WO2007007330A2

WO2007007330A2 - System and method for scheduling and receiving reminder messages

Info

Publication number: WO2007007330A2
Application number: PCT/IL2006/000802
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yossi Glazer; Shlomo Katz; Raphael Nassi; Ben Zion Treger
Original assignee: Yossi Glazer; Shlomo Katz; Raphael Nassi; Ben Zion Treger
Priority date: 2005-07-11
Filing date: 2006-07-11
Publication date: 2007-01-18
Also published as: WO2007007330A3

Abstract

A method of recording scheduling and delivering reminder messages, including, calling a server using a telephone, identifying the caller by the server, providing the server with a voice reminder message over the telephone, scheduling a delivery time for the reminder message, selecting a media type by which the messages is to be delivered, defining a recipient for the reminder message, wherein the server delivers the reminder message at the scheduled time over the selected media type to the defined recipient.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SCHEDULING AND RECEIVING

REMINDER MESSAGES

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60/697,637 filed July 11, 2005 and U.S. provisional application No. 60/774, 145 filed February 17, 2006, the disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system and method for providing reminder voice messages and scheduling a time for their reception in various forms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During day to day activity many people become aware of activities that will require their attention at a later time, for example as the result from scheduling an appointment with somebody or dealing with a matter which they were prevented from dealing with at the moment they became aware of it. Many people scribble down notes on scraps of paper or carry small notepads or diaries to record provisional activities. Some people use electronic diaries to keep track of activities. Typically an electronic diary can allow printing out a daily schedule and/or providing an alert when the time for a specific activity draws near.

Generally, these methods leave the responsibility of keeping track of an activity in the hands of the user, either by remembering to look at the recorded activity on time or by carrying around the dedicated electronic device. Additionally, these methods limit the reminder to the person himself.

U.S. patent application publication No. 2005/0169443 to Rosenthal published on Aug. 4, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The application describes a system for computer based calendar controlled message creation and delivery. The user logs in to a computer application and types in a message. The computer generates an audio message from the message typed in by the user and allows scheduling of the message to be delivered at a later time via various devices.

U.S. patent application publication No. 2001/0029175 to Sellen et al. published on Oct. 11, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The application describes a system generating and logging reminders whilst mobile. The user records messages, which are recorded as an audio file and emailed to an email box for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of an embodiment of the invention relates to a system and method for recording, scheduling and delivering reminder messages to a user and/or to the user's associates. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a user places a call to a server. The user provides a voice reminder message, a scheduled date and time for delivery of the message, identification of the recipients of the message and a media type by which the message will be delivered. Optionally, some of the parameters (e.g. delivery time, recipient, media type) are pre-configured by the user with default values and are not provided each time the user calls in to provide a reminder message.

In some embodiments of the invention, at the scheduled time the server contacts the selected recipient/s using the selected media type and delivers the message in a format appropriate to the selected media type. In some embodiments of the invention, the reminder message is delivered to the user or to a single recipient. Alternatively, the reminder message is delivered to multiple users. In some embodiments of the invention, the message is delivered verbatim as an audio recording of the user's voice. Alternatively, the audio recording may be processed and or converted to a text file representing the content of the audio file. Optionally, the reminder message may be delivered as an audio file or a text file depending on the media type used to deliver the message.

In some embodiments of the invention, the reminder message is delivered by calling the user's telephone or mobile phone and playing the reminder message to the user at the designated time. In some embodiments of the invention, the reminder message is delivered as a text file with the content of the reminder message, for example using SMS, fax or email. In some embodiments of the invention the reminder message is delivered as an audio file (e.g. in wav or mp3 format) for example using MMS or email. In some embodiments of the invention, more than one delivery method is used for example the reminder message is delivered by email as a text file and as an audio file.

In some embodiments of the invention, more than one media type is used simultaneously to deliver the reminder message, for example sending an SMS and calling the user's mobile telephone.

