WO2010025524A1 - Procédé et système de télécommunications - Google Patents

Procédé et système de télécommunications Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010025524A1
WO2010025524A1 PCT/AU2009/001167 AU2009001167W WO2010025524A1 WO 2010025524 A1 WO2010025524 A1 WO 2010025524A1 AU 2009001167 W AU2009001167 W AU 2009001167W WO 2010025524 A1 WO2010025524 A1 WO 2010025524A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
subscriber
wireless communications
messages
user wireless
status
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2009/001167
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Patrick Mcmullan
David Hogan
Original Assignee
Freshtel R & D Pty 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
Priority claimed from AU2008904627A external-priority patent/AU2008904627A0/en
Application filed by Freshtel R & D Pty Ltd filed Critical Freshtel R & D Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2010025524A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010025524A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/12—Messaging; Mailboxes; Announcements

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a communications method and system, and more particularly to a communications system and method that enables a user to communicate with other users over a multitude of networks using a single wireless communications device.
  • VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol
  • VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol
  • VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol
  • the user had to have access to an internet gateway (that is, a WiFi hotspot) in order to enable the wireless device to connect to the internet and thereafter establish a connection over the internet.
  • an internet gateway that is, a WiFi hotspot
  • users have been juggling with a number of handsets and a number of different individual device numbers, such as at home, at work, using a mobile phone for mobile telecommunications and using a separate wireless device for wireless internet telephony. This has the obvious drawbacks that a user has to have multiple phone numbers and multiple online identities in order to satisfy their communication needs.
  • the present invention provides an indication as to the likely call charge given the status of the device with which the user is wishing to make contact.
  • the present invention seeks to overcome the problem of having multiple handsets with separate identification numbers by using a single wireless device. It will be advantageous to have status indicators assigned to other users connected to the same network as the user.
  • the present invention seeks to overcome one or more of the above disadvantages by providing a user with one handset having one identification number that is associated with all of their communications whether it is over a mobile communications network, the internet or over a PSTN. Additionally one address book is provided for the user over any one of these networks.
  • the invention provides a method of wireless communications comprising the steps of: enabling a subscriber to communicate over the internet or through a wireless communications network using a user wireless communications device, the subscriber subscribing to a communications provider; assigning status indicators of other subscribers for display on the user wireless telecommunications device, the status indicators being indicative of subscriber device status; and enabling text messages between the subscriber and another subscriber to be displayed on the user wireless communications device in sequential order as a single exchange of messages between the subscriber and said another subscriber.
  • the status indicators may include, but not be limited to, any one of Online,
  • the text messages may be SMS over the wireless communications network or instant messages over the internet or a combination of both SMS and IM.
  • SMS Short-Fi Protected Access
  • IM Instant Messaging
  • the most recent message either sent or received by the subscriber is displayed at the top of a screen on the user wireless communications device.
  • a home screen of the subscriber's may provide access to a contacts list, messages, account details and settings details.
  • the contacts list may show a status indicator adjacent an identifier of a contact
  • the status indicator may indicate any one of the following: that a subscriber device is on-line and connected to a subscribing communications network, a subscriber is off-line and not connected to the subscribing communications network, the subscriber is busy, away or unknown.
  • the invention further provides a communications system comprising: a subscribing communications network of a communications provider; a user wireless communications device for use by a subscriber of the subscribing communications network to communicate with at least one other subscriber; a server linked to the subscribing communications network for enabling the subscriber to communicate with the at least one other subscriber over the internet or through a wireless communications network using the user wireless communications device; the server further assigning status indicators of other subscribers for display on the user wireless telecommunications device, the status indicators being indicative of subscriber device status; and wherein text messages between the subscriber and the at least one other subscriber are able to be displayed on the user wireless communications device in sequential order as a single exchange of messages between the subscriber and said another subscriber.
  • the invention further provides computer program code means for instructing a processor in a communications system having a subscribing communications network to: enable a subscriber to communicate over the internet or through a wireless communications network using a user wireless communications device, assign status indicators of other subscribers for display on the user wireless telecommunications device, the status indicators being indicative of subscriber device status; and enable text messages between the subscriber and another subscriber to be displayed on the user wireless communications device in sequential order as a single exchange of messages between the subscriber and said another subscriber.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a block diagram of a communications network that enables a user of a telecommunications device 10 to communicate with a user of any one of telecommunications devices 11 to 13, either using the internet or a wireless communications network.
  • Both users of calling and destination devices 10 to 14 subscribe to a subscriber communications network 17 that has a network server 18 and enables connection through an external communications network 16, such as a mobile communications network, or the internet 15 through a respective internet gateway 14, such as a WiFi hotspot.
  • software stored on the network server 18 may be downloaded to each of the devices 10 to 13 to enable automatic detection of internet gateway connections.
  • the internet gateway might be at the user's home, office or anywhere in between home and office and enables calls to be made over the internet 15 whenever the user is within range of an internet gateway.
  • any calls may be made on the external telecommunications network 16 to which the user also subscribes.
  • Least cost routing can be determined through the network 17 and through the server 18 to automatically route the user through the cheapest call rates through a specific mobile carrier. The calling route is determined at the start of the call or connection.
  • a screen 20 termed a "home screen” that would appear on all mobile devices subscribed to the network 17.
  • the user is able to access a contacts list at 21, their inbound and outbound messages via button 22, details on their own account at button 23 and their own personal settings at button 24.
  • the messages button 22 enables access to all inbound and outbound SMS and instant messages (IM).
  • IM instant messages
  • the server 18 arranges to send an SMS to the user with a URL for the user to click on using any of the devices 10 to 13.
  • the server 18 arranges a software application to be downloaded and installed the user device, for example device 10.
