WO2006116796A1 - Systeme de creation et de transmission automatique d'un contenu audio - Google Patents

Systeme de creation et de transmission automatique d'un contenu audio Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006116796A1
WO2006116796A1 PCT/AU2006/000547 AU2006000547W WO2006116796A1 WO 2006116796 A1 WO2006116796 A1 WO 2006116796A1 AU 2006000547 W AU2006000547 W AU 2006000547W WO 2006116796 A1 WO2006116796 A1 WO 2006116796A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
script
audio
information system
automatic
information
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2006/000547
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Steven James Mitchell
Marshal Saul Rubinstein
Helen Mitchell
Lara Rubinstein
Original Assignee
Steven James Mitchell
Marshal Saul Rubinstein
Helen Mitchell
Lara Rubinstein
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2005902134A external-priority patent/AU2005902134A0/en
Application filed by Steven James Mitchell, Marshal Saul Rubinstein, Helen Mitchell, Lara Rubinstein filed Critical Steven James Mitchell
Publication of WO2006116796A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006116796A1/fr

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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
    • H04M3/487—Arrangements for providing information services, e.g. recorded voice services or time announcements
    • H04M3/493—Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals
    • H04M3/4938—Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals comprising a voice browser which renders and interprets, e.g. VoiceXML
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2203/00—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M2203/10—Aspects of automatic or semi-automatic exchanges related to the purpose or context of the telephonic communication
    • H04M2203/105—Financial transactions and auctions, e.g. bidding

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to an information system that takes in information from clients and uses this information to automatically create a useful written description and matching spoken audible electronic signal, and in certain cases a matching visual graphical display, relating to the subject matter to be communicated to users.
  • the information system transmits this information to users using various communications channels, including but not limited to the public telephone system, the internet and various retail ("in-store” or "shop window” based) audio- visual display units.
  • a particular aspect of the present invention relates to an automated information system that creates useful written descriptions and spoken audio electronic signals relating to real estate assets being offered for sale or lease.
  • a prospective buyer is often inconvenienced by having to wait a long period of time for the sales person to telephone them with this information, Furthermore, sales , people spend a great deal of time on calling people back and answering basic enquiries where the property fails to satisfy a basic requirement of the buyer. In such cases a great deal of time, effort and expense could have been saved if the required information was available automatically via the sign.
  • Another problem with existing signs is that there is limited space available for information, and in certain cases there is a need to communicate the sales message in more than one language. For example, there may be overseas buyers very active in certain real estate markets, and these overseas buyers would benefit from having sales information available in their language, and would be much more likely to purchase a property if such information was available.
  • Web sites and in-store or shop window based audio visual displays provide useful information relating to particular products, services or other subject material.
  • real estate agents often display images of properties for sale on large video display monitors mounted in their shop windows, and various web sites exist featuring numerous real estate properties available for sale.
  • Such marketing channels provide a valuable source of information for potential buyers.
  • the products or services featured in these- marketing channels differ significantly from one another, for example in the case of a real estate property for sale, it is currently not practical to offer an audio .commentary to complement the images and text being displayed. This is because there is currently no automated and economical method to provide useful, professional audio content specifically tailored to suite the particular product or service being featured.
  • the content automatically tailored to convey particular attributes relating to a subject matter to be communicated to useTs of the system (herein referred to as "users"). It is desirable for such a system to have the capability of combining and synchronising visual graphics, including computer images and video, with the audio content, in order to create automatically generated multimedia audiovisual presentations of the subject matter to be communicated. This would allow images or video to appear in the display at the point in time where the content of such visual elements correspond with suitable parts of the audio content.
  • this invention provides a computer implemented method, system and interface thereto for automatically producing useful written descriptions and matching spoken audible electronic audio signals, based on the answers given by clients to a series of questions posed by the system, and furthermore delivering such content to users via either the telephone, the internet, mobile communications devices or audio-visual display units positioned in appropriate locations (for example shop windows).
  • this invention provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to clients of the system, with such a GUI delivered via an Internet web page. Clients may use this GUI.
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • GUI to register their account details, create content automatically by answering a series of Questions, add new content services, delete existing content, upload images or video content to be synchronised with the audio content in a multimedia presentation, and perform various other functions relating to their account and the content of their information service.
  • this invention provides content delivery to users via an interface to the telephone network, allowing users to call into the system, and receive audio prompts via an IVR system.
  • Users who call the appropriate telephone number may be prompted to eater in a reference string, which will then play the appropriate audio content, as configured by the client.
  • the telephone number and reference string may be printed on publicly viewable signs, or appear in printed material, or promoted using any other suitable media.
  • the system may be configured to automatically produce signs featuring the telephone number, reference string and other client provided information.
  • the user may also be prompted by the IVR to leave a message for the client, or other party, to contact the user, or be directly connected via telephone to such a party.
  • the system may communicate messages left for the client or other party via email or SMS messages.
  • this invention provides the ability for a multimedia display device (such as a personal computer with browser software or other audiovisual display software, or a shop window audiovisual display) to access and display the audio content, and/or the matching audio-visual presentation.
