EP1277332A4 - Procede d'acces aux reseaux a commande vocale - Google Patents

Procede d'acces aux reseaux a commande vocale

Info

Publication number
EP1277332A4
EP1277332A4 EP01921762A EP01921762A EP1277332A4 EP 1277332 A4 EP1277332 A4 EP 1277332A4 EP 01921762 A EP01921762 A EP 01921762A EP 01921762 A EP01921762 A EP 01921762A EP 1277332 A4 EP1277332 A4 EP 1277332A4
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
network
access
access service
platform
connectivity platform
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Withdrawn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
EP01921762A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1277332A2 (fr
Inventor
Ilan Cohen
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.)
MERGUERIAN, PETER
Original Assignee
MERGUERIAN PETER
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 MERGUERIAN PETER filed Critical MERGUERIAN PETER
Publication of EP1277332A2 publication Critical patent/EP1277332A2/fr
Publication of EP1277332A4 publication Critical patent/EP1277332A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • H04M3/4938—Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals comprising a voice browser which renders and interprets, e.g. VoiceXML
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q11/00—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems
    • H04Q11/04—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems for time-division multiplexing
    • H04Q11/0407—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems for time-division multiplexing using a stored programme control
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2201/00—Electronic components, circuits, software, systems or apparatus used in telephone systems
    • H04M2201/40—Electronic components, circuits, software, systems or apparatus used in telephone systems using speech recognition
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13003—Constructional details of switching devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13012—Hybrid fiber coax, HFC
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13034—A/D conversion, code compression/expansion
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/1305—Software aspects
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13093—Personal computer, PC
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13098—Mobile subscriber
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13103—Memory
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/1313—Metering, billing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13175—Graphical user interface [GUI], WWW interface, visual indication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13196—Connection circuit/link/trunk/junction, bridge, router, gateway
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13199—Modem, modulation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13204—Protocols
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13205—Primary rate access, PRI
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13209—ISDN
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13216—Code signals, frame structure
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/1322—PBX
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/1329—Asynchronous transfer mode, ATM
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13298—Local loop systems, access network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13332—Broadband, CATV, dynamic bandwidth allocation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13345—Intelligent networks, SCP
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13376—Information service, downloading of information, 0800/0900 services
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13377—Recorded announcement
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13378—Speech recognition, speech analysis
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13389—LAN, internet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13399—Virtual channel/circuits
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13405—Dual frequency signaling, DTMF

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system and method for enabling voice activated network access, and voice activated access of independent network services, users and resources on single or multiple networks.
  • Telephony based services such as Person-to-Person calls, Call Centers, Banks, Airport information, Weather Information, Voice mail, Video conferencing etc.
  • Cellular based services such as independent internal information services, M- commerce, etc.
  • Internet based services such as WAP, Voice browsing, Call routing, Multimedia, E- commerce, email, etc.
  • CTI Computer Telephony Integrated
  • IVR Interactive Voice Response
  • TTS Text To Speech
  • ASR Automatic Speech Recognition
  • Wireline, wireless or Internet services are independent services. Wireline or wireless services are dialed into, and Internet services are linked into via a network connection. Some services allow a selection between a few types of databases or services all within a single platform, small or large, on a local or global scale.
  • DATA networks are usually accessed via ISDN, xDSL or the PSTN network.
  • the connection may be a WLL (Wireless Local Loop) type that emulates a standard PSTN or DATA network connection.
  • WLL Wireless Local Loop
  • a different type of wireless access is initiated via the cellular type of network interfaces typically known as TDMA, AMPS, CDMA or GSM.
  • Figure l(a,b) demonstrates atypical wireline or wireless network.
  • the user 10 accesses the multitude of services via the local access switch 15, by dialing a specific number of a service provider 11 X, Y or Z.
  • the user 10 also accesses other users resident on the network via a conventional telephone call, by dialing their uniquely allocated telephone numbers.
  • the user 10 has to remember or to record (store) required numbers, and to be able to retrieve the numbers every time a service is required or a person needs to be contacted.
  • Figure lb demonstrates a typical wireless, or more particularly, Cellular network, which may enable more advanced, feature reach, access to network services, which are restricted to a service provider's own platform environment 18. This is referenced in the figure by a Z type of service 18. These services, such as WAP services, are accessible only to the users of the cellular network and are not accessible to users from other networks.
