U.S. patent application number 11/244766 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-06 for destination device initiated caller identification.
Invention is credited to Michael Wayne Brown, Joseph Herbert McIntyre, Michael A. Paolini, James Mark Weaver, Scott Lee Winters.
Application Number | 20060074685 11/244766 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21770424 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060074685 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Michael Wayne ; et
al. |
April 6, 2006 |
Destination device initiated caller identification
Abstract
A method, system, and program for origin device initiated caller
identification are provided. In response to detecting a call
extended to a destination device, extending a request from said
destination device to an origin device requesting a voice utterance
of the caller at said origin device. A caller identity associated
with the voice utterance is identified at the destination device,
such that a callee receiving the call at the destination device is
informed of the caller identity before choosing whether to speak
with the caller.
Inventors: |
Brown; Michael Wayne;
(Georgetown, TX) ; McIntyre; Joseph Herbert;
(Austin, TX) ; Paolini; Michael A.; (Austin,
TX) ; Weaver; James Mark; (Austin, TX) ;
Winters; Scott Lee; (Austin, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INTERNATIONAL CORP (BLF)
c/o BIGGERS & OHANIAN, LLP
P.O. BOX 1469
AUSTIN
TX
78767-1469
US
|
Family ID: |
21770424 |
Appl. No.: |
11/244766 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10015265 |
Dec 12, 2001 |
7003466 |
|
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11244766 |
Oct 6, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
704/273 ;
704/E17.003 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G10L 17/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
704/273 |
International
Class: |
G10L 11/00 20060101
G10L011/00 |
Claims
1. A method for identifying a particular caller, said method
comprising: responsive to detecting a call extended to a
destination device, extending a request from said destination
device to an origin device requesting a voice utterance of the
caller utilizing said origin device; identifying, at said
destination device, a caller identity associated with said voice
utterance, such that a callee receiving said call at said
destination device is informed of said caller identity before
speaking with said caller.
2. The method for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 1, further comprising: prompting said caller to provide said
voice utterance.
3. The method for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 1, further comprising: prompting said caller to enter an
additional input to verify said caller identity.
4. The method for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 1, wherein identifying a caller identity further comprises:
extracting speech characteristics from said voice utterance; and
comparing said speech characteristics with a plurality of voice
samples stored for identifying a plurality of callers.
5. The method for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 1, further comprising: transmitting said voice utterance to a
third party device via a network; and receiving said caller
identity from said third party device.
6. The method for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 1, further comprising: sending said caller identity back to
an intermediary device processing said call, wherein said
intermediary device is enabled to forward said caller identity to
said origin device utilized by said caller; and receiving a
verification of said caller identity from said origin device.
7. The method for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 1, wherein said destination device is a call center.
8. The method for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 1, wherein said destination device is a private exchange
network.
9. The method for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 1, wherein said destination device is a telephony device.
10. The method for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 1, wherein said destination device is a client side server
system.
11. The method for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 1, wherein said caller identity comprises at least one from
among a caller name, a caller location, a subject of said call, and
a device identification.
12. A system for identifying a particular caller, said system
comprising: a destination telephony device; means responsive to
detecting a call extended to said destination telephony device, for
extending a request from said destination telephony device to an
origin device requesting a voice utterance of the caller utilizing
said origin device; means for identifying, at said destination
telephony device, a caller identity associated with said voice
utterance.
13. The system for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 12, further comprising: means for prompting said caller to
provide said voice utterance.
14. The system for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 12, further comprising: means for prompting said caller to
enter an additional input to verify said caller identity.
15. The system for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 12, wherein said means for identifying a caller identity
further comprises: means for extracting speech characteristics from
said voice utterance; and means for comparing said speech
characteristics with a plurality of voice samples stored for
identifying a plurality of callers.
16. The system for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 12, further comprising: means for transmitting said voice
utterance to a third party device via a network; and means for
receiving said caller identity from said third party device.
17. The system for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 12, further comprising: means for sending said caller
identity back to an intermediary device processing said call,
wherein said intermediary device is enabled to forward said caller
identity to said origin device utilized by said caller; and means
for receiving a verification of said caller identity from said
origin device.
18. The system for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 12, wherein said destination telephony device is a call
center.
19. The system for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 12, wherein said destination telephony device is a private
exchange network.
20. The system for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 12, wherein said destination telephony device is an
individual telephone device.
21. The system for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 12, wherein said destination telephony device is a client
side server system.
22. The system for identifying a particular caller according to
claim 12, wherein said caller identity comprises at least one from
among a caller name, a caller location, a subject of said call, and
a device identification.
23. A computer program product for identifying a particular caller,
said computer program product comprising: a recording medium;
means, recorded on said recording medium, for extending a request
from a destination telephony device to an origin device requesting
a voice utterance of the caller utilizing said origin device
responsive to detecting a call extended to said destination
telephony device; means, recorded on said recording medium, for
identifying, at said destination telephony device, a caller
identity associated with said voice utterance.
24. The computer program product for identifying a particular
caller according to claim 23, further comprising: means, recorded
on said recording medium, for prompting said caller to provide said
voice utterance.
25. The computer program product for identifying a particular
caller according to claim 23, further comprising: means, recorded
on said recording medium, for prompting said caller to enter an
additional input to verify said caller identity.
26. The computer program product for identifying a particular
caller according to claim 23, further comprising: means, recorded
on said recording medium, for extracting speech characteristics
from said voice utterance; and means, recorded on said recording
medium, for comparing said speech characteristics with a plurality
of voice samples stored for identifying a plurality of callers.
