GB2452313A

GB2452313A - Providing call related information to a telecommunications device

Info

Publication number: GB2452313A
Application number: GB0716972A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Richings
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-08-31
Filing date: 2007-08-31
Publication date: 2009-03-04
Also published as: GB0716972D0

Abstract

The invention provides a method for providing call related information to telecommunications device 1. The telecommunications device 1 can connect to a network 3, and the network 3 comprises at least one other telecommunications 5 device and a database 9. The method comprises recording on the first telecommunications device as least some details of a call made from the first telecommunications device to a second telecommunications device; transmitting the details to the database; and then transmitting call related information from the database to the first telecommunications device. Aspects of the invention include the call related information comprising a reference for use in retrieving further call related information, e.g. web page address, URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and wherein the details transmitted by the first device to the database comprise the identity of the first/second device, the network address of the first/second device and/or the geographical location of the first device. The invention is able to provide additional information to the user of the first device. The information can be chosen to suit the user's preferences and the nature of the call, based upon the details transmitted to the database. Therefore, the user is presented with relevant information in a timely fashion on the same device that they are using to make the call. In one embodiment of the invention, when a user makes a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) call from their PC to a business the homepage of that business will automatically appear on the desktop of the user's PC.

Description

Data Provision Over A Network

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a method for providing call related information to a telecommunications device.

Background to the Invention

An increasingly large number of people have access to broadband connected Personal Computers (PCs), and with the availability of low cost Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) communication solutions there has been a rapid expansion in the use of this technology for home telecommunications. In particular calls that would traditionally have been made over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), using a standard telephone and keyed numbers, are increasingly made using home PCs.

At the same time that PCs are increasingly being used in this way, mobile teleconununications technology is also advancing rapidly, for example with the widespread adoption of web browsing facilities in mobile phones.

These technologies allow phone conversations to be combined with web applications and services. US 7035260 provides a network architecture that can provide multimedia or internet-web-based applications to the recipient of a call via VOIP. Similar systems are described in US 2002/022476, US 6842767 and US 2005/249344. In this growing and highly competitive field it is desirable to offer new functions to the users of the services.

At least in its preferred embodiments, this invention seeks to provide just such new facilities to the users of a multimedia network.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a method for providing call related information to a telecommunications device. The telecommunications device can connect to a network, and the network comprises at least one other telecommunications device and a database.

The method comprises: recording on the first telecommunications device as least some details of a call made from the first telecommunications device to a second telecommunications device; transmitting the details to the database; and then transmitting call related information from the database to the first telecommunications device.

In this way the invention is able to provide additional information to the user of the first telecommunications device. The information can be chosen to suit the user's preferences and the nature of the call, based upon the details transmitted to the database. Therefore the user is presented with relevant information in a timely fashion on the same device that they are using to make a call. In one embodiment of the invention, for example, when a user makes a VOIP call from their PC to a business the homepage of that business will automatically appear on the desktop of the user's PC.

The telecommunications device may comprise more than one component working in concert. For example, if the user makes a call on a VOW phone over a network according to the invention, the information could be returned to a PC at the same desk as the phone.

In this way, the network according to the invention is able to provide the relevant information on the PC's larger screen.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the network comprises a mobile phone network. If this is the case, it may be that the first telecommunications device comprises a mobile phone. Suitable mobile phone networks include Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) networks, Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000) networks and Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) networks.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the network comprises the internet. If this is the case, the first telecommunications device may comprise a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) compatible device. In some embodiments of the invention, including those that use VOIP devices, the internet can be accessed directly while in others it can be accessed through an intermediary network such as a mobile phone network.

Where the network comprises the internet, it will usually be the case that the details of the call made on the first telecommunications device are transmitted over the internet.

Similarly, the call related information will also be transmitted over the internet. This is because the Internet will usually represent the cheapest solution for data transmission.

