WO2000073947A1

WO2000073947A1 - System and method for distributing information to subscribers and arrangement for reminder information distribution

Info

Publication number: WO2000073947A1
Application number: PCT/EP1999/003820
Authority: WO
Inventors: Theo Quirijnen
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson
Priority date: 1999-05-31
Filing date: 1999-05-31
Publication date: 2000-12-07
Also published as: AU4373199A

Abstract

The invention relates to a new type of solution for distributing information to subscribers, and more particularly, to a new type of arrangement for reminder information distribution. A system according to the invention comprises a system server that is connected to Internet (11) and to a GSM network (1), means for checking messages (29) to check the identity of a subscriber, means for generating messages (30) according to a profile previously specified by the user, and means for distributing the information to the customer (31). The solution according to the invention can be used as a service solution in telecommunications networks.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING INFORMATION TO SUBSCRIBERS AND ARRANGEMENT FOR REMINDER INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION

This invention relates to the provision of supplementary telecommunication services, and more particularly, to a new type of solution for distributing information to subscribers. The invention also relates to a new type of arrangement for reminder information distribution. The solution according to the invention can be used as a service solution m telecommunication networks.

In a modern world people are communicating with each other more often and this trend is steadily increasing. The ways of communicating have also changed. For instance, the use of SMS-messages (SMS, Short Message Service) has increased rapidly. The demand for new types of communication services and applications is clearly visible.

People nowadays have busier schedules and the communication with each other is done more rapidly and in an altogether more efficient manner. All m all people like to stay m touch with each other more than before and they are used to communicating with different devices.

On the other hand people like to be and also expect to be remembered when they have birthdays or anniversaries etc . There are services like text message services or flower delivery services that one can use to brighten up the lives of friends, relatives and others. The pressure for oneself on remembering and acting on time is constantly increasing .

There are all kinds of calendar devices that can help in not forgetting important dates one should remember. For instance, the electronic personal assistant devices can assist m remembering the important dates but they do not support the communication m any way. On the other hand people like to use devices like mobile phones and computers that they are familiar with and also that are linked to the world around them.

There are devices such as mobile phones and services like

Teletext messaging that help m communicating but do not provide the valuable assistance needed for remembering the important dates. Personal computers can also provide assistance in remembering the important dates.

Unfortunately the computer device is so large that it is not able to be carried by the user nor does it support the communicating m for example establishing phone calls.

The drawback of prior art is that it does not provide the user the necessary support needed m remembering the important dates and m communicating the user's greetings to the persons close to the user.

The aim of this invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art solutions and to provide a new type of solution for distributing information to subscribers and also a new type of arrangement for reminder information distribution.

According to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for distributing information to subscribers having a system server that is connected to Internet and to a GSM network which is characterized by that the system also comprises means for checking messages to check the identity of a subscriber, means for generating messages according to a profile previously specified by the user, and means for distributing the information to the customer having a selection of different means for sending messages. There is also provided a method for distributing information to subscribers, which is characterized by that the method comprises the steps of subscribing to the service by the user, identifying the user by the system, receiving the password by the system, logging in to the service provider's homepage by the user, filling up the subscriber profile by the user, and receiving notifications by the user according to the subscriber profile. Furthermore, there is provided an arrangement for reminder information distribution comprising a system server that is connected to Internet and to a GSM network, which is characterized by that the arrangement also comprises means for checking messages to check the identity of a subscriber, means for generating reminders according to a profile previously specified by the user, and means for distributing the reminder information to the customer having a selection of different means for sending messages.

A more complete understanding of the system and method of the present invention may be obtained by the preferred embodiments that follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is an illustrative diagram showing the general architecture of the network arrangement according to the present invention,

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the network arrangement according to the present invention, Figure 3 is a flowchart diagram of a method for distributing information to subscribers according to the present invention,

Figure 4 is an illustrative diagram showing an arrangement for reminder information distribution according to the present invention.

Figure 1 is an illustrative diagram showing the general architecture of the network arrangement according to the present invention. The network arrangement comprises a GSM network 1, a Public Switched Telecommunications Network (PSTN) 7, Internet 11, server arrangement 17, user's mobile phone 18 and user's personal computer 19. In the network arrangement the GSM network 1 has a number of Mobile Switching Centers (MSC) 2, a Short Message

Service Center (SMS-C) 3, a number of Base Station

Controllers (BSC) 4, and Base Stations (BS) 5 and GSM mobile phones 18. Short Message Service Center (SMS-C) 3 functions as a part of the operator's network used for SMS notification.

