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Title:
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION METHOD AND COMMUNICATION APPARATUS FOR SENDING A USER MESSAGE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2007/086747
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
A communication system, for instance telephone communication system, at least provided with a first communication apparatus (1), a second communication apparatus (5) and at least one communication network (N) to bring the communication apparatuses (1, 5) in communication connection (7), wherein information is transmittable between the communication apparatuses (1, 5) after a said communication connection (7) has been established, for the purpose of making a call between users of the communication apparatuses (1, 5) and/or for the purpose of data transfer between the communication apparatuses (1, 5), characterized in that the system is designed to also transmit at least one user message (10) during transmission of said information between the communication apparatuses (1, 5) and/or upon ending or canceling a said communication connection (7), and/or if, for instance, no contact can be made. The invention further relates to a method, a communication apparatus and a computer program.

Inventors:
VERSPAGET JOSEPHUS FRANCISCUS (NL)
Application Number:
PCT/NL2007/050035
Publication Date:
September 27, 2007
Filing Date:
January 26, 2007
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
URS INTERNAT B V (NL)
VERSPAGET JOSEPHUS FRANCISCUS (NL)
International Classes:
H04M3/42; H04M1/57; H04M15/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2005009016A12005-01-27
WO2004107723A12004-12-09
Foreign References:
US20030169865A12003-09-11
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
VAN LOON, C., J., J. (JR Den Haag, NL)
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Claims:

CLAIMS

1. A communication system, for instance telephone communication system, at least provided with a first communication apparatus (1), a second communication apparatus (5) and at least one communication network (N) to bring the communication apparatuses (1, 5) in communication connection (7), wherein information is transmittable between the communication apparatuses (1, 5) after a said communication connection (7) has been established, for the purpose of making a call between users of the communication apparatuses (1, 5) and/or for the purpose of data transfer between the communication apparatuses (1, 5), characterized in that the system is designed to also transmit at least one user message (10) during transmission of said information between the communication apparatuses (1, 5) and/or upon ending or canceling a said communication connection (7), and/or if, for instance, no contact can be made, for instance when the second communication apparatus is turned off, out of range, is not answered, and wherein the said user message is, for instance, provided with a communication network address to reach the respective user.

2. A communication network according to claim 1, wherein the system is designed to transmit the at least one user message (10) if no said communication connection (7) can be established between the first and second communication apparatus, in particular if a desired call cannot be placed through the network (N).

3. A communication network according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the system is arranged such that, after transmission of the user message, a predetermined time is available to reach the respective user through a communication network address provided in the user message.

4. A communication network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, during said predetermined time, a communication network

address provided in the user message is reachable at a reduced rate, or for free, by a recipient of that user message, in particular by the user of the second communication apparatus.

5. A communication network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user message comprises a call-back call.

6. A communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said user message is, preferably automatically, transmittable through a network (N) if no said communication connection (7) can be made or placed. 7. A communication network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication apparatus (1) is arranged for initiating transmission of the user message.

8. A communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, provided with at least one server (3), wherein the server is designed to receive and/or to store and/or to transmit the user message, wherein the server is preferably reachable, and preferably operable, preferably at least by the first and/or second communication apparatus, for the purpose of retrieving a user message from the server.

9. A communication system according to claim 8, wherein the server is reachable, and preferably operable, at least by the first and/or second communication apparatus, for the purpose of transmitting a user message.

10. A communication system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the server is reachable, and preferably operable, at least by the first and/or second communication apparatus, for the purpose of storing a user message in the server and/or changing a user message.

11. A communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user message may at least be provided with:

- audiovisual information;

- a digital calling card; - a personal introduction;

- a data file comprising user-specific data;

- a ring tone;

- a wallpaper;

- audio; - video;

- an image;

- a vibration signal;

- a call-back call;

- an Internet link, hyperlink or Internet address; and/or - a response determiner, to determine a response of a receiving communication apparatus (5).

12. A communication system, for instance a system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is at least provided with a first communication apparatus (1), a second communication apparatus (5) and at least one communication network (N) to bring the communication apparatuses (1, 5) in communication connection, for instance for the purpose of making a call between users of the communication apparatuses (1, 5) and/or for the purpose of data transfer, characterized in that at least the first communication apparatus (1) is designed to, preferably automatically, cooperate with a server apparatus (3) to transmit at least one user message (10) to the second communication apparatus (5), for instance if a said communication connection cannot be established, wherein the user message is preferably settable and/or determinable by a user of the first communication apparatus. 13. A communication system according to claim 12, wherein the server apparatus (3) is designed to receive and to store the user message at least from the first communication apparatus, wherein the server apparatus (3) is designed to call the second communication apparatus a suitable number of times through a communication network (N) to transmit the stored user message to the second communication apparatus.

14. A communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication network (N) is suitable to bring the communication apparatuses (1, 5) in communication connection (7) for the purpose of transmitting an SMS, USSD or MMS message between the communication apparatuses (1, 5), wherein the system is designed to transmit the at least one user message (10) before the transmission of, during the transmission of and/or upon ending or canceling the transmission of the SMS, USSD or MMS message.

15. A communication system according to claim 14, wherein the SMS, USSD or MMS message is provided with said user message.

16. A method for making a call and/or data transfer, for instance utilizing a communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the call and/or the data transfer is realized by transmission of call- containing information and/or data through a communication connection (7) between at least a first and second communication apparatus (1, 5), through a communication network (N). characterized in that, prior to the call and/or the data transfer, also at least one user message (10) from the user of the first communication apparatus (1) is transmitted to the second communication apparatus (5) through a communication connection, wherein the said user message (10) is provided with a communication network address to reach the respective user, and is preferably provided with a callback call.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the communication network address provided in the user message is reachable by a recipient of that user message, in particular by the user of the second communication apparatus, at a reduced rate or for free.