  • WAP services are accessible only to the users of the cellular network and are not accessible to users from other networks.
  • USA Patent 5,923,745 describes a system for routing calls to call centers (referred to as service providers).
  • the system includes a plurality of call centers coupled to a public switched telephone network which supports a caller identification feature and a transfer feature.
  • This invention focuses only on call center routing functions, and does not include voice web/internet connectivity functions.
  • This invention makes no use of IN (Intelligent Networks) efficiency, and nor does it offer the ability to transfer the voice call through the voice channel back into the switch, in order to save call center resources.
  • This system requires a user to call into it, and therefore dialing into the system is always required.
  • USA Patent 5,418,844 describes a system for Automatic access to information service providers.
  • the system utilizes a short dedicated code, such as an Nl 1 telephone number, which is used to access an information source selected from a large number of voice, data, facsimile and/or video services offered by information service providers.
  • the invention also provides customized routing and call processing procedures for different customers and for accessing different providers' services.
  • This system is based on a quick dial only, but does not allow connections at the time when the user is in "off hook" mode without any key pressing.
  • this invention does not include voice recognition as the method for selecting a service.
  • this invention requires users to know a selection of numbers and codes for accessing information, again dialing numbers and remembering access codes.
  • USA Patent 5,675,707 by AT&T, describes a system for automated call routing, called " how may I help you".
  • This invention describes an automated call routing system and method, which operates on a call-routing objective of a calling party, expressed in natural speech of the calling party.
  • This AT&T patent is a general patent that relates to the voice conversation dialogue, but does not relate to a network voice activated routing/connectivity function.
  • the AT&T patent methodology is related to call center or portal information gathering with the help of voice. Connectivity functions attached to the central core of the network are not covered by AT&T patent.
  • a voice navigation system that is based in the heart of the network (such as a PSTN switch), so that it enables a transparent link that seamlessly blends/converges the legacy telecommunications network with the global information and data pool.
  • the present invention in contrast to the above describes technologies, claims a simple connectivity selection and does not pretend to intelligently understand what the user is looking for.
  • the present invention is based on a set of known or menu selected commands, and is not a dialogue-centered patent.
  • the present invention is a system that may incorporate a system such as the AT&T invention (USA Patent 5,675,707) as a purchased component.
  • the present invention provides a solution for the above-mentioned challenges, by enabling a system that provides:
  • dial tone such that a radical change is executed for landline and wireless telecommunications, by replacing the dial tone with name/voice-based addressing.
  • dot-com addresses like Amazon.com, (rather than IP addresses like 181.203.174.6), enabled the WWW to become an information repository and a tool for commerce, so too the present invention eliminates the need to use numbers to connect to destinations, and enables telephone users to easily access voice-relayed data and information (the "voice web") and voice-based commerce (“v-commerce”) services.
  • Natural Connectivity such that users do not need to know the telephone number of a destination, when using the telephone, and where a user can connect to a friend, family, business associate or stockbroker by name and address.
  • This more natural form of addressing enables carriers to offer new services like placement for searching/directory listings, and virtual PBXs that allow direct connectivity to an individual's extension within corporate phone networks, enhanced voice mail offerings and other services.
  • the present invention enables the following services: i. Voice navigation into call centers, voice portals, virtual PBX's and voice-activated services by picking up the telephone and saying the name of the entity. Connection is established via the system of the present invention (referred to in this document as, "Access Service Connectivity Platform") without the caller having to know the telephone number or web address of the organization's voice service. ii. Voice activated voice- web browsing - delivering voice connectivity to information and services where the caller wishes to receive information or obtain a service but does not know the service provider by name. This is equivalent to a voice-generated Internet browser. The caller navigates through voice activated databases until the desired content or service is located, after which the present invention makes a connection to the call center, service, or voice website.
  • the present invention provides for a centrally located voice connectivity facility that offers the infrastructure support needed for emerging voice-activated applications and services that are taking advantage of the latest innovations in voice recognition technology.
  • Speech recognition technologies particularly natural speech recognition — have sufficiently matured and stabilized to permit their cost-effective use of such a system as a central tool for distributing non- visual data.
  • the voice-activated Internet is in its early stages of creation and will probably overtake the computer-based Internet in terms of content and usage. This is due to the telephone's near-universal proliferation and its long history as a powerful medium for communication and providing services and information.