In some embodiments of the invention, cellular 3 G capabilities are used to deliver the reminder message, for example a recording of the message may be accompanied by the visual display of a calendar, which illustrates the message in text form positioned at its appropriate time slot in the calendar. There is thus provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of recording scheduling and delivering reminder messages, comprising, calling a server using a telephone, identifying the caller by the server, providing the server with a voice reminder message over the telephone, scheduling a delivery time for the reminder message, selecting a media type by which the messages is to be delivered, defining a recipient for the reminder message, wherein the server delivers the reminder message at the scheduled time over the selected media type to the defined recipient. Optionally, the telephone is a mobile telephone. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the server identifies the caller by automatic number identification. Optionally, the server identifies the caller by the caller's voice. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the server requires the caller to provide a password. Optionally, the scheduling is provided by accepting voice commands from the user.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a pre-defined scheduling rule is provided to the server; and the pre-defined scheduling rule is implemented unless it is overridden by the caller. Optionally, a media type for delivering the reminder message is pre-selected; and the reminder message is delivered using the pre-selected media type unless overridden by the caller. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the defined recipient is the caller. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a pre-defined recipient is defined for the server; and the pre-defined recipient receives the reminder message unless overridden by the caller. Optionally, the recipient is selected from a pre-defined phone book on the server associated with the caller. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the recipient is a group of people listed in a pre-defined phone book on the server associated with the caller. Optionally, the selecting is provided by accepting voice commands from the user. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the defining is provided by accepting voice commands from the user. Optionally, the voice reminder message is converted to text before delivery to the recipient.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the reminder message is delivered in text format to the recipient. Optionally, the reminder message is delivered in voice format and in text format to the recipient. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the caller is required to register with the server before being able to provide a reminder message to the server. Optionally, the caller provides the server with a voice sample when registering with the server. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the reminder message is delivered by one of the following media types: SMS, MMS, email, fax or telephone. Optionally, the reminder message is delivered by more than one of the following media types: SMS, MMS, email, fax or telephone. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the delivered reminder message updates a computerized calendar. Optionally, the server provides a web site to control pending reminder messages.

There is thus additionally provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a system for recording scheduling and delivering reminder messages, comprising, a server that is adapted to, receive a telephone call from a caller, identifying the caller, accept a voice reminder message over the telephone, schedule a delivery time for the reminder message, select a media type by which the reminder message is to be delivered, define a recipient for the reminder message, and wherein the server delivers the reminder message at the scheduled time over the selected media type to the defined recipient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and better appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. Identical structures, elements or parts, which appear in more than one figure, are generally labeled with the same or similar number in all the figures in which they appear, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of implementation of a reminder scheduling system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a flow diagram of the process of initiating a reminder, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 3 is a flow diagram of the process of delivering a reminder, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a reminder scheduling system 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, system 100 accepts voice calls, text messages and/or video messages from users via a telecommunication device 110 over a communication network 120 (e.g. a PSTN) to one or more computerized telephone servers 130. Optionally, telecommunication device 110 may be a wired telephone or a mobile telephone to provide the user with the flexibility of scheduling reminder messages from their home/work environment and while on the move. Thus a user can schedule messages at the time they think of them or when the need occurs.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, computerized telephone server 130 records the message provided by a user. Optionally, computerized telephone servers 130 queries the user for further details (e.g. delivery date and time, delivery method) and converts the message to text format if required (e.g. using a speech recognition or speech to text application). Optionally, computerized telephone server 130 allow input of details by providing the user with a list of options and having the user select an option or numeric value representing an option by pressing keys from the keypad of telecommunication device 110. Alternatively or additionally, computerized telephone server 130 analyzes the voice of the user to extract the details provided as response to the questions asked.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an application server 140 is provided to store the received information and act on the information, for example a user may call in and record a message, provide a time for delivery of the message and a media to be used to deliver the message (e.g. SMS, MMS, email, telephone, fax). Optionally, application server 140 will store the message in a local database and at the selected time deliver the message with the selected media type using a communication service provider 150 (e.g. a mobile telephone service provider) as required for the selected type of media. Optionally, application server 140 is protected by a firewall 145 to prevent unlawful access to application server 140.

In some embodiments of the invention, application server 140 provides access from remote computer stations, for example by providing a web site, which can be accessed over the Internet. Optionally, remote access to application server 140 is used to allow users to sign up to receive the reminder service provided by system 100 and/or to configure user specific details, such as to provide a personal phone book of users with names, codes, telephone numbers, emails and other related details. Optionally, the user will be able to have messages scheduled for delivery to himself/herself or to other users listed in the phonebook. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the user can define distribution groups, which will allow the user to specify a single name or code and have the reminder message delivered to the members of the group.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, application server 140 may also provide billing information and off line reporting regarding the use of system 100.