18. A method for placing a communication connection through a network for the purpose of a call and/or for the purpose of data transfer, for instance utilizing a communication system according to any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that a first communication apparatus, preferably

automatically, cooperates with a server apparatus (3) if a said communication connection cannot be established or placed, wherein, under the influence of the cooperation, by the server (3), a user message (10) is transmitted to the second communication apparatus (5), wherein the user message is preferably settable and/or determinable by a user of the first communication apparatus.

19. A method for making a call and/or data transfer, for instance utilizing a communication system according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the call and/or the data transfer is realized by transmission of call-containing information and/or data through a communication connection (7) between at least a first and second communication apparatus (1, 5) through a communication network (N), characterized in that, prior to the call and/or the data transfer, a user message comprising a call-back call is sent, by a user of the first communication apparatus (1), without the respective user having the intention to set up a communication connection with an intended recipient at that moment, for instance if the user of the first communication apparatus does not wish to contact the recipient until a later moment.

20. A method according to any one of claims 16-19, wherein said user message is transmitted by means of an SMS, USSD or MMS message. 21. Software or computer program with instructions arranged for carrying out at least a part of a method according to any one of claims 16-20 when the program is run by a computer.

22. A communication apparatus evidently intended and suitable to be used as a communication apparatus of a system according to any one of claims 1-15.

Description:

Title: Communication system, communication method and communication apparatus

The invention relates to a communication system, for instance telephone communication system, at least provided with a first communication apparatus, a second communication apparatus and at least one communication network to bring the communication apparatuses in communication connection, wherein information is transmittable between the communication apparatuses after a said communication connection has been established, for the purpose of making a call between users of the communication apparatuses and/or for the purpose of data transfer between the communication apparatuses. The invention further relates to a communication method.

Such a communication system and method are known from practice in various variants. The known communication system is, for instance, provided with a number of telephone apparatuses, telephone networks and the like, while users can call one another through the system and can talk to one another and/or can contact one another for the purpose of data transfer, for instance through WAP, GPRS, UMTS and/or IP calling.

The present invention contemplates an improvement of the communication system and the method.

According to .one aspect of the invention, the system is characterized in that the system is designed to also transmit at least one user message during transmission of above-mentioned information between the communication apparatuses and/or upon ending or canceling an above-mentioned communication connection, and/or if, for instance, no contact can be made, for instance when the second communication apparatus is turned off, is out of range, is not answered, with the

above-mentioned user message being, for instance, provided with a communication network address to reach the respective user.

In this manner, the users can, for instance, not only exchange information with one another through, for instance, a call, data transfer and/or other communicative contact as such, but also by utilizing transmission of the user message.

It is advantageous when the system is designed to transmit the at least one user message if no above-mentioned communication connection can be established between the first and second communication apparatus, in particular if a desired call cannot be placed through the network.

Preferably, the system is arranged such that, after transmission of the user message, a predetermined time is available to reach the respective user through a communication network address provided in the user message. However, use of a predetermined time limit is not necessary (here, an unlimited time may be available as well).

It is further particularly advantageous when, during above- mentioned predetermined time, a communication network address provided in the user message is reachable by a recipient of that user message, in particular by the user of the second communication apparatus, at a reduced rate, or for free.

It is particularly advantageous when the user message comprises a call-back call, and/or is provided with a telephone number of the respective user.

The user message may, for instance, comprise a digital calling card, for instance a data file comprising user-specific data, and/or a ring tone, an image, a wallpaper, a vibration signal and/or a call-back call or an Internet link, hyperlink or Internet address, or one or more other data. The user message may, for instance, comprise an address and/or telephone number, fax number, of a respective user, and/or a photograph of that user, and/or other user-dependent information.

An above-mentioned user message can be transmitted at different moments, preferably when no contact can be made, or no above-mentioned communication connection can be established (receiving telephone is turned off, is out of range, is not answered, etc.). In this manner, the users can exchange particular information in a relatively simple manner.

Further, an above-mentioned communication apparatus may preferably be arranged for automatically storing a user message received through the network and/or to convert the received user message into sensorily perceivable information. It is then, in addition, advantageous when the system is arranged such that a user can turn off such an automatic reception or storage, and/or can set that he, at least his/her communication apparatus, can refuse above-mentioned user messages, for instance to prevent undesired or unnecessary information from being received and/or stored.

In an advantageous elaboration of the invention, at least one server is provided. The server is designed to receive and/or to store and/or to transmit the user message. The server may, for instance, be reachable, and preferably operable, at least by the first and/or second communication apparatus, for the purpose of transmitting a user message. Further, the server may, for instance, be reachable, and preferably operable, at least by the first and/or second communication apparatus, for the purpose of storing a user message in the server and/or changing it. In addition, the server may for instance be reachable, and preferably operable, by at least the first and/or second communication apparatus, for the purpose of retrieving a user message from the server. The server may, for instance, be used to centrally store above-mentioned user message, and/or to make such a message available to a user of the system afterwards, for instance at that user's request. The server can further be used to still transmit a user message from a first user to a second user, if the first user could not make contact

with a communication apparatus of that second user upon placing a communication connection.