GSM network 1 is also connected to the Public Switched Telecommunications Network (PSTN) 7 via switch arrangement 6. PSTN network 7 has several switches, which are marked with reference numbers 8, 9 and 10. Public Switched Telecommunications Network 7 can be used to send voice messages to those who don't own a mobile phone 18.

PSTN network 7 and GSM network 1 are both connected to Internet 11. Internet has several routing devices, which are marked with reference numbers 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16. Internet can be accessed, by example, via cable television network connection 20. The server arrangement 17 contains all subscriber specific information and is connected to the GSM network 1 and the Short Message Service Center (SMS-C) 3.

When a customer is a GSM subscriber 18 to the service arrangement provided by the solution according to the invention, he/she first has to retrieve a password over the GSM network 1. The password can be sent as an SMS- message from the server connected to both the GSM network 1 and the Internet 11. The subscriber can use a personal computer 19 to access the Internet 11, either via local exchange 10 and PSTN network 7 or cable television network connection 20.

In an Internet session the subscriber can fill in, and later modify, his/hers service profile stored in the server 17 database. In this service profile the subscriber will specify the conditions, in which the server 17 connected to the Internet 11 and the GSM network 1 is to send notifications towards the mobile phone 18 of the subscriber or messages to anybody with a mobile phone or fixed phone.

The system for distributing information to subscribers according to the present invention comprises: a system server 17 that is connected to Internet 11 and to a GSM network 1, - means for checking messages to check the identity of a subscriber, means for generating messages according to a profile previously specified by the user, and means for distributing SMS-messages to the customer, - means for sending voice messages, which means will handle the communication with the user, and means for handling messages, which means will read out new password requests and status changes for registration purposes .

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the system for distributing information to subscribers according to the present invention. The system for distributing information to subscribers according to the present invention comprises: - a communication database 21, which stores all events and requests for passwords together with their status of distribution, a message database 22, which contains the prepared message e.g. SMS, Voice messages, E-mail, Fax or, Telex messages, that are to be distributed to the different media, an SMS message database 23, which contains all prepared SMS messages that have to be distributed to the requested addresses, - a voice message database 24, which contains the prepared voice messages that have to be distributed, the status of the voice messages, and requests for passwords from customers to use the service together with the CLI , a subscribers database 25, which contains the subscribers information e.g. CLI, GSM-number, account number and, when assigned, a password for the use of the service, - a system info database 26, which contains all system parameters for tuning the system, a template database 27, which contains all templates which can be used to generate messages for different media in different languages, - a password handler 28, which handles the requests for new passwords, a message checker 29, which checks the identity of a subscriber logging in via the Internet interface and the incoming events given by the customer, - a message generator 30, which selects a new password distribution request or an event from the Communication database 21, creates a new message for distribution by one of the selected media, and stores the prepared message in the Message database 22 for further distribution, - a message sender 31, which selects the available messages from the Message database 22 and distributes the different messages types to the different distribution media, an SMS sender 32, which distributes SMS-messages to the customer and also notifies the subscriber on certain events and informs the subscriber's relations. a Voice Response Unit (VRU) sender/receiver 33, which handles inbound calls as well as outbound calls, that are handled according to the information stored in the voice message database 24, and from which application the customer can request to be connected to a member of the call centre 34. a message status handler 35, which reads out new password requests and status changes in the media databases for registration purposes to keep the Communication database 21 up to date, a supervisor interface 36, which is used to maintain and monitor the service and as an interface for accessing all databases and processes, and a internet interface 37, which is used by the subscriber to maintain his events of notification and messages for distribution.

The Subscribers database 25 is the output of the Password handler 28 and the Message checker 29 for checking, assigning and changing password information.

The System Info database 26 is the input for the Message Generator 30 for assigning system parameters before sending a message. Likewise, the Template database 27 is the input for the Message Generator 30 for creating messages out of the variable input information combined with the template information. Entries in the System Info database 26 or in the Template database 27 can be added, deleted and adjusted using the Supervisor interface 36.