  • a multimedia display device such as a personal computer with browser software or other audiovisual display software, or a shop window audiovisual display
  • Such content may be accessed locally by the device (for example via the device's hard drive), or via a suitable network, such as the Internet, or via a combination of both methods.
  • User's accessing the system via such a device may be allowed, under certain conditions, to search the systems database in order to find products or services matching theix search criteria, and then be allowed to click on the search results in order to automatically view and hear the matching audio-visual presentation.
  • An internet browser embeddable software element may be available (also referred to as an "applet"), which may be made available to third party websites, to allow them to offer users access to the system's audio or audio-visual presentations.
  • this invention provides the ability for the system to generate audible spoken audio signals in languages differing from the language in which the clients
  • GUI is prepared. This allows a client to prepare a script in their native tongue, using the said Question and Answer process, and thereafter elect to have the audio content created in various other languages that may be available in the System, in addition to the native language appearing in the GUI. Users accessing the content via various communications channels (for example the telephone, or an internet page), may elect to listen and/or view the content in the language of their choice.
  • various communications channels for example the telephone, or an internet page
  • this invention includes the following components: one or more Internet Security Firewalls and Web Servers, connected to a network such as the Internet; one or more IVR servers, with capability of delivering audio prompts, receiving user responses and playing audio content to users; one or more VOIP/PSTN Gateways (Also commonly referred to in the art as Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) apparatus), connected to the system's IVR Servers (via a suitable network connection), and also connected to various telephone networks; one or more Short Message Service (SMS) and/or Multimedia Message Service (MMS), and Email Gateways for sending and receiving such messages from clients and users; one or more databases, for storing client's information and audio or audio-visual presentation settings, users information and storing master control logic data, master system configurations and content data for the system, a plurity of signs featuring a telephone number and reference string, allowing members of the public to call into the system and receive audible information relating to the particular message string they enter; a plurity of software applications, executed on the various
  • Fig. l is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a simplified representation of the management interface web page of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a simplified representation of the "property type" selection web page of an embodiment of the present invention
  • Hg.4 is a simplified representation of the automatic script module selection web page of an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 5 is a simplified representation of a Kitchen module Question web page of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6 is a simplified representation of the Sentence Editor web page of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sign component in the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a computer system that can be used to practice embodiments of the present invention.
  • Embodiments are described herein for an information system that takes in information from clients and uses this information to automatically create and transmit via suitable communications channels, useful written descriptions and matching spoken audible electronic signal, and in certain cases a matching visual graphical display, relating to the subject matter to be communicated to users.
  • the embodiments are generally described with reference to the application of communicating information relating to real estate properties for sale or lease. However it is not intended that the invention be limited to such application. For example, the invention could easily be applied to the field of selling automobiles or boats, or communicating public safety information.
  • Figure 1 shows System 100, an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which is now described in detail.
  • the figure is used for illustrative purposes and other configurations or types of computer systems can be equally well used to practice the invention described herein, as would be readily understood by persons skilled in the art. While the figure shows one element of each of the block devices, it should be noted that embodiments may contain a plurity of these devices, in order to extend capacity, offer redundancy or provide other such benefits to system 100.
  • the various elements including Firewall 130, Web Server 120, Database Server 110, IVR Server 110, VOIP/PSTN Gateway 150, SMS/MMS Server 180 and Email Server 190 may be connected using any available networking medium, including but not limited to, Ethernet, wireless 802.11, broadband internet, ADSL, Virtual Private Networks (VPN).
  • the various system elements may be connected locally or geographically distributed via network connections.
  • Web Server 120 is connected via a suitable computer network to Database Server 110, and to a networks such as the Internet 131, ⁇ via a Security Firewall 130.
  • Client information is stored in a suitable table in relational database 110 (herein referred to as the Users Table.
  • Fields in the Users Table may include, but are not limited to: a unique client account number (herein referred to as "user number"), company name, contact names, address, contact phone numbers, email, client login name, client login password, customer type and customer group,
  • user number a unique client account number
  • company name company name
  • contact names contact names
  • address contact phone numbers
  • email client login name
  • client login password client login password
  • customer type and customer group customer group
  • There are also fields relating to available communications channels for the client for example, whether the client has a custom telephone number through which users can ring to hear the clients audio information via IVR Server 140, and what that telephone number is.
  • the Web Server 120 runs the Linux operating system, the Apache open-source web server, and PHP for running server side scripts and connecting to Database Server 110 and other system components.
  • Database Server 110 also runs the Linux operating system, with PostgreSQL open source relational database software.
  • Figure 2 is a simplified representation of a possible management interface layout for a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the management interface provides a list of the clients active information services, where each service gives information, defined by the client, relating to subject matter defined by the client, for example the details of a house for sale at a particular address.
  • Each information service is referred to as a campaign.
  • the information related to a particular campaign may be accessed by various users (for example members of the public seeking information about a real estate property) in various ways, depending upon what communications services the client takes advantage of. These access methods, including via telephone, web site and multimedia display unit, are covered in a later section.