One embodiment of the invention is characterized in that at least the first communication apparatus is designed to, preferably automatically, cooperate with a server apparatus to transmit the at least one user message to the second communication apparatus, for instance if an above-mentioned communication connection cannot be established, while the user message is preferably settable and/or determinable by a user of the first communication apparatus. The server apparatus may, for instance, be designed to receive the user message at least from the first communication apparatus and to store it. In addition, the server apparatus may designed to call the second communication apparatus a suitable number of times through a communication network to transmit the stored user message to the second communication apparatus.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the communication network is suitable to bring the communication apparatuses in communication connection for the purpose of transmitting an SMS (Short Message Service) or USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) or MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) message between the communication apparatuses, while the system is designed to transmit the at least one user message before the transmission of, during the transmission of and/or upon ending or canceling the transmission of the SMS, USSD or MMS message. A method is advantageously characterized by the measures of claim 16. The method comprises making a call and/or data transfer, for instance utilizing a communication system according to the invention, while the call and/or the data transfer is established by transmission of call-containing information and/or data through a communication connection between at least a first and second communication apparatus, through a communication network, while, preferably prior to the call and/or

the data transfer, also at least one user message from the user of the first communication apparatus is transmitted to the second communication apparatus through a communication connection, while the above-mentioned user message is preferably provided with a communication network address to reach the respective user, and is preferably provided with a call-back call. Preferably, the communication network address provided in the user message is reachable by a recipient of that user message, in particular by the user of the second communication apparatus, at a reduced rate, or for free. In addition, a method for placing a communication connection through a network for the purpose of a call and/or for the purpose of data transfer, for instance utilizing a communication system according to the invention, advantageously characterized in that a first communication apparatus, preferably automatically, cooperates with a server apparatus if an above-mentioned communication connection cannot be established or placed, while, under the influence of the cooperation, a user message is transmitted to the second communication apparatus by the server, while the user message is preferably settable and/or determinable by a user of the first communication apparatus. According to one aspect of the invention, a method for making a call and/or data transfer, for instance utilizing a communication system according to the invention, where the call and/or the data transfer is established by transmission of call-containing information and/or data through a communication connection between at least a first and second communication apparatus, through a communication network, is advantageously characterized in that, prior to the call and/or the data transfer, a user message comprising a call-back call is sent, by a user of the first communication apparatus, without the respective user having the intention of establishing a communication connection with an intended

recipient at that moment, for instance if the user of the first communication apparatus does not wish to contact the recipient until a later moment.

Further, according to a further elaboration, an above-mentioned user message can be transmitted by means of an SMS, USSD or MMS message, in above-mentioned methods.

The invention may further, for instance, at least partly be implemented in software. Thus, a computer program may be provided, with instructions arranged for carrying out at least a part of a method according to the invention when the program is run by a computer, or other suitable hardware. A computer program product may be provided, on which a computer program according to the invention is provided in a computer-readable form. To this end, the computer program may, for instance, be placed on a CD-ROM, floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, ROM memory, DVD, or a similar computer-readable storage medium. In a manner suitable for this purpose, such a program may then be transferred to an operating computer in a mobile telephone, for instance according to the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), an Internet-connectable communication apparatus and/or the like.

Further, one aspect of the invention relates to a communication apparatus evidently intended and suitable to be used as a communication apparatus of a system according to the invention.

The present invention can be considered a problem invention. Thus it is known from Dutch patent NL 1013721 (Verspaget) to transfer predetermined placing information, comprising audiovisual information, to a receiver, and to convert the audiovisual information into sensorily perceivable signals. One aspect of the present invention is based on the inventive notion that, during making a call or certain data transfer, and/or upon ending thereof, and/or in particular if, for instance, no contact can be made, at least if a call cannot be placed (receiving telephone is turned off, is out of range, is not answered, etc.), transfer of certain user

information/message through a communication network may be desirable and useful, and offers various advantages.

Use of a call-back call, provided with above-mentioned network address, where a recipient can reach a sender at a reduced rate or for free — for that recipient — is preferred, according to one aspect of the invention.

In addition, transmission of an above-mentioned call-back call may for instance be realized by a user of a first communication apparatus (depending or not depending on a failed attempt to reach the second communication apparatus), and/or be carried out automatically (for instance in cooperation with an above-mentioned server).

Further elaborations of the invention are described in the subclaims. Various aspects of the invention will now be explained in more detail on the basis of a number of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawing, in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment; and

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment.

In the present application, same or corresponding measures are designated by same or corresponding reference symbols.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a communication system, provided with a number of communication apparatuses 1, 5 (only two of which are shown), and a communication network N. The communication network N may, for instance, comprise a computer network, the Internet, an Intranet, a data network, a telephone network, a mobile telephone network, a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) or GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network, and/or a combination of these or other networks. Communication through an above-mentioned communication

W

connection may, for instance, comprise analogous signal transfer, but preferably comprises digital signal transfer.

Each communication apparatus 1, 5 may, for instance, comprise a fixed telephone apparatus, Internet telephone, computer, PDA (personal digital assistant), television with telephone function, radio, mobile audio equipment such as iPods, walkman, hearing aid, a navigation system with mobile function, and/or the like.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the communication apparatuses 1, 5 are at least designed to offer users the possibility to make a call through the network N, for instance a telephone call. The call may, for instance, substantially comprise an audio call, an audiovisual call, or a video call, for instance utilizing sign language. In addition, the system may, for instance, be arranged for enabling (other) data transfer between communication connections. Such a call and/or data transfer may comprise, for instance, information transmission or information exchange between communication apparatuses 1, 5 or through the network N, for instance through WAP, GPRS, UMTS, IP calling or Internet calling, and/or a different manner of calling and/or communication.

