WO2005109661A1 - Mobile communication terminal for transferring and receiving of voice message and method for transferring and receiving of voice message using the same - Google Patents

Mobile communication terminal for transferring and receiving of voice message and method for transferring and receiving of voice message using the same Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005109661A1
WO2005109661A1 PCT/KR2004/001581 KR2004001581W WO2005109661A1 WO 2005109661 A1 WO2005109661 A1 WO 2005109661A1 KR 2004001581 W KR2004001581 W KR 2004001581W WO 2005109661 A1 WO2005109661 A1 WO 2005109661A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
message
voice
mobile communication
communication terminal
text
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2004/001581
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Seok-Woong Chang
Hoo-Jong Kim
Won-Hee Sull
Original Assignee
Sk Telecom Co., Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sk Telecom Co., Ltd. filed Critical Sk Telecom Co., Ltd.
Publication of WO2005109661A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005109661A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/50—Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
    • H04M3/53—Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages, i.e. mailbox systems
    • H04M3/5322—Centralised arrangements for recording incoming messages, i.e. mailbox systems for recording text messages
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10L—SPEECH ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES OR SPEECH SYNTHESIS; SPEECH RECOGNITION; SPEECH OR VOICE PROCESSING TECHNIQUES; SPEECH OR AUDIO CODING OR DECODING
    • G10L13/00—Speech synthesis; Text to speech systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/7243—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality with interactive means for internal management of messages
    • H04M1/72436—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality with interactive means for internal management of messages for text messaging, e.g. short messaging services [SMS] or e-mails
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/7243—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality with interactive means for internal management of messages
    • H04M1/72433—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality with interactive means for internal management of messages for voice messaging, e.g. dictaphones
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2201/00—Electronic components, circuits, software, systems or apparatus used in telephone systems
    • H04M2201/60—Medium conversion
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/12—Messaging; Mailboxes; Announcements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal and method for transceiving voice messages, and more particularly, by which a received text message is outputted as 'speech through voice synthesizing and speech recognition functions, and a transmitted text message is outputted as speech at a receiving terminal.
  • An instant messenger means a software and hardware system that enables more than two users to transmit text data of small size to each other in real time, with which a user is able to make his "buddy” list and transceive messages with one of those in the "buddy” list displayed on a messenger screen.
  • instant messaging has been made available in mobile communication terminals, as well as personal computers, expanding its usage in applications.
  • a Push-To-Talk (PTT) service has been proposed recently, and this is similar to the instant messenger.
  • the PTT is another instant messenger that enables prompt communication through a wireless internet network by talking while pushing a button like a walkie-talkie.
  • the l PTT offers rapid communication relative to a voice call, considering the standby time in a general calling service, because it is possible to communicate interactively without dialing or transferring the ring back tone, and to communicate between multiple users, overcoming the limit of one-to- one communication of a mobile phone.
  • a PTT service adoptable even to general mobile phones is proceeding, and will enable instant messaging, without the walkie-talkie (i.e., push-on-talking) function, and it will also offer the convenience of instantly showing on the terminal screen whether the recipient is able to receive the message.
  • the PTT service operates with a small amount of data transmission and is in less need of accuracy for real-time transmission because of its text-based data transceiving environment
  • the PTT service needs VoIP functions or technology to transmit large quantities of voice messages in real time, and also needs various applications for assuring QOS .
  • a PTT service is disadvantageous in that it increases the network load and service fees because a voice message must be transmitted through the data network in real time.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal and method for transceiving voice messages with a cheaper fee for data services than similar interactive talking services such as PTT but without an additional VoIP function or technology for transmitting large quantities of voice messages.
  • a mobile communication terminal comprises a voice-message transceiving service module to enable a received text message to be outputted as speech and an audio unit for inputting and outputting speech, in which the voice-message transceiving service module comprises: a text abstractor for abstracting text data from a received message; a voice synthesizer for generating voice data by synthesizing the abstracted text data; and a message output controller for controlling the generated voice data to be outputted through the audio unit.
  • the object of the present invention is accomplished with a mobile communication terminal comprising a voice-message transceiving service module for transmitting a text message which is outputted as speech at the receiving terminal, and an audio unit for inputting and outputting speech
  • the voice-message transceiving service module further comprises: a transmitting-message generator for generating a text message in a format that is to be outputted as speech at the receiving terminal in accordance with a request by a user of a mobile communication terminal to transmit the message; and a message-transmission controller for transferring the generated text message to the other mobile communication terminal.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile communication system for illustrating the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a mobile communication terminal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a voice message transceiving service module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure of transmitting a voice message in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure of outputting speech message in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile communication system for illustrating the present invention.
  • the mobile communication system is comprised of a base station transceiver system (BTS) 10 for conducting local radio communication with mobile communication terminals 100 and 100', a base station controller (BSC) 20 for managing the base station 10, a mobile switching center (MSC) 30 for managing a call switching operation, a short message service center (SMSC) 40 for providing a short message service, and a packet data service node (PDSN) 50 and a data core network (DCN) 60 that provides a data service for the mobile communication terminals 100 and 100' .
  • BTS base station transceiver system
  • BSC base station controller
  • MSC mobile switching center
  • SMSC short message service center
  • PDSN packet data service node
  • DCN data core network
  • an instant messenger service at the mobile communication terminal 100 is accomplished by connecting each of the mobile communication terminals 100 and 100' , in which instant messenger modules are each embedded, to the messenger server 200 that provides a messenger service through the mobile communication system.
  • the mobile communication terminals 100 and 100' receive "buddy" list of registered talking partners and their status from the messenger server 200 and then displays the list and status on a messenger window. Message transmission is possible between the mobile communication terminals 100 and 100' of users interconnected to each other through the messenger server 200 when a user logs-in.
  • the mobile communication terminal 100 (or 100') is in need of speech recognition function for converting the speech inputted by a user into text and transmitting it to the other mobile communication terminals 100' (or 100) through the short message service center 40 or the messenger server 200, and a voice synthesizing function for outputting the text received from the other mobile communication terminal 100' (or 100) as speech.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a mobile communication terminal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.
