FR2794924A1 - METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACCESSING A MULTIMEDIA VOICE SERVER VIA AN INTERNET COMPUTER COMMUNICATION NETWORK - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method allowing at least one user to access, via a computer communication network (14), in particular of the Internet type, at least one multimedia voice server, each user being provided, for example, with a local interface device (30 i) - A link is established between the interface device and the multimedia voice servers (V1, V2, V3, V4) concerned, via a service server (27) of the Internet network, - the device is activated interface in order to connect the interface (30 i) to the service server (27), - a menu is broadcast, via the link thus established, offering the user the options of the affiliated multimedia voice servers, and - the link is established with the selected voice servers.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACCESSING VIA A COMMUNICATION NETWORK

  INTERNET-TYPE COMPUTING, TO A MULTIMEDIA VOICE SERVER

  The invention relates to a device for accessing multimedia voice servers via a computer network, in particular of the Internet type. It also concerns a

  method and system for at least one user to access

  give in to a voice server through a communications network

computer munication.

  The cost of communications made through

  Internet network type is particularly low. In

  effect, unlike conventional telephone communications

  ques, pricing is independent of distance and, in

  general, also independent of the duration of the call.

  Thus, the use of the Internet is attractive for long distance telephone communications and also, for specialized communications having high rates per time unit. This is particularly the case with

  voice servers communicating specialized information.

  To allow the subscriber of a telephone network to communicate with other subscribers via the Internet without using expensive equipment such as a computer, in the international patent application published under the number W098 / 13986, an interface or switching device has been proposed which is associated with a telephone handset and which makes it possible to connect the user of the telephone network to the Internet network. This device makes it possible to telephone another user equipped with a device of the same kind via the Internet network instead of using telephone lines. For this purpose, the subscriber dials the telephone number of the called party on his telephone handset, so as to reach him via the network.

  telephone, and signals to its interface device that it is

  hates communication via the Internet. The caller and called party interface devices thus communicate by

  through the telephone network and exchange information

  necessary to find yourself, then, on the network

  Internet, automatically or semi-automatically.

  The invention aims to facilitate access to servers

  multimedia voice via Inter- type networks

  clean, in particular by using the interface device of the type

  of that described in the international patent application men-

mentioned above.

  Thus, the invention relates to a method allowing

  access at least one multimedia voice server via

  diary of a computer communication network, in particular of the Internet type, which is characterized in that each user

  is fitted with either a local interface device or a device

  telephone reel connected, via a local loop of the telephone network, in particular switched, to an interface device located in a remote telephone center managed by a telecommunications operator with which the user has taken out a subscription, and in that a connection is established between the interface device and the multimedia server (s) concerned with the multimedia via a service server of the computer communication network, so that the data transmitted by the servers

  multimedia voice, representing sounds and / or images,

  located via the internet, are received by the interface device and transmitted to the user, the interface device is activated in order to establish the

  link between this device and the service server, in action-

  nant: - either a control member associated with the local interface, in particular a key of this device, such as a key on a keyboard, - or a control member associated with the telephone apparatus connected to an interface device

  remote, this control member being, for example

  ple, a key on the keyboard of the tele-

phonic,

  we broadcast, via the link thus established between the service

  service veur and the interface device and / or the telephone apparatus, a menu proposing to the user the options of the affiliated multimedia voice servers,

  so that the user receives for example the

  following sages: "Welcome to the service server, to access: - the multimedia voice server concerning the new discs: type 1, - the multimedia voice server concerning the news of the day: type 2, - the multimedia voice server concerning the weather: type 3, etc. ", select, by actuating the control unit, the options selected from the options of the broadcast menu, and establish connections with the multimedia voice server (s) thus selected (s) ),

  so that, for example, the user, in action-

  key 3 on the keyboard of the Good telephone device or the keyboard of its interface device, will receive the information

regarding the weather.

  In the case where an interface device is provided located in a remote telephone center, it will be appreciated that

  the user does not need to have an inter-

  face but that it is enough for him to subscribe to a telephone service by Internet and that for the operator the cost can be moderate because the interface devices can be shared

between a plurality of subscribers.

