IES990691A2 - Telephone chat service systems - Google Patents

Abstract

An integrated chat service system provides at least two of virtual chat, voicemail dating, and live chat services. Links are provided between the services so that callers can transfer between those services without having to return to a common initial service choice point. In preferred embodiments, each of the services can be accessed by a caller by connecting to a common telephone number. The system typically includes a respective caller unit (10A,10B,...) for each caller active on the system. Each caller unit may be a virtual caller unit created when a caller registers with the system and which is deleted when a caller de-registers with the system, the virtual caller unit being in a semi-dormant state when the caller is not connected to the system. <Figure 1>

Description

Telephone Chat Service Systems The present invention relates to telephone chat service systems.

The basic telephone service provides each subscriber with the ability to call any other known subscriber (known in the sense that the caller knows the telephone number of the subscriber they wish to call). More recently, however, with the advent of electronic telephone systems, such systems can provide chat services.

There are three main forms of chat service (in the sense'used here). The caller generally navigates around the systems by being presented, at various stages, with ’menus (recorded system messages of the general form Dial 1 for option 1, Dial 2 for option 2, etc.) and dialling the appropriate number. :i5 (t) fn f \ b Zi O fl 2 g xb gb hr SO ω One form of chat service is virtual chat, where a subscriber calls the chat service |nd can then post (i.e. record) messages to other subscribers who are also on-line (o the same service and receive similarly posted messages from them. The messages can be on any subject.

J i A second form of chat service is voicemail dating, which is similar to virtual chat jut is directed primarily at dating, i.e. establishing contacts between subscribers 'hich may then be pursued outside the telephone system. The voicemail dating stem offers a range of categories: Men looking for women, Women looking for men, and nowadays usually various further categories as well. A caller records their own details and interests for the appropriate category or categories (e.g. Men looking for women if the caller is a heterosexual man), and/or listens to recorded messages in the appropriate categories (in this case, Women looking for men).

The recorded messages may be vetted by the chat service operator before being accepted. The caller may then listen to previously recorded messages from others, and choose to follow up other callers whose messages are of interest, e.g. by telephoning them direct.

The third form of chat service is live chat. This service, like voicemail dating, generally has a number of categories, e.g. heterosexual men and women, those interested in football, etc., and a caller selects a category of interest. Each IE99O691 category acts as a conference call, with all those who have selected it speaking to and hearing everyone else who has selected that category.

The live chat service as just outlined is a full duplex (or in fact multiplex) system, in which messages from both (or all) parties can be sent at the same time. In some countries and telephone systems, the normal or full live chat system presents technical and/or regulatory difficulties. In such systems, a half duplex system may be used. The simplest form of half duplex system is with two parties; either one can send a message, but both cannot send messages simultaneously. To change the direction of sending, one party (usually the party currently sending) sends a signal to the system to change the message direction (and usually indicates the change-over to the other party by saying Over at the same time). The receiving party is effectively put on mute.

An operator (service provider) may provide a single one of these services. How'ever, they are likely to want to offer two or all three services. This can obviously be done by providing three separate services. However, it is desirable to combine the three services as a single general chat service offering virtual chat, dating, and live chat. This can be done by providing callers with an initial menu requesting the selection of whichever specific service (virtual chat, voicemail dating, or live chat) the caller requires.

If a caller selects one specific service and wishes to use another service, the caller may simply hang up and redial, or alternatively, the menu choices within the first service may allow a caller to return to the initial or main menu by an appropriate key selection.

Ihe main object of this invention is to provide an improved chat system.

According to the invention there is provided an integrated chat service system providing at least two of virtual chat, voicemail dating, and live chat services, in which links are provided between the services so that callers can transfer between those services without having to return, to a common initial service choice point.

IE990691 The preferred form of the invention provides an integrated virtual chat, voicemail dating, and full and half duplex live chat in a single telephone service. This allows users to transfer between the different services at will, as opposed to the simple service choice technique mentioned above, where, once within the chosen service, there is no interaction with the other services.