  • the mobile communication terminal 100 of the present invention is comprised of a controller 110 for managing the overall operation therein of a call process, text message transmission, instant message transmission, and so forth, according to an instruction by a user, a key input unit 120 for key strokes by a user, a memory 130 for storing various data, a display unit 140 for displaying information from inputted key data supplied by the input unit 120 and signals supplied by the controller 110, an audio unit 150 for processing voice signals inputted and outputted through a speaker and a microphone, and a radio transceiver 160 for performing radio signal transceiving operations with the base station transceiver system.
  • a controller 110 for managing the overall operation therein of a call process, text message transmission, instant message transmission, and so forth, according to an instruction by a user
  • a key input unit 120 for key strokes by a user
  • a memory 130 for storing various data
  • a display unit 140 for displaying information from inputted key data supplied by the input unit 120 and signals supplied by the controller 110
  • the mobile communication terminal 100 also includes an instant messenger module 170 for an instant message transceiving operation between mobile communication terminals, a short message managing module 180 for operating short messages transceived through the short message service center 40, and a voice message transceiving service module 190 for a voice conversation between mobile communication terminal users with texts transceived through the instant messenger module 170 and the short message managing module 180.
  • the instant messenger module 170 is embedded in the mobile communication terminal 100, enabling an instant message to be transceived between mobile communication terminal 100 users previously registered as a "buddy" in the messenger server 200.
  • the instant messenger module 170 receives the "buddy" list and their status from the messenger server 200, and displays them on a messenger window of the display unit 140 when a user logs in, making a conversation possible with instant messages transceived between the logged-in users.
  • the voice message transceiving service module 190 is mounted on or embedded in the mobile communication terminal 100. If there is a voice output identifier (ID) in a short message or an instant message received by the mobile communication terminal 100, the voice message transceiving service module 190 synthesizes speech out of the corresponding text message, and outputs the speech through the audio unit 150.
  • ID voice output identifier
  • the voice message transceiving service module 190 transmits the message including a voice output identifier added to the text inputted by the user or text converted from speech inputted by the user.
  • the instant messenger module 170 transfers an instant message to the voice message transceiving service module 190 when the instant message is received in a voice output mode from the other user through the messenger server 200.
  • the short message managing module 180 transfers a short message to the voice message transceiving service module 190 when the short message is received in a voice output mode from the other user through the messenger server 200.
  • a message to be outputted as speech is differentiated by a voice output identifier.
  • an instant message further includes a use-defining identifier added to the conventional format composed of message header information for routing and self-identity, and text information about the contents of the message to be transmitted. If the use-defining identifier corresponds to a voice output identifier, the text of the corresponding message is outputted as speech.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the voice message transceiving service module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG.
  • a voice message between mobile communication terminal users, including a voice information storage unit 191 , a user-defined information storage unit 192, a defined-information confirming unit 193, a text abstractor 194 for voice output, a voice synthesizer 195, a message-output controller 196, speech recognizer 197 for voice transmission, a transmitting-message generator 198, and a message- transmission controller 199.
  • the voice information storage unit 191 stores a plurality of voice- tone data and voice-color data to be used as speech synthesizing.
  • the user-defined information storage unit 192 stores information about voice tones and voice colors established by a user, which are used at the time of outputting speech message, in order to produce the voice synthesis and output in accordance with the voice tones and colors.
  • the user-defined information storage unit 192 may also store information about voice tones and voice colors that are ever used to render the other mobile communication terminals 100' voice synthesis and output with the voice tones and voice colors defined by the sender.
  • the voice message transceiving service module 190 has an output mode selection function that allows a user to output a received message including a voice output identifier as it is, or to output speech and text simultaneously, or to output only text regardless of the other's intention.
  • the user-defined information storage unit 192 is required to store the information about the user-defined output mode among the aforementioned output modes of voice-only, voice-text, and text-only, and the voice message transceiving service module 190 is required to control the message output operation in accordance with the output mode information stored therein.
  • the voice message transceiving service module 190 is required to control the message output operation in accordance with the output mode information stored therein.
  • the defined-information confirming unit 193 verifies the information about the user-defined voice tones and voice colors from the user-defined information storage unit 192 and transfers the information to the voice synthesizer 195 when a text message including the voice output identifier is received, enabling a voice according to the user-defined information to be outputted. Furthermore, when a message transmitted from the other mobile communication terminal 100' contains voice-tone and voice-color identifiers, the defined-information confirming unit 193 is preferably designed to enable a voice to be outputted according to information defined by the other user by transferring the voice-tone and voice-color identifiers included in the message to the voice synthesizer 195.
  • the defined-information confirming unit 193 verifies the information about the user-defined output mode, e.g., voice-only, voice- text, or text-only from the user-defined information storage unit 192 and transfers it to the message output controller 196, enabling a message to be outputted according to the user-defined output mode. If there is not any information about the output mode defined by the user in the user-defined information storage unit 192 and it is possible to define the output mode by the user, it may be preferable that the defined- information confirming unit 193 select its basic output mode as a voice output mode and transfer the output mode information to the message output controller 196.
  • the defined-information confirming unit 193 select its basic output mode as a voice output mode and transfer the output mode information to the message output controller 196.
  • the text abstracter 194 extracts text data from a text message and transfers it to the voice synthesizer 195 for voice synthesizing when the text message received by the mobile communication terminals 100 includes a voice output identifier.
  • the voice synthesizer 195 which performs a Text-To-Speech (TTS) function to analyze and convert text into voice data, generates voice data by synthesizing text data received from the text abstractor 194.
  • the voice synthesizer 195 generates a voice corresponding to the voice tone and voice color information that is applied thereto from the defined-information confirming unit 193 and is defined by the other talker or the user, and it can also generate a voice in a predetermined basic voice tone and voice color without information defined by the user or the other talker. If the information about voice tone and voice color defined by the user conflicts with that defined by the other talker, the voice synthesizer
  • the message output controller 196 enables the generated voice data to be outputted through the audio unit 150 of the mobile communication terminal 100, allowing the user hear the message as speech.
  • the speech recognizer 197 transforms voice data, which is inputted through the audio unit 150 of the mobile communication terminal 100 by the user, into text data to be transmitted to the other mobile communication terminal 100' .
