CN103384413A - Remote communication device call origination using data channel communication path - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a remote communication device call origination using a data channel communication path. A system and method for carrying out communications with a remote communication device (RCD) utilizes a data channel communication path to provide a call request from the RCD to a telematics services provider (TSP). In response to the call request, the TSP obtains a temporary phone number and sends it back to the RCD which then places a voice call to the TSP using the phone number. The received call is connected to an advisor to handle voice communication with the caller using the RCD. Based on the prior association of the assigned temporary phone number with the calling RCD, the TSP is able to recognize the caller or calling device based on the number called and then automatically provide the advisor with relevant information about the caller or calling RCD, such as the caller's name or subscription account information.

Description

The telecommunication equipment in usage data channel communication path is called out and is initiated

The cross reference of related application

The application requires the U.S. Provisional Patent Application NO.61/643 of submission on May 4th, 2012,221 priority, and the full content of above-mentioned application merges in this application by the mode of reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to radio communication mobile and that other remote equipment is initiated, relate in particular to and use above-mentioned radio communication to provide service as the telecommunication equipment user.

Background technology

Remote information processing service provider (TSPs) provides service by one or more wireless and/or wired communication systems to the client, and communication system is cellular network or PSTN (PSTN) for example.Vehicles remote information processing service provider is this example of TSP.Providing of these services is usually directed to communicate with mobile phone or other telecommunication equipment (RCD), for example cell phone, vehicle telematics unit, medical supply and other fixing or mobile are positioned at long-range signal equipment, wherein manyly may use the different communication technologys or the technology (for example, wireless 2G, 3G, 4G etc.) in different generations.Provide remote information processing service to mean that TSP must limit its subscriber basis and be all potential consumers' a subset to the subscriber, perhaps TSP supports many different and be sometimes the technology of competing mutually.

Summary of the invention

A target of the embodiment disclosed herein is to help the subscriber and other users that overcome to service that the difficulty that adapts to when serving in different technologies is provided.Another target has been to provide a kind of method and apparatus and has helped to accelerate Service delivery, and improves the consumer experience when requiring these services.

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of method of using telecommunication equipment to realize communication, comprise the following steps: (a) usage data channel communication path sends transmit identification from telecommunication equipment (RCD); (b) subsequently at described RCD receiving dialed number; And (c) utilize described telephone number, set up calling with remote information processing service provider (TSP) from described RCD.Other embodiment comprises a kind of telecommunication equipment and a kind of the storage in order to the computer-readable memory of execution in step (a) to the computer instruction of (c).

According to another embodiment, a kind of telecommunication equipment is provided, comprise the memory that processor, processor can be accessed and be connected to described processor and be used for using the telecommunication circuit of the voice communications versus data communications between one or more communication technologys realizations and remote information processing service provider (TSP), the communication technology comprises at least one data channel communication path.Processor operates to send voice call request to TSP when the instruction of carrying out from memory, receive the telephone number related with described call request that returns, thereby and utilize the telephone number that receives to arrange and call out the voice communication that is used for TSP.

The application also provides technical scheme:

1. 1 kinds of methods of using telecommunication equipment to realize communication of scheme comprise the following steps:

(a) usage data channel communication path sends transmit identification from telecommunication equipment (RCD);

(b) receive at described RCD remote information processing service provider (TSP) telephone number that is associated with described transmit identification subsequently;

(c) utilize described telephone number, set up the calling from described RCD to described TSP.

Scheme 2. method as described in scheme 1, wherein transmit identification comprises remote device identification, user ID, situation sign or its combination in any.

Scheme 3. method as described in scheme 2, wherein step (a) further comprises by the data channel communication path, sends the call request that comprises described transmit identification and one or more additional data items.

Scheme 4. method as described in scheme 1, wherein RCD comprises mobile communication equipment (MCD), wherein MCD comprises processor, can and be stored in program command on memory by the memory of processor access, when processor is carried out instruction, make MCD completing steps (a) to (c).

Scheme 5 method as described in scheme 4, wherein MCD comprises the telematics unit that is arranged on the vehicles that operated by the user or the portable cellular phone unit that is carried by the user.

Scheme 6 method as described in scheme 5, wherein MCD comprise with the vehicles on the telematics unit that communicates of vehicle system modules, the described method that is wherein realized when the execution of program instructions by processor further comprises, in step (a), receive the step of information from described vehicle system modules, and the step of passing through the described information of data channel communication path transmission.

Scheme 7 method as described in scheme 5, wherein MCD comprise with the vehicles on the telematics unit that communicates of vehicle system modules, the described method that is wherein realized when the execution of program instructions by processor further comprises, in step (c) afterwards, receive the step of information from vehicle system modules, and connect by the data of setting up afterwards in step (b) step that sends described information.

Scheme 8 method as described in scheme 1 further is included in during calling and sends voice-and-data to the step of TSP from mobile unit.

Scheme 9 method as described in scheme 1 further comprises, in step (b) before, carries out following steps at the hub facility place: from TSP can with pool of phone numbers obtain telephone number.

Scheme 10 method as described in scheme 1, further comprise, in step (b) before, use one or more hub facilities to carry out following steps: to obtain from subscriber's account that TSP keeps the information that is associated with transmit identification, the call connection of having set up is arrived consultant, and provide this information to consultant.

11 1 kinds of telecommunication equipments of scheme comprise:

Teleprocessing equipment, possess processor, can be by memory and the cellular communication circuit of processor access, wherein memory comprises and can by processor access and the program command of carrying out, make teleprocessing equipment implementation 1 described method.

12 1 kinds of computer-readable memories of scheme comprise non-volatile data storage, have wherein stored executable program instructions, when the processor of telecommunication equipment is carried out described program command, make the described method of processor operation implementation 1.

13 1 kinds of telecommunication equipments of scheme (RCD) comprising:

Processor;

Can be by the memory of processor access; And

Be connected to the telecommunication circuit of processor, this circuit is in order to can use one or more communication technologys to realize that voice communications versus data communications with remote information processing service provider (TSP), the described communication technology comprise the data channel communication path at least;

Wherein processor operates to send voice call request to TSP when the instruction of carrying out from memory, receives the telephone number that is associated with described call request that returns, and calls out thereby utilize the telephone number that receives to arrange the voice communication that is used for TSP.

