EP1183855A1

EP1183855A1 - Telephone service and method for connecting a telephone call

Info

Publication number: EP1183855A1
Application number: EP00931302A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Petri Virtanen; Juha-Pekka Jauhiainen
Original assignee: Elisa Communications Oyj
Current assignee: Elisa Communications Oyj
Priority date: 1999-06-04
Filing date: 2000-06-05
Publication date: 2002-03-06
Also published as: FI111678B; WO2000076190A1; WO2000076190A8; AU4928300A; FI991288A0; FI991288A

Abstract

The publication discloses a contact service, in which a contact is formed between a normal subscriber connection and a target connection according to a predefined logic, by raising the receiver. This takes place by programming a so-called hot-line function into the subscriber connection connected to the contact service, which is set to be activated only after a predetermined delay. In the service, the connection is set to respond to at least one contactability chain, in which a call is attempted to be formed after the delay. Thus, the subscriber connection can be used not only for a service according to the invention, but also be used for normal telephone traffic, while, on the other hand, a delayed hot-line connection to a predefined contactability chain can be formed simply by lifting the receiver.

Description

TELEPHONE SERVICE AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING A TELEPHONE CALL

The present invention relates to a telephone service, according to the preamble to Claim 1. The invention also relates to a method for creating a telephone connection, according to the preamble to Claim 7.

The services and methods that are the object of the invention are used to provide easy- to-use and reliable connection services, for example, for alarm services. In such connection services, it is most important for the connection to be formed as quickly as possible and for the formation of the connection to require as few actions as possible by the caller. User groups for alarm services provided through a telephone connection include old people, invalids, and small children.

According to the state of the art, alarm services are implemented, for example, by means of alarm telephones. An alarm telephone is a system specially installed for the alarm service, in which the telephone connects to a pre-defined number, as soon as the receiver is lifted, or after a separate alarm button has been pressed. An alarm telephone system is also known, in which a call initiated from the alarm telephone is programmed to a chain of three separate response places.

A drawback in the state of the art is that the customer must acquire a separate connection and terminal device for the alarm telephone. This naturally leads to quite large costs and to the possibly that an alarm service that is otherwise needed may not be arranged, due to the purchase of the equipment involved. In addition, the alarm telephone and its related telephone connection will only operate in the alarm service, and cannot be used for other purposes.

The invention is intended to create an entirely new type of telephone service, which permits alarm-telephone services to be provided, without requiring a telephone apparatus or connection to be purchased solely for the alarm service.

The invention is based on forming a connection in a connection service, in a predetermined manner, between a normal subscriber connection and a target connection. This takes place by programming a so-called hot-line function into the subscriber connection connected to the contact service, which function is, however, set only to activate after a preset delay. In the service, at least one contactability chain is related to the connection, and, after the delay, an attempt to form a call is made, according to the definitions in the contactability chain. This allows the subscriber connection to be used, not only for a service according to the invention, but also for normal telephone traffic, while, in addition, simply lifting the receiver causes the formation of a delayed hot-line connection from the subscriber connection to a predefined contactablility chain. Thus, the invention also relates to the use of a contactability chain to route an out-going call, though, in certain embodiments of the invention, the contactability chain can be replaced with a single telephone number. Several contactability chains or single telephone numbers can be defined to be selected by the service.

More specifically, a telephone service product according to the invention is characterized by what is stated in the characterizing section of Claim 1. The formation of a telephone connection according to the invention is, for its part, characterized by what is stated in the characterizing section of Claim 7.

Considerable advantages are gained with the aid of the invention.

Namely, the invention can be used to connect, for example, an alarm-phone type connection service to a conventional subscriber connection, in such a way that the subscriber connection can still be used for normal telephone traffic. The invention can also be applied to implement an alarm-phone-type connection service, without separate investments in equipment or connections.

The invention can be used in a preferred manner in, for example, connection services for small children, old people, or invalids. In such connection services, the customers themselves need not dial a number when, for instance, calling relatives, as the use of a delayed hot-line function will allow the call to be connected directly to a predefined contactability service. The call is then routed according to the definitions of the relevant contactability service. Several different chains can also be included in the contactability service that defines the routing of outgoing calls from the connection. In such cases, in a highly preferable embodiment, a user interface, which also allows the other settings of the contactability service to be changed, can be set up to define the chain in force at any moment. The user interface can be set up using, for example, a voice-dialogue menu, SMS/UUS messages and/or a www-user interface.

