WO2000025536A1 - Method and system for the delivery of telecommunications data from an originating subscriber to multiple subscribers in a telecommunications network - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and system in a telecommunications network for the interactive conveyance of telecommunications data from an originating subscriber to multiple receiving subscribers within the telecommunications network. Initially, a group of receiving subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by the originating subscriber is designated. A unique identifier is thereafter associated with the group of receiving subscribers, such that the unique identifier, if successfully accessed by a user, permits the conveyance of telecommunications data from the originating subscriber to the group of receiving subscribers. The telecommunications data is then automatically conveyed to the group of receiving subscribers, in response to a successful access of the unique identifier by the user, such that the delivery of the telecommunications data to the group of receiving subscribers may be accomplished without the necessity of contacting each receiving subscriber individually. The telecommunications data to be conveyed to the group of receiving subscribers may be composed of a recorded voice message.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE DELIVERY OF

TELECOMMUNICATIONS DATA FROM AN ORIGINATING SUBSCRIBER

TO MULTIPLE SUBSCRIBERS IN A TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an improved telecommunications network. In particular, the present invention relates to wireless telecommunications networks. More particularly, the present invention relates-- to methods and systems for delivering messages to subscribers within a telecommunications network. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to methods and systems for delivering point to multipoint voice messages within a telecommunications network.

2. Description of the Related Art

Present-day mobile telephony has spurred rapid technological advances in both wireless and non- wireless areas. The telecommunications industry is a rapidly growing industry, with advances, improvements, and technological breakthroughs occurring on an almost daily basis. Many mobile telecommunications systems, among them the European GSM-system, have already passed through several basic development phases and system designers are now concentrating on further improvements to the systems, including system refinements and the introduction of optional services.

Most wireless telecommunication systems currently in use are implemented as cellular telephone networks. Cellular telephone networks typically are composed of a group of base stations connected to a centrally located switch. This centrally located switch is commonly referred to as a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) . Base stations are usually spaced apart from each other by distances of between one-half and twenty kilometers. Each base station is assigned a number of two-way voice channels and control channels. The voice channels transmit voice signals to and from proximately located mobile stations, and transmit control information to and from these mobile stations, usually for the purpose of establishing a voice communications link.

A typical cellular telephone network also includes a group of interconnected mobile switching centers, which operate in association with a gateway mobile switching center through which the cellular telephone network interconnects with a conventional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) . In addition, at least one home location register (HLR) operates within the cellular telephone network. The home location register stores network subscriber information, including the identified location of current mobile station within the network.

In response to an incoming call dialed to a mobile station, a signal is sent to the home location register requesting routing information through the network to the called mobile station. The home location register "looks up" the current location of the mobile station and contacts the currently serving mobile switching center to pre-route the call and retrieve a temporary location directory number, which is utilized to route the call through the cellular telephone network for delivery to the mobile station. The serving mobile switching center retrieves from a Visitor Location Register (VLR) , the identification of the cell within which the called mobile station is currently located. The mobile switching center then instructs the base station associated with that particular cell to page the mobile station. Responding to the page, the mobile station requests assignment of a channel, and the network routes the call through the serving mobile switching center and over the assigned channel.

Because of the increased use of paging devices, the large number of cellular telephone units, and the sheer number of subscribers of modern wireless telecommunications systems, users are beginning to demand the ability to interact with multiple subscribers without the necessity and tedium associated with contacting each subscriber individually. For example, presently, if an originating subscriber wishes to deliver a voice message to more than one other subscriber within a telecommunications network, the originating subscriber must manually dial each individual's telephone number to deliver the message. Such a technique, while effective, is time consuming, and requires the originating subscriber or user to memorize multiple phone numbers, a burdensome task in an information-burdened society.

From the foregoing, it can be appreciated that the ability do deliver a single voice message to multiple receivers within a telecommunications network is a desirable feature to be included within future telecommunications networks. The method and system described herein addresses and solves this problem. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide an improved telecommunications network.