Such a communication system is known per se from practice. A possible placed, for instance fixed or temporary, communication connection between a first and second communication apparatus 1,5 is simply indicated by a line 7 in the Figure. A broken line T represents another possible placed communication connection between the first and second communication apparatus 1, 5. In itself, such a connection may, for instance, comprise various branches, lines, wireless or non-wireless parts, network components and the like of the at least one network N. The network N may further, for instance, be provided with one or more servers 3 (only one of which is shown), for instance to monitor and/or regulate network traffic, to charge network use, and/or for other purposes.

During use, information, in particular call-containing information and/or data, is transmittable between the communication apparatuses 1, 5, in particular for making a call between users of the communication , apparatuses 1, 5 and for the purpose of data transfer, respectively. In the present exemplary embodiment, more specifically, transmission of call-containing information will be discussed. For a skilled person, it will be clear that transmission of information, through a placed communication connection 7, may also comprise data transfer.

Above-mentioned call-containing information may, for instance, comprise an analogous and/or digital dataflow, and may be transmitted through the network N, or communication connection 7, in different manners, which will be clear to a skilled person. The call-containing information contains at least one call, for instance users' voices, which the users have through the network N. Here, the first communication apparatus 1 transmits, for instance, respective call-containing information from a respective first user to the second communication apparatus 5, through the network N. The second communication apparatus 5 usually transmits, for instance, respective call-containing information from a respective second user to the first communication apparatus 1, through the same network N. Placing such a call may, for instance, take place when the first user tries to make contact, for instance through the network N, with a particular network address of the second user, for instance a network address at which the second communication apparatus 5 is reachable through the network N. Each above-mentioned communication apparatus 1, 5 is preferably designed to convert call-containing information received through the network into sensorily perceivable call signals, for the purpose of making the call. Each communication apparatus 1, 5 may, for instance, be provided with a microphone P to record the voice of the respective user, and with a loudspeaker L to produce above-mentioned sensorily perceivable call

signals. Each communication apparatus 1, 5 may further be provided with a respective controller C, for instance computer, processor and/or other suitable electronics, software and/or hardware, to control that apparatus 1, 5. An above-mentioned controller C of a communication apparatus may, for instance, be at least partly implemented in software, or suitable code. In addition, a communication apparatus 1, 5 may be provided with various other components, for instance a memory M, a user interface I, transmitting and receiving means K for the purpose of above-mentioned communication through the network N, a display D, and/or other means. The memory M may, for instance, be used to store one or more user messages 10 (see below). In addition, the memory may, for instance, be used to store data, which is transmitted with data transfer between communication apparatuses in a further elaboration.

An above-mentioned user interface I may, for instance, comprise one or more operating means or operating elements, a keyboard, touch pad or touch screen, a voice recognition interface and/or the like. Such a communication apparatus 1, 5 is also know per se from practice, and may, for instance, comprise a mobile telephone, an Internet telephone and/or another type of communication apparatus. The server 3 may also be designed in various manners. Preferably, the server 3 is also bringable in communication connection with above- mentioned communication apparatuses 1, 5 through the network N. The server 3 may, for instance, be provided with a server memory or database DB, for instance to store information received through the network N. The server 3 may, for instance, be reachable, and preferably operable, by the first and/or second communication apparatus 1, 5, for the purpose of retrieving information stored in the server memory DB, for the purpose of storing information in that server memory DB and/or for the purpose of changing information stored in that server memory DB. The server 3 may, for instance, be designed to give a user access to a particular

part of the server memory DB, through the network N, if the user logs on to the server through the network N with a suitable log-on code or password. In an advantageous manner, the system may be designed to further transmit at least one separate user message 10 through a suitable network N, for instance through an above-mentioned communication connection 7, 7' during transmission of above-mentioned information between the communication apparatuses and/or upon ending or canceling the above-mentioned communication connection, and, with the exemplary embodiment, in particular during an above-mentioned telephone call and/or upon ending or canceling an above-mentioned telephone call. Such a message is schematically drawn in the Figure with an arrow 10. The message is, for instance, sent by the one (first) user, of the first communication apparatus 1, to the other (second) user, of the second communication apparatus 5, through a suitable communication network N. For the purpose of transmission of the user message 10, for instance the same communication connection 7 can be used as the connection through which the call (or data transfer) is made. The user message 10 may, for instance, be transmitted to a network address at which the second communication apparatus 5 is reachable through the network N. In addition, for instance another communication connection ψ can be used, which, for instance, uses a different communication protocol from a communication protocol with which the call is made (or alternatively, an above-mentioned data transfer is realized). The user message 10 may, for instance, be transmitted through an SMS protocol, USSD protocol, GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) Internet calling, or be digitally embedded in an above-mentioned call, and/or in another manner. The user message 10 may, for instance, comprise a digital file.

As mentioned, such a user message 10 may, for instance, be provided with:

- a digital calling card, for instance with a personal introduction and/or a data file comprising user-specific data, in particular a name of a user, and at least one address detail of the user;

- a ring tone; - a wallpaper;

- audio;

- video;

- an image;

- a vibration signal; - call-back call, or an Internet link, hyperlink or Internet address, for instance a link to an address to reach an above-mentioned communication apparatus or a link to an address to reach above-mentioned server 3; and/or

- a response determiner, with the sender (the first user in Fig. 1) of the message 10 being, for instance, able to determine the manner in which a receiving apparatus (apparatus 5 in Fig. 1) responds.

Preferably, the user message 10 in itself is not part of the call which the users make through the network, or alternatively of the data or other information transmitted through a placed communication connection. However, the user message 10 may be provided in a same dataflow or information flow as the dataflow or information flow which is, in the exemplary embodiment, provided with above-mentioned call-containing information.