  • Campaigns may be configured to expire at a certain time after activation, for example the lifetime of a campaign may be 365 days (shown as "Expires" in Figure 2).
  • Campaigns may be configured to allow clients to edit the content of the useful written description and matching audible output, for a set number of days after the campaign is activated (Shown as "Editable Days” in Figure 2).
  • a client may be able to change the number of bathrooms a home has for up to 30 days after activating a campaign, but may be prevented from doing so after the period of 30 days has expired, This prevents a client from "re-using" campaigns for several homes by modifying the content for another home once the original home for which the campaign was purchased had been sold.
  • Each campaign has a unique identifying number, referred to as a campaign number.
  • the client may add a new sign by pressing the "Add New Sign” button in Figure 2.
  • the user is guided through a series of web pages explaining the terms and conditions of the service and the costs of the new service.
  • the user may need to click "I agree” to several points before being granted a new campaign.
  • they may need to proceed through a credit card payment screen before they are issued the new campaign number.
  • clients Prior to payment, clients may have the opportunity to enter in a unique random string (herein referred to as the Offer Code), in order to receive free trial campaigns, or discounts on the price of campaigns, or other special offers.
  • the new campaign number, and other general information relating to the campaign is stored in a table in relational database 110 (this table herein referred to as the Campaigns Table).
  • the client may then be asked to enter a property number, for example a four digit number.
  • the number must be unique in respect to the clients other currently active campaigns.
  • the property number is a string of numbers or letters that users use to reference the campaign information by entering it in a phone keypad, web page, audiovisual display or other comrnunicatioos channel accessible to the system; In cases where the client does not have there own custom telephone number and shares a common number with other clients, the property number may be automatically issued by The System.
  • the client may then be asked to enter address details, contact details for forwarding messages left by users and to select the type of property to be featured in the campaign, for example House, or Townhouse (see figure 3).
  • the principal methodology of the Automatic Script Preparation application (Herein referred to as the Automatic script application) is as follows: A particular subject area, for example Real Estate properties for sale or lease, is broken up into a number of sub categories, in this case "House", Townhouse, Home Unit, etc. In the case of automobiles, this may be Sedans, Sports Cars, Four Wheel Drives etc. A master list of possible topics to be presented for the subject area is prepared, with each topic being referred to as a "Module".
  • the list may include topics relating to the following: Lounge Area, Dining Area, Entertaining Area, Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Kitchen, Garage, Amenities in the Area, Block of Land, Gardens, Seperate Accomodation, swimming Pool, Ah- Conditioning, Insulation, Security Systems, Home Office, Laundry, Wine Cellar, Billiards Room, Rumpus Room, Tennis Court, Squash Court, Ducted Vacuum, Council Fees, Body Corporate Fees, Lease and Rental arrangements.
  • the data relating to all the various modules is stored in a special table in Database 110, which is herein referred to as the Automatic script Modules table.
  • This table could be considered to be the heart of the Automatic script application, and hold an inventory of many thousands of entries relating to a particular subject area.
  • Each entry relates either to system commands and system status, used to control program flow and logic, or entries relating to a particular group of words used in compiling the script relating to the particular script field and script module, and containing other references to these words, including a reference that matches the audio file names stored in the automatic content creation device (for example the IVR Server 140), list text to display in the management interface web pages, the relative order of the group of words with respect to all other script field entries in the table , and several other key fields to enable the system to compile the audio script, audio output and audiovisual presentations correctly.
  • the Automatic script Modules table may include the following fields, which are described in detail below: script module, script field, script data, script order, script text, list text, list item.
  • Each module can contain one or more variables, referred to as automatic script "fields".
  • the Bathroom module may have an automatic script field called “quantity” which relates to the number of bathrooms in a home, and another field called “uspl” may relate to the unique selling position for the bathroom, for example "renovated”.
  • Quantity which relates to the number of bathrooms in a home
  • uspl another field called “uspl” may relate to the unique selling position for the bathroom, for example "renovated”.
  • Each of the possible values for each field are stored in the script data field. Therefore a particular script module may have many entries, all with the same value for "script field”; but with differing values of the "script data” field.
  • An important aspect to the invention is a feature called script order.
  • Each and every script field is assigned a particular script order, which determines the relative order of the particular script field with respect to all other script fields in the Automatic script Modules table of database 110.
  • the base kitchen module may be assigned a script order of 70,0CX), and the script field called “uspl” may be assigned a script order of 70,100, script field "us ⁇ 2" may be assigned a script order of 70,200, and so forth for the various kitchen script -fields.
  • the system uses these script orders to keep track of the display order of text and graphical images and also the order in which audio files should be played.
  • Each script field is also assigned with a range of digits (herein referred to as the "local script order"), which the system can use to assign the ordering of additional audio, image or video files relative to the particular field. A particular range is given, and this determines the maximum number of "local" files that can be attributed to a particular field.
  • each script module is assigned a starting base script order value (herein referred to as the module's root script order) , which is an integer multiple of 10,000.
  • the Kitchen module may be assigned a root script order of 70,000.