It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide a method and system for delivering messages to multiple subscribers within a telecommunications network.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method and system for delivering point to multi -point voice messages within a telecommunications network.

The above and other objects are achieved as is now described. A method and system in a telecommunications network for the interactive conveyance of telecommunications data from an originating subscriber to multiple receiving subscribers within the telecommunications network is disclosed. Initially, a group of receiving subscribers to whom telecommunications data may be conveyed by the originating subscriber is designated. A unique identifier is thereafter associated with the group of receiving subscribers, such that the unique identifier, if successfully accessed by a user, permits the conveyance of telecommunications data from the originating subscriber to the group of receiving subscribers. The telecommunications data is then automatically conveyed to the group of receiving subscribers, in response to a successful access of the unique identifier by the user, such that the delivery of the telecommunications data to the group of receiving subscribers may be accomplished without the necessity of contacting each receiving subscriber individually. The telecommunications data to be conveyed to the group of receiving subscribers may be composed of a recorded voice message. A confirmation is then provided to the originating subscriber confirming the successful conveyance or non-conveyance of the voice message to the group of receiving subscribers .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of this inventipn 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:

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram illustrating a prior art system for delivering voice message data to multiple subscribers within a telecommunications network;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a telecommunications system that permits the delivery of a voice message from an originating subscriber to multiple subscribers, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram illustrative of a control unit that may be composed of an Intelligent

Network (IN) or a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) , or a combination thereof, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a logic flow diagram illustrating process flow steps for the delivery of a message from a singular point to multiple points within a telecommunications network, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 depicts a logic flow diagram illustrating a continuation of the process illustrated in the logic flow diagram of FIG. 4, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, wherein a block diagram 10 illustrates a prior art system for delivering voice message data to multiple subscribers within a telecommunications network. Such telecommunications data may be composed of analog or digital information or a combination thereof. In block diagram 10, a Home Location Register (HLR) 20 interacts with one or more mobile switching centers (MSC) to provide the location of subscribers contained within HLR 20. Telecommunications data, in the form of voice or non-voice messages, or a combination thereof, may be transferred from mobile unit 12 to a base station transceiver 14 (BTS) which functions within the telecommunications network in association with a base station controller (BSC) 16 and an MSC 18.

MSC 18 processes telecommunications data in association with HLR 20 within a GSM-type public land mobile network (PLMN) , which includes a gateway mobile telephone services switching center connected to several local mobile services switching centers, each of which is in turn connected to a group of base station controllers. The telecommunications network depicted in block diagram 10 of FIG. 1 may be implemented as a GSM-type network. MSC 18 may also be implemented as a GMSC, a type of gateway MSC utilized in GSM-type telecommunications networks.

The GSM-network is specified in the so-called GSM "recommendations", well known in the telecommunications art. The GSM network architecture is particularly specified and described in recommendation GSM 03.02, by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) . Each Base Station Controller (BSC) is connected to a plurality of base stations, each of which supervises a geographical area, referred to as a "cell" . The PLMN network also includes a central database, and a home location register (e.g., HLR 20), which is connected to the gateway or central mobile telephone services switching center and also to all local mobile telephone switching centers in the PLMN- network. Those mobile units (e.g. mobile units 12 and 28) which subscribe to the mobile telecommunications network are registered in the home location register. HLR 20 essentially functions as a permanent database in the GSM network which identifies subscribers and includes additional subscriber data indicative of features and services associated with a GSM configured telecommunications network.

Those skilled in the art can appreciate that although the present invention is described and illustrated in the context of a GSM network standard, which is primarily utilized in telecommunications networks and systems in Japan and Europe, the present invention may also be implemented in accordance with other standards and networks, including those utilized throughout North and South America. The GSM network standard, as discussed herein, is merely presented for illustrative purposes only and is not a limiting feature of the invention.