27. The computer program product for identifying a particular
caller according to claim 23, further comprising: means, recorded
on said recording medium, for transmitting said voice utterance to
a third party device via a network; and means, recorded on said
recording medium, for receiving said caller identity from said
third party device.
28. The computer program product for identifying a particular
caller according to claim 23, further comprising: means, recorded
on said recording medium, for sending said caller identity back to
an intermediary device processing said call, wherein said
intermediary device is enabled to forward said caller identity to
said origin device utilized by said caller; and means, recorded on
said recording medium, for receiving a verification of said caller
identity from said origin device.
29. A method for identifying a caller, comprising: detecting a
voice utterance of a caller at a destination device receiving a
call; authenticating an identity of said caller from said voice
utterance at said destination device; and enabling output of said
authenticated identity from said destination device, such that a
callee accessing said destination device is informed of an identity
of said caller.
30. The method for identifying a caller according to claim 29,
further comprising: comparing said voice utterance with at least
one voice imprint stored at said destination device; and responsive
to matching said voice utterance with said at least one voice
imprint, authenticating said identity of said caller according to a
caller identification stored in association with said voice
imprint.
31. The method for identifying a caller according to claim 29,
further comprising: accessing at least one voice imprint from a
third party server; and responsive to matching said voice utterance
with said at least one voice imprint, authenticating said identity
of said caller according to a caller identification stored in
association with said voice imprint.
32. The method for identifying a caller according to claim 29,
wherein said output comprises displayable output to a graphical
user interface.
33. The method for identifying a caller according to claim 29,
wherein said output comprises audio output via a speaker.
34. A system for identifying a caller, comprising: a destination
device for receiving a call; means for detecting a voice utterance
of a caller at said destination device; means for authenticating an
identity of said caller from said voice utterance at said
destination device; and means for enabling output of said
authenticated identity from said destination device to identify
said caller.
35. The system for identifying a caller according to claim 34,
further comprising: means for comparing said voice utterance with
at least one voice imprint stored at said destination device; and
means responsive to matching said voice utterance with said at
least one voice imprint, for authenticating said identity of said
caller according to a caller identification stored in association
with said voice imprint.
36. The system for identifying a caller according to claim 34,
further comprising: means for accessing at least one voice imprint
from a third party server; and means responsive to matching said
voice utterance with said at least one voice imprint, for
authenticating said identity of said caller according to a caller
identification stored in association with said voice imprint.
37. The system for identifying a caller according to claim 34,
wherein said output comprises displayable output to a graphical
user interface.
38. The system for identifying a caller according to claim 34,
wherein said output comprises audio output via a speaker.
39. A computer program product for identifying a caller,
comprising: a recording medium; means, recorded on said recording
medium, for detecting a voice utterance of a caller at a
destination device; means, recorded on said recording medium, for
authenticating an identity of said caller from said voice utterance
at said destination device; and means, recorded on said recording
medium, for enabling output of said authenticated identity from
said destination device to identify said caller.
40. The computer program product for identifying a caller according
to claim 39, further comprising: means, recorded on said recording
medium, for comparing said voice utterance with at least one voice
imprint stored at said destination device; and means, recorded on
said recording medium, for authenticating said identity of said
caller according to a caller identification stored in association
with a voice imprint responsive to matching said voice utterance
with said at least one voice imprint.
Description
CLAIM OF BENEFIT OF EARLIER FILING DATA OF RELATED APPLICATION
PURSUANT TO 37 CFR .sctn. 1.78(a)(2)(i)
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/015,265 filed on Dec. 12, 2001, a
prior-filed copending nonprovisional patent application. Applicants
claim the benefit of the earlier filing date of application Ser.
No. 10/025,265.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] The present application is related to the following
co-pending applications: [0003] (1) U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/015,381 (Attorney Docket No. AUS920010818US1); [0004] (2)
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/015,281 (Attorney Docket No.
AUS920010819US1); [0005] (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/015,267 (Attorney Docket No. AUS920010821US1); [0006] (4) U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/015,282 (Attorney Docket No.
AUS920010822US1); and [0007] (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/015,280 (Attorney Docket No. AUS920010823US1).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0008] 1. Technical Field
[0009] The present invention relates in general to
telecommunications and, in particular, to voice identification.
Still more particularly, the present invention relates to
initiating authentication of the identity of a caller at a
destination device.
[0010] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0011] Telephone service has created communication channels
worldwide, and those channels continue to expand with the advent of
cellular and other wireless services. A person can simply take a
telephone off-hook and dial a destination number or press a send
button and be connected to a telephone line around the world.
[0012] While telephones provide important communication abilities
between people, there is also the problem of persons and businesses
that intrude into one=s home or workplace via the telephone. To
alleviate the problem of unwanted callers, callees may allow an
answering machine to answer all calls and then wait for a person to
say who they are when leaving a message, before answering only
those calls desired by the callee. However, many phone subscribers
opt for a messaging service, rather than attaching an answering
machine device to a telephone line, where the messaging service
does not play a message to the caller while the message is being
recorded.
[0013] Alternatively, a caller identification (caller ID) that
identifies the wireline or wireless number from which a call is
received, may be transferred with a call to a destination device.
In addition, the subscriber to that wireline or wireless number may
be identified. However, the information given to a callee at the
destination device only indicates the identity of the subscriber to
a line and does not indicate the identity of the person making a
call. In addition, a subscriber may now select an additional
service that blocks the caller ID for a subscriber number from
being transferred to a destination device.
