PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

The present invention relates to personal communications devices and systems, in particular to hands-free devices for accessing remote devices or systems and methods of operating personal communications devices and systems. In particularly preferred embodiments, automatic authentication of personal communications devices with one or more systems is enabled.

It is increasingly common for communications devices, such as mobile phones, mobile radios, smartphones, BlackBerry devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops, personal computers (PCs), etc., to be used with personal communications devices or "hands-free" devices, such as wireless headsets, for convenience and other reasons . In such an arrangement the audio signals for a telephone call for example are routed via the hands-free device, rather than being reproduced by the phone itself. The hands-free device may also offer some ability to control or operate the communications device and/or the audio signal provided to the user.

However, ^' such hands-free devices are typically limited in terms of the control or functionality that they provide. For example, they may only provide limited control of the communications device's functions, such that it may still be necessary to use the communications device itself to access many of its functions. Furthermore the control or functionality of a hands-free device is limited by the embedded functionality of 'the communications device with which it is used.

Therefore it is typically not possible to access, using such hands-free devices, enhanced or improved services that could be available to the user. Furthermore although a user may typically have a single headset, it is often the case that they will have more than one means for accessing a system. For example, the user may access a system sometimes via the Internet (e.g. via a PC, etc.), sometimes via a mobile phone, sometimes via a PDA, etc., at different times and as convenient. Depending on the way the user accesses a system, they may be

presented with different options and controls, etc., because only certain options and controls are available depending on the mode of communication, which is undesirable and can be confusing. Furthermore the user may need to be identified each time with the system because a different access means is used and the system does not recognise the user.

Therefore there remains scope for improvement in hands-free devices .

In accordance with a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of authenticating a hands- free device for a communications device with a system, the method comprising: a hands-free device having an identifier associated therewith; establishing a connection between the hands-free device and a system via at least one communications device; and providing the identifier from the hands-free device to the system, thereby attempting authentication of the hands-free device with the system.

The present invention provides a method of authenticating a hands-free device with a system that is secure, transparent for the user and is preferably automatic. This is achieved by providing an identifier from the hands-free device to the system, thereby attempting authentication of the hands-free device. The identifier, which preferably comprises unique information relating to the headset such as a unique address, a name or the like, identifies the hands-free device to the system. Thus a hands-free device for a communications device can rapidly and simply be authenticated with a system in a seamless manner, with minimal interaction required by the user.

The identifier identifies the hands-free device to the system and can be provided in any suitable manner. For example, the user could input the identifier to the system on request, or could programme the identifier into each of their communications devices, etc. However this is time consuming and subject to error. Furthermore this method may not be secure as an unauthorised party could obtain the identifier if the user has

to write it down to remember it, or could watch the user entering their identifier and memorise it, so that they can reproduce the identifier to gain unauthorised access to a system.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the identifier is stored in a memory of the hands-free device. Therefore an unauthorised user cannot see the identifier and thus cannot use it.

To use the identifier, the user could request playback of the identifier so that it can be entered into a system, although this may also be subject to misuse. Preferably the identifier stored in a memory of the hands-free device is capable of being transmitted from the hands-free device (preferably automatically and/or in response to a request from, for example, the system, the user and/or the communications device, etc.) to the system. This is advantageous because the user does not need to input the identifier or even to be informed of the identifier and instead the system is readily and seamlessly informed of the identifier without further interaction by the user.

Therefore in preferred embodiments the step of providing an identifier to a system comprises automatically providing the identifier. Automatically providing the identifier is simple and avoids user input errors, and can occur in any suitable manner and with any suitable timing. For example, the identifier could be provided periodically to the system, and/or could be provided with any one or more predetermined timings, for example the identifier could be provided on initiation of communication with the system, or after a predetermined delay, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the identifier is preferably provided to the system in response to a request from the system. For example once connection is established, the system transmits a request for the identifier to the hands-free device and the identifier is automatically provided in response to the request.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the identifier is automatically provided to a system when a predetermined time period or delay, after the connection between the hands-free

device and a system has been established or attempted to be established, has elapsed. For example in preferred embodiments the hands-free device initiates communication with a system by providing an address, number or the like for contacting the system to a communications device, which then attempts to contact the system. This may be achieved by, for example, operating a user-operable input means, such as a button or switch or the like, of the hands-free device to providing the address, number or the like to the communications device. Preferably the hands-free device then automatically provides the identifier to the system via the communications device after sufficient time has elapsed. The time may be measured from when the attempt to contact the system was made, or from when communication with the system is confirmed. In preferred embodiments, the delay prior to providing the identifier is determined such that sufficient time is allowed for the hands- free device to establish communications with a system via a communications device. Alternatively or additionally the delay or predetermined time period could be longer and/or could be shorter. In some embodiments, there may be no delay at all and the identifier is sent immediately after, or appended to, the address, number or the like of the system that is provided to the communications device.

Whether the provision of the identifier is delayed or not preferably is determined based on the type of identifier of the hands-free device. For example if the identifier comprises caller line identification (CLI) means, then it is generally ^c desirable for there to be only a short or no delay, as the identifier can be provided during connection.

However typically CLI means identifies only the communications device with which connection to a system -is being made, rather than any other device with which it is desirable to commμnicate with the system.

Therefore in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, the identifier comprises dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) means, such as tones or means for enabling the hands-free device and/or the communications device

to generate or reproduce such tones . This is particularly- advantageous because the identifier can represent the hands-free device and can be provided to the system via existing systems and communications means, such as via the Internet, via voice over IP (VoIP) systems such as Skype or the like, via mobile communications means (e.g. GSM, 3G, WAP, EDGE, etc.) without need for modification of any of the system components. For example the identifier DTMF tones are provided to the system via the communications device over the open or existing, e.g. audio, communication means/channel that has been established .with the system, and the system can effectively "listen" to the tones and determine whether the tones relate to a known user of the system. In alternative or additional embodiments, the identifier comprises other audio means that can be transmitted over open audio channels to identify a particular hands-free device.

