FI116020B - Immediate method and system for sending picture and voice messages - Google Patents

Description

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Immediate method for sending picture and audio messages and system 116C2P

The application describes a similar invention in the spirit and purpose of server-independent solutions in which the servers are used only for authentication.

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to instant communication. More specifically, the invention relates to a server-centric method and a rigid system for transmitting instant audio and video messages. More specifically, the invention relates to the transmission of voice messages by mobile terminals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Previously known methods refer to WO 01/54387 A1, Nguyen. The document outlines a method where “A unique telephone number and; "the extension is assigned to each (1) subscriber (105). The telephone number is also assigned

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. . ·. to the access point (120) (RAPP). Messages are sent to • * · ....: the recipient by dialing up to ...,: 25 numbers connected to the access point (120). The access point (120) receives, digitizes, and compresses the voice message. The packetized message is transmitted through the packet switched network (130) to a t1-phase messenger system (125) which stores the message for retrieval.

:: '; Messages may be retrieved either by telephone, computer or via a central terminal (110). '

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:. , 30 In addition, known methods of sending messages include voicemail and SMS ». '· *. messages. SMS messages are text-based messages that are primarily forwarded directly to the »*» .. \ terminal and stored on the server only if the message cannot be sent.

. Voicemail leaves a message in the recipient's voicemail box, which the recipient can later listen to.

2 116C20 These known methods have several drawbacks when compared to the method disclosed in the Priority Publication and the present invention based thereon. SMS messages are text-based and thus more difficult to enter than 5 voice messages. This makes SMS messages uncomfortable for the user. Sending and receiving voice mail is tricky. To send a message, you need to know the recipient's voicemail number, which is different from the phone number, or wait for the call to connect to the voicemail service when the recipient is unavailable. To receive voicemail, the recipient 10 must retrieve the message from the network, as it will not be forwarded to him or her immediately.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The method presented is much faster and allows a similar method of sending messages 15, but not the same "ping pong" processing of messages as in the previous application. In the system of the invention, the transmission of voice messages is instantaneous and the sender need not remember separate telephone numbers. The message is always delivered to the recipient first and foremost immediately, and only when the recipient is unavailable can the message be delayed.

: 20 • ·: '· · The above benefits are most easily understood from the exemplary *.:. * the implementation of running the software application on the user's terminal.

* * Press to select a destination from the terminal address book. The terminal establishes a data connection either directly to the server or via a telephone network.

• · * '· · ·' 25 There is typically a slight delay in establishing a telephone connection, that is, the connection is established quickly. The recipient's contact information is sent to the server, and the terminal, server '', or both inform the user that the recording of the message has begun or may be '! 'Start. The message is displayed and / or dictated to the server via a dial-up or • ·: packet data connection. The server stores the message in the database '·; · '30 typically in MP3, WAV, RealSystem Secure, u-law, A-law, PCM, ADPCM or V format. Usually the server has a DSP circuit which digitizes the message. •. ' · · Data file. Alternatively, the message can be recorded on tape. The message or its copy 3 116C20 is forwarded to a server on the Store and Forward Server Network (SFSN) near the recipient based on a telephone number, IP address, or similar contact. The receiving or original server connects to the recipient (s). Typically, connection 5 is established by calling the recipient's telephone, whereupon the recipient answers the message. Prefixes and suffixes may be added to the message, for example, "Message from Vilma Väänänen" MESSAGE "Vilma Väänänen's message was transmitted by the OPERATOR."

The picture and / or voice messaging communication method according to the invention, comprising at least one terminal and at least one server, is characterized by: - selecting at least one message recipient or group, - establishing a communication connection to at least one server, - recording at least one picture / voice message to at least one server over at least one established telecommunications connection, - transferring the contact information of at least one recipient to at least one server, - disconnecting to at least one server, - at least one server transmitting a message to at least one recipient • I: 20 over a telephone network or Internet.

*.:. The method of communicating picture and / or voice messages according to the invention, consisting of • at least one terminal device and at least one server, characterized in that: • a minimum of one message recipient or group is selected, - a telecommunication connection is established per server, • ;; · - Recording at least one message to at least one server with at least one ';' via a telecommunications link:. i: - transferring the contact information of at least one user to at least one server, '· · ·' 30 - disconnecting from at least one server,: ': - transferring at least one voice message and at least one contact to phased-in:; Store and Forward Server Network (SFSN),

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- at least one server on the SFSN or the original server forwards the message to the recipient's terminal via the Internet or a telephone network.

The picture and / or voice messaging communication server according to the invention, consisting of at least one media player and / or DSP, at least one data storage system and communication connections to a telephone network, SFSN and / or the Internet, is characterized in that: - the recording is transferred to a media player; or to the DSP over a connection from the terminal, 10 - the recipient's contact information and / or other message attributes from the terminal are transferred to the server and the contact information is stored in a storage file, - at least one media player and / or DSP stores the message in a data file, a data file, or at least one copy of the data file, is sent to 15 other servers on the SFSN and / or a connection to at least one recipient is established.

