EP2353109A2

EP2353109A2 - Method and system for providing translation services

Info

Publication number: EP2353109A2
Application number: EP09795547A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrzej Bernal
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-11-12
Filing date: 2009-10-24
Publication date: 2011-08-10
Also published as: WO2010055425A2; WO2010055425A3

Abstract

A method and system for providing translation services between a first party speaking a first language and a second party speaking a second language, the parties being present in the same place and using a single telecommunication device, including at least (a) providing in the telecommunication device an option to select and store an identifier of the first language; (b) receiving and storing in the telecommunication device an identifier of the first language; (c) providing in the telecommunication device an option to select an identifier of the second language; (d) receiving an identifier of the second language via the telecommunication device; and (e) based on the identifier of the first language and the identifier of the second language, connecting a telecommunication call via the single telecommunication device to a translator able to translate between the first language and the second language.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING TRANSLATION SERVICES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Serial No. 12/269,067 filed on Nov. 12, 2008, now pending, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and American Application No. US12/545,109 filed on August 21 , 2009, supplemented by a claim concerning a system for providing translation services.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a method and system for providing translation services to parties in need thereof, and more particularly to providing translation services over a telecommunication network.

[0004] Description of the Related Art

[0005] Businesses and private parties avail themselves to receiving telecommunication from others. A typical business or household has a plurality of telephones, fax machines, and computers with the help of which it receives communication. Some of the communication is left for the business to process after it is received (e.g., voice mail, faxes, emails); other communication is customarily dealt with in real time while it is being received (e.g., telephone calls, computer chats).

[0006] The advent of global reduction of telecommunication prices and increased mobility of people and businesses results in an increased number of telecommunication received in languages that are not spoken or understood by the receiving party. Generally, when such communication is received, it is largely discarded without being processed. This squanders resources and opportunity. While translation services are available, protocols for connecting parties with translators are often cumbersome and lack automation. [0007] American Patent Specification no. US 2009/0089042 describes a system and method of selecting a translator and connecting to telecommunication devices. The computer system consists in creating three databases, where the first one connects geographical regions with the languages most commonly used in those regions, the second one comprises a special database of translators of different languages and regions of the world, and the third one - a database of people who want to use a translator to communicate verbally or by means of text messages. The system makes it possible to identify translators and to hold multilateral conference calls using remote audio links.

[0008] Accordingly, much opportunity for improvement is found in this area of technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention provided is a method for providing translation services between a first party and a second party, using a single telecommunication device that is shared between the parties, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of language selection options via the telecommunication device; (b) receiving a language selection via the telecommunication device; and (c) connecting a telecommunication call via the telecommunication device to a translator based on the language selection.

[00010] In a class of this embodiment, the first party and the second party are physically present in the same place.

[0010] In a class of this embodiment, the first party is present in a country foreign to the first party and the second party is present in a country that is native to the second party.

[001 1] In a class of this embodiment, the first party speaks a first language and the second party speaks a second language.

[0012] In a subclass of this class of this embodiment, the first language and the second language are not the same.

[0013] In a class of this embodiment, the plurality of language selection options in the telecommunication device is provided to the first party. [0014] In a class of this embodiment, the first party initiates the connection to a translator.

[0015] In a class of this embodiment, the language selection via the telecommunication device is received from the first party.

[0016] In a class of this embodiment, the first party is a client and the second party is a merchant, or vice versa.

[0017] In a class of this embodiment, the telecommunication device is owned by the first party or by the second party.

[0018] In a class of this embodiment, the first party is a person reporting an emergency and the second party is an emergency responder, or vice versa.

[0019] In a class of this embodiment, the first party is a person reporting information about terrorist activities and the second party is a member of a counter-terrorist organization, or vice versa.

[0020] In another class of this embodiment, the providing to the first party a plurality of language selection options comprises providing spoken instructions for associating each language with one or more telecommunication device keys.

[0021] In a subclass of this class of this embodiment the spoken instructions are provided in a plurality of languages or in the first language.

[0022] In another class of this embodiment, the providing to the first party a plurality of language selection options comprises displaying language selections options on a screen of the telecommunication device.

[0023] In another class of this embodiment, displaying language selections options on a screen of the telecommunication device comprises displaying: on a first screen, a world map with the contours of continents; on a second screen, a continent map with contours of individual countries, and optionally, on a third screen, languages spoken in a country.

[0024] In another class of this embodiment, displaying language selections options on a screen of the telecommunication device comprises displaying an association between a language and a telecommunication device key, or a picture, or a sign on the screen of the telecommunication device.

[0025] In a subclass of this class of this embodiment, the language selections options are displayed in a plurality of languages or in the first language.

[0026] In another class of this embodiment, receiving a language selection from the first party via the telecommunication device comprises pressing a portion of the screen on the telecommunication device corresponding to a language selection option, or a picture, or a sign on the screen of the telecommunication device.

[0027] In another class of this embodiment, receiving a language selection from the first party via the telecommunication device comprises pressing a telecommunication device key.

