WO2007032021A2

WO2007032021A2 - Method and system for customization of multi-language conversions in mobile phones

Info

Publication number: WO2007032021A2
Application number: PCT/IN2006/000228
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amit Zaveri
Original assignee: Indbazaar.Com Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-06-30
Filing date: 2006-06-30
Publication date: 2007-03-22
Also published as: WO2007032021A3

Abstract

The present invention provides customization of multi-language conversions in mobile communication devices for allowing a user to acquire practical knowledge of situational phrases and words along with their corresponding audio version. A database of multiple phrases in multiple languages is created and each phrase written in one language within the database is mapped to the corresponding phrases written in each remaining languages. The user is allowed to access the database such that the user customizes the database according to his/her requirement and thereby switch from one language to another language with one level change only.

Description

TITLE

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CUSTOMIZATION OF MULTI-LANGUAGE

1'¹V

CONVERSIONS IN MOBILE PHONES.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to management of language conversion and more particularly to customization of multi-language conversions in mobile phones.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

The world is shrinking every day and all businesses now think and act global. There is also an upsurge in the number of people traveling and visiting different countries. Foreign traveling has now become a routine and affordable phenomenon. People are now more inclined towards the expansion of their businesses all over the world. Further, most of the people are interested in making a 'World Tour" for visiting various places in the world. However, due to language barrier existing in all parts of the world, people find some difficulty while communicating to each other.

The language barrier is generally overcome by using a common and popular language such as English or by using sign language by different people while communicating to each other. Sometimes people get information from local language-guide books or take help from language interpreters who know the languages of both communicators. However, the above-mentioned tasks may not be very helpful, as some people may not know how to speak in English. The tasks of using local language-guide books or involving language interpreters may be quite tedious and time consuming. Further, some of the tasks may help a communicator in a particular country or region only and therefore, the communicator needs to perform such tasks repeatedly in different countries accordingly.

In recent years mobile communication devices have participated in solving the above-mentioned problem. Generally mobile communication devices such as mobile phones are provided with a display unit on which the user can see various character strings that are stored in a memory. Various phrases and words in different language are stored in the memory of the mobile phone and the user with the help of a user interface can display and read the desired phrases in the desired language. However, the user is able to read only those character strings that have been stored in the memory. The user may not be able to read the phrases in the language that are not stored in the memory of the mobile device. For example, if multiple phrases in English and their corresponding Japanese and Chinese phrases are stored in the memory, the user may get to read only Japanese and Chinese conversion of the English phrases and not the French. In this situation, the user is unable to customize the phrases stored in the memory as per his requirement.

Therefore there is a need to provide a means that will help users to manage and customize the multi-language phrases stored in the memory of their mobile communication devices. In view of the above, the current system has been built to bridge the language barrier.

SUMMARY

The object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for facilitating the task of communication in various languages of various countries or regions. In one embodiment of the invention a database is created that consists of multiple phrases in multiple languages. The database is created in the memory of the mobile phone. The database is a two dimensional table having a source language residing on the row (Y Axis) and target languages on the columns (X Axis).

Each phrase written in one language within the database is then matched to the corresponding phrases written in each remaining languages. Amongst these multiple languages, atleast one language is set as a base language and remaining languages are set as target languages. The user is allowed to access and customize the database according to his/her requirement and thereby switch from one language to another language with one level change only.

In one embodiment of the invention the user can customized the database by sending a query to a server. The server processes the query of the user and transfers the response of the query to the user. Finally the user may store the response of the query in the database. The user can further update his/her database by deleting one or more unwanted phrases stored in the memory and replacing the same with new phrase or phrases.

Further, a voice database is created by recording in voice format all phrases that are stored in the database. Furthermore, a user interface is also provided that contains various menus, sub menus, FAQs and other text or voice options.

In another embodiment of the invention a system of customization of multi- language conversion in mobile phones is provided. The system comprises at least one mobile phone containing a database of multiple phrases in multiple languages, a web server, coupled to said mobile phone to receive and transmit information on the network wherein a user is allowed to access the database and send requests to the web server to customize the database according to his/her ^■ requirement and thereby switch from one language to another language with one level change only. As per the invention the user customizes his/her database by sending a query to the server and storing the response of the query that is processed by the server, in said database. A user may also customize his database by deleting one or more unwanted phrases stored in the memory and replacing the same with new phrase(s).

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings, and from the detailed description that follows below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig 1. shows the process of providing a JAD file upon user's request.

Fig. 2 shows the overall layout of the JAD file.

Fig 3 shows process of customization of database stored in the memory of a user's handset

Fig. 4 shows the transaction of data between two mobile devices.

Fig. 5 shows the flowchart illustrating the customization of the database.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A system, apparatus and method for managing and customizing multiple language conversions in a mobile phone device are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention the users are allowed to switch between any two languages including plurality of Indian languages such as Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada as well as foreign languages including French, German, Chinese, Italian, English, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese etc. Figure 1 shows the process of providing a JAD file upon user's request. The user sends a request of registration to a web server 102. The request may be send along the user ID of a mobile device 100. The request is processed 103 by the server 102 and the JAD file 104 is created. This file 104 is then downloaded by the user to his mobile device 100 through Internet 101 or any other network.

