METHOD, ARRANGEMENT, TERMINAL DEVICE, SERVER AND SOFTWARE FOR RECORDING AND STORING OF AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO CALLS

Field of the invention

The invention relates to data communications networks and, more specifically, to solutions for recording and storing of audio and/or video calls. The invention seeks to provide an improved method, arrangement, terminal device, server and software for recording and storing of audio and/or video calls that is also suitable for professional use and enables for the user of the arrangement reliable and easy-to-use recording and storing of audio and/or video calls in different types of situations using a mobile terminal device and software designed for this.

Background of the invention

Traditionally, telephone calls have already for several years been recorded in different public activity and business sectors. Good examples for mention as applications, in which a company's incoming telephone calls are recorded, are, for example, brokerage firms and insurance companies. For example, brokerage firms handling banking and investment activities on behalf of their clients receive orders by telephone and it must be possible to verify these orders afterwards. Further, also, for example, in insurance companies in connection with handling damage a client may provide by telephone information relating to an accident/illness incident, information that is then used as the basis for making a decision. Telephone calls are recorded also in insurance companies, in order that they can later be confirmed. Traditional recorder solutions have typically been used

for many kinds of needs and applications created by business and public activities.

Several different services according to known art have also been developed for recording and storing the incoming telephone calls of a company. It is, however, typical of systems implementing such services that they are extremely heavy, difficult to use and they are often based on the traditional known technology for listening to audio files used in telephone answering services. All telephone calls are typically recorded centrally and saved in the memory in a form, from which it is very difficult to find the information relating to a particular desired telephone call .

Users of the current systems that are the object of the invention, such as, for example, banking and insurance brokers have in other areas of their lives become accustomed to an increased freedom of movement. These users have been waiting for quite some time already for a solution, which would enable their moving around and getting work done outside their workplace as well.

Currently, several mobile device solutions designed for an individual user have come onto the market, in which recorded audio and/or video files can be stored in the memory of the device in digital form. Such devices are, for example, digital cameras and video recorders, as well as portable terminal devices, such as mobile telephones. New device solutions provide many benefits for a user. A user can transfer a recording in the memory to his computer and listen to or watch an audio and/or video file from his own machine. A user can also file a recording on his server or in a database used by the server.

However, storing solutions for audio and/or video calls currently in use do also have some limitations and disadvantages. A user must take care that there is adequate memory in his storing device. A user must also again and again take care of the transfer of recordings to his own machine or server. If, for example, the storing device is lost prior to transfer of the recording, the recording is also lost. The storing device falling into the wrong hands is also a significant data security risk. For this reason, there is therefore a growing need for a solution that removes or ameliorates the problems and disadvantages described above.

Furthermore, in the market there are several solutions designed to be installed onto the users premises, in which recorded audio and/or video files can be stored into a memory utilizing an IP Network. The acquiring of these devices requires a substantial investment from the user and also demands further resources due maintenance and premises.

In comparison to earlier solutions, a solution according to the invention should offer a user improved ease of use as well as freedom of movement. The solution should preferably be a service not requiring heavy investment from the user but still offer adequate data security, for example, in case the user loses or breaks the terminal device. A solution according to the invention should also be such that it can be matched with currently existing filing systems.

Currently, generally known solutions for recording and storing of audio and/or video calls are not the best possible in terms of usability. The object of the invention is therefore to provide such a solution for recording and storing of audio and/or video calls, which is suitable for professional use and enables reliable and

easy-to-use storing of audio and/or video calls in different types of situations.

Summary of the invention

The aim of the invention is to provide such an improved method, arrangement and server for recording and storing of audio and/or video calls, which enables reliable storing of audio and/or video calls for many kinds of user needs and situations and which in comparison to prior solutions according to known art is significantly easier to use.

According to the first feature of the invention, a method is provided for recording and storing of audio and/or video calls, which method comprises: an at least one customer; a user having a portable terminal device; a recording server; a PLMN/PSTN network operating between the customer/customers, the user and the recording server; a filing system; and a memory functioning in conjunction with the filing system, which method comprises the following step: creating a telephone connection between the customer/customers and the portable terminal device of the system user through said network, such that the method further comprises the following steps : initiating the formation of a conference call connection through said network between the customer/customers, the portable terminal device and the recording server, forming a conference call connection through said network between the customer/customers, the portable terminal device and the recording server, recording and storing the communications of the telephone conference between the involved parties in a file in a generally used format,

transmitting the file containing the stored communications of the telephone conference to the filing system, and storing the file containing the communications of the telephone conference in the memory.

Preferably, pre-installed in the portable terminal device of the user by the manufacturer is application software adapted to initiating the formation of a conference call connection through said network between the customer/customers, the portable terminal device and the recording server. Alternatively, the user first receives application software adapted to recording and storing of audio and/or video calls on his portable terminal device.