[0014] Therefore, in view of the foregoing, it would be
advantageous to provide a method, system, and program for
identifying a caller, rather than the number for the wireline or
wireless service from which a call is made. In particular, it would
be advantageous for a destination device to identify the caller
identity of a caller placing a call, such that the callee may
decide whether to answer the call or not before speaking with the
caller.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In view of the foregoing, it is therefore an object of the
present invention to provide an improved telecommunications
system.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method, system and program for improved voice identification.
[0017] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a method, system and program for initiating authentication of the
identity of a caller at a destination device.
[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, in
response to detecting a call extended to a destination device,
extending a request from said destination device to an origin
device requesting a voice utterance of the caller at said origin
device. A caller identity associated with the voice utterance is
identified at the destination device, such that a callee receiving
the call at the destination device is informed of the caller
identity before choosing whether to speak with the caller.
[0019] All objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent in the following detailed written
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention
are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself however,
as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages
thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following
detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a network environment in
which the present invention may be implemented;
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the flow of a voice
identifier authenticated by a destination device in accordance with
the method, system, and program of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of the flow of a voice
identifier authenticated by a third party device accessible from a
destination device in accordance with the method, system, and
program of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a signal flow and
processing where a destination device authenticates a caller
identity in accordance with the method, system, and program of the
present invention; and
[0025] FIGS. 5A and 5B depict a flow diagram of a signal flow and
processing where a third party system is accessed by a destination
device to authenticate a caller identity in accordance with the
method, system, and program of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] A method, system, and program for destination device
initiated caller identification are provided. By authenticating a
caller identity at a destination device, the callee is enabled to
decide whether to answer a call from a specific caller.
[0027] According to one advantage of the present invention, the
caller identity is authenticated by matching a caller spoken
utterance with a voice sample stored at the destination device or a
third party server. However, while voice authentication is
described as the preferred method of identification, other methods
of identification such as a password entry, a smart card entry, a
biometric entry, or other security identification entries may be
utilized.
[0028] Another advantage of the destination device performing
caller identity authentication is that a destination device may
store an address book of voice samples for preferred callers. If a
caller cannot be identified within the address book of voice
samples, then the a third party server of voice samples may be
accessed or the caller may be prompted to provide a voice sample
for use in future authentication by the destination device.
[0029] While in the present invention, authentication of a caller
identity is described with emphasis placed on voice authentication,
other methods of caller identity authentication may also be
performed. Voice samples utilized for voice authentication are just
one of multiple types of biometric sampling. For example, a caller
may locally provide an eye scan, a fingerprint, and other
biophysical identifiers that are transmitted within or outside the
trusted network to authenticate the identity of the caller.
Alternatively, keypad entries, such as a pin code, credit card
account number, password, or other secure transaction key may be
entered by a caller and utilized to authenticate the identity of
the caller.
[0030] In addition, while in the present invention, authentication
of a caller identity is described with emphasis upon performing
authentication at the beginning of a call, authentication of a
caller identity may be performed continuously throughout a call, at
selected points throughout a call, and after a call. Selected
points where authentication may be performed include when an
additional phone pick-up is detected, when a new voice is detected
at the origin device, when a call is transferred from one telephone
device to another, and other routing of a call that may result in a
new caller or in a call being recorded.
[0031] Further, while the present invention is described with
emphasis upon a caller identity authentication being made for a
call to continue, a call may also continue without caller identity
authentication. However, where a caller is not identifiable, it may
be advantageous to automatically log that the caller lacks proper
identification and automatically record calls that lack proper
callee identification.
[0032] For purposes of the present invention, telephony devices are
termed origin devices when utilized for origination of a call to an
intermediary device and are termed destination devices when
utilized for receipt of a call from an intermediary device.
Subscribers to a call are termed callers when originating a call
and are termed callees when receiving a call. Callers and callees
may or may not be line subscribers to the particular telephony
device utilized.
[0033] In the following description, for the purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a
thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be
apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block
diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present
invention.
[0034] With reference now to the figures, and, in particular, with
reference now to FIG. 1, there is depicted a block diagram of a
network environment in which the present invention may be
implemented. While the present invention is described with
reference to one type of network environment, it will be understood
by one with skill in the art that the present invention may be
implemented in alternate types of network environments.
General Network Environment
[0035] First, the network environment incorporates a Public
Switching Telephone Network (PSTN) 10. As is known in the art the
core of PSTN 10 may include multiple telephone networks, each owned
by one of multiple independent service providers. Each telephone
line is carried by an independent service provider within PSTN 10
and is typically assigned to at least one subscriber.
[0036] Switching of a call within an independent service provider=s
telephone network is considered trusted movement within a trusted
network because the call remains within the company=s telephone
network infrastructure. However, calls may be transferred from one
service provider=s telephone network to another service provider=s
telephone network in generally trusted movement. Generally, service
providers are in competition with one another and therefore there
is general trust in transferring a call, but not trust in sharing
of subscriber information beyond a subscriber number and name from
one service provider to the next without security features or other
arrangements.
[0037] Advantageously, each telephone network within PSTN 10 may
access a data network functioning as an extension to PSTN 10 via an
Intranet. Data networks may include, for example, subscriber
profiles, billing information, and preferences that are utilized by
a service provider to specialize services. Transfer of information
between a service provider=s data network and telephone network is
trusted movement in sharing of information.