According to the configuration depicted in FIG. 1, in order to deliver a message (e.g., a voice message) to multiple subscribers, mobile or otherwise, a subscriber must manually call each recipient individually. If an originating subscriber associated with mobile unit 12 wishes to deliver a message to a terminating or receiving subscriber associated with mobile unit 28 (i.e., labeled "B" ) , mobile unit 12 must interact with MSC 22, BSC 24, BTS 26 and Voice Mail Service (VMS) 30 in order for the message to be successfully conveyed to the receiving subscriber associated with mobile unit 28.

Mobile unit 12 is also interconnected with End

Office (EO) 36 over a Public Switched Telephone Network

(PSTN) . The End Office (EO) functions as a central office within the telecommunications network to which telephone subscribers are connected. In most telecommunications networks, the EO actually is responsible for the delivery of dial tone to the subscriber. EO 36 is also associated with a landline telephone unit 32 and VMS 34. Mobile unit 12 initially contacts BTS 14, which transfers to BSC 16, any message or telecommunications data sent by mobile unit 12.

Assuming that mobile unit 28 is not available at the time the message is conveyed to the mobile user, the call may be diverted to VMS 30, and the message is left within a storage area of VMS 30. Thus, based on the configuration presented in FIG. 1, those skilled in the art can appreciate that a subscriber cannot send a single message to more than one receiving subscriber at a time.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram 36 of a telecommunications system that permits the delivery of a voice message from an originating subscriber to multiple subscribers, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, like parts are indicated by like reference numerals. According to FIG. 2, however, it is not necessary for mobile unit 12 to contact each receiving unit individually.

Instead, the user of mobile unit 12 first interactively defines a list of subscriber numbers to which he or she wishes to deliver point to multi -point voice messages. In so doing, a plurality of receiving subscribers (or receiving units) are designated to which telecommunications data, in the form of voice or non-voice data or a combination thereof, may be conveyed by an originating subscriber.

Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the actual defining of such receiving subscribers or subscriber numbers can be handled utilizing USSD or voice prompt profile handling. Each list or group of receiving subscribers is associated with a unique identifier. To deliver point to multi-point voice messages, the user must first dial a special access number, record the voice message, and then specify which group or plurality of receiving subscribers to which the message should be sent. The unique identifier permits the user to specify the group of subscriber numbers to which he or she desires that the message be delivered. The user then disconnects.

An attempt is then made to deliver the recorded message to each individual defined in the identified group or plurality of receiving subscribers. The message is actually delivered as each receiving subscriber answers a call. If a receiving subscriber does not respond to the call, the message is then stored in a VMS associated with that particular receiving subscriber. When an attempt has been made to deliver the message to all individuals within the group, a report is generated and returned to the originating subscriber (or originator) compiling the results of the delivery. Thus, according to block diagram 36, a service may be implemented which allows a voice message to be delivered to multiple subscribers with only one initial call by the originating subscriber. The call can either be delivered to a "B" subscriber (not shown in FIG. 2) or a VMS upon answer.

Three possible "paths", labeled 1, 2, and 3 are indicated in FIG. 2 by which MSC 18 controls the flow of the original message from mobile unit 12 to a group of receiving subscribers. In the example provided in

FIG. 2, path 1 indicates that the message may be delivered to multiple subscribers via a Mobile Switch