The network may comprise the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The second telecommunications device may be connected to the PSTN, a mobile phone network, a VOIP network or any suitable communication network.

In a preferred embodiment, the call related information comprises a reference for use in retrieving further call related information. Where this is the case the reference will usually be suitable for use with the World Wide Web, usually a web page address. Whether it is suitable for use with the World Wide Web or not, the call related information will usually comprise a Uniform Resource Indicator such as a Uniform Resource Locator, both of which are commonly known as URLs. By providing a reference to a further source, the service provider operating the database is able to reduce the amount of data they must maintain and transmit. Since the World Wide Web represents a very large and very cheap to access store of information, it is particularly suited to this use. However, it may sometimes be preferable to provide references to other information sources; these might include sources provided by the service provider operating the database, the operator of the network, or the operator of the second telecommunications device.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the details of the call made on the first telecommunications device are transmitted to the database during the call. In this way the user can be provided with information while they are still making their call.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the details transmitted by the first telecommunications device to the database comprise the identity of the second telecommunications device. If this is the case, it will usually be that the details transmitted by the first telecommunications device to the database comprise the network address of the second telecommunications device.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the details transmitted by the first telecommunications device to the database comprise the identity of the first telecommunications device. If this is the case, it may be that the details transmitted by the first telecommunications device to the database comprise the network address of the first telecommunications device. The network address may be a number for use with the PSTN or a mobile phone network or it may be an IP address for use on the internet. However other networks may be used; for example the network address may be for use on a particular provider's network, such as cable telephone provider, or on a private network belonging to a particular company or individual.

Where the details transmitted by the first telecommunications device to the database comprise the identity of the first or second telecommunications device, the details transmitted may comprise the name, the screen name, or the email address of the person or organisation being called. As above, where the details comprise a network address of a telecommunications device, the network address may be a number for use with the PSTN or a mobile phone network or it may be an IP address for use on the internet. However other networks may be used; for example the network address may be for use on a particular provider's network, such as cable telephone provider, or on a private network belonging to a particular company or individual.

In particular embodiments of the invention the details transmitted by the first telecommunications device to the database comprise the geographical location of the first telecommunications device.

In particular embodiments of the invention the details transmitted by the first telecommunications device to the database comprise the network address of the first telecommunications device. This information can be used when transmitting call related information from the database to the first telecommunications device. It can also be used when administering the database.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagram showing a VOIP network according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the system architecture of a PC and a server in communication according to the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a client side application according to the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a flow diagram of the operation of the manager of the client side application; Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a server side application according to the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a flow diagram of the operation of the manager of the server side application; and Figure 7 is a diagram showing a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) network according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Figure 1 shows a VOIP system operating over a network according to an embodiment of the invention. As with ordinary VOIP systems, a PC I -which may be provided with a USB phone 2 or some other input/output device -is connected to a network 3. The user of a PC I subscribes to a VOIP service provider 4 such as SkypeTM, 000gleTM or BT.

With their subscription the user is supplied with application software that is installed on their PC 1 and allows them to place VOIP calls over the network 3. It is also possible to use specialist VOIP phones 5 which have all the necessary hardware and software to connect to the network 3 without a PC 1. The VOIP service provider will generally allow the user of a PC Ito place calls over the PSTN 6 to a PSTN phone 7. Similarly, the VOIP service provider will generally provide connections to other types of network, such as the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) network 8, if necessary.

The system illustrated in figure 1 also provides a Call/URL Service Provider's server 9.

When the user makes a call on their PC 1, a further connection is established over the network to the Call/URI. server 9, which provides web based content for the PC 1. The nature of this content depends on the number being dialled and the user's personal preferences. However, it will typically comprise a webpage.

Figure 2 shows the system architecture of the PC 1 and the Call/URL server 9 in communication. Both the PC I and the Ca11/URL server 9 have multiple layers of operation. On the PC, there is an operating system la, on which applications lb are run.

The Call/URL server also has an operating system 9a, from which applications 9b are run.