[0038] Further, each telephone network within PSTN 10 may access
server systems external to PSTN 10 in the Internet Protocol over
the Internet or an Intranet. Such external server systems may
include an enterprise server, an Internet service provider (ISP),
an access service provider (ASP), a personal computer, and other
computing systems that are accessible via a network. In the present
embodiment, transfer of information between PSTN 10 and server
systems accessible via network 20 is totally untrusted and
therefore may require authentication and additional security.
[0039] In the present invention, network 20 may comprise a private
network, Intranet, or a public Internet Protocol network.
Specifically, telco application server 22, generic application
server 24, pervasive application server 26, and systems management
server 28 represent server systems external to PSTN 10 that may be
accessed by PSTN 10 over network 20.
[0040] In particular, telco application server 22 preferably
includes multiple telco specific service applications for providing
services to calls transferred to a server external to PSTN 10. In
particular, a call may be transferred from PSTN 10 to telco
application server 22 to receive at least one service and then the
call is transferred back to PSTN 10. Such services may also be
provided to calls within PSTN 10, however placing such services at
a third party such as telco application server 22, is advantageous
because adding services and information to PSTN 10 is time
consuming and costly when compared with the time and cost of adding
the services through telco application server 22.
[0041] In accord with an advantage of the present invention, as
will be further described, the identity of both the caller and the
callee may be authenticated by one of telephony devices 8a-8n, PSTN
10, or by telco application server 22. By authenticating the actual
identity of the person making a phone call and the person receiving
the phone call, rather than the identification of a device from
which a call is made and received, an enhanced specialization of
services to subscribers may be performed.
[0042] An authentication service within telco application server 22
may include identification and verification of the identity of a
caller and/or callee of a particular call. Such a service may
require that subscribers provide voice samples when setting up a
subscription. The stored voice samples may then be compared against
voice samples received for a particular call in order to
authenticate the identity of a current caller or callee of the
particular call.
[0043] Generic application server 24 preferably accesses
independent server systems that provide services. For example, a
messaging server, a financial server, an Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) server, and database management system (DBMS) server may be
accessed in HTTP via network 20. Each of these servers may include
a telco service application that requires authentication of the
subscriber before access is granted. For example, a financial
server may provide a telco service application that allows an
authenticated subscriber to access current financial records and
request stock quotes from the financial server.
[0044] Pervasive application server 26 manages services for
wirelessly networked devices. In particular, pervasive application
server 26 preferably handles distribution of wireless packets of
voice and data to wirelessly networked devices utilizing a standard
such as short messaging service (SMS) messaging or other 3G
standards.
[0045] Systems management server 28 manages subscriber
personalization via the web. In particular, systems management
server 28 includes browser technology that includes a provisioning
console 30 for establishing a subscriber profile and a management
console 32 for managing and updating the subscriber profile. A
subscriber preferably accesses the consoles of systems management
server 28 via the Internet utilizing a computing system, such as
computing systems 34a-34n.
[0046] The subscriber profile may be accessed at systems management
server 28 by other external servers and PSTN 10 via network 20. In
addition, a local copy of a subscriber profile updated in systems
management server 28 may be stored within a particular service
provider=s data network or telephone network. Each service provider
may specify the types of preferences and other information included
within a subscriber profile.
[0047] In particular, a subscriber may provide a voice imprint when
establishing a subscriber profile through provisioning console 30.
Other types of authentication information may also be provided
including, but not limited to, a password, an eye scan, a smart
card ID, and other security devices. In addition, a subscriber may
designate billing preferences, shopping preferences, buddy list
preferences, and other preferences that enable specialized service
to the subscriber when the subscriber=s identity is authenticated
from the voice imprint or other identification.
[0048] Advantageously, a management agent is built into each
external server to monitor the services provided by each server
according to the authenticated subscriber receiving the services.
By monitoring service output according to subscriber, the
subscriber may then be billed according to each use of a
service.
[0049] PSTN 10 preferably includes both voice and data signaling
networks that interface with network 20 via gateways. Each of the
gateways acts as a switch between PSTN 10 and network 20 that may
compress a signal, convert the signal into Internet Protocol (other
protocol) packets, and route the packets through network 20 to the
appropriate server.
[0050] In particular, the voice network interfaces with network 20
through media gateway 14 which supports multiple protocol gateways
including, but not limited to, SIP. SIP is a signaling protocol for
Internet conferencing, telephony, presence, events notification and
instant messaging.
[0051] In addition, in particular, the data signaling network
interfaces with network 20 through signaling gateway 12 which
supports multiple protocol gateways including, but not limited to,
parlay protocol gateways and SS7 protocol gateways. Internet
servers, such as telco application server 22 may include protocol
agents that are enabled to interact with multiple protocols
encapsulated in Internet Protocol packets including, but not
limited to, SS7 protocol, parlay protocol, and SIP.
Identity Authentication and Call Control
[0052] Looking into PSTN 10, a telephone network typically includes
multiple switches, such as central office switches 11a-1n, that
originate, terminate, or tandem calls. Central office switches
11a-11n utilize voice trunks for transferring voice communications
and signaling links for transferring signals between signaling
points.
[0053] Between signaling points, one central office switch sends
signaling messages to other central office switches via signaling
links to setup, manage, and release voice circuits required to
complete a call. In addition, between signaling points, central
office switches 11a-11n query service control points (SCPs) 15 to
determine how to route a call. SCPs 15 send a response to the
originating central office switch containing the routing number(s)
associated with the dialed number.
[0054] SCPs 15 may be general purpose computers storing databases
of call processing information. While in the present embodiment
SCPs 15 are depicted locally within PSTN 10, in alternate
embodiments SCPs 15 may be part of an extended network accessible
to PSTN 10 via a network.