[0028] In another class of this embodiment, the telecommunication devices send information signals in a set language. The set language is a language that is known to a user of the telecommunication device.

[0029] In another class of this embodiment, a translator has a telecommunication device.

[0030] In another class of this embodiment, a translator speaks the first language and at least one additional language.

[0031] In another class of this embodiment, a translator speaks the first language and the second language.

[0032] In another class of this embodiment, a translator is employed by a translation company.

[0033] In another class of this embodiment, all translators employed by a translation company speak the second language.

[0034] In another class of this embodiment, the translator is a bilingual translator proficient in translating between a language selected by the first party and a second language.

[0035] In another class of this embodiment, the method comprises further receiving payment information from the first party or the second party.

[0036] In a subclass of this class, payment information is received by a mobile phone provider. [0037] In another class of this embodiment, the payment information is preprogrammed.

[0038] In another class of this embodiment, the payment information is transmitted during step (a).

[0039] In another class of this embodiment, after the call is connected to a translator the telecommunication device is passed back and forth between the first party and the second party, whereby the parties take turns talking to the translator.

[0040] In another class of this embodiment, the telecommunication device is used in a speakerphone mode, whereby allowing the first party, the second party, and the translator to hear each other simultaneously and whereby eliminating the need for the communication device to be passed back and forth between the parties.

[0041] In another embodiment of the invention provided is a method for providing translation services between a first party speaking a first language and a second party speaking a second language, the parties being physically present in the same place and using a single telecommunication device, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing in the telecommunication device an option to select and store an identifier of the first language; (b) receiving and storing in the telecommunication device an identifier of the first language; (c) providing in the telecommunication device an option to select an identifier of the second language; (d) receiving an identifier of the second language via the telecommunication device, wherein the second party manually selects the identifier of the second language; and (e) based on the identifier of the first language and the identifier of the second language, connecting a telecommunication call via the single telecommunication device to a translator able to translate between the first language and the second language.

[0042] In a class of this embodiment, step (c) comprises providing spoken instructions associating the identifier of the second language with one or more telecommunication device keys.

[0043] In another class of this embodiment, step (c) comprises displaying the identifier of the second language on a screen of the telecommunication device.

[0044] In another class of this embodiment, the identifier of the second language is displayed in a plurality of languages or in the first language. [0045] In another class of this embodiment, step (d) comprises pressing a portion of the screen or a picture, or a sign on the screen of the telecommunication device corresponding to the identifier of the second language.

[0046] In another class of this embodiment, step (d) comprises pressing a telecommunication device key.

[0047] In another class of this embodiment, the first party is a person reporting an emergency or information about terrorist activities, and the second party is an emergency responder or a member of a counter-terrorist organization.

[0048] In another embodiment of the invention provided is a method for providing translation services between a call-placing party speaking a first language and a call-receiving party speaking a second language, the call-placing party having a first telecommunication device and the call-receiving party having a second telecommunication device, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing in the first telecommunication device an option to select and store an identifier of the first language; (b) receiving and storing in the first telecommunication device an identifier of the first language; (c) providing in the second telecommunication device an option to select and store an identifier of the second language; (d) receiving and storing in the second telecommunication device an identifier of the second language; (e) transmitting the identifier of the first language and the identifier of the second language to a server, and storing the identifier of the first language and the identifier of the second language in a database; (f) receiving a telecommunication call from the call-placing party and receiving from the call-placing party a telephone number of the call-receiving party or information otherwise identifying the call-receiving party; and (g) based on the identifier of the first language and the identifier of the second language, connecting a three-way telecommunication call between the call-placing party, the call-receiving party, and a translator able to translate between the first language and the second language.

[0049] In a class of this embodiment, in step (g) the telecommunication call is routed to the call- receiving party after first being connected to the translator.

[0050] In another class of this embodiment, step (a) comprises displaying a plurality of language identifiers on a screen of the first telecommunication device in the first language; and step (c) comprises displaying a plurality of language identifiers on a screen of the second telecommunication device in the second language.

[0051] In another class of this embodiment, step (b) and step (d) each comprise pressing a portion of the screen, or a picture, or a sign on the telecommunication device corresponding to a language identifier.

[0052] In another class of this embodiment, the database is a global database.

[0053] In another class of this embodiment, the call-placing party is a client and the call-receiving party is a merchant.

[0054] In another class of this embodiment, the call-placing party is a person reporting an emergency, or a person reporting information about terrorist activities; and the call-receiving party is an emergency responder, or a member of a counter-terrorist organization

[0055] In another embodiment of the invention provided is a method for providing translation services between a call-placing party and a call-receiving party, each of the parties using a telecommunication device, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing to the call-placing party a plurality of language selection options in the telecommunication device; (b) providing to the call-receiving party a plurality of language selection options in the telecommunication device; (c) receiving from the call- placing party a first language selection and storing the first language selection in the telecommunication device of the call-placing party; (d) receiving from the call-receiving party a second language selection and storing the second language selection in the telecommunication device of the call-receiving party; (e) transmitting the first language selection and the second language selection from the telecommunication devices to a server, and storing the first language selection and the second language selection in a database; (f) receiving a telecommunication call from the call-placing party and receiving from the call-placing party a telephone number or identity of the call-receiving party; and (g) connecting a call between the call-placing party, the call-receiving party, and a translator according to data stored in the database.

