server device (DGS).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19834210.1 | 1998-07-29 | ||
| DE1998134210 DE19834210A1 (en) | 1998-07-29 | 1998-07-29 | Implementation of interactive service dialogues in a telecommunications network |
| PCT/DE1999/002346 WO2000007348A2 (en) | 1998-07-29 | 1999-07-29 | Transmission of dialogue information from a telecommunications network to a subscriber terminal |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2338821A1 true CA2338821A1 (en) | 2000-02-10 |
Family
ID=7875748
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002338821A Abandoned CA2338821A1 (en) | 1998-07-29 | 1999-07-29 | Performing interactive service dialogs in a telecommunication network |
Country Status (7)
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| EP (1) | EP1101345A2 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2002521969A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1309860A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9912493A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2338821A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE19834210A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2000007348A2 (en) |
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| DE19958707A1 (en) * | 1999-12-06 | 2001-06-07 | Siemens Ag | Method of transmitting a text message |
| US20040014495A1 (en) * | 2000-09-19 | 2004-01-22 | Ralf Neuhaus | Method for operating a communications system |
| DE10046339C2 (en) * | 2000-09-19 | 2002-11-07 | Siemens Ag | Method of operating a communication system |
| DE10056730A1 (en) * | 2000-11-15 | 2002-05-23 | Alcatel Sa | Telecommunications system has mobile subscriber telecommunications network linked to telecommunications network providing different services |
| DE20115291U1 (en) * | 2001-09-15 | 2003-02-06 | Materna Gmbh Information & Com | Communication short message system (SMS) for set-up transmitted, or received, messages |
| DE10306810B4 (en) * | 2003-02-18 | 2005-07-21 | Siemens Ag | Method and arrangement for displaying software assistants on mobile terminals |
| US10387140B2 (en) | 2009-07-23 | 2019-08-20 | S3G Technology Llc | Modification of terminal and service provider machines using an update server machine |
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| FI114182B (en) * | 1996-06-06 | 2004-08-31 | Nokia Corp | Method of utilizing services offered by a telecommunications network, a telecommunications system and its terminal |
| FI106515B (en) * | 1998-03-17 | 2001-02-15 | Nokia Networks Oy | Configuring the Smart Network Service |
-
1998
- 1998-07-29 DE DE1998134210 patent/DE19834210A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1999
- 1999-07-29 WO PCT/DE1999/002346 patent/WO2000007348A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-07-29 JP JP2000563049A patent/JP2002521969A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-07-29 CA CA002338821A patent/CA2338821A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-07-29 CN CN 99808765 patent/CN1309860A/en active Pending
- 1999-07-29 EP EP99950469A patent/EP1101345A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-07-29 BR BR9912493-9A patent/BR9912493A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2000007348A2 (en) | 2000-02-10 |
| JP2002521969A (en) | 2002-07-16 |
| DE19834210A1 (en) | 2000-02-03 |
| EP1101345A2 (en) | 2001-05-23 |
| WO2000007348A3 (en) | 2000-03-23 |
| CN1309860A (en) | 2001-08-22 |
| BR9912493A (en) | 2001-05-02 |
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