An integrated chat system embodying the invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional virtual chat system; Fig. 2 is a flow diagram of the virtual chat system of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a conventional voicemail dating system; Figs. 4 A to 4C are flow diagrams of the voicemail dating system of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a conventional live chat system; Fig. 6 is a flow diagram of the live chat system of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a block diagram of the present integrated chat system; and Figs. 8 A and 8B are flow diagrams of the integrated chat system of Fig. 7.

It will be understood that all the systems described herein are simplified and may in practice be expanded and modified.

Virtual chat system Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a possible logical organisation of a conventional virtual chat system. There is a set of caller units 10A, 1 OB,..., one for each caller. Each caller unit comprises a caller control sequence unit 11, a general message storage unit 12, and a set of specific message storage units 13. The general message storage unit 12 is coupled to all the other caller units, .and all the other caller units are coupled to the set of specific message storage units 13. There is also a system message storage unit 14.

The various caller units 10A, 10B,... can conveniently be implemented by a general system control unit (not shown), which can also conveniently define the various message storage units in a general system memory (not shown).

IE990691 There may be a fixed number of caller units matching the number of incoming telephone lines. The general system control unit will then assign each new caller to the next free caller unit for the duration of the call.

Alternatively the general system control unit may generate a new virtual caller unit; each time a new caller is registered by the system, a new virtual caller unit is generated. When a caller ends a call, their caller unit will then remain in existence, though in a semi-dormant state; it will be erased only when the caller terminates their contract with the system. The caller will be assigned an ID number so that they will be reconnected with their caller unit when they call again.

The operation of this system is summarised by the flow diagram of Fig. 2.

The system starts when a caller dials the telephone number of the system (block 20); this number is normally published and widely available. The system answers the call automatically with a pre-recorded greeting (block 21). This is followed by another recording (block 22) which prompts the caller to record an introductory recording, usually a little information about themselves such as their name and interests, followed by a tone normally played to the caller. The caller then records their introductory recording about themselves (block 23). The system places the caller's introductory recording into the introductory or general message storage unit 12 of the caller unit.

The introductory messages in the general message storage units of all the callers who are currently connected to the system form a public queue. The caller is now placed in a loop, listening to each caller's introductory recording, except their own, in sequence until they come around to the first caller again; the loop will then be repeated.

More specifically, from block 23, the system steps on to the first item in the queue (block 24), and then plays that item (block 25). The caller is then prompted with the system message: Dial 1 to listen to this message again, Dial 2 to send a message to this person, or IE990691 Dial 3 to hear the next caller on line.

Dialling 1 returns the system to block 25; dialling 3 returns the system to block 24. (The system can be arranged to return to block 24,25, or 26 as desired if a sufficient time elapses without any response from the caller, or if the caller dials a key greater than 3.) If the caller dials 2, they will be promptedhy a system message recording (block 27) to record a specific message for the; current person (i.e. the caller whose general message they have just heard). They do this following a tone. The system places this specific recording into a free unit in the specific message storage units 13 of the current person (box 28). This message will be played to current person at the first available opportunity, as discussed below.

While the caller is in the loop listening to the introductory recordings of other callers and possibly sending messages to other callers, they too are being listened to and possibly replied to by other callers.

If a person has recorded a specific message for the caller, the system will notify the caller by a pre-recorded prompt, which can conveniently be provided just after the introductory recording and before the menu which normally follows. The specific message will then be played to the caller, followed by a menu offering them the opportunity to record a detailed message by way of reply, for example: Dial 1 to listen to that message again, Dial 2 to record a reply to that message, or Dial 3 to ignore this and listen to the other callers on-line.

If the caller dials 1, the specific message is played to them again; if they dial 2, they record a reply as above; if they dial 3 they will resume their position in the loop listening to the current person they had reached when the message interrupted them.