  • next-generation of voice activated systems must be simple to use and more importantly, simple to access.
  • the present invention provides that simple access connectivity - enabling connectivity through the use of the human voice and "natural form addressing" to existing companies, call centers and next-generation voice-data services.
  • the present invention allows voice-activated requests to be made via any communications device, such as a mobile or regular telephone, requiring no product upgrades or modifications. This is also referred to as a thin application, where the user or the end service provider do not have to upgrade their devices or infrastructure.
  • the voice- activated platform of the present invention enables the human voice to be the locator and search device for dialing across traditional telecommunications networks and for browsing through the world's databases and service applications.
  • the device of the present invention is located in the heart of the central offices of the wireline and wireless telephone service providers (that is, CLECs, ILECs, cellular, or CATV), with a highspeed, direct connection to the "connectivity engines" that are designed to process the "natural form addresses".
  • FIGURES la and b illustrate of a typical access to wireline and wireless networks with independent and dependant services.
  • FIGURE 2 is a generalized illustration of the location of the Access Service
  • Connectivity Platform with respect to the different users and the globally distributed information. It reflects the integration and convergence of the wireline, wireless and the global information data pool, according to the present invention.
  • FIGURE 3 is an illustration of a single network Access Service Connectivity
  • FIGURE 4 is an illustration of a global Access Service Connectivity Platform, according to the present invention.
  • FIGURE 5 is an illustration of the Access service platform basic structure and building blocks.
  • FIGURE 6 is an illustration of the search hierarchy routine according to the present invention.
  • FIGURE 7 is an illustration of the search codes according to the present invention. Figure 7 also illustrates the basic contents of information on a service in the databases of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 8 is a flow chart illustrating an example of the speech prompt-based operation of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 9a is an illustration of a V5, GR303 implementation diagram.
  • FIGURE 9b is an illustration of V5, GR303 as part of the AN.
  • FIGURE 10 is an illustration of an ISDN (BRI, PRI) interface.
  • FIGURE 11 is an illustration of a detailed network layout, incorporating both present and next generation networks.
  • FIGURE 12 is an illustration of an Intelligent Network Fully redundant network.
  • FIGURE 13a is an illustration of the present invention integrated into a CATV network.
  • FIGURE 13b comprises two figures illustrating additional applications of the present invention in a CATV network.
  • the present invention relates to a system and method for enabling voice-activated access to networks, including voice-based navigation and data communication.
  • This incorporates an integrated method utilizing both hardware and software located inside the network "cloud”, which enables easy, intuitive access service connectivity to independent service providers and to other network users and resources, in both single and multiple networks.
  • access service connectivity method-a method for voice-activated network access The Access Service Connectivity Platform (local and global)-The software and hardware platform on which the method will be implemented. This term describes the device, of the present invention, located within a box or engine within a communications network.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform provides for an intuitive method for network access by means of voice or key press technologies.
  • the typical access technologies which are or may be used are IVR (Interactive Voice Response), TTS (Text To Speech), ASR (Automated Speech Recognition), DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) and/or similar alternative or future access technologies.
  • Network access service connectivity is done at the network level and may be provided by standard Central Office and Access technologies.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform enables global connectivity access to any other globally located Access Service Connectivity Platform, for connection purposes.
  • the method is different from existing voice activated access methods, in that existing voice activated access methods are generally located at the edge of the network, at the user device, or implemented as a call center outside the network, as a service platform. Only the invented method, location within the heart of the network, enables every user of any network to gain Voice activated access to any particular network.
  • the method revolutionizes existing network access to information services, other users and service providers.
  • Information service providers are limited to providing access to a single platform and within a single platform.
  • the access service connection platform provides a connectivity method, but does not provide any single service.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform routes the user to the desired destination using voice activation or key press.
  • An additional embodiment of the present invention is where the Access Service Connectivity Platform is integrated into an HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax) network, also known as the CATV infrastructure.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform adds voice-activated connectivity to the telephones, which are connected to the set-top boxes at the subscriber interface.
  • the interface is used in a blocking fashion that interfaces between the voice circuits of the HFC network and the PSTN or PSDN switched networks.
  • the system also allows an alternate connection to the Internet with alternate billing options and alternate enabling applications.
  • Such an interface also allows voice connection and control of other CATV resources using a handset or a microphone and a speaker which are connected to the set-top box.