The CaII1IJRL server also has a database layer 9c where information is stored.

When the user places a call they start the VOIP application 21 in their PC's application layer lb. The VOIP application 21 generates packets of information which are passed to the PC's operating system la. The VOIP packets 22 are then encoded using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and transmitted over the network 3. The VOIP application 21 also provides information about the call, including the number that is being called, to a Call/URL application 23. The CaIl/IJRL application generates a request containing the number that is being called, and then passes this onto the PC's operating system 1a This call number packet 24 is then encoded using TCP/IP and transmitted over the network 3 to the Call/URL server 9.

The Ca11/URL server's operating system 9a receives the call number packet 24 and passes it to the database application 25 in the application layer 9b. The database application 25 queries the database 26. The database 26 comprises an operational disk 26a and a back-up disk 26b, both of which contain a table of phone numbers connected to URLs. When the database application 25 queries the database 26 with the call number, a corresponding URL is returned. The URL is then transmitted in a TCP/IP packet 27 back over the network 3 to the PC 1. The database application 25 also generates records 28 of each such query so that the information can be used to administer the Call/URL server 9 and the Call/URL service provider's business.

When the URL packet 27 is received by the Call/URL application 23, the application then launches a browser application 28 to display the webpage at the URL provided by the database 26.

The database application 25 and the database 26 operate using Structured Query Language (SQL). By employing this widely used language and a standard architecture, the database application 25 and database 26 can easily be installed and operated on any commercially available hardware. For example, all four of the major commercial database vendors (OracleTM, MicrosoftTM, IBMTM and SybaseTM) offer scalable product solutions that would be suitable for use with such a system.

Figure 3 shows the structure of the Call/URL application 23 in greater detail. A Call/URL manager 31 manages the operation of the other modules in the Call/URL application 23.

A configuration record 32 provides the default settings for the Call/URL application 23; for example the URL of the Call/URL server 9 and a record of the user's personal preferences. A call monitor 33 is designed to work with a wide range of vendor specific VOIP dialler applications, and when a call is made the call monitor 33 identifies the destination number, the caller location or the caller ID as required before alerting the Call/URL manager 31. A TCP/IP client 34 transmits and receives information between the Call/URL manager 31 and the Call/URL server 9 over network 3. An application launcher 35 is used to launch the browser application when the Call/URL server 9 responds. The operation of the CaIl/IJRL manager 31 is shown in figure 4.

Figure 5 shows the structure of the database application 25. A database application manager 41 manages the database 26 and the other modules in the database application 25. A TCP/IP server 42 transmits and receives information over the network 3. A status reporting module 43 provides information on the operation of the database application 25 and the database 26 for use in managing the Call/URL server 9. A service module 44 provides auxiliary applications that can be used both for system operation and business administration; these applications are generally used to append, modifr or interrogate the database 26. The operation of the database application manager 41 is shown in figure 6.

As well as PCs, any VOIP device with a suitable display and software, including the standalone VOIP phone 5, can be used in an embodiment according to the invention.

A second embodiment according to the invention operates over a GSM network and offers similar services to mobile phone users. Figure 7 shows a network according to the second embodiment of the invention. A mobile phone 51 connects to another phone 52 over the GSM network 8. The other phone 52 can be a mobile phone, a PSTN phone or a VOIP phone as required. As with the first embodiment of the invention, a Call/URL server 9 is provided. When the user makes a call on their mobile phone 51, a further connection is established over the network to the Call/URL server 9, which provides web based content for the mobile phone.

Although the embodiment discussed above uses a GSM network, most mobile phone networks would be suitable. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) networks, Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000) networks and the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) offered by GSM all provide suitable networks for use with further embodiments of this invention.

The mobile phone 51 is provided with a Call/URL application that functions in the same way as the VOIP-based Call/URL application described above, but adapted for use on a mobile phone.