In embodiments where the identifier comprises DTMF means it is preferable to delay provision of the identifier (for example as discussed above) until, for example, communication with the system has been established and the, e.g: voice or audio, channel or the like is open and able to provide the DTMF tones to the system for reception and interpretation. This is preferably achieved by waiting a predetermined time before (preferably automatically) providing the identifier to the system, and/or the system requests provision of the identifier when connection is established, for example by sending a DTMF tone request to the hands-free device.

The identifier, preferably the DTMF tones, can represent any means for identifying the hands-free device. For example, each hands-free device could be assigned a predetermined, possibly random, series of tones. In particularly preferred embodiments, the identifier, preferably comprising DTMF tones, at least partially comprises or represents an address, preferably the Media Access Control (MAC) address, of or associated with the hands-free device. Thus the unique MAC address of the hands-free device is represented by DTMF tones and each particular hands-free device can be recognised by a

system to which it requires access in a reliable and secure manner .

The identifier may comprise, for example, the MAC address of a hands-free device represented as, for example, DTMF tones and the identifier may be exactly the same each time the identifier is provided to a system. Namely the DTMF representation of the MAC address is always provided to the system completely and unaltered.

However in preferred embodiments the method of authenticating a hands-free device with a system is rendered even more secure by altering or encrypting the identifier. For example, the tones representing the MAC address could be provided to the system such that the MAC address is reproduced exactly, or for example the tones could instead be provided to the system in a random or preferably a pseudorandom order, wherein the system can interpolate, decipher or otherwise determine the correct MAC address from the random or pseudorandom ordered tones. This further improves the security of the system because even if an unauthorised user could intercept transmission of the identifier, it would not be possible to determine the MAC address of the hands-free device, nor would the unauthorised user be able to gain access again to the system using the intercepted identifier because the system should expect a different, random or pseudorandom identifier at the next connection attempt.

Therefore in preferred embodiments the identifier comprises a plurality of bits, digits, symbols, tones or the like and the step of providing the identifier from the hands-free device to a system comprises providing the plurality of bits, digits, symbols, tones or the like in a random or pseudo random arrangement or order.

The components of the identifier can be randomised or the like at every authentication attempt, or dependent on other factors, for example at set time periods or the like, thereby , further reducing the likelihood of unauthorised access to a system.

The identifiers discussed above may be further secured, for example by encryption, preferably using an encryption method and key, etc., recognised and decryptable by a system with which the hands-free device will interact.

The identifier, which is preferably associated with the MAC address of the hands-free device but may comprises any other suitable, unique identifier, is preferably stored in the hands-free device, preferably in a memory thereof which may, or may not be, configurable (e.g. programmable in use by the user as opposed to on manufacture only) . In some embodiments the memory is not configurable and therefore the identifier is a preconfigured number or code that is set on production (i.e. during manufacture) and cannot be changed. This provides a secure identifier that is difficult to copy and/or reproduce in an unauthorised manner. In other embodiments, the memory is configurable and therefore the identifier is a preconfigured number or code that is set on production (i.e. during manufacture) but can be changed as desired by the user.

Alternatively or additionally the identifier preferably comprises a number or the like calculated in the hands-free device, for example by a program or application of the device, preferably calculated when the hands-free device is switched on or activated. Preferably the calculated number or code differs from any other internal or other code of the hands-free device, but in some examples may be based on any other internal or other code of the hands-free device (for example the IEEE Bluetooth address of the hands-free device) .

Alternatively or additional the identifier preferably comprises an identifier provided to the hands-free device. For example, the web portal of a system could provide a unique identifier to a hands-free device, preferably on> the first occasion that the hands-free device communicates with a system (e.g. via a communications device such as a PC or the like), and/or when a user first initiates an account or the like with the system, etc. An additional or alternative identifier may be provided to the hands-free device by other means. For example the system could provide an identifier to the hands-free device

via a voice portal. In particularly preferred embodiments, a DTMF identifier is provided to the hands-free device from the system via the voice portal . This could occur before any other interaction between the hands-free device and the system, for example upon the very first attempt of the hands-free device to access the system (e.g. before any personalisation of the system has been established for the hands-free device) .

Furthermore in preferred embodiments the identifier preferably comprises a combination of at least a part of any one or more of the above.

As discussed above, in preferred embodiments of the present invention a connection is established between a hands-free device and a system and an identifier associated with the hands-free device is provided to the system. This can be achieved in any suitable manner and may be initiated by any suitable means or process. For example, a user could connect a communications device with a system and the system could request the identifier. However this requires several interactions by the user and may take longer than desired. Preferably the hands-free device comprises a user-operable input means and the method further comprises : determining when the user-operable input means is operated by a user; and initiating the step of providing the identifier from the hands-free device to the system in response to determination of user operation of the user-operable input means.

Thus a user can quickly and easily initiate contact with a system and attempt to authenticate a hands-free device with a system simply by pressing a button or other user-operable input means at the headset .

Additionally or alternatively the communications between the hands-free device and a system via a communications device can similarly be initiated. Therefore in preferred embodiments the method further comprises : providing a number, address, or the like of a system with which a connection is to be established from the hands-free device to a communications device, such that the communications

device is capable of attempting to establish a connection with the system, wherein the number, address, or the like is provided prior to the step of providing the identifier from the hands- free device to the system. Preferably the hands-free device comprises a user-operable input means and the method further comprises: determining when the user-operable input means is operated by a user; and initiating the step of providing a number, address, or the like of a system with which a connection is to be established from the hands-free device to a communications device in response to determination of user operation of the user-operable input means .

This is particularly advantageous because a user can completely control connection with and access to a system by simply pressing a button or other means on the hands-free device which enables a rapid and easy connection and authentication with the system. The user-operable input means may be provided specifically for this purpose, or may be an existing user-operable input means of the hands- free device. For example in preferred embodiments, one user-operable input means is capable of initiating the step of providing a number, address, or the like of a system with which a connection is to be established and also initiating the step of providing the identifier from the hands-free device to the system. Preferably a single operation of the user-operable input means is sufficient to initiate both these steps (preferably with a time delay between each step as described herein) . The user-operable input means may additionally be operable for other functions too (for example to answer an incoming call, to terminate a call, to adjust the volume of the hands-free device, etc.) .