  • the next root script order available for another module would be 80,000, so the range of values between 70,000 and 79,999 is reserved for use by the Kitchen module.
  • Each "script field" for a particular module is assigned a script order which is an integer multiple of 100. Therefore, for the Kitchen module, the various script fields would be assigned values of 70,100; 70,200; 70,300; and so forth until the maximum value of 79,900. Therefore, in the particular preferred embodiment example, the maximum number of script fields assignable to a particular module would be 99.
  • Each script field has a range of script order values available for it to assign new files to "locally", with such additional files maintaining the correct order relative to both the script modules own files and the files from other script modules. In the case of the preferred embodiment, each script field would have a local script order range corresponding to a starting value of (script field order + 1) and a maximum value of (script field order + 99).
  • the Kitchen module's "uspl" field (script order 70,100) in the preferred embodiment would have a local script order range starting at 70,101 and ending at 70,199.
  • the local script order range allows the Automatic Script application to automatically insert additional entries in the script for extra words such as various punctuations such as "commas” and full stops, and words such as "and a” which need to be inserted at the end of lists, and modifying lists so they are grammatically correct.
  • greater number ranges for script order could be assigned in order to increase the range of possible values for script order and local script order.
  • recordings of the automatic script module files may be made in more than one language.
  • the script order could be altered in automatic script module file entries in other languages, providing a unique methodology for allowing for the different structure of various languages; while maintaining the functional aspect of the automatic script application.
  • This is a critical aspect of the invention, allowing a base language, for example English, to be used for the Question and Answer process, and multiple languages to be delivered in the automatic script application output, making use of the different entries of script order for the various foreign language file entries.
  • a base language for example English
  • multiple languages to be delivered in the automatic script application output, making use of the different entries of script order for the various foreign language file entries.
  • the same process could be used to create automatic script application outputs and matching audible audio signals in several languages using the same database structure.
  • the system looks up in a configuration file to establish which modules are relevant for that choice. It also pre-selects certain modules to execute as a default selection, depending upon which property type is chosen. Once the property type is selected, the system displays a list of the available modules for that property type, as shown in the simplified screen layout of Figure 4. The system may also pre-select certain modules so they are selected by default, the default selection also being determined by the choice of property type. Clients may deselect or select any module they wish. Once they have made their choice they proceed to the next screen.
  • the system automatically saves the selection of modules required for the campaign to a special table in database 110, herein referred to as the automatic scripts table. For example, if Bedrooms, Bathrooms and Kitchen are selected, the system may make an entry in the automatic scripts table for all three modules, and set the field value.
  • the question and answer process involves the system automatically checking the Automatic scripts table for any modules which still have their status parameter set to "required”, and if several exist, it processes the one with the lowest base script order first For example, if the Kitchen module was required, the application would proceed to load the Question and Answer pages relating to the Kitchen module, as shown in the simplified screen representation of figure 5. The user is asked to select a value from a list, for example to provide a general description of the kitchen.
  • the various values to be shown in the list are automatically downloaded by scripts running on the web page, In a preferred embodiment this is implemented by php scripts running on the Web Server 120, which automatically query the automatic script module table of PostgreSQL database 110.
  • the list displayed relates to possible values for the Kitchen module's "uspl" field. Therefore the php script that populates the list retrieves all possible values of "list text" corresponding to field "uspl".
  • both the questions asked to clients, as well as the values that the list is populated with differ according to the selection made in one or more previous questions. This feature is a key aspect to the invention, and is herein referred to as "cascading lists”.
  • Cascading lists are central to tihe practicality of the invention, since without them there would be simply too many options for a client to scroll through to find the correct choice.
  • the client Once the client has selected a value for the particular field, they then have the opportunity of uploading an- image file to associate with the particular script field. This image will inherit the script order value of the particular field, and thereby be synchronised to appear in all multimedia presentations at the time that the particular feature or attribute is mentioned in the audio content.
  • Certain embodiments allow video content and further textual content to be uploaded and/or entered, with such content also being synchronised with the particular part of the audio content.
  • Certain Question and Answer pages contain multiple lists of features that clients can select if they apply, for example a Kitchen features page may give a list of possible features that a client may wish to feature in the presentation, for for example benchtops, views, appliances, eating areas etc. For each such feature, a list is provided, with the default value of the list set to a null value, for example "Say nothing", which results in no mention being made of the particular feature.
  • the client selects values for all fields that they wish to mention in the presentation.
  • the application automatically prepares a relevant script based on the choice and adjusts the sentence grammer to reflect the choice.
  • the web page script automatically saves one or more entries of relevant data to the automatic scripts table of Database 110. Details relating to the particular field are copied from the automatic script modules table, and inserted into the automatic scripts table, together with a reference to the campaign number. In this way, a list of entries occurs into the automatic script table following each sequence of question and answers.
  • a suitable analogy could be to consider the automatic script modules table being a container for an inventory of many pieces of a jig saw puzzle, and the question and answer web pages being a system to extract, and store copies of the client-selected puzzle pieces, labeled with the campaign number and sorted in order of the script order value, in the automatic script table.