In some embodiments of the invention, computerized telephone server 130 and application server 140 are separate units. Alternatively, a single computer may provide the application of both types of servers. INITIATING A REMINDER MESSAGE

Fig. 2 is a flow diagram 200 of the process of initiating a reminder, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a user places (210) a telephone call to system 100 to record a message. In some embodiments of the invention, computerized telephone server 130 will identify the caller (220) by the telephone number used to call in with (e.g. using an automatic number identification system (ANI)). Alternatively or additionally, the user will be requested to key in his/her telephone number or user ID or to announce it by voice. In some embodiments of the invention, the user is requested to provide a password to authenticate (230) the user. Optionally, the password can be entered by pressing a key sequence on telecommunication device 110. Alternatively, a voice recognition system, which identifies the words spoken by the user can be used, or a speaker verification system, which identifies the user's voice. Optionally, once the user is authenticated the user will be requested to provide a message for providing at the scheduled time. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the message is recorded (240) in the local database of application server 140. Alternatively or additionally, the message may be analyzed and converted to text format using a voice to text application, for use in some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, the user may replay the message he/she provided and confirm it before it is processed by system 100.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, computerized telephone server 130, will query the user to provide a date and/or time (250) in which to deliver the message. As described above the information may be entered by speech recognition methods or by keying the information in. In some embodiments of the invention, the user may configure the system to have a default date and time if none is provided, for example a pre-selected number of hours after recording the message or at the same time the following day.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, computerized telephone server 130, will query the user to provide a media type by which the message will be delivered (260). Optionally, the message may be delivered as a text conversion of the recorded message or as a recorded message or both depending on the media used to deliver the message. One method is by sending an SMS message to the user (e.g. in text format). A second method is to send an MMS message to the user (e.g. as an audio file). A third method is by sending the message in text format to a pre-selected fax number provided by the user. A fourth method is to call the user's mobile telephone or conventional home/office telephone and relay the recorded message. Optionally, during configuration of the system the number of attempts to contact the user are selected and the time interval between each attempt if the calls are not answered or are answered by an answering machine instead of the user. A fifth method is to provide the message as an email to a preselected email address defined by the user. In some embodiments of the invention, the email address provided by the user is associated with an organizational mail server (e.g. Exchange from Microsoft) or a personal mail client application (e.g. Outlook from Microsoft). Optionally, reminder messages may be provided as an appointment email to the exchange server or MS outlook application, the user can then view the reminder messages, in text format, as appointments on the user's calendar in the application. In some embodiments of the invention, the appointment email will be provided with an attachment with an audio file containing the recorded message, so that the user can hear the original message. In some embodiments of the invention, the email is sent directly to the user's task list. In some embodiments of the invention, more than one method for message delivery may be selected.

In some embodiments of the invention, the user, is requested to provide (270) the name or code of the recipient. Optionally, the user will provide the name or code of a recipient from the recipients that the user has provided in the phone book on application server 140. In some embodiments of the invention, the recipient name or code may represent a group of users. In some embodiments of the invention, the user speaks the name or code of the recipient or keys in the name or code of the recipient for computerized telephone server 130 to identify the recipients. In some embodiments of the invention, the reminder message is delivered to the user in addition to the selected recipients.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, computerized telephone server 130 sends a conformation message (e.g. by SMS or email) to the user to confirm reception of the reminder message. Optionally, the message includes the time and date it is planned to be delivered and optionally, the names of the recipients. In some embodiments of the invention, the confirmation message provides a reminder serial number by which the reminder can be identified.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, cancellation of a reminder message can be performed by logging in to the web site controlled by application server 140. Optionally, a user can view pending reminders that were initiated by him/her and selectively delete messages. In some embodiments of the invention, computerized telephone server 130 is programmed to accept a special verbal command or code to delete reminder messages, after identifying and authenticating the user. Optionally, the user can delete all reminder messages or specify the serial number of a specific reminder message to delete. REMINDER MESSAGE DELIVERY

Fig. 3 is a flow diagram 300 of the process of delivering a reminder, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, application server 140 keeps track of the time and the scheduled reminder messages. Optionally, when the time to deliver a reminder message arrives (310) application server 140 determines the type of media (e.g. SMS, MMS, email, telephone, or fax), by which the message is to be delivered (320). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the media type determines if the delivery will be basically in audio form or in text form, for example an SMS reminder is delivered in text form and a telephonic reminder is delivered in audio form. An email reminder is basically considered to be in text form however an audio file with a recording of the message can be attached to the email in addition to the text or in place of the text.