Scheme 14 a kind of telecommunication equipment as described in scheme 13 further comprises sending transmit identification, calling code, RCD positional information or its combination in any as the part of call request.

Scheme 15 a kind of telecommunication equipment as described in scheme 13, wherein telecommunication circuit comprises the cellular chip group that allows to carry out the voice-and-data radio honeycomb communication.

Scheme 16 a kind of telecommunication equipment as described in scheme 13, wherein the data channel communication path comprises packet-switched communications path or Short Message Service (SMS) communication path.

Description of drawings

One or more embodiment of the present invention describes in connection with accompanying drawing subsequently, and wherein similar sign represents similar element, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the block diagram of an embodiment of description communication system, and described communication system can be used method disclosed herein;

Fig. 2 is the block diagram of the additional detail of a part of describing the described communication system that maybe can be used for other embodiment of Fig. 1; And

Exemplary embodiment is described in Fig. 3-5, describes with telecommunication equipment with call flow and realizes the method for communicating by letter.

Embodiment

Take the implication of subordinate's term as:

Mobile communication equipment (MCD) is the portable wireless electronics of support voice and data communication.MCD comprises for example for example telemonitoring, diagnosis or control appliance of portable cell phone and other Wireless Telecom Equipment of vehicle telematics unit, handheld device.

Telecommunication equipment (RCD) is wireless or Wired electronic equipment, its support voice and data communication, and compare with the remote information processing service provider (TSP) that service is provided for RCD user, be positioned at geographic long-range place (for example in different places).RCD comprises MCD and fixing or long-range electronic equipment, and this electronic equipment possesses to the PSTN (PSTN) that allows itself and TSP to communicate by letter or the rigid line of other network (for example internet) and is connected.

Remote information processing service provider (TSP) is a tissue or a plurality of tissues together, for the user of MCD or other RCD provides data, information, control and/or other service (jointly being called remote information processing service).TSP comprises: (1) provides the wireless service provider of remote information processing service wirelessly to the user with RCD; (2) connect by PTSN, internet and/or other rigid line the cable service provider that remote information processing service is provided; (3) provide the service provider of remote information processing service with wireless and combination wired communication path.The user can be the subscriber, for example, in the situation that the vehicles remote information processing service provider or other tissue that provide information, amusement or other paid service to order.The user can be other consumers of service, (for example use the patient of Health Care Services company or hospital system, or the subscriber of dwelling house, business alarm monitoring or other security services), or generally need the Members of The Public of government or other tissue the service that provides by public safety answering point (PSAP), the emergency response service that is for example provided by medical treatment, police and fire department.The user can be TSP itself, and for example when the staff of described tissue works at the scene, or described tissue is when using the equipment of long range positioning.

Transmit identification is the sign that is sent by RCD.It can be:

1. remote device identification, can be can not to be also in the unique identification of miscellaneous equipment with described implementation difference.Its example comprises the sequence number # (VIN of the vehicles of equipment or physics or the logical address of equipment lay down location for example have been installed) of equipment or relevant device, or the designator of the wireless technology of supporting (for example 2G v.4G);

2. user ID (user name, account number, or other ID); Or

3. situation sign is (such as the calling code of some attributes of the service of indicating call purpose, priority, expectation etc.)

The digital channel communication path is that the unidirectional or bi-directional digital that RCD uses connects, and this connection does not rely on RCD and realizes digital modulation and demodulation or dtmf signaling with the circuit switched voice channel.The example of digital channel communication path comprises that packet switched data connects and SMS, uses technology such as LTE, HSPA+, EDGE, UMTS, WiFi, WiMAX, EV-DO, SMPP.

The method and apparatus that the following describes allows RCD user to be independent of to a great extent the particular data that used and the mode of voice communication technology, makes call request that RCD initiates to obtain remote information processing service from remote information processing service provider (TSP).The embodiment of following discloses illustrates and how to use cellular network to realize this communication; Yet, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that according to method disclosed herein and technology and also can use other wireless and wired communication technology.In addition, the methods and apparatus disclosed can be used at least some embodiment so that the Service delivery to subscriber and other users' improvement to be provided.

As will be described in greater detail below, embodiment comprises by RCD and TSP (using call center and data center) and uses technology with the whole process that realizes relating to the call request of pass through the digital channel communication path of initiating from RCD, and wherein this call request is used for beginning the audio call subsequently between RCD and TSP.In certain embodiments, in response to call request, obtain call center telephone number, and by the data channel communication path of same data channel communication path or other, this number is offered RCD, after this, RCD is set to the audio call of call center with the telephone number that offers it.Next described audio call can be routed (connection) to the consultant of call center, thereby transmits the remote information processing service that the user asks.Can select or otherwise obtain telephone number based on any one or more in many factors, these factors comprise: wireless or other communication technology that RCD supports; Call out code or other about the purpose of calling out or the situation sign of priority; Or some attributes of RCD user, for example mother tongue said of user or the language of hope.In addition, the remote device identification that is sent out by a part of using as data channel communication path call request, the subscriber information relevant to caller or calling RCD (for example, subscriber's name, account information etc.) can be obtained by consultant and available conveniently, thus can show when audio call begins or otherwise subscriber's information be offered consultant.In another embodiment, call request can comprise the RCD telephone number, and it is used for being set to the audio call of RCD subsequently by TSP.These and other characteristics and advantages will become clearer in the following description.

The embodiment that the following describes points to vehicles teleprocessing system, wherein the mobile communication equipment of vehicle telematics unit form (MCD) with based on the remote information processing service of the radio communication between telematics unit and TSP provide by together with use.It will be understood by those skilled in the art that according to following instruction, other moves with fixed RC D execution mode and also can be implemented.