The flow for this involves a block 29, coming after block 23, which diverts the flow to block 30 if there is a specific message waiting. In block 30, the specific IE990691 β message is played. Block 31 is the choice block where the caller is offered the options of having the message replayed (cycle back to block 25), recording a specific message in reply (output to block 27), or ignoring the specific message and continuing to listen to the sequence of general messages (outlet to block 29).

There are many Virtual Chat systems with the same general structure, and there are many possible variations of prompts, menu structures, and flow sequences. In practice, the flow structure will generally be more elaborate than that described above. For example, as noted above, the log-in procedure will normally be more elaborate, with the caller's identity being checked; therewill be provisions for deletion of messages, at the caller's option and/or when they become too old; and there will be one or more option points allowing the caller to terminate the session.

Voicemail dating system Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a possible logical organisation of a conventional virtual chat system. There is a set of caller units 40A, 40B,..., one for each caller. Each caller unit comprises a caller control sequence unit 41, a general message storage unit 42, a set of specific message storage units 43, and a category unit 45. The general message storage unit 42 and each of the specific message storage units 43 has a category section, 42A and 43A respectively. The general message storage unit 42 is coupled to all the other caller units, and all the other caller units are coupled to the set of specific message storage units 43. There is also a system message storage unit 44.

As before, the various caller units can conveniently be implemented by a general system control unit (not shown), and remain in existence as long as a caller is registered with the system.

The system is an automated dating service using voicemail as the central means of communication.. There is a considerable variety in the exact structure of voicemail dating services, but they generally provide callers with the. following four facilities at their core: IE990691 A facility to listen to a selection of Personal Recordings (general messages) made by people interested in receiving replies to their recording from interested parties. These selections are usually grouped by category - Men looking for women, Women looking for men, etc.

A facility to record a private voicemail reply (a specific message) to one or more Personal Recordings by way of reply.

A facility to make a personal recording and to obtain a voicemail box with which to receive specific message replies. This pefsonal recording will then be vetted and go on-line with the personal recordings of other subscribers.

A facility to check the voicemail box for replies (specific messages).

Some systems will provide separate telephone numbers for some or all of these facilities. Others will have a one-stop shop set-up where callers call a single telephone number and have a four-option menu. Others again will have a mix of perhaps two numbers, each with sub-menus.

The operation of this system is summarised by the flow diagrams of Figs. 4A to 4C. This operation uses three telephone numbers, one for the first two facilities, one for the third, and one for the fourth.

A typical process for a person selecting the first two facilities (Fig. 4A) is as follows. The caller dials the advertised number and is answered by an automated greeting (blocks 50 and 51). The caller is then presented with a pre-recorded menu (block 52) to allow them to select the category they are interested in, for example: Dial 1 to listen to a selection of Women looking for Men, or Dial 2 to listen to a selection of Men looking for Women.

It is usual nowadays to have further categories. The caller selects the relevant category they are is interested in by dialling 1 or 2; this category is stored in the category unit 45.

IE990691 The personal recordings in the general message storage units of all the callers who are currently supported by the system form a public queue. Each personal recording is also tagged with its category (in section 42A). The caller is now be placed in a loop, listening to each caller's personal recording in the selected category (except their own, if it is in the selected category) in sequence until they come around to the first caller again; the loop will then be repeated.

More specifically, from block 52, the system steps on to the first item in the queue (block 53), checks the category of that item (block 54), 'and-if it is in the selected category, plays that item (block 55). The caller is then prompted with the system message: Dial 1 to listen to that person again, Dial 2 to record a private reply for that person, or Dial 3 to move on to the next person.

Dialling 1 returns the system to block 55; dialling 3 returns the system to block 53. (The system can be arranged to return to block 53, 55, or 56 as desired if a sufficient time elapses without any response from the caller, or if the caller dials a key greater than 3.) If the caller dials 2, they will be prompted by a recording (block 57) to record a specific message for the current person (i.e. the caller whose general message they have just heard). They do this following a tone. The system places this specific recording into a free unit in the specific message storage units 43 of the current person (box 58). This message will be played to current person at the first available opportunity, as discussed below.