[0056] In certain class of this embodiment, the first language selection corresponds to a language spoken by the call-placing party. [0057] In certain class of this embodiment, the second language selection corresponds to a language spoken by the call-receiving party.

[0058] In certain class of this embodiment, the database is a global database.

[0059] In a class of this embodiment, the call-placing party and the call-receiving party are about to be engaged in a telecommunication call.

[0060] In a class of this embodiment, the call-placing party speaks a first language and the call- receiving party speaks a second language.

[0061] In a subclass of this class of this embodiment, the first language and the second language are not the same.

[0062] In a class of this embodiment, the call-placing party is a client and the call-receiving party is a merchant, or vice versa.

[0063] In a class of this embodiment, the call-placing party is a person reporting an emergency and the call-receiving party is an emergency responder.

[0064] In a class of this embodiment, the call-placing party is a person reporting information about terrorist activities and the call-receiving party is a member of a counter-terrorist organization.

[0065] In another class of this embodiment, the providing to the call-placing party or the call-receiving party a plurality of language selection options comprises displaying language selections options on a screen of the telecommunication device.

[0066] In a subclass of this class of this embodiment, displaying language selections options on a screen of the telecommunication device comprises displaying: on a first screen, a world map with the contours of continents; on a second screen, a continent map with contours of individual countries, and optionally, on a third screen, languages spoken in a country.

[0067] In another class of this embodiment, displaying language selections options on a screen of the telecommunication device comprises displaying an association between a language and a telecommunication device key or a picture or a sign on the screen of the telecommunication device. [0068] In a subclass of this class of this embodiment, the language selections options are displayed in the first language.

[0069] In a subclass of this class of this embodiment, the language selections options are displayed in the second language.

[0070] In another class of this embodiment, receiving from the call-placing party a first language selection and storing the first language selection in the telecommunication device of the call-placing party comprises pressing a portion of the screen on the telecommunication device corresponding to a language selection option or a picture or a sign on the screen of the telecommunication device.

[0071] In another class of this embodiment, receiving from the call-placing party a first language selection and storing the first language selection in the telecommunication device of the call-placing party comprises pressing a telecommunication device key.

[0072] In another class of this embodiment, receiving from the call-receiving party a second language selection and storing the second language selection in the telecommunication device of the call- receiving party comprises pressing a portion of the screen on the telecommunication device corresponding to a language selection option, or a picture, or a sign on the screen of the telecommunication device.

[0073] In another class of this embodiment, receiving from the call-receiving party a second language selection and storing the second language selection in the telecommunication device of the call- receiving party comprises pressing a telecommunication device key.

[0074] In another class of this embodiment, each translator has a telecommunication device, e.g., a mobile phone, or other mobile communicator (e.g., an iPhone).

[0075] In another class of this embodiment, a translator speaks the first language and at least one additional language.

[0076] In another class of this embodiment, a translator speaks the first language and the second language.

[0077] In another class of this embodiment, the translator is bilingual. [0078] In another class of this embodiment, a translator is employed by a translation company. [0079] In another class of this embodiment, all translators speak the first language. [0080] In another class of this embodiment, all translators speak the second language.

[0081] In another class of this embodiment, the translator is a bilingual translator proficient in translating between the first language and a language selected by the first party.

[0082] In another class of this embodiment, the method comprises further receiving payment information from the first party or the second party.

[0083] In a subclass of this class, payment information is received by a mobile phone provider.

[0084] In another class of this embodiment, the payment information is preprogrammed.

[0085] In another class of this embodiment, the payment information is transmitted during step (f).

[0086] In a class of this embodiment, a call is routed to a call-receiving party after first being connected to the translator.

[0087] In a class of this embodiment, when the call-receiving party answers the call, it will already hear the translator.

[0088] In another embodiment provided is a system for providing translation services between a first party and a second party, the system comprising: (a) software and/or hardware means for providing to the first party a plurality of language selection options in the telecommunication device; (b) software and/or hardware means for receiving a language selection from the first party via the telecommunication device; and (c) software and/or hardware means for connecting a telecommunication call via the telecommunication device to a translator based on the language selection.

[0089] In another embodiment provided is a system for providing translation services between a call- placing party and a call-receiving party, each of the parties using a telecommunication device, the system comprising: (a) software and/or hardware means for providing to the call-placing party a plurality of language selection options in the telecommunication device; (b) software and/or hardware means for providing to the call-receiving party a plurality of language selection options in the telecommunication device; (c) software and/or hardware means for receiving from the call-placing party a first language selection and storing the first language selection in the telecommunication device of the call-placing party; (d) software and/or hardware means for receiving from the call- receiving party a second language selection and storing the second language selection in the telecommunication device of the call-receiving party; (e) a software or a hardware means for transmitting the first language selection and the second language selection from the telecommunication devices to a server, and storing the first language selection and the second language selection in a database; (f) a software or a hardware means for receiving a telecommunication call from the call-placing party and receiving from the call-placing party a telephone number or identity of the call-receiving party; and (g) a software or a hardware means for connecting a call between the call-placing party, the call-receiving party, and a translator according to data stored in the database.

