GB2378615A

GB2378615A - Automatic answering service depending on location

Info

Publication number: GB2378615A
Application number: GB0119466A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nick Papadoglou; Timothy James Wright
Original assignee: Vodafone Group PLC
Current assignee: Vodafone Group PLC
Priority date: 2001-08-09
Filing date: 2001-08-09
Publication date: 2003-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 2021-08-09
Also published as: GB2378615B; GB0119466D0

Abstract

In a mobile telecommunications system, a mobile telecommunications network (10) receives incoming messages (12) intended for a particular mobile terminal (14) and intelligently determines whether to pass the message to the terminal for presentation to the user thereof or, instead, to pass the message to the user's answering service (16). The network (10) includes means for determining whether the mobile terminal (14) is currently within a vehicle. Such means may comprise means (18) responsive to the position and rate of change of position of the terminal, possibly operating in conjunction with a geographical map (20) of the network's service area. Instead, or in addition, the vehicle telematics (22) may be used for this purpose. If the network determines that the terminal (14) is currently with a vehicle, it may automatically pass the incoming message to the answering service (16). Instead, the network may additionally monitor information relating to the vehicle's operation (24), the traffic congestion in which the vehicle may currently be operating, and the current stress level (26) of the user driver. The user may be provided with means (28) enabling the user to select the criteria to be applied by the network in determining whether to divert incoming messages to the answering service (16).

Description

MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS AND METHODS The invention relates to mobile telecommunications systems and methods. Mobile telecommunication systems and methods according to the invention and to be discussed in more detail below by way of example only are concerned with the automatic answering of calls made to users in such a system.

According to the invention, there is provided a mobile telecommunications system, comprising a plurality of mobile terminals and an answering service operative when activated to record an incoming message for a particular one of the terminals instead of transmitting it to that terminal for presentation to the user thereof, and including diverting means operative automatically in response to an incoming message addressed to and capable of being received by a particular one of the mobile terminals for diverting that message to the answering service in dependence on at least one factor affecting the location of the mobile terminal or affecting the user.

According to the invention, there is further provided a mobile telecommunications network, comprising a plurality of mobile terminals and automatic answering means operative when activated to receive an incoming message addressed to and capable of being received by a particular one of the terminals, the network including location determining means for determining the physical location within the network of the particular one of the terminals, and activation means for activating the answering service

in respect to an incoming message intended for that terminal if the location determining means determines that the location of the terminal satisfies one or more predetermined criteria.

According to the invention, there is also provided a mobile telecommunications method for use with a mobile telecommunications network having a plurality of mobile terminals and an answering service operative when activated to record an incoming message for a particular one of the terminals instead of transmitting it to that terminal for presentation to the user thereof, comprising the steps of automatically diverting an incoming message addressed to and capable of being received by a particular one of the mobile terminals to the answering service in dependence on at least one factor affecting the location of the mobile terminal or affecting the user.

According to the invention, there is yet further provided a mobile telecommunications network method for use with a plurality of mobile terminals and an automatic answering service operative when activated to receive an incoming message addressed to a particular one of the terminals, comprising the steps of determining the physical location within the network of a particular one of the terminals to which an incoming message is addressed and which is capable of being received by that terminal, and activating the answering service in respect to that incoming message determined location of the terminal satisfies one or more predetermined criteria.

Mobile telecommunications systems and methods according to the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram showing part of one of the systems; and Figure 2 is a flow chart for use in explaining the operation of the systems and methods.

It is known for users of mobile terminals in a mobile telecommunications system to be provided with an automatic answering facility. For example, a user may take specific action, by changing the settings on the mobile terminal, to arrange for incoming messages automatically to be diverted to the answering service, when they will be answered by an announcement personal to the identifying number or address of that terminal, the message then being stored and passed to the user subsequently. If the terminal is switched off, or otherwise inaccessible (for example, out of a service area of the system), incoming messages to the terminal may also be automatically diverted to the answering service.

Such incoming messages may be messages of any type: for example, they may be voice calls or data calls such SMS (Short Message Service) calls.

In such arrangements, the user will later be advised of the stored message-for example, when the user removes the"divert"or powers up the terminal or comes into the service

area. The systems and methods to be described are concerned with the automatic diversion of incoming messages to a mobile terminal's answering service in accordance with externally detected factors affecting the terminal or the user. Such factors may in particular (though not only) relate to circumstances in which it may be unsafe for the user's terminal to receive the message at that time. A particular example of such circumstances arises when the user is driving a motor vehicle. The use of a hand-held mobile terminal by a user while driving a vehicle is potentially unsafe and may be illegal.

