WO2006032725A1

WO2006032725A1 - Method for providing push- to -talk service

Info

Publication number: WO2006032725A1
Application number: PCT/FI2005/000399
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alpi Santakallio
Original assignee: Elisa Oyj
Priority date: 2004-09-23
Filing date: 2005-09-21
Publication date: 2006-03-30
Also published as: FI117080B; WO2006032725A8; FI20041232A; FI20041232A0

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing a positional PoC service. The invention is based on combining a positioning system, speech synthesis, and a PoC or voice-message service, so that a possibility is created to target messages to users in or entering a specific area. In addition, the service can also be combined with a voice-controlled PoC service, which is included in the ordering system in the figure, as one control channel for the service. Alongside the voice message, it is possible to use systems based on the distribution of a text or image, in the future also messages containing a video image.

Description

METHOD FOR PROVIDING PUSH-TO-TALK SERVICE

The present invention relates to a method, according to the preamble of Claim 1, for producing a Push-to-talk over Cellular service.

A mobile-network Push-to-talk over Cellular (PoC) service is a walkie-talkie radio¬ telephone type functionality implemented using a mobile station. The basic functions of a PoC service are disclosed in publication WO 00/74410 Al.

A PoC service forms a voice connection to the recipient, which can be, for example, a specific group of mobile stations, from a mobile station when a specific key is pressed. The call connection is typically one-way. The call is transmitted in a PoC message, which is transferred between the terminal device and the network, for example, as a circuit-switched (CS) call, as a packet-switched call (VoIP), or as a voice message (Voice IM). If the switching method permits, the message can also be stored on a server, until the recipient can be contacted (store-and-forward). The storing can also take place in the terminal device. The PoC service does not provide in itself mechanisms, with the aid of which it is possible to know whether the recipient can be contacted. If it is wished to ensure that contact is made, this property must be implemented in some other way (for example, with the aid of a presence service).

One typical functionality of a PoC service is the creation of a walkie-talkie connection between two mobile stations, generally between two users, in which case the question is one of one-way or an alternating-direction communication between the two stations. Another typical functionality of a PoC service is the formation of a walkie-talkie connection from one mobile station to a group of mobile stations. At either or both ends there can also be machines, for example, automatic devices. With the aid of an automatic device, it is then possible to implement various functionalities and services that correspond to information services previously implemented with the aid of SMS messages. One known service implemented through the PoC service is a dictation machine service.

Services provided through a PoC service are typically started on the basis of the dialling address of the PoC connection, for example, a name or a number. In the prior art, solutions are also disclosed, in which the intention is to also connection terminal devices external to the mobile network to the PoC service of a cellular radio¬ telephone system. For example, publication US 2003/0053434 Al discloses a system, with the aid of which PoC services can also be provided in a wireless local area network (WLAN). Publication WO 2004/017651 Al, in turn, discloses a system with the aid of which a mobile station equipped with a PoC service functionality can communicate with a radio-telephone group. Publication WO 03/009617 discloses a way to combine a PoC service and conference calling. Publication US 2004/0042438 discloses a backbone- network technique for processing group calls and PoC services. In this, the location of the members of the group can be sought form a location-data server.

In the solutions according to the prior art, a connection is made to some specific PoC service by selecting the address of the service, which is typically an address in the form of a telephone number. The address can also alternatively be in the form of a name. After connecting to the service, sound is routed to the customer terminal according to the properties of the service. Depending on the type of service, sound can also be send from the mobile station to the service by pressing the PoC key of the customer terminal.

The invention is intended to further develop the properties of a PoC service, so that it will be possible to improve the information value of services.

The invention is based on exploiting the user's position data in PoC services, so that the information value of the services can be improved by combining properties depending on the positions of the users with the service. For example, in a PoC service the location data of a customer terminal belonging to at least one recipient group is received and interpreted, and on the basis of the location data a PoC message offered for transmission to the PoC service it either sent or not sent to the customer terminal in question.

More specifically, the method according to the invention is characterized by what is stated in the characterizing portion of Claim 1. Considerable advantages are gained with the aid of the invention, as the targeting of the transmission of PoC messages can be substantially improved, thus making it possible to increase the proportion of relevant messages sent to the user. At the same time, the information value of the services can be improved.