Thus, the invention has also preferred embodiments providing significant additional advantages.

If the contactability service, to which the connection using the connection service is connected, includes several contactability chains, the connection service's ability to make contact can be increased considerably in some cases. In an alarm-phone service in particular, the best possible contactability is important, and such an embodiment can increase the safety of the customer. In such an embodiment, the active contactability chain can be defined, for example, manually or using time-control. It is, in principle, also possible to use selection algorithms based on other variables and of greater complexity.

In yet another preferred embodiment, a menu function is set to operate after a delay following the opening of the telephone line, allowing the person making the connection to define whom they wish to contact. The call is then routed according to the selection made, following the active contactability chain incorporated in the contactability service. It is also best to set a delay in the menu function, after which the call will be routed in any event according to a predefined contactability chain, even though no selection has been made. Such an embodiment can be used to provide a service in which, for example, a child can choose to phone its mother, father, or grandparents, with a single call attempt being used to try to contact the selected person at more than one number. If the child fails to make a choice, the call will be routed directly, for example, to the mother's contactability chain.

In the following, the invention is examined in greater detail with the aid of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows one method according to the invention, for implementing a connection service. Figure 2 shows a second method according to the invention, for implementing a connection service.

Figure 3 shows one method for using a www-based user interface to update a connection service's contactability chains and settings.

In the disclosure, the term contactability chain refers to a series of predefined sequential telephone numbers, which is recorded, for example, in the SCP (Service Control Point) of an intelligent telephone network, or in an external database connected by means of a data communications link to the intelligent telephone network, so that it is available to the logic controlling the routing of the call. A contactability chain may include, for instance, 2 - 5 telephone numbers to be called in sequence. Thus, a call routed according to the contactability chain is first connected to the first number in the chain, and, if that number does not respond during predefined time interval, the call is connected to the second number in the contactability chain. If the second number also does not respond, the call is connected forwards in the chain. This goes on until the call is connected to the final number in the contactability chain, which is usually set as the number of an automatic answering device or an answering service. Naturally, the call is no longer connected forwards in the chain, if the call is answered or the caller terminates the call. On the other hand, a contactability chain can also be defined to include parallel numbers in the chain, in addition to or instead of sequential numbers, so that a routed call will cause all the parallel numbers to ring simultaneously.

A contactability chain can also be a so-called multilink, i.e. an adaptable contactability chain, which customers can flexibly form to suit themselves. The response places of an adaptable contactability chain, i.e. the telephone numbers included in the chain, can be set to be altered, for example, by means of a voice-frequency dialling telephone or www-based user interface. Adaptable contactability chains are disclosed in greater detail in patent application FI 981832, the disclosed characteristics being applicable in preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed in this application.

A contactability service in turn refers, in this application, to a routine controlling the operation of a contactability chain. Thus, the contactability service uses its logic to select and retrieve from its memory a suitable contactability chain to use in call routing. To achieve the best possible contactability, it is advantageous to define several, for instance, two or three, contactability chains for the contactability service. Thus, the contactability chains of the person being contacted can be designed so that, for example, one contactability chain is intended for the time spent at the workplace, a second for business trips, and a third for leisure time. The connections between the contactability chains, i.e. switching the active chain from one chain to another, can take place by, for example, calling a specific service number, where after possible password verification, the contactability chain to be in force from that moment is defined by means of voice- frequency keying. The contactability chains can also be changed by time-control, so that changes between the various contactability chains always take place at preset moments.

Patent application FI 981833 discloses one useful method applicable to the time- controlled embodiments disclosed in this application. In such a method, the contactability service has at least one adaptable control table defined, which customers themselves can flexibly adapt with a suitable user interface. The same user interface can be used by the customer also to activate the adaptable control table. Deactivation of the adaptable control table is then automatic, without any action by the customer, once a deactivation condition has been fulfilled. In this case, a control table refers to a unit, for example, a contactability chain, containing the data required for call routing. Conditions defining the period of validity of the control table, such as conditions relating to times and/or days of the week, can also be added to the control table.