As discussed above, the method of the embodiments of the present invention involves establishing a connection between the hands-free device and a system via at least one communications device. In preferred embodiments, the method comprises establishing a wireless communications connection between the hands- free device and the communications device. This is

advantageous because a communication channel can be established wirelessly for convenience and ease of use. Preferably the wireless communications comprises Bluetooth communications, or any other suitable, short-range wireless communications (Wi-Fi, IrDA, etc . )

The above embodiments of the present invention may be used in a system comprising at least a hands-free device and a system with which it is desired for the hands-free device to be able to connect and interact.

Therefore from a further broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of authenticating a hands- free device with a system, the method comprising: a hands- free device having an identifier associated therewith and means for communicating with a communications device; a system comprising means for communicating with a communications device; establishing a communications connection between the hands- free device and a communications device; establishing a communications connection between the system and the communications device; and providing the identifier from the hands-free device to the system via the communications device, thereby attempting authentication of the hands-free device with the system.

This is advantageous because a compatible system for interaction between a hands-free device and a system is provided that is convenient and simple for a user to use via their hands-free device, irrespective of the communications device and protocol, etc., that enables such interactions.

As discussed above, an important feature of the embodiments of the present invention is that a particular hands-free device is recognised or authenticated by a system with which interaction is required, rather than, as is known in the art, a system recognising a communications device that it is communicating with. This advantageously enables a user of a hands-free device to connect and interact with a system irrespective of the particular communications device they are

using at a particular time, and they may in fact have several devices they wish to use depending on the particular circumstances .

However if the hands-free device is not recognised and thus is not authenticated, it is desirable for access to a system to be refused.

Preferably therefore the method -further comprises: the system determining whether the identifier provided to the system by the hands-free device is recognised; if the/ identifier is recognised, determining that authentication is successful; if the identifier is not recognised, determining that authentication is not successful; and enabling the hands-free device to access the system only in response to a successful authentication. This is advantageous because no unauthorised users or devices will be allowed access to the system and, for example, a user must register and/or pay for the system if they are to be allowed access to it.

The system or systems to which a hands- free device is permitted access can be any suitable system(s) . For example, the system may comprise a general system providing all devices that are allowed access with the same information, content, etc. Preferably however a user is permitted access to personalised and preferably private areas or parts of the system. Thus specific, personalised content can be provided to the user via their hands-free device and furthermore this occurs automatically in response to the system recognising the hands-free device when the identifier associated with the hands-free device is provided to the system.

Therefore in preferred embodiments in response to a successful authentication, the hands-free device is provided with access to at least one personalised part or area of the system, the personalised part or area associated with the identifier provided to the system.

The hands- free device may be allowed access only to a system with which it has been authenticated. Preferably however the hands-free device is able to access other systems, services,

applications, platforms, etc., indirectly via the system which has authenticated the hands-free device. For example, the authenticating system may be provide by, say, a particular service provider and the authenticating system may comprises means for enabling a hands-free device to access systems, platforms, applications, etc., hosted by other service providers, including personalised or private applications. Preferably the authenticating system automatically authenticate the hands-free device with this additional services, applications, platforms. This is particularly advantageous because the user of a hands-free device is able to access any and all of their personal systems, websites, applications, etc., and this is all enabled by the authenticating system (preferably automatically) authenticating the hands-free device.

The personalised information and content made available to a user via their hands-free device can be any suitable information, content, media, files, etc. In particularly preferred embodiments a system has a wide variety of, preferably personalised, content, services and information which a user may wish to access. For example, a system may comprise one or more service and for example a user can access their daily schedules, e-mails, documents, appointments, voicemails, contacts, programs, applications, etc., all by association with a particular hands-free device that is identified by the identifier associated with it. Other services might be offered additionally or alternatively, and for example services, platforms, applications, etc., external to the system, such as social networking websites, news sites, blogs, network services sites, etc., can all be accessed and authenticated with by the system such that a user can access them all via a system with which their hands-free device is authenticated.

As described above a user is permitted access to one or more systems, portals, services, etc., when the hands-free device of the user is identified/authorised by the identifier provided to the system. Unless the system is simply a one-way (i.e. non-interactive) system, it is likely that the user will wish to respond to, control, operate or otherwise interact with

the system and any other systems, etc., with which they have access, thereby obtaining the desired services, content, etc., provided by each system. This could be achieved by interacting with, for example, the communications device via which the hands-free device communicates with the system to select offered options, but such interactions may be limited, awkward and time- consuming and it is not always convenient, legal or indeed possible to use the communications device at the necessary time.

Therefore in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises: the hands-free device providing voice commands of a user to a system via a communications device, thereby controlling one or more aspects or operations of the system and/or of any other system with which the hands-free device is authenticated.

This is advantageous because a user can "speak" to the hands-free device to provide commands to control, operate or otherwise access the various options, menus, etc., of the system or other systems, etc. Thus no interaction is required with a communications device via which the hands-free device ^■ communicates with the system and yet the user can access and control any or all of the options of the system that they desire. For example if the system comprises a gateway or server (preferably comprising or otherwise provided with a voice portal) enabling access to the user's personal calendar, e-mails, voicemail, schedule, contacts, etc., the user can simply speak the appropriate command to activate the desired function, and the system can respond accordingly. So if, say, the user wishes to hear any new e-mails received at the system, the user may, for example, say "read e-mails" into the microphone of the hands-free device (or whatever is the recognised command) and this is relayed or transmitted to the system (via the communications device) and a voice recognition application, engine, or portal of, or associated with, the system interprets the command and interacts with the system to initiate the e-mail application. The voice recognition application, portal, etc., could for example be a VoiceXML system or portal. This portal could be provided as an integral

part of the system and/or could be a separately provided component or interface, as appropriate. The user's e-mails are then read to them, for example by a voice synthesis (e.g. "text-to-speech") application or engine of the system and/or of the portal, etc., generating audio which is transmitted to the hands-free device and played through one or more speakers thereof to the user.

The voice recognition application could be a separate application dedicated to recognising voice commands, or the application may also be used for other purposes. For example a single voice recognition application could interpret voice commands as well as recognising/interpreting the identifier of the hands-free device (e.g. recognising the DTMF tones in such embodiments) .

