EP2353109A2 - Procédé et système permettant de fournir des services de traduction - Google Patents

Procédé et système permettant de fournir des services de traduction

Info

Publication number
EP2353109A2
EP2353109A2 EP09795547A EP09795547A EP2353109A2 EP 2353109 A2 EP2353109 A2 EP 2353109A2 EP 09795547 A EP09795547 A EP 09795547A EP 09795547 A EP09795547 A EP 09795547A EP 2353109 A2 EP2353109 A2 EP 2353109A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
language
party
call
telecommunication device
identifier
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Withdrawn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
EP09795547A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Andrzej Bernal
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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
Priority claimed from US12/269,067 external-priority patent/US20100120404A1/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP2353109A2 publication Critical patent/EP2353109A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/50Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
    • H04M3/51Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention, e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F40/00Handling natural language data
    • G06F40/40Processing or translation of natural language
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2203/00Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M2203/20Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges related to features of supplementary services
    • H04M2203/2061Language aspects
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2250/00Details of telephonic subscriber devices
    • H04M2250/58Details of telephonic subscriber devices including a multilanguage function

Definitions

  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • the first party and the second party are physically present in the same place.
  • 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.
  • the first party speaks a first language and the second party speaks a second language.
  • the first language and the second language are not the same.
  • the plurality of language selection options in the telecommunication device is provided to the first party.
  • the first party initiates the connection to a translator.
  • the language selection via the telecommunication device is received from the first party.
  • the first party is a client and the second party is a merchant, or vice versa.
  • the telecommunication device is owned by the first party or by the second party.
  • the first party is a person reporting an emergency and the second party is an emergency responder, or vice versa.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the spoken instructions are provided in a plurality of languages or in the first language.
  • the providing to the first party a plurality of language selection options comprises displaying language selections options on a screen of the telecommunication device.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the language selections options are displayed in a plurality of languages or in the first language.
  • 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.
  • receiving a language selection from the first party via the telecommunication device comprises pressing a telecommunication device key.
  • 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.
  • a translator has a telecommunication device.
  • a translator speaks the first language and at least one additional language.
  • a translator speaks the first language and the second language.
  • a translator is employed by a translation company.
  • the translator is a bilingual translator proficient in translating between a language selected by the first party and a second language.
  • the method comprises further receiving payment information from the first party or the second party.
  • payment information is received by a mobile phone provider.
  • the payment information is preprogrammed.
  • the payment information is transmitted during step (a).
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • step (c) comprises providing spoken instructions associating the identifier of the second language with one or more telecommunication device keys.
  • step (c) comprises displaying the identifier of the second language on a screen of the telecommunication device.
  • 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.
  • step (d) comprises pressing a telecommunication device key.
  • the first party is a person reporting an emergency or information about terrorist activities
  • the second party is an emergency responder or a member of a counter-terrorist organization.
  • 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-pla
  • step (g) the telecommunication call is routed to the call- receiving party after first being connected to the translator.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the database is a global database.
  • the call-placing party is a client and the call-receiving party is a merchant.
  • 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
  • a method for providing translation services between a call-placing party and a call-receiving party, each of the parties using a telecommunication device 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 first language selection corresponds to a language spoken by the call-placing party.
  • the second language selection corresponds to a language spoken by the call-receiving party.
  • the database is a global database.
  • the call-placing party and the call-receiving party are about to be engaged in a telecommunication call.
  • the call-placing party speaks a first language and the call- receiving party speaks a second language.
  • the first language and the second language are not the same.
  • the call-placing party is a client and the call-receiving party is a merchant, or vice versa.
  • the call-placing party is a person reporting an emergency and the call-receiving party is an emergency responder.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the language selections options are displayed in the first language.
  • the language selections options are displayed in the second language.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • each translator has a telecommunication device, e.g., a mobile phone, or other mobile communicator (e.g., an iPhone).
  • a telecommunication device e.g., a mobile phone, or other mobile communicator (e.g., an iPhone).
  • a translator speaks the first language and at least one additional language.
  • a translator speaks the first language and the second language.
  • the translator is bilingual.
  • a translator is employed by a translation company.
  • all translators speak the first language.
  • all translators speak the second language.
  • the translator is a bilingual translator proficient in translating between the first language and a language selected by the first party.
  • the method comprises further receiving payment information from the first party or the second party.
  • the payment information is preprogrammed.
  • the payment information is transmitted during step (f).
  • a call is routed to a call-receiving party after first being connected to the translator.
  • a system for providing translation services between a first party and a second party 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.
  • a system for providing translation services between a call- placing party and a call-receiving party, each of the parties using a telecommunication device 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the signal detector QO is software and/or hardware means receiving information about the selected language the parties involved in the call.