(MS) in a GSM Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) . A PLMN is a mobile telephone communications network, which facilitates mobile communication services. Path 2 indicates that the message may be delivered to multiple subscribers via an MS in an "AMPS" network. "AMPS" is an acronym, well known in the telecommunications industries, which refers to an "Advanced Mobile Phone Service" . Path 3 indicates that the message may be sent to multiple subscribers via a PSTN. Alternative dashed lines between Intelligent Network 38 and MSC 18 indicate that Intelligent Network 38 can also be used to control the flow of the original message from mobile unit 12 to the group of receiving subscribers. Thus, Intelligent Network 38 and MSC 18 function individually as control units within which the list of receiving subscribers may be stored. The choice of utilizing Intelligent Network 38 or MSC 18 or a combination thereof to store and control the conveyance of telecommunications data to subscribers within the list of receiving subscribers may be left to the designer, technician or engineer implementing the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram illustrative of a control unit 40 that may be composed of an Intelligent Network (IN) or a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) , or a combination thereof, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Again, discretion as to the choice of an IN node or an MSC may be left to the designer of a telecommunications network in which the present invention is implemented. A voice recorder unit 42 and a memory location 44 are included within the IN or the MSC (or a combination thereof) . The list of receiving subscribers to which telecommunications data (e.g., a voice message) may be conveyed is stored within memory location 44. The originating subscriber thus records a message to be delivered to multiple receiving subscribers, thereby avoiding the necessity of contacting each receiving subscriber individually. The originating subscriber indicates whether to use a pre-defined list, create a new list of subscriber numbers, or to add or delete numbers to or from an existing list of receiving subscribers. Control unit 40

(i.e., an IN or MSC node, or a combination thereof) then initiates a call to each subscriber, and upon answer, delivers the pre-recorded message. Control unit 40 of FIG. 3 is analogous to MSC 18 and IN 38 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a logic flow diagram 50 illustrating steps for the delivery of a message from a singular point to multiple points within a telecommunications network, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, as illustrated and described herein, present a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result . The steps are those requiring the physical manipulation of physical quantities. Usually, although not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated.

It has proven convenient at times by those skilled in the art, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.

Further, the manipulations performed are often referred to in terms, such as "designating,"

"delivering" or "conveying" , which are commonly associated with mental operations performed by a human operator. No such capability of a human operator is necessary or desirable in most cases of the operations described herein, which form part of the present invention. As indicated herein, these operations are primarily machine operations. Useful machines for performing operations of a preferred embodiment of the present invention include data-processing systems, such as a general -purpose digital computer or other similar devices. In all cases the distinction between the method of operations in operating a computer and the method of computation itself should be borne in mind.

The present invention relates to method steps for processing electrical or other (e.g. mechanical, chemical) physical signals to generate other desired physical signals, and can be implemented via a computer or microcomputer. However, it is not necessary to maintain within a computer memory of a mobile telephone subscriber unit, instructions implementing these method steps. Such instructions can be maintained within a computer memory location of a wireless telephone base station or at a central broadcasting center from which such base stations receive instructions. Implementation of the method described herein is left to the discretion of a particular wireless telephone system designer, whether cellular-based or otherwise.

It can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the methods or processes described herein can be implemented as a program product, such as a control program residing in a computer memory and containing instructions that when executed on a CPU, carry out the operations described and depicted in the logic flow diagrams of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. It is important to note that, while the present invention can be described in the context of a fully functional computer system, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the present invention is capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that the present invention applies equally, regardless of the particular type of signal -bearing media utilized to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of signal -bearing media include recordable-type media, such as floppy disks, hard-disk drives and CD ROM's, and transmission-type media, such as digital and analog communication links.

Preferred implementations of the invention can include implementations to execute the method or methods described herein as a program product residing in a memory of microcomputer. Alternatively, a preferred embodiment of the present invention can include a program product residing in a microcomputer memory located at an MSC (e.g., MSC 18 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 herein) . The MSC controls system operations in cellular telephone networks, thereby managing calls, tracking billing information, and locating cellular subscribers.

The program product thus includes sets of instructions for executing the method and system described herein.

Until required by a microcomputer, the set of instructions may be stored as a computer-program product in another computer memory. For example, the set of instructions may be stored as a computer-program product in a disk drive attached to a microcomputer (which may include a removable memory such as an optical disk or floppy disk for eventual use in the disk drive) .

The present invention may also be implemented as a computer-program product stored within a microcomputer memory location of an Intelligent Network (IN) node. An

"Intelligent Network", well-known in the telecommunications arts, is a network system, or configuration that permits the functionality of a particular telecommunications network to be distributed flexibly at a variety of nodes on and off the telecommunications network.