Similar preferred arrangements are provided for other preferred functions of such systems, services, etc. For example, calendar events could be read to the user and the user can "dictate" new events to the system; the user could compose and send e-mails; the user can listen to any voicemails; the user can initiate a call to any contact in their address book, etc., all via voice commands spoken into the hands-free device and that are transmitted to and understood by the system, which responds appropriately to the user via the hands-free device.

As recognised above, systems offering voice activated services, content, etc., are particularly advantageous for use with hands-free devices and systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. However such systems have a considerable drawback in environments where there are relatively high levels of background noise, because the voice recognition application can experience difficulty interpreting and understanding voice commands . This problem could be solved for example by ^resorting to other forms of command when the hands-free device controlling the system is in an area of high noise levels. For example a user may be requested to enter their requirements, choice of content or service, etc., using the keypad of the communications device under such circumstances. Other causes of ambiguity and problems

interpreting or understanding voice commands can arise, for example, when one or more communications connections between the hands-free device and the system is poor or weak, or where certain hardware of the system, of the hands-free device and/or of the communications device is not functioning properly, etc.

However this solution is far from ideal and on many occasions it is not desirable or even possible for the user to interact with the communications device (e.g. when mobile, . particularly when driving a vehicle) and furthermore the options available to the user are severely restricted until full voice r control is resumed.

Preferably therefore the method further comprises : determining one or more parameters about or associated with the user of the hands-free device and/or about or associated with the hands-free device; storing the one or more parameters in a memory of the system; and the system using the one or more parameters to disambiguate information, commands or instructions provided to the system from the hands-free device.

This is advantageous because the system can effectively learn about the user of the hands-free device and about the hands-free device itself, and when there is difficulty interpreting or understanding, e.g. voice, commands, selections, etc., the system can refer to data or information determined about the user/hands-free device to reduce or remove any ambiguity from the command, selection, etc. This is particularly useful when the hands-free device is used in, say, a noisy environment because the system can, for example, refer to previous (preferably regularly made) requests from the hands-free device to determine whether it is likely that the command or selection, that the system cannot presently understand, is the same as a previous request. Additionally or alternatively, the system can apply one or more correction parameters (such as generic parameters or preferably that the system has "learnt" are appropriate for the particular

user/hands-free device) to attempt to disambiguate the command or selection.

Thus by having a hands-free device with an identifier that can be used to authenticate the hands-free device with a system, a personalised system can be provided enabling the user to access personal services, data, content, etc., (from one or more sources, etc.) and also the system can store and learn from information determined about the user to provide enhanced services with improved voice recognition abilities and command disambiguation etc. If the system has difficulty recognising a command or request, it can effectively estimate or guess what the user wants based on known correction or adjustment parameters, historical data (e.g. what they have previously and/or regularly requested), characteristics data (e.g. the system can "learn" to account for the user's accent or other speech differences) or any other appropriate data or information determined about the user, etc., and this is possible because the hands-free device has been, preferably automatically, recognised and authenticated by the system and thus associated with the particular user's information.

However it is possible that in some cases even having all this information about a user, it is still not possible for the system to interpret or understand the request of a user of a hands-free device. This may also occur when the user is relatively new to the system and, for example, insufficient data or information about the user has been stored in the system.

Preferably the method further comprises : providing one or more instruction means to the hands-free device when the system receives one or more, commands, instructions or other information that cannot be understood or disambiguated by the system. Preferably the instruction means comprises one or more command options and an associated voice prompt. This is advantageous because if the system is experiencing difficulty interpreting commands, etc., received from the hands- free device, the system can instead provide the hands-free device with (preferably a limited number of) commands

that are easily recognised by the system even in high noise or other problem environments .

The hands-free device preferably reproduces the available commands to the user (e.g. by voice synthesis via one or more speakers of the hands-free device of the commands) . The user 'can browse through the available commands and if the user selects a particular command (for example by operation of a user-operable input means such as a button, switch, etc.) the command can be relayed or directly streamed back to the system. The command will be readily understood by the system (and/or by a voice portal of, or associated with, the system) because it will be in a recognised format and furthermore can be transmitted without any noise interference since it is preferably simply a playback of the command option just sent to the hands-free device. Furthermore the sensitivity of the microphone of the hands-free device can be reduced to avoid or reduce noise interference during transmission, or the microphone could be completely disabled during transmission, etc. In particularly preferred embodiments, the commands streamed to the system from the hands-free device comprise DTMF tones. These can be provided to the hands-free device by the system (as discussed above) and can be in DTMF format (i.e. as audio files) when provided or can be in other formats that enable a DTMF generator of the system to generate the appropriate tones, etc.

The commands and voice prompts, etc., provided to the hands-free device by the system can be a generic set of commands, or can be personalised, e.g. a set of commands that the system has determined that the user of the hands-free device prefers to use, or a pre-stored set of commands stored in the user's personal area of the system for such occasions, etc.

The commands provided to the hands-free device can be arranged in any suitable manner. Preferably they are arranged in a cyclic menu structure, as disclosed for example in WO 2007/010288.

As discussed above, the hands-free device communicates with a system via a communication device. The communications may be in any suitable format using any suitable protocol, etc.

Preferably the step of establishing a connection between the hands-free device and a system via at least one communications device comprises establishing a wireless communications connection between the hands-free device and a communications device. This enables convenient and rapid connection between such devices .

Preferably if a communications device with which the hands- free device has .established a wireless communications connection comprises a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) , a BlackBerry device, a smartphone or the like, then the step of establishing a connection between the hands-free device and a system comprises establishing a wireless communications connection between a communications device and the system. An entirely wireless connection from the hands-free device to the system is advantageous because this provides a flexible and convenient communication method for the user.

Preferably if a communications device with which the hands- free device has established a wireless communications connection comprises a personal computer (PC) , a laptop or the like, then the step of establishing a connection between the hands-free device and a system comprises establishing a wireless or wired communications connection over a network, preferably a wide area network (WAN) , between the communications device and the system. This is advantageous because network connections are generally fast, secure and reliable.