The terminal for communication of picture and / or voice messages according to the invention is characterized in that: •, ·,; 20 - the user has the ability to select at least one recipient: · · - at least one telecommunication connection is simulated for connection to the server

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'' after selecting one or more recipients, • »·» * - the contact information of the recipient is sent to the server, '' - the terminal transmits at least one picture and / or audio signal to the server, * · · · '25 - the communication is terminated are met.

Explanations of the Figures • * »: ·: · In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to exemplary '*; * '30 implementations. These implementations are illustrated in the attached figures, such that:. '*: Figure 1 shows a flow chart of the main method 10 of the invention.

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Figure 2 illustrates a more scalable communication method 20 according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows a method applicable to circuit switched networks according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows a terminal 40 according to the invention.

Figure 5 shows a web server 50 according to the invention.

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Figure 6 shows a scalable communication architecture 60 according to the invention.

Figure 7 shows an operating scenario according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In step 110 of Figure 1, a message recipient is selected. The recipient can be selected by a pointer from the terminal address book, speech recognition, key combination, hotkey, dedicated key, or any combination of these. In some implementations, it is also possible to select multiple recipients or • '· * groups. At least one recipient can also be selected by pressing a key.

• \:.: A terminal is typically a computer, handheld, laptop, mobile • · terminal, cell phone, paging device, or any fixed or wireless device. Some implementations use Windows, Windows NT, Epoc, '· ·' 25 Windows CE, Unix, Linux, OS / 2, Symbian, Epoc, PalmOS, Pocket PC, GEOS, MS-Stinger, Sybase and / or similar operating system or software.

• · · '; “In step 120, a packet or circuit switched connection is established on the server.

:.: i In some implementations, the terminal connects to the server based on the contact information of the recipient '· ·' 30. The connection is typically SS7, GSM, H323, HTTP, GSM, data, IP-RAN, UMTS, WAP, Teldesic, Inmarsat, Iridium, GPRS, CDMA I »6 116020, WCDMA data, HTTP, H323, SMS, MMS, email, LAN, TCP / IP, imode, Globalstar and / or WLAN.

In step 130, the contact information of the at least one recipient or group is transmitted to the server 5 over the established connection or otherwise. The recipient's contact information can consist of a phone number, a static or dynamic IP address, an ISDN number, a MSISDN number, an e-mail address, a recipient's SIP (Session Initation Protocol) ID, or another address. The terminal can convert the recipient's contact information to another format as needed.

10 For example, in a packet switched network, a telephone number can be converted to an IP address. In some implementations, the sender's contact information, such as CallerID, telephone number, EP address, or the like, is also transferred to the server. The contact information of the recipient and the sender, or other attributes associated with the message, are transferred to the server through a connection or a separate communication or communication channel. For example, if a telephone network connection is established, the attributes may be transmitted using DTMF signals, SMS messages, USSD messages or the like. If the connection established is IP based, the same connection is usually used to transfer attributes.

In step 140, the audio / video message is recorded in a packet or circuit switched format, • · · *; 1 · '20 but in some embodiments other forms are possible. Finally, the recording a «[1 is written to a data file. Preferably, the data file is an MP3, WAV, or RealSystem. Secure file. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the message may also be recorded on tape. In some embodiments, step 140 may be performed prior to step 130, or> ^ both steps may be performed in parallel.

25:, 1, In step 150, the connection is disconnected. Preferably, the connection will be disconnected at the end of the message,. · · ·. but the user can terminate the connection by pressing a key or the like. Also, a certain time limit has been reached or a Voice Detector (Voice

Activity Detection) may disconnect. If the user is silent, the terminal 30 may conclude that the message has ended and disconnect. Also, releasing or pressing the key may end the connection.

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In step 160, the server sends the message to one or more recipients over the Internet or a telephone network. If the recipient's terminal can receive the message, which usually means a packet-switched connection from the server to the recipient's terminal, the message can be sent to the terminal 5 via a packet-switched connection, for example, via IP, over the Internet or through a closed network. If the recipient's terminal is circuit-switched, for example, any type of telephone, the server can call the recipient's number and, when the user or voice mail service answers, call the message over the telephone line. In some embodiments of the invention, prefixes and suffixes 10 may be stored on the server, which are identified and attached to the message based on the sender's contact information, SIM, or cellular phone memory and called before or after the message. Examples of prefixes and / or suffixes are: "Next message from Vilma Väänänen." MESSAGE "Vilma Väänänen message ended." In some embodiments, the sender is displayed on the recipient's terminal screen.

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In step 170, a message is typically received for a received message.

The suffix may ask the recipient whether he or she wants to hear the message again, whether he or she understood the message, whether he or she is the intended recipient, or other features related to the message status. Answers can be entered by the user, for example:: ': 20 keystrokes. The operation tells the server to a specific recipient: \. status of a specific message sent.

• I »•» »• ♦ · ': *': If the recipient is unavailable, the message may be stored on the · · '' · server for a while and retransmitted at regular intervals. In some: * 25 implementations, when the recipient is unavailable, the message is routed to another directory, such as email or voicemail. The server can send; · · - sender information on how many messages were sent, how many messages' *; · 'Did not send how long messages remain online or other information related to the •, · · or the attributes provided by the recipient.