Communication system is unified

With reference to figure 1, it shows the running environment that comprises mobile traffic communication system 10, and this environment can be used for implementing method disclosed herein.Communication system 10 generally includes the vehicles 12, one or more wireless carrier system 14, terrestrial communications network 16, computer 18 and TSP equipment 20.Be understandable that, method disclosed herein can be used for any amount of other system, is not the running environment that is particularly limited in illustrate herein.In addition, the framework of many parts of system 10, structure, setting, operation with and all parts be all well known in the art.Thus, following paragraph only provides the short-summary of a communication system 10; Yet other system that does not illustrate herein can adopt disclosed method equally.

The vehicles 12 are described to passenger vehicle in the exemplary embodiment, yet those skilled in the art should understand that, any other vehicles be can also use, motorcycle, truck, SUV (SUV), grand touring car (RV), boats and ships, aircraft etc. comprised.Electronic vehicle devices 28 more shown in Figure 1 comprise telematics unit 30, microphone 32, one or more button or other control inputs device 34, audio system 36, visual displays 38 and GPS module 40 and a plurality of vehicle system modules (VSM) 42.A part in these equipment can be directly connected to telematics unit, for example microphone 32 and button 34, and connecting by one or more networks of other connects indirectly, for example communication bus 44 or entertainment bus 46.The example that suitable network connects comprise controller local area network (CAN), the system transmissions (MOST) towards media, local internet network (LIN), local area network (LAN) (LAN) and other connection that is fit to for example Ethernet or other follow known ISO, SAE and be connected connection with ieee standard with standard, numerous.

Telematics unit 30 can be (embedded) or the after market equipment that original equipment manufacturer installs, and it is installed on the vehicles, and is connected with wireless network by wireless carrier system 14 and realizes wireless speech and/or data communication.This make the vehicles can with TSP equipment 20, other possesses the vehicles of teleprocessing function, or other entity or equipment communicate.Telematics unit is preferentially set up one or more communication channels with wireless carrier system 14 with radio frequency transmission, thereby makes the voice-and-data transmission can carry out sending and receiving on described channel.By voice communications versus data communications is provided, telematics unit 30 makes the vehicles that a series of different wireless services can be provided, and comprises the wireless service relevant to navigation, telecommunications, Emergency Assistance, diagnosis, entertainment information program etc.Data can send by the data channel communication path, such as the packet data transmission of passing through on data channel.In certain embodiments, in data communication can also be with by use, data modem obtains on voice channel, and the modulation system that is suitable for wireless carrier network equipment used is used in this modulation /demodulation.For relating to voice communication (for example having artificial consultant or voice response unit at TSP equipment 20) and data communication (for example, provide GPS locator data or vehicles diagnostic data to TSP equipment 20) the combination of wireless service, system can use the voice channel transferring voice, usage data channel transmission data, or the technology more of new generation of using support voice and transfer of data simultaneously LTE for example.

According to an embodiment, telematics unit 30 uses the cellular communication of following cellular standards (GSM, CDMA etc.), therefore comprise standard cellular chipset 50 for voice communications versus data communications (be similar to go to and from hands-free calling and the software/transfer of data of telematics unit), electronic processing equipment 52, one or more digital storage equipments 54, and double antenna 56.Transfer of data can realize with different standards or the agreement of any amount, for example LTE, EVDO, CDMA, GPRS, EDGE, SMS.Wireless network between the vehicles and other networked devices connects also can be realized by telematics unit 30.For this purpose, telematics unit 30 can be configured to defer to one or more wireless protocols and carry out radio communication, IEEE802.11 agreement for example, WiMAX, or any one in bluetooth.Being used to packet switched data communication for example during TCP/IP, can configure a static ip address to telematics unit, perhaps it is set to automatic reception by the IP address of router or network address server assignment for example of miscellaneous equipment on network.

Processor 52 can be the equipment that can process any type of e-command, comprises microprocessor, microcontroller, host-processor, controller, vehicle communication processor and application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) (ASIC).Can be only for the application specific processor of telematics unit 30, also can share with other communication tool system.Processor 52 is carried out various types of stored digital instructions, software or the firmware program for example preserved in memory 54, and it makes telematics unit that a lot of services can be provided.For instance, processor 52 can executive program or deal with data to realize at least a portion of method discussed herein.

Telematics unit 30 can be used for providing relate to radio communication between the vehicles and TSP20 various wireless services.These services comprise: by service relevant with other navigation to the route planning explanation that provides is provided based on the vehicle navigation module 40 of GPS; By to for example air-bag deployment notice and other urgent or the relief roadside the is relevant service that provide relatively of car body control module (not shown) of one or more crash sensor interface modules, the diagnosis report of the one or more diagnostic modules of use; And the relevant service of entertainment information program, wherein music, webpage, film, TV programme, video-game and/or out of Memory are downloaded by entertainment information program module (not shown), and preserve in order to play immediately or subsequently.Can also provide wireless service in the situation that do not relate to operation or the function of the vehicles itself; The for example operation of remote control of domestic safety system or domestic automation system.Service listed above is telematics unit 30 all services that can provide exhaustive absolutely not, and just the TSP part of service that can provide by telematics unit enumerates.In addition, be understandable that, at least some above-mentioned modules can realize with the form that is kept at the inner or outside software instruction of telematics unit 30, it can be to be arranged at telematics unit 30 inside or outside hardware cells, perhaps it can be mutually integrated and/or shared, perhaps its can be positioned over other system integration on the whole vehicles and/or share, these are only several possibilities of enumerating.In the situation that module realizes with the form that is placed in telematics unit 30 outside VSM42, they can use vehicles bus 44 and telematics unit swap data and order.

GPS module 40 receives radio signals from the constellation 60 of gps satellite.Module 40 can be determined vehicle position by these signals, thereby is used for providing navigation the service relevant with other position to vehicle driving person.Navigation information can present on display 38 (or other display in the vehicles), perhaps is presented by parole, for example does when route guidance is provided.Navigation Service can be provided by navigation module in special car (it can be the part of GPS module 40), perhaps part or all of navigation Service realized by telematics unit 30, wherein positional information is sent to a remote location, and purpose is to calculate and similar content for the vehicles provide navigation map, map note (interested place, restaurant etc.), distance.Can provide positional information to TSP device 20 or other remote computer system, for example computer 18, are used for other purpose, for example fleet management.In addition, can download map datum new or that upgrade to GPS module 40 from TSP device 20 by telematics unit 30.