The system or systems with which the hands-free device is capable of connecting comprise any suitable systems, portals, gateways, services, etc., that a user may wish to connect with. The system could, for example, be a single system or service or the like, such as voicemail. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a user can directly, seamlessly and preferably automatically access their voicemails irrespective of which communications device, of perhaps several devices that they possess, the hands-free device interacts with to access the voicemail; the system will still identify and authenticate the user to their personal account or service.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the system comprises one or more systems, services, platforms, etc., that the user can access as discussed above. Preferably the systems, services, etc., are all accessed via a single address, server or gateway. For example the hands-free device could establish a connection to a single gateway (preferably via a voice portal) with which it is authenticated using the identifier and the user can then access services and other offerings via the gateway. In particularly preferred embodiments, the system comprises a gateway comprising a "voice portal", with which a user can interact via their hands-free device by speaking with the voice portal to make requests, give commands, etc. The voice portal or voice interface enables the user to interact with the gateway and thus access numerous services, information, or other content, etc., all of which are preferably hosted on a single server or set of servers and have associated databases, etc., for storing the content and the like. Preferably the voice portal or interface comprises a VoiceXML based interactive voice recognition system that interacts with the system, services, etc .

Furthermore in preferred embodiments the user can access the gateway and parts of the system via other means in addition to accessing the gateway via a voice portal. For example, the user could access the system via a "web portal", for example by logging onto a website (using, e.g. a username and password for identification such that their personal data and services can be accessed) . Thus the user can alter their preferences, access and configure their services, tailor the system to their choices, etc.

In preferred embodiments, the user can configure a hands-free device via the system. For example the user could access the system and choose options, commands, functions, or other upgrades, etc., that they would like to be available on their hands-free device. This could be achieved via a portal, for example a website or other application, and the user could for example "drag and drop" features into a configuration means that transfers the desired upgrades, etc., onto the hands-free

device. Preferably the hands-free device is connected with a communications device such as a PC or the like that enables transfer of the upgrades to the hands-free device.

As discussed above, the options, commands, functions, or other upgrades, etc., available to the hands-free device may be implemented, when requested or chosen by the user, at the hands-free device itself, i.e. locally. For example, if the user wishes to upgrade, change or otherwise modify the voice prompts that are available on the hands-free device, this can be achieved by providing new voice prompts from the system to the hands-free device, and that are preferably stored on the hands-free device. In another example, the address or the like of the system to be contacted by the hands-free device (via a communications device) could be configured by providing the number, etc., to be called to the hands-free device, preferably for storage in a memory thereof.

Alternatively or additionally the options, commands, functions, or other upgrades, etc., available to the hands-free device may be implemented remotely. For example, the gateway can be configured such that the user (i.e. the hands-free device) is offered a chosen set of services, prompts, options, commands, etc., when a particular system is accessed. Namely the system is configured or personalised, for example by the user via a web portal as discussed above, such that the hands-free device is effectively configured or personalised because the desired options are available to the hands-free device, yet no configuration of the hands-free device itself is needed. This is particularly advantageous for hands-free devices that are not configurable and/or have limited resources in this regard (e.g. limited or no free memory space, etc.) . Of course, a combination of the above discussed local and remote configuration is also preferred in some embodiments of the present invention.

The above embodiments relate to methods of authenticating and operating a hands-free device, but of course it is intended for the present invention to encompass suitable means and devices in relation the above methods . Therefore from

a further broad aspect there is provided a hands-free device for a communications device comprising: means for communicating with at least one communications device; and identifier means for identifying the hands-free device, wherein the hands-free device is operable to provide the identifier means to a system via at least one communications device to attempt authentication of the hands-free device with the system.

Preferably the identifier means is stored in a memory of the hands-free device.

Preferably the identifier means comprises dual-tone multi- frequency (DTMF) tones.

Preferably the identifier means at least partially comprises or represents an address, preferably the Media Access Control (MAC) address, of or associated with the hands-free device.

Preferably the identifier means comprises a plurality of bits, digits, symbols, tones or the like and wherein the hands- free device is operable to provide the plurality of bits, digits, symbols, tones or the like to a system in a random or pseudo random arrangement or order.

Preferably the hands-free device is operable to provide the identifier means automatically to a system.

Preferably the identifier means is automatically provided to a system when a predetermined time period or delay, after a connection between the hands-free device and a system has been established via a communications device, has elapsed.

Preferably the means for communicating with at least one communications device comprises wireless communications means, preferably Bluetooth communications means .

Preferably the hands-free device further comprises user-operable input means.

Preferably the hands-free device is operable to provide the identifier means to a system in response to operation of the user-operable input means.

Preferably the hands-free device further comprises:

connection means comprising a number, address, or the like of a system with which a connection is to be established, and wherein the hands-free device is operable to provide, prior to provision of the identifier means, the connection means to a communications device such that the communications device attempts to establish a connection with the system. Preferably the connection means is stored in a memory of the hands-free device.

Preferably the hands-free device comprises user-operable input means and wherein the hands- free device is operable to provide the connection means to a communications device in response to operation of the user-operable input means .

Preferably the hands-free device comprises at least one speaker, a microphone and a memory. Preferable the hands-free device comprises at least one, preferably two user-operable input means, such as a button, switch, dial, jog dial or the like. Preferably the hands-free device comprises a DTMF generator .

The present invention in its various embodiments therefore provides a hands-free device and method of operating a hands- free device in which the device is capable of accessing a system and providing, preferably automatically (i.e. without further input or interaction from a user of the device) , an identifier to the system such that the hands-free device is authorised and the user can access personalised and customised content, services, etc., of the system.

A number of preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 shows schematically a system for authenticating a hands-free device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in figure 1, a hands-free device 2 comprising a headset 2 in this embodiment, is able to communicate with one or more systems, applications, services, platforms, or gateways 10,12,13 using mobile communications devices 4,6 and via a portal 8 which enables the headset 2, and the user of the

headset 2, to interact with the one or more systems, applications, services, platforms, or gateways 10,12,13.

The headset 2 communicates indirectly with the portal 8, i.e. the headset 2 communicates with one or more communications devices 4,6 and the communications devices 4,6 communicate with the portal 8. In the figure 1 embodiment for example, the headset 2 is used with a mobile phone 4 and/or a PC 6. Other suitable communications devices comprise laptops, smartphones, BlackBerry devices, PDAs, Apple Mac personal computing devices, etc.