  • the result is a series of entries in the automatic script table for each campaign number, the entries being sorted by script order.
  • Various applications for example the Interactive Voice Response application or the web site audiovisual presentation application, may access the values in the automatic scripts table to establish which audio files, images and/or text to display, and in which order.
  • the script data value in the database corresponds to the actual file names of the content material of these various communications applications, for example the audio files on the hard drive of the IVR server 140.
  • the system marks the status field for that module as "completed”.
  • the system executes questions for the next module that has status set to "required”, and so forth until all required modules are completed.
  • the system displays the sentence editor screen, as shown in the simplified screen representation of figure 6.
  • the sentence editor screen automatically queries the automatic scripts table in database 110, and retrieves all values of script text relating to the campaign number being set up, and places them on the screen in the order of the script order values. Furthermore, it separates the text elements by module type.
  • the client is able to verify that the automatic script output reads as required.
  • the client is able to change the content of any sentence by eliciting on the words. If words of a sentence are clicked, the application automatically changes the value of the status field to "required" for the particular module, in the automatic scripts table. This results in the system automatically asking all the relevant questions for the particular module, giving the client the opportunity of changing theix selection. Clients may also add or remove modules by clicking "add/remove" sentences in Fig, 6, which takes them to a screen similar to Figure 4, where they are able to change the module selection. If a module is deselected, the system deletes all references to that module in the automatic scripts table. If a new item is selected, then a new entry is made in the automatic scripts table, with status set to "required”.
  • the client can change the script by clicking on a particular sentence and launching the Question and Answer process for that module.
  • Clicking on the "contact settings" button on the management screen launches a web page that allows the client to configure the method by which the client will be advised of messages left on the system by public users. For example, in the case of accessing the information via the telephone, a user may be prompted to leave their telephone number for a sales person to contact them.
  • the client may elect to have messages sent by various means including email and SMS Text messages to their mobile phone, The client may enter their email and mobile phone number for receiving messages on this web page.
  • Pressing the "Price Settings” button on the management screen launches a web page that allows clients to set-up or edit the selling particulars for the campaign. This includes selecting the selling method for the campaign (for example auction), the date of sale (for example the auction 1 date), and a closing phrase (for example "its well worth a look").
  • the system generates a script based on the clients selections and plays this information after the main body of the automatic script application's output.
  • Pressing the "Open-House Times" button on the management screen opens up a web page that allows the client to configure the automatic script application to automatically announce when the next Open House for the property being featured occurs.
  • the client may select the date that the open-house occurs, as well as the opening and closing times. It is possible to allow for multiple Open-House times.
  • the system may also be configured to automatically delete open house times that have past in time, and automatically update the announcement to reflect the new future open house time.
  • Pressing the "Delete” button on the management screen deletes the currently selected campaign after warning the client that proceeding will erase all information relating to the campaign.
  • Pressing the "Mv Account” button launches a web page which allows the client to change their contact details (for example name, company name, address, email), as well as change their passwords and perform other account administration functions.
  • Pressing the "Sign Colours” button launches a web page that allows clients to customise the sign which may be supplied in certain cases to clients wishing to provide access to their information service via the telephone IVR application discussed below.
  • the automatic script application data stored in Database 110 may be used by a variety of devices, herein referred to as automatic audio production apparatus, in order to deliver, via various communications channels, automatically generated audio and/or audiovisual presentations.
  • Users are able to listen to the audio content stored on the Information System 100 of Figure 1 by telephoning the clients information service telephone number and following prompts to enter the property number.
  • callers from User Population 160 may call a telephone number appearing on or near Sales Sign One 170 , Sales Sign Two 171, or Sales Sign 172, using a Regular Telephone 153, Cellular Mobile Phone 154, or any other available telephone technology.
  • the Telephone and Reference number may be printed on the original sign. In other embodiments they may be printed on a sign which is attached to the main sign. The smaller sign in such an arrangement may be referred to as a Sign Rider.
  • the sign rider may be .
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment where a Sign Rider 210 is attached to a Main Sign 220, using a Fixing Mechanism 230.
  • Various Sign Rider shapes and fixing mechanisms may be used, In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a roughly circularly shaped sign rider is used, together with a specially designed core-flute clip.
  • the Phone number and Reference number may be featured in printed advertisements or electronic media advertisements, for example in classified advertisements in newspapers.
  • the phone number and reference number may appear on electronic display boards currently installed on Freeways to warn motorists of hazards.
  • Telephone calls may be transmitted using any available networks, for example PSTN Network 151 o ⁇ Mobile Network 152.
  • Telephone calls my also be routed via VOIP, allowing a centralised System 100 to accept calls economically covering a wide geographic range of User Populations 160, even those located abroad. Calls are routed via 1 relevant switches and gateways, such as VOIP/PSTN Gateway 150, and are directed to IVR Server 140.
  • IVR Server 140 answers the call, and plays a prompt asking the caller to input the Reference Number that appears on or near the sign or advertisement.
  • IVR Server 140 may make use of any available IVR technology, hardware or software.