  It should be noted that, in the foregoing and in the following, the expression "voice server" or "multimedia voice server" must be understood as a source making it possible to generate sounds and / or images (in the broad sense, that is to say including

  also symbols, especially graphics, and text).

  It will be appreciated that the method according to the invention makes it possible, thanks to the service server and the control member

  associated with the local interface device or telephone device

  that, to easily select voice servers. For example,

  the user will receive the menu in the form of a message telling him

  as for the key number (of the interface device or

  telephone) on which he must press to access

  available voice servers.

  In one embodiment, the interface device includes a display screen and data is displayed

  images from multimedia voice servers.

  Alternatively, this image data from the services

  voice players are displayed on a screen of the tele-

  phonic. Thus, we can fully benefit from the network of

  telecommunications since you can access both data

  voice and image data.

  In one embodiment, the trees are personalized.

  rescences of the service server menu, for example using

a configuration server.

  In other words, you can, for example using a

  configuration, preselect multiple voice servers

  timedia to present in a menu and, possibly, to determine

  the order of presentation of these preselected servers.

  As an illustration of this achievement: the use

  sator will have the choice, and in the order of presentation which follows, between: 1. the meteorological news, 2. the horoscope, 3. the news of the day (such as the news from France) and the discographic novelties, such as the new discs of the

singer Madonna.

  According to one embodiment, the device is programmed

  tif interface so that it automatically connects at a predetermined time, and preferably according to the preselected tree structure, to the voice servers concerned via the service server. In this case, it is preferable to store the data received from the servers in a memory of the interface device.

vocal.

  For example, the information is retrieved and

  stored overnight and the user can then view them

ter in the morning upon waking.

  In the case where a remote interface device is provided, located in a telephone center, the connection between the interface device of the center can be shared between several subscribers, for example identified by a subscriber code.

  telephone and service server.

  The invention also relates to a system enabling

  assign, via a computer communication network, in particular of the Internet type, to at least one voice server, this system being characterized in that each user is provided with: - either a connected telephone device, via a local loop of the switched telephone network , to an interface device located in a remote telephone center managed by a telecommunications operator with which the user has subscribed, - either from a local interface device, and in that the system comprises: - a link between the device interface and the said multimedia voice server (s) concerned, via a service server of the computer communication network, so that the data transmitted by the multimedia voice servers, representing the sounds and / or the images, pass through the internet network , are received by the interface device and transmitted to the user, - activation means for activating the device

  interface to establish the link between the inter-

  face and the service server; these activation means include

  either * either a control member associated with the local interface device, in particular a key on a keyboard of this interface device, * or a control member associated with the device

  telephone connected to the interface device

  so much, especially a key on a keyboard

  telephone, this control member being actuated by the user,

  - means for broadcasting, via the link thus established

  blie between the service server and the interface device and / or the telephone apparatus, a menu proposing to the user the options of the affiliated multimedia voice servers, so that the user receives, for example, the following messages: on the service server, to access: - the multimedia voice server concerning the new discs: type 1, - the multimedia voice server concerning the news of the day: type 2, - the multimedia voice server concerning the weather: type 3, etc. ", - means for selecting, by actuating the member

  the options selected from the different menu options

  rocket, - switching means for establishing connections with the voice server or servers thus selected, and - reception means, in particular a loudspeaker and / or a screen, for receiving information from the selected voice server, so that for example the user by operating

  key 3 on the keypad of his telephone device or keyboard

  using its interface device, will establish the link with the

  weather server and will receive the corresponding information.

  In one embodiment, the local interface device or the telephone receiver further comprises a screen for viewing the image data originating from the servers.

multimedia voice.

  Furthermore, it is advantageous that this system comprises

  take personalization means, in particular a configuration server, to personalize the trees of the service server menu, that is to say to preselect, for each user or group of users, voice servers

  possibly with the order of presentation of these servers.

  Thus, the user can, for example, choose the ar-

  borescence: "1 - Weather", "2 - Horoscope", "3 - News from France",

"4 - New Madonna Records".

  In one embodiment, the system includes means for programming the interface device so that it automatically connects at a determined time, for example according to a

  predetermined tree structure, via the service server,

  preselected multimedia voice players. It is then advantageous to provide for storing in a memory, for example in a memory area of the interface device, the data received from

multimedia voice servers.