In one embodiment, the above-mentioned user message and the call- containing information (and/or data) are, for instance, at least partly simultaneously transmittable. The call-containing information (and/or data) may then, for instance, also contain the user message 10, at least be provided with at least a part of the user message 10.

Further, the user message 10 and the call-containing information (and/or data) may, for instance, be designed such that the user message 10 is separated or separable from the above-mentioned call (and/or that data).

In a further elaboration, the user message 10 may be provided with a suitable distinguishing code, to distinguish that message from the call (and/or above-mentioned data). A communication apparatus 1 transmitting a user message is, for instance, arranged for providing data to be transmitted with such a distinguishing code for the purpose of marking the user message 10. A receiving communication apparatus 5 may be designed to monitor data received through the network N for such a distinguishing code, and to extract the user message from the received data under the influence of reception and detection of an above-mentioned distinguishing code.

A dataflow running through an above-mentioned communication connection 7 during the call may comprise, for instance, both the call- containing information (or, alternatively, the data for the purpose of data transfer) and a user message 10 (transmitted at a particular moment). The user message 10 and above-mentioned call-containing information may, for instance, be provided in such a dataflow in a suitable manner, for instance by means of a suitable coding technique and/or compression method. In the latter case, above-mentioned first and second communication apparatus 1, 5, or respective controller C, are, for instance, arranged for using such a coding technique and/or compression method, by operatively introducing an above-mentioned call (or data to be transferred) and an above-mentioned user message into the dataflow through coding and/or compression, and to extract them from the dataflow through decoding and/or decompression. With the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, above-mentioned user message 10 may, preferably automatically, be transmittable through an above-mentioned communication connection under the influence of ending or canceling a communication connection between the first and second communication apparatus. Thus, at least the first communication apparatus 1 may, for instance, be designed to detect ending or canceling a call with another communication apparatus 5, and to realize transmission of

the user message under the influence of detection of the ending or canceling of the communication connection 7 (at least the call, or alternatively the data transfer). In particular, the communication apparatus 1 is then arranged for still realizing the transmission of the user message through the communication connection 7, before the communication connection is actually ended. Detection of the ending or canceling of a communication connection may, for instance, be based on a particular operation of an interface I of the respective communication apparatus 1, for instance pressing or activating a "put down receiver" key or the like. In addition, an above-mentioned communication apparatus 1, 5 may, for instance, be provided with an operating means operable by a user, for instance a key (like a key 'send calling card'), and be arranged for automatically transmitting the user message 10, for instance a call-back call or a (digital) calling card of the user, through the network N, under the influence of operation of the operating means. It is then advantageous when the communication apparatus 1 is, for instance, arranged for operatively automatically transmitting the user message 10 to a communication apparatus 5, with which a communication connection 7 is or has been maintained during use (like in Fig. 1). In addition, a communication apparatus 1 may, for instance, be settable or programmable by a user, to transmit the user message 10 to a desired recipient under the influence of the operating means, for instance if no communication connection 7 is (yet) maintained between the communication apparatuses 1, 5.

In a further elaboration, the system may be designed to transmit the user message 10 for instance from the first communication apparatus 1 to the second communication apparatus 5, while the second communication apparatus 5 is arranged for receiving the user message, for automatically storing the user message in a respective memory M of that apparatus 5 and/or for converting the received user message 10 into sensorily perceivable information. Conversion of the message 10 into a sensorily

perceivable message may, for instance, comprise playing the message 10 through audio and/or video, for instance utilizing a display D and/or loudspeaker L of that communication apparatus 5. The first and/or second communication apparatus 1, 5 may, for instance, be designed to make audiovisual information, for instance of above-mentioned user message 10, available to a respective user.

Audiovisual information can be understood to mean: information representing sound information, image information, or a combination of image and sound information. Image information can be understood to comprise both still images (such as for instance logos, devices, and photos) and moving images (such as for instance film).

In addition, at least one of the communication apparatuses 1, 5 may be provided with a suitable user interface I such that the user interface I is operable by a respective user to realize transmission of the user message. A user interface I of a communication apparatus may, for instance, be provided with a specific function and/or operating means, for instance a special button, a 'send user message' function or the like, for the purpose of transmission of the user message 10, at a desired moment during making an above-mentioned call. A use of the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1 may comprise a method, where a call is made by transmission of the call-containing information (or data) through, for instance, a communication connection 7, 7' between the first and second communication apparatus 1, 5. The call-containing information is converted into sensorily perceivable call signals during use. With data transfer, data may, for instance, be stored, processed, be converted into sensorily perceivable information and/or the like by a receiving communication apparatus, depending on the design of that data.

Further, at least one above-mentioned user message 10 may be transmitted through the communication connection, for instance during

transmission of above-mentioned information between the communication apparatuses, such as during/for the purpose of making the call, and/or upon ending or canceling the communication connection, as described in the above. Above-mentioned user message may, preferably automatically, be transmitted through an above-mentioned communication connection under the influence of ending or canceling a communication connection between the first and second communication apparatus 1, 5. The user message is then preferably still transmitted through the communication connection 7, before the communication connection is actually ended. In one elaboration, a user message 10 may substantially be transmitted after transmission of call-containing information (or the data). Further, a user message 10 may, for instance, partly or substantially still be transmitted during transmission of call-containing information (or the data). As mentioned, a received user message 10 may automatically be stored, and/or be converted into sensorily perceivable information, for instance directly after reception and/or at a suitable, later time. Thus, a user message 10 may, for instance, be provided with audiovisual information, the audiovisual information being made available to a recipient (in the exemplary embodiment: the second user) of the user message 10, for instance during and/or after making the call (and/or data transfer).