[0055] One of the functions performed by SCPs 15 is processing
calls to and from various subscribers. For example, an SCP may
store a record of the services purchased by a subscriber, such as a
privacy service. When a call is made to the subscriber, the SCP
provides record of the privacy service to initiate an announcement
to a caller to identify themself to the subscriber with the privacy
service who is being called. According to an advantage of the
invention, authentication of the subscriber receiving the call may
be required before the privacy service is initiated for that
subscriber.
[0056] In particular, network traffic between signaling points may
be routed via a packet switch called an service transfer point
(STP) 13. STP 13 routes each incoming message to an outgoing
signaling link based on routing information. Further, in
particular, the signaling network may utilize an SS7 network
implementing SS7 protocol.
[0057] Central office switches 11a-11n may also send voice and
signaling messages to intelligent peripherals (IP) 17 via voice
trunks and signaling channels. IP 17 provides enhanced
announcements, enhanced digit collection, and enhanced speech
recognition capabilities.
[0058] According to an advantage of the present invention, the
identity of a caller is authenticated according to voice
authentication. Voice authentication is preferably performed by
first identifying a subscriber by matching the name or other
identifier spoken with a subscriber name or identifier. Next, voice
authentication requires verifying that the voice audio signal
matches that of the identified subscriber. However, in alternate
embodiments, the identity of a subscriber may be authenticated
according to passwords, eye scans, encryption, and other security
devices.
[0059] In particular, to perform subscriber authentication of audio
signals received from callers, IP 17 may include storage for
subscriber specific templates or voice feature information, for use
in authenticating subscribers based on speech. If a subscriber
specific template is not stored on a local IP 17, then a remote IP
containing the subscriber specific template may be accessed via a
network. In addition, local IP 17 may access systems management
server 28 or another repository for voice imprints to access the
subscriber specific template.
[0060] Where IP 17 authenticates the identity of a caller (e.g. the
subscriber placing a call), a voice identifier (VID) representing
the authenticated caller identity is transferred as a signal for
identifying the caller. In addition, where IP 17 authenticates the
identity of a callee (e.g. the subscriber receiving a call), a
reverse VID (RVID) including the callee identity is transferred as
a signal for identifying the callee.
[0061] Advantageously, VIDs indicate through text, voice, or video
the identity of a caller. For example, a caller=s name may be
transferred as the identity of a caller. Alternatively, a video
clip stored with the subscriber template may be transferred as the
identity of a caller. Additionally, VIDs may indicate the identity
of the device utilized by a caller to provide context for a call.
Further, VIDs may indicate which system or systems have
authenticated the caller identity.
[0062] After a VID and/or RVID are determined by IP 17, IP 17 and
SCP 15 may communicate to designate which services are available
according to VID and RVID. Advantageously, by designating services
according to a VID and/or RVID, subscribers are provided with
services and billed for those services independent of the devices
utilized by subscribers. In particular, a 1129 protocol or other
protocol may be utilized to enable signal communications between IP
17 and SCPs 15. In addition, as previously described, caller
authentication to determine VIDs and RVIDs may be performed by a
third party, such as telco application server 22.
[0063] An origin telephony device or destination telephony device
may also determine a VID and/or RVID for the caller and/or callee
of a call. In particular, telephony devices 8a-8n and call centers
16a-16n may function as origin and designation telephony devices.
Each of the telephony devices may include a database of voice
templates that may be matched to authenticate the identity of a
caller or callee. In addition, each of the telephony devices may
access a third party, such as telco application server 22, to
authenticate the identity of the caller or callee. In either case,
the telephony device transmits a VID and/or RVID with a call to
PSTN 10.
[0064] Telephony devices 8a-8n may include, but are not limited to
wireline devices, wireless devices, pervasive device equipped with
telephony features, a network computer, a facsimile, a modem, and
other devices enabled for network communication. Advantageously, as
previously described, a voice authentication functioning device may
be included in each of telephony devices 8a-8n.
[0065] However, in addition to authentication according to voice
identification and recognition, telephony devices 8a-8n may be
equipped to receive other biometric type input. For example,
telephony devices 8a-8n include an eye print scanner, a fingerprint
scanner, and other devices that detect individual human
characteristics. Preferably, telephony devices 8a-8n may receive
these other types of biometric input and compare other types of
biometric input with previous recorded samples to determine the
identity of a caller.
[0066] In addition, telephony devices 8a-8n may each incorporate a
display that provides a visual output of a VID or RVID.
Alternatively, such a display may be provided in a separate device
connected to the line in parallel to telephones 8a-8n. According to
one advantage of the present invention, the identity of the actual
caller or actual callee are output to a display in association with
a call. In addition, other context information about the caller
including, but not limited to, the device from which the call
originates or is answered, ratings for a caller or callee, and
other context information may be output to a display in association
with a call.
[0067] Telephony devices 8a-8n are communicatively connected to
PSTN 10 via wireline, wireless, ISDN, and other communication
links. Preferably, connections to telephony devices 8a-8n provide
digital transport for two-way voice grade type telephone
communications and a channel transporting signaling data messages
in both directions between telephony devices 8a-8n and PSTN 10.
[0068] In addition to telephony devices 8a-8n, advanced telephone
systems, such as call centers 16a-16n, may be communicatively
connected to PSTN 10 via wireline, wireless, ISDN and other
communication links. Call centers 16a-16n may include PBX systems,
hold queue systems, private network systems, and other systems that
are implemented to handle distribution of calls to multiple
representatives or agents.