In step 180, the recipient may respond directly to the message. Reply to this message: * .; pressing the key when the message has been listened to and dictating a new message to a 116020 data file or tape and sending it to the sender of the received message.

The response may be transmitted by the methods 10,20 and / or 30 of the invention. In some further embodiments, it is possible to forward the received message to other recipients or third parties. The data file is typically in MP3, WAV-5 or RealSystem Secure format.

Figure 2 illustrates a more scalable method according to the invention. In step 210 of Figure 2, at least one recipient is selected. In step 220, the terminal connects to the server. The contact information of the recipient is typically transmitted in step 230, and the picture / voice message is recorded in step 240. The connection is disconnected in step 250.

Before step 260, the server decides whether to deliver the message directly to the recipient, as in step 160 of method 10, or to forward it to another server 15 on the SFSN network. The scalable network architecture usually retrieves from step 260 and transmits the contact information and message of the recipient to the SFSN.

In some implementations where the message can be sent simultaneously to multiple recipients or to at least one group, the original server may send the message directly to some recipients and to some via the SFSN. An SFSN is::: 20 typically a network whose servers are connected to each other via the Internet, • '.. dial-up network, Virtual Private Network (VPN) or other. · Via a telecommunications or communications network. Connections in SFSN can be TCP / IP, IP, "·" · UDP, HTTP, H323, and / or FTP.

• · '... * 25 In step 270, SFSN servers typically forward a copy of the message to a server near the recipient trying to send the message •'; · Recipient. The server may attempt to establish a single packet-switched connection, '·; · 'Some or all of the recipients' terminals, trying to call a circuit switched:. ·: To the phone and call via the telephone line or send the message to the recipient '... · 30 e-mail. In step 280, messages that could not be sent to the recipients: '·': are stored on the SFSN.

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In step 290, some or all of the messages not sent in step 270 are retransmitted to the recipients. The server may attempt to retransmit the message to the same directories or addresses, or it may attempt to route the messages to the recipient's alternate address. In preferred embodiments, the server sends a separate 5 message to the recipient, for example an SMS message, for information that the message could not be delivered and that it is on the server for retrieval. The notification message may include a password to retrieve the message from the server, as well as contact information for the server, such as a phone number, URL, IP address, or the like.

10 In one alternative embodiment, a terminal telephone number is stored in the terminal software. Both the phone number and the current IP address are assigned to the server. Telephone numbers and IP addresses can thus be used to cross-communicate messages between software applications. This allows information in packet switched form to be transmitted directly over the telephone connection 15, assuming that the data in question is not transmitted. the phone number is associated with an IP address.

Figure 3 illustrates a picture / voice message communication method 30 according to the invention, which is well suited for circuit switched networks, i.e. cellular, e.g. GSM or CDMA networks, or fixed networks, such as:: *: 20 Plain Old Telephone System (POTS). In step 310, at least one recipient or group is selected from the memory of the telephone or mobile phone.

The recipient can be selected by a cursor from the terminal address bar, ':: speech recognition, key combination, hotkey, dedicated key' · '· or any combination or variant thereof.

* ... * 25 In some implementations, more than one recipient or group can be selected.

At least one recipient can also be selected by pressing a key.

• »> ► ·» »tl>» * *; * * In preferred implementations, the mobile phone has a SIM Application Toolkit (SAT),;.; ; Java Virtual Machine or Wireless Telephony Application Interface (WTAI) support.

According to the invention, a separate menu can be implemented, for example, "Voice messages",: "*": "Quick voice messages", "One-way phone call". The recipient can be selected for this

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menu, typically from the SIM and / or mobile phone memory, by the aforementioned methods.

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In step 320, the terminal records the recipient's telephone number and dials a telephone number attached to the server.

In step 330, once the connection is established, either the terminal transmits or the server retrieves the recipient's contact information and the sender's phone number or message CallerID.

These phone numbers can be transmitted over SS, USSD, or SS7 channels or as DTMF tones over a connection. The server saves the numbers and converts them according to certain rules and specifications to allow message forwarding. Once the necessary information has been transmitted between the server and the terminal, either can notify the user that dictation of the message may begin.

In step 340, the message is dictated over the established connection to the server where it is recorded. Finally, the recording is written to a data file. In preferred embodiments, the data file is typically an MP3, WAV, RealSystem Secure, u-law, A-law, PCM, or ADPCM file. In alternative implementations, the message may be recorded on tape. The process is interrupted if the connection is lost, and an error message::: 20 can be sent, for example, via SMS.

• · • * ·::: In step 350, the telephone connection is disconnected. Preferably, the connection is terminated at the end of the message ': ": The connection can be terminated by a user action such as pressing the' :: key or the like. Exiting a predetermined time limit may terminate the :: 25 connection, as well as the speech detector. Release or press the key: can also disconnect.