The customer can, for example, call the Voice Response Unit 33 with his mobile phone and request to subscribe to the service. In case of a new request for a password, the Password handler 28 reads the request from the Communication database 21 and checks the CLI of the customer. The Message Status Handler reads the request from the VRU database and stores the request in the Communication database. The Password 28 handler reads the request from the Communication database 21, and checks the Subscribers database 25 for previous subscriptions for this CLI i.e. checks whether the password already exists. In case the password is not found, the Password handler 28 generates a unique password in combination with the CLI and stores the password in the Subscribers database 25 as well as in the Communication database 21 for distribution. By writing the results in the Communication database 21, the process for registration and password generation is finished. In case the customer logs into the service, the Message checker 29 checks his password with the Subscribers database 25 and based on the identification returns all previous entered events from the Communication database 21 to the Internet interface . After the customer has configured his events in the profile, the Message checker 29 checks the incoming events for accuracy and overwrites the events previously stored with the new events profile. In case some events are incorrect, nothing is stored and the customer will be helped to correct the incorrect events .

The Message generator 30 is the application to translate the information from the Communication database 21 into the Message database 22. The Message generator 30 is a process that will run on the Administration server. The Message generator 30 is a continuous process that will request the Communication database 21 for the next event for a new password distribution request or by the internal calendar and clock when events are timed-out for distribution. The Message Generator 30 selects this event from the Communication database 21 and creates a message based on the event information and the related template information for the correct distribution medium. For example when preparing an SMS message, the Message Generator 30 reads the password message from the Communication database 21 and creates an SMS message based on the password message and the SMS-password template stored in the template database. The Message Generator 30 stores the result in the Message database 22.

The Message sender 31 is a separate process and works in parallel to the Message generator 30. In this way new media can easily be added, without changing the complete system. The Message sender 31 is the application to distribute the information from the Message database 22 to the SMS message database 23 or Voice Message database 24. The Message sender 31 is a process that will run on the

Administration server. The Message sender 31 is a permanent process that will read the Message database 22 on information to pass through. The application will read and remove the next message from the Message database 22 based on the First In, First Out (FIFO) principle and placed in the right media Message database 23, 24.

The SMS sender application 32 can be realised as a process that runs on the Media server. The SMS sender 32 is the application which distributes the information from the SMS Message database 23 to the customer. The SMS sender 32 is a permanent process that will read the SMS Message database 23 on information to pass through. The application will read and remove the next message from the SMS Message database 23 based on the First In, First Out (FIFO) principle.

The Voice Response unit (VRU) Message sender 33 is an application that will communicate with the customer. The

VRU Message sender 33 can be used for the following tasks: registering of a new subscriber, the VRU can be called and a request can be issued directly; requesting to send the password again, in case the password can not be remembered; connecting to the call-centre to learn more about the service or requests or help about the service; and distributing messages to the relations of the subscriber and to register their response.

The VRU Message sender 33 is a process that runs on the Media server. The VRU 33 is located on the Media server. The VRU Message sender 33 is programmed to handle the incoming and outgoing messages and the connection to the right customer. The VRU Message sender 33 will handle the outbound calls according to the information stored in the Voice Message database 24. The VRU 33 will retrieve the necessary information from the Voice Message database 24 prepared by the Message sender 31 such as telephone number and prepared message. With this information the VRU 33 will build up the voice response string provided to the customer and try to connect the customer by dialling the telephone number.

At connection the customer will be informed about the message and will be asked for a response. If there is no connection with the customer this information will be stored in the database 24 and the VRU 33 will try again later. The response on the call will be stored in the Voice Message database 24. The customer can request to be connected to a member of the call centre 34.

The Message status handler 35 is a permanent process that will read the SMS message database 23, Voice Message database 24 and System Info database 26 on information to pass through to communication database 21.

From the Supervisor interface 36, it is possible to do the following System management functions: starting up and shutting down the complete system, pausing and stopping the complete system, starting and ending separate processes of the system, - pausing and stopping separate processes of the system, monitoring the processes of the system, creating management overview/reports, maintaining of databases, adding/removing subscribers, - adding/removing templates,

The Internet interface 37 gives the subscriber the possibility to maintain his events of notification and messages for distribution. The Internet interface 37 can only be used after a password has been assigned to the customer. The Internet interface 37 forms the interface between the customer and the new service offered by the service provider. It will consist of a start-up Internet page with a description of the service, how to subscribe and the possibility to login via a password. On request of the subscriber, the password can be changed.

All information entered by the subscriber via the Internet Interface 37 goes via the Message checker 29, which forms the barrier for the customer to work directly on the databases. Furthermore, the exchanged information is protected by HTTPS-protocol (HTTPS, Secured Hypertext Transfer Protocol) .