Fig. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment, which differs from the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in that at least the one communication apparatus 1 is arranged for transmitting a request 11 for a user message to the other communication apparatus 5, for instance during a call, after the communication connection 7 has been placed, and/or during ending or canceling of above-mentioned communication connection 7. Such a request 11 is schematically indicated by an arrow 11 in Fig. 2. The request 11, which may, for instance, comprise a digital code or a digital file, is in particular transmitted through the communication connection 7 through which call-containing information (or - with data transfer - the

data) is also transmitted. The other (second) communication apparatus 5 is then preferably arranged for receiving and answering above-mentioned request 11, in particular by transmission of a requested user message 10 under the influence of reception of that request (transmission of the user message is indicated by arrow 10 in Fig. 2). It is then, for instance, advantageous if the second communication apparatus 5 is settable by the respective (second) user, to block transmission of user messages, if desired, or to manually check them first for the purpose of acceptance. During use of the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 2, for instance, an above-mentioned request 11 for a user message 10 may be transmitted to the other communication apparatus 5, for instance during ending or canceling an above-mentioned communication connection 7.

Fig. 3 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment, which differs from the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 in that the at least one server 3 is used for regulating, transmitting and/or receiving above-mentioned user message 10. To this end, the server 3 may, for instance, cooperate with one or both communication apparatuses 1, 5. The server 3 may, for instance, be designed to receive the user message 10 from a communication apparatus 1, 5 and/or to store it in a server memory DB and/or to transmit it to a communication apparatus 1, 5, through the network N. In a farther elaboration, the server 3 may be reachable, and preferably operable, at least by the first and/or second communication apparatus, for the purpose of transmitting a user message 10. Further, the server 3 may be reachable, and preferably operable, at least by the first and/or second communication apparatus, for the purpose of storing a user message in the server and/or changing it. The server may further be reachable, and preferably operable, at least by the first and/or second communication apparatus, for the purpose of retrieving a user message from the server 3.

In a further elaboration, the server 3 may he usable to transmit (or pass on) a user message to a communication apparatus 5, if no communication connection can be established, for instance if a desired call, for instance between a first communication apparatus 1 and a second communication apparatus 5, cannot be placed through the network N. The first communication apparatus 1 may, for instance, be designed to, preferably automatically, cooperate with the server apparatus 3 if an above-mentioned connection 7 cannot be established, for instance if the first communication apparatus 1 cannot make a connection with the second communication apparatus 5, to transmit the user message 10 to the second communication apparatus 5. The user message 10 is preferably settable and/or determinable by the sender, at least the user of the first communication apparatus 1. The server apparatus 3 is, for instance, designed to receive and store the user message 10 at least from the first communication apparatus, while the server apparatus 3 may be designed to call the second communication apparatus a suitable number of times through a communication network N to transmit the stored user message to the second communication apparatus. The latter transmission is indicated by an arrow 10' in Fig. 3. A use of the system shown in Fig. 3 may, for instance, comprise a method for placing a communication connection through the network N for the purpose of a call and/or data transfer. The first communication apparatus 1 may then, preferably automatically, cooperate with the server apparatus 3 if an above-mentioned communication connection cannot be established or placed. Then, at one or more later times, an above-mentioned user message 10 can be transmitted to the second communication apparatus, for instance by the server 3, and/or under the influence of the cooperation with the first communication apparatus. In addition, the system may, for instance, be used to transmit the user message 10, independent of such a placing step (see below).

A system shown in Figs. 1-3 may further, for instance, be arranged such that the above-mentioned user message 10 is provided with a communication network address to reach the respective user (for instance sender of that message) through a suitable communication network (it will be clear that the respective user is reachable at that respective network address through the respective — first — communication apparatus). Such a communication network address may, for instance, comprise a call-back network number, call-back link, for instance of the network N shown in the Figures or another network, and/or another address. It may be determinable, optionally by software, that use of an above-mentioned call-back link takes place, for instance, at the expense of the sender of that link, at the expense of the recipient, or so as to be shared, at the expense of both. It is noted that it is not important in itself who (for instance sender, recipient, or another party) bears the expenses. The system may then be arranged such that, after transmission of the user message 10, a predetermined time is available to reach the respective user through the above-mentioned communication network address provided in the user message. Above-mentioned predetermined time may, for instance, comprise a limited time or period, or be unlimited, at least infinitely long. During above-mentioned predetermined time, the communication network address provided in the user message may, for instance, be reachable by a recipient of that user message at a reduced rate, or for free. Thus, the first user (of the first communication apparatus 1) can, for instance, still enter into a call with the second user (of the second communication apparatus 5), or realize data transfer with the second communication apparatus, for instance at the expense of the first user, and/or at the expense of another party.

In this case, a method may, for instance, comprise: transmitting the user message 10 with the communication address from the first communication apparatus 1 to the second communication apparatus 5, for

instance directly like in the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, or transmission of the user message 10 as a response to a request 11 like in the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 2, or indirectly through a server 3 like in the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 3. Then a second user can use the communication address included in the user message 10 within above- mentioned predetermined time, for instance to contact a sender of that message, at the expense of that sender or at a reduced network communication rate.