The recording procedure can conveniently present the caller with the following menu options after the recording has been made: Dial 1 to listen to your reply; Dial 2 to re-record it; or Dial 3 to send it.

IE99O691 Option 1 will replay their own recording to them for verification, option 2 will erase it and re-prompt themfo record again, and option 3 will send the message to the current person's voicemail box. (For simplicity, the recording procedure is shown as a single block, block 57, rather than showing these options in full detail.) Once the recording of the specific message has been made, the process returns to block 53, for the selection and playing of the next personal recording to the caller.

The third facility which a caller can select is the facilitylo make a personal recording and to obtain a voicemail box with which to receive specific message replies. A typical process for a caller selecting this facility (Fig. 4B) is as follows. The caller typically calls an advertised number (block 65), which is answered by an automated dating system with a pre-recorded greeting (block 66). The automated system will next (block 67) prompt the caller to record a detailed message about themselves and the type of person they are looking for. Typically this will be followed by a tone after which the caller will record their message.

It is then usual for the caller to be given a number of options (block 68) by way a pre-recorded menu which is played to them, for example: Dial 1 to listen to your recording; Dial 2 to re-record it; or Dial 3 if you are happy with it.

If the caller dials 1, then their recording will be played back to them (block 70) in order to review it. They will then be dropped back into the menu at block 69. If the caller dials 2, they will revert back up to block 67 and re-record their message (block 68). The system will then drop them back to the menu at block 69, where they can review their new message or re-record it again if they are not happy with it.

If the caller dials 3, then their recording will be stored and the system will move on to the next stage of setting them up on the service. This involves automatically issuing them with a voicemail box. The system will automatically generate a IE990691 ίο voicemail box number and security PIN number for them (block 71) and repeat it to them (block 72), for example: Your Voicemail box number is XXXX and your PIN number is YYYY.

Dial 1 to repeat this, or Dial 2 if you have it written down.

This automatically leads to the option choice block 73. If the caller dials 1, the Voicemail box details will be repeated to them. If the caller dials 2, the system will tell them that (subject to approval) their message will go on line and they can check their voicemail box for replies by dialling the reply line and entering the relevant voicemail box details.

What actually happens next is that the recording goes into a queue (not shown) of other recordings awaiting approval. At some stage, staff in the agency listen to each recording (staff check unit 46, Fig. 2) and check that it is acceptable. All those that are approved are then placed on-line.

The last facility which a caller can select is the facility to check their voicemail box for replies (specific messages). A typical process for a caller selecting this facility (Fig. 4C) is as follows. The caller dials the relevant access number (block 75) and is answered by a pre-recorded greeting (block 76). The caller is then requested (block 77) to dial their Voicemail box number. The caller is then prompted to dial their security PIN number (block 78). The voicemail box details are then validated by the system (block 79) against a database (not shown) to make sure that they are correct. If the details are correct, the specific messages to the caller are played to them (block 80) in sequence until the last message.

More specifically, the first message in the caller's specific message unit is played (block 80), and the caller is then given a menu (block 81) as follows: Dial 1 to repeat that message; Dial 2 to erase the message; or Dial 3 to move on.

IE990691 If they dial 1, the message is repeated. If they dial 3 they move on the next message (block 80, via block 83). If they dial 2, the message is erased from their voicemail box (block 82), and they again then move on to the next message. Block 84, after block 83, checks whether there are any more messages, and if all messages have been dealt with, the process terminates.

In practice, when the caller has listened to all messages, they are normally given the option to listen to them again. (Some smarter systems may not offer this if there are no more messages in the voicemail box.) It will of course be realised that this flow diagram is considerably simplified, and various individual blocks are likely in practice be expanded to offer various options such as confirmations, message repeats, etc.