The following operations relate to the implementation of the method of Figure 1:

- The customer lifts the receiver in a subscriber connection connected to the connection service. The lifting of the receiver is detected in the exchange in the manner defined for the relevant subscriber connection and simultaneously the delay time is started. The delay may be, for instance, about 5 seconds.

- The exchange in the telephone network waits for possible dialling of a number.

- If, depending on the embodiment, a number is dialled or commenced before the end of the delay, the call is routed forward normally in the telephone network.

- If, however, depending on the embodiment, no number is dialled or commenced within the delay time, the contactability service defined by the connection service logic is activated and the call is routed according to the contactability chain contained in the logic of the contactability service.

Figure 2 shows in turn a more versatile embodiment of the invention, which has a delayed menu as an additional function. For example, a person trying to make contact can use this kind of menu within the preset definitions to select, for example, the person to whom they wish an attempt to be made to connect the call. The implementation of the method of Figure 2 includes the following operations:

A customer lifts the receiver in a subscriber connection connected to the connection service. The lifting of the receiver is detected and the counting of the delay time is started.

The exchange in the telephone network waits for a number to be dialled.

If, depending on the embodiment, a number is dialled or commenced before the end of the delay, the call is routed forward normally in the telephone network.

If, however, depending on the embodiment, no number is dialled or commenced within the delay time, the target-menu function is activated. In the target-menu function, the customer is given a menu determined by the service logic and asked to select a suitable contactability service. For example, each near relative can be given a specific contactability-service reference in the menu.

- A preset selection time is waited.

- If an acceptable selection is received from the customer within the selection time, the call is routed according to the contactability service specified in the customer's choice.

- If, however, no acceptable selection is received during the selection time, the call is routed according to the contactability service defined by the service logic for this situation. This contactability service, which can be intended for emergencies, may be one of the services specified in the menu, or a totally different contactability service. Figure 3 shows one possible method for defining the characteristics of a contact service and the contactability services and related contactability chains included as component services in it. According to Figure 3, the updating of the control table of the time control can take place by means of a www-based or similar user interface in a system, which comprises a terminal device 1 1 used by the customer, a public information network, such as the Internet 12, to which terminal device 11 can be connected, a server 13 of the provider of the contactability service, connected to the public information network 12, an SCP device 14 of the telephone network, connected to server 13, and a checking database 15, connected to SCP device 14.

In the method according to Figure 3 for using a www-user interface to update the definitions of the contactability service, the following operations are carried out:

1 ) The customer uses terminal device 11 to contact the website of the control service of the contact service.

2) The control service identifies the customer.

3) Server 13 provides the customer's personal definition pages, such as control tables, contactability chains, control logics, delay logics, and/or menu definitions.

4) The customer alters their definitions as desired.

5) The customer sends the altered definition pages to server 13.

6) Server 13 forwards the altered definition pages to SCP device 14.

7) SCP device 14 checks from checking database 15, that the alterations are permitted and sends the approval to server 13.

8) Server 13 notifies the customer of the activation of the alteration.

The technique disclosed above can be used to implement a telephone service product, in which the customer is offered:

- memory places for recording at least two telephone numbers chosen by the customer, a detector function, such as a trigger, connected to a telephone connection for detecting a call attempt, such as the lifting of the receiver,

a wait-routine, to wait for a number to be dialled during a preset delay, to be activated in connection with the detection of a call attempt, and

a control routine, preferably able to be defined by the customer themselves, to connect an attempted call to a telephone number selected with the aid of the control routine, and which number can be found, for example, from a contactability chain defined by the customer, the control routine being started if a number is not dialled within the delay time.

This makes it possible to offer, for example, a contact service for children, by means of which a child can easily contact an adult, and in which service the level of contactability is very high. The service can then be connected to the family's home telephone and, for example, two contactability chains can be defined for the service. Table 1 shows an example of such a chain definition. In the example, chain 1 is intended to be used during working time, for instance, from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., while chain 2 is set to be active at all other times.