In the case of a media that delivers the reminder message in text form, application server 140 converts (330) the speech to text. In some embodiments of the invention, computerized telephone server 130 converts the speech to text when it is received and application server 140 stores it in its database and extracts it for delivery. Application server 140 then sends (340) a reminder message to the recipient or recipients optionally, stating that it is a reminder message and providing in text form the message previously spoken by the user. In some embodiments of the invention, application server 140 may offer to reschedule (350) the message. Optionally, the user is required to send a reply to the message (e.g. by email) or return a different message (e.g. by SMS) that identifies the message (e.g. by serial number) and specifies a new delivery date and time. In some embodiments of the invention, the originally specified date and time may indicate multiple delivery times or a continuous delivery time (e.g. every week on Tuesday at 15:00). In some embodiments of the invention, a single transmission is sufficient to provide a reminder message to the recipient, however some media types, for example a fax machine may require application server 140 to perform multiple attempts to send the reminder message (e.g. if the receivers fax is busy).

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a media that delivers the reminder message in voice form is selected. Optionally, application server 140 or computerized telephone server 130 contacts (360) the user by telephone (e.g. mobile telephone) according to the number provided by the user when registering for the service provided by system 100. Optionally, application server 140 will notify the user that a reminder message is being delivered and the recorded message is played back (370) for the user or for the selected recipients. In some embodiments of the invention, the user is asked if he/she wishes to reschedule (380) the reminder message to be delivered again at a later time. If so the user is required to state a new date and time or key in such an answer. In some embodiments of the invention, the user is asked if he/she wishes to forward (390) the message to additional recipients, if yes the user provides the name of an additional recipient or group of recipients from those registered in the user's phone book on application server 140.

In some embodiments of the invention, when delivering a reminder message in audio form application server 140 may process the audio signal to distort the voice to prevent recognition, to make the voice mimic the voice of a known celebrity (e.g. the president of the United States) or by adding background sounds to liven up the message.

In some embodiments of the invention, the reminder message is delivered by more than one media type, for example by contacting the user on a mobile telephone and by sending an SMS or email to the user. EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATION In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, system 100 is used to provide a customer relationship management (CRM) platform for interacting with a CRM system. Optionally, corporate personnel, for example field agents, salespersons and technicians, can dial system 100 and leave reminder messages, for themselves and other members of the corporation. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a user can dial system 100 and leave a reminder message to set a meeting at a designated time with a group of people from the corporation. Optionally, when providing the message the user will state the purpose of the meeting, identify the group which should be notified, specify the time of the meeting and elect delivery of the message by email to the outlook/CRM calendars of the members of the group.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the message will be converted to text using voice to text technology. It should be noted that a high level of accuracy of voice to text conversion can be achieved for system 100 by requiring each registered user to provide voice samples. In some embodiments of the invention, registration is performed by accessing the web site of system 100 and providing voice samples over the Internet. Alternatively or additionally, registration is performed by calling system 100 and providing voice samples and other details in response to queries by system 100. Optionally, registration may require a combination of processes, for example filing in details at the web site and calling system 100 to leave voice samples.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when the user contacts system 100 to leave a message the user is identified by the system and the user's voice samples are used to convert his voice to text. Optionally, the group of users for delivering the reminder message is predefined in the user's phone book on system 100. Optionally, the user will select immediate delivery by email to the calendars of the group with the selected time and date being used to place a tentative meeting designation in the calendars of the members of the group.