Preferably, the telephone connection to be created and/or conference call connection to be formed are audio telephone connections or video telephone connections.

Preferably, the application software initiates the formation of a conference call connection through said network between the customer/customers, the portable terminal device and the recording server. Preferably, the formation of a conference call connection is initiated automatically by the telephone call of the customer/customers or the user. Alternatively, the user activates the initiation of formation of a conference call connection. Further preferably, the user activates the initiation of formation of a conference call connection using a button of the portable terminal device, voice command or motion command. Alternatively, the preset determinations of the application software in the portable terminal device activate the initiation of formation of a conference call connection. Alternatively, the application software in the portable terminal device requests the user to select, and according to the selection of the user the

application software initiates the formation of a conference call connection.

Preferably, the recording server announces to the involved parties of the telephone conference, i.e. the customer/customers and/or user, the initiation of recording and storing. Further preferably, the announcing of initiation of recording and storing occurs through an audio or picture message or through a separate visual sign.

Preferably, the recording server stores, in addition to the communications, also telephone call information relating to the telephone call. Preferably, the recording server or filing system gives to the file an identifier, using which the file can easily be found. Preferably, the file containing the stored telephone conference to be transmitted from the recording server is edited into a form suitable for the filing system.

According to the second feature of the invention, an arrangement is provided for recording and storing of audio and/or video calls, which arrangement comprises: an at least one customer; a user having a portable terminal device; a recording server; a PLMN/PSTN network operating between the customer/customers, the user and the recording server; a filing system; and a memory functioning in conjunction with the filing system, such that the arrangement comprises: - means for creating a telephone connection between the customer/customers and the portable terminal device of the system user through said network, such that the arrangement further comprises: means for initiating the formation of a conference call connection through said network between the

customer/customers, the portable terminal device and the recording server, means for forming a conference call connection through said network between the customer/customers, the portable terminal device and the recording server, means for recording and storing the communications of the telephone conference between the involved parties in a file in a generally used format, means for transmitting the file containing the stored communications of the telephone conference to the filing system, and means for storing the file containing the communications of the telephone conference in the memory.

Preferably, the portable terminal device of the user contains application software adapted to initiating the formation of a conference call connection through said network between the customer/customers, the portable terminal device and the recording server. Preferably, the telephone connection to be created and/or conference call connection to be formed are audio telephone connections or video telephone connections.

Preferably, the arrangement comprises means for the user for activating the initiation of formation of a conference call connection using a button of the portable terminal device, voice command or motion command. Preferably, the application software in the portable terminal device of the arrangement comprises means for initiating the formation of a conference call connection according to the preset determinations. Preferably, the application software in the portable terminal device of the arrangement comprises means for requesting the user to select, and means for initiating the formation of a conference call connection according to the selection of the user.

Preferably, the recording server of the arrangement comprises means for announcing the initiation of recording and storing to the involved parties of the telephone conference, i.e. to the customer/customers and/or user, through an audio message, picture message or a separate visual sign.

Preferably, the arrangement comprises means for editing the file containing the stored telephone conference to be transmitted from the recording server into a form suitable for the filing system.

Preferably, the recording server is located in a network. Preferably, the memory is located in the filing system.

Preferably, the filing system is located in the recording server. Preferably, in between the recording server and the filing system is an adapter for editing the file containing the stored telephone conference to be transmitted from the recording server into a form suitable for the filing system.

According to the third feature of the invention, a portable terminal device is provided in an arrangement for recording and storing of audio and/or video calls, said arrangement comprising: an at least one customer; a user having a portable terminal device; a recording server; a

PLMN/PSTN network operating between the customer/customers, the user and the recording server; a filing system; and a memory functioning in conjunction with the filing system, such that the portable terminal device comprises: means for creating a telephone connection between the customer/customers and the portable terminal device of the system user through said network, such that the portable terminal device further comprises:

means for initiating the formation of a telephone connection through said network between the customer/customers, the portable terminal device and the recording server.

Preferably, the portable terminal device of the user contains application software adapted to initiating the formation of a conference call connection through said network between the customer/customers, the portable terminal device and the recording server. Preferably, the telephone connection to be created and/or conference call connection to be formed are audio telephone connections or video telephone connections.

Preferably, the portable terminal device comprises means for the user for activating the initiation of formation of a conference call connection using a button of the portable terminal device, voice command or motion command. Preferably, the application software in the portable terminal device comprises means for initiating the formation of a conference call connection according to the preset determinations. Preferably, the application software in the portable terminal device of the arrangement comprises means for requesting the user to select, and means for initiating the formation of a conference call connection according to the selection of the user.