In an alternative embodiment, a system shown in Figs. 1-3 may be usable to transmit and receive SMS, MMS and/or USSD messages. Thus, the first communication apparatus 1 and second communication apparatus 5, and optionally the server 3, may each be designed to transmit and receive such messages. The system is then, preferably designed to also transmit a separate user message 10 through an above-mentioned communication connection 7, 7', for instance before the transmission of, during the transmission of and/or upon ending or canceling the transmission of the SMS, USSD or MMS message. The separate user message 10 may, for instance, be provided with audiovisual information, and/or other data. With this alternative design, during a communication connection 7 between the first and second communication apparatus 1, 5, for instance, instead of call information, an above-mentioned SMS, USSD or MMS is transmitted through that communication connection 7, at least between the respective first and second user. Transmission of a separate user message 10 before transmission of the SMS or the USSD message may, for instance, take place according to the placing method as described in Dutch patent NL 1013721 (Verspaget), which is considered to be wholly incorporated in the present patent application by reference. Above- mentioned SMS, USSD or MMS message may, for instance, be sent by a first user to a particular network address of the second user, for instance an address at which the second communication apparatus 5 is reachable

through the network N, while above-mentioned user message is also transmitted to that network address.

The SMS, USSD or MMS message may, for instance, in itself be provided with above-mentioned separate user message 10, for instance if sufficient space is available for this in an SMS, USSD or MMS message to be transmitted. Further, the system may, for instance, be arranged for transmitting a second SMS, USSD or MMS message after transmission of a first SMS, USSD or MMS message, which second message comprises the user message 10. In the latter case, the second SMS, USSD or MMS message may, for instance, be transmittable at a reduced rate, or for free. Such a second, or separate, SMS, USSD or MMS message may also, for instance, be transmitted before transmission of an above-mentioned first SMS, USSD or MMS message.

During use of such a communication system, for instance an SMS, USSD or MMS may be transmitted. At least one user message may also be transmitted through the communication connection 7, before the transmission thereof, during the transmission thereof and/or upon ending or canceling the transmission of the SMS, USSD or MMS message.

Thus, with sending an SMS, the SMS may be preceded by a personal introduction, at least an above-mentioned user message, determined by a sender of the SMS. The SMS may be announced on a receiving apparatus 5 in the manner in which the sender of the SMS wished to, for instance by utilizing an above-mentioned response determiner.

Preferably, the user message, for instance the SMS, comprises a call-back link. With this, the recipient of the SMS can, preferably at the expense of the sender of the SMS, call back the sender of the SMS once or several times. As mentioned, calling back may, for instance, have to take place directly, or within a particular time, or at any moment to be determined by the recipient of the message. If the delivery of the SMS does

not succeed (a respective telephone is, for instance, turned off), then the user message 10 may, for instance, be sent to a receiving apparatus 5.

The invention, offers various possibilities and advantages, and may, for instance, be designed in a telephone system. In one elaboration, as shown in Figs. 1-3, upon ending a primarily communicative contact, for instance a telephone call taking place, audio, visual or data information 10 may be transmitted along with the call (such as call-containing information) through the network N. The audio, visual or data information 10 may, for instance, comprise a calling card and/or an Internet link. The above-mentioned information 10, at least the user message 10, may, for instance, be transmitted from the telephone 1 from which the call is made, to a telephone 5 which has received the call, or from another control environment such as a server 3 or different transmitting equipment. If setting up an above-mentioned communication connection 7 does not succeed (for instance a called telephone 5 is turned off, the number is busy, the telephone is not answered or otherwise), audio, visual or data information 10 can be sent to apparatus 5. This may, for instance, be a calling card or an Internet link. Also in this case, the above-mentioned information 10 can be sent from the telephone 1 with which an attempt was made to set up the connection, or from another control environment such as a server 3 or different transmitting equipment.

Alternatively, during an already set-up telephone call (e.g. both telephone apparatuses 1, 5 are in contact with each other through the network N), audio, visual or data information may be sent along. This may, for instance, be a calling card or an Internet link. The above-mentioned information may again be sent from a telephone 1 from which the call was made, to a telephone 5 which has received the call, or from another control environment such as a server 3 or different transmitting equipment.

If a user message 10 is provided with a call-back link, calling back utilizing that call-back link may, for instance, have to take place directly after reception of the user message 10, or within a particular time, or at any moment to be determined by the recipient of the message. The sender (for instance the above-mentioned first user) offers the possibility and the recipient (for instance the above-mentioned second user) determines when he/she uses this possibility.

As described, the above-mentioned information 10 does not need to be sent directly from, for instance, the one telephone 1 to the other telephone 5. The information may also be (temporarily) stored in a central memory or memory DB of a server — or a memory reachable through the Internet — and be delivered afterwards.

Further, a receiving apparatus 5 may be arranged for processing an above-mentioned user message 10 in different manners. The manner in which the personal introduction ends up in the receiving apparatus 5 (and is thus accepted by the user of the apparatus) may, for instance, be determinable by the user of the apparatus. Some examples of acceptance are: automatic acceptance, for instance by software or the controller C of the apparatus. The apparatus 5 may be programmed such that any form of personal introduction 10 (with an SMS and/or a telephone call) is directly accepted by the apparatus 5. This may, for instance, take place such that — without action by the owner / user of the receiving apparatus 5 — action is taken by the sender of the message 10 or by the initiator of a telephone call to inform the owner / user of that apparatus 5 that there is a message or telephone call for him / her.

Another option is manual action: the receiving apparatus 5 may be programmed such that any form of personal introduction 10 (with an SMS and/or a telephone call) is not directly accepted by the apparatus, but, for instance, needs to be confirmed or rejected by the user / recipient. The owner / recipient of the receiving apparatus 5 may first manually accept the

introduction (at least user message 10) - in any possibly conceivable manner. After acceptance, the receiving apparatus 5 - on which the transmitting party wished to introduce itself— can introduce the transmitting party, for instance by playing the introduction 10 or converting it into sensorily perceivable information.