  Thus, for example, the user can get up in the morning to have access to the information which will have been retrieved and stored during the night. In the case where the interface device is remote,

  that is to say installed in a telephone center, it is preferable

  rable to share this interface device between several subscribers

  born, for example identified by a subscriber code.

  The invention also relates to an interface device

  allowing access via a computer communication network

  that, in particular of the Internet type, to at least one voice server

  multimedia which is characterized in that the communication link

  cation being carried out through a service server

  vice, this interface device comprises: - activation means for activating this device

  interface to establish a link between this inter-

  face and the service server; the activation means include

  as a control member, in particular a key on a keyboard of said interface device, actuable by the user, either locally or remotely, using a telephone apparatus connected to the interface device, and

  - reception means for receiving a different menu

  launched by the service server, this menu offering the user

  options of affiliated multimedia voice servers.

  Thus, the user receives, for example, the following messages: Welcome to the service server, to access: - the multimedia voice server concerning the new discs: type 1, - the multimedia voice server concerning the news of the day: type 2 , - to the multimedia voice server concerning the weather: type 3, etc. "The interface device includes, for example, a

  viewing screen to view the image data pro-

  from multimedia voice servers.

  It can also include means of personalization.

  tion, in particular a control unit of a configuration server, to personalize the menu server menu trees. Thus, the user can, for example, choose the tree structure: "1 Weather", "2 - Horoscope", "3 - News from France",

"4 - New Madonna Records".

  The interface device comprises, in one embodiment

  tion, programming means such as this device are

  automatically connects, at a predetermined time, preferably

  according to a predetermined tree structure, via the service server, to the multimedia voice servers concerned, and storage means for storing in a memory, in particular an area

  memory, data received from multimedia voice servers.

  So, for example, the user can get up in the morning to access the information that will have been retrieved and

stored overnight.

  In one embodiment, the means for receiving the device

  positive interface allow the reception of compressed data and therefore include digital compression means and, well

  of course, a digital to analog converter so that the data

  from the server are audible and / or visible to the user. Other characteristics and advantages of the invention

  will appear with the description of some of its modes of

  embodiment, this being carried out with reference to the attached drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system according to the invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram similar to that of the

Figure 1 for a variant.

  The system 10 shown in Figure 1 corresponds to the case where the interface device is not located at the subscriber but in a telephone center.

  Thus, the system 10 represented in FIG. 1 includes

  takes, on the one hand, a telephone network 12, such as a switched telephone network, and on the other hand, a computer network

14, for example of the Internet type.

  The telephone network 10 comprises, classically

  that, a set of nodes, or local loops, 161, 162, 16n,

  constituting access nodes of subscribers to this network 10.

  Each loop 16i comprises a telephone center 18i making it possible to direct telephone communications, either to a subscriber of the same local loop, or to a subscriber of another local loop. In addition, at each center 18i is

  associated with a 20i switching (or interface) device

  putting to link the loop to the Internet 14. This connection is made, for example, through suppliers

access 22i.

  In this embodiment, the switching device

  i is permanently connected to network 14.

  Each of these devices 20i comprises an IP address so that the corresponding telephone center (and therefore the local loop) can be connected in a simple manner to the other interface devices (or switching) of the same kind on the network. This IP address of each interface device can be transmitted directly, by the telephone network 10, to

  switching devices for other telephone centers.

  As a variant, the connection between the communication devices

  mutation takes place through a specific server

  24 of network 14 which contains all the IP addresses of the devices

  switching centers for telephone centers. In other words, the server 24 makes it possible to establish communications, via the network

14, between telephone centers.

  Thus, in each of the loops, 16i, the switching device 20i makes it possible to transfer to the Internet network 14 the communications established by the telephone network 10. The switching of a telephone communication to the Internet network 14 is carried out, on the calling side , thanks to a

  control signal from extension 26i of this subscriber calling

  lant. For this purpose, the subscriber set includes a special key.

  fique (not shown). Alternatively, it is a combination of all

  ches which allows to issue the command signal of the switching

  tion. On the called side, switching to network 14

  of the corresponding telephone center switching device

  This takes place under the command of a specific signal received via the Internet 14. As a variant, this switching takes place

  by pressing a button, or several buttons, of the

  26i telephone call of the called party.