  • the Server may run an embedded operating system, or an operating system such as Windows XPTM, or LinuxTM.
  • the IVR Server 140 is implemented using the LinuxTM operating system and the AsteriskTM open source PABX server.
  • the automatic script application data will include a list of audio files relating to the campaigns automatic script output, arranged by the script order field previously described.
  • the IVR system will play the relevant Audio files in the correct order, placing pauses at strategic locations to render a natural sounding read out.
  • the IVR system will recognise punctuation in the automatic script output, for example pausing for a short period after a comma, and a longer period after a full stop.
  • the IVR Server 140 may be configured to offer callers a choice of language, selectable via DTMF digit dialing.
  • the sign may be printed to indicate the availability of one or more additional language options.
  • the IVR Server would use the differing script order for the files in the different languages to play the files in the correct order, matching the structure of the particular language.
  • the IVR server may be set up, depending upon the configuration of the Campaign, to offer the caller the opportunity of having their call returned by a representative of the organisation which placed the sign or advertisement.
  • the system will register whether the caller has elected to be contacted, The caller will then be prompted to enter in their contact phone number via dialing digits on the telephone keypad. If caller ID is available, the IVR Server 140 may instead read back this number and ask the caller if this number may be used as a contact number. If the caller elects to not use the caller ID number, they will be offered the opportunity of entering in a phone number via the telephone keypad.
  • IVR Server 140 will generate a new record in the correct table of Database Server 110, requesting that the caller be contacted.
  • IVR Server 140 ' may query the Client campaign in Database Server 110 to establish the contact method to be used to advise the information.
  • the client may elect to be contacted with enquiries via email and mobile cellular telephone SMS messages-
  • IVR Server 140 will generate a new record in Database Server 110 requesting that the client be advised the callers contact phone number and instructions to call, and this message will be sent via Email Server.190 and SMS Server 180.
  • the call information will be logged on Database Server 110, and the client will be advised of certain details of the call, although the caller ID, if recorded, will not usually be provided to the client under normal circumstances.
  • Certain embodiments of the present invention provides a system for automatically sending digital images to the callers mobile phone. For example in the case of a Real Estate sign, the digital images sent could feature the particular property in question.
  • callers to the telephone information service it is possible for callers to the telephone information service to be given the option of being connected automatically to telephone numbers provided by the client. If the caller elects to be connected to the clients phone number, the Information System may place the caller on hold while opening a new outbound telephone call to the telephone number supplied by the client.
  • the Information System may connect the Caller with the dialed telephone call, allowing the caller to talk with the party called by the Information System.
  • the client may enter information to set up the call forwarding service via the management interface web site, which is dynamically connected to database 110.
  • Such information may include the phone number or numbers that the callers are to be offered to be connected to. It may also be possible to enter in the times of the day during which call forwarding will be available to callers. For example, in certain instances the client may configure the system so that after office hours the caller may elect to send an SMS message containing their phone number, but will not be presented the opportunity of a call forwarding connection.
  • callers to the telephone information system may participate in contests, competitions or special offers.
  • callers will be randomly assigned a reference number. This number may then, be used to enter into competitions, contests or special offers. Callers may be asked certain questions, and be prompted to enter the reply to questions via the DTMF telephone keys. Correct answers could qualify them for prizes, special offers or entry into competitions.
  • certain callers to the telephone information system may randomly be assigned prizes or special offers. In certain embodiments they may be advised of these prizes or special offers immediately during the telephone call, In other embodiments they may be advised later via a suitable communications medium, for example sms message, email or postal mail.
  • Such offerings, or the possibility of receiving such offerings may serve as an incentive for people to use the telephone information service. Such activities may also attract advertising revenue from companies wishing to promote their goods or services via the telephone information service.
  • the mobile positioning system MPS
  • GPS Global Positioning Satellite
  • other location tracking technology is used to establish the position of a potential buyer, and information relating to properties for sale in the persons geographic vicinity, which satisfy the persons basic buying requirements, as entered into a website profile, may be sent to the persons mobile phone or mobile computing device. Relevant pictures may be setit to the users mobile telephone or mobile internet device.
  • the appropriate audio description of a product of service to be played to the user may be partially determined by data which includes the geographic location of the user calling the information service as determined by information received from the user's mobile device such as global positioning co-ordinates for the user's current location and/or information from the mobile positioning system integrated into the user's mobile telephone network such that the information system may use the global position of the calling user to determine which information to present and/or to offer to present to the calling user.
  • the information system may store the global position of each of its signs in its database such that the information system can determine the global position of any user that calls the telephone number and enters the reference string as advertised on any sign associated with the information system such that the information system may use the global position of the calling user to determine which information to present and/or to offer to present to the calling user.
  • Users are able to listen to the audio content, and view visual graphics stored on the Information System 100 of Figure 1 through access via a web page viewable over the Internet or a private network.
  • Macromedia FlashTM, Javascript, ActiveX, PHP and/or other interactive web technologies are used, either Independently or in combination with one another to create a multimedia web application which is linked to database server 110 via the Web Server 120.