Figure 3 is a flowchart diagram of a method for distributing information to subscribers according to the present invention. First the user will subscribe to the service 38, for example, by dialing a specific number of the service provider with his mobile phone. The service provider will identify the user 39, for example, by using subscriber's Call Line Identification (CLI) . The service provider will then provide the user with a password 40. This can be done for example by sending the user a SMS- message with a password 40.

After the user has received his password 40, the user may then access the Internet page of the service provider and log in 41 with his GSM number and his password. The user may access the service provider's Internet page by, for example, modem, ISDN connection (ISDN, Integrated Services Digital Network) or cable television network connection 20. When logged in to the service provider's Internet page, the user may enter the notification information to his user specific subscriber profile 42.

The information distribution system will then send notifications to the user. The user will receive the notifications 43 according to his wishes filled in the subscriber profile 42. At some point of time the user may change the subscriber profile 44. The user will then start to receive the notifications 43 according to his amended subscriber profile 44. The notification service will run until it is finally unsubscribed by the user 45.

Figure 4 is an illustrative diagram showing the arrangement for reminder information distribution according to the present invention. The reminder information distribution arrangement according to the invention comprises a system server 17 that is connected to Internet 11 and to a GSM network 1. The reminder information distribution arrangement also comprises means for checking messages according to a profile previously specified by the user, means for generating messages, and means for distributing the information to the customer having a selection of different means for sending messages.

The arrangement according to the invention relates to not forgetting to communicate with the relations one knows. The GSM network can help the consumer not to forget birthdays, wedding anniversary, father's day, mother's day, season's greetings etc. by using state of the art technology like SMS and Voice response unit.

When a customer is a GSM subscriber 18 to the service arrangement according to the invention, he/she will first make a phone call © to the system server 17. The system server 17 will then send © a password over the GSM network 1 as an SMS-message. Next the user may use his personal computer 19 and access ® the service provider's Internet page via PSTN network 7. When logged in to the service provider's Internet page, the user may enter the reminder information to his user specific subscriber profile. To his subscriber profile, the subscriber can enter events like secretary's day, father's- and mother's day, and select how the notification should be performed. The subscriber can select to receive the notifications as, for example, SMS-messages, phone calls or e-mails. The subscriber will then receive the notifications according to his wishes filled in the subscriber profile ®.

Besides notifying oneself ® on remembering certain events, the notification and messaging service can also be used for sending a message to the relation herself © © or to whom © © the notifications are to be sent to. These messages can be, for example, SMS-messages via GSM network 1 to a mobile phone 46 © or, phone calls with a birthday song via PSTN network 7 to a conventional phone 47 ©.

The reminder information distribution arrangement also provides the possibility to send gifts like flowers to these persons. These gifts will be charged via the phone bill or by credit card. The arrangement can be used for sending seasons greetings (Christmas, New Year, etc.). All sorts of other reminders like doctor's or dentist appointments can also be added to the subscriber profile. Furthermore, one can select the day he wishes to be notified on, whether it be the day in question itself, or some days in advance to in order enable one to buy and send a present in time. The user can also use a mobile phone as an Internet terminal .

The reminder information distribution arrangement according to the invention helps the subscriber not to forget birthdays, wedding anniversary, father's day, mother's day, season's greetings etc. The service provided by the arrangement is original, cheaper than a postcard and has a high-tech image. It doesn't require the receiver to own a mobile phone. He or she can also be called by the service on a normal phone.

The new service platform is very flexible and can easily be extended in the future with additional distribution media and the introduction of new services.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for distributing information to subscribers comprising a system server (17) that is connected to Internet (11) and to a GSM network (1) , characterized m that the system also comprises means for checking messages (29) to check the identity of a subscriber, means for generating messages (30) according to a profile previously specified by the user, and means for distributing the information to the customer (31) having a selection of different means (32), (33) for sending messages .

which checks the identity of a subscriber logging m via the Internet interface and the incoming events given by the customer

2. An information distribution system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the system enables a GSM subscriber 18 subscribing to the information distribution system to retrieve a password over the GSM network 1 as an SMS -message from the server (17) .

3. An information distribution system according to Claim 2, characterized in that the system identifies the user by using subscriber's Call Line Identification.

4. An information distribution system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the system enables a subscriber to access the Internet page of the service provider and enter the notification information to his user specific subscriber profile.

5. An information distribution system according to Claim 1, characterized m that the system comprises a means for distributing SMS-messages (32) to the customer.