[0069] Returning to central office switches 11a-11n, typically, one
central office switch exists for each exchange or area served by
the NXX digits of an NXX-XXXX (seven digit) telephone number or the
three digits following the area code digits (NPA) in a ten-digit
telephone number. The service provider owning a central office
switch also assigns a telephone number to each line connected to
each of central office switches 11a-11n. The assigned telephone
number includes the area code (NPA) and exchange code (NXX) for the
serving central office and four unique digits (XXXX).
[0070] Central office switches 11a-11n utilize office equipment
(OE) numbers to identify specific equipment, such as physical links
or circuit connections. For example, a subscriber=s line might
terminate on a pair of terminals on the main distribution frame of
one of central office switches 11a-11n. The switch identifies the
terminals, and therefore a particular line, by an OE number
assigned to that terminal pair. For a variety of reasons, a service
provider may assign different telephone numbers to the one line at
the same or different times. For example, a local carrier may
change the telephone number because a subscriber sells a house and
a new subscriber moves in and receives a new number. However, the
OE number for the terminals and thus the line itself remains the
same.
[0071] On a normal call, a central office switch will detect an
off-hook condition on a line and provide a dial tone. The switch
identifies the line by the OE number. The central office switch
retrieves profile information corresponding to the OE number and
off-hook line. Then, the central office switch receives the dialed
digits from the off-hook line terminal and routes the call. The
central office switch may route the call over trunks and possibly
through one or more central office switches to the central office
switch that serves the called party=s station or line. The switch
terminating a call to a destination will also utilize profile
information relating to the destination, for example to forward the
call if appropriate, to apply distinctive ringing, etc.
[0072] In the present invention, when a central office switch
detects a pickup condition from a destination device on a line, the
central office switch will then determine if a VID signal is
transferred from the pickup telephony device. If a VID is
transferred, then a query is made to SCP 15 according to the VID
for any services specified for the authenticated subscriber.
Alternatively, a query may be transferred via network 20 to an
external server, such as system management server 28, to determine
the services specified for the caller. The central office switch
will then receive the dialed digits from the off-hook line terminal
and route the call, providing services according to those preferred
by the authenticated subscriber.
[0073] In addition, an RVID may be provided in the present
invention to authenticate the identity of a callee receiving the
call. When a call is answered, the call is transferred back to an
IP or telco application server 22 to authenticate the identity of
the callee answering the call.
[0074] As another alternative to dialed digits from the off-hook
line terminal, a caller may utilize a voice calling function of a
telephony device for indicating how the call should be routed. For
example, a caller may say the name of a preferred callee. The
device or IP 17 may determine a person within the caller=s calling
list that matches the voiced name. The matching person=s digits are
then utilized to route the call.
VID Authentication Context
[0075] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a block
diagram of the flow of a voice identifier authenticated by a
destination device in accordance with the method, system, and
program of the present invention.
[0076] As depicted, an origin device 40 is utilized to place a call
via an intermediary device 42 to a destination device 44. In
particular, origin device 40 may include a caller telephony device,
as previously described. However, origin device 40 may also include
a PBX, call center or other private switching system that manages
multiple telephony devices. Moreover, origin device 40 may include
network servers, feature servers, and other systems which provide
call origination. While in the present embodiment origin device 40
does not authenticate the identity of a caller, in alternate
embodiments, origin device 40 may include an identity
authentication feature.
[0077] Preferably, an identifier for origin device 40 may be
transferred with a call request to intermediary device 40.
Alternatively, an identifier for origin device 40 may be determined
by intermediary device 42. The identifier may indicate the type of
device and the line subscriber for a device, if available. The
device identifier may be transmitted to destination device 44 to
provide context for a call. For example, if Jane is calling from
Jon=s cellular telephone, then such context may be provided to the
destination device.
[0078] In particular, intermediary device 42 may include a PSTN
switching network. However, intermediary device 42 may also include
a PBX, call center or other private switching system. Moreover,
intermediary device 42 may include network servers, telco
application servers, Websphere7 (Websphere7 is a registered
trademark of International Business Machines, Inc.) servers, and
other systems which provide call processing.
[0079] In the present embodiment, intermediary device 42 provides
services to the caller according to the services provided to the
subscriber wireline or wireless number. However, in alternate
embodiments, authentication of a caller identity may be performed
at origin device 40 and/or intermediary device 42, wherein a VID
may be utilized to specify services available to a particular
caller.
[0080] Intermediary device 42 connects origin device 40 with a
destination device 44. In particular, destination device 44 may
include a callee telephony device, as previously described.
However, destination device 44 may also include a PBX, call center,
or other private switching system that manages telephony devices.
Moreover, destination device 44 may include network servers,
feature servers, client side devices, and other systems which
provide call receipt.
[0081] A service identification/verification (SIV) 49 feature
within destination device 44 may determine the identity of a caller
and authenticate that identity in a VID by comparing a voice
utterance made by a caller with an address book of voice samples 48
stored at destination device 44. The voice utterance may include,
for example, the caller=s name and the caller=s service
provider.
[0082] Destination device 44 advantageously includes a display
device or other output interface for output of the authenticated
VID to the callee, such that the identity of the caller of an
incoming call is provided to the callee. The callee may then decide
whether to speak to the caller, transfer the caller to voice mail,
or end the call.