Obviously these flow sequences of Figs. 4A to 4C can be combined into a single system with a common telephone number, by providing an initial decision block in which the caller makes a choice between the facilities to listen to a selection of personal recordings and record a private voicemail replies to chosen personal recordings, the facility to make a personal recording and to obtain a voicemail box, and the facility to check the voicemail box for replies (specific messages).

There are many voicemail dating systems with the same general structure, and there are many possible variations of prompts, menu structures, and flow sequences. In practice, the flow structure will generally be more elaborate than that described above. For example, as noted above, the log-in procedure will normally be more elaborate, with the caller's identity being checked; there will be provisions for deletion of messages, at the caller's option and/or when they become too old; and there will be one or more option points allowing the caller to terminate the session.

Live chat system The second type common type of chat line or party line is Live Chat as opposed to Virtual Chat. Virtual chat involves recording a message in its entirety, which is then played after the fact to the intended person; it is not real-time. Live chat IE990691 systems involve people talking either 1-to-l or in grouped conference scenarios to each other in real time. This is usually achieved using off the shelf telecommunications switching equipment with standard conferencing facilities.

Some Live Chat systems have an interactive capability where callers are presented with a number of chat rooms, each one representing a common taste category, for example heterosexual men and women. The caller can move between chat rooms (conferences) freely by using their telephone keypad. Once in a chat room, the caller can hear every body else in the room and everybody else can hear them.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a possible logical organisation of a conventional live chat system. There is a set of caller units 90A, 90B,..., one for each caller, each comprising a caller control sequence unit 91. There is also a system message storage unit 94, and a set of chat room cross-connection units 97, one for each chat room.

As before, the various caller units can conveniently be implemented by a general system control unit (not shown), and remain in existence as long as a caller is registered with the system.

The operation of this system is summarised by the flow diagram of Fig. 6.

The system starts when a caller dials the number of the system (block 100). The system answers the call automatically with a pre-recorded greeting (block 101). This is followed by another recording (block 102) which prompts the caller to select a chat room, typically with a menu which lists the various chat rooms available. The caller then selects a chat room (block 103), and the system then connects the caller to that chat room (block 104).

As before, this flow diagram is simplified; for example, callers may be required to identify themselves, and means will normally be provided to enable callers to effect a formal termination of calls.

IE990691 The present system The present system is a full integration of virtual chat, voicemail dating and live chat. The integration is a true integration as opposed to a semi-integration, which would be for example a set-up whereby a simple up-front menu allows callers to chose the service they require. The present system combines all of the above services in an integrated environment, in which visibility of callers across the services is provided and they can transfer from one service to another without disappearing from the first service.

This allows a caller who is in any area of the voicemail dating section to still appear on-line in the virtual chat service and thereby to receive a virtual chat message whilst for example listening to the messages in their voicemail box. Conversely, a caller in virtual chat who has a public message in the voicemail dating section can be notified if someone leaves a voicemail response for them. Additionally a caller in virtual chat can send a special request message to any other caller asking them if they would like to go 1 -to-1 with them in a live chat scenario. The caller then continues browsing the system in any area they like. Should their request be accepted, they will be immediately transported from wherever they were in the system into a 1-to-l conference with the person they sent the request to. Furthermore, while any caller is in a live chat with another caller, people can still send virtual chat messages to them which will queue up for them until they exit live chat and listen to them. Live chat callers can also receive voicemail messages during live chat and will be notified of them when they exit live chat.

The present system can be implemented by combining the systems shown in Figs. 1,3, and 5. The combined system will have a common set of caller units performing the functions of all three services (virtual chat, voicemail, and live chat) and a single system message unit performing the system message functions for all three services; the staff check and chat room cross-connection units are as before. Each caller control unit will have a combined single caller control sequence unit for all three functions; the various message storage units will be substantially as before.

IE990691 It is preferred, however, to implement the system in a slightly modified manner, as shown in Fig. 7. There is a fixed number of caller units 110A, 11 OB, etc., matching the number of telephone lines into the system (as there can never be more active callers than there are lines). Each caller unit has a respective caller control sequence unit 111, which controls and performs the combined functions of all three services (the operation of the system is described in more detail later), and also has a line number identifier 115. Each caller unit also has a general message storage unit 112, a set of ten specific message storage units 113, a room number unit 116, and a voicemail box number unit 117.