  • the device analyzing and qualifying the call (IJ-) is software and/or hardware means.
  • 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 ).
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a method for providing translation services between a first party and a second party according to one embodiment of the invention
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • translation refers to a communication is a second language having the same or a similar meaning as the communication in a first language.
  • translation includes the normal meaning of this word as it is commonly understood by those skilled in the art.
  • translation services refer to providing translation for others as an occupation or business. These terms are meant to include interpreting, localizing, etc.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • language selection options 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.
  • identifier 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.
  • 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.
  • language selection 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.
  • a call-placing party or a call-receiving party can select English, or German, or English and German as its language selection.
  • 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.
  • translation agency refers to a translator or a group of translators organized for providing translation services by means of telecommunication.
  • translation agency includes the normal meaning of this word as it is commonly understood by those skilled in the art.
  • connecting according to the language selection 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.
  • 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.
  • client refers to a party for which professional services are rendered, a customer or patron.
  • customer means one that buys goods or services.
  • client and “customer” as used herein, include the normal meaning of these words as it is commonly understood by those skilled in the art.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Hz hertz
  • telecommunication device keypad 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.
  • 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.
  • preprogrammed refers programming in advance, e.g., of the actual call.
  • 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.
  • telecommunication 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.
  • telecommunication includes the normal meaning of this word as it is commonly understood by those skilled in the art.
  • telecommunication call 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.
  • telecommunication device 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.
  • 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.
  • Means for receiving a language selection comprises, for example, a converter of dual-tone multi frequency signal to a digital number.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a method is provided for providing translation services between a first party 1 and a second party 2, using a telecommunication device 3.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the party is given choices by the language selection module 5 to select a language spoken by the first party.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the language service is offered in the United States
  • the second party speaks English and that the first party speaks a language other than English. (But this could be set differently by convention.)
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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 dr ⁇ cken 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).
  • the list of languages can be displayed in stages.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the translation module hardware or software based
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Another method for providing translation services between a first party, who owns a telecommunication device, and a second party is provided herein.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the first party 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the call-placing party enters a phone number of the call-receiving party or otherwise identifies the identity of the call-receiving party.
  • the call-placing party dials the special telephone number 4 and the phone number of the call-receiving party simultaneously.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the automatic exchange 6 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the telephone call is thus placed to an appropriate translator automatically based on the language identifiers pre-selected by the two parties.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Audiology, Speech & Language Pathology (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Computational Linguistics (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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  • Machine Translation (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un système permettant de fournir des services de traduction entre un premier interlocuteur qui parle une première langue et un second interlocuteur qui parle une seconde langue. Les interlocuteurs sont présents au même endroit et utilisent un même dispositif de télécommunications. L'invention comprend au moins : (a) la fourniture, dans le dispositif de télécommunications, d'une option permettant de sélectionner et de mémoriser un identificateur de la première langue; (b) la réception et la mémorisation, dans le dispositif de télécommunications, d'un identificateur de la première langue; (c) la fourniture, dans le dispositif de télécommunications, d'une option permettant de sélectionner un identificateur de la seconde langue; (d) la réception d'un identificateur de la seconde langue par le biais du dispositif de télécommunications; (e) selon l'identificateur de la première langue et l'identificateur de la seconde langue, la connexion d'un appel de télécommunications, par le biais du dispositif de télécommunications unique, avec un traducteur capable de traduire de la première langue à la seconde.
EP09795547A 2008-11-12 2009-10-24 Procédé et système permettant de fournir des services de traduction Withdrawn EP2353109A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/269,067 US20100120404A1 (en) 2008-11-12 2008-11-12 Method for providing translation services
US54510909A 2009-08-21 2009-08-21
PCT/IB2009/054706 WO2010055425A2 (fr) 2008-11-12 2009-10-24 Procédé et système permettant de fournir des services de traduction

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EP2353109A2 true EP2353109A2 (fr) 2011-08-10

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EP09795547A Withdrawn EP2353109A2 (fr) 2008-11-12 2009-10-24 Procédé et système permettant de fournir des services de traduction

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EP (1) EP2353109A2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2010055425A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120143592A1 (en) * 2010-12-06 2012-06-07 Moore Jr James L Predetermined code transmission for language interpretation
CH704662A1 (de) * 2011-03-17 2012-09-28 Heinz Baumgartner Online-Konferenzsystem.
EP2774053A4 (fr) * 2011-09-09 2015-11-18 Google Inc Interface utilisateur pour une page web de traduction
US9614969B2 (en) * 2014-05-27 2017-04-04 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc In-call translation

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WO2008036535A2 (fr) * 2006-09-22 2008-03-27 Language Line Services, Inc. Systèmes et procédés de fourniture de service d'interprétation relayée
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WO2010055425A2 (fr) 2010-05-20

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