The computer-program product can also be stored at another computer and transmitted, when desired, to a user's workstation by an internal or external network. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the physical storage of the sets of instructions physically changes the medium, upon which it is stored, so that the medium carries computer-readable information. The change may be electrical, magnetic, chemical, or some other physical change. While it is convenient to describe the invention in terms of instructions, symbols, characters, or the like, the reader should remember that all of these and similar terms should be associated with the appropriate physical elements.

Thus, as illustrated at block 52 in FIG. 4, a process for delivering a voice message from a single subscriber to multiple subscribers within a telecommunications network is initiated. As indicated at block 54, an incoming call is received by an originating subscriber, in response to having contacted the telecommunications network in order to attempt to access the pre-designated list of receiving subscribers or create a new list of receiving subscribers. A voice prompt handling system can be utilized to manage the entry of passwords and other required user information

(e.g., unique identifiers, passwords, codes, and so forth) . The originating user or subscriber must first manually dial into a voice prompt handling system.

When the originating user or subscriber receives an incoming call, the user can then begin entering the proper information (e.g., passwords, codes, and so forth) .

Thereafter, as depicted at block 56, the subscriber enters his or her telephone number and then, as described at block 58, enters a particular password. As indicated at block 60, a test is then performed to determine whether or not the user is an "allowed" user. Only an allowed user possesses the necessary codes or passwords to access the cellular telephone network in order to deliver a message to multiple receiving subscribers, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. If the user is not an allowed user, then as illustrated at block 61, a message is played for the user indicating that the user is "not allowed" . Thereafter, the process simply terminates, as depicted at block 63.

However, if the user is an "allowed user" , then as described at block 62, the user records the message that he or she desires to send to a group of multiple subscribers. Following recording of the message, as indicated at block 62, a test is performed to determine whether or not to deliver the message to subscriber numbers included within a pre-designated list of telephone subscriber numbers. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that this pre-designated list of telephone subscriber numbers may be designated or set prior to processing of the steps depicted in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 herein.

The user thus interactively designates a list of subscriber numbers to which he or she wishes to deliver point to multi-point messages within a telecommunications network. Designating this list of subscribers can be accomplished prior to the initiation of the process steps illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 utilizing Unstructured Supplementary Service Data

(USSD) or during the processing of the steps depicted in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 utilizing voice prompt profile handling. USSD is a mechanism that allows a Mobile

Station (MS) user and a PLMN operator defined application to communicate with one another in a manner that is transparent to the MS and to intermediate network entities. USSD is described in GSM 03.90,

December 1996, Version 5.0.0, titled "Unstructured

Supplementary Service Data (USSD) - Stage 2," by the

European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) .

A unique identifier or identification password is associated with this pre-designated list of receiving subscribers. The actual step of associating the unique identifier or identification password with the pre- designated list of receiving subscribers can be implemented prior to processing of the steps illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. If it is determined, as depicted at block 64, to deliver the message to the pre-designated list of receiving subscriber, then as illustrated at block 65, the user enters the unique identifier or identification password associated with the pre-designated list, in order to access the pre- designated list. This pre-designated list may be configured (e.g., via USSD) prior to the processing of the steps depicted in FIG. 4. The process thereafter continues, as described at connecting block 72, labeled as "A" . (Note that connecting block 72 is also illustrated in FIG. 5, such that FIG. 5 continues where FIG. 4 stops.) If, as depicted at block 64, it is determined not to deliver the message to the pre-designated list, then as indicated at block 66, a subscriber call list loop is initiated. In this case, the user must actually create the list of receiving subscribers or modify an existing list or receiving subscribers. A mechanism, such as a "voice prompt profile-handling" menu, can be utilized to assist the user in creating or modifying this list. If the user is an "allowed user," as indicated at block 60, the user will have access to a pre-designated list of receiving subscribers directly by entering an identification number (i.e. block 65).