* «T» * •, · j In step 360, the server examines the message forwarding request. If it can be determined that :: 30 recipients are near the server, from a telephone number, area code, VLR: (Visitor Location Register), HLR (Home Location Register) or anywhere; '; from another source, the server may proceed to step 371. If the server decides that

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reaching the recipient is impossible or unreasonable under certain conditions, the server proceeds to step 370. Logical reasons other than location, such as termination costs, can determine whether to proceed to step 370 or 371, or both. In the extreme case, if message delivery 5 is impossible, the server may delete the message and send the message to the recipient, for example by SMS or e-mail.

Assume the server has proceeded to step 371, where the original server dials recipient numbers and the recipient or voicemail service answers 10 messages over the telephone line. In some embodiments of the invention, special prefixes and suffixes may be stored on the server, which are attached to the sender based on the sender's contact information, SIM card, or cellular phone memory. Attachments are played before or after the recorded message. The prefixes and suffixes could include, for example: "Next message from Vilma Väänänen" MESSAGE "Vilma Väänänen's message 15 ended." In recommended implementations, the sender is displayed on the recipient's terminal screen. In some embodiments, the sender identifier, the sender name, or the like, is displayed according to the Caller ID feature of the network, or as an SMS, OTA (Over The Air), or WAP flash or SMS broadcast message.

:: t: 20 In step 381, the undelivered messages are stored on the server or SFSN.

• · • * · * In step 391, the original server or SFSN attempts to deliver at certain intervals: - messages to the recipient again, for example, by calling the recipient * number again. In some embodiments, the message is routed to another directory, for example, 1 email, voice mail service, or the like if the recipient is »- '25 unreachable. Alternatively, an attempt may be made to send a message over a packet switched connection, as described in Applicant Application FI20001838. The server can • ;; : send a message to the sender of the message which messages could be delivered, which '; * messages failed to deliver, which was the reason; whether the recipient was busy or not:. the recipient answered the call whether the recipient was in the shaded area, how long the messages remain, and other relevant information about the status of the message being transmitted.

: 1 ': In preferred implementations, the server sends a separate message to the recipient,:,'; for example, an SMS message stating that the message could not be delivered to 12 116020 and that it has been stored on the server for later retrieval. The notification message may include passwords for retrieving the message and contact information for the server, such as a phone number, URL, IP address, or the like.

5 Assume that the server has proceeded to step 370, where the SFSN servers send the message to the recipients over the Internet or telephone network. The call to the recipient is established from an optimal server in the SNSF. The optimum server may be closest to the recipient or may establish the cheapest connection to the recipient. The server 10 which communicates with the recipient of the message is decided based on the network transmission conditions. If the same message is sent to multiple recipients at different locations, a copy of the message can be routed to multiple servers that make a call to the recipients. The message sending process may be similar to step 371.

In step 380, messages that could not be delivered to the recipients are stored in the SFSN. The messages may be stored for some time before proceeding to step 390. Alternatively, there is an iteration loop between steps 380 and 390. In some cases, multiple attempts are made to call the recipient, and if an attempt fails, a message is sent or re-routed. Any SFSN server can. . . 20 sends a message to the sender which messages were received, which messages were left '', without providing how long the messages remain online and other relevant information in the message::; transmission status.

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Upon receipt of the message, the recipient can reply to the sender immediately. The response occurs I I f: ,, ('25 pressing the key when the message has been listened to and dictating a new message to a data file or tape. The message is sent in response to the sender of the received message!. I: The answer can be sent by methods 10.20 and /

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: * 30. In some additional implementations, the received message may be forwarded to other::: recipients or third parties. The data file is typically an MP3, WAV, t p: 30 or RealSystem Secure, u-law, A-law, PCM or ADPCM file.

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In preferred embodiments, a directory search may be performed during, between, or after any of the steps 10.20 or 30 of the methods. In one preferred embodiment, the recipient's telephone number is converted to an IP address. A previously known solution for address information retrieval and conversion is presented in my 5 applications, "Telenetwork directory template", FI19992774, which is incorporated herein by reference. Address retrieval here is defined as the exchange, retrieval and / or comparison of contact information such as email address, IP address, URL, ISDN number, MSISDN, telephone number or the like between networks, server and / or terminals to send a message to a directory. Especially in cases where the recipient's IP-10 address is dynamic, directory search is a useful feature. In some implementations where the recipient has a static IP address, you do not need to retrieve the IP address each time. In preferred implementations, the recipients' IP addresses are stored in the terminal. In some implementations, only static IP addresses are stored.

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In some embodiments, the delivery of a message can be prevented during, between, or after any of the steps 10,20 or 30 of the methods. In some implementations, the recipient may refuse to receive messages from unwanted parties, for example, by imposing conditions on its terminal.

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| *. t (Speech Recognition can be used anywhere, during, between, before, or after steps 10.20 or 30 of the methods. In preferred embodiments, Speech Recognition I * · •: "I is used to convert a dictated message into a written format such as email, •: · · i SMS or MMS or similar.