The headset 2 preferably communicates with the mobile phone 4 via wireless communications 30, such as a Bluetooth communication, IrDA link or the like. However a cable could connect the headset 2 to the mobile phone 4. The mobile phone preferably communicates with portal 8 over a wireless network 32 such as the GSM network, or over any other suitable network using suitable protocols such as WAP, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, etc.

If the headset 2 communicates with the portal 8 via the PC 6, the headset 2 can use either wired 37 or wireless 30 communications to interact with the PC 6 and the PC typically communicates with the portal 8 via wired communications 34, such as via the Internet or other wide area network WAN or the like, or via a phone line or via a Voice over IP (VoIP) connection.

The portal 8 of the figure 1 embodiment comprises a voice portal, preferably being for example a VoiceXML hosted server, which may be situated at the location of a service provider and is accessible to communications devices such as mobile phones 4, PCs 6 and the like. The portal 8 is a voice activated gateway by which users can access other gateways, applications, services, etc., and acts as an interface between the user (and the user's devices 2,4,6) and these services, etc. The services, etc., may be hosted by the same service provider of the portal 8, and/or may be hosted by other providers, in which case the portal 8 may simply act as a voice interface and perhaps has no control or further interaction with these services, etc., although of course control and interaction with other providers' services is possible if desired.

The voice portal 8 comprises subsystems for enabling voice interaction between services and the like and a user via their headset 2. For example the portal 8 of figure 1 comprises a call gateway 82, switching systems 84, VoiceXML servers 86 and content caching 88. Other subsystems could of course be provided in the voice portal 8.

In order to access the desired services, applications, etc., a user interacts with the voice portal 8 to, for example, request the service that they want. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, this is accomplished in the following way. The headset 2 has a memory and stored in the memory is means for communicating with the voice portal 8. In preferred embodiments, this comprises the phone number (or IP address or other suitable contact means) that the mobile phone 4 or PC 6 must dial to connect to the voice portal 8. Preferably the number or other contact means is changeable (e.g. the memory is programmable by the user) such that a user can choose which portal 8 they would like to have programmed for connection into their headset 2. In the headset memory there is also stored a unique identifier that identifies the headset 2.

When a user wishes to access the services provided via the portal 8, this is easily achieved by causing the headset 2 to send the phone number to, for example, the mobile phone 4 which preferably causes the mobile phone 4 to automatically call the portal 8. The headset 2 can be caused to provide the phone number of the portal 8 in any suitable manner. In this preferred embodiment, this is-^ achieved by the user pressing a button (22) of the headset 2 to initiate sending of the number. The button 22 may be a dedicated button for this purpose or may have one or more other functions as is known in the art. The manner in which the mobile phone 4 2 is caused to call a particular, preferably programmable, number is disclosed in WO 2006/087567 and related, granted UK patent GB 2423445.

The mobile phone 4 therefore calls the portal 8 and establishes an open communications audio channel to the headset 2 via the mobile phone 4. The headset user can then begin speaking with the portal 8 and, as the portal 8 is a voice

portal, the user's requests, commands, etc., will be recognised and interpreted by the portal 8 and the user will be offered services, applications, etc., in accordance with their requests, commands , etc .

However in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, in the figure 1 system the user's experience with the voice portal 8, and indeed with any other portals, or services, applications, etc., is enhanced because the portal 8 is informed of the identity of the user (i.e. of the user's headset 2) and thus personalised, customised information, content, services and the like are offered to the user in accordance with preferences already known about the user.

The portal 8 is informed of the identity of the user (of the user's headset 2) by the headset 2 providing the portal 8 with a unique identifier identifying the headset 2. For example, in preferred embodiments the identifier is stored in a memory of the headset 2 and is transmitted to the portal 8 from the mobile phone 4. This is preferably achieved by the user pressing the button 22 of the headset 2 and most preferably this occurs automatically in response to the user pressing the button 22 (as discussed above) to call the portal 8. Namely the user need only press button 22 of the headset 2 once to place the call and to transmit the identifier to the portal 8. In preferred embodiments a predetermined time delay or pause occurs between the headset transmitting the portal contact number to the mobile phone 4 and transmitting the identifier, which allows time for a connection (and thus an open audio- channel) to be established. This could also be achieved by, for example, the headset 2 automatically providing the identifier in response to a request from, for example, the portal 8. So in embodiments where the identifier comprises DTMF tones (as discussed below) , the identifier is provided automatically to the system in response to a DTMF tone request sent from the system to the headset 2 (preferably once a connection has been established) .

The identifier comprises any suitable means to identify the headset 2 and may be stored in the headset memory in an audio format for direct transmission, or in a format that is not

suitable for transmission but that, for example, can be converted by means of the headset 2 (or the mobile phone 4) into a suitable audio format. Preferably the identifier comprises DTMF tones that are generated by a DTMF generator of the headset 2 (and transmitted to the mobile phone 4 and thus to the portal 8 over the open audio channel) based on data stored in the headset memory.

The headset 2 can be given any suitable identity. In preferred embodiments and existing identity of the headset 2 is used to provide the identifier. For example, in the figure 1 embodiment, the DTMF tones represent the MAC address of the headset 2. The DTMF tones representing the MAC address of the headset 2 in this embodiment are pseudo-randomly re-ordered when transmitted to the portal 8, to increase security, but the portal 8 is capable of interpreting the MAC address and identifying the headset 2.

The portal 8 and/or the gateway or server 10 interprets the received identifier in any suitable manner. In the figure 1 embodiment, the portal 8 compares the received identifier to a database 122 of identifiers, preferably comprised within the server 10, to determine whether the headset 2 is recognised and should be authorised access to the portal 8 and server 10, and thus to other portals, services, servers, platforms, etc. If the database 122 already contains the identifier, the headset 2 is known to the system ^' and should be allowed access (assuming the user has not been barred from the service for any reason) . The database 122 also contains information related to this identifier and this "relational database" is accessed by the system to determine how the system should interact with the headset 2. For example the relational database 122 preferably comprises a plurality of data tables that each provide the portal 8 with information about the user.