Alternatively, the user can create a new list via a call list loop (i.e. or modify an existing list), as described subsequently at blocks 66, 67, 68, and 70.

Thus, as illustrated at block 68, the user manually enters a subscriber number using, for example, the keypad of a cellular telephone. A test is then performed, as indicated at block 70, to determine whether or not additional subscriber numbers will be entered. Such subscriber numbers indicate the subscriber (i.e., the receiving subscriber) to which the user desires that his or her message be delivered. If additional subscriber numbers are required to be entered, then following the entry of additional subscriber numbers, the subscriber call list loop terminates, as depicted at block 67, and the process continues, as described thereafter at block 72 (i.e. "A") . However, if subscriber numbers are not entered, then the process continues, without acknowledging the end of the call loop. The operations illustrated in FIG. 4 then proceed normally, according to the connection symbol depicted at block 72. Remaining process steps are illustrated in FIG. 5. In either case, creating a new list of receiving subscribers or accessing the pre-designated list of receiving subscribers directly, the outcome that occurs following the operation described at block 72 is processed is a series of operations designed to permit the recorded voice message to be conveyed the subscribers indicated within the list of receiving subscribers .

Note that the unique identifier may be composed of the identification number entered, as illustrated at block 65, or the password entered, as depicted at block 60, or a combination thereof. The password entered, as depicted at block 58, determines whether or not a user will have access to the pre-designated list of receiving subscribers, or will be able to create or modify an existing list of receiving subscribers. For example, if the user enters a password, as illustrated at block 58, and it is determined that the user is an "allowed user," as indicated thereafter at block 60, and a call list loop is initiated, as indicated at blocks 64 and 66 , the user can be said to have successfully accessed a unique identifier. In this case, the unique identifier is considered to be composed of the password entered earlier (e.g., see block 60) .

By accessing this unique identifier, the user is permitted to create a list or group of receiving subscribers to which a recorded voice message can be conveyed. If, however, the user is not required to create a new list of receiving subscribers, because the pre-designated list of receiving subscribers already exists or was created at an earlier time, the user simply enters an identification number, as indicated at block 65. In this case, the unique identifier is composed of this entered identification number. In this case, in particular, the unique identifier can be considered to be composed only of the identification number entered, as illustrated at block 65, or the combination of the identification number entered and the password entered earlier (i.e., block 58). In either instance, some form of a unique identifier is required which, when successfully accessed (i.e., input to the telecommunications network) by a user, permits a recorded voice message (i.e., see block 62) to be conveyed to the subscribing members designated within the list of receiving subscribers.

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram illustrating a continuation of the process illustrated in flow diagram 50 of FIG. 4, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thus, following processing of the step described at block 72 (i.e., "A"), an incoming call is ended with the user. Thereafter, as illustrated at block 78, a call is initiated to a first subscriber in the pre-designated list of subscribers. At answer, the message is played, as depicted at block 80. Each subscriber included in the pre-designated list receives a copy of the message. An "end of list" test is then performed, as illustrated at block 84.-

According to the test described at block 84, if it is determined that the end of the list has been reached, then as indicated at block 90, a call is initiated to the user (i.e., the original caller) with the results. The call is typically implemented as a recorded message informing the user that the message has been successfully delivered to all subscribers within the pre-designated list. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various delivery services, such as the Short Message Service (SMS) , can be utilized to deliver the results to the user. Thereafter, the process terminates, as illustrated at block 92.

