EP1076979A1 - Persönliches informationssystem - Google Patents

Persönliches informationssystem

Info

Publication number
EP1076979A1
EP1076979A1 EP99914739A EP99914739A EP1076979A1 EP 1076979 A1 EP1076979 A1 EP 1076979A1 EP 99914739 A EP99914739 A EP 99914739A EP 99914739 A EP99914739 A EP 99914739A EP 1076979 A1 EP1076979 A1 EP 1076979A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
telephone
information
database
user
personal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99914739A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Ehud Sarig
Ofer Danino
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Syncpal Ltd
Original Assignee
SYNERGETICS Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SYNERGETICS Ltd filed Critical SYNERGETICS Ltd
Publication of EP1076979A1 publication Critical patent/EP1076979A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/26—Devices for calling a subscriber
    • H04M1/27—Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously
    • H04M1/271—Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously controlled by voice recognition
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/26—Devices for calling a subscriber
    • H04M1/27—Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously
    • H04M1/274—Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously with provision for storing more than one subscriber number at a time, e.g. using toothed disc
    • H04M1/2745—Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously with provision for storing more than one subscriber number at a time, e.g. using toothed disc using static electronic memories, e.g. chips
    • H04M1/275—Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously with provision for storing more than one subscriber number at a time, e.g. using toothed disc using static electronic memories, e.g. chips implemented by means of portable electronic directories
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/487—Arrangements for providing information services, e.g. recorded voice services or time announcements
    • H04M3/493—Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals
    • H04M3/4931—Directory assistance systems

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to dedicated personal information systems, especially for telephone numbers and in particular to personal information systems which are integrated with telephone usage.
  • a "white pages” book contains a complete listing, by alphabetical order of all the telephone numbers.
  • a “yellow pages” book contains commercial listings, by a subject index and also includes some promotional material. A typical household may have several pounds of paper, which may need to be replaced periodically.
  • a system is adapted to be used in dirty and/or crowded environments, such as a kitchen.
  • the system is enclosed in a moisture resistant housing and/or is coated with a moisture-resistant coating.
  • the system has a small footprint and/or is flat and sturdy so that it can be stacked and/or mounted on a wall.
  • An object of some preferred embodiments of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus which allow a user to easily enter telephone related information, using a minimum of effort and, preferably, to assist the user in conveying the information, once entered, to different locations.
  • the apparatus may be used to control various telephone services, such as voice-mail, in a friendlier manner than possible using IVR (interactive voice response).
  • the apparatus may be integrated with a telephone company service installation.
  • An object of some preferred embodiments of the invention is to provide various services at a telephone interchange, preferably using a standard telephone as the interface.
  • the services include the storage of personal database information.
  • the system includes a personalized information database ("personal database”) and a preferably large externally provided information database (“external database”).
  • One aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to applying a single search to both the personal database and to the external database.
  • An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention is the utilization of a dedicated system.
  • a dedicated system When using a general propose computer or even a personal organizer, a user must perform some sort of prelude activity, before starting the search. This activity may include running a program, switching between active windows, selecting a function, etc.
  • a dedicated system is configured so that any input is applied immediately towards performing a search.
  • An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the present invention relates to a particular hardware architecture for a dedicated personal information retrieval system.
  • a dedicated personal information retrieval system includes a mass-storage medium and a central processing unit (CPU), but does not comprise a bus connecting the two.
  • the mass storage medium is controlled by a second CPU which is preferably directly connected to the first CPU, preferably, using I/O ports on the CPU.
  • the first CPU is used to control a display and a data input device, such as a keyboard and/or a touch-screen.
  • the external database is stored on the mass-storage medium.
  • the personal database is stored in a flash memory and/or in some other type of electronic random access memory.
  • the mass-storage medium is a removable mass-storage medium, such as a CD-ROM.
  • the updating is automatic.
  • the updating of the information requires a user acknowledgment.
  • each updated piece of information requires an acknowledgment.
  • the entire update requires only a single acknowledgment.
  • the update is performed by automatically downloading information from a remote service provider.
  • a remote service provider Preferably, such updating is limited only to the personal database.
  • the updating may include the external database or portions thereof.
  • the updated information is requested by the dedicated information system.
  • the sending of information is initiated by the remote service provider.
  • data updates are based on a subscription to general data updates from a remote service provider.
  • the data updates may be based on a previously requested update profile. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, only particular groups of entries in the database are automatically updated.
  • An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention is related to annotation of the external database.
  • the personal database contains a pointer to the external database.
  • the additional information is preferably stored in the personal database, separate from the external database.
  • the pointed-to information is also copied to the personal database, in case the external database is removed.
  • each entry in the external database is assigned a unique identifier, so that the entry will be identifiable even if the entity referred to by the name changes its name, address or even its telephone number.
  • an automatic annotation is made to the entry, which annotation indicates the original content of the entry.
  • An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates to data entry using the system.
  • various appliances and/or products are shipped with a CD-ROM (or other electronically or optically readable media).
  • This CD-ROM preferably includes information for contacting repair services for the
  • the dedicated information system is used for viewing the user operation manuals for the appliance.
  • the dedicated information system is connected to a computer.
  • a computer When a CD-ROM is inserted into the CD-ROM reader, data is preferably read from the CD-ROM and uploaded to the computer.
  • the computer updates the dedicated system.
  • the computer is connected to the dedicated information system using a serial port.
  • the serial port is used to control and/or download information to and/or from the dedicated information system.
  • the dedicated information system is connected on a telephone line which is connected to the computer.
  • the system is connected between the computer and a wall outlet, alternatively, the two are connected in parallel to a common telephone line.
  • the system may be connected to one or more peripherals, preferably using a serial connection and/or a wireless connection, such as IR.
  • the peripherals are used for input and/or output.
  • a search is performed by matching the various entries to search criteria, and presenting the entries in order of their match quality.
  • the search criteria comprise a prefix of words in the database entries.
  • the first shown matches are those that were recently used.
  • the matches shown first are those which are in the near geographical area and/or some chosen geographical area.
  • the matching corrects spelling errors and/or takes into account different possible renditions of phonetically similar words.
  • the search mechanism automatically completes words.
  • correction and/or completion of words takes into account characteristics of the human auditory system, for example, a user might not remember if the word is "shira" or "mira".
  • a user might not remember if the word is "shira" or "mira”.
  • the system learns a particular user's error pattern and chooses matches and/or makes corrections based on the pattern.
  • An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates to various types of output from the dedicated information system.
  • data is outputted on a display, preferably an LCD display.
  • the size of the font used for display is selectable so that it fits the need of vision- impaired individuals.
  • the dedicated information system includes a dialer which dials a selected telephone number.
  • the dialer may include one or more of ISDN dialing, acoustic dialing and POTS analog dialing.
  • the dedicated information system can convert stored information into speech patterns, so that it can read-out (audible) telephone numbers, addresses and other associated information.
  • An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates to queue management.
  • a user can set the dedicated information system to dial a list of entries, generated as a result of a search and/or as a result of a manual selection.
  • the dedicated information system includes a telephone handset which can be used for a telephone conversation.
  • the system lists all the entries which have been called.
  • the user can annotate the queue various information regarding these entries, for example, price (business list) or response to invitation (party list).
  • An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates to using a dedicated information system to improve various telephony services.
  • incoming voice mail messages are displayed including personal information relating to the caller.
  • persons who leave voice mail may be automatically entered into the personal database and/or provided to a user for annotation.
  • the voice-mail messages are accessed non-sequentially.
  • e-mail messages may be read-out by a telephony service provider.
  • the telephony service provider will not be the telephone service operator.
  • voice mail services may be provided by a private operator.
  • the IVR server downloads data which the dedicated information system can display as menus and/or as information additional to what is presented audibly.
  • such information is multiplexed on the telephone conversation signal.
  • a separate telephone line may be used for this purpose.
  • the call is initiated from the data line so that the two calls are synchronized.
  • the TVR provider uses caller ID information to identify a data call and an TVR call as a single client.
  • a special code is provided to allow either to the data call or to the IVR call to be conferenced with the other conversation and create the synchronization.
  • the calls are made using two or more channels on an ISDN line.
  • some of the data packets transmitted to the telephone may include information to be displayed, which information preferably relates to an TVR conversation.
  • An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates to carrier wave information transfer.