[0083] In addition to output of the caller VID at destination
device 44, the caller VID may be transferred back to intermediary
device 42 and origin device 40. The caller VID may be transferred
back to origin device 40 prior to display at destination device 44,
such that the caller is able to verify that the VID is in fact the
identity of the caller. In addition, the caller VID may be utilized
by intermediary device 42 to specify services available to the
caller.
[0084] Further, the VID may be filtered by SIV 49 prior to transfer
to intermediary device 42. In particular, a callee may store
information on destination device 44 in association with the VID
that the callee does not want distributed to intermediary device
42, but would like to receive personally. Filtering the VID
preferably limits the content of the VID transferred to
intermediary device 42.
[0085] In addition to the VID including a caller identity as
determined at destination device 44, additional context information
received from a call may be combined with the VID. By providing a
callee with the context of a call in addition to the identity of
the caller, the callee may more carefully determine how to respond
to a call.
[0086] A VID may be transferred in multiple protocols, including,
but not limited to, Interface Definition Language (IDL). A VID may
include a range of information, where each type of information may
be tagged or identified in some other manner. For example, the
following tagged VID may be transmitted to represent an
authenticated identity of a caller: [0087] [name] Jon Smith [0088]
[device] Jane Doe=s cell phone [0089] [location] Central Time zone
[0090] [subject] Project A [0091] [authenticated by] Jane Doe=s
cell phone
[0092] Destination device 44 may output all the information
included in a VID or a selection of the information. For example,
for the tagged VID described above, destination device 44 may
output the following to an input/output interface associated with
destination device 44: [0093] AIncoming call from Jon Smith, using
Jane Doe=s cell phone, in reference to Project A@
[0094] In addition, destination device 44 may interpret the
information included in a VID. For example, for the tagged VID
described above, destination device 44 may interpret the location
and output the following: [0095] AIt is currently 4:00 PM at Jon
Smith=s location@
[0096] Further, destination device 44 may perform other functions
with a VID. For example, destination device 44 may translate the
VID into a particular language. In addition, destination device 44
may request additional information for a VID from a third party
server.
[0097] With reference now to FIG. 3, there is depicted a block
diagram of the flow of a voice identifier authenticated by a third
party device accessible from a destination device in accordance
with the method, system, and program of the present invention.
[0098] As illustrated, destination device 44 may access a third
party device 46 with a request for VID authentication. Third party
device 46 may include a telco application server, accessible via a
network, that performs caller authentication. However, third party
device 46 may also be a stand alone system or a server connected to
a PBX, a private switching system, or a service provider switching
system.
[0099] Third party device 46 may include an SIV 49 feature that
receives a voice utterance made by a caller at origin device 40 and
authenticates an identity of a caller associated with the voice
utterance by comparing the voice utterance with a voice sample
database 50 stored at third party device 46, or accessible thereto.
Third party device 46 then returns a VID containing the identity of
the caller. Destination device 44 may add additional information
received with the call to the VID to provide context for the
call.
[0100] Communications between destination device 44 and third party
device 46 may be facilitated by intermediary device 42. In
addition, communications between destination device 44 and third
party device 46 may be facilitated by a network, such as the
Internet, an Intranet, or a private networking service.
[0101] SIV 49 may implement levels of security in communications
with destination device 44. For example, a secure channel utilizing
a secure socket layer may be implemented. In addition, other
encryption techniques may be implemented for transfer of
information.
[0102] Alternatively, destination device 44 may access a database
of voice samples stored at third party device 46. Where destination
device 44 requests voice samples from third party device 46,
destination device 40 may, for example, request a selection of
voice samples for a name identified from a voice utterance.
Destination device 44 then authenticates a VID for the caller.
[0103] In an example, a voice utterance provided by a caller may
include a name and a service provider from which the caller
receives service. Destination device 44 may then contact the third
party service provider device 46 and request either an
authentication of the voice utterance or voice samples for a name
identified from the voice utterance. The third party service
provider advantageous stores voice samples for each customer, such
that identity authentication may be performed.
[0104] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a flow diagram
of a signal flow and processing where an origin device
authenticates a caller identity in accordance with the method,
system, and program of the present invention. A standard telephone
device is assumed for the origin Atel@ device in the present
example. However, a similar signal flow may be applied to other
types of origin devices.
[0105] The caller lifts a handset creating an off-hook state in the
origin device and a corresponding signal of an off-hook or change
of state is transferred to a central office (step S1). In response
to the off-hook signal received at the central office, the central
office may initiate a call and establish a register for the origin
device. Next, a profile request for the line subscriber from the
SCP is requested (step S2). The profile request preferably includes
services available for a particular wireline or wireless number.
The line subscriber profile is searched for in the SCP and returned
to the central office (step S3). The line subscriber profile is
then loaded into the call register for specifying service available
for the call (step S4) and a dial tone is extended to the origin
telephone (step S5). Digits for identifying a destination line are
returned to the central office from the origin telephone (step
S6).
[0106] Processing of the call may begin by switching the call to
the central office that services the requested wireline or wireless
number (step S7). A call request is extended from the central
office to the destination telephone (step S8).
[0107] When a destination telephone receives a call request, the
destination telephone may answer the call (step S9). Alternatively,
the call may be answered by a messaging service or answering
machine after a particular amount of time. The call is then
transferred to the destination telephone SIV component (step S10).
The SIV then initiates an identity authentication process for
authenticating the identity of the current caller. Further, the
central office may trigger a SIV initiation to an IP at other times
during a call.