  • the web application is able to download one or more audio files, one or more images and a plurity of text strings, as well as the script order associated with each of these from the automatic scripts table of database 110. In some cases video content may also be included.
  • the web application assembles all these elements and creates a multimedia display blending the various elements and synchronising them with the audio content, to create a meaningful and effective audiovisual presentation.
  • Content may be associated with any script field, as discussed previously, and synchronisation is achieved by setting the script order value of each element. It is possible to display the same presentation in different languages, where the automatic script modules table entries for the elements in different languages have different script orders to match the structure of the language.
  • the client may select suitable images from a library of images, for example for use as a background image, or alternatively may upload their own images.
  • the various automatic script module audio files which make up the complete module are joined together to form one single audio file on the Web Server 120, and this single audio file (herein referred to as the master module file) is downloaded to the web client application, rather than the many separate files.
  • This makes it easier for the web client application to process and results in better audio quality.
  • the system generates new master module files so they axe always current, and stores them on Web Server 120 or on another network storage device.
  • the various audio files, image files and video files may be compressed using various codecs to allow for efficient download over the Internet.
  • the web client application may be made available to third party web site developers in the form of a software development kit (SDK), to allow them to easily integrate use of the Information System into their existing web site.
  • SDK software development kit
  • the SDK may include combinations of computer code delivered in a form that can be pasted on an existing web site, this being referred to as an "applet".
  • An example use of such an SDK would be to offer audiovisual content to Real Estate web sites through the use of a clickable link that automatically plays the correct audiovisual presentation for a particular property, whose image is located close to the clickable link's screen location.
  • a preferred embodiment of the present invention is substantially similar to the above embodiment allowing an audiovisual presentation to be created automatically and delivered over a web page, however instead of users viewing and listening to the presentation on their private web browsers, Users are able to access the presentation content via a multimedia audiovisual display unit mounted in a convenient location.
  • audiovisual displays may be positioned in public spaces such as airports, train stations, shopping malls, retail stores, or retail window displays.
  • tbe audiovisual display unit including the computer controlling unit, the video screen and speakers, may take the form of a physically robust and hardened unit, such units being commonly referred to in the art as an "information kiosk".
  • the audiovisual display may include one or more flat panel video monitors mounted in a plane substantially parallel to the store-front glass window so it is visible to the public passing by. Speakers may be positioned so that people viewing the display may hear the matching audio content. These may be externally mounted speakers, or alternatively a special type of speaker consisting of special crystalline materials that expand upon receiving an electrical signal, similar to those used in hydrophones and depth sounders. This device may be used in order to create pressure waves through the glass and induce a sympathetic sound wave on the external surface of the glass window, thereby allowing people on the outside of the window to hear the audio content clearly.
  • a suitable keypad that is capable of operating through glass may be mounted on the glass surface to allow users to control the audiovisual presentation from outside the building.
  • the users may enter in a property number and view the matching real estate property information.
  • the audiovisual presentation may be configured to operate continuously, even when nobody is entering in property numbers via the keypad. It may do so by displaying textual property information, video, images and matching audio commentary of various properties sequentially, either according to a specific programme order, or randomly via an option commonly referred to as "shuffle mode" in the case of CD players.
  • Clients may assign various campaigns varying levels of importance, with campaigns having higher importance ratings being displayed more frequently.
  • the audiovisual display unit may include a dedicated computer device, capable of storing presentation data, images, video and audio files locally by means of a local cache.
  • a dedicated computer device capable of storing presentation data, images, video and audio files locally by means of a local cache.
  • By caching data in this way latency, jitter and other degradations in quality caused by limited Internet band width may be obviated.
  • the need for expensive broadband internet connections may be avoided, since the data in the local cache may be synchronised with the data in central database 110 at a suitable time, for example overnight, via a regular telephone dial up modem, wireless data connection, or any other available data network connection.
  • Clients add content to the system via the Internet, using the normal methods outlined previously, with such data being stored centrally on database 110. This information is then available for distribution via any suitable communications channel, including the public audiovisual display unit.
  • the audiovisual display unit may incorporate a printer, to allow users to print off an information sheet relating to a particular subject matter that is of interest to the user.
  • the audio output of the invention could be coupled to a public address system.
  • Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a computer system 700 provided for illustrative purposes only.
  • a pLurity of computer system's similar to computer system 700 can be used to practice the various servers, gateways, databases, processing computer and firewalls of the present invention, illustrated by System 100 in Hg. 1.
  • computers similar to system 700 are provided for executing computer software for the Communications System.
  • the computer software executes under an operating system such as MS Windows XPTM or LinuxTM installed on the plurity of computers similar to computer system 700.
  • the computer software involves a set of programmed logic instructions that may be executed by the computer system 700 for instructing the computer system 700 to perform predetermined functions specified by those instructions.
  • the computer software may be expressed or recorded in any language, code or notation that comprises a set of instructions intended to cause a compatible information processing system to perform particular functions, either directly or after conversion to another language, code or notation.
  • the computer software program comprises statements in a computer language.
  • the computer program may " be processed using a compiler into a binary format suitable for execution by the operating system.