The invention also has many embodiments that offer additional advantages. For example a voice-controlled PoC service can be combined with the service. A voice-controlled PoC service is disclosed in greater detail in Finnish patent application number 20040844, which has not yet been published at the time of filing the present application. The said patent application discloses a method, in which a speech-recognition and/or speech generating functionality is connected to a PoC service. Control of the connection to the PoC service and/or control of the service takes place with the aid of the speech-recognition functionality, while on the other hand the speech-generating function can be used to convert text-form services to a form suitable for a PoC service.

In some embodiments, systems based on the distribution of text or an image, and in the future even messages containing a video image, can also be used alongside a voice message.

The method according to one embodiment is admirably suitable for use, for example, through a 'hands-free' system in a vehicle and its level of alarm is sufficient for operative use, particularly as the reception of messages does not require the telephone to be handled at all, or to be handled as little as possible. PoC-type services receive, for example, voice messages in the terminal device and repeat them through a loudspeaker, so that the telephone need not be brought out on account of the service. It is also possible to implement an additional service relating to the PoC service, in which it is possible to order, for example, a regional traffic bulletin as a PoC message to the mobile station. In that case, the station can be on the dashboard and situation communications concerning the traffic in the area, such as warnings of congestion and news items, are read to it. The customer can manage the state of the service either by text messages, or with the aid of a voice- controlled PoC switch. The service can also possibly exploit route information, in which case information on matters ahead on the journey can be filtered to the subscriber. The implementation of the service requires positioning of the customer, for example, to an accuracy of one cell. On the other hand, weather and congestion bulletin from the roads administration can be fed to the service. The same service can be applied in various public events, for example, a nocturnal arts festival, when the content can be bulletins relating to the event.

In the following, the invention is examined with the aid of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows one system according to the invention for implementing a positional PoC service and a supplementary service implemented with the aid of it.

Figure 2 shows an operational diagram of one method according to the invention for ordering a positional PoC service, or a supplementary service implemented with the aid of it.

Figure 3 shows an operational diagram of one method according to the invention for cancelling a positional PoC service, or a supplementary service implemented with the aid of it.

Figure 4 shows an operational diagram of one method according to the invention for distributing messages coming to a supplementary service implemented with the aid of a positional PoC service.

Figure 5 shows an operational diagram of one method according to the invention for managing a workgroup with the aid of a positional PoC service, or a supplementary service implemented with the aid of it.

Figure 6 shows an operational diagram of one method according to the invention, based on the movements or a user or a customer terminal.

Figure 7 shows an operational diagram of one method according to the invention based on the distances between users and/or customer terminals.

In the prior art, several positioning methods are disclosed, which can be exploited in acquiring the position data of user of PoC services. The method used can be freely chosen from the group of known methods, so that there is no need to depict the positioning method in greater detail in this document. The basic PoC service used in the method and based on a GPRS connection or a circuit-switched call can also be a service according to future standards. The message-transmission system can be chosen as desired.

hi the method according to Figure 1 for providing a positional PoC service, a PoC service system, a positioning system, and voice-synthesis or a voice-message service are combined, thus making it possible to target messages to users in, or entering a specific area, hi addition, a voice-controlled PoC service, which is integrated in the ordering system in the figure as one management channel of the service, can be combined with the service. Alongside a voice message, it is possible to use systems based on the distribution of text or an image, and in the future also messages containing a video image.

hi the diagram, for reasons of clarity the functionality of the system is broken up into several logical components. Each component can be distributed, though on the other hand all the components can be implemented in a single device. The use of the system according to the invention creates a solution, in which the information to be distributed can be provided directly to the user as speech, as text, as an image, or as multimedia. The usability of the service is then substantially improved, for example, while driving, because the service messages need not be read, instead they are announced. On the other hand, the service is also highly suitable for users with impaired vision.

The positional PoC service according to the invention is suitable, for example, for the distribution of regional traffic bulletins to motorists who have subscribed to the service, or for making announcements to users of public transport. The service can also be applied to improving work management with the aid of situation information, hi the traffic-bulletin example, regional traffic bulletins are produced by the entity responsible for maintaining roads and are distributed to users of the service who are in or entering the target area. The operation of the system comprises, described briefly, of ordering of the service, cancellation of the service, distribution of messages coming to the service, workgroup management, and interactive use of the service. The elements comprised in the system according to Figure 1 are described in the following:

The customer terminal 1 used for exploiting the positional PoC service and is generally owned by the service subscriber. The communications system 2 is a PoC system (POC) used in the method according to the invention, and which is arranged to transmit spoken messages to the customer terminals of the subscribers. The ordering system 3 is arranged to receive orders from users of the positional PoC services, preferably from the customer terminals 1 of subscribers to the service. The order can be received as voice-controlled, an SMS message, over Wap, over the internet, or using some other available data- transmission method. The ordering system 3 can include charging operations or billing functionalities. The service-control system 4 is arranged to keep a record of, generally all, the subscribers to the positional PoC service. The service-control system 4 is also arranged to make queries concerning the subscribers in the target area, those entering and/or those leaving it. The service-control system 4 too can include charging operations or billing functionalities. The positioning system 5 is arranged to produce a distribution list comprising the customer terminals of the subscribers in the target area, for distributing the positional PoC service. The positioning system 5 can also produce a more general or a more detailed list of the customer terminals of the subscribers in the target area, for other service-control purposes. The voice-synthesis system 6 is arranged to synthesize speech from text and possibly also from other symbols. The message-reception system 7 is arranged to receive messages from the content-producer's system 8 and in response to the received message(s) to activate the service control. The messages can be of a desired type and, if necessary, of mutually differing types, such as SMS, voice, and video messages. The content-producer's system 8 is a customer system, which is provided, as a service, with the operator's means for providing a positional PoC service from the systems 2 - 7. The message to be distributed and the definition of the target area of the message are arranged to be received from the content producer's system 8.

Figure 2 shows a method for subscribing to a positional PoC service, using the system according to Figure 1. The stages 21 - 23 are performed to order a desired supplementary service based on a position-data service.

21) An order for a PoC service based on a position-data service, or a supplementary service based on it is received from the customer terminal 1 of a new user as a voice request, using a character-based method, a program, or through a telecommunications network element, such as a website. The desired service- control channel can be selected.

22) The subscription system 3 registers the request and adds the user and their customer terminal 1 as a subscriber to the service-control system 4.

23) The service-control system 4 activates the data of the user for positioning of the customer terminal 1 in the positioning system 5. It is possible to select the desired management channel of the PoC service based on the position-data service or of its supplementary service. It is a good idea for the service-control system 4 to also inform the content producer's system 8 of the service order.

Figure 3 shows a method for cancelling a subscription for a service when using the system according to Figure 1. The stages 31 - 33 are performed to cancel an ordered PoC service based on a location-data service or an order for a supplementary service based on it.

31) A message cancelling or suspending a service based is received from the customer terminal 1 of a subscriber. The message can be speech, text, or it can be made using software, or it can be formed, for example, with the aid of a website. The desired service-control channel can be selected.

32) The subscription system 3 registers the request and removes the user from the service-control system 4 of the positional PoC service or the supplementary service based on it.

33) The service-control system 4 removes the activation of the data of the user for positioning from the positioning system 5. It is possible to select the desired management channel. It is a good idea for the service-control system 4 to also inform the content producer's system 8 of the service order.

Figure 4 shows an operational diagram of one supplementary-service method of the PoC service according to the invention, for distributing messages coming to the service. The stages 41 - 45 are performed to distribute messages according to a supplementary service based on an ordered PoC service.

41) At least one message to be transmitted as a function of the PoC service is received from the content producer's system 8 by the reception system 7. In connection with the message transmission, it is possible to receive a definition of the target area of the message(s), with the aid of parameters, such as the centre point and a radius of a circle. The parameters can also tell whether the message is directed to those in the target area, those entering it, or those leaving it. The message is also received in the voice-synthesis system 6.

42) At least one message that is converted into speech in the voice-synthesis system 6 is received in the reception system 7 and is sent to the service-control system 4. Messages that are already voice-based are not converted. The message can also be text or multimedia, which comprises a video and sound.

43) The service-control unit 4 makes a positioning request concerning the users to the positioning system 5. The request is used to determine the users in the target area. A definition of the target area is received from the content producer 8 using additional parameters in connection with the message(s).

44) On the basis of the results of the above request, a distribution list is created and a PoC service functionality according to the message, together with the distribution list are given to be transmitted by the messaging system 2 to at least one customer terminal 1. The service management unit 4 can also produce charging data in connection with this. Figure 5 shows a method for managing a workgroup. This method according to the invention can be used for managing a group, such as a workgroup, as a supplementary service of the PoC service.

51) At least one message, which defines the user or users who has/have order the supplementary service, is received from the content producer's system 8.

