Abstract:
Voice enabling mobile services leverage existing PTT infrastructure. Initiation of a service request and navigation through PTT service functions is accomplished by voice direction, rather than by reading choices and texting or clicking through options. A mobile phone includes a dedicated push-to-talk service button for generating a signal for initiating a voice enabled service session, a speaker and microphone for transducing sounds and electrical signals, a display for displaying visual information to a user, memory for storing data, a transceiver for receiving and transmitting data and a processor. The processor receives a signal generated by the PTT service button for initiating a voice enabled service session, communicates a prompt to a user to begin speaking, stores voice data from a user and transmits the stored voice data to a service server for transforming the voice data to a result satisfying the spoken voice service request.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/163,243, filed Jun. 27, 2008, entitled “Providing Data Service Options in Push-To-Talk Using Voice Recognition,” and now U.S. Pat. No. ______, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Mobile value-added services (VAS) are services that are offered to differentiate mobile phone manufacturers, cellular service providers and software vendors. Often, such services are provided at a premium price. Mobile VAS include non-voice advanced messaging services such as short messaging service (SMS) and wireless data services based on wireless data bearer technologies, such as wireless local area network (WLAN), general purpose radio service (GPRS), wireless access protocol (WAP) with VAS applications including mobile gaming and global positioning services (GPS). 
         [0003]    Mobile VAS also includes voice-based services such as push-to-talk (PTT). Push-to-talk (PTT) is a method of conversing on half-duplex communication lines. To initiate PTT, a button is pressed to transmit on the tuned frequency or channel. While the PTT button remains unpressed, any radio signals that are received on the selected channel are heard through the radio&#39;s speaker. If the radio supports full-duplex operation, received, audio may be heard while the PTT button is pressed. PTT has been adopted by cell phone carriers as a way to instantaneously send transmissions to other users on the system, emulating walkie-talkie communications on a mobile phone network. However, current PTT technologies are used only for the wireless speech communications capability. The primary advantage to PTT is the low connectivity times provided by the PTT network. 
         [0004]    The interface for providing input to the phone has undergone many changes as mobile devices have become smarter and implement larger display screens. Providing a user-friendly menu navigation will have a significant impact on the user experience. Nevertheless, all input is currently handled by one or two fingers on the screen. Scroll wheels and QWERTY keyboards have been added to some devices to increase the ease of data entry and navigation. Recently, mobile devices have been released with touch screens surfaces, wherein input and navigation are handled by tapping on icons of choice, flicking through a scrolling menu, typing on the virtual keyboard, navigating through the playlist or initiating phone calls from a contacts area. 
         [0005]    While these advancements provide greater ease of navigation, such user input requires a great deal of attention from the user. Recently, automobiles have been introduced with voice-enabled technology. For example, voice recognition navigation systems allow drivers to verbally communicate with the navigation system while their hands and eyes stay focused on the road. Drivers may simply press a “Talk” button and state any number of pre-set phrases, such as ‘Find Nearest Hospital’ or ‘Find Nearest Italian Restaurant. Nevertheless, the processing capability of such systems are limited and services offered by voice recognition systems are limited to navigation services and simple commands, such as directing a music system to begin playing a particular song. 
         [0006]    It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present invention has been made. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0008]    Embodiments are described for providing options for data services using push-to-talk. Initiation of a service request and navigation through PTT service functions is accomplished by voice direction, rather than by reading choices and texting or clicking through options. A mobile phone includes a dedicated push-to-talk service button for generating a signal for initiating a voice enabled service session. 
         [0009]    According to one embodiment, options for data services using push-to-talk (PTT) are provided. A signal for initiating a voice enabled service session is received. A prompt is communicated to a user to begin speaking to provide voice data for processing of a spoken voice service request. Voice data from a user is recorded, wherein the voice data includes a spoken voice service request. The recorded voice data is transmitted to a service server for processing the voice data to satisfy the spoken voice service request. 