[0090] In another embodiment provided is a system for providing translation services between a first party speaking a first language and a second party speaking a second language, the parties using their own communicator comprising a database of translators, wherein (a) the communicators (3A) and (3B) are equipped with the option of language selection and connected to a telephone switchboard (6),(b) send the signal about the language selected to the telephone switchboard (6), by means of a signal detector QO) identifying the languages of the parties (c) and a device analyzing and qualifying the call (1_1_) using the database of translators (7) or not.

[0091] In a class of this embodiment the communicators (3A) and (3B) are software and/or hardware means supplying the parties with a plurality of language selection options in a telecommunication device.

[0092] In a class of this embodiment the signal detector QO) is software and/or hardware means receiving information about the selected language the parties involved in the call.

[0093] In a class of this embodiment the device analyzing and qualifying the call (IJ-) is software and/or hardware means.

[0094] In a class of this embodiment, the switchboard (6) is equipped with a signal detector (10) identifying the language of party (1_) and (2) and a device for analyzing and qualifying the call (11 ). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] The invention is described herein below with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

[0096] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for providing translation services between a first party and a second party according to one embodiment of the invention; and

[0097] FIG. 2 illustrates a method for providing translation services between a call-placing party and a call-receiving party according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0098] FIG. 3 illustrates a system for providing translation services between a call-placing party and a call-receiving party according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0099] Definitions

[00100] The term "translation," as used herein, refers to a communication is a second language having the same or a similar meaning as the communication in a first language. The term "translation," as used herein, includes the normal meaning of this word as it is commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[00101] The terms "translation services," and "translating" as used herein, refer to providing translation for others as an occupation or business. These terms are meant to include interpreting, localizing, etc. The terms "translation services," and "translating" as used herein, include the normal meaning of these words as it is commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[00102] The term "party," as used herein, refers to a person or a group of persons. A party may be a private party or a business party; that is to say that a party may be engaging in telecommunication with other parties for private purpose or for a business purpose, respectively. The term "call-placing party," as used herein refers to a party who originally initiates a telecommunication call to a call-receiving party. The term "call-receiving party," as used herein refers to a party who originally receives a telecommunication call from a call-placing party. The term "party," as used herein, includes the normal meaning of this word as it is commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[00103] The term "language selection options," as used herein, refers to choices given to a party (a call-placing party, a call-receiving party, or any other party) to select one or more languages in which the party can communicate. For example, a call-placing party or a call-receiving party can select English, or German, or English and German as its language selection.

[00104] The term "identifier," as used herein, refers to a symbol, a name, or any other means of identifying. Particularly, with respect to a language, an identifier may be the name of the language, e.g., the word "English" or "German", or an abbreviation such as EN, DE, etc. Thus, providing in a telecommunication device option to select and store an identifier of said first language, refers to providing an option to a user of the telecommunication device to pre-set a preferred language in the memory of the telecommunication device, which language the user can communicate in. Specifically, the user may select and store the word "English" to identify that the user can communicate in the English language.

[00105] The term "language selection," as used herein, refers to the choice made by a party (a call-placing party, a call-receiving party, or any other party) as to one or more languages in which the party can communicate. For example, a call-placing party or a call-receiving party can select English, or German, or English and German as its language selection.

[0100] The term "translator," as used herein refers to a person who provides translation from one language to another. The translator may translate messages from one language into another in a spoken form ("interpreter") or in a written form, or in a combination thereof. All modes of translation are encompasses within the term "translator". A bilingual translator is a person who is able to communicate in at least two languages fluently. The term encompasses those translators who have membership in two different cultures. The term "translator," as used herein, includes the normal meaning of this word as it is commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0101] The term "translation agency," as used herein refers to a translator or a group of translators organized for providing translation services by means of telecommunication. The term "translation agency," as used herein, includes the normal meaning of this word as it is commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0102] The term "connecting according to the language selection," as used herein means routing the telecommunication call to a translator proficient and able to translate between at least one language selected by a call-placing party and at least one language selected by a call-receiving party. For example, if the call-placing party selects German as the language in which it can communicate and the call-receiving party selects French as the language in which it can communicated, "connecting according to the language selection" means that the parties would be connected to a translator that can translate from German into French and vice versa. As another example, if the call-placing party selects German and Spanish as the languages in which it can communicate and the call-receiving party selects French and Russian as the languages in which it can communicated, "connecting according to the language selection" means that the parties would be connected to a translator that can translate from German into French and vice versa, or from German into Russian and vice versa, or from Spanish into French and vice versa, or from Spanish into Russian, and vice versa.