Preferably the relational database comprises a user data table containing information about the user such as their contact details (e-mail address, phone number, etc.), their application/service keys and session identifications, their

access and usage history (for example their usage of the web portal, such as pages visited, time and date of visit, etc.) .

In preferred embodiments at least one, some or preferably all of the data tables are completely extensible and can grow over time as more information is accumulated.

Preferably the relational database comprises a user generated content data table mapping data stored within a data repository (described below) with indexed data about that content (e.g. the data and its time of creation could be mapped to the user, as well as details of other users that have accessed the content and when) .

Preferably the relational database comprises a usage data table containing information of actions undertaken by the user, for example when using the voice portal . For example this might include who has accessed what and when through the voice portal . This advantageously enables the service provider to analyse and map services to the user based on usage patterns, etc.

In the figure 1 embodiment, the relational database 122 is provided at the gateway or server 10 of, preferably, the same service provider as provides the voice portal 8 (although the voice portal 8 could be separately provided from the server 10) . This ensures that the service provider knows all the relevant information related to a user (i.e. a user's headset 2) and that there is a single point of contact for obtaining this information. The service provider can thus choose to what other (possibly unrelated) services or providers and under what circumstances the user's data is to be distributed. The voice portal 8 has access to the relational database 122 in order to enable personalised interaction with the headset 2 as soon as the identifier is received and authorised.

The gateway or server 10 of the service provider may also contain other components 100 for providing services to and enhancing the experience of a user of an authorised headset 2. For example as shown in figure 1, the server 10 comprises a further database 124. This database 124 in this embodiment comprises a data repository 124 for storing all the voice blogs and user generated content is stored in a systematic, organised

manner, and can support large amounts of content. The contents of the data repository are indexed within the relational database to enable rapid and organised access .

Of course additional databases 120 could be provided as part of, or in addition to, the server 10 if desired.

Other components 100 of the system and/or of the server -10 may comprise any one or more of the following: a messaging subsystem 103, a usage managing subsystem 104, a scripting managing subsystem 105, an authentication and privacy managing subsystem 106; a system administrations subsystem 107; a hosting subsystem 108; a backup subsystem 109, a services managing subsystem 110, the services managing subsystem 110 preferably containing a utilities interface subsystem 111, that interfaces with and has means 112,113 for interacting with existing applications, utilities, platforms and programs such as for example, social networking platforms 12, or other voice or the like service platforms 13, etc., and any other appropriate subsystems 100 for effectively operating the services provided to users. The means 112,113 for interacting with existing platforms, etc., preferably comprise adaptive APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) .

Preferably the messaging subsystem 103 enables messaging functions, for example enabling the portal 102 to e-mail users to authenticate them on registration, to send details of new services and offerings or other marketing, to allow password resets, etc. Thus this subsystem 103 provides a conduit between the service provider and the user. The messaging subsystem 103 ^* may be self contained and/or may use existing messaging features of, for example, the underlying operating system that hosts the gateway 10.

Preferably the usage managing subsystem 104 is responsible for ensuring usage events, etc., are tracked and provided to the relevant tables within the database.

Preferably the scripting managing subsystem 105 is responsible for generating run time based scripts based on user and service subscriptions to drive the user interface and content presented to the user by the VoiceXML server of the

voice portal 8. The scripting managing subsystem 105 preferably interfaces directly with the VoiceXML server and the server is provided with scripts at run time to play dynamically generated VoiceXML to the user. Core to the scripting managing subsystem 105 is the VoiceXML class that complies with the relevant VoiceXML standards, and is server platform agnostic such that it is portable to other voice portals 8.

Preferably the authentication and privacy managing subsystem 106 is operable to ensure that the user accessing the system (either via a mobile phone, IP over a PC or via the web portal for example) is correctly authenticated and that the appropriate privacy levels are applied. The authentication and privacy managing subsystem 106 also allows the service provider to block or restrict users, e.g. via their user details and/or via a particular IP address, if appropriate.

Preferably the system administrations subsystem 107 enables the service provider to access an administration site of the server 10 to manage the user database, to manage access control of the system, to send out e-mails (e.g. to customised user lists), to publish site news, to configure the set-up of the portals 8,102 and/or the server 10 in general, etc. The system administrations subsystem 107 is preferably secure and requires additional levels of permission for access. Customised reports preferably can be generated by the system administrations subsystem 107 from, e.g., the usage and user generated content tables in the relational database 122.

Preferably the hosting subsystem 108 enables the service provider to host the system, including the web portal 1022 and the VoiceXML run time generated scripting code. All the subsystems could be hosted in a "server farm" if desired.

Preferably the backup subsystem 109 enables automatic database 122,124 backup at regular periods, for example every 24 hours. The service provide could additionally extract the database backup and a database repository backup to a secure backup site as desired.

Preferably the services managing subsystem 110 is responsible for interfacing other services, platforms,

applications , etc., such as those with proprietary or otherwise different interfaces, etc., with the server 10. Preferably the services managing subsystem 110 is fully adaptable such that new services, etc., can be readily interfaced with the server 10 as the system develops. The services managing subsystem 110 preferably comprises a generic subsystem which comprises anything that is common to various platforms, services, applications, etc.

Preferably there is provided an application for use with a communications device such as a PC 6, that enables a headset 2 to interact with the PC 6. The application is preferably provided to the PC 6 by the server 10 (for example via the web portal 102) if it is determined that the PC 6 does not have the application, and/or on request from the user.

The above and any other suitable subsystems can be implemented in any appropriate manner using suitable applications, etc. For example, the subsystems could be coded in hypertext preprocessor (PHP) or the like.

In the embodiment of figure 1, a further subsystem or interface 102 is provided that enables the user of a headset 2 to interact with the system and in particular with server 10. The interface in this embodiment is a web portal 102, which connects with the other subsystems 100 of server 10 and enables the user to view, change, update or otherwise access preferences, content and other personalised data stored in the system and associated with their personal (headset) identifier.