  In the foregoing, it has been assumed that each device

  tif switching 20i is associated with all the subscribers of the corresponding local loop 16i. Alternatively, loop 16i has a plurality of switching devices, a number

  limited number of users being assigned to each of these devices.

  In one embodiment, the possibility of making telephone communications via the Internet 14 constitutes

  a non-compulsory option. In this case the communication device

  corresponding 20i can only be activated if the user

  has subscribed. In this example the device for

  mutation recognizes that the user has subscribed

  appropriate, either by the fact that it contains in memory the numbers

  ros of authorized subscribers, either because the control signal

  issued by the 26i handset contains a specific authorization code

  Internet access 14.

  According to an important provision of the invention, the

  network 14 further comprises a server 27 called "service server".

  vice "to which V1 multimedia voice servers are connected,

V2, V3, V4.

  Each voice server provides information of a specific nature such as meteorological information, a horoscope, literary, musical information, show programs, etc. This information is communicated both under

  voice and graphic or image form.

  The server 26 broadcasts a menu offering the user

  options for affiliated multimedia voice servers V1, V2,

V3, V4.

The operation is as follows:

  When a subscriber of the telephone network 10 having

  writes a subscription to communications via the Internet 14,

  wants to call a voice server, he presses a specific key

  that of its station 26i in order to establish a connection with the service server 27. Under these conditions, the server 27 returns a menu in voice form indicating the multimedia voice servers V1, v2, V3, V4 to which it is connected. This menu message indicates for example: "To access discography news: type 1, to access information: type 2, to access weather information: type

3,

  etc. "This voice information is preferably transmitted

  in the form of compressed digital packages. In this case, the dis-

  positive interface 20i located in the local loop 16i dis-

  installation of decompression and digital / analog conversion means. When the user presses the number indicated to him, the signal is transmitted by the Internet network 14 to the server 27 which puts the user in communication with the

  multimedia voice server selected.

  In the embodiment of the invention which is shown in Figure 2, the interface device 30i is located at the subscriber. It is of the type described in international application WO98 / 13986. This device is associated with the telephone handset 26i. It is connected to a

  display 32i. The latter can also be integrated into the

terface 30i.

  This device 30i makes it possible to establish telephone or videophone communications via the Internet network 14. It also allows, in accordance with the invention, to have access to multimedia voice servers V1, V2, V3, V4

  via a service server 27 as indicated above

  above in relation to Figure 1.

  As a variant, the interface device 30i is a device

  specialist for access to voice servers.

  Whatever the embodiment, to connect the interface device 30i to the Internet network and to access

  to the server 27, the address of the server 27 is entered by the keyboard

  of this device. This address can also be sent automatically, this address being initially stored in the memory of the interface device 30i. In the latter case, all it takes is a single push of a button or even setting

energized device 30i.

  Once the connection is established, the operation is the same as in the case described above in relation to FIG. 1. However, if the servers V1, V2, V3, V4 send viewable data such as text, graphics, images, these can be received and viewed on the screen of the device 32i. It should also be noted that, in the latter case, the menu can be displayed on the screen of the device 32i to

  instead of, or in addition to, the voice menu.

  The choices made after receiving the menu are active.

  via keys on the 26i handset keypad or the keypad of the

device 30i.

  Since voice and / or image information

  ges are generally transmitted by servers V1, V2, V3, V4 in the form of compressed digital packets, provision is made in the

  device 30i for decompression means as well as a conversion

digital / analog weaver.

  Of course, the data transmitted from any

  keys of the handset 26i or of keys of the device 30i are shaped so that they can be transmitted by the network 14 and

  to be interpreted by the server 27.

  In one embodiment, which applies both to the example of FIG. 1 and to that of FIG. 2, provision is made

  possibility of customizing menus. This personali-

  sation consists of a pre-selection of servers for each subscriber and / or an individualized presentation of the audible menu

and / or viewable.