[0108] First, the SIV provides a prompting instruction to the
caller to provide specific identifying information (step S11). It
should be mentioned that although the SIV could passively monitor
any speech that the caller may utter, it is advantageous to
specifically prompt the caller. For example, the SIV may play an
audio prompt message asking the caller to APlease say your full
name.@ In addition, the prompt may request other identifying
information such as a service provider and subject of the call, for
example. In particular, the caller prompt is transferred from the
origin telephone, through the intermediary central office, to the
origin telephone.
[0109] A spoken utterance by the caller at the origin telephone
provides spoken identification information that is transferred to
the destination telephone, and routed to the destination telephone
SIV (step S12). Analysis is performed on the spoken identification
information to determine a name of a caller and extract speech
characteristics information (step S13). A voice template or other
voice pattern information may be stored in the destination device
according to a caller identity. In addition, voice template
information may be stored at a third party server accessible to the
destination device. Preferably, the SIV compares the extracted
speech information to the stored pattern information, to identify
and authenticate the particular caller (step S14). If there is a
match between the extracted speech information and the stored
pattern information, then a VID signal containing the authenticated
identity of the caller is distributable among multiple devices
(step S15). In particular, the VID is output at the destination
device, such that the callee may decide whether to speak to the
caller. However, the VID may also be output to the origin device,
such that the caller may view the identity information provided to
the callee.
[0110] Once a VID is authenticated for a caller, the callee may
decide whether to accept the call (step S16). The callee may
indicate acceptance of a call by a keypad or voice entry. If the
callee does not accept the call, then the call is transferred back
to the central office to be transferred to a messaging service or
ended (step S17). If the callee does accept the call, then the
communication channel between the caller and the callee is opened
at the destination device (step S118).
[0111] If there is not a match of the extracted speech information
with the voice templates, then a determination is made as to
whether a caller has made more than n tries to speak identification
information that has not matched (step S21). If the caller has not
made more than n tries, then a prompt is output to the caller to
provide another spoken utterance. If the caller has made more than
n tries, then a denial message is output to the caller (step S22).
In addition, instructions for creating a voice template may be
provided or an off-hook signal or change in state of the line
without an associated VID may be sent to the central office, such
that the caller is enabled to place a call utilizing the services
associated with the OE of the line.
[0112] According to one advantage of the present invention, where a
destination device is a PBX system that manages multiple phone
lines, the company controlling the PBX system may want to
authenticate the identity of callers prior to allowing those
callers to access employees via telephone. In another example,
where the destination device is a call center that provides access
automated financial accounting services, the call center may
require account service subscribers to provide a voice sample that
is utilized to authenticate a caller identity and determine what
services the caller is allowed within the financial account
services system.
[0113] While not depicted, the central office may utilize the VID
authenticated by the destination device to update the services
provided to a call. In particular, the central office may request a
caller profile from the SCP according to the VID. When the VID
based caller profile is received, then the line subscriber profile
in the register holding the call may be supplemented or replaced by
the VID based caller profile to specify the services available
during the call.
[0114] It should be noted that with each transfer of a VID, the
central office, the SCP, and the destination device may each record
and filter the VID. In particular, filtering the VID may require
blocking all or portions of the content of the VID.
[0115] With reference now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, there is depicted a
flow diagram of a signal flow and processing where a third party
system is accessed by a destination device to authenticate a caller
identity in accordance with the method, system, and program of the
present invention.
[0116] After a destination telephone answers a call (step S9), a
telco service request is transferred to a network (step S29) for
access to a telco application server (step S30). In particular, the
request for a network connection may first transfer to a central
office of a switching system that then forwards the call via a
network to a telco application server. Alternatively, the
destination device may also directly access a network, such as the
Internet, to connect with the telco server. A secure channel may be
established with the request for a network connection.
[0117] In response to receiving a telco service request, the telco
application server initiates an identity authentication process for
authenticating the identity of the current caller. First, an
authorization service application provides a prompting instruction
to the caller to provide specific identifying information (step
S31). For example, the authorization service application may play
an audio prompt message asking the caller to APlease say your full
name.@ In addition, the prompt may request other identifying
information such as a service provider and subject of the call, for
example. The spoken identification information is then received at
the origin device and transferred via the network to the telco
application server (step S32).
[0118] Analysis is performed on the spoken identification
information to determine a name of a caller and extract speech
characteristics information (step S33). A voice template or other
voice pattern information may be accessible to the telco
application server from a local or remote database management
system. Preferably, the authorization service application compares
the extracted speech information to the stored pattern information,
to identify and authenticate the particular caller. If there is a
match between the extracted speech information and the stored
pattern information, then a VID signal containing the authenticated
identity of the caller is then distributable among multiple devices
(step S35).
[0119] If there is not a match of the extracted speech information
with the voice templates, then a determination is made as to
whether a caller has made more than n tries to speak identification
information that has not matched (step 36). If the caller has not
made more than n tries, then a prompt is output to the origin
telephone to provide another spoken utterance. If the caller has
made more than n tries, then a denial message is output to the
origin telephone (step 37). In addition, instructions for creating
a voice template may be provided.
[0120] It is important to note that while the present invention has
been described in the context of a fully functioning data
processing system, those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that the processes of the present invention are capable
of being distributed in the form of a computer readable medium of
instructions and a variety of forms and that the present invention
applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing
media actually used to carry out the distribution. Examples of
computer readable media include recordable-type media, such as a
floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a RAM, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and
transmission-type media, such as digital and analog communications
links, wired or wireless communications links using transmission
forms, such as, for example, radio frequency and light wave
transmissions. The computer readable media may take the form of
coded formats that are decoded for actual use in a particular data
processing system.
[0121] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
* * * * *