The user can access the web portal 102 "directly" inasmuch as it is not necessary to access the web portal 102 via the voice portal 8 (although in some embodiments, the user can access the web portal 102, or at least the systems to which the web portal 102 also has access, via the voice portal 8, particularly if they wish to do so via the headset 2) or even via the headset 2. The user can if they wish access the web portal 102 via connection with a website on any suitable communications device such as a PC 6 or laptop or the like.

The web portal 102 as mentioned allows the user access to some generic applications, services, data and the like and also

, to their personalised applications, services, data and the like. For example the web portal may selectively allow the user to access any one or more of the subsystems 102,103,104,105,106, 107,108,109,110 of the server 10 if appropriate. The web portal 102 preferably also enables the user to invite friends and colleagues to the portal 102.

To access the system via the web portal 102 it is preferable for the user to be authenticated, for example by requesting a username/password or the like because the system is not automatically informed of the user's identity by the headset 2 when the user accesses the system via the web portal 102. In preferred embodiments, when the user access the web portal 102 and the headset 2 is capable of wired or wireless communications with, e.g., the PC 6 with which the web portal 102 is browsed, the system (e.g. the web portal 102 and/or the PC 6 or an application running thereon) automatically retrieves the unique identifier (e.g. the MAC address) from the hands-free device in order to identify and authenticate the headset 2. This is advantageous because it is not necessary for the user to manually enter a password or username, etc., and the authentication is instead carried out automatically.

Once authorised the user can access their "account" and is able to change and modify their preferences (such as contact details, account details, preferred services, etc.) as they desire, and preferably so that they can customise and enhance and/or streamline their interactions with the voice portal 8 by, for example, informing the system what services they wish to be offered and in what order when they communicate with the voice portal 8 via their headset 2. All changes and requests are stored in a system database 120,122,124 and are linked to the ■ headset identifier.

Preferably the service provider can access the portal 102 to configure the user's details, to approve or deny access to a user, to view critical system data, to view usage data patterns, to configure new services, etc., and to configure the portal 102 itself.

In preferred embodiments the headset 2 can be configured via the web portal 102. For example the headset 2 is preferably connected to the PC 6 (via a cable 36 or wirelessly) and the user can choose options via the web portal 102 that they would like to be available on their headset 2, for example via a graphical user interface and allowing the user to, for example, drag and drop desired options onto a graphical representation of the headset 2. The web portal 102 provides the options (preferably in the form of an application or a configuration means for configuring the headset 2) to the PC 6 which uploads them or pushes them to the headset 2 and, for example, updates the firmware of the headset 2 to provide the requested options .

Changes and updates to the headset 2 and particularly to the functions of the headset 2 can additionally or alternatively be made dynamically to the headset in use and/or at other times as appropriate via the voice portal 8. In a particularly preferred embodiment menu options, commands and the like, can be pushed to the headset 2 from the voice portal 8 to configure the headset 2 particularly when the system is experiencing difficulties understanding or interpreting voice commands from the user.

For example when the mobile phone 4 or PC 6 audio connection 32,34 is of poor quality, or if there is ^r background noise in the vicinity of the headset 2 that interferes with understanding of the voice commands, etc., then the voice portal 8 provides a set of commands and associated voice prompts to the headset 2. The prompts are played to the headset user via one or more speakers of the headset 2, and preferably the user can be scroll or otherwise browse through and select the associated option (preferably by operation of one or more headset buttons 22) . A pre-recorded voice command related to that option can then be streamed from the headset 2 to the voice portal 8 and the command will be easily recognised because the system has the same command stored there in for direct comparison and furthermore the streamed command should not suffer from the noise problems, or at least the noise interference should be considerably less.

Alternatively or additionally the system could provide the headset 2 with such menu options and known commands at any convenient time prior to difficulties being experienced so that they are available immediately when needed.

An alternative or preferably additional method of improving recognition of voice commands from a headset 2 is provided when the headset is authenticated by the system because personalised information relating to the user of the headset 2 can be retrieved and may include correction, adjustment or interpretation parameters that are specifically known about the user and can be used by the system to interpret any unrecognised commands . The personalised information can furthermore be updated each time a command is successfully interpreted thereby further personalising and improving the parameters.

For example, if the system determines that a use of a particular headset 2 has an accent and that they pronounce certain words, letters or sounds in a manner that is not initially understood by the system, then the system ,can interpolate the data to interpret the accent and then store this information for future reference to readily interpret other commands .

As discussed above, an authenticated headset 2 enables a user to access gateway or server 10 via a voice portal 8. The gateway or server 10 may also act as a host to other services, applications or platforms 12,13 provided by other providers. The headset 2 is preferably allowed access to these other services, applications or platforms 12,13 via the service provider's server 10 (as shown by connections 33 in figure 1) . This is an advantageous arrangement because a single contact number is required on a headset 2 to be able to access a wide variety of services from different providers, all via a voice portal 8 and a gateway or server 10 which recognise and authenticate the headset 2.

The embodiment of figure 1 is mostly described with regard to a headset 2 accessing a voice portal 8 via a mobile phone 4. However the headset 2 could also or alternatively access the voice portal 8 via other communications devices . for example

the headset 2 could interact with, e.g., a PC via a cable or wirelessly (for example using Bluetooth and communication with wireless means such as a Bluetooth dongle or interface of the PC) to establish communications with the voice portal 8. Preferably an audio channel opened from the headset 2 to the voice portal 8, for example using the Skype service or other VoIP audio services. Once established using a VoIP channel or the like is the same as connecting via a mobile phone and the identifier of the headset 2 is transmitted over the open audio channel, etc., as per the above description. All references above to a mobile phone or the like therefore are equally applicable to a PC, laptop, Apple Mac computing device etc.

The above embodiments of the present invention therefore provide a secure, personalised method and system for authenticating a hands-free device such that services, applications, content and any other desired information, etc., can be obtained using a voice interface. Unlike the prior art it is not necessary for the headset 2 to be identified to the system dependent on the device used to access the system, so no personal identification number PIN needs to be memorised, and there is no risk that an unauthorised party can watch a user entering their PIN and then memorise this for unauthorised use and furthermore the embodiments of the present invention provide a system requiring minimal interaction and user input yet, but that is reliable, secure and very simple to use.