  • the user answers a few questions and presses the required buttons to assist with the installation process.
  • the software application will enable the user to make communications through their handset 10 either over the internet 15 or through the external communications network 16 that the user currently uses.
  • the application will detect any internet gateway 14 in order to first enable communications over the internet 15. If no gateway is detected, then the application arranges communications over the external network 16.
  • Displayed in Figure 2 at 25 is a person icon that represent whether that person is connected to the network (colour green) or not connected to the network (colour grey).
  • the mobile number (or any other choice of customer detail) of the subscriber is displayed at 26 and at 27 there is displayed their remaining balance in terms of funds or call usage that remains. This depends on what plan the subscriber is on and also indicates the last time that it was updated.
  • a typical screen will be shown at 30 in Figure 3.
  • the application that is the software downloaded to any one of the mobile device 10 to 13
  • the application initiates a subscription between the handset 10, for example, and the network 17 for all contacts that are in the subscriber's existing address book of their telecommunications device.
  • the application will combine the display of presence information or status indicators to the user's existing contacts list.
  • the network 17 in particular by the server 18 or software operating on the server 18
  • All others will display the Unknown presence status.
  • the status indicators may include, but not be limited to, any one Online, Offline, Busy, Away and Unknown.
  • the online status shows that the monitored device of the subscriber is within range of an internet gateway, although the subscriber may not be in the vicinity of the device.
  • the offline status indicates that the subscriber is not currently connected to the subscriber communications network 17 or is out of range of an internet gateway.
  • the "Unknown" indicator indicates that the user is out of range of an internet gateway but still contactable through their participating mobile network or through the PSTN as indicated by their contacts number in the address book. This can also indicate that the particular contact is not recognised by network 17.
  • the Busy indicator shows those contacts that have manually changed their status to represent that they are currently busy doing something. They can still receive a call.
  • the Away indicator shows those contacts that have manually changed their status to be away until further notice.
  • the Busy and Away indicators are manually selected by the respective users.
  • the Online, Offline and Unknown indicators are automatically selected based upon the respective wireless device being connected to network 17 or not. These indicators or presence values indicate an anticipated call cost for the originating subscriber as Online, Offline, Busy and Away status of a destination contact will be free (over the internet 15) whereas Unknown indicator could be charged as the connection might be completed over the external communications network 16 or the PSTN. Any calls to the PSTN will be made over the network 17. Therefore the possible calling routes are over the subscriber network 17 or over the PSTN via the subscriber network 17.
  • the indicators can indicate when contacts can be contacted via the subscriber communications network 17 or via the PSTN through the network 17. Calls to contacts with indications of Busy and Away can still be made via network 17. If the dialled number is part of an exclusion list for that customer, the call will be placed over the customer's mobile network.
  • FIG. 3 Shown in Figure 3 is a display screen 30 showing a contacts list with presence values or status indicators 31.
  • contact G and "Tesco Con” are indicated as being online (green in colour) and available to receive a communication.
  • Subscribers Sl, S6, S8 and "Test sip” are busy.
  • their status indicator shows that they are not currently connected to the network 17 so their status is unknown.
  • the Unknown status means that network 17 does not recognise the number(s) attributed to these contacts. Any attempts to call these contacts will be sent via the PSTN from the subscriber network 17.
  • the contact S7 is also not connected to the network 17 but their status indicator indicates that they are offline and therefore cannot be contacted.
  • the network 17 does not recognise the number attributed to that contact or the respective communications device is not currently connected to the internet gateway.
  • a search box 32 in order to search for any contacts in the address book, a dial button 33 and a back button 34.
  • each connected handset 10 or 11 can store in their inbox and outbox text conversations between themselves and any given contact.
  • the stored text can be SMS or IM messages.
  • the existing SMS messages are stored on a handset in a standard SMS sent and received folder structure such that an entire text conversation between respective users can be seen or accessed. This is the same for Instant Messages.
  • the messages button 22 By selecting the messages button 22 from the screen shown in Figure 2, a list of contacts that have been involved in a particular SMS or IM dialogue is presented in a list or form.
  • the user is allowed to initiate a response to the chosen contact through the button 53 or return to the conversation summary view by using the back button 52.
  • the conversation view will also be able to represent instant messages as well as SMS messages that have been sent to or received from a chosen contact.
  • a converged list of SMS and IM messages is represented in a sequential flow based on the time that the message was sent or received in order to depict a complete conversation between the user and the selected contact.
  • a message is sent to a contact whose presence is indicated as being online, then an instant message will be sent by the application over the internet. Otherwise a paid SMS may be initiated instead either via external communications network 16 or the subscriber communications network 17. Free messages that are sent over the internet may be indicated as such between the sender and the receiver.
  • buttons 61 and 62 are then able to access button 61 in order to top- up their account, button 62 in order to view their transactions and button 63 in order to access the latest call plan that the subscriber is on.
  • customers may perform tasks such as redeeming vouchers and making payments via a credit or debit card by using a particular portal available through a website at the server 18. By accessing this portal, it takes the customer to their account.
  • a top-up function has been chosen via the My Account menu on the customer's handset, the customer is prompted to top-up their account. Examples of these are shown in Figure 7.
  • FIG 7A the customer is invited to top-up their account either by payment through a debit or credit card at 70 or through an e- voucher at 71.
  • the user can redeem an e-voucher by clicking on button 72 or by entering an e- voucher code in box 73.
  • the customer can view their past account transactions through a menu option from their handset under "My Account".
  • the transaction can display all customer account transactions ordered from the most recent to the oldest and may divide the displayed transactions into only ten transactions at a time. If divided, the customer is then able to request the next or previous ten transactions.
  • An example of this is shown in Figure 8.
  • the user can have displayed to them their current plan details.
  • the user can update the current password. Password changes are only validated by entering the new password twice. Any mismatch between the handset password and a web-based password will stop the user of the handset access to the customer's account details.
  • Through the settings menu it is possible to enable or disable the display of existing account credit on the application home page as shown in Figure 2 at 27.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)