In one embodiment of the invention a user may be provided with a default set of languages including a base or source language such as English, and multiple other languages termed as target languages. This may be accomplished by creating a phrase/word or a group of phrases, each depending upon an individual situation. Each situational phrase is then translated into different languages across the world by multiple language experts. The phrase/word may also be converted in audio format. Once the phrases are created, they are set for verification and after verification these are compiled into a large database. Said database may be then made available across the world through Worrld Wide Web. The database is required to be updated from time to time. Other than the database, a user is also provided with a menu, help messages, alerts, errors, and other details, which are pre-codified in all possible languages and are flashed on the display screen of the mobile device accordingly.

Figure 2 shows the format of the data that is securely maintained, and depending on the source and target language chosen, the appropriate version is released. Thereafter, the appropriate 'JAD/JAR' file is generated with a unique ID on the server and a link to this file is sent to the user. The user then in normal fashion, clicks on the link to download initially the JAD file and then subsequently the' JAR' file. The web-based database as mentioned above may be created by using Micro Soft Structured Query Language (SQL) or any other equivalent. The database is basically a two dimensional table having the source language residing on the row (Y Axis) and the various target languages on the columns (X Axis). This cross language table has links with other associated relational tables like groups, situations etc.

As explained earlier, a user is provided with a base language and multiple target languages. The user may select any of these target languages that have already been downloaded on his mobile phone device. For instance a user may select English -> Chinese conversion wherein English appears as the base language and Chinese as the target language.

In one embodiment of the invention a common menu is presented to the user with the base language being set as the default source language. The common menu may include different alphabet strings, some commonly used words, or a set of some practically used phrases etc. Apart from this common menu, an auxiliary menu is provided that may include common situations such as locating for airport, taxi stands etc.

Figure 3 shows process of customization of database stored in the memory of a user's handset. The user through his mobile handsets 301 can customized the database by sending a query to a server 303 across internet 302. The server 303 processes the query of the user's mobile device 301 and transfers the response 304 of the query to the user. Finally the user may store the response of the query in the database. The web-based user interface basically enables the user to download situations and situational phrases. Depending on the source & target language provided, a list of available situations is provided to the user. Since this is available across the web, this list can grow dynamically without any change in the actual application. Once the user selects the required situation, this can be downloaded on the handset 301 of the user. The user is also allowed to initiate a web search for a particular phrase / word across the web. A cross language dictionary is also provided that may assist the user in finding the appropriate translation, which is dynamic in nature.

Basically a cycle is created when a user requests a new situation. The user gets a list of new situations amongst which he/she selects a particular topic of interest. Data is pulled from the server in appropriate fashion and resent to the handset. This process is completely application driven and transparent to the user. This cycle is repeated as and when required, if the phone memory is unable to fit in the data, then an appropriate warning is given and user is allowed to clear unwanted data.

Similar process is followed for downloading new languages. If new languages are being downloaded, they get added as new tabs in the existing application. For instance, the appropriate links for the phrase of Language A is crossed linked with the appropriate link of Language B, Language C and so on.

Further, while searching for content, the above-described process is repeated by allowing the user to type a search term instead of selecting any phrase from the predetermined list of choices. The user types a phrase and asks the server to find an appropriate match. For instance, while describing the number system predetermined words might be 0 to 100, however, if a user wants the appropriate equivalent word of Chinese for a 'million' then he may search for that word and get a appropriate response. In one embodiment of the invention a built -in dictionary is provided for checking the meaning and usage of words in a foreign country. The user may initiate the dictionary application and search any word and its meaning in another language. As soon as the user fires search query is given to the server. The server may check with online dictionary being hosted with multiple partners depending on language required. The server pushes answer to the user via SMS / GPRS. The dictionary also accommodate the predictive text functionality in multiple languages for faster access

The present invention further enables a user to connect to a voice call center. The call center hosts multi-lingual professionals to answer all possible user queries over the phone. The connection to the call centre may be either through a toll-free number or the interface may be IP-driven for higher end handsets. The language call center may also be supported by local travel information and other relevant details.

Additionally the present invention is supported with the Bluetooth technology wherein the users are allowed to communicate directly to each other as shown in figure 4. The communication may be established by at least two users i.e mobile device 1 and mobile device 2 as shown in figure 4. One of the users may select the base language and send request to another user via bluetooth along with base language. The second user invokes application manually or automatically and selects the transfer language as defined by the first user's request. The first user may also send a query to another user who in turn may select relevant answer and send the same to the first user via Bluetooth. In this case, the content is exactly duplicated in the device only and the IDs are passed to and fro. So Phone A with source language English has a phrase 'Good Morning' -> while interacting with Phone B in Source Language Chinese will pass the eg. ID 17 and on the other handset the appropriate 'zhao shang how' would appear.