Except audio system 36 and GPS module 40, the vehicles 12 can also comprise other vehicle system modules (VSM) 42, it can be the form that is arranged at the electronic hardware components on the whole vehicles, and usually receive from one or more transducers and input, and use the described input that senses to carry out diagnosis, monitor, control, report and/or other function.Each VSM42 preferably is connected on other VSM and telematics unit 30 by communication bus 44, and programming is with the diagnostic test of operation communication tool system and subsystem.For example, a VSM42 can be engine control module (ECM), control engine-operated various aspects, for example fuel ignition and ignition timing, another VSM42 can be the dynamical system control module, regulates the operation of one or more vehicles dynamical system parts, and another VSM42 can be used as car body control module, management is arranged at the various power components on the whole vehicles, for example vehicles electric door lock and headlight.According to an embodiment, engine control module is equipped with On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) (OBD) feature, a large amount of real time datas are provided, for example comprise from various transducers the data that the vehicle emissions transducer receives, standardized a series of fault diagnosis code (DTC) also is provided, makes the technician can determine rapidly and repair the interior fault of car.As known to those skilled in the art, above-mentioned VSM is only the example that can be used for some modules of the vehicles 12, and other that also has may situation.

Electronic vehicle device 28 also comprises many vehicles users interface, is used for providing and/or receiving to vehicles occupant a kind of means of information, comprises microphone 32, button 34, audio system 36 and visual displays 38.Term " vehicles user interface " broadly comprises the electronic equipment of any suitable form as used herein, comprise the hardware and software parts, it is arranged on the vehicles, and ensure that vehicles user can communicate by letter with traffic tool parts, perhaps can be by traffic tool parts communication.Microphone 32 provides Speech input to telematics unit, makes driver or other occupant that voice command can be provided and realizes hand-free call by wireless carrier system 14.For this purpose, can be connected to the vehicle-mounted automated voice processing unit that uses man-machine interface known in the art (HMI) technology.Button 34 allows to input to begin radiotelephone call to the manual user of telematics unit 30, and other data, response or control inputs are provided.The regular service relief that independent button can be used for beginning to TSP equipment 20 is called out and urgent call.Audio system 36 provides voice output to vehicles occupant, and it can be special-purpose autonomous system, or as the part of main traffic instrument audio system.According to the specific embodiment that provides herein, audio system 36 is operably connected to vehicles bus 44 and entertainment bus 46, and AM, FM and satelline radio, CD, DVD and other multimedia function can be provided.These functions can provide together with the entertainment information program module of describing before, perhaps provide separately.Visual displays 38 is preferably graphic alphanumeric display, and for example the touch-screen on instrument board or by the HUD of windshield reflection, be used for providing multiple input and output function.Can also use other various vehicles users interface, the interface shown in Fig. 1 is only the example of a specific embodiment.

Wireless carrier system 14 is for example cell phone system of wireless network, and it comprises a large amount of cell towers 70 (only illustrating), one or more mobile switching centre (MSC) 72, also has any other network components that need to use when connecting wireless carrier system 14 and land network 16.Each cell tower 70 comprises and transmits and receives antenna and base station, from the base station of different cell towers directly or for example equip by intermediary that base station controller is connected to MSC72.Cellular system 14 can use the communication technology that is fit to arbitrarily, for example comprises, analogue technique is for example CDMA (as CDMA2000) or GSM/GPRS of AMPS or new digital technology for example.It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that it is all possible that various cellular tower/base station/MSC arranges, and can be used for wireless system 14.For example, base station and cell tower can all be positioned at same place, and perhaps it can be set to away from each other, only be responsible for a cell tower each base station, or a base station can serve a plurality of cell towers, and different base stations can be connected to an independent MSC, and various possible layouts are numerous.

Except using wireless carrier system 14, the different wireless carrier system that occurs with the satellite communication form also can be used for being provided to the unidirectional or two-way communication of the vehicles.Can realize with one or more communication satellites 62 and up transmitting station 64.One-way communication can be, satellite radio services for example, wherein programme content (news, music etc.) is received by transmitting station 64, carries out up packing, then sends to satellite 62, the latter with programming to the subscriber.Two-way communication can be that for example satellite phone service utilizes the telephone communication between the satellite 62 relaying vehicles 12 and transmitting station 64.If use, this satellite phone can be used as replenishing or substituting of wireless carrier system 14.

Land network 16 can be for example continental rise communication network of traditional cable network, and it is connected to one or more landline telephones, and wireless carrier system 14 is connected to TSP equipment 20.For example, land network 16 can comprise the PSTN (PSTN) that for example is used for providing fixed-line phone, packet switched data communication and internet basic arrangement.One or more parts of land network 16 can be passed through the Application standard cable network, optical fiber or other optical-fiber network, cable system, power line, other wireless network is WLAN (wireless local area network) (WLAN) for example, or the network of broadband wireless access (BWA) is provided, or its combination in any is implemented.In addition, TSP facility 20 does not need to connect by land network 16, but can comprise radio telephone equipment make its can with wireless network, for example wireless carrier system 14 directly communicates.

Computer 18 can be some via private network or public network one of addressable computer in internet for example.Each computer 18 can be used for one or more purposes, for example can be via telematics unit 30 and wireless carrier 14 and the web server of being accessed by the vehicles.Other addressable computers 18 can be, for example: service centre's computer, wherein diagnostic message and other vehicle data can be uploaded via telematics unit 30 by the vehicles; The client computer that the vehicles owner or other subscriber use its objective is and obtains or receive vehicle data, or sets up or configuration subscriber's preference or control vehicles function; Or vehicle data or out of Memory third party's knowledge base that can be provided to or therefrom obtain, by both communicating with one of the vehicles 12 or TSP facility 20 or its.Computer 18 can also be used for providing for example DNS service of Internet connection, perhaps as the network address server that uses DHCP or other suitable agreement, in order to the assigned ip address to the vehicles 12.