Preferably, the portable terminal device comprises means for announcing the initiation of recording and storing to the involved parties of the telephone conference, i.e. to the customer/customers and/or user, through an audio message, picture message or a separate visual sign.

According to the fourth feature of the invention, a recording server is provided in an arrangement for

recording and storing of audio and/or video calls, comprising: an at least one customer; a user having a portable terminal device; a recording server; a PLMN/PSTN network operating between the customer/customers, the user and the recording server; a filing system; and a memory functioning in conjunction with the filing system, which recording server comprises means for receiving telephone calls such that as the arrangement creates a telephone connection and further forms the subsequent conference call connection through said network between the customer/customers, the portable terminal device and the recording server, the recording server comprises: means for recording and storing the communications of the telephone conference between the involved parties in a file in a generally used format, means for transmitting the file containing the stored communications of the telephone conference to the filing system, and further for storing in the memory.

Preferably, the recording server comprises means for announcing the initiation of recording and storing to the involved parties of the telephone conference, i.e. to the customer/customers and/or user, through an audio message, picture message or a separate visual sign. Preferably, the recording server comprises means for editing the file to be transmitted containing the stored telephone conference into a form suitable for the filing system.

Preferably, the recording server is located in a network. Preferably, the filing system is located in the recording server. Further preferably, the memory is located in the filing system of the recording server.

According to the fifth feature of the invention, application software is provided in an arrangement for recording and storing of audio and/or video calls,

comprising: an at least one customer; a user having a portable terminal device comprising application software; a recording server; a PLMN/PSTN network operating between the customer/customers, the user and the recording server; a filing system; and a memory functioning in conjunction with the filing system, such that the portable terminal device comprises means for creating a telephone connection between the customer/customers and the portable terminal device of the system user through said network such that the application software comprises means for initiating the formation of a conference call connection through said network between the customer/customers, the portable terminal device and the recording server.

Preferably, the telephone connection to be created and/or the conference call connection to be formed are audio telephone connections or video telephone connections.

Preferably, the application software comprises means for initiating the formation of a conference call connection through said network between the customer/customers, the portable terminal device and the recording server. Preferably, the application software comprises means for the user for activating the initiation of formation of a conference call connection using a button of the portable terminal device, voice command or motion command. Preferably, the application software comprises means for initiating the formation of a conference call connection according to the preset determinations. Preferably, the application software in the portable terminal device of the arrangement comprises means for requesting the user to select, and means for initiating the formation of a conference call connection according to the selection of the user.

Preferably, the application software comprises means for announcing the initiation of recording and storing to the involved parties of the telephone conference, i.e. to the customer/customers and/or user, through an audio message, picture message or a separate visual sign.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following, the invention and its preferred embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of an arrangement according to the invention for recording and storing of audio and/or video files, and Fig. 2 shows a flow chart of a method according to the invention for recording and storing of audio and/or video files .

Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of an arrangement according to the invention for recording and storing of audio and/or video files. An arrangement according to the invention for recording and storing of audio and/or video files comprises a customer 1; an at least one user 2; a portable terminal device 3 of the user; a recording server 6; a PLMN/PSTN network 4 (PLMN, Public Land Mobile Network; PSTN, Public Switched Telephone Network) operating between the customer (or several customers) 1, the user 2 and the recording server 6; application software 5 in the portable terminal device 3 adapted to recording and storing of audio and/or video files; a filing system 7; and a memory 8 functioning in conjunction with this filing system 7.

In the arrangement according to the invention, said application software 5 can be software pre-installed in the

portable terminal device 3 by the manufacturer. Alternatively, the user 2 purchases and loads the application software 5 onto his portable terminal device 3. Further, when a new user joins, for example, an arrangement according to the invention used by a company, the new user logs onto the service and receives the application software 5 onto his portable terminal device 3. The application software 5 to be taken into use comprises the required user interface, instructions, drivers and user identifiers. When the application software 5 is loaded onto the portable terminal device 3, it can send the required user identifiers to the recording server 6 for purposes of identification.

In the arrangement according to the invention for recording and storing of audio and/or video files, a telephone connection is first created between the customer 1 and the system user 2 through the network 4. The telephone connection can be initiated either by one of the customers 1 or the user 2. The telephone connection can be an ordinary audio telephone connection or a video telephone connection .

Next, the application software 5 in the portable terminal device 3 of the system user 2 initiates the formation of a conference call connection through said network 4 between the customer 1, the portable terminal device 3 and the recording server 6. Thereafter, the PLMN/PSTN network 4 forms the conference call connection between the customer 1, the portable terminal device 3 and the recording server 6. Next, the recording server 6 identifies the user 2.