[0103] The term "client," as used herein refers to a party for which professional services are rendered, a customer or patron. The term "customer," as used herein means one that buys goods or services. The terms "client," and "customer" as used herein, include the normal meaning of these words as it is commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0104] The term "merchant," as used herein refers to a person or a group of people who run a business, whether or not for profit, and is meant to encompass those persons whose occupation is the purchase and/or sale of goods and/or services for profit. The term "merchant," as used herein, includes the normal meaning of this word as it is commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0105] The term "telephone keypad," as used herein, refers to a keypad that appears on a "touch tone" telephone. It was standardized when the dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) system was introduced in the 1960s. The contemporary keypad is laid out in a 3x4 grid of "telephone keys". When used to dial a telephone number, pressing a single key will produce a pitch consisting of two simultaneous pure tone sinusoidal frequencies. The row in which the key appears determines the low frequency, and the column determines the high frequency. For example, pressing the '1' key will result in a sound composed of both a 697 and a 1209 hertz (Hz) tone. The term "telecommunication device keypad," as used herein, refers to a keypad that appears on a telecommunication device. A telecommunication device keypad can be physical or virtual, i.e., it can be made of physical buttons or of buttons that appear on the screen (e.g., a touch screen) of a telecommunication device. A telecommunication device keypad in general includes a telephone keypad.

[0106] The term "associating each language with one or more telecommunication device keys," as used herein refers to providing a party (e.g., a call-placing party, a call-receiving party, or any other party) a way to select one or more languages in which the party can communicate by pressing one or more telephone keys. For example, in order to select English, the party is asked to press the #4 key, or the #4 key followed by the #6 key. A party may also be asked to spell the name of the language to be selected using the key pad. A specified letter mapping standard may be used to map letters to telephone keys. For example, the international standard ITU E.161 / ISO 9995-8 is chosen.

[0107] The term "preprogrammed," as used herein refers programming in advance, e.g., of the actual call. For example, payment information may be in advance programmed into the system (on the side of the call-placing party, on the side of the call-receiving party, or both, and/or on the side of the translation agency) so that it may be automatically transmitted to pay for translation services when translation services are requested. Preprogrammed payment information may include, e.g., customer number and pin code or credit card information.

[0108] The term "telecommunication," as used herein, refers to the science and technology of communication at a distance by electric or electronic transmission of impulses, as, e.g., by telegraph, cable, telephone, mobile telephone, walkie-talkie, radio, or television. The term "telecommunication," as used herein, includes the normal meaning of this word as it is commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0109] The term "telecommunication call," as used herein, refers to a communication or connection between two or more parties at a distance by electric or electronic transmission of impulses, as, e.g., by telegraph, cable, telephone, mobile telephone, walkie-talkie, radio, or television.

[01 10] The term "telecommunication device," as used herein, refers to anything man-made for communication at a distance by electric or electronic transmission of impulses, as, e.g., by telegraph, cable, telephone, mobile telephone, walkie-talkie, radio, or television. A telecommunication device includes, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and particularly, iPhone by Apple Inc.

[01 1 1] The term "software and/or hardware means for providing a plurality of language selection options in the telecommunication device," as used herein, refers to a device, or anything else man- made, for providing choices to a party (e.g., a call-placing party, a call-receiving party, or any other party) to select one or more languages in which the party can communicate. Means for providing a plurality of language selection options is, for example, a voice announcement, pre-recorded or otherwise, played to the party via a telecommunication device, incl. a telephone, or a text message, or a pictorial message displayed to the party via, e.g., a telecommunication device, incl. a mobile phone.

[01 12] The term "software and/or hardware means for receiving a language selection via the telecommunication device," as used herein, refers to a device, or anything else man-made, for receiving the choice made by a party (a call-placing and/or a call-receiving party) as to one or more languages in which the party can communicate. Means for receiving a language selection comprises, for example, a converter of dual-tone multi frequency signal to a digital number.

[01 13] The term "software and/or hardware means for connecting a telecommunication call via the telecommunication device to a translator based on the language selection," as used herein, refers to a device, or anything else man-made, for teleconferencing a call-placing party, a call-receiving party, and a translator. Means for connecting with a translator is, for example, a telephone exchange programmed to teleconference teleconferencing a call-placing party, a call-receiving party, and a translator based on the language selection.

[01 14] The term "programmable with information," as used herein, with respect to a telecommunication device refers to the ability to input into the memory of the device a list of languages spoken by a party using the device. For example, a call-placing party programs its mobile phone by inputting the languages English, German, and Russian, as the languages spoken by the call-placing party. [01 15] With reference to FIG. 1 , a method is provided for providing translation services between a first party 1 and a second party 2, using a telecommunication device 3. In more detail, when two parties come together and wish to communicate with one another yet do not speak a common language, it is often desirable to employ a translator 7 able to translate between the two parties, i.e., a translator able to speak and translate between a first language spoken by the first party and a second language spoken by the second party. Frequently, a need for a quick access to a translator arises when the first party travels to a foreign country and cannot communicate in a language spoken in that country. This invention makes it possible to quickly and efficiently provide translation services to the first party.