  • information which is transmitted by carrier wave (such as caller LD information) is stored in the personal database. Additionally or alternatively, when displaying such information, a portion or all of a data record associated with the caller may be displayed. Additionally or alternatively, when a user calls up a directory service, the service calls back with the requested information being transmitted on a carrier wave.
  • this information is used to update the personal database.
  • the personal database is automatically updated.
  • the information may include "name" and "address", as well as "telephone number”. Alternatively or additionally, the information can include generated information, for example calling statistics.
  • a user can request only information associated with a number.
  • the user calls up a directory service, provides a telephone number, other identifying information or search criteria and receives the associated information by return carrier wave or other methods described herein.
  • the user dials the number to be requested, so the process can be semi-automatic or even completely automatic (if the information system performs the dialing itself, for telephone numbers for which it requires information).
  • a carrier wave indication is transmitted to a dedicated system by a service provider and/or by the telephone company when there is data
  • Such an indication may be used for e-mail, for external database updates, for personal database updates and/or for other information. Additionally or alternatively, a dedicated system can "answer" such a signal by answering the incoming call after or within a predetermined number of rings.
  • the downloaded information and/or the carrier wave signal are preferably originated at the telephone company.
  • the external database is not locally stored at the system. Rather, the external database is accessed by a remote connection. Alternatively or additionally, the annotations and/or the personal database are also remotely stored. Alternatively or additionally, the search itself is performed at the remote location. Generally however, the search criteria will be provided at the dedicated information system.
  • the personal database is stored at a remote location.
  • the personal database is stored at a telephony service provider, which may or may not be the provider of the telephone service itself.
  • the external database may be stored at the dedicated information system, at the same service provider or at a different service provider. In some preferred embodiments of the invention, more than one external database is provided, possibly each being stored at a different location.
  • an additional personal database may be stored at the dedicated information system.
  • One advantage of the personal database being stored at the service provider is that a user can use the personal database from any location and is not required to carry it around. This is especially useful for cellular telephone users and/or for users who are mobile and move from location to location.
  • An advantage of some preferred embodiments of the invention is that the personal database and its functionality can be accessed using a standard telephone.
  • an enhanced interface is available if a dedicated information system, such as described above, having a keyboard and/or a display, is used.
  • a dedicated information system such as described above, having a keyboard and/or a display
  • an ISDN telephone may be used.
  • data and/or instructions are entered using the telephone keypad.
  • the information is entered using the letter codes (three for each number).
  • an IVR interface is used.
  • the information is entered using voice input.
  • voice recognition for a single user and/or limited subject matter is within the current state of the art.
  • voice prints of the user are stored with his personal database. In a preferred embodiments of the invention, such voice prints are used as a user identification scheme to
  • An advantage of some preferred embodiments of the invention is that fewer components need to be purchased by a user in order to operate a service provided from a remote location as compared to a computer and/or a full-fledged dedicated information system.
  • An advantage of some preferred embodiments of the invention is that there is a smaller (than other embodiments) amount of information transmitted between the service provider and the user's dedicated information system.
  • the personal database may be updated by and at the telephone operator.
  • such information may be transmitted from the telephone service operator to a personal database service provider.
  • the personal database can be directly updated.
  • a user can instruct the telephone service operator to perform telephone operations, such as queue management, returning telephone calls, creating telephone conferences and call-back, by providing instructions relating to the personal database.
  • the user instructs the telephone service operator to call up entries one through six.
  • the user asks the service operator to call up a person at one of his plurality of possible telephone numbers.
  • such instructions are performed using key commands, voice commands, TVR or a remote computer connection, such as via the Internet, possibly using the WWW or e-mail.
  • such commands may be provided using a human operator.
  • An advantage of the proximity between the telephone service provider and the personal database is the possibility of automatic updates of the personal database when information changes in the telephone service provider's database. Alternatively or additionally, such information is changed only when an attempt is made to call up a changed number. Preferably a user is prompted before changing. Such prompts are preferably provided as voice messages.
  • a user can order reports from the personal database provider.
  • one of these reports is a personal telephone book which can be generated from the personal database.
  • Such reports may optionally be delivered by e-mail.
  • the personal database can be updated by user entry of data and/or deletion of data.
  • a user can update the database by e-mail.
  • a data-file such as from a computer database, may be uploaded using a modem.
  • data may be uploaded using a modem.
  • a user can send an update from his personal database to another user's personal database.
  • a user can send a special "business card" to another user's personal database.
  • a user can send information to another user's personal database, while in the middle of a conversation, by dialing numbers on the telephone keyboard.
  • a special code is used to avoid inadvertent data entry.
  • a set of entries may be transmitted from a personal database to another user's personal database, for example to maintain telephone listings of classmates.
  • a person who is mobile can send his current telephone number to personal databases of people who may desire to contact him.
  • the people can retrieve the number from the person's personal database.
  • security measures and/or access limitations are preferably applied to portions of the personal database, so that an outside agency will not corrupt them. Such limitations may include who is allowed to update, read, add and/or delete, which portions of the database. Preferably, there are several portions of the database, each one with a different security level.
  • the above methods of updating a personal database may also be used to download information from a personal database.
  • an e-mail request may include a query to be performed on the personal database.
  • a personal database and/or a dedicated information system may be contacted to put together a conference call to a certain group.
  • a person can call up his personal database or his dedicated information system from a remote location and ask to be called back and/or put in contact with a particular entry.
  • many of the above applications can utilize a dedicated information system instead of or in addition to a remote personal database.
  • using a dedicated personal system for these applications may require an additional telephone line and/or increased data traffic.
  • many of the applications described herein with reference to a dedicated information system can also be performed if the personal database is stored at a remote location and if the device which performs the various functions is actually part of the telephone switching network.
  • An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates to generating information or an information update for a personal database from CDRs (call data records) which are accumulated by a telephone service provider and/or a PBX.
  • CDRs call data records
  • fake CDR records are generated for in-coming calls, by analysis of caller LD information and or by analyzing CDRs of the callers.
  • the association of CDR records with a particular extension number in a PBX is determined by matching the CDR records with call records stored at the PBX.
  • An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates to combined Internet and telephony services.
  • a user can perform searches and/or select persons to be contacted. Then, the Internet is used to instruct the telephone company to connect the call and/or a conference.
  • a user can instruct the telephone company to perform certain activities if the connection is unavailable (e.g., busy, not answering), for example, leaving a message.
  • a method of telephone number entry comprising: dialing a telephone number on a telephone line, to make a telephone connection; automatically detecting and storing said telephone number by an information system, in a personal database which detecting and storing is controllable by a person who performs said dialing; and associating the telephone number with information relating to the telephone number, for said storage which information exists in an external database.
  • said information system eavesdrops on said telephone line.
  • said call is placed through said information system.
  • said storing comprises storing additional information in association with said telephone number.
  • said information system is integrated with a telephone company through which the call is routed.
  • said information system is a stand-alone device.
  • said external database is integrated with a telephone company through which the call is routed and said method comprises requesting said information from the telephone company by said information system.
  • said information is transferred by carrier wave.
  • said method comprises matching said telephone number to said personal database and requesting said information only if said match fails.
  • said method comprises prompting a user whether to request said information and requesting said information responsive to said user's response to said prompt.
  • said telephone company sends said information only if a user pre-dials a data-request code.
  • said dialing is detected by a DTMF receiver.
  • said dialing is performed while the telephone line is active.
  • said dialing is performed by the initiator of the call for which the line is active.
  • said dialing is performed by the receiver of the call for which the line is active.
  • a method of telephone number entry comprising: dialing in to a telephone line to make a telephone connection, wherein the originating telephone number is provided by a carrier wave; automatically detecting and storing said telephone number, in a personal database, by an information system which eavesdrops on the telephone line, which detecting and storing is controllable by a person who performs said dialing; and associating the telephone number with information relating to the telephone number, for said storage which information exists in an external database.
  • a method of telephone number entry comprising: making a telephone connection, wherein one of the parties is a particular telephone line having a telephone number; associating the telephone number with information relating to the telephone number; and a telephone company automatically detecting and storing said telephone number and information associated with said telephone number, in a personal database associated with said telephone line, which detecting and storing is controllable by a person who is party to said call;
  • the method comprises displaying said information, during said call.
  • said user controls said storing by setting storage logic options.
  • said user sets said storage options via an Internet.