In certain embodiments, computer 18 can be RCD, and the wired remote information processing service that is provided by TSP20 or some other TSP is provided; For example, providing of remote information processing service can be used for, other application examples such as family health care care, household safe etc. can also be used for.Data and voice communication via described computer can realize by for example TCP/IP and VoIP with Internet connection.

TSP facility 20 is designed for to electronic vehicle device 28 some different system back-end functions and other wireless service is provided, and according to the exemplary embodiment that provides herein, it generally includes data gateway 79, optional switch 80, server 82, database 84, artificial consultant 86 and automatic voice responsion system (VRS) 88, and all these is well known in the art.The parts of the TSP facility that these are different preferably interconnect via wired or wireless local area network (LAN) 90.Database 84 can stores subscription person's account information, for example user name or other contact details, subscriber's authentication information, vehicle identity, brief introduction record, the language of saying, behavior pattern and other relevant subscriber's information.Transfer of data also can for example 802.11x, GPRS and other similar system realize by wireless system.Although exemplary embodiment has been described to unite use with the manned TSP facility 20 that uses artificial consultant 86, be understandable that, the TSP facility can alternatively use VRS88 as the automation consultant, perhaps uses VRS88 and artificial consultant's 86 combination.

Switch 80, it can be PBX (PBX) switch, the route input signal makes voice transfer usually be sent to artificial consultant 86 or send to automatic voice responsion system 88 with VoIP by plain old telephone.Artificial consultant's phone also can use VoIP as shown in phantom in Figure 1.VoIP and other data communication are undertaken by data gateway 79 and network 90.TSP20 can carry out other data communication via switch 80, can realize described other data communication by modulator-demodulator (not shown) or dtmf signaling, as known in the art.Yet, as discussed below, can be used for setting up the data connection according to the various embodiment of disclosed method, it does not depend on DTMF or based on the transmission of the voice channel of modulator-demodulator, therefore allow to eliminate fully PBX switch 80, data enter the TSP facility by SMS, packet switch or via other data channel communication path of data gateway 79, and voice connect via the circuit switching that is connected to land network 16 and enter the TSP facility.

In the embodiment in figure 1, TSP facility 20 comprises data center's (comprising gateway 79, server 82, database 84 and network 90) and call center (comprise that consultant 86 and their being illustrated as are connected to data center, VRS88, and the phone of the part of network 90 and terminal).In certain embodiments, the TSP facility can be realized by one or more hub facilities, and at least a portion wherein has integrated data center and call center, as shown in the figure.In further embodiments, the operation of data center can separate with call center operator, and both all realize between these different facilities, suitable communication connection being arranged when needed with one or more facilities that geographically separate.Use an example of separation facilities to be, based on one or more reasons, for example labourer and/or communications cost, perhaps in order to obtain to support the mother tongue consultant of different subscriber's language needs, the operation of call center is based upon different countries.

Turn to now Fig. 2, it further illustrates and can maybe can be used as the infrastructure details of the part of another embodiment as system's 10 parts in Fig. 1.And, although Fig. 1 has provided the embodiment that is suitable for providing to the vehicles user wireless remote information processing service, be understandable that, the vehicles 12 be some dissimilar MCD one of them, and the system of Fig. 1 is alternately in order to provide wireless service to portable cellular phone user or other remote equipment such as the equipment that is used for home security system, the remote monitoring that is used for health service, emergency response service etc.Fig. 2 has described one and has had more general embodiment 100, it is not only to be designed for vehicle telematics unit, but can be used for being used by TSP the wireless service of any various other types of the mobile device transmission of being used by subscriber or other user.

For the embodiment of Fig. 1, the wireless communication system 100 in Fig. 2 comprises one or more wireless carrier system 14, terrestrial communications network 16 and TSP20.The MCD of its use is for example 11,13 and 15, and these are illustrated is for example in order to indicate some different cellular technologies, and communication means described below uses these technology.

TSP facility 20 comprises data center 120 and call center 122.As mentioned above and shown in Figure 2, in certain embodiments, these two centers 120 and 122 can be realized with the form of separation facilities (for example, geographic separation or dispersion).In further embodiments, it can combine and be positioned at together same hub facility.Each in center 120,122 itself can be by the realization that arranges of one or more geographically separation.Data center 120 utilizes following parts that data communication and telematic applications are provided: fire compartment wall 130; it can be commercial ready-made (COTS) fire compartment wall; it avoids the attack of external network for the protection of TSP; data gateway 79, it can comprise data gateway 140 and SMS gateway 150.The bag data gateway can connect with the packet switch to land network 16 (for example internet) for be established to MCD11,13,15 any one bag data are connected, make data by adopting the HTTP standard or adopting the bag data connection of the specialized protocol on TCP/IP or UDP/IP to carry out sending and receiving, only to lift two examples.SMS gateway 150 can be used for sending and/or receiving the SMS that advances/go out MCD, adopts for example SMPP agreement.Data center 120 also comprises independent communication service 160, can provide communication service by bag data, SMS or circuit switching (not shown), adopts for example air interface specialized protocol.And data center 120 comprises wireless service application 170, and it is for providing the application of wireless service to user or other third party ISP by its MCD or via TSP to returning.This can comprise: health service, and it utilizes for example remote monitoring and/or diagnostic device, and this equipment for example can be used for family's sufferer nursing; Consumer's service, it relates to the transmission Site Service to consumer's personnel or equipment (for example, for example utensil maintenance of parcel Courier Service or family's machinery or maintenance service); Utility service (combustion gas, electric installation, maintenance and repairing); And emergency response service (nursing staff or other healthy professional, police, fire fighter), numerous.Even utilize radio communication service that all these services can not be provided, major part wherein also can be provided; Yet in further embodiments, it can provide by wire communication or wireless and combination cable service.

For vehicles remote information processing service, can comprise stolen vehicles tracking and recover by TSP or by the application 170 that TSP provides, the theft notice, conflict alert notice, urgent call, roadside assistance, remote control gate lock/unblanking, navigation Service, vehicles diagnosis and any other service.