In addition, the system also includes a voicemail box database of voicemail boxes 120, and a message database of message record units 125. Each voicemail box includes a box number unit 126, a PIN number unit 122, and a message count unit 123; each message record unit includes a box number unit 126, a message number unit 127, and a message store 128.

Each voicemail box is identified by its voicemail box number, in unit 126. Each subscriber to the system has their own voicemail box, and the PIN number unit contains the subscriber's PIN number. When a subscriber calls the system, they are initially assigned a free caller unit 110. The caller then enters their voicemail box number and their pin number, which are passed into a voicemail box number unit 117 and a PIN number unit 118 in the caller unit 110. The system looks up the subscriber's voicemail box 120 using the voicemail box number in unit 117, and compares the PIN number entered by the subscriber in unit 118 with the stored PIN number in unit 122. A match confirms the credentials of the subscriber.

For virtual chat, the caller enters their message in unit 112, and this is played to other current callers in virtual chat. Those other callers can record return messages, which are stored in the units 113, and the caller can listen to those messages. This is as described above for the Virtual Chat system (Fig. l).

For voicemail, as for virtual chat, there are two types of message; personal recordings and specific messages. In the Fig. 3 system, the personal recordings are held in the sending caller units, and the specific recordings in the receiving IE990691 caller units. In the present apparatus, however, the messages are not held in the caller units, but in the message database 125.

It is convenient to consider the specific messages first When a caller records a specific message, this is in response to a personal recording, which was made by someone who is identified by their box number (the voicemail box number). The caller records the specific message, and directs it to the relevant box number. The message and the box number are entered in the message unit 128 and the box number unit 126 of a free message record unit 125.

The system now examines the box for that box number. The box contains a message count unit 123, which contains the number of messages for that box. The system increments the count in unit 123 by 1, and inserts the new count in the message number unit 127 in the message record unit 125.

When the caller with that box next calls and enters the voicemail option, the system will inform them of the number of messages waiting. It will then scan through the message database for messages for that caller, i.e. box, and play those messages as required by the caller. When the caller decides that a message can be deleted, the system deletes that message, decrements the number in the count unit 123 in the box by 1, and scans through the message records 125 for messages for that box and decrements by 1 any message numbers (in unit 127) which are greater than the message number of the deleted message.

We turn now to personal recordings. A number of boxes are reserved for this purpose, say box numbers 1 to 4, one for each category (and so, unlike most boxes, cannot be assigned to callers). The system presents a caller who selects the voicemail service with the option to record their personal recording, as described above. The system actually places the personal recording in the message record database, like the specific messages, but with the box number for the category chosen by the caller. The message number unit 127 and the message count unit 123 can be maintained as for specific messages, though this is not essential for personal recordings. When a caller selects the voicemail service and the option to listen to personal recordings, the system actually plays them the messages in the message recording database for the box number corresponding to the selected IE990691 category. With each message, the system has stored the box number of the caller who placed the recording, and as each message is played by the system, the box number is presented to the listener with each message.

Each message record database will have a limit on the number of messages which can be stored, as each new message is recorded, the oldest message is deleted from the system. Thus, for example with a message record database having a limit of sixty messages, each time a new message is recorded it will be assigned position no. 1 and the remaining messages will have their positions incremented by one. When a particular message reaches position no. 60 and a new message is recorded, the message formerly in position 60 is deleted from the system.

We haven't explained how a personal recording can be deleted (presumably under the control of the caller who generated it). For this, it seems that the messages should have the source box (caller) as well as the destination box stored with them. The same applies to specific messages; the caller receiving them needs to be able to identify who sent them. (In that case, the sender can record their box number as a part of the message, but it may be preferable for the system to announce the box number instead as some callers may forget to include them).