  • the computer program is programmed in a manner that involves various software components, or code means, that perform particular steps of the methods described hereinbefore.
  • the components of the computer system 700 may comprise a computer 720, input devices 710, 715 and a video display 790.
  • the computer 720 comprises a processing unit 740, a memory unit 750, input/output (I/O) interface 760, communications interface 765, a video interface 745, and a storage device 755.
  • I/O input/output
  • the computer 720 may comprise more than one of any of the foregoing units, interfaces, and devices, and may in some cases not comprise a particular unit when not required in order to perform its function.
  • the processing unit 740 may comprise one or more processors that execute the operating system and the computer software executing under the operating system.
  • the memory unit 750 may comprise random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory and/or any other type of memory known in the art for use under direction of the processing unit 740.
  • the video interface 745 is connected to the video display 790 when required, and provides video signals for display on the optional video display 790.
  • User input to operate the computer 720 is provided via optional input devices 710 and 715, comprising a keyboard and a mouse, respectively.
  • the storage device 755 may comprise a disk drive or any other suitable non-volatile storage medium.
  • Each of the components of the computer 720 is connected to a bus 730 that comprises data, address, and control buses, to allow the components to communicate with each other via the bus 730.
  • the computer system 700 may be connected to multiple apparatuses via the communications interface 765 using a communication channel 785 and a network 780.
  • the network 780 typically, but not necessarily, comprises a private network such as CAT5, CAT6, Homeplug PNA, twisted pair, mains signalling, 802.11 wireless network, or wireless GPRS. Remote connection is also be possible via the Internet and/or a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
  • VPN Virtual Private Network
  • the computer system 700 may also be connected to other computer systems and networks via the communications interface 765 or another similar communications interface (not shown).
  • the computer software program may be provided as a computer program product, and recorded on a portable storage medium. In this case, the computer software program is accessible by the computer system 700 from the storage device 755. Alternatively, the computer software may be accessible directly from the network 780 by the computer 720. All or part of the computer software program may be hosted on a remote computer system and may be executed on the remote computer system as a web application for access by the computer 720. In any case, a user can interact with the computer system 700 using the keyboard 710 and mouse 715 to operate the programmed computer software executing on the computer 720.
  • the computer system 700 has been described for illustrative purposes.

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Abstract

Procédé, système informatique et interface servant à produire automatiquement des descriptions écrites utiles (scripts) et à mettre en correspondance des signaux audio électroniques énoncés de façon audible et des présentations audiovisuelles en fonction des réponses données par des clients à une série de questions posées par le système, ainsi qu'à transmettre ce contenu à des utilisateurs par l'intermédiaire du téléphone, d'Internet, de dispositifs de communication mobiles ou d'unités d'affichage audiovisuelles placées dans des emplacements appropriés. Les utilisateurs qui appellent le numéro de téléphone de ces systèmes sont invités à entrer une chaîne de références qui reproduira ensuite le contenu audio approprié. Ce numéro de téléphone et cette chaîne de références peuvent être imprimés sur des affiches visibles ou d'autres supports appropriés. L'utilisateur peut compiler un script dans sa langue d'origine au moyen dudit processus de questions/réponses et, ensuite, choisir que le contenu audio soit créé dans différentes autres langues.
PCT/AU2006/000547 2005-04-29 2006-04-29 Systeme de creation et de transmission automatique d'un contenu audio WO2006116796A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2005902134 2005-04-29
AU2005902134A AU2005902134A0 (en) 2005-04-29 Apparatus, system and methods for automated telephone information and communications service

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8112279B2 (en) 2008-08-15 2012-02-07 Dealer Dot Com, Inc. Automatic creation of audio files
WO2013116487A2 (fr) 2012-02-03 2013-08-08 Dealer Dot Com, Inc. Système de capture d'image
CN109726372A (zh) * 2017-10-31 2019-05-07 百度在线网络技术（北京）有限公司 基于通话记录的工单的生成方法、装置及计算机可读介质

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6768788B1 (en) * 1999-09-13 2004-07-27 Microstrategy, Incorporated System and method for real-time, personalized, dynamic, interactive voice services for property-related information
US20040267549A1 (en) * 2003-06-24 2004-12-30 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Methods and systems for assisting in real estate transactions with automation utilizing verbal communication

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6768788B1 (en) * 1999-09-13 2004-07-27 Microstrategy, Incorporated System and method for real-time, personalized, dynamic, interactive voice services for property-related information
US20040267549A1 (en) * 2003-06-24 2004-12-30 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Methods and systems for assisting in real estate transactions with automation utilizing verbal communication

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8112279B2 (en) 2008-08-15 2012-02-07 Dealer Dot Com, Inc. Automatic creation of audio files
WO2013116487A2 (fr) 2012-02-03 2013-08-08 Dealer Dot Com, Inc. Système de capture d'image
CN109726372A (zh) * 2017-10-31 2019-05-07 百度在线网络技术（北京）有限公司 基于通话记录的工单的生成方法、装置及计算机可读介质

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