System and method for voice-enabled instant messaging

• US 20070203987A1
• Filed: 02/24/2006
• Published: 08/30/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Intervoice Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Intervoice Limited Partnership
• Inventors: Amis, Vinh
• Application Number:
  US11/361,305
• Publication Number:
  US 20070203987A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/206
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/107 Computer-aided management of electronic mailing [e-mailing]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/04 Real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/066 Format adaptation, e.g. format conversion or compression
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/30 Profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/08 Protocols for interworking; Protocol conversion

Abstract

A multi-modal voice-enabling instant message system and method permitting instant messaging to occur either a text format or an audible format with conversion occurring there between. This permits a mobile user to receive instant messaging and reply to instant messaging without having to use a text input keyboard or other visual limitation, thereby allowing the mobile user to continue to use his hands and eyes for critical requirements such as driving.

Claims

1. A method for providing instant messaging services between text and audible format comprising the steps of:

creating a first message in either text or audible format at a first sender;

converting the first message from text format to audible format or from audible format to text format based on a signal from a first receiver indicating the desire to receive the first message and the preferred format; and

providing the converted first message to the first receiver.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:

creating a second message in either text or audible format at said first receiver;

converting the second message from audible format to text format or from text format to audible format; and

providing the converted second message to said first sender.

3. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of:

prior to converting the first message, determining if the first receiver desires to receive the first converted message.

4. The method according to claim 2 wherein said method further comprises the step of:

prior to converting the second message, determining if the first transmitter desires to receive the second converted message.

5. A method of providing instant messaging services between text and audible format comprising the steps of:

creating a first message in either text or audible format at a first transmitter for a first receiver;

determining if the first receiver desires to receive the first message converted from text format to audible format or from audible format to text format;

converting the first message from text format to audible format or from audible format to text format;

providing the converted first message to the first receiver;

creating a second message in either text or audible format at the first receiver;

determining if the first transmitter desires to receive the second message converted from audible format to text format or from text format to audible format;

converting the second message from audible format to text format or from text format to audible format; and

providing the converted second message to the first transmitter.

6. An instant messaging communication system comprising:

means for receiving communications from senders;

means for translating communications received from a text format to an audible format based on the predetermined desires of receivers of said communications; and

means for transmitting said translated communications to recipients.

7. The system according to claim 6 further comprising:

second means for translating communications received from an audible format to a text format based on the predetermined desires or receivers;

8. The system according to claim 6 further comprising:

a detector to determine if recipients desire to receive communications in a translated format.

9. The system according to claim 6 wherein said receiving means comprises a gateway of instant messaging communications.

10. The system according to claim 6 wherein said first translating means comprises a text-to-speech subsystem.

11. The system according to claim 7 wherein said second translating means comprises a speech-to-text subsystem.

12. An instant messaging communication system comprising:

a gateway providing access to instant messaging users;

at least one text-to-speech subsystem for translating communications received in text format from a sending instant messaging user to an alternate format desirable to a receiving instant messaging user who desires for a period of time, to receive instant messaging in an alternate format; and

means for delivering said translated received instant message to said receiving instant messaging user.

13. The instant messaging communication system of claim 12 further comprising:

a library of commonly used text terms.

14. The instant messaging communication system of claim 12 further comprising:

means for detecting the presence of users.

15. The instant messaging communication system of claim 12 further comprising;

means for personalizing the desires of users.

16. A system for enabling instant messaging, said instant messaging being characterized as a text message sent from a sending user to a target user during periods of time when said target user has signaled availability to receive instant messaging, said system comprising:

a converter for changing an instant text message addressed to a target user who has signaled availability to receive instant text messages to an alternate format during periods of time when said target user has signaled a temporary unavailability to receive instant text messages.

17. The system of claim 16 further comprising:

means for delivering said converted message to said target user.

18. The system of claim 17 further comprising:

second means for delivering non-text instant messages received from said target user in a text format.

19. The system of claim 18 further comprising:

means for inhibiting said second delivery means when said sending user is unavailable to receive text messages.