A combination of automatic and manual acceptance or verification is also possible. Thus, a communication apparatus 1, 5 may be designed to let the user choose between automatic acceptance and manual acceptance of received user messages 10. Further, acceptance of an above-mentioned message 10 may be 'user-dependent'. The recipient of the message may then, for instance, determine per 'placer of a call 1 or 'sender of an SMS' whether one of the two previous options (automatic and manual acceptance) is chosen. One or more messages 10 may, for instance, be accepted automatically be a receiving apparatus 5 (and, for instance, be introduced in a manner chosen by the apparatus) and one or more messages 10 are only accepted under the influence of an action of the owner of the apparatus still to be determined.

If an introduction or user message 10 is not accepted by a recipient or receiving apparatus 5, then the caller / sender may, for instance, be introduced by the receiving apparatus in another manner, for instance by means of a ring tone already stored in that apparatus.

User messages 10 may be transmitted in various manners. Some examples of transmission are:

- one-to-one transmission of such a message 10, at least between a first and a second communication apparatus, for instance utilizing a directory, address file or database;

- mass distribution of user messages 10, for instance between more than two communication apparatuses, for instance utilizing a directory or address file or database;

- directed transmission of user messages 10, for instance utilizing a directory or address file or database, for instance on the basis of detection of a receiving apparatus 5 in the surroundings or a regional location (for instance a district, city, area, province). Thus, for instance, a particular user message may be sent to everyone in a specific area.

Further, an above-mentioned communication apparatus 1, 5 may, for instance, comprise an (Internet) web telephone, which is, for instance, provided with an interface to the Internet with the use of a telephone apparatus. Such a telephone comprises, for instance, an interface to a user (with, for instance, a microphone — screen — keyboard — loudspeaker) and a connection to the Internet. The Internet telephone may, for instance, use and/or have functions such as "making a connection", a telephone memory, desired ring tones, photos and/or the like. For above-mentioned use, the web telephone may, for instance, use memory capacity provided by one or more Internet providers, but the web telephone may, for instance, also communicate with its own server or a server on the Internet. The web telephone may use existing techniques such as downloading ring tones, pictures, etc. The web telephone may have an inexpensive design, and, for instance, be designed substantially in software. It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described. Various modifications are possible within the framework of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Thus, the system may be provided with, or use, one communication network N, or different communication networks. An above-mentioned user message 10 may, for instance, be wholly or partly transmitted through the same network N and/or the same communication connection 7 as the one through which an above-mentioned call is made or through which an above- mentioned SMS, USSD or MMS message is transmitted. In addition, an above-mentioned user message 10 may, for instance, wholly or partly be transmitted through a different network and/or a different communication

connection from the network or the connection, respectively, through which an above-mentioned call is made or through which an above-mentioned SMS, USSD or MMS message is transmitted.

Above-mentioned communication apparatuses may each be designed in different manners, which will be clear to a skilled person.

Further, the operation of the principle 'transmission of the user message" from a transmitting communication apparatus or telephone 1 may, for instance, also be done without the transmitting communication apparatus having the intention to set up a call itself at that moment, for instance with an intended recipient. This may be advantageous if, for instance, someone wishes to contact another person, but does not wish to bother / disturb that other person in the activities that he / she is busy with at that moment. The recipient of the message then calls back at the moment that suits him / her. Further, 'transmission of the user message' may, for instance, be initiated from a transmitting communication apparatus or telephone 1, but also from a server 3 or from somewhere else. For instance during calling, upon ending the telephone call, but in particular upon not being able to reach the receiving telephone, the user message may be initiated by: a transmitting telephone 1, a server of a telecom provider, an own server, and the like.

Further, the 'transmission of the user message' may be done from, for instance, a transmitting telephone 1 or the like, but also from a computer, the Internet or from somewhere else. A transmitting apparatus 1 from which a user message can be transmitted to one or more receiving apparatuses 5 may also be a PC on which someone has logged in - using the mobile number of the sender. From this PC, then, for instance, a user message can be transmitted to a receiving apparatus 5, and costs of this use can be charged to the mobile subscription of the user. In this variant, the sender himself does not need to have the intention to call. He only needs, for

instance, to send the user message (e.g. a call-back link with the message 'call me when it suits you').

Further, the transmitting apparatus 1 from which the user message is sent to the receiving apparatuses 5 may also be a PC (personal computer), on which, for instance, someone has logged in. This may use a mobile subscription, but this may also be another conceivable form of a subscription (so, also a different manner of charging). The PC may then simultaneously send the user message — as described before — to one or more receiving apparatuses 5 (mobile or fixed). This may, for instance, be realized by manually entering the numbers, by reading in numbers from a database or Outlook tm or by reading in numbers from an external environment such as for instance the Internet. In this variant, the sender himself does not need to have the intention to call one or more. He only sends the user message (e.g. a call-back link with the message 'call me when it suits you'). For the present patent application, it is not relevant who (of the users) pays for the service. For sending the user message, usually the sender of this message will pay, but that is not necessary. In the case of, for instance, call-back, it may also be possible that various users need to pay. The call-back may comprise: call-back at a reduced rate, free call-back, call-back at the expense of the person calling back; sharing the costs, or the like.

A user of a communication apparatus 1 may set in various manners what needs to happen during, for instance, a telephone call, upon breaking off contact or when no connection is made, and the like. It does not matter where the user of the apparatus 1 sets this. It may be that he / she sets this on his own telephone, on a server, or on the Internet. Further, a user of a communication apparatus may, for instance, set for each person he / she calls, how to respond during, for instance, the telephone call, upon breaking off contact or when no connection is made.

In addition, in one variant, a user may set his communication apparatus or telephone 1 on a server, on the Internet, etc., such that one or more persons gets/get a permanent call-back link'. This may optionally be free, but this is not necessary.