  • said user sets said storage options via a WWW browser.
  • a method of telephone number entry comprising: dialing a directory information service to make a telephone connection, on a telephone line to determine a telephone number; and
  • said directory service is a voice service which provides a voice output of the telephone number.
  • said information system comprises a speech recognizer.
  • said information system is integrated with said directory information service and wherein said storing is at said information system.
  • said directory information service mixes computer understandable information with said voice output.
  • said computer information is transferred in a burst mode, without a carrier wave.
  • said computer understandable information is provided after the voice output.
  • said computer understandable information is provided before the voice output.
  • said telephone number is provided by carrier wave after said dialing.
  • said telephone number is provided by carrier wave after said dialing only if requested by a user.
  • said automatically detecting and storing comprises matching said number against said personal database and storing said number only if said number is not in said database.
  • said automatically detecting and storing comprises prompting a user if to store said number and storing said number responsive to said prompt.
  • said automatically detecting and storing comprises storing said number only if a user dialed a special store-request code.
  • storing comprises: matching said number with information; displaying said number and said information to a user; and storing said number responsive to the user's response.
  • said storing said number comprises storing said matched information.
  • said automatically detecting and storing comprises storing only a single copy of said number.
  • automatically detecting and storing comprises storing during said telephone connection.
  • automatically detecting and storing comprises storing after said telephone connection.
  • automatically detecting and storing comprises analyzing CDR records of said telephone line.
  • automatically detecting and storing comprises analyzing CDR records of other telephone lines.
  • a method of dial code selection comprising:
  • the method comprises receiving an "add to list" command from said user, regarding said telephone number, to prompt said storing.
  • the method comprises automatically detecting said number using a DTMF receiver.
  • the method comprises automatically detecting said number based on a second user calling said first user.
  • the method comprises printing a list of said numbers and said shortened dial codes.
  • a method of data entry into a personal database associated with a telephone line and stored at a telephone company which services said line, comprising: automatically detecting requests for connection to another telephone number on said line; and adding said another telephone number to said database.
  • said requests comprise an incoming call.
  • said requests comprise an outgoing call.
  • said requests comprise an incoming call which left a message on a voice mailbox.
  • a method of automatically updating telephone information in a system comprising: providing a computer media reader and a database of telephone numbers; inserting a computer readable storage medium into the reader; and automatically updating, using a computer, a plurality of individual records in said database, utilizing information read from said medium by said reader, wherein said storage medium comprises an externally maintained database and wherein said database of telephone numbers of said system comprises a personal database.
  • said personal database comprises annotations to records in said externally maintained database.
  • a method of automatically updating telephone information in a system comprising: providing a computer media reader and a database of telephone numbers; and inserting a computer readable storage medium into the reader; and automatically updating, using a computer, a plurality of individual records in said database, utilizing information read from said medium by said reader, wherein said
  • information in said medium comprises records associated with a particular service and wherein said personal database comprises records associated with a plurality of services.
  • said system comprises a general purpose computer.
  • said system comprises a dedicated personal information system.
  • a method of personal telephone database management comprising:
  • the method comprises generating pseudo CDRs for incoming calls and using said pseudo CDRs to generate or update a personal database.
  • said pseudo CDRs are generated by analyzing CDRs of other telephone lines.
  • said pseudo CDRs are generated by analyzing caller LD data, when calls are made.
  • the method comprises querying a telephone company for a list of telephone lines which called the particular line.
  • the method comprises filtering said CDRs before said associating.
  • the method comprises filtering said CDRs after said associating.
  • said updating comprises updating a personal database at said telephone company.
  • said updating comprises transmitting a database update to a user.
  • said updating comprises generating a personal database.
  • said updating comprises generating an update for an existing personal database.
  • the method comprises matching said CDRs against call records from a PBX, to associate CDRs with a particular extension of said PBX.
  • the method comprises associating "add- to-list" commands with said CDRs.
  • the method comprises marking a CDR responsive to an "add-to-list" command received in association with a call which generates the
  • a method of call data record (CDR) marking comprising: receiving, at a telephone company, a command is associated with a telephone call that is received from one of the parties of said call; and annotating a CDR associated with said call, responsive to said command.
  • said command comprises an "add-to-list" command.
  • receiving comprises receiving via an Internet connection.
  • receiving comprises receiving via a dedicated telephone connection.
  • said command is received just prior to said telephone connection.
  • said command is received during said telephone connection.
  • said command is received just after said telephone connection.
  • receiving comprises receiving via a telephone connection of said call.
  • a method of personal database management comprising: providing an external database of telephone numbers; maintaining a database of annotations of records in the external database; and automatically generating annotations in said database of annotations responsive to a telephone call usage pattern of individual telephone numbers.
  • a method of personal database management comprising: providing an external database of telephone numbers; and maintaining a database of annotations of records in the external database, wherein said annotations comprise links to records in the external database.
  • said external database is removable. Alternatively or additionally, said external database is located at a remote location.
  • a method of database maintenance for a personal database of telephone numbers stored at a telephone company comprising: providing a second database at said telephone company; and transferring information from said second database to said personal database.
  • a method of database maintenance, for a database of personal telephone numbers stored at a telephone company for a telephone subscriber comprising: providing information for updating said database; and electronically uploading said information, by said telephone subscriber, to said telephone company; and updating said database using said uploaded information.
  • electronically uploading comprises sending e-mail.
  • electronically uploading comprises uploading via an interactive Internet connection.
  • the method comprises retrieving information from said database using a second electronic connection.
  • said retrieving uses a same connection type as said uploading.
  • said information comprises information to be stored in said personal database.
  • said information comprises instructions for automatic personal database generation or updating.
  • a method of database maintenance for a personal database of telephone numbers stored at a telephone company, comprising: generating a request to download information from said personal database; transmitting said request to said telephone company electronically downloading said information from said personal database.
  • said electronic downloading comprises downloading directly into a cellular telephone.
  • said request comprises a request for only a portion of the database.
  • said request comprises a sorting order.
  • a method of managing a voice mailbox stored at a telephone company comprising: listing incoming messages on a display associated with a telephone subscriber and remote from said telephone company; and selectively listening to one of said incoming messages.
  • the method comprises sending, via carrier wave, elements of said list.
  • said elements comprise an originating telephone number associated with a message on said voice mailbox.
  • said messages comprises e-mail messages.
  • said listening comprises reading out an e-mail message by said telephone company.
  • said messages comprises voice messages.
  • a method of requesting information comprising: dialing an information-provision system to obtain information; hanging up after said dialing; and sending information, by carrier wave, directly to an information system for which the information was obtained, after said hanging up.
  • said information provision system comprises a voice-information provision system.
  • said information provision system comprises an IVR-information provision system.
  • the method comprises requesting information from said information provision
  • said dialing acts as an information request from said information provision system.
  • the method comprises receiving a voice response from said information provision system.
  • said voice response is provided during a call initiated by said dialing.
  • said voice response is provided during a call-back call.
  • a personal database component integrated with a telephone interchange comprising: a telephone interchange; a database including a plurality of entries for telephone numbers and associated information, integrated with said interchange; and an association of said database with at least two different telephone numbers.
  • said at least two different telephone numbers are used by a single user.
  • a single database is associated with fewer than twenty telephone numbers.
  • a method of creating a telephone book comprising: automatically detecting a plurality of telephone numbers for a plurality of telephone calls, including both incoming and outgoing calls for at least one telephone number, by a telephone interchange through which said calls are routed; a user selecting which of said numbers to store; and generating a database including said numbers.
  • the method comprises generating a telephone book containing only those selected numbers.
  • the method comprises printing said book.
  • said numbers are associated with information and printing said book comprises printing a book including said numbers and said information.
  • a method of interactive voice response comprising: vocalizing a menu during a telephone connection; transmitting non-voice data associated with said menu during said telephone connection, to an initiator of said telephone conversation; and receiving an input from a user indicating a choice responsive to said transmitted data.
  • said vocalized menu and said data are multiplex on a single telephone connection.
  • said data is transmitted in burst mode.
  • a method of information search comprising:
  • the externally maintained database is locally stored.
  • the externally maintained database is remotely stored.
  • the personal database is stored at a remote location from where the search criteria is provided.
  • the personal database is locally stored.
  • the external database is at least 100 times as large as the personal database.
  • said personal database comprises a plurality of personal databases.