  • the transmitting-message generator 198 generates a text message in the format which includes a voice output identifier that enables the text message to be transmitted to and outputted at the other mobile communication terminal 100 ' as speech.
  • the text included in the generated message is text inputted through the input unit of the mobile communication terminal 100 by the user or text transformed by the speech recognizer 197 from speech inputted by the user. It is preferable that the input means can be selected by the user.
  • the transmitting-message generator 198 When the user selects the information about voice tone and voice color to be outputted at the other mobile communication terminal 100', the transmitting-message generator 198 generates a message further including identifiers corresponding to the defined voice tone and voice color.
  • the defined information about voice tone and voice color may be preliminarily stored in the user-defined information storage unit 192, or may be selectable when the user requests the transmission of the corresponding message.
  • the message-transmission controller 199 sends the generated text message to the other mobile communication terminal 100' through the instant messenger module 170 or the short-message managing module 180. Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present invention, a message between the mobile communication terminals 100 and 100' is a short message or an instant message. For the instant message, the message- transmission controller 199 enables an instant message which includes a voice output identifier to be transmitted to the other mobile communication terminal 100' through the messenger server 200 by means of the instant messenger module 170 that manages an instant message transceiving operation through the messenger server 200.
  • the message-transmission controller 199 enables a short message which includes a voice output identifier to be transmitted to the other mobile communication terminal 100' through the short-message service center 40 by means of the short-message managing module 180 that manages a short message transceived through the short-message service center 40.
  • FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure of transmitting a voice message in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, explaining the process of outputting a message which has been transmitted by the user from the mobile communication terminal 100, at the other mobile communication terminal 100' as speech.
  • the message-transceiving service module 190 recognizes that the user selects a voice input menu or a button (S I 02).
  • the voice-message transceiving service module 190 receives a voice message inputted by the user through the audio unit 150 and then transforms the voice message into text by means of the speech recognition function (S 103). If the user inputs a text message such as a short message or an instant message (S I 04), the text conversion step by speech recognition function is omitted.
  • a transmission mode voice or text
  • the voice-message transceiving service module 190 generates a voice output message in accordance with a predetermined format including a voice output identifier identifiable by the other mobile communication terminal 100' in the transformed text or the user's composed text, so that the message is processed and outputted as speech at the other mobile communication terminal 100 ' (S 105).
  • the voice-message transceiving service module 190 can request the user to select information about a voice tone and voice color to be outputted at the other mobile communication terminal 100' .
  • the voice-message transceiving service module 190 enables a voice message to be outputted at the other mobile communication terminal 100' in a voice tone and voice color defined by a message transmitter (i.e., the user) by generating a text message in the format including identifiers corresponding to the defined voice tone and voice color in accordance with predetermined or selected information when it generates the voice output message. At this time, it is required for the mobile communication terminals of the message transmitter and receiver to have the same voice tone and voice color data.
  • the voice-message transceiving service module 190 transmits the voice output message to the short-message service center 40 by means of the short-message managing module 180 or, to the messenger server 200 by means of the instant messenger module 170 (S106), so that the other mobile communication terminal 100' receives the corresponding message from the short-message service center 40 or the messenger server 200.
  • the process subsequent to the one shown in FIG. 4, of outputting the message as speech at the mobile communication terminal (100 or 100') that receives the message from the other mobile communication terminal (100 ' or 100) will now be described.
  • FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure of outputting the voice message in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the instant messenger module 170 or the short-message managing module 180 checks whether the message contains a voice output identifier (S202). If the message contains a voice output identifier, the instant messenger module
  • the short-message managing module 180 transfers the message to the voice-message transceiving service module 190.
  • the short-message managing module 180 verifies if the voice output identifier is included when the user makes a key input to check the received short message. Otherwise, with a short message including the voice output identifier, it is feasible to output the message in real time, unlike a conventional short message, without the user's key input to check the message.
  • the voice-message transceiving service module 190 can receive all text messages directly and then verify whether or not the voice output identifier is included.
  • the voice-message transceiving service module 190 transfers the corresponding message to the instant messenger module 170 or the short-message managing module 180.
  • the voice-message transceiving service module 190 abstracts text data from the message including the voice output identifier and generates voice data with a specific voice tone and voice color by synthesizing the abstracted text data (S203).
  • the voice- message transceiving service module 190 generates the voice data synthesized in the voice tone and voice color defined by the user with reference to the user-defined information.
  • the other talker who sends the message it is possible for the other talker who sends the message to set the user-defined information about voice tone and voice color.
  • a message accepted by the mobile communication terminal 100 may be include identification information for voice synthesis, such as identifiers for voice tone and voice color, and the voice-message transceiving service module 190 receiving a text message which includes the identifiers of the voice tone and voice color synthesizes the message into speech in the tone and voice color corresponding to the identifiers. If information defined by the user who sends a message conflicts with that defined by the other talker who receives the message, the instant messenger module 170 is designed to operate with the priority. Next, the voice-message transceiving service module 190 outputs the synthesized voice data through the audio unit 150 of the mobile communication terminal 100 (S204).
  • identification information for voice synthesis such as identifiers for voice tone and voice color
  • the voice-message transceiving service module 190 receiving a text message which includes the identifiers of the voice tone and voice color synthesizes the message into speech in the tone and voice color corresponding to the identifiers. If information defined by the user
  • the mobile communication terminal 100 displays the text of the message on the display unit 140 (S205). While the above description has stated that the mobile communication terminal 100 receiving the voice output message including the voice output identifier synthesizes and outputs the message only as speech, it is also possible that the user of the mobile communication terminal 100 receiving the voice output message designates an output mode independent from the information about voice output mode defined by the other person who transmits the voice output message.
  • the mobile communication terminal 100 receiving the message stores information about the user-defined output mode which is one of either voice-only, voice-text, or text-only, in accordance with the user's selection.
  • the voice-message transceiving service module 190 confirms the user-defined output mode information stored in the mobile communication terminal 100. If the user- defined output mode is the voice-only or the voice-text modes, the voice- message transceiving service module 190 proceeds with the step S203 of text abstraction and speech synthesis. When the output mode is set to the voice-text mode, it is necessary to display the corresponding text while outputting speech message at the step S204 of outputting the voice message.