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In some implementations, at least one terminal device and at least one server j. j; form a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

:: * The interrupt function or request can be made anywhere in methods 10,20 or 30; * ': 30 steps during, between, or before or after the steps to destroy an unwanted intermittent or: v, whole message. The request can be sent directly to the server that: * · destroys the message itself, or to the SFSN even if the message has already been sent. In some implementations

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the message is destroyed when any server receives an interrupt request.

In some implementations, the message is destroyed when it is called to the recipient, and in some implementations regardless.

5 In some implementations, the Autoplay function may be used to receive the message. After receiving the picture / audio message, the terminal automatically plays it. Typically, the file containing the message is opened and possibly decoded and / or decrypted. In some implementations where the message is received over the telephone line, the Autoplay function is used to answer calls and play the message through the loudspeakers of the terminal 10. In this case, the server typically has to send a character to the terminal in order to distinguish the call containing the message from the ordinary calls. For regular calls, you can use the Auto answer feature.

The charging and / or billing of a message may be performed anywhere during, between, or before, or after the steps of methods 10, 20 or 15. In recommended implementations, the message has a maximum length and is charged a fixed price. This allows the service provider to accurately estimate the actual cost of the message and charge for the message according to the service. This can be accomplished, for example, by a fixed price number. The user can also be billed only after the message has been successfully ... 20 delivered and notified to the sender. This can be accomplished by holding | * · ,, everything else for free and by billing for the last SMS notification. Alternative:: '; thus, the user may be charged on the basis of a telephone or Internet connection, for example>; · · Why based on the time used or the number of bits transferred.

Γ ': 25 Typically, a terminal is a mobile phone that is connected to the Internet and / or telephone network.

In preferred embodiments, the cellular phone typically follows UMTS, GSM., J, · ': WAP, Teldesic, Inmarsat, Iridium, GPRS, CDMA, HTTP, H323, SMS, MMS. and / or WCDMA standards. The terminal used in the method may also be:; ': PC with internet and / or dial-up connection, PDA, i. * 30 Palm handheld or Apple Macintosh. In the inventive • *. . the terminal usually has an operating system such as Windows, Windows NT, Epoc,; '· J Windows CE, Unix, Linux, OS / 2, Symbian, Epoc, PalmOS, PocketPC, GEOS, MS-

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Stringer and / or Sybase operating system. Execution of methods 10, 20 or 30 is typically implemented in a software application operating under these operating systems. Alternatively, the execution of Methods 10,20 or 30 may be implemented in software integrated with the operating system. In some embodiments, the performance of Methods 10, 20, or 30, as well as their preferred modifications and further implementations, may be implemented as OEM software for mobile phones, modems, computers, radios, SIM cards, and / or line cards. In some embodiments, the execution of Methods 10, 20, or 30 may be implemented as software integrated with an e-mail program such as Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, or the like.

In some embodiments, the execution of Methods 10,20 or 30 may be implemented by software implemented in SAT (SIM Application Toolkit) or WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) WTAI (Wireless Telephony Application Interface).

Any sent or received message or drafts thereof may be stored, retransmitted, or replied to during, between, before or after the steps of any of the methods 10,20,30 on web servers, SFSN, terminal, voicemail, email, or similar parties .

Telecommunication connections between terminals and servers and SFSN network are:; ': 20 typically compatible with SS7, GSM, H323, HTTP, GSM data, EP-RAN, UMTS,:' '.. WAP, Teldesic -, Inmarsat, Iridium, GPRS, CDMA data, WCDMA data, HTTP, • ,; t 'H323, SMS, MMS, USSD, Email, LAN, TCP / IP, UDP, imode,': Globalstar and / or WLAN connections.

* • ... * 25 Typically, the server has multiple subscriptions for incoming packet switched connections and call ports for incoming calls, and subscriptions and ports> ·: '· for corresponding outgoing connections. In addition, the server typically has'; 'Media player and recorder, which may be integrated in some implementations.

•, · · Alternatively, tape recording and tape playback can be used. Typically, •. ,,: 30 server also contains a database and a DataBase; * *; Management System (DBMS). The recorded media files are stored in a database.

:,! If the server decides to send the message directly to the recipient, the data management system 16 116020 or any other database management logic redirects the stored files to the media player, otherwise the data management system redirects the files to another server on the SFSN which can send the message to the recipient. The database can be any database or data management application, such as Oracle, Solid, 5 TimesTen, Clustra, Informix, Sybase, IBM D2 or any other database or data management system.

Figure 4 is an exemplary embodiment of a terminal device according to the invention.

The user interface 400 in Figure 4 is typically a PDA and / or front-end or back panel of a mobile phone or a virtual phone on a PC screen. In one preferred embodiment, pressing the VSMS key or any other key or key combination initiates recording, and the message may be transferred to the server by methods 10,20 and / or 30 of the invention. Releasing the VSMS key or any other key or key combination may terminate the recording in accordance with. The keys can be physically pressed or the mouse pointer on the screen. In some embodiments, separate keys, key combinations, hot keys, or the like are used to record and send a message. In some embodiments, separate keys, key combinations, hotkeys, speech recognition, or the like may be used to record and send a message::: 20 to a recipient to which a key, key combination, sound, or the like is attached. For example, in one implementation:. |. · The "9" key or Ctrl + M could be used to send the message "M" to the other sender 's mother. Of course, any other logical connection between the shortcut key and the recipient is possible.