Call center 122 uses following parts that voice communication and call-center application are provided: PBX/ACD switch 80, server 82 (comprise database 84; Referring to Fig. 1), consultant 86, call-center application 180, it can keep a pool of phone numbers for incoming call, and gives suitable consultant 86 with call diversion, below will carry out more concrete description to it.Consultant 86 can process the voice communication with MCD user, and uses and use 170 accesses or begin service.Switch 80, server 82, database 84 and consultant's 86 use as mentioned above.

Method one

Turn to now Fig. 3-5, it illustrates the distinct methods that realize to use MCD to realize communication, and MCD is for example the vehicles 12 or the more generally MCD11,13,15 that mentions before.These methods are only the explanation of a specific embodiment, and those skilled in the art should understand many other situations.In addition, although these methods are described to and can realize by wireless network, for example shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, be understandable that, they also can be used for wire communication.Every kind of method illustrates with the form of call flow, has described the communication between data center/call center of MCD and TSP.Each flow process that illustrates can comprise the one or more steps that occur in between the communication of each direction transmission, and the below will discuss to it, and can be understood by those skilled in the art.At first described method, utilizes the data channel communication path from step 202, for packet switched data connects, send call request by MCD to TSP in this case.This call request can be begun by MCD user, for example pass through, for instance, in the situation that the hand-held MCD of honeycomb, by app (application), perhaps in the situation that vehicles teleprocessing MCD as shown in Figure 1, by pressing the button 34 or begin TSP service call from MCD via the voice command of microphone 32.Call request can also be begun automatically by MCD or auxiliary equipment, the crash sensor on the vehicles 12 that for example bump in response to indication and begin to call out.

Involved together with call request is that one or more transmit identification can be used for the identifying call letters person, call out target or the priority of MCD or calling.In the example that provides, call request comprises the data of the wireless technology (for example CDMA or 4G) that three mobile device sign-MCD SN (sequence number), MCD telephone number and indication MCD are used.Call request can also comprise additional data, and in this case, additional data is the MCD position, and it can obtain with the GSP receiver on MCD or alternate manner.Use for vehicle telematics unit as shown in Figure 1, MCD SN can be vehicles VIN (namely, the sign of distributing for the vehicles 12 that telematics unit 30 has been installed) or the telematics unit sequence number (for example, ESN), the MCD telephone number can be the telematics unit telephone number, the wireless technology data can be indicated the type of cellular communication circuit 50, and the position is the vehicle position that GPS receiver 40 is determined.Use for other, similar sign can be provided or use different or additional transmit identification, can also use can be by the data of TSP use or potential use when initial call setting or other service are provided.For example, for portable cellular phone, the wireless technology that possible mobile device sign comprises the device name of cell phone number, cellular hardware address, sequence number, data certificate, appointment or is used for mobile unit (for example, speech capability, data capability, voice-and-data ability), etc.

Other transmit identification comprises that the user identifies with situation and identifies.The user's sign that is fit to comprises user's name, date of birth, SSN or other unique identification data, or some combinations of foregoing, or subscriber's account number or other can be used for determining the information of the data-base recording that is associated with user or user MCD.Situation sign can comprise the calling code of purpose and the priority of indicating call, or is used to indicate MCD or user's situation or the out of Memory of the required service of asking.Describe as following, TSP can utilize specific transmit identification to realize various purposes, comprises obtaining user or subscriber's accounts information, and for particular caller or the service of asking, suitable calling is assigned to suitable consultant.

Obtain call center telephone number in step 204, be associated with transmit identification, and be sent to MCD.Call center telephone number is used for being set to the audio call of described call center subsequently by MCD, it will be described together with step 206 in the back.Call center telephone number can be the interim individual session telephone number from the audio call appointment of MCD that is.By specifying specific telephone number to the specific call request, call center 122 can determine when receipt of call that who or what MCD calls out.This is favourable, because select and the particular telephone number of assigning can be at least in part obtains based on transmit identification and/or the out of Memory that receives in call request to call session.For example, when call request comprised indication and may need the calling code of emergency response service, this calling code can be used for selecting the telephone number that is associated with the advisory group of disposal emergency with specialized training.Perhaps, the calling code of indication request account or subscription service is for example kept accounts or plans to increase additional period to calling out, can be for the call center telephone number of selecting to be associated with the consultant who is fit to these requests of processing.

As another embodiment, comprise mobile device sign or user sign in call request, when it allows this user's accessing database to record, can be used for the selective call central telephone number from accessed user's information of described database.For example, (for example can obtain the specific language requirement of the user of storage in the user's record in database, say Spanish), and for the call center telephone number of selecting to be associated with the consultant who satisfies described language needs (for example, also saying Spanish).The language that this librarian use that just allows to assign the job identifies or geographically be positioned at the telephone number of call center of the country of the language that use identifies.As another embodiment, can check subscriber's Account Status (for example, stop or enjoy a good reputation), can come the designated call central telephone number based on described Account Status at least in part.

Except select interim call center telephone number with transmit identification or other additional data of sending together with call request, transmit identification and/or additional data also are used in when receiving the audio call of going to assigned number, and audio call route (connection) is arrived suitable consultant.Like this, for Account Status inspection above-mentioned, the calling that the hub facility call center receives can internally be routed to subscription service section, otherwise it is routed to training so that the consultant of subscription service to be provided when account's prestige is bad.Perhaps, can use caller's language requirement, not be to select and specify specific call center telephone number, but just it is routed in case receive audio call the consultant who satisfies described language requirement.For example, when employing the different consultant of different language in facility when the call center, this is useful.

The selection of occasional call central telephone number and appointment can also be based on other factorses, the geographical position of MCD for example, the positional information that sends by MCD or country or area code by the MCD telephone number obtain, perhaps by geographically resolving the dynamic IP addressing that is assigned to MCD.These geography information can be used in the call center telephone number that selection will assign, with for purposes such as minimum call costs.