  • the voice output message may be adoptable to all kinds of text messages transmittable and receivable between mobile communication terminals in real time.
  • a mobile communication terminal and method for transceiving voice messages is applicable to providing real-time oral communication between mobile communication terminals with a lower fee for the text message based data service without the need for additional technology or functions such as VoIP, or large quantities of voice message transmissions.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Audiology, Speech & Language Pathology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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Abstract

Disclosed is a mobile communication terminal for transceiving a voice message between mobile communication terminals, comprising a voice-message transceiving service module for enabling a received text message to be outputted as speech and enabling a transmitted text message received by a mobile communication terminal to be outputted as speech. The voice-message transceiving service module includes: a text abstractor for abstracting text data from a text message that is transferred in a format of voice output; a voice synthesizer for generating voice data by synthesizing the abstracted text data; a message output controller for enabling the generated voice data to be outputted through the audio unit; a transmitting-message generator for generating a text message in a format that enables the message to be outputted as speech at the other mobile communication terminal; and a message-transmission controller for transferring the generated text message to the other mobile communication terminal.

Description

MOBILE COMMUNICATION TERMINAL FOR TRANSFERRING AND
RECEIVING OF VOICE MESSAGE AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING AND RECEIVING OF VOICE MESSAGE USING THE SAME
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal and method for transceiving voice messages, and more particularly, by which a received text message is outputted as 'speech through voice synthesizing and speech recognition functions, and a transmitted text message is outputted as speech at a receiving terminal.
BACKGROUND ART
An instant messenger means a software and hardware system that enables more than two users to transmit text data of small size to each other in real time, with which a user is able to make his "buddy" list and transceive messages with one of those in the "buddy" list displayed on a messenger screen. Recently, instant messaging has been made available in mobile communication terminals, as well as personal computers, expanding its usage in applications. Additionally, a Push-To-Talk (PTT) service has been proposed recently, and this is similar to the instant messenger. The PTT is another instant messenger that enables prompt communication through a wireless internet network by talking while pushing a button like a walkie-talkie. The l PTT offers rapid communication relative to a voice call, considering the standby time in a general calling service, because it is possible to communicate interactively without dialing or transferring the ring back tone, and to communicate between multiple users, overcoming the limit of one-to- one communication of a mobile phone. Currently, a PTT service adoptable even to general mobile phones is proceeding, and will enable instant messaging, without the walkie-talkie (i.e., push-on-talking) function, and it will also offer the convenience of instantly showing on the terminal screen whether the recipient is able to receive the message. However, while the instant messenger service operates with a small amount of data transmission and is in less need of accuracy for real-time transmission because of its text-based data transceiving environment, the PTT service needs VoIP functions or technology to transmit large quantities of voice messages in real time, and also needs various applications for assuring QOS . Moreover, unlike an instant messenger service, a PTT service is disadvantageous in that it increases the network load and service fees because a voice message must be transmitted through the data network in real time.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal and method for transceiving voice messages with a cheaper fee for data services than similar interactive talking services such as PTT but without an additional VoIP function or technology for transmitting large quantities of voice messages. In order to accomplish the object of the present invention, a mobile communication terminal comprises a voice-message transceiving service module to enable a received text message to be outputted as speech and an audio unit for inputting and outputting speech, in which the voice-message transceiving service module comprises: a text abstractor for abstracting text data from a received message; a voice synthesizer for generating voice data by synthesizing the abstracted text data; and a message output controller for controlling the generated voice data to be outputted through the audio unit. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is accomplished with a mobile communication terminal comprising a voice-message transceiving service module for transmitting a text message which is outputted as speech at the receiving terminal, and an audio unit for inputting and outputting speech, in which the voice-message transceiving service module further comprises: a transmitting-message generator for generating a text message in a format that is to be outputted as speech at the receiving terminal in accordance with a request by a user of a mobile communication terminal to transmit the message; and a message-transmission controller for transferring the generated text message to the other mobile communication terminal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile communication system for illustrating the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a mobile communication terminal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a voice message transceiving service module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure of transmitting a voice message in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure of outputting speech message in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile communication system for illustrating the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , the mobile communication system is comprised of a base station transceiver system (BTS) 10 for conducting local radio communication with mobile communication terminals 100 and 100', a base station controller (BSC) 20 for managing the base station 10, a mobile switching center (MSC) 30 for managing a call switching operation, a short message service center (SMSC) 40 for providing a short message service, and a packet data service node (PDSN) 50 and a data core network (DCN) 60 that provides a data service for the mobile communication terminals 100 and 100' . The mobile communication system is connected to a messenger server
200 that provides a messenger service to the mobile communication terminal 100, to enable an instant message to be transceived between the mobile communication terminals 100 and 100' through the messenger server 200. In other words, an instant messenger service at the mobile communication terminal 100 is accomplished by connecting each of the mobile communication terminals 100 and 100' , in which instant messenger modules are each embedded, to the messenger server 200 that provides a messenger service through the mobile communication system. The mobile communication terminals 100 and 100' receive "buddy" list of registered talking partners and their status from the messenger server 200 and then displays the list and status on a messenger window. Message transmission is possible between the mobile communication terminals 100 and 100' of users interconnected to each other through the messenger server 200 when a user logs-in. In the present invention, the mobile communication terminal 100 (or 100') is in need of speech recognition function for converting the speech inputted by a user into text and transmitting it to the other mobile communication terminals 100' (or 100) through the short message service center 40 or the messenger server 200, and a voice synthesizing function for outputting the text received from the other mobile communication terminal 100' (or 100) as speech. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a mobile communication terminal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the mobile communication terminal 100 of the present invention is comprised of a controller 110 for managing the overall operation therein of a call process, text message transmission, instant message transmission, and so forth, according to an instruction by a user, a key input unit 120 for key strokes by a user, a memory 130 for storing various data, a display unit 140 for displaying information from inputted key data supplied by the input unit 120 and signals supplied by the controller 110, an audio unit 150 for processing voice signals inputted and outputted through a speaker and a microphone, and a radio transceiver 160 for performing radio signal transceiving operations with the base station transceiver system. The mobile communication terminal 100 also includes an instant messenger module 170 for an instant message transceiving operation between mobile communication terminals, a short message managing module 180 for operating short messages transceived through the short message service center 40, and a voice message transceiving service module 190 for a voice conversation between mobile communication terminal users with texts transceived through the instant messenger module 170 and the short message managing module 180. The instant messenger module 170 is embedded in the mobile communication terminal 100, enabling an instant message to be transceived between mobile communication