The staff check unit 46 may be included as before, to allow the system operator to monitor personal recordings before they are made available to other calls.

Considering the various messages or recordings more generally, functionally, messages belong to callers - an outgoing message belongs to the caller who generated it, and an incoming message belongs to the caller to whom it is directed. Structurally, the system can keep messages separate from callers, in one or more message databases, with suitable pointers or identifiers. There will normally be only a few7 outgoing messages from a caller, so it may be convenient for each caller to have their own outgoing message storage means, for at least some types of message. The number of incoming messages can vary much more widely, so a common database for such messages will often be more convenient. But other organisations are possible; for example, there can be a single fairly simple message pool, with each caller having a box with pointers to the various messages, both outgoing and response.

IE990691 For live chat, the system contains a set of a system cross-connection units 97 as before. Each caller unit may also include a chat room number unit 116 to store the number of the selected chat room.

Entering the Integrated Services Environment A caller dials the published number of the integrated service (block 130) and is answered by a pre-recorded greeting (block 131). The caller is then given an introductory recording and tone (block 132). This prompts'them to record an introductory message (block 133), usually a little information about themselves and their interests.

Next the caller is told (block 134) that their message will be played to all other callers on-line. This actually includes callers in the voicemail dating section. Next the caller will be told how many people are in the system as a whole (block 135).

The caller is now given an opportunity to listen to all persons on the system. The system will announce the line number of each introductory recording (block 136) and then play the introductory recording left by that person (block 137). Introductory recordings are played in order of ascending line number. The use of line number is important as it allows the caller to interact directly with the person on any given line number without having to loop through all introductory recordings to get to the one they desire.

More specifically, the caller is given the following menu options (block 137) following each introductory recording: Dial 1 to repeat this message, Dial 2 to reply, Dial 3 to move on, or Dial 9 to go to the main menu.

IE990691 If the caller dials I, the current introductory recording is repeated, followed again by the menu. If the caller dials 2, they are prompted (block 138) to record a message (block 139) which is then effectively forwarded to the person who made the current introductory recording. If the caller dials 3, the system.moves on via block 140 to the next introductory recording; if there are no more, it goes to the main menu. If the caller dials 9, the system skips through all introductory recordings and goes straight to the main menu.

The main menu is an integrated main menu which repeats indefinitely until the caller selects an option or an event occurs which interrupts the menu. The exact options on the menu can change and its precise structure is not critical to the system. The most typical menu is as follows: Dial 1 to send a message, Dial 2 to request a 1-to-l chat, Dial 3 for dating and voicemail, or Dial 4 to listen to introductory recordings.

Option 1 allows the caller to send a virtual chat message to another caller by line number. In a traditional system they would have to wait until the caller came around in the loop of introductory recordings. Option 2 allows the caller to send a 1-to-l live chat request to any caller by line number, as described later. Option 3 gives the caller access to the main dating menus. Option 4 will cycle back to the introductory recordings (block 136) as above.

At this point the caller is now in the integrated services environment. The operation of this is best described by means of specific examples (Fig. 8B).

Combined voicemail dating and virtual chat Consider a caller who has-dialled. into the integrated environment and arrivecLat the main menu (block 145). The caller selects option 3 from the main menu by dialling 3. They will now enter the main voicemail and dating menu (block 146). However, they are still visible to other callers who listen to the list of introductory recordings of persons currently on-line. The pre-recorded dating and IE990691 voicemail menu will be played to the caller until they select an option or are interrupted by an event.

The menu essentially provides the four main facilities of a standard voicemail dating service, though the exact wording is not critical. An example is: Dial 1 to listen a selection of personal messages, Dial 2 to place a personal message on-line, or Dial 3 to check for replies in your voicemail box.

Option 1 allows callers to listen and reply to any personal message they like. Suppose that while they are listening to the menu, another caller on-line listens to their introductory recording and sends a detailed virtual chat message to them.