[01 16] Further with reference to FIG. 1 , a first party, e.g. the party who owns the telecommunication device 3, in order to obtain translation services dials using the telecommunication device 3 a generally available special telephone number 4. This special telephone number may be provided in a form similar to those of emergency responders (91 1 ), or may be a regular telephone number, or a prefix. After the call is connected, the party is given choices by the language selection module 5 to select a language spoken by the first party.

[01 17] Generally, it is assumed that the first party is a party traveling to an area where a language other than that the first party speaks is widely spoken, and that the second party speaks a language common to the area where the parties are present and/or where the special telephone number 4 is provided. This is to say that the special telephone number 4 is provided for parties who speak a certain language and that the language selection module 5 provides language selection in multiple languages. For example, when the language service is offered in the United States, it is assumed that the second party speaks English and that the first party speaks a language other than English. (But this could be set differently by convention.) Thus, when the special telephone number 4 offered in a foreign country is dialed by the first party, the first party 1 is asked in a variety of languages to select a language that the first party 1 speaks.

[01 18] However, if the first party is present in an area where the special telephone number 4 is not available or if the second party does not speak a language common to the area, the first party can place a telecommunication call to the party's own home area to call a special telephone number 4, i.e., a special telephone number 4 that features a language selection module 5 operating in a language spoken by the call-placing party, and transfer the telecommunication device 3 to the second party, who then chooses his or her language by using the language selection module.

[01 19] The language selection module 5 provides the language selection options either as a spoken announcement, (e.g., For English, press one; Para Espanol, Oprima Numero Dos, fur Deutsch, bitte drϋcken Sie die drei, etc.), by entering a combination of telephone keys known from TV commercials, brochures, etc., or as a list of languages that is displayed on the screen of the telecommunication device (touch screen selection). In the latter case, the list of languages can be displayed in stages. For example, the first screen may show a map of the world with contours of continents. Pressing on one of the continents, would open a second screen that would display all individual countries of that continent. Pressing on one of the countries would automatically select a language spoken in that country for single-language countries or open a third screen with selections of languages commonly spoken in that country.

[0120] The language selection options are automatically provided and constitute a collection of messages in various foreign languages communicating that one can connect to a given translator for a given price when selecting a specified combination of keys.

[0121] All selections may be entered manually using telecommunication device keys or may be made automatically by the translation module (hardware or software based) built into the stationary or mobile phone of the party making the selections. When telecommunication device keys are being used (tone dial selection), it should be assured that selections are entered using the same international standard. For example, the most widely used standard for letter mapping is international standard ITU E.161 / ISO 9995-8, wherein A, B, and C are assigned to the number 2 key; D, E, and F are assigned to the number 3 key; G, H, and I are assigned to the number 4 key, and so on.

[0122] Once a language selection is received, an automatic exchange 6, which is a telecommunication device enabling forwarding of telecommunication calls, forwards the call to a first available translator 7. N. N of the language selected using the language selection module 5. Specifically, when the special telephone number is established in an English speaking area, a plurality of translators may be employed by a translation company 7 who are able to translate, e.g., from English to Spanish 7.1.1 , 7.1.2, 7.1.3, ..., 7.1.N, from English to Russian 7.2.1 , 7.2.2, 7.2.3, ..., 7.2.N, from English to German 7.3.1 , 7.3.2, 7.3.3, ..., 7.3.N, from English to Polish 7.4.1 , 7.4.2, 7.4.3, ..., 7.4.N, and from English to other language 7.N.1 , 7.N.2, 7.N.3 7.N.N.

[0123] Another method for providing translation services between a first party, who owns a telecommunication device, and a second party is provided herein. Particularly, this method takes advantage of the fact that telecommunication devices usually allow a user to set a language in which information is displayed on the telecommunication device. This language is generally a language that the party using the telecommunication device can communicate in. For example, a party residing in the United States and able to communicate in English may select "English" as the language of choice in which information is displayed on the telecommunication device of that party, e.g., a mobile phone. This pre-selected language identifier becomes critical at the time language translation is desired.

[0124] When the first party comes in contact with a second party who cannot speak the same language as the first party, in order to obtain translation services, the first party dials using the telecommunication device 3 a generally available special telephone number 4. This special telephone number may be provided in a form similar to those of emergency responders (911 ), or may be a regular telephone number, or a prefix. After the call is connected, the first party hands the phone to the second party who is then given choices by the language selection module 5 to select a language spoken by the second party. The preselected language identifier of the language spoken by the first party is then also automatically transmitted to the translation company and, on the basis of the preselected language and the language selected by the second party, the call is connected to a translator that can translate between the two languages.

[0125] With reference to FIG. 2, another method is provided for providing translation services between a call-placing party 1 and a call-receiving party 2 when each of the parties has its own telecommunication device, i.e., when the call-placing party 1 uses a telecommunication device 3A to communicate, and the call-receiving party uses a telecommunication device 3B to communicate.