However, if it is determined that the end of the list has not been reached, then as indicated at block 86, a call is initiated to the next subscriber in the pre-designated list, and at answer, the message is played for the receiving subscriber. When the call loop described at blocks 84 and 86 is complete, a call is then initiated to the user with the results, as illustrated at block 90. Thereafter, the process finally terminates, as illustrated at block 92.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein are presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those skilled in the art to make and utilize the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purpose of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method in a telecommunications network for the interactive conveyance of telecommunications data from an originating subscriber to multiple receiving subscribers within said telecommunications network, said method comprising the steps of:

designating a plurality of receiving subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber within said telecommunications network, in response to user input;

associating a unique identifier with said plurality of receiving subscribers, wherein said unique identifier, if successfully accessed by said user, permits the conveyance of telecommunications data from said originating subscriber to said plurality of receiving subscribers; and

automatically conveying said telecommunications data to said plurality of receiving subscribers, in response to a successful access of said unique identifier by said user.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:

recording a voice message, in response to user input, wherein said telecommunications data to be conveyed to said plurality of receiving subscribers comprises said voice message.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of:

confirming the conveyance or non-conveyance of said voice message to said plurality of receiving subscriber.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of designating a plurality of receiving subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber within said telecommunications network, in response to user input, further comprises the step of :

defining a list of receiving subscribers from among said plurality of subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber, in response to user input.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of:

delivering said telecommunications data to a first receiving subscriber within said list of receiving subscribers, if said first receiving subscriber responds to said conveyance of said telecommunications data from said originating subscriber; and

thereafter delivering said telecommunications data to a next receiving subscriber within said list of receiving subscribers, if said next receiving subscriber responds to said conveyance of said telecommunications data from said originating subscriber.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the steps of:

storing said telecommunications data within a j telecommunications storage device associated with said first receiving subscriber, if said first receiving subscriber does not respond to said conveyance of said telecommunications data from said originating subscriber.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising the steps of:

storing said telecommunications data within a telecommunications storage device associated with said next receiving subscriber, if said next receiving subscriber does not respond to said conveyance of said telecommunications data from said originating subscriber.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the step of confirming the conveyance or non-conveyance of said voice message to said plurality of receiving subscriber, further comprises the step of:

compiling a report detailing which receiving subscribers among said plurality of receiving subscribers did or did not receive said voice message; and

thereafter delivering said report to said originating subscriber.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of:

storing said plurality of receiving subscribers at a memory location within said telecommunications network, in response to designating said plurality of receiving subscribers to which data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber within said communications network.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of automatically conveying said telecommunications data to said plurality of receiving subscribers, in response to a successful access of said unique identifier by said user, further comprises the step of:

retrieving said plurality of receiving subscribers from said memory location within said telecommunications network; and

thereafter automatically conveying said telecommunications data to said plurality of receiving subscribers, in response to a successful access of said unique identifier by said user.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of designating a plurality of receiving subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber within said telecommunications network, in response to user input, further comprises the step of :

designating a plurality of receiving subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber within said telecommunications network, in response to user input, wherein said user input is initiated via voice prompt handling.

12. A system for the interactive conveyance of telecommunications data from an originating subscriber to multiple receiving subscribers within a telecommunications network, said system comprising:

means for designating a plurality of receiving subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber within said telecommunications network, in response to user input;

means for associating a unique identifier with said plurality of receiving subscribers, wherein said unique identifier, if successfully accessed by said user, permits the conveyance of telecommunications data from said originating subscriber to said plurality of receiving subscribers; and

means for automatically conveying said telecommunications data to said plurality of receiving subscribers, in response to a successful access of said unique identifier by said user.

13. The system of claim 12 further comprising:

means for recording a voice message, in response to user input, wherein said telecommunications data to be conveyed to said plurality of receiving subscribers comprises said voice message.

14. The system of claim 13 further comprising: means for confirming the conveyance or non- conveyance of said voice message to said plurality of receiving subscriber.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein said means for designating a plurality of receiving subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber within said telecommunications network, in response to user input, further comprises:

means for defining a list of receiving subscribers from among said plurality of subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber, in response to user input.

16. The system of claim 15 further comprising:

means for delivering said telecommunications data to a first receiving subscriber within said list of receiving subscribers, if said first receiving subscriber responds to said conveyance of said telecommunications data from said originating subscriber; and

thereafter delivering said telecommunications data to a next receiving subscriber within said list of receiving subscribers, if said next receiving subscriber responds to said conveyance of said telecommunications data from said originating subscriber.