52) At least one message transmitted as a function of the PoC service is received by the reception system 6 from the content producer's system 8. In connection with the message(s), the target area of the messages is defined with the aid of parameters, such as the centre point and radius of a circle. The parameters can also be used to state whether the message is directed to those entering the area, those in leaving it, or those in it. Possible character-based service messages are converted into speech using a speech-synthesizer.

53) The message is sent to the service-control system 4 for forwarding. Messages that are already voice-based are not converted. The message can be text or multimedia that comprises video and sound.

54) The service-control system 4 makes a positioning request concerning the users to the positioning system 5. The request is used to determine the users in the target area of the message. A definition of the target area with additional parameters is received in connection with the message from the content producer 8.

55) On the basis of the results of the above request, a distribution list is created and the message together with the distribution list is given to the messaging system 2 for transmission to at least one customer terminal 1. In this connection, the service- control system 4 can also produce charging data. Preferably a message that is targeted to an area is then sent from the content producer' s system 8 to the workgroup, as in the example according to Figure 4. The only difference is that the content producer's system 8 can define the users or customer terminals 1 that have ordered the service. The message is distributed as in the example according to Figure 4, but the messaging system 2 can send back information on the recipients of the message to the content producer's system 8. In response to this, the content producer can, for example, expand the target area if there are no recipient for the message. The content producer also receives information on who has received the message, for its own requirements. This solution is suitable, for example, for managing work in home-care organizations.

Figure 6 shows an operational diagram of one supplementary-service method according to the invention implemented with the aid of a positional PoC service based on the movements of a user or customer terminal 1. This service method can also act as a guide based on the location of the user, in which case the movement of the user is monitored in the positioning system 5 and the user or the group of users is/are given sound-based situation messages as a PoC-service functionality.

61) The guide can begin to operate when a message is received in the service-control system 4 from the positioning system 5 that the customer terminal 1 of the subscribed has arrived in the area, for which a guide service has been defined for the customer terminal 1 as a PoC service. The guide can alternatively begin to operate, when a service request concerning the PoC service is received in the service-control system 4 from the subscriber's customer terminal 1.

62) A service request concerning the PoC service is to the most appropriate service producer's system 8.

63) At least one message transmitted as a functionality of the PoC service and converted into speech if necessary in the speech-synthesizing system 6 is received in the reception system 7.

64) A message or messages converted into speech are sent to the service-control system 4. Messages that are already speech-based are not converted. The message can also be text or multimedia that comprises video and sound. 65) The message(s) together with distribution lists are given to the messaging system 2 for transmission as PoC service functionalities to at least one customer terminal 1. The service-control unit 4 can also produce charging data in connection with this.

This functionality permits implementation of the following kinds of voice messages to the customer terminal 1: 'you are at the junction of Mannerheimintie and South Esplanade. The Swedish Tlieatre is on the north side of the junction. Continue for 500 metres along Mannerheimintie, when... '. Another alternative is to implement location information, for example, concerning public transport, as follows: 'Bus 1001 on Mannerheimintie next to the National Museum. ' This information answers the user's question as to whether the bus has already passed a certain stop. A third alternative is to inform a workgroup of the arrival of a member or device in the target area, as follows: 'Concrete truck LBB-243 is at Tikkurila on Ring Road 3 and is proceeding west. It will arrive at the site in five minutes' time. ' The arrival of the user in the target area can then activate the functionality according to the operational diagram of Figure 3.

Figure 7 shows an operational diagram of one supplementary-service method according to the invention implemented with the aid of a positional PoC service based on the distances between users and/or customer terminals.

For example, when the subscriber's friends are expected or are observed as being at a specific distance, which can be defined by the subscriber, from the subscriber, generally from the subscriber's customer terminal 1:

71) A service order concerning the PoC service is received in the ordering system 3 form the customer terminal, for establishing its own distribution group for sending messages to a friend or a business partner.

72) Using the ordering system 3, the service-control system 4 is set to implement a service according to the service order. 73) Using the service-control system 4, the data of the distribution group are activated in the positioning system 5 for positioning. Information on the customer terminals of the distribution group that are nearby is returned from the positioning system 5 to the service-control system.

74) Information is retrieved from the ordering system 3 concerning the inter-member services ordered by the members of this distribution group.

75) Possible extra location data of the customer terminals 1 used in the inter-member services are retrieved from the positioning system 5.

76) The retrieved location data and possible messages to be transmitted are sent as a PoC-service functionality to at least one customer terminal 1 of the distribution group.