  This personalization is, for example, carried out using a configuration means associated with the server 27 which performs the personalized preselection and presentation when

  it receives a connection request with an identification data

  tion of the subscriber who requested this personalization.

  Configuration can be done in various ways. It can be requested using a written form or a form sent over the Internet, or by telephone. It is also possible to request this configuration automatically, via the

  Internet network, by commands from the keyboard of the device

  30i or the 26i handset keypad.

  According to another provision of the invention, the provision

  sitif 30i includes timer means (not shown), preferably programmable, which allow this device to trigger automatically to connect, also automatically to one (or more) preselected server (s) and to record in a memory (not shown) the data

provided by these servers.

  In this case, these are configuration means located in the server 27 or associated with the server 27, which allow

  will connect to the selected server (s). Of course, in this case, it is not necessary for the server 275 to broadcast the menu.

  After receiving the information provided by the server, the device 30i disconnects.

  The user can then consult, at any time, the data stored in memory without having to log on.

Claims (15)

  1. Method allowing at least one user to access, via a computer communication network (14)   in particular of the internet type, to at least one multi-voice server   dia; each user being provided with: - either a telephone apparatus connected, via a local loop of the switched telephone network, to an interface device (201) located in a remote telephone center (161) managed by a telecommunications operator to which the user has subscribed; - either of a local interface device (30i), said method comprising the steps: - of establishing a link between said interface device (201, 30i) and the said multimedia voice server or servers (Vl, V2, V3, V4) concerned , via a service server (27) of said computer communication network, so that the data transmitted by the servers   multimedia voice, representing sounds and / or images,   located via the Internet, are received by the interface device and transmitted to the user, - activate said interface device in order to establish said connection between said interface device and the service server, by actuating:   * or a control unit associated with said device   positive local interface, in particular a key on a keyboard of said interface device,   * or a control unit associated with said device   telephone reel connected to said remote interface device, in particular a key on a keyboard of said telephone device, - to broadcast, via the link thus established between the service server and said interface device and / or said telephone device, a menu offering the user the options of the affiliated multimedia voice servers,   so that the user receives for example the   following sages: "Welcome to the service server, to access:   - to the multimedia voice server concerning the new- disc calves: type 1,   - to the multimedia voice server concerning the new-   velles du jour: type 2, - to the multimedia voice server concerning the weather: type 3, etc. ", - to select, by activating the said   command, the options selected from the different menu options   rocket, and - to establish the links with the multimedia voice server or servers thus selected,   so that, for example, the user, in action-   by pressing key 3 on the keyboard of their telephone device or the keyboard of their interface device, will receive the information regarding the weather.   2. Method according to claim 1, as it comprises   also takes the step of - viewing, by means of a display screen (32i) of the local interface device (30i), the image data   from multimedia voice servers.   3. Method according to any one of claims 1   or 2, as it further comprises the step of   - customize the tree structure of the service menu   service provider, in particular by means of a configuration server   tion, so that the user can, for example, choose the tree structure: "1 - Weather", "2 - Horoscope", 3 - News from France ", "4 - New Madonna Records".   4. Method according to any one of claims 1   to 3, as it further comprises the steps of - programming the interface device so that it automatically connects at a determined time according to a predetermined tree structure, via the service server, to the multimedia voice servers concerned, and - store in a memory zone of the interface device, the data received from the multimedia voice servers, so that, for example, the user can, when getting up in the morning, have access to the information which will have been   retrieved and stored overnight.   5. Method according to claim 1 such that it further comprises the step of - sharing between several subscribers identified by a subscriber code, said link between the interface device   from the telephone center and the service server.   