terminal 100 users previously registered as a "buddy" in the messenger server 200. The instant messenger module 170 receives the "buddy" list and their status from the messenger server 200, and displays them on a messenger window of the display unit 140 when a user logs in, making a conversation possible with instant messages transceived between the logged-in users. The voice message transceiving service module 190 is mounted on or embedded in the mobile communication terminal 100. If there is a voice output identifier (ID) in a short message or an instant message received by the mobile communication terminal 100, the voice message transceiving service module 190 synthesizes speech out of the corresponding text message, and outputs the speech through the audio unit 150. Accordingly, when a user wishes to transmit a short message or an instant message that they desire to be outputted as speech at the receiving mobile communication terminal (e.g., 100'), the voice message transceiving service module 190 transmits the message including a voice output identifier added to the text inputted by the user or text converted from speech inputted by the user. In this embodiment of the present invention, the instant messenger module 170 transfers an instant message to the voice message transceiving service module 190 when the instant message is received in a voice output mode from the other user through the messenger server 200. Similarly, the short message managing module 180 transfers a short message to the voice message transceiving service module 190 when the short message is received in a voice output mode from the other user through the messenger server 200. Here, in the case of the short message, it is preferable for the short message managing module 180 to transfer the corresponding short message to the voice message transceiving service module 190 after the user inputted a key to confirm the short message received from the short message service center 40. In the present invention, a message to be outputted as speech is differentiated by a voice output identifier. Specifically, an instant message further includes a use-defining identifier added to the conventional format composed of message header information for routing and self-identity, and text information about the contents of the message to be transmitted. If the use-defining identifier corresponds to a voice output identifier, the text of the corresponding message is outputted as speech. Also, in the case of the short message, the text of the corresponding message is outputted as speech, when it includes a voice output identifier in the conventional format of the short message. While the voice message transceiving service module 190 has been described as being embodied in an independent component separate from the instant messenger module 170 or the short message managing module 180, it is also possible for the voice message transceiving service module 190 to be included in the instant messenger module 170 or the short message managing module 180. The voice message transceiving service module 190 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3 , as follows. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the voice message transceiving service module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, it is configured to implement a voice message between mobile communication terminal users, including a voice information storage unit 191 , a user-defined information storage unit 192, a defined-information confirming unit 193, a text abstractor 194 for voice output, a voice synthesizer 195, a message-output controller 196, speech recognizer 197 for voice transmission, a transmitting-message generator 198, and a message- transmission controller 199. The voice information storage unit 191 stores a plurality of voice- tone data and voice-color data to be used as speech synthesizing. The user-defined information storage unit 192 stores information about voice tones and voice colors established by a user, which are used at the time of outputting speech message, in order to produce the voice synthesis and output in accordance with the voice tones and colors. The user-defined information storage unit 192 may also store information about voice tones and voice colors that are ever used to render the other mobile communication terminals 100' voice synthesis and output with the voice tones and voice colors defined by the sender. In addition, the voice message transceiving service module 190 has an output mode selection function that allows a user to output a received message including a voice output identifier as it is, or to output speech and text simultaneously, or to output only text regardless of the other's intention. In this case, the user-defined information storage unit 192 is required to store the information about the user-defined output mode among the aforementioned output modes of voice-only, voice-text, and text-only, and the voice message transceiving service module 190 is required to control the message output operation in accordance with the output mode information stored therein. With the instant messenger service, it is possible for such user- defined output mode information to be displayed together with the status of buddies on the instant messenger. It is desirable that a voice output message can only be transmitted to a buddy who chooses voice output mode. The defined-information confirming unit 193 verifies the information about the user-defined voice tones and voice colors from the user-defined information storage unit 192 and transfers the information to the voice synthesizer 195 when a text message including the voice output identifier is received, enabling a voice according to the user-defined information to be outputted. Furthermore, when a message transmitted from the other mobile communication terminal 100' contains voice-tone and voice-color identifiers, the defined-information confirming unit 193 is preferably designed to enable a voice to be outputted according to information defined by the other user by transferring the voice-tone and voice-color identifiers included in the message to the voice synthesizer 195. Also, the defined-information confirming unit 193 verifies the information about the user-defined output mode, e.g., voice-only, voice- text, or text-only from the user-defined information storage unit 192 and transfers it to the message output controller 196, enabling a message to be outputted according to the user-defined output mode. If there is not any information about the output mode defined by the user in the user-defined information storage unit 192 and it is possible to define the output mode by the user, it may be preferable that the defined- information confirming unit 193 select its basic output mode as a voice output mode and transfer the output mode information to the message output controller 196. The text abstracter 194 extracts text data from a text message and transfers it to the voice synthesizer 195 for voice synthesizing when the text message received by the mobile communication terminals 100 includes a voice output identifier. The voice synthesizer 195, which performs a Text-To-Speech (TTS) function to analyze and convert text into voice data, generates voice data by synthesizing text data received from the text abstractor 194. The voice synthesizer 195 generates a voice corresponding to the voice tone and voice color information that is applied thereto from the defined-information confirming unit 193 and is defined by the other talker or the user, and it can also generate a voice in a predetermined basic voice tone and voice color without information defined by the user or the other talker. If the information about voice tone and voice color defined by the user conflicts with that defined by the other talker, the voice synthesizer
195 can carry out the voice synthesizing operation according to the priority information, which can be established by user. The message output controller 196 enables the generated voice data to be outputted through the audio unit 150 of the mobile communication terminal 100, allowing the user hear the message as speech. The speech recognizer 197 transforms voice data, which is inputted through the audio unit 150 of the mobile communication terminal 100 by the user, into text data to be transmitted to the other mobile communication terminal 100' . The transmitting-message generator 198 generates a text message in the format which includes a voice output identifier that enables the text message to be transmitted to and outputted at the other mobile communication terminal 100 ' as speech. The text included in the generated message is text inputted through the input unit of the mobile communication terminal 100 by the user or text transformed by the speech recognizer 197 from speech inputted by the user. It is preferable that the input means can be selected by the user. When the user selects the information about voice tone and voice color to be outputted at the other mobile communication terminal 100', the transmitting-message generator 198 generates a message further including identifiers corresponding to the defined voice tone and voice color. During message generation, the defined information about voice tone and voice color may be preliminarily stored in the user-defined information storage unit 192, or may be selectable when the user requests the transmission of the corresponding message. The message-transmission controller 199 sends the generated text message to the other mobile communication terminal 100' through the instant messenger module 170 or the short-message managing module 180. Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present invention, a message between the mobile communication terminals 100 and 100' is a short message or an instant message. For the instant message, the message- transmission controller 199 enables an instant message which includes a voice output identifier to be transmitted to the other mobile communication terminal 100' through the messenger server 200 by means of the instant messenger module 170 that manages an instant message transceiving operation through the messenger server 200. For the short message, the message-transmission controller 199 enables a short message which includes a voice output identifier to be transmitted to the other mobile communication terminal 100' through the short-message service center 40 by means of the short-message managing module 180 that manages a short message transceived through the short-message service center 40. Now, a method of transceiving a voice message to accomplish a voice conversation with the aforementioned text transceiving operations, in accordance with the present invention will be described, in sequence, with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGs. 4 and 5. First, FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure of transmitting a voice message in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, explaining the process of outputting a message which has been transmitted by the user from the mobile communication terminal 100, at the other mobile communication terminal 100' as speech. Referring to FIG. 4, if the user requests transmission of a voice output message, which is to be outputted as speech at the other communication terminal 100', by means of a specific key stroke, by selection of a menu such as a short-message transmission, or an instant- messenger in the mobile communication terminal 100 (S I 01 ); etc., the message-transceiving service module 190 recognizes that the user selects a voice input menu or a button (S I 02). If the voice input menu is selected, the voice-message transceiving service module 190 receives a voice message inputted by the user through the audio unit 150 and then transforms the voice message into text by means of the speech recognition function (S 103). If the user inputs a text message such as a short message or an instant message (S I 04), the text conversion step by speech recognition function is omitted. In the above description, while the user can select a voice input or a text input after requesting the transmission of a voice output message, the user is also able to select a transmission mode (voice or text) after completing message input as in the conventional method of transmission of an instant message or a short message, during the text input process. Next, the voice-message transceiving service module 190 generates a voice output message in accordance with a predetermined format including a voice output identifier identifiable by the other mobile communication terminal 100' in the transformed text or the user's composed text, so that the message is processed and outputted as speech at the other mobile communication terminal 100 ' (S 105). The voice-message transceiving service module 190 can request the user to select information about a voice tone and voice color to be outputted at the other mobile communication terminal 100' . The voice-message transceiving service module 190 enables a voice message to be outputted at the other mobile communication terminal 100' in a voice tone and voice color defined by a message transmitter (i.e., the user) by generating a text message in the format including identifiers corresponding to the defined voice tone and voice color in accordance with predetermined or selected information when it generates the voice output message. At this time, it is required for the mobile communication terminals of the message transmitter and receiver to have the same voice tone and voice color data. After completing the generation of the voice output message including the voice output identifier, the voice-message transceiving service module 190 transmits the voice output message to the short-message service center 40 by means of the short-message managing module 180 or, to the messenger server 200 by means of the instant messenger module 170 (S106), so that the other mobile communication terminal 100' receives the corresponding message from the short-message service center 40 or the messenger server 200. The process subsequent to the one shown in FIG. 4, of outputting the message as speech at the mobile communication terminal (100 or 100') that receives the message from the other mobile communication terminal (100 ' or 100) will now be described. FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure of outputting the voice message in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, if the mobile communication terminal 100 receives a short message or an instant message (S201), the instant messenger module 170 or the short-message managing module 180 checks whether the message contains a voice output identifier (S202). If the message contains a voice output identifier, the instant messenger module
170 or the short-message managing module 180 transfers the message to the voice-message transceiving service module 190. In this process, if the received message is a short message, it is preferable that the short-message managing module 180 verifies if the voice output identifier is included when the user makes a key input to check the received short message. Otherwise, with a short message including the voice output identifier, it is feasible to output the message in real time, unlike a conventional short message, without the user's key input to check the message. Also, the voice-message transceiving service module 190 can receive all text messages directly and then verify whether or not the voice output identifier is included. If the voice output identifier is not included therein, it is preferable that the voice-message transceiving service module 190 transfers the corresponding message to the instant messenger module 170 or the short-message managing module 180. Next, the voice-message transceiving service module 190 abstracts text data from the message including the voice output identifier and generates voice data with a specific voice tone and voice color by synthesizing the abstracted text data (S203). In the case that the mobile communication terminal 100 stores a plurality of voice tone data and voice color data and user-defined information of a voice tone and voice color, it is preferable that the voice- message transceiving service module 190 generates the voice data synthesized in the voice tone and voice color defined by the user with reference to the user-defined information. In addition, it is possible for the other talker who sends the message to set the user-defined information about voice tone and voice color. In this case, a message accepted by the mobile communication terminal 100 may be include identification information for voice synthesis, such as identifiers for voice tone and voice color, and the voice-message transceiving service module 190 receiving a text message which includes the identifiers of the voice tone and voice color synthesizes the message into speech in the tone and voice color corresponding to the identifiers. If information defined by the user who sends a message conflicts with that defined by the other talker who receives the message, the instant messenger module 170 is designed to operate with the priority. Next, the voice-message transceiving service module 190 outputs the synthesized voice data through the audio unit 150 of the mobile communication terminal 100 (S204). Meanwhile, in the step S202 of verifying the inclusion of the voice output identifier, if there is no voice output identifier in the received message, the mobile communication terminal 100 displays the text of the message on the display unit 140 (S205). While the above description has stated that the mobile communication terminal 100 receiving the voice output message including the voice output identifier synthesizes and outputs the message only as speech, it is also possible that the user of the mobile communication terminal 100 receiving the voice output message designates an output mode independent from the information about voice output mode defined by the other person who transmits the voice output message. The mobile communication terminal 100 receiving the message stores information about the user-defined output mode which is one of either voice-only, voice-text, or text-only, in accordance with the user's selection. If there is a voice output identifier in the received message after the step S202 of verifying the inclusion of the voice output identifier and before the step S203 of text abstraction and voice synthesis, the voice-message transceiving service module 190 confirms the user-defined output mode information stored in the mobile communication terminal 100. If the user- defined output mode is the voice-only or the voice-text modes, the voice- message transceiving service module 190 proceeds with the step S203 of text abstraction and speech synthesis. When the output mode is set to the voice-text mode, it is necessary to display the corresponding text while outputting speech message at the step S204 of outputting the voice message. Although the embodiments of the present invention are exemplarily described for a voice output message from a short message or an instant message, the voice output message may be adoptable to all kinds of text messages transmittable and receivable between mobile communication terminals in real time. Although the present invention has been described in connection with the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is not limited thereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various substitutions, modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
A mobile communication terminal and method for transceiving voice messages is applicable to providing real-time oral communication between mobile communication terminals with a lower fee for the text message based data service without the need for additional technology or functions such as VoIP, or large quantities of voice message transmissions.