Part or all whether use available call request and user/MCD data can rely on specific call center operator and determine.For example, when consultant may just when operating, described data available can be used for selecting specific consultant and described consultant's telephone number in independent position (for example, their individual dwelling house is outer).Then, when the audio call of described number is got back in the MCD setting, will be directly connected to the consultant in his or she family.But, when the call center that uses has employed many consultants, these consultants are all in same facility and when using certain internal telephone system, send to the assigned telephone number of MCD to be used for not to be the directly specific consultant of access, but usually call out this call center, then inter access is about the additional available information of user or user MCD, and additional information is used for determining appropriate consultant subsequently, and the described audio call of route is to that consultant.

In the calling of appointment, number can send through the data channel communication path and go back, and it can be the same communication path that sends call request and transmit identification thereof, can be perhaps independent communication path.Be understandable that, the technology that is used for sending telephone number can depend on described mobile unit technology used, comprises CDMA, GSM, UMTS, VoLTE etc.In this step, in one embodiment, mobile unit can send by the digital channel communication information confirms that response confirmation has received telephone number.

Yet implement, the telephone number of interim appointment is used at the audio call of step 206 foundation with the call center consultant by MCD.Described consultant can provide the service of wanting or need to caller (user) subsequently, and it may relate to transmission additional data or programming between MCD and TSP.This is just indicated by follow-up data.The particular data communication mode that uses can be selected based on the technology of supporting.For example, as shown, the bag data connect and can use together with the MCD that uses GSM, UMTS or VoLTE, and the MCD that SMS communicates by letter and can be used for above technology or be used for using CDMA.

Select interim (for example, single session) call center telephone number to complete by obtaining from the telephone number of pool of phone numbers.This can realize in data center or call center, for example by using call-center application 180 as shown in Figure 2.In one embodiment, select telephone number based on one or more standards, be included as telephone number that certain language requirement keeps, for the telephone number of emergency reservation etc.In another embodiment, select telephone number based on availability.Under any circumstance, in case selected a telephone number from available phone number pond, it just directly or by being associated with another data item has been set up and has sent the related of sign, and this another data item itself is associated with described transmit identification.As previously discussed, in certain embodiments, this related user of permission or MCD information are used for the audio call of route reception to the consultant who is fit to, and, the below will at length discuss, permission is provided for user or MCD information (for example from database 84) consultant that call routing arrives, thereby consultant can be in the described audio call described information of zero access at first.The Service delivery that this can help to accelerate to the user, the TSP that improves the user experiences.

In case voice-call termination, interim call center telephone number of assigning can be abandoned by MCD, and it is in the call center turns back to available phone number pond.

Forward now Fig. 4 to, it shows the second method that realization is communicated by letter with MCD.This method can start from the mode of identical from Fig. 3 (or different), and the call request that wherein sends comprises at least one transmit identification and possible additional data.This call request can by the data channel communication path for example packet switch connect to send.Therefore in this embodiment, the MCD telephone number sends as the part of call request, allows TSP with the direct callback MCD of described telephone number.Thus, this method relates to MCD and calls out initiation, and it in fact relates to the audio call of being initiated by the call center.If necessary, call request can be confirmed clearly; For example, indicate described call center to make a call in second at ensuing n by return data message.This point can be used for providing short time-window, and the call center is interior during it carries out callback to MCD, as a kind of mode that helps to confirm incoming call.Audio call can be arranged by consultant, or then is connected to suitable consultant by call center's Lookup protocol.In superincumbent method 200, transmit identification and/or the additional data that receives together with call request can be used for selecting appropriate consultant.In case set up the audio call with MCD, the service that just can needs are provided or want to the caller, as discussing about Fig. 3 before, session termination thereafter.

An advantage of mode shown in Figure 4 is for dynamically receiving the MCD telephone number carrying out the voice callback, rather than depends on the database lookup based on MCD sequence number or other sign.This is in the situation that the MCD telephone number may change because of the recent renewal of the data-base recording of equipment is useful.Can also eliminate the demand to TSP related when assigning telephone number to MCD.

Fig. 5 provides another more detailed explanation to method in Fig. 3, and wherein TSP data and voice call flow branching is that process by data center 120 and is processed by call center 122.This embodiment is the example how these call-flow are separated between two kinds of operations, but still has other possible execution mode, and those skilled in the art should know this point.In the embodiment of Fig. 5, when the call request that receives from MCD, the information (it may comprise the information about user MCD) that data center's access is associated with the user and send it to the call center for final consultant's use of processing described audio call.As shown in it, user's data send to the call center together with the calling code that is included at first in call request.It can be used for select telephone number of appointment send back to MCD, can also be provided for consultant and use when audio call begins, and makes beginning audio call and consultant obtain only to have between user's information very little or not delay.This helps acceleration to user's Service delivery, and improves consumer experience.Some user's information that come in handy at first at audio call are for user's name, account's subscription information or about information or the relative information of MCD.Like this, in vehicle telematics unit is used, comprise the manufacturer/model of user's name and the vehicles/time limit before audio call or in its information that offers at first consultant, make consultant to begin described session with familiar and friendly mode, for example " good afternoon, Mr. Simon.Your new Camaro how? "

As described above, when usage data channel communication path, can implement different embodiment, comprise and use PBX with ACD/CTI (automatic call distribution/computer telephone integration), and not use the said equipment.For example, when using the PBX/CTI structure, when data call enters data center, extract and/or use any authorization information possibility except transmit identification also non-essential, but postpone this processing procedure (for example, postponing the database lookup of user or MCD information) until after receiving audio call from the vehicles.Can be only that the data call that receives is assigned a telephone number from described pond (for example, by the transmit identification that receives), and described telephone number is sent it back the described vehicles.When call arrives, can use the out of Memory (call number from data call, the position) or use based on transmit identification or from the database lookup of the out of Memory of data call, and with its consultant's (for example, based on language preference) who determine to be fit to and/or the data the obtained consultant to receipt of call is provided.When being used for selecting consultant, calling can be switched subsequently to this consultant, and described data also are provided for described consultant.