A service of this kind is suitable, for example, for young people, bob-fishers, and hunters. An interface can also be provided for the producer of the service, which produces the content for the service. It is possible for the charging model for the service to follow the charging models for existing SMS services.

Within the scope of the invention, embodiments of the invention, differing from those disclosed above, can also be envisaged. For example, the subscriber connects to the group they want, after which information transmission to them starts. There are many other possible applications. The service subscriber can send orders for a content service to the content producer's system 8 through the operator's system 2 - 7, when the content producer 8 is supplied with the location data of the subscriber's customer terminal 1 in the form of additional parameters. The content producer 8 can then react as desired to the movements of the subscriber to the service, i.e. usually of their customer terminal, and use the method according to the invention to provide the interactive use of a service defined by the content producer 8. The method according to the invention can be used to give the content producer means for implementing a positional PoC service or supplementary service for a customer, without having any opinion on the practical application of the end user of the service.

Claims

Claims:

1. Method for providing a PoC service, in which a recipient group, which comprises at least one customer terminal (1), is defined in the PoC service, characterized in that in the PoC service the location data of at least one customer terminal (1) belonging to the recipient group is investigated, and on the basis of the location data a PoC message, which has been offered to the PoC service for transmission, is either transmitted or not transmitted to the customer terminal (1) in question.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that

- a condition depending of the location data of the customer terminal is defined for the transmission of the PoC message,

- the location data of each customer terminal (1) belonging to the recipient group is investigated for the transmission of the PoC message and the location data is compared with the defined condition,

- a transmission group is formed for the PoC message, which is formed of those customer terminals (1) in the recipient group, which meet the defined condition, and

- the PoC message is sent to the transmission group.

3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

- a reception area is defined for the PoC message that is offered for transmission, and

- the PoC message is sent to a customer terminal (1) of the recipient group, if this is located in the defined reception area.

4. Method according to Claim 3, characterized in that

- in the PoC service, the location data of all the customer terminals (1) of the recipient group are retrieved, and

- on the basis of the location data, the customer terminals (1) of the recipient group, which are located in the reception area, are selected.

5. Method according to any of Claims 1 - 4, characterized in that conditions relating to location and PoC messages relating to the conditions are defined for the PoC and that in the method:

- the location of each customer terminal (1) of the recipient group is monitored, and

- when the condition relating to location is met, the PoC message relating to the condition is sent to a customer terminal (1) corresponding to the location.

6. Method according to any of Claims 1 - 5, characterized in that

- at least one target area is set (41) for the recipient group,

- a logical connection is set (41) between at least one target area of the recipient group and at least one PoC-service functionality,

- a customer terminal (1) belonging to the recipient group is detected (43) as having moved into the target area, away from the target area, or being located in the target area, and

- in response to the detection, at least one PoC-service functionality logically connected to the target area is performed (44).

7. Method according to Claim 6, characterized in that at least one PoC-service functionality comprises the transmission of a PoC message.

8. Method according to any of Claims 1 - 7, characterized in that

- a service order for subscribing to a PoC service is received (21) from a customer terminal (1), and

- in response to the order, the customer terminal is added to a recipient group of the PoC service and the positioning system (5) is set (23) to locate the customer terminal (1) according to the requirements of the PoC service.

9. Method according to any of Claims 1 - 8, characterized in that

- at least one character-based service message is received (41), and

- the character-based service message is converted (42) to form a PoC message containing information in the form of sound, which is transmitted to the recipient group.

10. Method according to any of Claims 1 - 9, characterized in that the PoC service is a service used to manage a workgroup and that in the method:

- at lest one definition message, which defines the users who have ordered the service, is received (51) from the content producer (8),

- an area-targeted message for the workgroup is received (52) from the content producer, and

- the area-targeted message is transmitted (53 - 55), according to the regional targeting received, to the users defined in the definition message.

11. Method according to any of Claims 1 - 10, characterized in that the location data of the customer terminal (1) is sent (62) to the content producer.

12. Method according to Claim 11, characterized in that the PoC service is a service, such as a guide service, reacting to the movements of the customer terminal (1), in which PoC messages according to the location are transmitted (61 - 65) to the customer terminal (1).

13. Method according to any of Claims 1 - 12, characterized in that the recipient group is formed of only one customer terminal (1).

14. Method according to any of Claims 1 - 13, characterized in that the PoC service comprises a voice-control functionality, with the aid of which the PoC service can be controlled from the customer terminal (1) with the aid of speech commands.