Claims

1. A mobile communication terminal comprising: an instant messenger module for enabling an instant message to be transceived between mobile communication terminals through messenger server providing an instant messaging service; a voice-message transceiving service module for enabling a text message received by a mobile communication terminal to be outputted as speech; and an audio unit for inputting and outputting speech; wherein the instant messenger module transfers the instant message to the voice-message transceiving service module when the instant message for voice output is received from the other talker through the messenger server; wherein the voice-message transceiving service module comprises: a text abstractor for abstracting text data from a text message that is transferred from the instant messenger module in a format to be outputted as speech; a voice synthesizer for generating voice data by synthesizing the abstracted text data; and a message output controller for enabling the generated voice data to be outputted through the audio unit.
2. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the voice-message transceiving service module further comprises: a transmitting-message generator for generating a text message in a format that enables a message to be outputted as speech at the other mobile communication terminal in accordance with a request by the user of the mobile communication terminal which transmits the message; and a message-transmission controller for transferring the generated text message to the instant messenger module; wherein the instant messenger module enables the text message to be transmitted to the other mobile communication terminal from the message- transmission controller via the messenger server.
3. A mobile communication terminal comprising: an instant messenger module for enabling an instant message to be transceived between mobile communication terminals through a messenger server providing an instant messaging service; a voice-message transceiving service module for enabling a text message to be outputted as speech at the other mobile communication terminal; and an audio unit for inputting and outputting speech; wherein the voice-message transceiving service module comprises: a transmitting-message generator for generating a text message in a format that enables a message to be outputted as speech at the other mobile communication terminal in accordance with a request by the user of a mobile communication terminal which transmits the message; and a message-transmission controller for transferring the generated text message to the instant messenger module; wherein the instant messenger module enables the text message to be transmitted to the other mobile communication terminal through the messenger server.
4. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 3 , wherein the instant messenger module transfers the instant message to the voice- message transceiving service module when the instant message for voice output is received from the other talker through the messenger server; wherein the voice-message transceiving service module comprises: a text abstractor for abstracting a text data from a text message that is transferred from the instant messenger module in a format to be outputted as speech; a voice synthesizer for generating voice data by synthesizing the abstracted text data; and a message output controller for enabling the generated voice data to be outputted through the audio unit.
5. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the text message in a format for voice output includes message header information, a voice output identifier, and text information.
6. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the voice-message transceiving service module further comprises: a voice information storage unit for storing a plurality of voice tone and voice color data; a user-defined information storage unit for storing information about voice tone and voice color defined by a mobile communication terminal user; and a defined-information confirming unit for verifying and transferring the user-defined information about voice tone and voice color from the user-defined information storage unit and transferring it to the voice synthesizer when the mobile communication terminal receives a text message in a format for voice output; wherein the voice synthesizer generates voice data with reference to the user-defined voice tone and voice color information provided by the defined-information confirming unit.
7. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the voice-message transceiving service module further comprises: a voice information storage unit for storing a plurality of voice tone data and voice color data; and a defined-information confirming unit for transferring information of identifiers about voice tone and voice color to the voice synthesizer when the mobile communication terminal receives a text message in a format which includes at least one of the identifiers about voice tone and voice color; wherein the voice synthesizer generates voice data with reference to the user-defined voice tone and voice color information provided by the defined-information confirming unit.
8. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the voice-message transceiving service module further comprises: a user-defined information storage unit for storing information about the user-defined output mode which is one of either voice-only mode, voice-text mode, or text-only mode; and a defined-information confirming unit for verifying the user-defined output mode information from the user-defined information storage unit, and transferring it to the message output controller when the mobile communication terminal receives a text message; wherein the message output controller enables the message to be outputted in accordance with the user-defined output mode.
9. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 1 or 4, further comprising a short-message managing module for managing a short message transceived via a short-message service center that provides a short- message service for the mobile communication terminal, transferring a short message for voice output to the voice-message transceiving service module when the short message for voice output is received from the short-message service center; wherein the voice-message transceiving service module abstracts text data from the short message transferred from the short-message managing module and outputs voice data after synthesizing the abstracted text data.
10. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 9, wherein the short-message managing module transfers the short message to the voice- message transceiving service module when the mobile communication terminal user makes a key input to check the short message received from the short-message service center.
11. The mobile communication terminal according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the text message in the format for voice output at the other mobile communication terminal includes message header information, a voice output identifier, and text information.
12. The mobile communication terminal according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the transmitting-message generator generates a text message including identifiers of voice tone and voice color when the mobile communication terminal user selects information about at least one of either the voice tone or voice color to be outputted at the other mobile communication terminal.