  • at least two of said plurality of personal databases are stored at different locations from each other.
  • said externally maintained database comprises a plurality of databases.
  • at least two of said plurality of externally maintained databases are stored at different locations from each other.
  • matching comprises matching first against records in a cache.
  • said cache comprises telephone numbers for a particular geographical location. Altematively or additionally, said cache comprises recently used telephone numbers. Alternatively or additionally, said cache comprises frequently used numbers.
  • said matching is limited to a certain geographical location.
  • the method comprises ordering said list of search results.
  • said ordering comprises ordering by frequency of connection with said numbers.
  • said ordering comprises ordering by a geographical criteria.
  • a dedicated information system consisting essentially of: a mass storage device comprising a database of telephone numbers; an input means for entering search criteria; and a central processing unit, which performs searches on said telephone numbers; and an output means for displaying results of said searches, wherein said mass storage device is directly connected, without a bus, to said central processing unit.
  • a dedicated information system comprising:
  • a memory comprising a first database of telephone numbers; a removable mass-storage media comprising a second database of telephone numbers; an input for entering search criteria, for searching said databases; and a display for displaying search results, wherein, said system requires no prelude input to enter search criteria.
  • said system includes a cache comprising a database of geographically related telephone numbers.
  • a method of delivery tracking comprising: detecting an incoming telephone number on an incoming call, which telephone number is provided by carrier wave; retrieving a record of information associated with said telephone number; printing said associated information unto a printable substrate; and attaching said printable substrate to an object who delivery is required.
  • the method comprises delivering said object, responsive to said associated information printed on said attached printable substrate.
  • said information is stored in an externally maintained database.
  • said information is stored in a personal database.
  • an information system comprising: a mass storage device, comprising an externally maintained database; a memory comprising a personal database; a docking station for connecting electronic organizers to the system; and a processing unit which downloads information from said databases to said docking station, to update an organizer.
  • said docking station comprises a network connection and wherein a plurality of organizers are connected to said network.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a dedicated information system in accordance with a prefe ⁇ ed embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the connection between a dedicated information system and outside devices, in accordance with some prefe ⁇ ed embodiments of the invention
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a configuration in which a personal database is located at a telephone service provider.
  • Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method of generating personal database information from CDRs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a dedicated information system 10, in accordance with a prefe ⁇ ed embodiment of the invention.
  • System 10 preferably includes a mass storage unit 16, preferably a removable media, such as a CD-ROM, a DVD or a flash card.
  • Storage unit 16 preferably has stored thereon a database including externally provided information, such as names, telephone numbers, addresses, e-mail addresses, WWW addresses and/or other personal information.
  • the database is preferably organized in the form of records, each record associated with a particular individual.
  • System 10 preferably also includes a memory unit 14, which has stored thereon a personalized database, typically several orders of magnitude smaller in size and/or number of entries than the external database.
  • the personal database also comprises records similar to those of the external database.
  • the personal database may also be stored thereon.
  • records in either one or both of the databases may be grouped and/or indexed by affiliation, such as by belonging to a particular social circle or a corporation. An individual may belong to more than one affiliation.
  • system 10 includes a CPU
  • a single search command performs the same search in both databases so that only a single set of search results is shown to a user.
  • the search results from both databases are shown together, however, in some prefe ⁇ ed embodiments of the invention, the search results may be sorted in order of the database from which they originate and/or may be marked to indicate their origination.
  • each matched entry is assigned a hit value, which indicates its relative importance/match quality and/or relevance.
  • mass-storage unit 16 is controlled by a dedicated storage controller 18, which controller is directly connected to CPU
  • the dedicated storage controller is a "smart" storage controller which accepts high-level commands, such as queries, from the CPU and transmits the results of the queries to the CPU.
  • the controller is a low-level controller which accepts seek commands.
  • the controller is connected to the CPU using input-output ports on the CPU.
  • the CPU comprises one or more ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), preferably programmable ASICs.
  • ASICs application specific integrated circuits
  • Programming instructions are preferably stored in flash memory, in battery backed-up static RAM and/or using other method known in the art.
  • an entry may be made into the personal database by selecting a record in the external database.
  • a pointer to the record in the external database is stored in the personal database.
  • the information in the personal database is also changed.
  • the information in the personal database is automatically updated, since the pointer now points to updated information.
  • the user is asked whether to update the data.
  • each entry in the extemal database is assigned a unique identifier, so that it is possible to match an old pointer to a new entry even if the name, address and/or telephone number of the entity associated with the entry have been changed.
  • the user can annotate information in the extemal database, such as to co ⁇ ect e ⁇ ors or add information.
  • this annotation is achieved by an entry in the personal database pointing to an entry in the external database.
  • system 10 includes a display 22 to display the search results and an input device 20 to enter search criteria and/or select different functions of system 10.
  • the display is a flat panel display, such as an LCD display.
  • the input device is preferably a small alphanumeric keyboard.
  • the display is touch sensitive so that a user can indicate a selection by touching the screen. Additionally or altematively, the user may enter data by touching displayed
  • the display may recognize handwriting and or a separate handwriting input may be provided.
  • graphical annotations of records is possible.
  • the display is used to display a geographical and/or a schematic map on which the results of a search may be indicated.
  • a user may select a portion of a displayed map to indicate a geographical region to which the search should be limited.
  • a user may enter such a geographical limitation by entering an allowed aerial distance, road distance and or driving distance for a particular location and/or region.
  • the dedicated information system may include a DTMF detector which can recognize telephone dialing of key-pad numbers.
  • the system is maintained in a standby-for- search mode.
  • any key e.g., letter
  • the search is key-word based and any letter which is entered is appended to the previously entered data.
  • entering "A" will generate all those entries in which the given name and/or family name start with an "A”.
  • the search results are displayed as soon as the data is entered, without waiting for a user to press a special "search" key.
  • Entering a "D” will limit the displayed results to those which start with an “AD”. Further entering "AM” will limit the search to those names which start “ADAM”. Entering a space preferably indicates the start of a new keyword.
  • the search results will be limited to those entries which contain the words "ADAM” and "EVE”. Such entries may include “Adam and Eve, Garden of Eden, Earth 555-1212” and also "Eve Smith, 5 Adam Blvd., Anyville 555-2121".
  • the user may also enter modifiers which can be used, for example, to require all the words to appear (AND), to allow any one of the words to appear (OR), to force an order on the search results, to allow wildcards or to force a match to a particular field of the data record.
  • modifiers which can be used, for example, to require all the words to appear (AND), to allow any one of the words to appear (OR), to force an order on the search results, to allow wildcards or to force a match to a particular field of the data record.
  • a "clear" button and a "backspace” button are also provided, so that a user can clear a search and/or erase a previously entered letter.
  • one or more buttons is provided for choosing which databases take part in the search.
  • words (for the search) can be entered in any order.
  • the entered text and the co ⁇ ected and/or completed text are displayed using different colors.
  • the search can also include numbers, such as telephone numbers and/or any information which is stored in the personal database.
  • a search may be
  • a single individual may have more than one telephone number.
  • different records that are associated with a single individual are linked together.
  • the personal database stores communication statistics including not only which telephone number was called but also the aggregate number of times a particular individual was called, using any of his telephone numbers.
  • the system parses the entered query.
  • the system supports natural language entry.
  • the system matches each part of the entry to one or more templates of address formats, so that the meaning of each part of the entered data is clear.
  • the search results are stored in a search cache and or entered into the personal database.
  • search results are stored only if there is a small number of them and/or if they were actually used for calling.
  • a user may annotate it at his leisure.
  • the user will be prompted to add annotation, keep the record and/or erase the record.
  • system 10 includes a speaker 24, which may be used to generate responses to user input. Altematively or additionally, the speaker may be used to read out certain selected entries and/or to provide interactive help in operating the system. Other possible uses of the speaker are described below.
  • system 10 includes a microphone 26.
  • the microphone is used to enter voice annotations.
  • the microphone may be used to enter voice commands.
  • the natural language queries are entered using a voice mechanism.
  • the voice recognition in some prefe ⁇ ed embodiments of the invention may greatly facilitated by two factors: (a) the subject (and/or the syntax) is limited; and (b) most voice inputs should co ⁇ espond to entries in one of the databases.
  • any voice input is repeated back to the user, so he can assess whether the system understood him.
  • the system will ask the user to repeat an input which is not clear.