  • the present invention additionally provides for the insertion of an additional device between the Access Network ("AN”) and the Local Exchange (“LE”). This enables the ability to control every telephone call transferred from the local access to the Local Exchange switch.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform can block the path of every telephone call between the AN and the.
  • FIG. 1 For embodiments of the present invention, embodiments with networks, such as ISDN, using SS7 protocol, such that the Access Service Connectivity Platform is located outside the network cloud, but provides similar services to the implementation where the Access Service Connectivity Platform is located within the core of the network
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform is integrated into the Intelligent Network (L ) infrastructure, such that the Access Service Connectivity Platform will operate in both the circuit switched infrastructure or the packet transmission infrastructure.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform is in a redundant construction to ensure high reliability and close to zero down time.
  • the present invention relates to a method for voice activated network access.
  • the present invention can be used to allow network access to users, in order to connect to one another and use the growing pool of information worldwide.
  • the present invention incorporates an integrated method utilizing both hardware and software located inside the network "cloud", which enables easy, intuitive access service connectivity to independent service providers and to other network users and resources.
  • the following describes a method utilizing hardware and software within the network "cloud”, which enables easy, intuitive and fast access service connectivity to independent service providers and to other network users or resources.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform can better be illustrated by first describing the traditional network connection method.
  • the network via the local access switch 15, identifies when a user 10 is connecting to the network. In wireline telephony, this process is typically called off hook position.
  • a set of DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi Frequency) signals which are the type of audio signals that are generated when you press the buttons on a touch-tone telephone, identify the destination of the call sent to the network.
  • the network receives a series of signals. Typically DTMF tones 12, where each tone identifies a digit.
  • the signals are transferred to a management layer of the network 13.
  • the calling party 10 is connected with the help of the management layer 13 in the network to the destination party.
  • the management layer 13 checks the time or counts the packets of information for billing purposes.
  • the call can be either a voice conversation or a data connection.
  • the voice activated Access Service Connectivity Platform 22 is able to connect, receive and forward all communications from and to all wireline 24 and wireless 26 users.
  • Figure 2 is a generalized illustration of the location of the Access Service Connectivity Platform 22with respect to the different users and the globally distributed information 20. It presents the integration and convergence of wireline and wireless users to the global data pool.
  • the voice activated Access Service Connectivity Platform 22 may be located at heart or the edges of the network, however, it is preferably located within the Intelligent Network (IN) controlled center, so as to enable seamless and transparent integration into the existing communications network.
  • I Intelligent Network
  • FIGS 3 and 4 illustrate the Access Service Connectivity Platform and method of the present invention, in both single and global networks. These platforms enable the user to connect to another party according to the following steps:
  • the network via a switch 31, identifies when a user 30 is connecting to the network, such that the telephone is considered to be in off hook mode.
  • the connection may be direct or via a quick dial of a number by the user (such as DTMF).
  • a user may similarly access the network via a service provider 33 using any Internet, Packet or other communications network.
  • the switch 31 relays the call to the core/backbone of network A 38, which subsequently transfers the call to the network's Access Service Connectivity Platform 32.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform 32 sends a greeting such as "Where can I connect you?".
  • the greeting can be one or a combination of voice, text or data packets.
  • the greeting can be followed by a dial tone, while barge-in functions for the user 30 are always available, such that the user 30 may execute commands at any time during or following the greeting, or during the dialog.
  • the network's Access Service Connectivity Platform 32 waits for any keywords (voice commands) or key presses that will identify a destination that the user 30 requests, as called for in step 3. System can be also prompted by DTMF.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform 32 After receiving a response from the user, the Access Service Connectivity Platform 32 searches a local database 34 for the requested call destination.
  • Access Service Connectivity Platform 32 If the Access Service Connectivity Platform 32 cannot clearly identify the call destination, it will start a voice dialogue with the initial user 30 for additional clarifying information. The dialogue can be aided with text and graphics, when applicable. The Access Service Connectivity Platform 32 subsequently connects the initial user 30 to the requested destination, such as user B 36 or service provider Y 33.
  • a global access connectivity database 44.1. 48.1 is used. This database includes references to the locations of other Access Service Connectivity Platforms. As can be seen in Figure 4 the global access connectivity database is accessed for connection to destinations that are external to the local network.