It is known to provide hand-free installations for. mobile terminals in vehicles but these of course cannot remove the potentially disiracting affect on the driver of an incoming message received during driving of the vehicle.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the systems and methods to be described divert incoming messages to the answering service when it is detected that the circumstances are such that it would not be appropriate or safe for the message to be received by the particular terminal to which it is addressed and then presented to the user.

More specifically, such a system and method can be particularly applied to the use of a mobile terminal by the driver of a motor vehicle so as automatically to detect the circumstances of the vehicle, to assess certain factors affecting the vehicle and/or the user-driver, and then make a decision whether an incoming message is to be diverted to the answering service or to be provided to the user-driver.

At a basic level, the system and method detects when the terminal is present within a

vehicle and, in such circumstances, may be set so that incoming messages are automatically diverted to the answering service. Detection that the handset is within a vehicle may be performed in a number of different ways. For example, the network in the system can detect the position and rate of change of position of the terminal, and this can be used, in combination possibly with a geographical map of the network's service area, to determine that the handset is in a motor vehicle (as opposed, for example, to a train). Instead, the mobile terminal may be part of a telematics system within the vehicle which provides information to the network concerning the position and operation of the vehicle and may also itself support the operation of the mobile terminal. In this way, therefore, the network will be aware when the terminal is being used within the vehicle.

As described above, the system can be set so as automatically to divert all incoming messages to the answering service when the terminal is detected as being in operation within a motor vehicle. Instead, the system may be set so that it is not always operative to carry out such diversion when the mobile terminal is operative in a vehicle-but may determine that there are certain circumstances relating to the operation of the vehicle which enable incoming messages to be safely sent to the mobile terminal and presented to the user-driver. For example, the system may detect when the vehicle is stationery, or has been stationery for at least a predetermined time, and to transmit incoming messages to the terminal for presentation to the user-driver in such circumstances.

The system may incorporate or receive information from a traffic-congestion information

system which provides substantially instantaneous information relating to the state of traffic-congestion at different parts of the road network. Thus, if the system determines that the vehicle is within an area of very high traffic congestion, and therefore likely to be stationery or slow-moving for prolonged periods of time, it may determine that incoming messages can be safely passed to the mobile terminal for presentation to the user-driver.

By using information relating to the rate of change of position of the mobile terminal and/or telematics information from the vehicle, the network can determine the speed of the vehicle. It may then make a decision dependent on this whether to allow incoming messages to be passed to the mobile terminal for presentation to the user-driver. For example, if the speed determination indicates that the vehicle is travelling in relatively steady-state conditions on an uncongested motorway, it may determine that messages can safely be presented to the user-driver.

In a case where the network is receiving detailed information from a vehicle's telematics system concerning the driver's operation of the vehicle's controls, the network can determine whether the user-driver is likely to be involved in driving manoeuvres requiring high concentration (for example, city driving or other areas of heavy traffic) or in driving manoeuvres of less concentration (steady-state conditions on an uncongested motorway, for example), and can make a decision whether to divert an incoming message to the answering service or to allow it to be passed to the mobile terminal for presentation to the

user-driver accordingly.

The vehicle may be provided with driver stress-detecting means automatically assessing the instantaneous level of stress of the user-driver-such as by monitoring various physical factors relating to the user-driver (eye movements, pressure gauge on steering wheel, sweat/breathing/heartlpulse monitors for example), such stress levels being transmitted to the network by the vehicle's telematics system (or otherwise). The network can then determine that incoming messages should be diverted to the answering service if the stress level of the user-driver exceeds a certain threshold, but otherwise to pass them to the mobile terminal for presentation to the user-driver.

Such a stress detecting arrangement can also be used by the network to provide a warning to the driver of the increasing stress.

The user may be provided with means for selecting among the different automatic diversion facilities described above. Such selection may be carried out by means of the mobile terminal itself (e. g. as a voice call to an operator, a voice call to a machine (Interactive Voice) or data/SMS call). Instead, the user could carry out the selection by means of a personal web site which could provide a menu of options, between which the user could choose such as before beginning a journey.

The network may also decide whether to divert a message to the answering service or to

pass it to the mobile terminal for presentation to the user-driver according to the type of message. For example, there may be circumstances in which an incoming voice message can be passed to the user-driver but not an incoming SMS message, or vice versa. If the incoming message is in fact a message left on the answering service, thus comprising a recorded announcement to which the user-driver merely has to listen but cannot respond at that time, it may be deemed appropriate to pass that message to the mobile terminal.