Abstract

Selon l'invention, un abonné communique sur Internet ou par l’intermédiaire d’un réseau de communication sans fil à l'aide d'un dispositif de communication sans fil d'utilisateur, et s'abonne à un fournisseur de communication. Des indicateurs d'état d'autres abonnés sont attribués pour un affichage sur le dispositif de télécommunications sans fil d'utilisateur. Les indicateurs d'état indiquent l'état de dispositif d'abonné. Des messages textes entre l'abonné et un autre abonné sont affichés sur le dispositif de communications sans fil de l'utilisateur, en ordre séquentiel, en un seul échange de messages entre l'abonné et ledit autre abonné.
PCT/AU2009/001167 2008-09-05 2009-09-04 Procédé et système de télécommunications WO2010025524A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2008904627 2008-09-05
AU2008904627A AU2008904627A0 (en) 2008-09-05 Telecommunications method and system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010025524A1 true WO2010025524A1 (fr) 2010-03-11

Family

ID=41796657

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2009/001167 WO2010025524A1 (fr) 2008-09-05 2009-09-04 Procédé et système de télécommunications

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2010025524A1 (fr)

Non-Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
3 SKYPEPHONE, 22 August 2008 (2008-08-22), Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://web.archive.orweb/20080822044544/www.skype.com/allfeatúres/3skypephone> [retrieved on 20091113] *
AGILE MOBILE MESSENGER, 18 April 2008 (2008-04-18), Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http:/lweb.archive.org/web/20080418101001/www.agilemobile.com/screenshots.html> [retrieved on 20091113] *
EBUDDY MOBILE MESSENGER, 22 August 2008 (2008-08-22), Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://web.archive.orweb/20080822071146/http://www.ebuddy.com/mobilebeta/support.php> [retrieved on 20091113] *
INSTANT MESSAGING APPLICATÌONS ON BLACKBERRY SMARTPHONES, 22 August 2008 (2008-08-22), Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://web.archive.org/web/20080426110819/na.blackberry.com/eng/devices/features/instantmessage.jsp> [retrieved on 20091113] *
YAHOO MESSENGER FOR MOBILE, 5 June 2008 (2008-06-05), Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://web.archive.org-/web120080605171244/http://au.mobile.yahoo.com/messenger> [retrieved on 20091113] *

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