As another example, for the TSP that does not use PBX and ACD/CTI framework, when caller data is called out arrival data center, transmit identification and/or can be used for selecting suitable consultant from the out of Memory of described data call, or from information itself or based on the database lookup of the described information of use.Consultant's telephone number returns to described MCD by data call subsequently.Then send the information of accessing and arrive the consultant who is fit to, this can or complete when MCD uses the telephone number of assigning that audio call is set afterwards.So, when receiving call, the information that described consultant just can obtain to want at the initial time of calling out.Because do not need PBX/CTI, described consultant needn't be physically located in the TSP facility, and the service from family or other position just can be provided, as long as described consultant can receive the voice communications versus data communications from MCD and data center in these positions.

Although possibility is very low, perhaps such situation can appear, call out and assigned the single session telephone number that is used by MCD in order to after audio call is set receiving primary data, call center's (perhaps without PBX structure person consultant) may receive another calling (from certain other caller) of the telephone number that use assigns, and described telephone number was to keep for the calling from these vehicles originally.A method that addresses this problem is to send interim little one number (such as 2 or 3 bit digital) to MCD by described data call, as replenishing of the telephone number that keeps for the audio call of session.Vehicles MCD utilizes the telephone number that offers the vehicles to be established to the call of call center, and also utilizes DTMF to send described one number.It is from correct equipment (because it sends to the described vehicles together with telephone number) that this one number will be confirmed to call out.Remaining processing procedure remains unchanged.In case confirm, described one number just can turn back in the number pond.Can select digital number in described one number based on the average call amount of call center.For example, if the average call amount is just enough with 3 numerals in one number so less than 900.Be little value by keeping interim one number of assigning, the time delay that is caused by DTMF just can keep less.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the assigned telephone number that returns from data center of calling out and receiving from the RCD primary data by using, can automatically realize for the confirmation of the some of calling out RCD and/or user.And in order to increase checking, dtmf signaling can wanted or need in situation for some embodiment.

Each embodiment discussed above can also be used for voice communications versus data communications can be realized on many generation techniques of radio communication (for example honeycomb), and can be in different, technical realization that vie each other.And, being understandable that, described method allows to carry out data communication with TSP, and need to not use digital modems on voice channel connects, and switches back and forth more needed technology when therefore having avoided audio call between data and speech pattern.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, method shown in Fig. 3-5 can be realized by specific machine, wherein each uses processor, memory and is kept at program command on memory, carry out instruction by processor, thereby described specific machine can be realized at least a portion of above open method.For example, RCD, no matter it is vehicle telematics unit, portable cellular phone or other wireless or wireline equipment, can comprise memory and the radio communication circuit of processor, programming, and it is special-purpose to the software application that some is programmed in memory that this circuit makes described RCD.Similarly, TSP facility 20 relates to private server 82, database 84 and other special equipment, and this equipment is that its purposes and function are all special in specific wireless service.Memory used can be computer-readable memory, comprises non-volatile data storage, and its power supply that does not need to continue just can be preserved program wherein; Example comprises NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM), the ROM (read-only memory) of flash memory and other type; Semiconductor memory, for example EPROM (erasable, programming ROM), EEPROM (electronics is erasable, programming ROM), disk or CD or tape; And/or other analog.

Being understandable that, is more than the description to one or more embodiment of the present invention.The present invention is not limited to specific embodiment disclosed herein, but by the unique definition of following claim.In addition, the statement that comprises in above description only relates to specific embodiment, can not be interpreted as the restriction to the term definition that uses in the scope of the invention or claim, unless in above content, term or phrase are had definition clearly.Various other embodiment and be clearly for a person skilled in the art to the variations and modifications of the disclosed embodiments.All these other embodiment, variation and modification all should be included in the scope of claim subsequently.

The term that uses in this specification and claim " for example ", " for instance ", " such as ", " as " and " similarly ", and verb " comprises ", " having ", " comprising " and other verb form thereof, when it uses together with the enumerating of one or more assemblies or other project, it is interpreted as open implication, mean described enumerate can not think to have got rid of other, add ons or project.Other term is interpreted as its widest rational meaning, unless the context at its place requires it is carried out different explanations.

Claims (10)

1. method of using telecommunication equipment to realize communication comprises the following steps:

(a) usage data channel communication path sends transmit identification from telecommunication equipment (RCD);

(b) receive at described RCD remote information processing service provider (TSP) telephone number that is associated with described transmit identification subsequently;

(c) utilize described telephone number, set up the calling from described RCD to described TSP.

2. the method for claim 1, wherein transmit identification comprises remote device identification, user ID, situation sign or its combination in any.

3. method as claimed in claim 2, wherein step (a) further comprises by the data channel communication path, sends the call request that comprises described transmit identification and one or more additional data items.

4. the method for claim 1, wherein RCD comprises mobile communication equipment (MCD), wherein MCD comprises processor, can and be stored in program command on memory by the memory of processor access, when processor is carried out instruction, make MCD completing steps (a) to (c).

5. method as claimed in claim 4, wherein MCD comprise with the vehicles on the telematics unit that communicates of vehicle system modules, the described method that is wherein realized when the execution of program instructions by processor further comprises, in step (a), receive the step of information from described vehicle system modules, and the step of passing through the described information of data channel communication path transmission.

6. method as claimed in claim 4, wherein MCD comprise with the vehicles on the telematics unit that communicates of vehicle system modules, the described method that is wherein realized when the execution of program instructions by processor further comprises, in step (c) afterwards, receive the step of information from vehicle system modules, and connect by the data of setting up afterwards in step (b) step that sends described information.

7. the method for claim 1, further comprise, in step (b) before, carries out following steps at the hub facility place: from TSP can with pool of phone numbers obtain telephone number.

8. the method for claim 1, further comprise, in step (b) before, use one or more hub facilities to carry out following steps: to obtain from subscriber's account that TSP keeps the information that is associated with transmit identification, the call connection of having set up is arrived consultant, and provide this information to consultant.

9. telecommunication equipment comprises:

Teleprocessing equipment, possess processor, can be by memory and the cellular communication circuit of processor access, wherein memory comprises and can by processor access and the program command of carrying out, make teleprocessing equipment realize method claimed in claim 1.

10. a computer-readable memory, comprise non-volatile data storage, wherein stored executable program instructions, when the processor of telecommunication equipment is carried out described program command, makes the processor operation realize method claimed in claim 1.

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