  • the system provides feedback during pauses in the user data entry.
  • the directness of performing a search on system 10, in accordance with some prefe ⁇ ed embodiments of the invention, may considerably increase the convenience of these embodiments. In one example, it allows a less than proficient user to operate the system without difficult. In another example, especially in conjunction with voice output features, it allows a blind, a vision-reduced or otherwise handicapped individual to perform searches, which that individual would find very difficult to perform using a standard telephone book. Further, in some prefe ⁇ ed embodiments of the invention, once the entry is found, it can be read out to the user and/or the user can ask system 10 to perform the dialing.
  • User independent speech recognition is a relatively mature (and cheap) technology when only a small number of speech patterns need to be matched.
  • In order to perform a search generally only a small number of speech sounds (the individual letters and a small number of control commands) need to be recognized.
  • there are few if any states of machine operation which need to be reported to the user since the system can be limited to remain in a search mode.
  • a switch is supplied to shift the system between search mode and other modes.
  • system 10 includes a dialer 15. Many operational situations of system 10 end with a telephone number being dialed. Dialer 15 preferably dials any required numbers. Some example situations include: dialing one or more numbers which came up at a search, returning a call based on a message, queue management and automatic downloading of information. Dialer 15 may include an analog dialer, an ISDN dialer and/or an acoustic dialer. Preferably, dialer 15 performs line analysis to determine when the line is free and when it is in use. Thus, system 10 can differentiate between key-pad dialing which is meant for dialing outside calls and dialing which is meant for data entry. In accordance with a prefe ⁇ ed embodiment of the invention, the device is battery operated. Altematively or additionally, it uses line voltage. Altematively or additionally, the device connects to a car lighter socket.
  • system 10 includes a modem 30, for connection to the telephone line.
  • system 10 may include other output connectors 28.
  • An advantage of using a modem for downloading information is that data rates can be very high.
  • additional hardware is generally required.
  • a modem requires that there be another modem at the other side of the line. Using carrier-wave based data transmission is often preferable, since carrier wave transmission requires only a
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the connection between a dedicated information system 10 and various outside devices, in accordance with prefe ⁇ ed embodiments of the invention.
  • system 10 is connected to a computer
  • the data line is a serial connection, preferably RS-232, however, other standard connections, such as a Centronics parallel connection or an infra red connection, may be used.
  • the connection is used to send data from system 10 to computer 40 and/or from computer 40 to system 10. Altematively or additionally, the data connection is used for control of computer 40 and/or of system 10.
  • control of computer 40 by system 10 requires a memory resident program in the computer which monitors the serial data port.
  • Data connections may be used for one or more of the following purposes: (a) to allow system 10 to operate as an extemal data drive for computer 40 (or for a computer 42, described below);
  • a single computer is connected to- and/or services- more than one information system 10.
  • system 10 may also be used to communicate between workers.
  • system 10 may be used to emulate an office telephone, preferably with memories for various entries.
  • a single computer is used as a
  • each telephone station includes two extension numbers, one which is used to dial up the telephone and one which is used to dial up an information system associated with the telephone.
  • a prefe ⁇ ed embodiment of the invention where there is more than one system 10 in an office, at least some of the dedicated information systems have reduced features, for example, they contain no CD-ROM. Altematively, different ones of the systems may contain different features, so that they complement each other. In a prefe ⁇ ed embodiment of the invention, these reduced featured devices may be updated from the more complex devices. Preferably they are updated through a network. Altematively or additionally, they may be updated using a docking station. In a prefe ⁇ ed embodiment of the invention, a system 10 is used to update electronic organizers. In a prefe ⁇ ed embodiment of the invention, a system 10 may be programmable as an
  • TVR interactive voice response
  • system 10 provides voice directory services. Altematively or additionally, it may be used to provide information on changes in telephone numbers.
  • a system 10 receives information via carrier wave and, using a DTMF generator, generates data for telephones connected to a private exchange, which cannot transmit carrier wave information.
  • system 10 may be connected to a computer 42, via a modem connection. Such a connection may be used for transmitting data, but it may also be used, in some prefe ⁇ ed embodiments of the invention, to allow information system 10 to emulate an Internet connection and/or other types of on-line service providers.
  • system 10 is accessed by computer 42 using standard remote access programs, such as WWW browsers and Telnet programs. Altematively or additionally, such a connection may be used to emulate a connection between system 10 and a remote computer (described below).
  • system 10 is connected to a sound system 50. Preferably, system 10 is used to play music on sound system 50.
  • system 10 is connected to a telephone 44.
  • system 10 may be connected to a telephone handset, with system 10 emulating a base of the telephone.
  • the telephone is used as a private means of
  • the telephone may be controlled by system 10, such as to ring when system 10 requires a response from a user. Altematively, such ringing may be performed using a speaker integral with system 10.
  • the speaker is used to perform the ringing function instead of the telephone.
  • the speaker generates a plurality of different distinctive rings. Preferably, such distinctive rings may be used to differentiate between different people for whom the call is intended and/or for performing a paging function.
  • speech sounds for example a person's name, are used instead of a ring.
  • the speech sounds may be directed to a particular extension and/or may be broadcast on a local acoustic paging system.
  • different people for whom the call is intended are differentiated by information carried by the carrier wave (and sent by the call originator).
  • a single system 10 may be connected to a plurality of incoming telephone lines and each line is associated with a particular person or persons.
  • the person is identified using a distinctive ring feature, such as found in many digital telephone interchanges.
  • persons may indicate to the system that they are expecting a call from a particular party, so when a call arrives from that party, it is routed to the indicating person.
  • a remote system 10 may communicate to the local system 10 the name of the person for whom the call is intended.
  • system 10 is connected to a telephone line 46.
  • system 10 is used to dial-up numbers found using the search features.
  • the telephone line connection may be used for various other functions, especially carrier wave functions, in which data is transmitted over telephone lines, either between rings, or without ringing at all.
  • system 10 receives over the telephone line an indication whether or not there are pending e-mail messages.
  • the number and/or existence of such messages is communicated using carrier wave transmission. If such messages are pending, an indicator light on system 10 is preferably illuminated.
  • system 10 includes a plurality of indicators, each of which may be used to indicate that a call and/or information arrived from a particular telephone number. Altematively or additionally, system 10 may download the e- mail messages and display them, a database record associated therewith and/or a portion
  • system 10 dials an e-mail provider to download the e-mail.
  • system 10 may control a connected computer (preferably through a serial port, as described above) to download the messages.
  • a text-to-speech device may be used in conjunction with a optical character recognition module to read out facsimiles, in accordance with a prefe ⁇ ed embodiment of the invention. Reading out of faxes is especially useful for some handicapped people.
  • system 10 connects to a scanner, such as a pen scanner, such as used for simultaneous translation, to read in telephone numbers.
  • a scanner such as a pen scanner, such as used for simultaneous translation
  • telephone numbers and other personal information may be scanned if they are faxed in.
  • a user indicates to the system which part of the fax contains an information record.
  • the selection, identification and/or recognition of the information is performed on a personal computer and only the resulting information is passed on to system 10 for storage and/or annotation.
  • system 10 is used in conjunction with a mobile telephone, for example in car. Voice interaction for determining a telephone number is especially useful in automotive situations, since a driver cannot afford to take his eyes off the road and/or his hands off the wheel.
  • system 10 may be attached to one or more peripheral devices. Such devices are preferably connected using a serial port, however, other connection types, especially wireless connections may be prefe ⁇ ed in some situations.
  • system 10 may download small amounts of information to a display card which is convenient to carry around.
  • a display card preferably comprises substantially only a display and between one and four buttons to scroll the display.
  • a daily schedule including telephone numbers, will be downloaded to such a display card.
  • the display is preferably an LCD display.
  • the card includes no batteries and is light powered. Altematively or additionally, the display is non-scrolling and uses an LCD which can remain in an excited state without the application of power.
  • individual pixels of the display are made dark or bright. These pixels remain in the state to which they were set even when power is removed, owing to the type of LCD used.
  • system 10 may be used for delivery services, such as pizza delivery, by connecting a printer for stickers to system 10.
  • delivery services such as pizza delivery
  • the system identifies his number using carrier wave information.
  • the person's address is extracted from a personal (for a regular customer) or extemal (for a non-regular customer) database and printed on a sticker.