         [0010]    The mobile devices may be provided with a dedicated push-to-talk service button for generating a signal for initiating a voice enabled service session, a speaker and microphone for transducing sounds and electrical signals, a display for displaying visual information to a user, memory for storing data, a transceiver for receiving and transmitting data and a processor, coupled to the PTT service button, display, memory and transceiver, the processor being configured for receiving a signal generated by the PTT service button for initiating a voice enabled service session, communicating a prompt to a user to begin speaking to provide voice data for processing of a spoken voice service request, storing in memory voice data from a user comprising the spoken voice service request and transmitting the stored voice data to a service server for transforming the voice data to a result satisfying the spoken voice service request. 
         [0011]    A system for providing voice enabled data services in a push-to-talk (PTT) network may include a PTT server and a service server. The PTT server may be configured for receiving a signal from a mobile phone requesting a session, for sending a signal to the mobile phone indicating consent to the session for the mobile phone and for receiving voice data from the mobile phone including a voice enabled service request. The system further includes a service server coupled to the PTT server. The service server is configured for transforming the voice data to text data, for processing the text data to identify service request data for satisfying the voice enabled service request and for transmitting the identified service request data to the mobile phone. 
         [0012]    These and other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a voice enabling system for mobile devices according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a mobile device having a dedicated PTT service button according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates a first example of a local search on a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates selection of search results and directions on a mobile device having a dedicated PTT service button according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart for providing options for data services using push-to-talk (PTT) according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart of a process for providing options for data services in a push-to-talk (PTT) system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates an operating environment for embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, voice enabling mobile services leverage existing PTT infrastructure and established PTT experiences. Navigation through PTT service functions is accomplished by voice direction, rather than by reading choices and texting or clicking through options. Also, by integrating PTT with WINDOWS LIVE™ online services allows the user to make “quick” voice queries or commands that results in low latency. This enables a better user experience than typing. Thus, voice enabling services on mobile devices according to an embodiment of the present invention facilitate PTT capability and inter-connectivity among users. The voice enabling mobile services also allows a user in one part of the country to talk to user(s) in another part of the country over the Internet or cellular data communication, e.g., WINDOWS LIVE™ Messenger (desktop or mobile). 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates a voice enabling system for mobile devices  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 1 , mobile devices  110 ,  112  are shown running voice enabling applications  120  for providing voice enabling mobile services, such as WINDOWS LIVE™ messenger, WINDOWS LIVE™ search, etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that voice enabling mobile services are not limited to mobile devices  110 ,  112 , but may also be implemented on a desktop computers  130 ,  132 . Mobile devices  110 ,  112  communicate with PTT server  140  using a PTT procedure. For example, mobile device  110  may initiate a push-to-search session. Voice data is transmitted to the PTT server  140 . The PTT server  140  is coupled to service server  150 . Service server  150  processes the voice data. In this example, the service server  150  may retrieve location data and route the data back to the mobile device  110  via PTT server  140 . Service server  150  may obtain data through the Internet  160 , e.g., by contacting other computers  130 ,  132 . Once the search response if returned to the mobile device  110 , the response may be conveyed to the user of the mobile device  110  audibly or by displaying a response on a display screen of the mobile device  110 . 
         [0022]    While the service server  150  and PTT server  140  are shown as distinct entities in  FIG. 1 , the service server  150  may also acts as a PTT server  140  or vice versa. The service server  150  and PTT server  140  may be implemented in a cell infrastructure. Messenger extension, e.g., WINDOWS LIVE™ messenger, may also provide PTT and interwork with 2G cell subscribers. The PTT server may also be network or RF technology independent. 
