System for sending text messages converted into speech through an internet connection to a telephone and method for running it

• US 20050117564A1
• Filed: 10/21/2002
• Published: 06/02/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Braintexter Incorporated
• Inventors: Vieri, Riccardo, Tomasso, Cristiano, Vieri, Flavio
• Granted Patent: US 7,310,329 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/352
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 13/00 Speech synthesis; Text to speech systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/565 Conversion or adaptation of application format or content adding application control or application functional data H04L67/561
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/00 Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers subscriber services or facilities provided at exchanges H04M3/00; prepayment telephone coin boxes H04M17/00; current supply arrangements H04M19/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2201/60 Medium conversion
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/2016 Call initiation by network rather than by subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/5322 for recording text messages
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/0024 Services and arrangements where telephone services are combined with data services arrangements which combine a telephonic equipment and a computer H04M7/0012
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/0048 where the text-based messaging service is a Short Message Service
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/128 Details of addressing, directories or routing tables
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/1295 Details of dual tone multiple frequency signalling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/14 Short messaging services, e.g. short message services [SMS] or unstructured supplementary service data [USSD]

Abstract

This invention consists of a system permitting to send text messages by Internet and let them arrive in the form of speech directly on the addressee'"'"'s phone. This system works by means of a central server, where at least one software is installed, which receives the written message, converts it into speech and processes it, so that it can be sent in vocal form on a telephone line. The user receiving the message can also answer it, sending another message to the sender, always using the telephone.

Claims

1. ) System for sending text messages converted into speech on a telephone by a data input device, connected with a server, consisting of a hardware showing a table where users can write one or more text message and/or order the transmission of a pre-recorded message, indicate the telephone number(s) of the addressee or a database where addressees'"'"' telephone numbers can be found, characterized in that it creates more audio files that are arranged by number and sent, following the order of configuration, all together in the same telephone call, so allowing the addressee to listen on the phone to several vocal messages arranged in order but included in a single call;

2. ) system according to claim 1, characterized in that the messages are sent, no matter the length of the text, in real time to another hardware working as server where a program is installed able to convert the text message into vocal message, compressed if wider, set it up for the transmission on the phone and received on a common phone anywhere, no matter the country of destination;

3. ) System according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it'"'"'s possible to reply to the vocal messages received, by means of a suitable keyboard connected to the phone using dtmf keys and tones, so that that the message is then filed on the server.

4. ) System according to claim 1, characterized in that on the computer through which data are input, there is a table used by the user to write messages, select one or more addressees, send pre-recorded communications loaded on an external server, select the language they want to use to send the message and wich includes also an area for the input or an “

alias”

or nickname, in place of the telephone number of the sender or addressee;

5. ) System according to claim 1, characterized in that it allows the user to have acknowledge of the receiving message by e-mail or a message on the phone.

6. ) System according to claim 1, characterized in that it permits to monitor every call made by the user, and the relative results are filed, so that the user can later verify and check the history of the message.

7. ) System according to claim 1, characterized in that the data transmission for the outbound calls is not performed via cable, but through an analogue or digital telephone line.

10. ) Computer program characterized by a code capable of performing all the steps of the method according to claim 1, said program being installed on a computer.

11. ) Computer program according to claim 10 recorded on any means that can be read by a computer.

8. ) Method to convert text messages into vocal messages and send them by telephone line, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

decoding of the text received by the user;

conversion of the text into speech;

extension of the size of the vocal file created;

adjustment of the vocal message in such a form that can be read by the data transmitting card;

interaction with the transmitting card;

dialling of the number(s) indicated;

transmission of the message on the phone;

recording of the data of the telephone call;

filing of the data on a server database;

9. ) Method according to claim 8, characterized in that, during saving, it compresses the file it wider and not suitable for a perfect transmission.