  • the sticker may then be filled out with the details of the order and attached to the order for use of the delivery person.
  • system 10 allows a user to annotate the sticker, for example with the order information. Altematively, these abilities of system 10 are included in a suitably programmed personal computer. However, it should be appreciated that a system 10 is typically prefe ⁇ ed over a personal computer due to its being dedicated and/or simple to operate and/or rugged.
  • system 10 may be connected to a business card scanner. Altematively or additionally, it may be connected to a magnetic card reader. Altematively or additionally, it may be connected to an interface for electronic money cards.
  • an input may be provided from one of many sources, including, but not limited to, a CD-ROM, a user input, a remote computer, a modem connection, an organizer, a telephone database, such as provided on-line by a telephone company, a remotely located dedicated information system, a remotely located personal database and/or a scanner.
  • sources including, but not limited to, a CD-ROM, a user input, a remote computer, a modem connection, an organizer, a telephone database, such as provided on-line by a telephone company, a remotely located dedicated information system, a remotely located personal database and/or a scanner.
  • system 10 includes a DTMF receiver which can detect when a telephone is used for pulse and/or tone dialing and can decipher the numbers which were dialed.
  • a DTMF receiver which can detect when a telephone is used for pulse and/or tone dialing and can decipher the numbers which were dialed.
  • the number called is placed into the personal memory and/or the cache for later possible annotation by the user.
  • a record associated with the telephone number is automatically displayed to the user, when the number is dialed.
  • the record includes information on the statistics of telephone connections (rate, length, who initiated) between system 10 and the other number.
  • the DTMF receiver can detect numbers dialed from either side of the telephone conversation and possibly in the middle of the conversation.
  • system 10 may be used to transmit voice and data simultaneously. This situation may occur when a user calls up directory assistance.
  • the number requested is
  • the telephone number information is frequency and/or time multiplexed with the voice communication.
  • the information includes a tag which identifies it as information. Altematively or additionally, no synchronization is used and the signal is detected asynchronously.
  • the information is transfe ⁇ ed as a short electronic squeal either before or after the number is voiced to the user. Altematively or additionally, simultaneous data/voice transmission protocols may be used, for example SVD and DSVD used for Rockwell compatible modems, or other protocols as known in the art.
  • Altematively or additionally especially where the number is synthetically generated, system 10 speech-recognizes the number. Altematively or additionally, each generated number includes a audio-encoded representation of the digits comprising the number.
  • the directory service provides the information using carrier wave technology in an incoming call after the directory request. Such a call may be special or the information may be transmitted using the next incoming telephone call.
  • the ring used is special (an "OK" ring) so that a user will not pick up the telephone by mistake.
  • the dedicated information system does not sound the ring at all. Altematively it generates a voice message. Altematively to providing telephone numbers, other information may be requested and then downloaded to system 10 by carrier wave, for example the number of pending e-mail messages.
  • the telephone interchange when a user calls a number, the telephone interchange detects the call and provides information relating to the telephone number called, for example an address, using a carrier wave on a next ring.
  • This information is preferably stored in the personal database, possibly as an annotation to the extemal database.
  • the user may be required to pre-dial a special code to activate this feature, so that in most cases, the telephone company will not be required to provide the information, unless requested. Altematively or additionally, a subscription to the service may be required.
  • the information may be transmitted to a smart telephone, for example an AT&T model 882, which can be configured to automatically store any incoming telephone number which is provided by carrier wave.
  • a smart telephone for example an AT&T model 882, which can be configured to automatically store any incoming telephone number which is provided by carrier wave.
  • the information system's display is used to supplement the TVR.
  • the display is used to display the information and/or menus voiced by the IVR.
  • the display is used for supplemental information.
  • the supplemental information and/or menus are already stored on the dedicated information system and the IVR only downloads codes for selecting what to display for a particular TVR.
  • the data communications includes data for generating speech at the dedicated information system.
  • the above described methods of multiplexing a voice and data communication are used for sending the visually displayed information.
  • data is transmitted in a burst mode, so that a carrier wave is not required for the entire duration of the connection.
  • menus are typically short and can preferably be transmitted in 0.25 seconds, so that only a minimum degradation in voice quality occurs.
  • the bandwidths of the voice and data channels dynamically traded-off, since most of the time only voice will be transfe ⁇ ed and only a portion of the time will data be transfe ⁇ ed.
  • both the voice and the data are transfe ⁇ ed as digital data packets and the trade-off is implemented by differential allocation of data packets between the channels.
  • the data portion for a menu is transmitted before the speech portion, so that a user can read the menu and make his selection before hearing all the menus read out.
  • two telephone connections are used, one for voice and one for data.
  • the two connections are preferably synchronized by using a common code number (preferably suggested by the TVR server) for communications.
  • a common code number preferably suggested by the TVR server
  • the information system initiates both calls.
  • one of the calls is a call-back from the TVR server.
  • system 10 is used for pager functions.
  • system 10 when a person is paged, system 10 is notified, preferably using a carrier wave indication.
  • the carrier wave may also be used to transmit a text of the page.
  • system 10 activates a special sound signal, so that a user knows that he received a page.
  • the user can listen to a readout of the page over a handset. Altematively or additionally, the text is displayed on display 22.
  • carrier wave technology is used for caller identification.
  • callers are compared against a blacklist. If there is a match, such a caller may receive a message that his call is not wanted. Altematively or
  • the extemal and/or personal databases are annotated to indicate the number and/or timing of incoming calls. Additionally or altematively, when an incoming call arrives, the entire (annotated) entry is displayed.
  • system 10 is used to transmit voice and/or text messages to another user.
  • a voice message is recorded on system 10.
  • System 10 calls up the recipient and either reads out the message, at a time and date requested or transmits it to a similar system 10, preferably using carrier wave technology, to be readout by the other system 10.
  • the message may be transmitted as an attachment to an e-mail message.
  • the call when a first system 10 communicates with a second system 10, the call includes carrier wave information which tells the second system 10 to pick up immediately and/or to expect data communications.
  • a dedicated telephone line is not needed for such communication and/or the user is not bothered.
  • such a carrier wave indication may be used to pre-select between calling a voice, fax and/or data cormection at a single number. Altematively, it may be used for general data communications between two computers.
  • information system 10 may be connected by modem to a remote computer 48 (which can be the same as computer 42).
  • a connection is initiated by system 10. Altematively or additionally, such a connection is initiated by the remote computer.
  • Such a connection may be used for one or more of:
  • the extemal database may be stored at the remote computer.
  • the personal database may also be stored at the same or a different remote computer. It should be appreciated that a personal database may still be maintained locally, by the user, even if a considerable portion of the data transfer between databases is at a remote location.
  • downloading information from a remote computer requires a password. Altematively or additionally, each such connection is charged to the user.
  • a database when a database is updated, only part of the database is updated, for example only the personal entries, only the annotated entries, only the entries which are listed under certain subjects, only the entries for subjects which had been searched and/or entries which meet certain geographical restrictions.
  • a user might frequently change his location or travel between a small number of geographical locations.
  • the system preferably downloads telephone numbers associated with a local geographical region. The location of the system is preferably automatically ascertained using GPS, calling up the telephone service provider and/or by a service provided by a cellular telephone interchange.
  • system 10 includes a cache that is searched first.
  • the first few search results are usually entries from the cache.
  • an entry is placed and/or maintained in the cache, responsive to the frequency and length of telephone calls to an entity associated with the entry, the frequency and length of incoming calls from the entity and/or the geographical location of the entity.
  • system 10 performs queue management functions.
  • a user performs a search he can select one or more records to be queued.
  • the system calls up the entries in sequence or based on any order desired by the user.
  • the system allows a user to add annotations to the entry, including general annotations, such as blacklisting and trustworthiness and also specific annotations, for a particular search, such as the price wanted.
  • annotations including general annotations, such as blacklisting and trustworthiness and also specific annotations, for a particular search, such as the price wanted.
  • blacklisting an entry will reduce the quality of its match, so that in future searches there is a lesser or null probability of the entry appearing.
  • system 10 may be used to maintain a database for appliance management.
  • a CD-ROM is attached.
  • personal entries co ⁇ esponding to service and/or repair and/or helpdesk telephone numbers are created and or updated.
  • a user manual is also uploaded to the system, so that a user can browse and search the manual using system 10.