         [0023]    Accordingly, voice enabling mobile services provided via mobile devices  110 ,  112 , PTT server  140  and service server  150  contribute substantial value to business. Further, the voice enabling mobile services provide a unique user experience to users of the mobile devices  110 ,  112 . For example, using the voice enabling mobile services, WINDOWS LIVE™ messenger may be used for PTT instant voice communication, which is a core feature for social communicators. WINDOWS LIVE™ messenger interfaces or a WINDOWS LIVE™ client can be provided separately for other mobile makers. Voice enabling mobile services also would increase mobile usage by social communicators, WINDOWS LIVE™ messenger users, and other users that become accustomed to the ease of use of the voice enabling mobile services. The voice enabling mobile services will also encourage more data plan sales by service providers. Moreover, because PTT requires very low bandwidth, PTT service can be used in slow data networks as well. Still, 4G networks (WiMax) are primarily data networks, wherein even voice is data (VOIP). Implementing voice enabling mobile services according to an embodiment of the present invention requires the provider to play a significant role in cellular commutations, especially where a call processing infrastructure provider will be needed to implement the voice enabling mobile services. 
         [0024]    Leveraging push-to-talk with options for data services on mobile devices  110 ,  112  improves the user experience by reducing the search time, reducing the cost of performing a search query and providing services that are more easily discovered by a user. For example, currently  411  services only use audio and provide limited functionality. The user has to make mental notes of listing details and is forced to listen to every option before a final result is achieved. Mobile browsers currently used on mobile devices are purely textual, which can be slow, especially on non-qwerty input devices. Because input to mobile browsers is purely textual, the user&#39;s full attention is required to type input into the browser and the length of time to type is substantial. 
         [0025]    Mobile phones  110 ,  112  have communications with the PTT server and, depending upon the application, the mobile phones  110 ,  112  communicate with a voice enabling server. The voice services server provides additional actions, operations, capabilities and usefulness, e.g., check weather, check stock portfolio, check email, upload photographs, etc. The interface between mobile devices  110 ,  112  and PTT server  140 /services server  150  relies on a set protocol to provide consistent and reliable communication and functionality. 
         [0026]    Accordingly, voice enabled PTT services enable quick and easy discoverability of a new feature such as mobile search by leveraging established user behaviors around PTT service. User adoption and usage may be increased by improving the mobile search user experience. For searching, voice enabled push-to-search device delivers instant gratification to the user via the voice input and GPS location detection. Thus, the user is allowed to audibly perform functions, such as search, get directions and navigate to a listing thereby increasing end-user efficiency. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  illustrates a mobile device  200  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Some of the advantages of voice enabled PTT services include provisioning of functions not previously available and making service features easily discoverable. However, to implement push-to-search functions, for example, both hardware and software support must be provided. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user interface on the mobile device  200  is implemented as a button  210  that, when pushed, presents the user with a menu. The menu may be presented on display screen  240  as well as communicated audibly to the user through speakers  242 . Multiple services may be implemented. The dedicated PTT services button  210  provides quick access for enabling the user to perform, for example, a search query using only verbal input. To initiate the push-to-search, the user engages the PTT service button  210  and speaks a search request into the microphone  260  of the mobile device  200 . The mobile device  200  transmits the search request to a PTT server/service server (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Preferably, the signal transmitted to the PTT server from the mobile device  200  is digital. A services server then selects the correct service for the user. The PTT services on the mobile phone  200  may be implemented as plug-in elements, but must use a predetermined protocol to enable proper communication with the appropriate server. PTT services may also acquire GPS signals  270  from a GPS satellite  272  for GPS services. Nevertheless, the PTT services are independent of any particular GPS technology. Moreover, the mobile device  200  may be configured to allow simultaneous voice and data use. 
         [0028]    While a dedicated voice enabled PTT services may be initiated by a dedicated button  210 , those skilled in the art will recognize that the initiation of voice enabled PTT services may take the form of other implementations, such as a virtual button displayed on a touch sensitive screen or another existing key. The function of the button  210  may be configured to recognize a long key press that allows the user to immediately begin uttering a query and automatically receiving the user&#39;s GPS coordinates. The function of the button  210  may also be configured to recognize a short key press that allows the user to launch services without triggering a determination of the users GPS location. Speech components may be provided by an embedded voice engine to provide device side voice recognition that allows menu options to be voice enabled and identified quickly on the mobile device side. 