  • the global destination may be defined as a country or a city, in which case a local access connectivity platform 42 of the country or city is accessed and used for identification of the exact final destination.
  • the calling party 30, 40 is connected to the second party 36, 46, or destination 45 in Network B, with the help of the management layer 49 in the network.
  • the management layer 49 checks the time or counts the packets of information for charging purposes.
  • the connection can be either a voice conversation or a data interchange.
  • user B 36, 46 is directly connected to the Access Service Connectivity Platform 32, 47, and this user 36, 46 can use the local platform 32, 47 directly, without using the network backbone 38.
  • the users 30, 36, and 40, 46 can be connected, via any communications device, including telephone, cellular, PC, to the Access Service Connectivity Platform 32, 47. These connections are via the network, and enable the access of similar services whether access is through a local switch 31 or whether access is routed through the network's backbone 38.
  • User A 30, 40 and User B 36, 46 have full access to all service providers (X, Y or Z) 33, 41 within the local Network A, as well as to all local service providers 45 in external networks.
  • Information about all service providers, users and network resources, which are local to the network, are stored on the local Access Service Connectivity Platform database 34, 44, 48.
  • Information about global network access options for network A are stored on the globally located global Access Service Connectivity Platform database 44.1, an on network B, in the globally located global Access Service Connectivity Platform database 48.1.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform 42 on network A requires access to network B services, it will have to connect to the Access Service Connectivity Platform 46 of Network B.
  • the USER 40 on network A will use the Network B Access Service Connectivity Platform 46 for searching and connecting to services which are local to Network B.
  • the method described directly above enables easy, intuitive and fast access to independent service providers and to other network users or resources, using voice commands only.
  • system can add the usage of DTMF control.
  • the typical technologies used for implementation are IVR, TTS, ASR, DTMF and/or additional or futuristic connectivity technologies. These technologies are prior art and the Access Service Connectivity Platform is using them as building blocks to enable intuitive connection within the network and between networks.
  • the above method refers to a typical PSTN network it can be implemented in alternative embodiments, with some variations, on a wireless network or via data network (for example, the Internet).
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform software structure can be further illustrated by reference to Figure 5, which describes the basic building blocks of the Access Service Connectivity Platform.
  • the platform has the following properties:
  • the interface 58 to the network is achieved with a physical layer interface. For example when a telephone call is directed into the platform, it arrives on a channel on a V5 interface or PRI, BRI interface.
  • the service routine 56 opens a dialogue with the user and searches the local 54 or global databases 53 for the call destination.
  • the local database 54 includes the telephone numbers or links, which are used by the local user.
  • the network management interface 57 is required to establish a connection after the destination has been identified.
  • the network management interface 57 may require a separate physical link from the users' voice or data physical link.
  • the Global database 53 contains the destinations of other access server connectivity platforms to allow global searches.
  • APIs Application Programming interfaces
  • APIs are used for integration of external applications and services, including data entry, system setups, database management, etc., with the present invention.
  • the Local Database 34, 44, 48 and 54 is structured as follows, as can be seen in Figures 6 And 7:
  • Figure 6 illustrates a typical composition of the database, from highest to lowest priorities for the search routines.
  • the search starts at the highest priority database.
  • Search of the lower priority databases is performed when a user asks for a yellow pages type of service or white pages type of service, which are typically hosted services.
  • the priorities are defined by the service provider.
  • FIGS 6 and 7 illustrate the highest priority SERVICES cell structure in a Local database.
  • Figure 6 describes the structure of a typical search routine. In the figure, it is shown how high, medium and low priorities are defined.
  • Figure 7 describes the structure of a cell that contains information about a specific service provider or user destination.
  • the cell is created using a flexible database.
  • This structure of the database enables the service provider to create a scalable and customizable database to determine search preferences, connection destinations data and priorities, visual information of texts and graphics where applicable.
  • the service provider may have a need to offer users access to an Access Service Connectivity Platform in multiple languages. This is primarily done in order to allow global access to platforms.
  • An example of such cell structure contains:
  • a series of search codes (or at least one search code) is assigned to types of services. For example one code or series of codes for banks, another for weather services and a third one for airport information. This enables faster searches within the databases. Also this allows the undertaking of remote searching in multiple languages.
  • Each service may be described in the local language and/or in English.
  • Each cell contains a telephone number and a WWW link.
  • the selection between the two will have a priority setup to define which one of the two shall be used for the connection.