6. System allowing at least one user to access, via a computer communication network (14)   in particular of the internet type, to at least one multi-voice server   dia (V1, V2, V3, V4); said system being such that each user is provided with: - either a connected telephone device (26i),   via a local loop of the switched telephone network, at a distance   positive interface (201) located in a telephone center   both (16i) managed by a telecommunications operator with which the user has taken out a subscription; - either of a local interface device (30i), said system comprising: - a link between said interface device and   the said multimedia voice server or servers concerned, via a service   service veur (27) of said computer communication network, in particular of the internet type, so that the data transmitted by the servers   multimedia voice, representing sounds and / or images,   are located via the Internet, are received by the interface device and transmitted to the user,   - activation means for activating said arrangement   sitive interface in order to establish said connection between said provision   sitive interface and service server; said activation means comprising   * or a control unit associated with said device   positive local interface, in particular a key on a keyboard of said interface device,   * or a control unit associated with said device   telephone line connected to said remote interface device, in particular a key on a keyboard of said telephone apparatus, said control member being actuated by the user, - broadcasting means for broadcasting, via the   link thus established between the service server and said device   positive interface and / or said telephone device a menu   offering the user options for multi-voice servers affiliated media,   so that the user receives for example the   following sages: "Welcome to the service server, to access:   - to the multimedia voice server concerning the new- disc calves: type 1,   - to the multimedia voice server concerning the new-   velles du jour: type 2, - to the multimedia voice server concerning the weather: type 3, etc. ", - selection means for selecting, by actuating said control member, the options selected from the options of the menu displayed,   - switching means for establishing the links   sounds with the multimedia voice server (s) selected born, and   - reception means, in particular a loudspeaker   speaker, to receive information from the selected multimedia voice server, so that, for example, the user by pressing the key 3 on the keyboard of his telephone device or the keyboard of his interface device, will establish the connection with the   weather server and will receive the corresponding information.   7. System according to claim 6 such as the provision   The local interface also includes - a display screen (30i) for viewing   image data from multimedia voice servers.   8. System according to any one of claims 6 or 7 as it further includes   - means of personalization, in particular a service   configuration veur, to customize the tree structure of the service server menu, so that the user can, for example, choose the tree structure: "1 - Weather", "2 - Horoscope", "3 - News from France" , "4 - New Madonna Records".   9. System according to any one of claims 6   to 8 such that it further comprises: - programming means for programming the   interface device so that it connects automatically   only at a determined time according to a predetermined tree structure   born, via the service server, to the multimedia voice servers concerned, - storage means for storing in a memory area of the interface device, the data received from the multimedia voice servers, so that, for example, the user can use it getting up in the morning having access to the information that will have been   retrieved and stored overnight.   10. The system of claim 6 as further comprising   - addressing means for sharing between several   if subscribers identified by a subscriber code, said link between the telephone center interface device and the service veur of service.   11. Interface device (201; 30i) allowing at least one user to access, via a service server (27) of a computer communication network (14), in particular of the internet type, to at least one multimedia voice server ( V1, V2, V3, V4); said interface device comprising:   - activation means for activating said device   sitive interface in order to establish said connection between said provision   sitive interface and said service server; said activation means comprising a control member, in particular a key on a keyboard of said interface device; said control member being actuated by the user either locally or at   distance using a telephone connected to the device   sitive interface, and - reception means for receiving a menu broadcast by the service server; said menu offering to   the user the options of the multimedia voice servers displayed related,   so that the user receives for example the   following sages: "Welcome to the service server, to access:   - to the multimedia voice server concerning the new- disc calves: type 1,   - to the multimedia voice server concerning the new-   velles du jour: type 2, - to the multimedia voice server concerning the weather: type 3, etc. ", 12. Interface device according to claim 11 as it further comprises - a display screen (30i) for viewing   image data from multimedia voice servers.   13. Interface device according to any one of   claims 11 or 12 as further comprising   - means of personalization, in particular a   control unit of a configuration server, for personal   read the trees of the service server menu, so that the user can, for example, choose the tree: "1 - Weather", "2 Horoscope", "3 - News from France", "4 - New Madonna Records".   14. Device according to any one of the claims.   tions 11 to 13 as it further comprises: - programming means such that the interface device connects automatically at a determined time according to a predetermined tree structure, via the service server, to the multimedia voice servers concerned, - storage means for storing in a memory area the data received from the multimedia voice servers, so that, for example, the user can get up in the morning to have access to the information which has been   retrieved and stored overnight.   15. Device according to any one of the claims.   tions 11 to 14 such that the reception means comprise decompression and digital / analog conversion means, so that the compressed digital information originating from the server is transformed into an audible signal by the user.