6. An information distribution system according to Claim 1, characterized m that the system comprises a means for sending voice messages (33) , which means will handle the communication with the user.

7. An information distribution system according to Claim 1, characterized m that the system comprises a means for handling messages (35) , which means will read out new password requests and status changes for registration purposes .

8. An information distribution system according to Claim 1, characterized m that the system comprises - a communication database (21) , which stores all events and requests for passwords together with their status of distribution, a message database (22) , which contains the prepared message e.g. SMS, Voice messages, E-mail, Fax or, Telex messages, that are to be distributed to the different media, an SMS message database (23), which contains all prepared SMS messages that have to be distributed to the requested addresses, - a voice message database (24), which contains the prepared voice messages that have to be distributed, the status of the voice messages, and requests for passwords from customers to use the service together with the CLI, a subscribers database (25) , which contains the subscribers information e.g. CLI, GSM-number, account number and, when assigned, a password for the use of the service, a system info database (26) , which contains all system parameters for tuning the system, - a template database (27) , which contains all templates which can be used to generate messages for different media in different languages, a password handler (28) , which handles the requests for new passwords, a message checker (29) , which checks the identity of a subscriber logging in via the Internet interface and the incoming events given by the customer, a message generator (30), which selects a new password distribution request or an event from the Communication database (21) , creates a new message for distribution by one of the selected media, and stores the prepared message in the Message database (22) for further distribution, a message sender (31), which selects the available messages from the Message database (22) and distributes the different messages types to the different distribution media, - an SMS sender (32), which distributes SMS-messages to the customer and also notifies the subscriber on certain events and informs the subscriber's relations. a Voice Response Unit (VRU) sender/receiver (33) , which handles inbound calls as well as outbound calls, that are handled according to the information stored in the voice message database (24) , and from which application the customer can request to be connected to a member of the call centre (34) . a message status handler (35) , which reads out new password requests and status changes in the media databases for registration purposes to keep the Communication database (21) up to date, a supervisor interface (36), which is used to maintain and monitor the service and as an interface for accessing all databases and processes, and a internet interface (37) , which is used by the subscriber to maintain his events of notification and messages for distribution.

9. A method for distributing information to subscribers, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of subscribing to the service (38) by the user, identifying the user (39) by the system, receiving the password (40) by the system, logging in to the service provider's homepage (41) by the user, - filling up the subscriber profile (42) by the user, and receiving notifications (43) by the user according to the subscriber profile (42) .

10. An information distribution method according to

Claim 9, characterized in that the method comprises a step of changing the subscriber profile (44) by the user.

11. An information distribution method according to Claim 9, characterized in that the method comprises a step of unsubscribing (45) by the user.

12. An arrangement for reminder information distribution comprising a system server (17) that is connected to Internet (11) and to a GSM network (1) , characterized in that the arrangement also comprises means for checking messages (29) to check the identity of a subscriber, means for generating reminders (30) according to a profile previously specified by the user, and means for distributing the reminder information to the customer (31) having a selection of different means (32) , (33), (46), (47) for sending messages.

13. A reminder information distribution arrangement according to Claim 12, characterized in that the arrangement is configured so that the user (18) can subscribe to the service via the GSM network by making a phone call (©) to the system server (17) , which server (17) will send (©) a password to the user over the GSM network (1) as an SMS-message.

14. A reminder information distribution arrangement according to Claim 12, characterized m that the arrangement is configured so that the user (19) can access (®) the service provider's Internet page and enter the reminder information to his user specific subscriber profile .

15. A reminder information distribution arrangement according to Claim 12, characterized m that the arrangement is configured so that the user (19) can select how the notifications are performed.

16. A reminder information distribution arrangement according to Claim 12, characterized m that the arrangement is configured so that the user (19) can select to whom (©) , (©) the notifications are sent to.

17. A reminder information distribution arrangement according to Claim 12, characterized in that the arrangement is configured so that the user (19) can select the day he wishes to be notified.

18. A reminder information distribution arrangement according to Claim 12, characterized m that the arrangement is configured so that the user (19) can select to send gifts to the recipients.

19. A reminder information distribution arrangement according to Claim 12, characterized in that the gifts will be charged via the phone bill.

20. A reminder information distribution arrangement according to Claim 12, characterized m that the gifts will be charged by credit card.

21. A reminder information distribution arrangement according to Claim 12, characterized in that the user uses a mobile phone as a internet terminal .