In certain circumstances the system can be arranged to respond to the originator of an incoming message advising the particular reason why the incoming message has been passed to the answering service and not to the user's mobile terminal.

Figure 1 shows the operation of such a system and method diagrammatically.

The mobile telecommunications network 10 controls the transmission of incoming messages 12 (which may of course arise within or from outside the network) to a particular user's mobile terminal 14 and to that user's answering service 16. The network receives various inputs. In particular, it receives an input from suitable mobility detection means 18. The mobility detection means 18 may be part of the network and may be operative in dependence on location signals received from the user's mobile terminal, from which information not only concerning the position but the rate of change of position of the mobile terminal can be derived. The network can also incorporate a geographical map 20 of the network's service area, so that it can determine from an

assessment of the position of the user's terminal whether the terminal is within a vehicle or a train for example.

Traffic information 21 can also be input to the network 10, relating to the substantially instantaneous traffic-congestion state of various parts of the road network.

The user's vehicle may be provided with in-vehicle telematics 22 which can provide information to the network 10 concerning the vehicle's position and rate of change of position (such as from GPS inputs). If a telematics system is also providing the facitilities for the user's mobile terminal, then the vehicle telematics 22 will be able to advise the network that the mobile terminal is located within the vehicle.

Information 24 concerning the vehicle's operation, including the operations by the userdriver of the vehicle controls, can be passed to the network 10 by the vehicle telematics 22. The vehicle may be provided with driver-stress monitoring means 26 which can pass information relating to the stress level of the driver to the network 10 via the vehicle telematics.

In this way, and in the manner described above, the network 10 can determine whether to pass an incoming message to the user's mobile terminal for presentation to the userdriver or to the user's answering service 16.

Means 28 enabling the user to set up the various diversion possibilities described can be provided. As already explained, these user set-up facilities can be part of the mobile terminal itself or can be achieved by means of a web site accessible to the user.

The flow chart of Figure 2 explains some of the operations already described.

At step A, an incoming message is received for a particular mobile terminal.

At step B, the system determines whether me user has already set up instructions that all incoming messages are to be diverted to the user's answering service or if there are other reasons why the message must be so diverted (for example, the terminal is powered off or out of range). If"yes"the incoming message is so diverted.

If"no", then the system (step C) determines whether the mobile terminal is currently in operation within a vehicle. Such detection may be carried out in any of the various ways described above-such as (a) by using the network's position detection facilities in conjunction with a geographical map or (b) by using information from a vehicle's telematics system. If"no", then the incoming message is directed to the user's mobile terminal and is thus received by the user.

If"yes", the system (step D) may determine whether the vehicle is stationery and has been stationery for at least a predetermined time (thus indicative of heavy traffic). Instead, this

step could be carried out in dependence on traffic congestion information fed to the network. If it is determined that the vehicle is stationery and has been stationery for at least a predetermined length of time, or that the vehicle is operating in an area of heavy traffic congestion, the incoming message may be passed to the mobile terminal. If"no", the system goes to step E.

At step E, the system monitors information concerning the driver's operation of the vehicle's controls, and/or variations in the speed of the vehicle, in order to make an assessment of the current driving conditions of the vehicle (in heavy traffic, for example, or in steady-state driving conditions on an uncongested motorway) and thus to determine if the vehicle is carrying out safe driving manoeuvres. If"no", the message may be passed to the mobile terminal. If"yes", the system goes to step F.

At step F, the system assesses the driver's stress level. If the stress level is below a predetermined threshold, the message is passed to the mobile terminal. If the stress level is above this threshold, the message is passed to the answering service.

The flow chart shown in Figure 2 shows only one example of the many different procedures which may be followed.

The user-driver may be provided with announcements by the network at various stages of the operation of the system and method described. For example, an announcement

(such as an audible announcement) may be made to the user-driver advising that an incoming message has been received but is being diverted to the answering service because of the particular current operating conditions of the vehicle or because of the stress level of the driver.

According to a feature of the invention, applicable whether or not in combination with means for automatically diverting an incoming message to an answering service, the user may be provided with means operative while. receiving an incoming message for recording a summary of the message or of particularly important aspects of the message.