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In one implementation, the arrival of a message or the packet stream containing the message ·; arrival can be indicated by display 410, or by flashing light on VSMS key '; * or any other key or combination of keys. When the recipient:,; : Press the key, the message will be played from the loudspeakers of the terminal. The '... * 30 terminals according to the invention preferably also have a mailbox for incoming messages.

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In one preferred embodiment, user interface 400 is a mobile phone user interface. The method is implemented by a computer program run on a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card of a mobile phone. The SIM card typically has a CPU and EEPROM, ROM, and RAM memories. In this special embodiment, the recipient, multiple recipients or a group of 5 messages can be selected from the memory of the SIM card or the mobile phone, or the recipient information is entered into the mobile phone.

A particular operation, such as a key press, establishes a telephone connection to the communication server, after which the Caller ID and recipient telephone numbers are transmitted to the server by DTMF signals, SMS, USSD, ISDN d-channel 10 signaling or the like. The server then records a data file of the dictation, voice, or image coming through the connection. The server typically has a media player / recorder and / or DSP that listens to a telephone connection. The server will then send the file to the recipient, the recipient's secondary address, or call the recipient's phone number and call when the recipient or voice mail service 15 answers. Alternatively, the server may store the message with its address information in a data management system or database and send the message to at least one recipient at a later time. This alternative implementation is particularly suitable when the server has separate inbound and outbound connections. Similarly, the message may be forwarded to the SFSN, which will forward the message to the recipient. In some ::: 20 implementations, data or voice call and data transfer is implemented to the terminal

· · · 400 using the SIM card SAT (SIM

:. i. · 'Application Toolkit).

In some embodiments of the invention, special prefixes and suffixes that can be stored on the * 25 * message server, SIM card, or mobile phone memory are played before and after the recorded data file. Prefixes and / or suffixes may be ready • ;; · On the messaging server, or the user can record them on the server using a mobile phone. The '·; 1' and / or suffixes may include, for example: "Next message from Jero Järvenpää";,:: MESSAGE "Jero Järvenpää's message has expired." The delivery of the message can be verified '... * 30 in various ways according to the invention. Recipient or Voicemail Service: '·': Upon termination of the call, the DTMF signal or USSD signal may be transmitted from the recipient's terminal and received on the server. The signal can be used to notify the sender 116020 or the network that the message has been delivered. This can be done, for example, by sending an SMS with a flashing screen. Alternatively, the recipient may be asked to press a key or perform a specific action to communicate that the message has been received and / or understood. If one or more recipients are out of reach of 5, the message can be stored in the server memory and retried several times. Some implementations may set expiration conditions for the message, such as message age, server memory requirements, or other conditions. In some embodiments, the SIM, mobile phone, and messaging server may perform methods 10.20 or 30, or a variation of them together. For example, the SIM card 10 can perform the recipient selection and connection commands, and the network server or the media player.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of an exemplary message server implemented in accordance with the invention. Incoming ports and / or connectors 510 receive 15 incoming calls and other incoming circuit or packet switched connections.

The media recorder 520 records audio and / or video data incoming over the connection to the ports and connectors 510. The recorder 520 records and digitizes the input and stores it in a data file, typically in MP3, WAV or RealSystem Secure format, but other formats are also possible. In an alternative embodiment, the DSP circuit 20 is coupled to a media player and database 530 and is used to digitize broadcasts and store them in a data file. The data file is stored in the database *.:. * * 530. The database can be any database or data management application,

M · M

* 'such as Oracle, Solid, TimesTen, Clustra, Informix, Sybase, IBM D2 or any other * * * I · database or data management system. Database 530 and associated '* * *' 25 applications and management logic analyze the data file and its associated attributes and either transfer the file to a server on the SFSN or to a media player 540.

';;. * For example, if the recipient has a foreign area code, the server may send an 'i' message to the SFSN server. to or near the country in question lie. If the recipient::: is found to be within the operating range of the server 500, the server will use call out ports' ·; * '30 or outgoing connectors 550 to connect to the recipient. Once the connection '* is established, the message and its prefixes and / or suffixes associated with the database or application logic are called to the recipient via a media player 540.

19

116C2C

In some implementations, the media player 540 and the database 530 may be combined. Both can handle multiple requests side by side depending on how many processing requests the server is currently executing.

5

Low latency is a recommended feature of access ports and connectors. Therefore, server 500 is typically a low latency server closely connected to network elements. In some preferred embodiments, the server is connected to any switching center or cellular telephone or telephony network element of MSC, BSS. In some implementations, the server is small-time distributed to its covered network.

Figure 6 shows a miniature mesh topology according to the invention.