13. The mobile communication terminal according to claim 12, wherein the voice-message transceiving service module comprises a user-defined information storage unit for storing information about at least one voice tone and/or voice color defined by the mobile communication terminal user; wherein the transmitting-message generator generates a text message including corresponding identifiers of voice tone and voice color with reference to the information about voice tone and voice color stored in the user-defined information storage unit.
14. The mobile communication terminal according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the transmitting-message generator generates a message to be transmitted to the other mobile communication terminal by means of a text inputted by the mobile communication terminal user through an input unit of the mobile communication terminal.
15. The mobile communication terminal according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the voice-message transceiving service module further comprises speech recognizer for transforming inputted voice data into text data when the mobile communication terminal user inputs speech through the audio unit; wherein the transmitting-message generator generates a message to be transmitted to the other mobile communication terminal with the text data transformed by the speech recognizer.
16. The mobile communication terminal according to one of claims 2 or 3, further comprising a short-message managing module for managing a short message transceived via a short-message service center that provides a short-message service for the mobile communication terminal; wherein the message transmission controller transfers the generated text message to the short-message managing module; and wherein the short-message managing module enables the text message, transferred from the message transmission controller, to be transmitted to the other mobile communication terminal via the short- message service center.
17. A method of receiving a voice message using a mobile communication terminal having an instant messenger module for enabling an instant message to be transceived between mobile communication terminals via a messenger server which provides an instant messaging service, a voice- message transceiving service module for enabling a text message received by a mobile communication terminal to be outputted as speech, and an audio unit for inputting and outputting speech, the method comprising: a first step wherein the instant messenger module transfers the instant message to the voice-message transceiving service module when the instant message for voice output from the other talker is received through the messenger server; a second step wherein the voice-message transceiving service module abstracts text data from a text message that is transferred from the instant messenger module in a format for voice output; a third step wherein the voice-message transceiving service module generates voice data by synthesizing the abstracted text data; and a fourth step of outputting the generated voice data through the audio unit.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the format of the text message for voice output includes a message header information, a voice output identifier, and a text information; and wherein in the second step, the voice-message transceiving service module abstracts the text data from the text message if a voice output identifier is included in the text message received by the mobile communication terminal.
19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the mobile communication terminal stores a plurality of data about voice tone and voice color, and information about voice tone and voice color defined by a user; and wherein in the third step, the voice-message transceiving service module generates voice data with reference to the user-defined voice tone and voice color information.
20. The method according to claim 17, wherein the mobile communication terminal stores a plurality of voice tone and voice color data; and wherein in the third step, when a text message including at least one voice tone identifier and voice color identifier is received, the voice-message transceiving service module generates a voice data corresponding to the voice tone identifier and voice color identifier.
21. The method according to claim 17, wherein the mobile communication terminal stores one of the user-defined output modes out of: voice-only mode, voice-text mode, and text-only mode; which further comprises, after the first step and before the second step, a step of verifying the user-defined output modes information stored in the mobile communication terminal by means of the voice-message transceiving service module when the mobile communication terminal receives a text message for voice output; and wherein if the user-defined output mode is either the voice-only mode or the voice-text mode, the second step is carried out.
22. The method according to claim 21 , wherein if the user-defined output mode is the voice-text mode, the voice-message transceiving service module displays a text message while outputting the generated voice data in the fourth step.
23. The method according to claim 17, wherein the mobile communication terminal is configured to include a short-message managing module for managing a short message transceived via a short-message service center that provides a short-message service for the mobile communication terminal; wherein in the first step, the short-message managing module transfers the short message to the voice-message transceiving service module when the short message for voice output is received from the short- message service center; and wherein in the second step, the voice-message transceiving service module abstracts text data from the received message when the text message for voice output is transferred from the short-message managing module.
24. The method according to claim 23, wherein in the short-message transfer step, the short-message managing module transfers the short message to the voice-message transceiving service module when the mobile communication terminal user makes a key input to check the short message received from the short-message service center.
25. A method of transmitting a voice message using a mobile communication terminal which has an instant messenger module for enabling an instant message to be transceived between mobile communication terminals via a messenger server that provides an instant messaging service, a voice-message transceiving service module for enabling a text message received by a mobile communication terminal to be outputted as speech, and an audio unit for inputting and outputting speech, the method comprising: a first step wherein the voice-message transceiving service module generates a text message in a format that enables a message to be outputted as speech at the other mobile communication terminal in accordance with a request of a user; a second step wherein the voice-message transceiving service module transfers the generated text message to the instant messenger module; and a third step wherein the instant messenger module enables the text message received from the voice-message transceiving service module to be transmitted to the other mobile communication terminal via the messenger server.
26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the text message in the format that enables the message to be outputted as speech at the other mobile communication terminal includes message header information, a voice output identifier, and a text information.
27. The method according to claim 25, further includes, before the first step, a text input request step wherein the voice-message transceiving service module requests text input from the user through an input unit of the mobile communication terminal; wherein in the first step, the voice-message transceiving service module generates a message using the text data inputted from the user.
28. The method according to claim 25 , further includes, before the first step, a speech input request step wherein the voice message transceiving service module requests speech input from the user through the audio unit of the mobile communication terminal; wherein the first step comprises: a step of transforming the voice data, which is inputted by the user through the audio unit, into text data; and a step of generating a message from the text data transformed by speech recognizer.
29. The method according to claim 25, further comprising, before the first step, a voice-synthesizing information request step wherein the voice- message transceiving service module makes the user select voice tone information or voice color information to be outputted at the other mobile communication terminal; wherein in the first step, the voice-message transceiving service module generates a text message in a format which includes identifiers for corresponding voice tone and voice color selected by the user.
30. The method according to claim 25, wherein the mobile communication terminal stores information about at least one voice tone or voice color predetermined by the user; and wherein in the first step, the voice-message transceiving service module generates a text message in a format which includes identifiers for the corresponding stored voice tone and voice color.
31. The method according to claim 25, wherein the mobile communication terminal is configured to include a short-message managing module for managing a short message transceived via a short-message service center that provides a short-message service for the mobile communication terminal; wherein in the second step, the voice-message transceiving service module transfers the generated text message to the short-message managing module; and wherein in the third step, the short-message managing module transfers the generated text message to the other mobile communication terminal through the short-message service center.
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