The recording can be delivered to the user in voice format or as a SMS or as an email to the user's computer for example.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A mobile telecommunications system, comprising a plurality of mobile terminals and an answering service operative when activated to record an incoming message for a particular one of the terminals instead of transmitting it to that terminal for presentation to the user thereof, and including diverting means operative automatically in response to an incoming message addressed to and capable of being received by a particular one of the mobile terminals for diverting that message tp the answering service in dependence on at least one factor affecting the location of the mobile terminal or affecting the user.
2. A system according to claim 1, in which the factor indicates that it would be unsafe for the incoming message to be presented by the mobile terminal to the user.
3. A system according to claim 2, in which the fact or is the location of the mobile terminal in a vehicle.
4. A system according to claim 3, in which the factor is the location of the mobile terminal in a moving vehicle.
5. A system according to claim 3 or 4, in which the factor is the location of the mobile terminal in a vehicle operating in particular traffic conditions.

<Desc/Clms Page number 14>
6. A system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in which the factor is the location of the mobile terminal in a vehicle in a particular part of a predetermined road network.
7. A system according to any preceding claim, in which the factor is a factor relating to the stress level of the user whereby the incoming message is diverted to the answering service if the stress level exceeds a predetermined value
8. A mobile telecommunications network, comprising a plurality of mobile terminals

and automatic answering means operative when activated to receive an incoming message au Cl. l I Wil- : va4- CA *-receive an ircor,,-. ; Il-lg-.. essage addressed to and capable of being received by a particular one of the terminals, the network including location determining means for determining the physical location within the network of the particular one of the terminals, and activation means for activating the answering service in respect to an incoming message intended for that terminal if the location determining means determines that the location of the terminal satisfies one or more predetermined criteria.
9. A network according to claim 8, in which one of the predetermined criteria is that the terminal is located within a motor vehicle.
10. A network according to claim 9, in which one of the criteria is that the vehicle is operating in such circumstances that it would be unsafe for the mobile terminal to present the incoming message to a user thereof.

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11. A network according to claim 9 or 10, in which the location determining means includes telematic means responsive to operation of the vehicle.
12. A network according to any one of claims 9 to 11, in which one of the criteria includes the stress level of the user of the terminal.
13. A network according to any one of claims 9 to 12, in which one of the criteria comprises the state of traffic congestion for the vehicle.
14. A network according to claim 13, including means for providing road traffic congestion information to the network?
15. A network according to any one of claims 8 to 14, including means available to the user of the terminal for selecting the criteria.
16. A mobile telecommunications method for use with a mobile telecommunications network having a plurality of mobile terminals and an answering service operative when activated to record an incoming message for a particular one of the terminals instead of transmitting it to that terminal for presentation to the user thereof, comprising the steps of automatically diverting an incoming message addressed to and capable of being received by a particular one of the mobile terminals to the answering service in

<Desc/Clms Page number 16>

dependence on at least one factor affecting the location of the mobile terminal or affecting the user.
17. A method according to claim 16, in which the factor indicates that it would be unsafe for the incoming message to be presented by the mobile terminal to the user.
18. A method according to claim 17, in which the factor is the location of the mobile terminal in a vehicle.
19. A method according to claim 18, in which the factor is the location of the mobile terminal in a moving vehicle.
20. A method according to claim 18 or 19, in which the factor is the location of the mobile terminal in a vehicle operating in particular traffic conditions.
21. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, in which the factor is the location of the mobile terminal in a vehicle in a particular part of a predetermined road network.
22. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, in which the factor is a factor relating to the stress level of the user whereby the incoming message is diverted to the answering service if the stress level exceeds a predetermined value.

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23. A mobile telecommunications network method for use with a plurality of mobile terminals and an automatic answering service operative when activated to receive an incoming message addressed to a particular one of the terminals, comprising the steps of determining the physical location within the network of a particular one of the terminals to which an incoming message is addressed and which is capable of being received by that terminal, and activating the answering service in respect to that incoming message determined location of the terminal satisfies one. or more predetermined criteria.
24. A method according to claim 23, in which one of the predetermined criteria is that the terminal is located within a motor vehicle.
25. A method according to claim 24, in which one of the criteria is that the vehicle is operating in such circumstances that it would be unsafe for the mobile terminal to present the incoming message to a user thereof.
26. A method according to claim 24 or 25, in which one of the criteria includes the stress level of the user of the terminal.
27. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, in which one of the criteria comprises the state of traffic congestion for the vehicle.

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28. A method according to claim 27, including the step of providing traffic congestion information to the network.
29. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 28, in which the user selects the criteria.
30. A mobile telecommunications system, substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
31. A mobile telecommunications method, substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.