The recording server 6 records and stores the communications between the involved parties, i.e. the contents of the audio or video telephone call, in a file in a generally used format. Generally used formats of this

type are, among others, QuickTime, RealAudio, MP3, OGG Vorbis, MPG, AVI and other similar formats. The recording server 6 can store, in addition to the communications, also telephone call information relating to the telephone call. Finally, the recording server 6 transmits the file to the filing system 7, which further stores it in the memory 8. The memory 8 can be located in the filing system 7. Correspondingly, the filing system 7 can be located in the recording server 6. The recording server 6 or filing system 7 can give to the file an identifier, using which the file can easily be found. The recording server 6 or filing system 7 can also comprise a speech recognition- capable converter, using which the speech can be converted into textual form and also stored in textual form.

In between the recording server 6 and the filing system 7 can also be a separate adapter for editing the file containing the stored telephone conference to be transmitted from the recording server 6 into a form suitable for the filing system 7. The adapter can also encrypt and/or compress said file and/or edit the identifiers of the file. The adapter can also be integrated into the recording server 6 or the filing system 7.

Fig. 2 shows a flow chart of a method according to the invention for recording and storing of audio and/or video files. In the method according to the invention, a telephone connection is first created 9 between the customer 1 and the portable terminal device 3 of the system user 2 through the PLMN/PSTN network 4. The telephone connection can be initiated either by the customer 1 or the user 2. The telephone connection can be an ordinary audio telephone connection or a video telephone connection.

Next, in the method according to the invention, the application software 5 in the portable terminal device 3 of the system user 2 initiates 10 the formation of a conference call connection through said network 4 between the customer 1, the portable terminal device 3 and the recording server 6. The application software 5 can initiate 10 the formation of a conference call connection either from a telephone call of the customer 1 or the user 2 or automatically, when the telephone connection between the customer 1 and the portable terminal device 3 of the system user 2 is created. Alternatively, the user 2 can activate the application software 5 to initiate 10 the formation of a conference call connection, for example, using a button of the portable terminal device 3, voice command or motion command. Further, alternatively, the preset determinations of the application software 5 in the portable terminal device 3 can activate the application software 5 to initiate 10 the formation of a conference call connection for the predetermined telephone calls. Further, alternatively, the application software 5 in the portable terminal device 3 can request the user to select, either before the telephone call begins or once the telephone call has begun, and according to the selection of the user the application software 5 initiates 10 the formation of a conference call connection for the selected telephone calls.

Next, in the method according to the invention, a conference call connection is formed 11 through said network 4 between the customer 1, the portable terminal device 3 and the recording server 6. The conference call connection to be formed can be an ordinary audio telephone connection or a video telephone connection.

When said conference call connection has been formed, in the method according to the invention, the recording

server 6 identifies the user 2 and records and stores 13 the communications between the involved parties, i.e. the contents of the audio or video telephone call, in a file in a generally used format. Generally used formats of this type are, among others, QuickTime, RealAudio, MP3, OGG

Vorbis, MPG, AVI and other similar formats. The recording server 6 can announce to the involved parties of the telephone conference, i.e. the customer 1 and/or user 2, the initiation of recording and storing 13. Announcing of initiation of recording and storing 13 can occur through an audio or picture message or through a separate visual sign. In the method according to the invention, the system user 2 can, if he desires, break or interrupt recording using the portable terminal device 3. If the system user 2 does not break or interrupt recording, the recording ends automatically, when the telephone connection has ended. The recording server 6 can store 13, in addition to the communications, also telephone call information relating to the telephone call.

In the method according to the invention, the recording server 6 transmits 14 the file containing the stored communications of the telephone conference to the filing system 7. The recording server 6 or filing system 7 can give to the file an identifier, using which the file can easily be found. In between the recording server 6 and the filing system can be a separate adapter for editing the file containing the stored telephone conference to be transmitted from the recording server 6 into a form suitable for the filing system 7. The adapter can also encrypt and/or compress said file and/or edit the identifiers of the file. In the method according to the invention, the filing system 7 finally stores 15 the file containing the communications of the telephone conference in the memory 8.

In the method according to the invention, said application software 5 can be software pre-installed in the portable terminal device 3 by the manufacturer. Alternatively, the user 2 purchases and loads the application software 5 onto his portable terminal device 3. Further, in the method according to the invention, when a new user joins, for example, an arrangement according to the invention used by a company, the new user logs onto the service and receives the application software 5 onto his portable terminal device 3. The application software 5 to be taken into use comprises the required user interface, instructions, drivers and user identifiers. When the application software 5 is loaded onto the portable terminal device 3, it can send the required user identifiers to the recording server 6 for purposes of identification.