In some embodiments of the invention, the CRM system can use system 100 to automatically provide reminder messages to employees based on the contents of their calendar, for example every morning the CRM system can provide system 100 with reminders of the tasks listed for each employee during the day. Optionally, each employee will receive a task reminder to his telephone at a pre-selected time before each task listed in their calendar.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a manager of a corporation can use system 100 to assign tasks to employees in their absence. Optionally, employees can review their assignments, for example by reading SMS messages or checking their email or listening to a telephone answering service. In some embodiments of the invention, the assignments can be provided for immediate reading and to automatically provide a reminder when the due date is near. WEB SITE MANAGEMENT

As mentioned above system 100 optionally includes a web site to provide access to the features of the system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the web site provides:

1. Registration for use of the system - when registering a user is provided with a name and password to access the web site. Additionally, the user provides identification information such as telephone numbers, email addresses, samples of the user's voice and other details.

2. Message control - to allow the users to view pending reminder messages, to update time schedules and delete reminder messages.

3. Configuration control - to set default values (e.g. the default delivery media type, default recipient, default delivery schedule time). Additionally, the user can build a telephone book with the details of potential recipients and define groups.

4. Message retrieval - the user can retrieve pending messages in various formats (e.g. audio, text, graphical (e.g. display a calendar)).

It should be appreciated that the above described, methods and apparatus may be varied in many ways, including omitting or adding steps, changing the order of steps and the type of devices used. It should be appreciated that different features may be combined in different ways. In particular, not all the features shown above in a particular embodiment are necessary in every embodiment of the invention. Further combinations of the above features are also considered to be within the scope of some embodiments of the invention.

Section headings are provided for assistance in navigation and should not be considered as necessarily limiting the contents of the section.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims, which follow.

Claims

1. A method of recording scheduling and delivering reminder messages, comprising: calling a server using a telephone; identifying the caller by the server; providing the server with a voice reminder message over the telephone; scheduling a delivery time for the reminder message; selecting a media type by which the reminder message is to be delivered; defining a recipient for the reminder message; and wherein said server delivers the reminder message at the scheduled time over the selected media type to the defined recipient.

2. A method according to claim I₅ wherein said telephone is a mobile telephone.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said server identifies the caller by automatic number identification.

4. A method according to claim I₅ wherein said server identifies the caller by the caller's voice.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said server requires the caller to provide a password.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said scheduling is provided by accepting voice commands from the user.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein a pre-defined scheduling rule is provided to the server; and wherein said pre-defined scheduling rule is implemented unless it is overridden by the caller.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein a media type for delivering the reminder message is pre-selected; and wherein the reminder message is delivered using the pre-selected media type unless overridden by the caller.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein said defined recipient is the caller.

10. A method according to claim 1, wherein a pre-defined recipient is defined for the server; and wherein said pre-defined recipient receives the reminder message unless overridden by the caller.

11. A method according to claim 1, wherein said recipient is selected from a predefined phone book on the server, associated with the caller.

12. A method according to claim 1, wherein said recipient is a group of people listed in a pre-defined phone book on the server, associated with the caller.

13. A method according to claim 1, wherein said selecting is provided by accepting voice commands from the user.

14. A method according to claim 1, wherein said defining is provided by accepting voice commands from the user.

15. A method according to claim I₅ wherein said voice reminder message is converted to text before delivery to the recipient.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein said reminder message is delivered in text format to said recipient.

17. A method according to claim 15, wherein said reminder message is delivered in voice format and in text format to said recipient.

18. A method according to claim I₅ wherein said caller is required to register with the server before being able to provide a reminder message to the server.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein said caller provides said server with a voice sample when registering with said server.

20. A method according to claim I₅ wherein said reminder message is delivered by one of the following media types: SMS, MMS, email, fax or telephone.

21. A method according to claim I₅ wherein said reminder message is delivered by more than one of the following media types: SMS, MMS, email, fax or telephone.

22. A method according to claim I₅ wherein said delivered reminder message updates a computerized calendar.

23. A method according to claim I₅ wherein said server provides a web site to control pending reminder messages.

24. A system for recording scheduling and delivering reminder messages, comprising: a server that is adapted to: receive a telephone call from a caller; identifying the caller; accept a voice reminder message over the telephone; schedule a delivery time for the reminder message; select a media type by which the reminder message is to be delivered; define a recipient for the reminder message; and wherein said server delivers the reminder message at the scheduled time over the selected media type to the defined recipient.