The terminals 650 and 651 are in the operating range of the server 610 and the terminals 652 and 15 653 in the operating range of the server 620. Servers 610 and 620 form a miniature stage-to-server network (SFSN, Store and Forward Server Network). The case of sending a message from the terminal 650 to the terminals 652 and 651 is dealt with. The terminal 650 communicates with the server 610 where the message is recorded. The server 610 goes through the possibilities of sending a message to each of the ::: 20 recipients. In some implementations, it connects itself to the terminal and calls the message if the recipient is reachable. At the same time, some:. *. · In embodiments, the server 610 transmits a message to the server 620 on the SFSN network.

*: · The message can be sent, for example, via File Transfer Protocol (FTP), an event between databases, or another data management method. Thereafter, the server '·> ·' 25 620 calls the recipient 652 and calls the data file if the recipient is reachable.

The terminals 650, 651,652 or 653 can be anything wired or wireless! :.:: Connected devices with internet or dial-up connection. In some embodiments, the '* 30 terminal is typically Internet and / or dial-up:': a mobile phone. In preferred embodiments, the cellular phone typically follows: UMTS, GSM, WAP, Teldesic, Inmarsat, Iridium, GPRS, CDMA, HTTP, 11112020 H323, SMS, MMS, and / or WCDMA standards. In preferred embodiments, the terminal used in the method may also be a PC, PDA, Palm PDA, or Apple Macintosh computer with Internet and / or dial-up connection. The terminal device according to the invention generally includes Windows, Windows NT, Epoc, Windows CE, Unix, Linux, OS / 2, Symbian, Epoc, PalmOS,

PocketPC, GEOS, MS-Stringer and / or Sybase operating system. Execution of methods 10,20, 30 is typically implemented in a software application operating under these operating systems. Alternatively, the execution of methods 10,20, 30 may be implemented in software integrated with the operating system. In some embodiments, the execution of Methods 10,20, 30, as well as embodiments and further embodiments thereof, may be implemented as OEM software for mobile phones, modems, computers, radios, SIM cards, and / or line cards. In some embodiments, the execution of Methods 10, 20, 30 may be implemented as software integrated with an e-mail program such as Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, or the like.

In some embodiments, the execution of Methods 10,20, 30 may be implemented by software implemented in SAT (SIM Application Toolkit) or WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) WTAI (Wireless Telephony Application Interface).

The servers 610 and 620 are typically otherwise similar to those shown in Figure 2, but; there may be a separate SFSN connection between the databases and the application logic.

: \. In implementations where the terminals are wireless, the servers 610, 620, or ::: SFSN may generally have functionalities related to the change of scope. When the terminal ':': 650 enters an area where the delay or cost of connection to the server 620 is ':': it would be preferable to communicate with the server 620 than the 610. To facilitate these switching operations, the servers 610 and 620 may be assigned different terminals 650,651,652,653 dynamically during terminal migration or: *:: later based on information from HLR, VLR or other network element containing terminal location Request to change range •, *: may be from network, mobile or both.

30: '*'; Servers 610,620 and terminals 650,651, 652, 653 may include converters which:; can modify the message from one format to another. For example, a message left on a standard telephone 116020 can be converted to an MMS message. Conversion of communication protocols such as SS7, GSM, H323, HTTP, GSM data, IP-RAN, UMTS, WAP, Teldesic, Inmarsat, Iridium, GPRS, CDMA data, WCDMA data -, HTTP, H323, SMS, MMS, USSD, Email, LAN, TCP / IP, UDP, POTS, NDC, PDC, imode, 5 Globalstar and / or WLAN , or between file formats such as MP3, WAV, RealSystem Secure or the like, there is operation according to the invention.

Figure 7 illustrates a typical screen of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the terminal is a mobile phone, typically a GSM, CDMA and / or WAP phone.

10 Item 710 of the main menu is called "Voice Messaging" and in some implementations is located in the main menu of the SIM card or mobile phone operating system. Step 710 may have any name according to the invention, for example, "Instant Messaging". Selecting 711 "Send" directs the user to the name and number directory of the mobile phone. The directory can be stored on the SIM card, in the memory of the mobile phone 15, or in the network. From a directory, a user can send a message to a single recipient, multiple recipients, or a group by selecting recipients from the name directory by a specific action. Alternatively, the user can enter at least one telephone number or other contact directly into the phone at any time.

20 • '· · By selecting 712 in the "Settings" menu, the user can access the 720 Settings menu.

*.:. · You can record front and suffixes from the menu or change the reception settings for broadcasts 1 ·. The send and receive settings may include settings related to * * »» * '' storing messages at any one of 10, 20 and / or any of the methods or '· * ·' 25 re-routing messages to other directories such as email addresses, IP addresses or the like. settings.

«T I» * t '; The method and system 70 of the invention is typically implemented by WTAL • ·::: or the SIM Application Toolkit (SAT).

30 »» * »* 22 116020

The methods of the invention, rigid systems, parts of the invention, copies of the invention, entities formed by the invention or the idea of the invention can be varied with or without economic or other utility.

The invention has been described with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments and a number of economically and industrially useful features have been disclosed. The methods and rigid systems of the invention allow for faster transmission of voice messages and a similar, but not similar, "ping pong" processing of audio / video messages as in the previous priority application. The sending of voice messages according to the invention is instant, and the sender does not have to remember separate telephone numbers. Receiving messages is always immediate, assuming that the recipient is reachable. Message delivery can only be delayed if the recipient is unavailable.