The menu will be interrupted and a pre-recorded message will be played to the caller as follows (block 147): You have just received a message from the caller on line number X, where X is the originating line number. Now the system will play the message to the caller as normal in virtual chat. The caller will then have the option of replying as usual.

This process of being able to receive a virtual chat message and to respond as normal can happen at any point within the Voicemail Dating area.

The operation is similar for a caller in the main voicemail dating procedures (main menu selection 3, and block 149) if a virtual chat request is made by another caller.

Combined voicemail dating and live chat Consider a caller who has dialled into the integrated environment and arrived at the main menu. The caller selects option 3 from the main menu by dialling 3. They will now enter the main voicemail and dating menu (block 149), but they are still visible to other callers who listen to the list of introductory recordings of IE990691 callers currently on-line. The pre-recorded dating and voicemail menu will be played to the caller until they select an option or are interrupted by an event as described above.

Suppose that while they are listening to the menu, another caller on-line listens to their introductory recording and sends a live chat request to them. The menu will be interrupted and a pre-recorded message will be played to the caller (block 147) as follows: You have just received a 1 -to-1 chat request from'thexaller on line number X, where X is the originating line number. Now the system will play the request message (block 147) to the caller.

The caller will then have the option of replying as usual, by selecting from the following menu (also in block 147): Dial 1 to accept this 1 -to-1 chat request, or Dial 2 to ignore it.

If the caller dials 1, then they will immediately be connected in conference with the caller who sent the chat request. The live chat will continue until either party dials 9 to terminate the conference. Once terminated, both callers will be returned to the same place they left off in the system.

This process of being able to receive a live chat request and to accept it as normal can happen at any point within the voicemail dating area.

Combined virtual chat and live chat Consider a caller who has dialled into the integrated environment and arrived at the main menu. The caller selects option 4 from the main menu by dialling 4.

The system (block 150) plays the introductory recording of the first person on line to the caller, followed by the standard virtual chat menu: IE990691 Dial 1 to listen to this message again, Dial 2 to send a message to this person, or Dial 3 to hear the next caller on line.

Suppose that while the caller is listening to this, another caller records a live 1-ιοί chat request for the caller. The menu will be interrupted by the interrupt procedure (block 147). A pre-recorded message will be played to the caller as follows: You have just received a 1-to-l chat request from the caller on line number X”, where X is the originating line number. Now the system will play the request message to the caller. The caller will then have the option of replying as usual. The caller can the select from the following menu.

Dial 1 to accept this 1-to-l chat request, or Dial 2 to ignore it.

If the caller dials 1 then they will immediately be connected in conference with the caller who sent the chat request. The live chat will continue until either party dials 9 to terminate the conference. Once terminated, both callers will be returned to the same place where they left off in the system.

This process of being able to receive a live chat request and to accept it as normal can happen at any point within the virtual chat area.

Block 147 is implemented by a non-inline code unit called a signal handler. This is a function or subroutine which is completely unlinked to the main code, and is not called anywhere in the main code. (It is therefore shown in Fig. 8 linked to the main code blocks by broken lines). It is enabled when the caller is deemed to have joined the system, i.e. after they have first arrived at the main menu (block 145).

IE990691 An application is running for every caller, i.e. every active telephone line. The way one application tells another that it wants to go, say, 1 -to-1 is by sending a signal to the other application. A function call is made which simply associates the signal handler function with a particular event, which in this case is the arrival of an operating system level signal sent from another application. This tells the program to jump to the signal handler when the event occurs.

The signal handler includes the call flow associated with the 1-to-l chat conference. This loops indefinitely while waiting for one of the callers to terminate by dialling the relevant button (e.g. 9). Once that happens, the system returns to the main body in-line logic execution at the main menu (block 145).

Interrupts occurring during an interrupt, while the system is in block 147, are simply ignored.

Claims (1)

1. Claims Any novel and inventive feature or combination of features specifically disclosed 2 0 herein within the meaning of Article 4H of the International Convention (Paris Convention).