         [0029]    After initiating the user interface, such as by pushing a button  210 , the user provides an audible signal to the microphone  260  of the mobile phone  200  and the correct service is selected for the user. The services may be implemented as plug-in elements. Nevertheless, the predetermined protocol is used to enable proper communication with the appropriate server. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  illustrates a first scenario of a local search on a mobile device  300  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 3 , a user is travelling through a city. The user decides to stop for lunch. Because time is of essence to the user, the user may want to locate a particular type or brand of restaurant that is closest to the user&#39;s current location. Alternatively, the user may simple desire to find restaurants within a certain radius of the user&#39;s current location. 
         [0031]    To perform the push-to-search, the user engages the PTT service button  310 . The user may be prompted with a tone  312  to begin dictation of the search request. While the utterance is being recorded, a GPS module  314  on the mobile device  300  is triggered to calculate the geographic location in the background. As recording is completed, the audible data, e.g., a verbal search request  350 , is routed to a PTT server. At the PTT server, the search request  350  may be converted to text. 
         [0032]    In the meantime as soon as the geographic location of the user is determined, the GPS coordinates  352  are also routed to a PTT server. If the PTT server also implements services server functionality, a search is performed immediately against the search request  350  and the GPS location coordinates  352  provided by the mobile device  300  of the user. If the services server is a separate entity, the search request  350  and the GPS location coordinates  352  provided by the mobile device  300  of the user are routed to a services server. In any event, identified data, e.g., search results  370 , are sent back to the mobile device  300  of the user. An application  372  may be invoked on the mobile device  300  and the results presented on the display screen  340 . The search results  370  may be sorted according to a predetermined algorithm or according to user-defined parameters. The search results may be played back to the user through the speakers  342 , thereby providing the user instant results on the user&#39;s voice activated query. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  illustrates selection of search results and directions on a mobile device  400  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile device  400  shown in  FIG. 4  does not differ materially from the mobile device  300  shown in  FIG. 3 . However, with regards to  FIG. 4 , the user confirms the priority selection, i.e., in this example the top most result  480  is the priority selection. The user presses the PTT services select button  410  while the listing details of the restaurant listing and address are played back to the user through the speakers  442 . The PTT services select button  410  may be context sensitive so that a short press can be used as a second softkey action when in search application. The user may be presented with other options that may be chosen relevant to the selected listing. For example, the address and phone number of the priority search result  480  may be played back verbally  486  to the user via audio clips. In addition the various options applicable for the listing in the order for relevance may be played back to the user. 
         [0034]    Then, the user may select a “Directions to here” option by holding down the PTT services select button  410  and speaking a command, e.g., “One” or “Directions to here”. The GPS location coordinates of the mobile device  400  is refreshed once more and sent back to the services server. Using these current location coordinates  482  as a starting location, directions are calculated to the end location  480 , i.e., the chosen restaurant. After the directions have been calculated, the directions and maps are sent back to the mobile device. 
         [0035]    Alternatively, the user may subscribe to premium services that allow turn-by-turn directions. Thus, if the user has subscribed to the premium version of the application, the PTT services select button  410  may be used to trigger the GPS to start tracking the mobile device and command the application to “start navigation” on the route. As the user moves along the route, directions may thus be played back to the user via speakers  442 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart for providing options for data services using push-to-talk (PTT)  500  according to an embodiment of the present invention. A signal for initiating a voice enabled service session is received  510 . A prompt is communicated to a user to begin speaking to provide voice data for processing of a spoken voice service request  520 . Voice data from a user is recorded, wherein the voice data includes a spoken voice service request  530 . The recorded voice data is transmitted to a service server for processing the voice data to satisfy the spoken voice service request  540 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart of a process for providing options for data services in a push-to-talk (PTT) system  600  according to an embodiment of the present invention. A signal from a mobile phone is received requesting a session with a PTT server  610 . A signal is sent from the PTT server to the mobile phone indicating consent to the session for the mobile phone  620 . Voice data from the mobile phone is received at the PTT server including a voice enabled service request  630 . The voice data is transformed to text data  640 . The text data is processed to identify service request data for satisfying the voice enabled service request  650 . The identified service request data is transmitted to the mobile phone  660 . 