  • the user manual is stored on the CD-ROM, so that
  • the CD-ROM also includes application software for trouble-shooting the appliance or for other uses associated with the appliance and/or for advertising purposes, such as a catalog.
  • a unique product identifier may be uploaded, so that it is handy when a repair service is called up.
  • system 10 is updated with the details of the repair and or the status of the device.
  • a product maintenance file is downloaded to system 10, before and/or after the repair.
  • the technician updates system 10 directly and the information is uploaded to the service provider.
  • the CD-ROM may include a catalog, which is preferably displayed and activated when the service provider is called. System 10 may also automatically transmit an order to the service provider.
  • such data may be entered using a bar-code reader and/or a magnetic card and/or from a computer connected to system 10.
  • limited storage media such as bar codes, are used to select entries which already exist in the extemal database, rather than for adding new entries.
  • bar codes are read using a pen scanner which is attached to system 10.
  • an appliance-related CD- ROM may also be used to automatically update a computer.
  • the CD-ROM or other computer media
  • various files are automatically updated and/or copied to the computer.
  • software on the CD-ROM and/or on the computer automatically detect which telephone list management software is used on that computer and updates that software with new entries.
  • manuals are copied to the system, for example in Adobe Acrobat® format.
  • the user installs a single appliance management program, preferably from the CD, on his computer, which program can be used for listing the relevant telephone numbers and/or for browsing manuals.
  • a voice mail system stored at a telephone company is managed using a dedicated device.
  • This dedicated device may comprise a dedicated information system as described herein. Altematively, it may be a device dedicated only for voice messages.
  • the voice messages (and/or optionally e-mail messages) are stored at the telephone company and only a list of the calls is displayed locally. A user can browse the list and select a call to hear,
  • the telephone company sends, by carrier wave, an indication of who called and left a message. This indication may be used to display the list.
  • the list includes name, telephone number, time called and/or duration.
  • e-mail messages are displayed in a similar manner, preferably including a telephone number, as described herein.
  • the subject line of the e-mail message is also displayed.
  • the personal database is stored at a remote location from system 10.
  • system 10 may include a second personal database.
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a configuration 100 in which a personal database 106 of a user 102 is located at a telephone service provider 104.
  • the personal database is stored at a telephone company which provides service to at least one telephone line with which the personal database is associated.
  • the personal database is stored at a local telephone exchange central office, altematively, it may be stored at a more central location, depending on the configuration of the telephone system.
  • the term "telephone company" is used to indicate such locations.
  • the personal database may be stored in a private telephone exchange.
  • the personal database is stored in association with hardware and software which provides other telephony services, so that the integration between the personal database and telephony services is easier.
  • the personal database may be accessed using a standard telephone. This has the advantage that the personal database can be accessed from any location, including using a cellular telephone and a radio-telephone.
  • the display of system 10 (Fig. 1) does increase the ease of use of the personal database.
  • the display of the cellular telephone may be used to display information from the personal database and/or to aid in operating the personal database's functionality.
  • the location of the personal database at the telephone company is used to assist in performing other telephony services.
  • a user can request a conference call by indicating particular ones of the entries in the personal database.
  • a user can request the telephone company connect him with one of the entries in the database, either as a result of a search or by indicating the entry directly.
  • a user can have the telephone company perform queue management and/or call up entries which are a result of a search on the personal database.
  • a user 102 can send requests to telephone company 104 via a computer data connections, such as via an Internet 108, using an interactive connection, such as a WWW browser or a non-interactive method such as e-mail.
  • a user can perform searches on personal database 106 and/or extemal databases, one or both preferably maintained at telephone company 104.
  • a user can then indicate to the telephone company selected ones of the search results (e.g., users 110 and 110') to connect (the user's telephone) to, sequentially or in parallel (conferencing).
  • a user defme to company 104 what action to perform in the situations where a call cannot be completed, for example, "no-answer" or "busy".
  • a WWW connection can be used to display incoming call information to a user, when his telephone rings, or responsive to a request by the user while the telephone line is live or shortly thereafter.
  • other information for example stock quote, bank transaction information (feedback to telephone requests) or weather information may be provided.
  • a user can be identified based on the calling location and/or information transmitted over the relatively secure medium of telephone lines, rather than using insecure Internet connections.
  • a user can review e-mail and/or voice mail messages based on personal information displayed with them. Preferably, the user can browse his messages in a non-sequential order. In one example, a user can defme an order of priority of message sources, for instance listening to family messages first. In another example, a user can request messages from a particular caller. Altematively or additionally, a user can reply to a message from the mailbox. Altematively or additionally, a user can enter a number directly from the mailbox into his personal database. Preferably, the personal databases associates e-mail addresses with telephone numbers. Preferably this association can be used to reply by phone to e-mail messages and vice-versa.
  • a user can send e-mail using a voice to speech mechanism and/or as a sound file attachment to an e-mail.
  • a voice to speech mechanism Preferably, such an e-mail reply can be read out by its recipient, if a telephone number is associated with the e- mail address and the recipient so desires.
  • a user preferably enters textual data using key-pad letter codes.
  • a set of user voice templates are stored at the telephone company and used for voice recognition.
  • voice recognition is limited to a small number of letters, phonemes, commands and/or words.
  • a personal database is accessed
  • a telephone is provided to customers with preprogrammed keys being preprogrammed with key-presses which perform functions of accessing the personal database.
  • the programming of the keys may be downloaded from the telephone company and/or from a different remote service provider.
  • a user can order reports from the telephone company, including, usage, update frequency, recent changes, mismatches between the personal database and the telephone company database, and, especially, a personal telephone book.
  • reports are preferably ordered using a dedicated information system. Altematively they may be ordered by telephone, preferably using an IVR system. Altematively, such reports may be generated by the dedicated information system and sent to a computer to be printed.
  • the computer may be a local computer or a remote computer, to which the data is sent by remote communication.
  • the personal database can be updated by one of many methods. Such updating can include adding, removing and/or changing data records.
  • One method of updating is automatic updating, made simpler since the personal database is more conveniently located to the data provider (the telephone company).
  • the telephone company can automatically transfer the determined telephone number-associated information to his personal database.
  • a user updates the personal database by sending e-mail, which can also include commands to changes the contents of the database. Altematively or additionally, such modifications may be affected using a Web interface.
  • a user can send a data-file.
  • Such a data-file may contain complete entries or it may contain partial entries to update what is entered or to be filled out from the telephone company database.
  • a mechanism of business card transmission is provided in which a user can transmit a business card to another person's personal database.
  • information can be entered during a conversation, by either of the participants of the conversation. In a prefe ⁇ ed embodiment of the invention, entered information is associated with the co ⁇ ect entry in the personal database using a display at one of the participants.
  • a voice annotation is attached to the numeric input.
  • a user updates a personal database by calling up the telephone company and providing a number to add and/or entries to delete or entries to change.
  • these updates are performed using an TVR server.
  • the telephone company automatically provides shortened dial codes for numbers in the personal database.
  • these shortened codes are selected to be mnemonic. Altematively, they may be filled in sequentially. Altematively, the number to be used may be suggested by a user. Preferably, some of the shortened dial codes are reserved for being set by the user.
  • the telephone company adds shortened dial codes responsive to a user asking for the number to have a shortened dial code associated with it. Altematively, the shortened dial code is provided automatically when the number is added to a personal database and/or if it meats certain criteria.
  • a database or significant portion thereof can be transmitted from one user to another, for example, an alumni database.
  • people who are always moving between telephones update their and/or others' personal databases with their current telephone number and/or a telephone itinerary, so that they can be easily found.
  • that person can call up and change the itinerary, preferably by advancing and/or delaying it.
  • the above mechanisms for updating a personal database may also be used to perform queries on it and/or to download information from it.
  • each telephone number has associated therewith one personal database.
  • more than one database may be associated with a single number.
  • more than one telephone number is associated with a single personal database.
  • a plurality of personal databases may be associated with a plurality of telephone numbers, for example in an office setting.
  • a user can access a particular personal database by dialing a special code associated with the user or the database.
  • database transfer services are utilized to update a cellular telephone. Many cellular telephones contain a large number of memories, however, data entry is difficult.
  • an entire personal database or individual records therefrom may be downloaded into a cellular telephone by the cellular operator.
  • the download operation takes into account the type of telephone.
  • a dedicated information system may be implemented by suitably prograrnming a cellular telephone.