[0126] The call-placing party preprograms the telecommunication device 3A with a first language selection that the call-placing party is able to communicate in. The first language selection is a selection of a language spoken by the call-placing party and used by the call-placing party to operate the telecommunication device. The first language selection is stored in the first telecommunication device 3A. This is to say that the language selection is set in the menu of the telecommunication device 3A to operate the device regardless of whether or not the call-placing party will ever use the translation system. During the first connection after the telecommunication device has been put into operation or the language selection has been changed, the telecommunication device 3A sends an information signal with the first language selection to a global computer 9 via telecommunication network operator 8A. The first language selection is then stored in a global database in association with an identifier for the call-placing party 1. The first language selection can also be additionally stored in a separate database of the telecommunication network operator 8A. This step also occurs regardless of whether or not the call-placing party will ever use the translation system.

[0127] Similarly, the call-receiving party preprograms the telecommunication device 3B with a second language selection that the call-receiving party is able to communicate in. The second language selection is a selection of a language spoken by the call-receiving party and used by the call- receiving party to operate the telecommunication device. The second language selection is stored in the second telecommunication device 3B. This is to say that the language selection is set in the menu of the telecommunication device 3B to operate the device regardless of whether or not the call- receiving party will ever use the translation system. During the first connection after the telecommunication device has been put into operation or the language selection has been changed, the telecommunication device 3B sends an information signal with the second language selection to a global computer 9 via telecommunication network operator 8B. The second language selection is then stored in a global database in association with an identifier for the call-receiving party 2. The second language selection can also be additionally stored in a separate database of the telecommunication network operator 8B. This step also occurs regardless of whether or not the call- receiving party will ever use the translation system.

[0128] Illustrating further with reference to FIG. 2, when the call-placing party 1 wishes to communicate with the call receiving party 2, yet the parties do not speak a common language, it is often desirable to employ a translator 7 able to translate between the two parties, i.e., a translator able to speak and translate between a first language spoken by the call-placing party and a second language spoken by the call-receiving party. This invention makes it possible to quickly and efficiently provide translation services to the parties.

[0129] Further with reference to FIG. 2, in order to obtain translation services, the call-placing party dials using the telecommunication device 3A a generally available special telephone number 4 ("GSTPC number"). This special telephone number may be provided in a form similar to those of emergency responders (911 ), or may be a regular telephone number. After the call is connected, the call-placing party enters a phone number of the call-receiving party or otherwise identifies the identity of the call-receiving party. Alternatively, the call-placing party dials the special telephone number 4 and the phone number of the call-receiving party simultaneously. Particularly, the call- placing party may dial a prefix associated with the translation service (a so called "GSTPC prefix") and the phone number of the call-receiving party in one string before pressing the "SEND" button.

[0130] When the call is received the automatic telephone exchange 6 automatically identifies the number of the call-placing party 1. Using the identity of the call-placing party and the identity of the call receiving party, the automatic exchange 6 looks up in the global database a language pair spoken by the call-placing party and the call-receiving party, and connects a three-way call between the call-placing party, the call-receiving party, and a first available translator 7. N. N able to translate between the first language spoken by the call-placing party and the second language spoken by the call-receiving party. In particular, the automatic exchange 6 accesses the global database residing on a global computer 9 and retrieves the language selection options of the call-placing party and the call- receiving party that the parties have deposited earlier into the database. In this embodiment, unlike in the embodiment utilizing one telecommunication device only, not all translators need to speak the same local language. Rather each translator is able to translate in a certain language pair, e.g., from Chinese to Japanese, from Czech to French, from Bantu to Mongolian, etc.

[0131] When a call-placing party places a call to a call-receiving party that is not able to communicate in the same language, it is also useful to automatically connect the call to a translator that can translate the communication between the two parties. In order for the call to be automatically connected to a translator, this method takes advantage of the fact that telecommunication devices usually allow a user to set a language in which information is displayed on the telecommunication device. This language is generally a language that the party using the telecommunication device can communicate in. For example, a first party residing in the United States and able to communicate in English may select "English" as the language of choice in which information is displayed on the telecommunication device of that party, e.g., a mobile phone, and a second party residing in Poland and able to communicate in Polish may select "Polish" as the language of choice in which information is displayed on the telecommunication device of that party, e.g., a mobile phone.

[0132] The pre-selected language identifier selected by each party becomes critical at the time language translation is desired. Specifically, when a call-placing party dials a phone number of the call-receiving party, the system automatically compares the language identifiers selected and stored by each party in their respective telecommunication devices. When the language identifiers are not equal, e.g., the language identifier pre-selected by the call-placing party is "Polish" and the language identifier pre-selected by the call-receiving party is "English", the telecommunication device of the call placing party, or the telecommunication device of the call-receiving party, automatically places a call to a translator that can translate between the two languages identified by the two language identifiers, e.g., a translator that can translate between Polish and English. In other words, the telephone call is thus placed to an appropriate translator automatically based on the language identifiers pre-selected by the two parties.

[0133] Of course, the prefix or phone number to be dialed for each language translator would also need to be stored in the telecommunication device, or alternatively, a call could be placed automatically to a main number of a translation company who would then receive the identifiers from telecommunication devices of both parties and route the call to a desired translator based on these language identifiers and any other necessary data that may also be pre-stored in the telecommunication devices, or pre-stored in a database accessible to the translation company.