Furthermore, the present invention also provides a user to send queries via SMS & receive answers from canned databases and live users. The server receives the query & processes it from canned or from live person doing translation tasks. Thereafter the server pushes back the message to the user. The message is received with translation & and phonetic, which can be stored for future references.

Further, the present invention includes a study guide in foreign languages for enabling a person to learn many languages with out requiring any help from a language tutor. The study guide includes meanings of various words / sentences in different languages along with their respective pronunciation for making a person listen to the pronunciation for learning a new language.

The present invention also includes a tool for sending SMS/MMS (Short Messaging Service / Multimedia Messaging Service) via mobile in different languages. One can send an SMS in his base language (e.g. French) and the other person can receive the same message in the other language (e.g. Tamil).

Furthermore, the present invention supports other domains like Hospital Guide, Sports Guide, and Entertainment Guide etc. by defining the frequently used words/phrases/jargons in that particular field and then mapping the same with relevant information.

The system according to the present invention further comprises travel utility tool such as GPS (Global positioning system)/LBS (Location Based Service) for determining the latitude and longitude of any receiver on Earth by calculating the time difference for signals from different satellites. Further, maps of the various countries/cities are incorporated for enhancing the utility of the present invention.

A future aspect of the present invention is to provide Artificial Intelligence Tool (Al Tool) for customizing frequently asked questions and their predictive answers depending upon needs and preferences of a user.

The general method of customizing the multi-language phrases in the mobile phones can be described with the help of a flowchart as shown in figure 5. Said method comprises the steps of creating a database 501 of multiple phrases in different languages. Each phrase written in one language within the database is mapped to the corresponding phrases written in each remaining languages 502. A voice database is also created by recording in Voice format all words and phrases stored in the database according to the specific situation using various possible languages 503. Thereafter various templates containing various menus, sub menus, FAQs and other text or voice options can be created using Macro media Flash, animation and Scripting software for providing a user interface 504. These templates, words, phrases, FAQs and voices from all databases may tehn be linked together 505 to form an application software. This software may be then loaded on mobile phones. The database stored in the application file can further be customized by the user as per the requirement 507.

Thus the present invention provides customization of multi-language conversions in mobile communication devices for allowing a user to acquire practical knowledge of situational phrases and words along with their corresponding audio version so that the user is able to hear the correct pronunciation of any phrase.

The foregoing description of the invention has been described for purposes of understanding. It is not intended to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Various modifications may be possible within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for providing customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones, the method comprising the steps of:

creating a database of multiple phrases in multiple languages;

mapping each phrase written in one language within the database to the corresponding phrases written in each remaining languages; and

allowing a user to access the database such that the user customizes the database according to his/her requirement and thereby switch from one language to another language with one level change only.

2. A method for providing customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones as claimed in claimi wherein the database is created in the memory of the mobile phone.

3. A method for providing customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones as claimed in claimi wherein atleast one language is set as a base language and remaining languages are set as target languages.

4. A method for providing customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones as claimed in claimi wherein the step of customizing the database comprises the steps of:

sending a query from the user to a server;

processing the query of the user by the server;

transferring the response of the query by the server to the user; and

storing the response of the query in the database.

5. A method for providing customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones as claimed in claimi wherein the step of customizing the database further comprises the steps of:

deleting one or more unwanted phrases stored in the memory and replacing the same with new phrase(s).

6. A method for providing customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones as claimed in claimi wherein the database is a two dimensional table having a source language residing on the row (Y Axis) and target languages on the columns (X Axis).

7. A method for providing customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones as claimed in claimi further comprising the step of creating a voice database by recording in voice format all phrases that are stored in the database.

8. A method for providing customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of providing a user interface by creating templates containing various menus, sub menus, FAQs and other text or voice options.

9. A system of customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones comprising:

at least one mobile phone containing a database of multiple phrases in multiple languages;

a web server, coupled to said mobile phone to receive and transmit information on the network wherein a user is allowed to access the database and send requests to the web server to customize the database according to his/her requirement and thereby switch from one language to another language with one level change only

10. A system of customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones as claimed in claim 9 wherein the user customizes his/her database by sending a query to the server and storing the response of the query that is processed by the server, in said database.

11. A system of customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones as claimed in claim 9 wherein the user customizes his/her database by deleting one or more unwanted phrases stored in the memory and replacing the same with new phrase(s).

12. A system of customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones as claimed in claim 9 wherein the database is created in the memory of the mobile phone.

13. A system of customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones as claimed in claim 9 wherein atleast one language is set as a base language and remaining languages are set as target languages.

14. A system of customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones as claimed in claim 9 wherein the database is a two dimensional table having a source language residing on the row (Y Axis) and target languages on the columns (X Axis).

15. A system of customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a voice database containing voice format of all phrases that are stored in the database.

16. A system of customization of multi-language conversion in mobile phones as claimed in claim 9 wherein further comprising a user interface for providing various menus, sub menus, FAQs and other text or voice options.