  • the user can define during the search the preference of either a telephone number or a web link.
  • the structure described in figure 7 allows a multilingual search.
  • the multilingual search uses English as the reference language for global (international) searches.
  • Information may be organized in the database in a fashion that allows listing of groups of services for the user for selection. For example a list of banks in a specific city as it is stored in the physical location code. The physical coordinates will allow a search for services according to their physical location or proximity to the user (relevant for cellular services, where the location of the user can be established accurately).
  • the Global database 53 described above is structured as follows
  • the global database is a small database that contains the locations of other Access Service Connectivity Platforms Other platforms may be accessed via the Internet or any other packet based mediums such as frame relay or ATM
  • the following method is an example of a user session Figure 8 illustrates in detail how a user accesses a virtual PBX, which resides on an Access Service Connectivity Platform
  • the system provides connectivity within 2 or 3 layers/iterations of conversation.
  • the following example shows connectivity with a virtual PBX
  • iv Selection 84 is performed, following the prompt 83 from the company/business database This selection may include a subscriber to a virtual PBX or provide selection of the business/company phone line or server. In this example, the companies database is searched for the selected company, v Confirmation 85 is performed for the selection vi. Connection 86 to company/business virtual PBX is executed. If the company/business does not have a registered virtual PBX on the system, the caller is connected to the company/business telephone line or server
  • the present invention provides for a voice activated network access system and method, wherein.
  • the present invention also provides for the insertion of an additional device between the Access Network ("AN”) and the Local Exchange (“LE”).
  • This additional device located between the Access Network and the Local Exchange, is the Access Service Connectivity Platform of the present invention with V5-type, GR-303 or TR008 interfaces.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform has a VoIP interface for IP telephony 90.1 connection and Internet access. In this way, the present invention enables integration of the Access Network (AN) into switched circuit (LE) and/or YoTP network
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform 94 can block the path of every telephone call between the AN 92 and the LE 90. When Access Service Connectivity Platform 94 is in the blocking mode, it is able to distinguish lo
  • Dual-Tone Multi Frequency DTMF
  • a DTMF or Data connection is consequently transferred directly to its destination without blocking the connection channel.
  • the channel may be blocked, and the voice-activated interface will initiate and conduct a dialogue with the user.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform can be integrated into an Access Network device such as the Digital Loop Carrier (DLC) 97, as can be seen in Figure 9b.
  • DLC Digital Loop Carrier
  • the implementation is part of the AN 96 device it will reduce the number of V5-type interfaces from 2 to 1. Although this option can be a lower cost solution, it requires replacement of the AN 96 equipment.
  • Access Service Connectivity Platform 98 features are added to the AN 96, such as a DSLAM or DLC (also known as IAD, Integrated Access Device) 97, it can add an additional enabling feature of controlling the DSL link with a voice activated POTS link.
  • FIG. 10 Further embodiments of the present invention include implementing the present invention externally to networks.
  • This implementation of the platform of the present invention uses connections such as ISDN, VoIP and SS7.
  • connections such as ISDN, VoIP and SS7.
  • some networks such as cellular networks, do not have the V5 or GR-303 interface channels but they incorporate SS7 Interfaces.
  • a standard interface 100 using ISDN (BRI, PRI) may be used to allow the Access Service Connectivity Platform 101 to be accessible by users of these networks.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform is integrated into commonly distributed circuit switched networks with Intelligent Network (IN) management.
  • Figure 11 illustrates the integration of the Access Service Connectivity Platform 110 into a next generation network, such as a packet network, also known as VoIP network.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform 110 can operate in switched or Packet networks both independently or simultaneously.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform 110 is placed within the present communications network, where it is connected to either a TDM Switch 112 or a proprietary switch 114 such as GSM, CDMA or TDMA, via SS7 + Voice Interface 111.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform 110 is also directly connected to the ATM/ IP Network 113, such that connection to present and future networks can be achieved simultaneously. This also enables migration of present networks to future networks while maintaining features and flexibility.
  • the figure demonstrates the beneficial location of the service access connectivity platform 110 in the heart of the network.
  • FIG 12 shows a detailed view of the Access Service Connectivity Platform 125 integration into the Intelligent Network infrastructure.
  • Access Service Connectivity Platform 125 is intentionally applied as a redundant construction, in order to ensure high reliability and close to zero down time.