Table 1

In the case of the example, a child left alone at home can, when it wishes, call without dialling by simply lifting the receiver. After the defined delay, the call is then sent, according to the contactability logic, for instance, when Chain 1 is active, to be connected so that an attempt is first made to connect the call to the father's mobile phone, and, if that number does not respond, in turn to the mother's work number. If the mother's work number does not respond within the defined time, the connection attempt continues to the father's work number, and, if necessary, to the neighbour's number. On the basis of the example, it is easy to image several different embodiments of the invention, with the aid of which it is possible to significantly improve the ability of people with limited to move, to make contacts.

However, in the above example, a problem could arise in a situation, in which a call transfer to voice mail had been set for the father's mobile phone valid in Chain 1. In this case, the contact service could not be used to form a connection to the desired person, instead the call would be routed to an answering device. However, this problem can be solved and the contactability of the contact service further improved by, for example, adding new parameter values to the signalling of the telephone network, by means of which the telephone network is forbidden to forward the call. Alternatively, the problem can also be solved by setting the telephone system to use the data transfered in connection with the call for call routing, so that the call is given new parameters, by means of a combination of two or more signalling fields, deviating from the normal. Thus, the call with its new parameters can be routed in a new way in the telephone network and an unwished connection, for instance, to an answering device, can be avoided. This technique is disclosed in greater detail in patent application FI 980658.

In principle, it would also be possible to use a routine to be added to the contact service to monitor the transfer situations and contactability of predefined telephone numbers and, on the basis of this information, to bypass the disadvantageous telephone numbers situated in the contactability chain.

Claims:

1. A telephone service product to be connected to a subscriber connection, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that it comprises

memory places for recording at least two telephone numbers chosen by the customer,

a detector function, connected to the subscriber connection, for detecting a call attempt,

- a control routine to connect an attempted call to a telephone number stored in a memory place, if a number is not dialled within the delay time.

2. A telephone service product according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises memory places for storing at least one contactability chain chosen by the customer, which contactability chain includes at least two telephone numbers placed in sequence.

3. A telephone service product according to Claim 2, characterized in that it comprises memory places for storing at least two contactability chains chosen by the customer, and that the control routine is set to select the contactability chain valid at each time, on the basis of a predetermined condition, for example, the time of day.

4. A telephone service product according to Claim 2, characterized in that it comprises memory places for storing at least two contactability chains chosen by the customer, and that the control routine is set to receive the choice made by the customer and select the contactability chain valid at each time, on the basis of the choice received form the customer, and that the control routine is set to select, in the absence of the choice made by the customer, the valid contactability chain, on the basis of a predetermined condition.

5. A telephone service product according to Claim 1, characterized in that the control routine is set to select a telephone number stored in a memory place, on the basis of a predetermined condition, for example, related to the time of day, and to connect an attempted call to the selected telephone number.

6. A telephone service product according to one of Claims 2-4, characterized in that it comprises a function to prevent a call from being connected to such a number of a contactability chain, from which a forward call transfer has been made, especially to voice mail.

7. A method for forming a telephone connection, in which method

- the opening of a call attempt, such as the lifting of the receiver, is detected, and

- the call is automatically connected to a predefined telephone number,

characterized in that, after the detection of the opening of a call attempt, before connecting the call,

- a predetermined delay is made to wait for a number to be dialled, and

- a predefined telephone number is selected with the aid of the control logic from a group of predefined telephone numbers.

8. A method according to Claim 7, characteri zed in that the predefined telephone number is selected from a group of predefined telephone numbers, which comprises at least two telephone numbers that are alternatives to each other.

9. A method according to Claim 7, characterized in that the predefined telephone number is selected from a group of predefined telephone numbers, which contains at least one contactability chain, which comprises at least two telephone numbers placed in sequence.

10. A method according to Claim 9, characterized in that the group of predefined telephone numbers includes at least two contactability chains, the first of which is intended for routing outgoing calls when the first conditions are in force and at least one other contactability chain is intended for routing outgoing calls when other conditions, specific to the contactability chain in question, are in force. 11. A method according to Claim 10, characterized in that when selecting a predefined telephone number with the aid of the control logic

- the active contactability chain is selected from the group of contactability chains recorded for the calling telephone number,

- the telephone numbers selected from the contactability chain are called sequentially in the order defined by the contactability chains, until the call can be connected to one of the selected telephone numbers.

12. A method according to Claim 11, c h ara c t e ri z e d in that the active contactability chain is selected on the basis of the time when the call attempt took place.