[0134] The methods of this invention are particularly applicable to counter-terrorism. Specifically, the ability to rapidly select or preprogram into telecommunication device information about the languages spoken by the owner of the telecommunication device speeds up response to counter terrorism. For example, when the call-placing party is a person reporting an emergency and the call-receiving party is an emergency responder, information about whether or not translation is needed is immediately disseminated when the call is placed and the call can be quickly routed to appropriate operator, or a translator can teleconferenced in. Since terrorism is a global phenomenon, it is important to enable emergency responders and counter-terrorism personnel with the quickest possibility to understand report received from persons having information useful for capturing terrorists.

[0135] Fig.3 shows a system useful for providing translation services between the call-placing party (1 ), and the call-receiving party (2), where each of the parties has their own telecommunication device, when the call-placing party (1) uses the telecommunication device (3A) to communicate and the call-receiving party uses the telecommunication device (3B) to communicate. In the system, the communicators (3A) and (3B) are equipped with the option of introducing a language code and connected to a switchboard (6) by means of a telecommunication device which identifies the language of the party (10) and a device analyzing and qualifying the call (11 ) using a database of translators (7) or not.

[0136] This invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein and modifications for various applications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. While this invention has been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, specification, and following claims.

[0137] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application mentioned in this specification was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

ClaimsThe invention claimed is:

1. A method for providing translation services between a first party speaking a first language and a second party speaking a second language, the parties being physically present in the same place and using a single telecommunication device, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing in said telecommunication device an option to select and store an identifier of said first language;

(b) receiving and storing in said telecommunication device an identifier of said first language;

(c) providing in said telecommunication device an option to select an identifier of said second language;

(d) receiving an identifier of said second language via said telecommunication device, wherein said second party manually selects said identifier of said second language; and

(e) based on said identifier of said first language and said identifier of said second language, connecting a telecommunication call via said single telecommunication device to a translator able to translate between said first language and said second language.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein step (c) comprises providing spoken instructions associating said identifier of said second language with one or more telecommunication device keys.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein step (c) comprises displaying said identifier of said second language on a screen of said telecommunication device.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said identifier of said second language is displayed in a plurality of languages or in said first language.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein step (d) comprises pressing a portion of the screen or a picture, or a sign on the screen of said telecommunication device corresponding to said identifier of said second language.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein step (d) comprises pressing a telecommunication device key.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said first party is a person reporting an emergency or information about terrorist activities, and said second party is an emergency responder or a member of a counter-terrorist organization.

8. A method for providing translation services between a call-placing party speaking a first language and a call-receiving party speaking a second language, said call-placing party having a first telecommunication device and said call-receiving party having a second telecommunication device, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing in said first telecommunication device an option to select and store an identifier of said first language;

(b) receiving and storing in said first telecommunication device an identifier of said first language;

(c) providing in said second telecommunication device an option to select and store an identifier of said second language;

(d) receiving and storing in said second telecommunication device an identifier of said second language;

(e) transmitting said identifier of said first language and said identifier of said second language to a server, and storing said identifier of said first language and said identifier of said second language in a database;

(f) receiving a telecommunication call from said call-placing party and receiving from said call-placing party a telephone number of said call-receiving party or information otherwise identifying said call-receiving party; and

(g) based on said identifier of said first language and said identifier of said second language, connecting a three-way telecommunication call between said call-placing party, said call-receiving party, and a translator able to translate between said first language and said second language.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein in step (g) said telecommunication call is routed to said call-receiving party after first being connected to said translator.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein step (a) comprises displaying a plurality of language identifiers on a screen of said first telecommunication device in said first language; and step (c) comprises displaying a plurality of language identifiers on a screen of said second telecommunication device in said second language.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein step (b) and step (d) each comprise pressing a portion of the screen, or a picture, or a sign on the telecommunication device corresponding to a language identifier.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein said database is a global database.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said call-placing party is a client and said call-receiving party is a merchant.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said call-placing party is a person reporting an emergency, or a person reporting information about terrorist activities; and said call-receiving party is an emergency responder, or a member of a counter-terrorist organization.

15. A system for providing translation services between a first party speaking a first language and a second party speaking a second language, the parties using their own communicator comprising a database of translators, wherein:

(a) communicators (3A) and (3B) equipped with a language selection option and connected to a switchboard (6),

(b) send a signal about the selected language to the switchboard (6), by means of a signal detector QO) identifying the languages spoken by the parties, (c) and a device analyzing and qualifying the call (H) using the database of translators (7) or not.

16. A system for providing services of claim 15, wherein communicator (3A) and (3B) is software and/or hardware means providing the parties with a plurality of language selection options in a telecommunication device.

17. A system for providing services of claim 15, wherein the signal detector Q()) is software and/or hardware means for receiving information about the language selected from the party using the call.

18. A system for providing services of claim 15 wherein, the device analyzing and qualifying the call (H) is software and/or hardware means.

19. A system for providing services of claim 15 wherein, the switchboard (6) is equipped with a signal detector (1()) identifying the language of party (IJ and (2) and a device (H) analyzing and qualifying the call.