  • a cellular data transfer protocol is used instead of using carrier wave technology to transfer information.
  • the dedicated information system is emulated by the cellular operator, however, the personal database is stored at the cellular telephone and is read and updated directly by the cellular operator.
  • a plurality of databases may be stored as a single database, with each personal database comprising a view of the aggregate database.
  • such filtering may be manual, such as requiring a user to request the number be stored and/or to OK the storage after the number is matched and the information is displayed.
  • the user is only prompted if the number is not already in the database.
  • the processes of receiving the number and/or the information and/or performing the matching may be expensive.
  • a user must request that these processes be performed, for example, by dialing a special code.
  • User input which decides whether to add a number to the database and/or whether to perform matching and/or to receive the number and/or the information, may be termed "add-to-list" commands, since they instruct the telephone company or the personal information system whether to add telephone numbers to the personal database.
  • the personal database and/or the required raw data are acquired by a telephone company and then downloaded to a user device.
  • the user determines which of the raw data is to be included in the personal database.
  • at least part of the decision making is by the telephone company
  • the user device comprises a dedicated information system, an organizer or a PDA.
  • the user device may include other electronic, displaying, devices, in particular a personal computer.
  • the downloaded data and/or a database, created from the data match a standard file format, for example as recognized by Lotus Notes® or by Microsoft Outlook®.
  • the downloading may use any of the above described data transfer methods, however, in a prefe ⁇ ed embodiment of the invention, data is transfe ⁇ ed by e-mail.
  • the e-mail may be sent automatically by the data provider. Altematively or additionally, the e-mail is requested by a user.
  • the data originates from CDRs (call data records), which are typically stored by a telephone company for every outgoing call.
  • CDRs call data records
  • Incoming calls are preferably identified using "caller LD" information which is associated with many calls or by analyzing the CDRs of other callers, to detect calls to the telephone number associated with the user whose calling patterns are being analyzed.
  • the CDRs may be analyzed to determine a relative importance of callers, for example by analyzing the cost of a telephone call, rather than only its length.
  • Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method of generating personal database information from CDRs.
  • the following process is used: (a) relevant CDRs are obtained (120); (b) the CDRs are filtered (122);
  • the database update is filtered to remove unneeded data or numbers, for example responsive to the additional data (128);
  • step (h) a local database is updated using suitable software at the user device (134).
  • various of these steps may be initiated and/or performed by the user device, the telephone company and/or a third party (optional).
  • the location of the action may determine the transmission of the data.
  • step (g) may be performed before step (d), if the filtering and/or adding of data is performed by the user device.
  • the third party preferably receives from the telephone company raw CDRs, possibly in response to a list of client telephone numbers for which to provide the data.
  • the third party may collate the data from a plurality of sources, for example local telephone companies, long distance telephone companies, calling card companies and cellular telephone companies.
  • data from a plurality of telephone lines maintained at each of these sources may also be collated.
  • the third party filters the data, for example to remove duplicates and/or select only particular fields, for example, hour, date, telephone number, record frame and client frame.
  • the CDRs are marked so that relevant ones can be easily identified.
  • the marking make be performed before, during or after the call which generates the CDR, for example by dialing a special code (e.g., "*45"), before after or during the call (also described as "Add to List", above).
  • the CDR may be marked after the fact by analyzing the CDRs, for example for call frequency.
  • a "fake" CDR may be generated (and marked) in response to a caller identification.
  • the third party or the user device can transmit a query request to the telephone company, which responds by searching other users CDRs for calls which are directed to the particular user for whom a telephone book is being created.
  • a CDR is marked by modifying an existing field thereof, for example, by adding an extra digit or symbol to a telephone number field, obviously modifying the date (e.g., 1999->2099) or by entering symbols in an existing "extend" field.
  • a single symbol can be added.
  • a plurality of symbols are added, for example two or three digits, to better differentiate between different types of marking of a CDR.
  • a CDR may be marked by adding another field thereto.
  • Information may then be extracted from the data, for example call frequency and patterns of numbers called (e.g. numbers which are always proximate in time).
  • This information may be further filtered to remove numbers which are not of interest (e.g., information, 911) or to remove numbers which had already been sent to the user, in previous updates.
  • the information is filtered to select only a subset thereof, for example based on geographical association, based on affiliation (e.g., a plurality of numbers in an institute) and/or based on those most commonly or recently used. Possibly, "new" numbers are identified by them not appearing in a local (at the telephone company or third party) database. Altematively or additionally, some update records may depend on
  • a new number may be defined to enter an update only if it is used at least twice. Thus, some updates may be delayed.
  • various scoring, composite scoring and/or other data processing techniques may be used to select the numbers to be used in building the directory, in accordance with prefe ⁇ ed embodiments of the invention.
  • Additional information may be associated with the data, to complete a database update file.
  • This file is then preferably transmitted to the user.
  • the user may have software which received the update and automatically integrates it into local (at the user) databases.
  • the user may interactively view the new records and decide which ones to add, remove, sort, edit and or print.
  • the user software includes tools for managing a plurality of updates.
  • the database update comprises a complete database to replace an existing one.
  • the data is transmitted in a printer-ready format, to be conveniently printed by an end user.
  • the user software sorts, filters and/or formats the data for particular types of directory formats, for example for a keeping in a purse, a pocket or a desk.
  • the final database and/or an update may be sent to the third party and/or the telephone company to update their databases, which they maintain locally for the user.
  • the CDRs may be transmitted directly from a telephone company to the user.
  • the user may process the CDRs or transmit them to a third party to be analyzed.
  • the third party may also utilize data from a user's PBX, which is preferably also forwarded by the user or downloaded by, for example by a direct dial- up, from the PBX to the third party.
  • CDR data at a telephone company may be associated with a particular extension number of a PBX by matching the PBX local CDR records against the telephone company records.
  • the matching may be performed at the telephone company, the PBX, a user device or at a third party to which the data is downloaded.
  • One result of such matching is that a user can maintain, at the telephone company, a personal business database which he can use from his home or mobile telephone (or possibly from a different telephone).
  • the personal database is stored at the user's PBX, the user can access the PBX from a remote location as a personal database provider, described herein. Such access can be direct or by the telephone company performing the access transparently to the user.
  • raw or partially analyzed data is transmitted to a user's computer from the telephone company.
  • This data may be processed with the aid of a third party, for example by downloading information from the third party or by uploading the data to the third party to be further analyzed.
  • the data may be locally analyzed.
  • the third party may store a more complete telephone listing than is available at the user.
  • the above embodiments have generally been described as using two databases, a personal one and an extemal one. However, it should be appreciated that some prefe ⁇ ed embodiments of the invention may be practiced with more than two databases and/or more than one mass-storage device.
  • the databases are arranged in a hierarchical manner, e.g., a personal database, a workgroup database, a company database and an extemal database. Altematively or additionally, the databases may include multiple extemal databases, for example, for different subjects and/or for different telephone area codes and/or for different price levels.
  • multiple personal databases may be searched, for example, if a system 10 is used by multiple users and/or for multiple activities, such as work and leisure.
  • a user may select which ones of the databases to search.
  • a different configuration setup is maintained for each user and/or usage.
  • the data provider personalizes the extemal database to match the user profile.
  • such personalization includes modifying the promotional material and not including some subjects and/or telephone numbers.
  • system 10 may be used for additional applications, including, a CD Walkman, a personal organizer, an answering machine and/or a home telephone interchange.
  • a CD Walkman a personal organizer
  • an answering machine a home telephone interchange.
  • the system when the system operates as an answering machine and/or as a telephone interchange, it stores statistics related to incoming and outgoing calls.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
EP99914739A 1998-04-16 1999-04-16 Persönliches informationssystem Withdrawn EP1076979A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IL12411798 1998-04-16
IL12411798 1998-04-16
IL12832499 1999-02-01
IL12832499A IL128324A0 (en) 1998-04-16 1999-02-01 Dedicated personalized information system
PCT/IL1999/000206 WO1999055058A1 (en) 1998-04-16 1999-04-16 Personalized information system

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EP1076979A1 true EP1076979A1 (de) 2001-02-21

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EP (1) EP1076979A1 (de)
AU (1) AU3343499A (de)
IL (1) IL128324A0 (de)
WO (1) WO1999055058A1 (de)

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IL128324A0 (en) 2000-01-31
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