The invention has been described using the embodiments described above. However, it is clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but encompasses all possible embodiments in the spirit and scope of the following claims.

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Claims (13)

116020 A mobile picture and / or voice messaging method comprising at least 5 mobile terminals and at least one server, characterized by: - selecting at least one message recipient or group (110), - establishing at least one wireless communication connection to at least one server. (120), 10. transmitting the contact information of the at least one recipient over at least one server over a wireless connection (130), - recording at least one audio / video message to at least one data file on the server over at least one established wireless connection (140); to one server (150), - at least one server transmitting the message in a data file to the terminal of at least one recipient over a telephone network or the Internet (160). A mobile picture and / or voice messaging method comprising at least 20 mobile terminals and at least one server, characterized by: • selecting at least one message recipient or group (210), • I · ' - establishing at least one wireless communication connection to at least one server (220), 25. transmitting the contact information of at least one recipient to at least one server via at least one wireless connection (230),:, ·, - recording at least one voice message to at least one data file. 1 »* ·, · *, to the server over at least one wireless connection established:! ·. (240) '';!. '30 - terminating the wireless connection to at least one server (250), - transmitting at least one message in the data file and at least one contact information' * »; · 'Store and Forward Server Network (SFSN): · *! (260), 2411602C - at least one server in the SFSN or the original server transmits at least one message to the terminal of the at least one recipient over the Internet or a telephone network (270). A method according to claims 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the undelivered messages are stored on the SFSN (270) or on the original server, and at least one message to at least one recipient is retransmitted, and / or the message is retransmitted to at least one recipient. to alternate addresses. 10 The method according to claims 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the undelivered messages are stored in the SFSN (270) or the original server for a specified period of time, after which they are destroyed. The method according to claims 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the contact information of the recipient can be a telephone number, an ISDN number, a URL, an e-mail address, an IP address and can be easily and transparently converted from one address to another depending on message transmission requirements. The method according to claims 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the charging and / or billing of the message * · i *> · can be carried out during any of the steps (110,120,130,140, 150,160,210,220,230,240, 250, 260, 270). , between steps, before step: * or after step, and may be fixed, based on connection time, or based on »ir * transmitted bit numbers. 25 The method according to claims 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the sender; · And / or at least one recipient may reply to, store and / or forward the message to the network, server and / or terminal during any of the following steps: (110,120,130,140,150,160,210, 220,230,240,250,260, 270), between steps » , before or after the step. 25 11602C The method according to claims 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the communication links between the at least one terminal device and the at least one server or SFSN are telephone connections, data connections or packet switched connections, typically compatible with SS7, GSM, H323, HTTP, GSM data, IP- 5 RAN, UMTS, WAP, Teldesic, Inmarsat, Iridium, GPRS, CDMA, WCDMA, HTTP, H323, SMS, MMS, USSD, Email, LAN, , TCP / IP, UDP, POTS, NDC, PDC, imode, Globalstar, and / or WLAN connections. A method according to claims 1 and / or 2, characterized in that at least one terminal and at least one server form a virtual private network (VPN). A picture and / or voice messaging server consisting of at least one media player and / or DSP, at least one data storage system and 15 communications connections to a telephone network, its SFSN and / or the Internet, characterized in that: - the recording is tracked by a media player (520, 540) and / or via a DSP mobile communication connection, - the recipient's contact information and / or other message attributes are traced for transfer:: 20 wirelessly from the mobile terminal to the server (500), and ♦ I j · · the data storage system is traced to store contacts: - at least one media player (520, 540) and / or DSP is arranged to record the message in a "·" · data file, - the data storage system is sequenced to store at least one * 25 data file, - at least one data file or at least one copy is tty to send ;;; · to another server in SFSN and / or sequenced to establish a connection of at least '; '' To one recipient. •? * * '... * 30 The picture and / or voice message communication server of claim 10 is! : characterized in that the data storage system is a database and its associated data management tool (530). 116020 12. The mobile terminal for communicating picture and / or voice messages is characterized in that: - the user is able to select at least one recipient, 5. the recipient selects at least one wireless connection to the server, - the recipient's contact information is sent wirelessly to the server, a single image and / or audio signal to the server for wireless connection to a data file for recording; 10. the wireless connection is terminated due to a specific operation or condition. The mobile terminal for communicating picture and / or voice messages according to claim 12, characterized in that the mobile terminal is a PC, a handheld computer 15 (PDA) and / or an Apple Macintosh computer having wireless communication compatible with at least one of the following: SS7, GSM, H323, HTTP, GSM data, IP-RAN, UMTS, WAP, Teldesic, Inmarsat, Iridium, GPRS, CDMA data, WCDMA data, HTTP , H323, SMS, MMS, USSD, Email, LAN, TCP / IP, UDP, POTS, PDC, NDC, imode, Globalstar, and / or WLAN. 20 »» • • • • • t I {• · ·>> • * * I | | • • •> I | I '»•»