         [0038]    The systems and components described above can be implemented as part of networked, distributed, or other computer-implemented environment. The systems and components can communicate via a wired, wireless, and/or a combination of communication networks. A number of client computing devices, including desktop computers, laptops, handhelds, or other smart devices can interact with and/or be included as part of the system. In alternative embodiments, the various components can be combined and/or configured according to a desired implementation. Other embodiments and configurations are available. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the following discussion is intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which embodiments of the invention may be implemented. While the invention will be described in the general context of program modules that execute in conjunction with program modules that run on an operating system on a personal computer, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may also be implemented in combination with other types of computer systems and program modules. 
         [0040]    Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, and other types of structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices. 
         [0041]      FIG. 7  illustrates an operating environment for embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 7 , computer  700  comprises a general-purpose desktop, laptop, handheld, or other type of computer capable of executing one or more application programs. The computer  700  includes at least one central processing unit  708  (“CPU”), a system memory  712 , including a random access memory  718  (“RAM”) and a read-only memory (“ROM”)  720 , and a system bus  710  that couples the memory to the CPU  708 . A basic input/output system containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the computer, such as during startup, is stored in the ROM  720 . The computer  700  further includes a device  714  for storing an operating system  732 , application programs, and other program modules. 
         [0042]    Device  714  is connected to the CPU  708  through a controller (not shown) connected to the bus  710 . Device  714  and its associated computer-readable media provide non-volatile storage for the computer  700 . The description of computer-readable media contained herein may refer to a storage device, such as a hard disk or CD-ROM drive, or any available media that can be accessed or utilized by the computer  700 . 
         [0043]    By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (“DVD”), or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the computer  700 . 
         [0044]    According to various embodiments of the invention, the computer  700  may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to remote computers through a network  704 , such as a local network, the Internet, etc. for example. The computer  700  may connect to the network  4  through a network interface unit  716  connected to the bus  710 . It should be appreciated that the network interface unit  716  may also be utilized to connect to other types of networks and remote computing systems. The computer  700  may also include an input/output controller  722  for receiving and processing input from a number of other devices, including a keyboard, mouse, etc. (not shown). Similarly, an input/output controller  722  may provide output to a display screen, a printer, or other type of output device. 
         [0045]    As mentioned briefly above, a number of program modules and data files may be stored in device  714  and RAM  718  of the computer  700 , including an operating system  732  suitable for controlling the operation of a networked personal computer, such as the WINDOWS® operating systems from MICROSOFT CORPORATION of Redmond, Wash. Device  714  and RAM  718  may also store one or more program modules. In particular, device  714  and the RAM  718  may store client application programs  740  and other software applications  742 . A computer  700 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , may be configured to execute instructions that perform the operations of embodiments of the present invention and may be implemented in at least one of mobile devices  110 ,  112 , PTT server  140  and services server  150  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0046]    It should also be appreciated that various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented (1) as a sequence of computer implemented acts or program modules running on a computing system and/or (2) as interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules within the computing system. The implementation is a matter of choice dependent on the performance requirements of the computing system implementing the invention. Accordingly, logical operations including related algorithms can be referred to variously as operations, structural devices, acts or modules. It will be recognized by one skilled in the art that these operations, structural devices, acts and modules may be implemented in software, firmware, special purpose digital logic, and any combination thereof without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention as recited within the claims set forth herein. 
         [0047]    Although the invention has been described in connection with various embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many modifications can be made thereto within the scope of the claims that follow. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the invention in any way be limited by the above description, but instead be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.