In both the first and second embodiment of the invention the nature of the content provided by the Call/URL server 9 will vary depending on the number being called and the user's personal preferences. For example, if the user calls a number belonging to a business, the Call/URL server 9 will return the URL of the business's website. The business in question can nominate what pages it would prefer to be used, be it the homepage, a contact page or a page specially designed to provide information for people calling the business. If no website is available, the Call/URL server 9 can return the URL of a directory site showing details of the business such as the address and email details.

Alternatively, the CaIIIURL server 9 can return the URL of a search engine page listing similar businesses. The invention can also be used with personal numbers, returning the UR.Ls of personal websites or blogs.

The Call/URL server 9 can return multiple URLs in response to a single query. This way a collection of pages can be displayed. Where a business is called, as above, the Call/URL server 9 might return both the homepage of the business's website and a map showing its location.

If the user allows it, the CalI/URL application 23 will provide the caller location and caller ID as well as the number being called to the Call/URL server 9. This is then used to provide more personalised information. For example, if the business being called is a chain of shops, the Call/URL server 9 can use the caller location to provide the URL of a map showing the nearest shop. Similarly, the caller ID can be used to provide the URL of personalised pages specific to the user, or a login page to access these pages, regardless of which computer or phone the user is calling from. The Call/URL server 9 will sometimes return a URL based on the caller location or the caller ID but not the number being called.

This may happen, for example, if the number being called is not in the database 26.

As well as providing information about the number being called, the Call/URL sever 9 can also provide marketing material such as adverts and special offers associated with the number being called.

It may sometimes be necessary for the Call/URL application 23 to launch applications other than the browser application 8. For example, it may be necessary to launch Flash to deliver some web based content.

In summary, the invention provides a method for providing call related information to a telecommunications device 1. The telecommunications device 1 can connect to a network 3, and the network 3 comprises at least one other telecommunications 5 device and a database 9. The method comprises: recording on the first telecommunications device as least some details of a call made from the first telecommunications device to a second telecommunications device; *10 transmitting the details to the database; and then transmitting call related information from the database to the first telecommunications device. ii

Claims

Claims 1. A method for providing call related information to a telecommunications device, where the telecommunications device can connect to a network that comprises (i) at least one other telecommunications device and (ii) a database, the method comprising: recording on the first telecommunications device at least some details of a call made from the first telecommunications device to a second telecommunications device; transmitting those details to the database; and then transmitting call related information from the database to the first telecommunications device.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the network comprises a mobile phone network.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first telecommunications device comprises a mobile phone.
4. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the network comprises the internet.
5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fIrst telecommunications device comprises a Voice Over Internet Protocol compatible device.
6. A method as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the details of the call made on the first telecommunications device and the call related information are transmitted over the Internet.
7. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the call related information comprises a reference for use in retrieving further call related information.
8. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the reference is suitable for use with the World Wide Web.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the call related information comprises a web page address.
10. A method as claimed in claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the call related information comprises a Uniform Resource Indicator.
II. A method as claimed in claims 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein the call related information comprises a Uniform Resource Locator.
12. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the details of the call made on the first telecommunications device are transmitted to the database during the call.
13. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the details transmitted by the first telecommunications device to the database comprise the identity of the second telecommunications device.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the details transmitted by the first telecommunications device to the database comprise the network address of the second telecommunications device.
15. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the details transmitted by the first telecommunications device to the database comprise the identity of the first telecommunications device.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the details transmitted by the first telecommunications device to the database comprise the network address of the first teleconununications device.
17. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the details transmitted by the first telecommunications device to the database comprisç the geographical location of the first telecommunications device.
18. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the details transmitted by the first telecommunications device to the database comprise the network address of the first telecommunications device.
19. A network comprising a plurality of telecommunications devices and a database, the network being adapted for use in the method of any preceding claim.
20. Computer software which configures a telecommunications network to operate in accordance with the method of any of claims 1 to 18.