  • the voice circuits are supplied via the SSP 121, which is managed by the IN (Intelligent Network) 120.1. Connection to the IN network is done via a minimum of 2 STP circuits 123 for redundancy purposes.
  • the system can be expanded with the addition of any of the components such as additional SIUs 126, additional Access Service Connectivity Platforms 125 and additional voice circuits 129.
  • the system can also be expanded by increasing the bandwidth of IP circuits and ASR engines 128.
  • the figure demonstrates the seamless connection of the telephone user with the voice switching network and the packet driven network.
  • FIGS 13a,b illustrate the Access Service Connectivity Platform 130 integration into an HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax) 131 network.
  • Access Service Connectivity Platform 130 adds voice-activated connectivity to the telephones, which are connected to the set- top boxes 132 at the subscriber interface.
  • the interface is used in a blocking fashion that interfaces between the voice circuits of the HFC network 131 and the PSTN or PSDN switched networks 133.
  • the system also allows an alternate connection to the Internet with alternate billing options and alternate enabling applications. For example, the connection allows placing orders, such as ordering a movie, on the Internet by simply voice dialing 130.1 to the movie on demand provider and by controlling voice/visual menu selections from the movie on demand provider servers on the television screen 130.2.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform 130 is connected to the Set-top box (Cable TV device) 132 via the HFC and the Internet 133.
  • Voice commands or voice prompting screen selections via a cable TV output device can enable online navigation or services, such as ordering movies from an Internet located service.
  • the present embodiment may make use of the following protocols: V5.1,V5.2 N5X.X TR008 protocol and GR303 protocol
  • FIG. 13a provides a more elaborate illustration of how the present embodiment may operate with the use of V5 type of interfaces.
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform 130 is used in a blocking fashion. Similar applications may be executed using GR303 type and the TS008 type interfaces.
  • Figure 13b illustrates two additional, more elaborate, applications of the present invention in an HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax) a CATV network.
  • HFC Hybrid Fiber Coax
  • the Access Service Connectivity Platform 130 may be located in the network cloud, between the PSTN 135, the Internet 136 and the head end 137.
  • the second part of the figure demonstrates how the Access Service Connectivity Platform 130 may be located between the V5 interface in the PSTN and an ATM, packet driven network such as the CATV network

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Data Exchanges In Wide-Area Networks (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système et un procédé permettant un accès à commande vocale à des réseaux, y compris la navigation et la communication de données à base vocale. Il s'agit notamment d'un procédé intégré exploitant des matériel et logiciel situés à l'intérieur de la 'nébuleuse' de réseaux, ce qui permet une connectivité de services d'accès intuitive facile à des prestataires de services indépendants et à d'autres utilisateurs et ressources de réseaux, aussi bien dans des réseaux simples que multiples. D'autres modes de réalisation portent notamment sur des mises en application avec d'autres types de réseaux différents (option RNIS ou SS7). On peut intégrer la plate-forme de connectivité de services d'accès à des réseaux à commutation de circuits répartis, des infrastructures de réseaux intelligentes, des réseaux VoIP, des réseaux sans fil et des réseaux HFC (système hybride fibre et coaxial), sans toutefois s'y limiter.
EP01921762A 2000-04-07 2001-04-05 Procede d'acces aux reseaux a commande vocale Withdrawn EP1277332A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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US19586800P 2000-04-07 2000-04-07
US195868P 2000-04-07
PCT/IL2001/000319 WO2001078287A2 (fr) 2000-04-07 2001-04-05 Procede d'acces aux reseaux a commande vocale

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EP1277332A2 EP1277332A2 (fr) 2003-01-22
EP1277332A4 true EP1277332A4 (fr) 2004-06-02

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US7483757B2 (en) 2005-07-22 2009-01-27 Honeywell International, Inc. Control system migration
TWI513269B (zh) * 2012-09-06 2015-12-11 Nen Fu Huang 通訊方法及其系統
US9430465B2 (en) 2013-05-13 2016-08-30 Facebook, Inc. Hybrid, offline/online speech translation system

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See also references of WO0178287A3 *

Also Published As

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WO2001078287A3 (fr) 2002-04-25
WO2001078287A2 (fr) 2001-10-18
EP1277332A2 (fr) 2003-01-22
AU4872601A (en) 2001-10-23

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