17. The system of claim 16 further comprising:

means for storing said telecommunications data within a telecommunications storage device associated with said first receiving subscriber, if said first receiving subscriber does not respond to said conveyance of said telecommunications data from said originating subscriber.

18. The system of claim 19 further comprising:

means for storing said telecommunications data within a telecommunications storage device associated with said next receiving subscriber, if said next receiving subscriber does not respond to said conveyance of said telecommunications data from said originating subscriber.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein said means for confirming the conveyance or non-conveyance of said voice message to said plurality of receiving subscriber, further comprises:

means for compiling a report detailing which receiving subscribers among said plurality of receiving subscribers did or did not receive said voice message; and

means for thereafter delivering said report to said originating subscriber.

20. The system of claim 19 further comprising:

means for storing said plurality of receiving subscribers at a memory location within said telecommunications network, in response to designating said plurality of receiving subscribers to which data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber within said communications network.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein said means for automatically conveying said telecommunications data to said plurality of receiving subscribers, in response to a successful access of said unique identifier by said user, further comprises:

means for retrieving said plurality of receiving subscribers from said memory location within said telecommunications network; and

means for thereafter automatically conveying said telecommunications data to said plurality of receiving subscribers, in response to a successful access of said unique identifier by said user.

22. The system of claim 21 wherein said means for designating a plurality of receiving subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber within said telecommunications network, in response to user input, further comprises:

means for designating a plurality of receiving subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber within said telecommunications network, in response to user input, wherein said user input is initiated via voice prompt handling.

23. The system of claim 12 wherein said telecommunications network comprises a cellular telephone network.

24. The system of claim 23 wherein said originating subscriber further comprises a mobile unit.

25. A program product residing in a computer for the interactive conveyance of telecommunications data from an originating subscriber to multiple receiving subscribers within a telecommunications network, said program product comprising:

instruction means residing in a computer for designating a plurality of receiving subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber within said telecommunications network, in response to user input;

instruction means residing in a computer for associating a unique identifier with said plurality of receiving subscribers, wherein said unique identifier, if successfully accessed by said user, permits the conveyance of telecommunications data from said originating subscriber to said plurality of receiving subscribers; and

instruction means residing in a computer for automatically conveying said telecommunications data to said plurality of receiving subscribers, in response to a successful access of said unique identifier by said user .

26. The program product of claim 25 further comprising:

instruction means residing in a computer for recording a voice message, in response to user input, wherein said telecommunications data to be conveyed to said plurality of receiving subscribers comprises said voice message.

27. The program product of claim 26 further comprising:

instruction means residing in a computer for confirming the conveyance or non-conveyance of said voice message to said plurality of receiving subscriber.

28. The program product of claim 27 wherein said means for designating a plurality of receiving subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber within said telecommunications network, in response to user input, further comprises:

instruction means residing in a computer for defining a list of receiving subscribers from among said plurality of subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber, in response to user input.

29. The program product of claim 28 further comprising :

instruction means residing in a computer for delivering said telecommunications data to a first receiving subscriber within said list of receiving subscribers, if said first receiving subscriber responds to said conveyance of said telecommunications data from said originating subscriber; and

instruction means residing in a computer for thereafter delivering said telecommunications data to a next receiving subscriber within said list of receiving subscribers, if said next receiving subscriber responds to said conveyance of said telecommunications data from said originating subscriber.

30. The program product of claim 29 further comprising :

instruction means residing in a computer for storing said telecommunications data within a telecommunications storage device associated with said first receiving subscriber, if said first receiving subscriber does not respond to said conveyance of said telecommunications data from said originating subscriber.

31. The program product of claim 30 further comprising :

instruction means residing in a computer for storing said telecommunications data within a telecommunications storage device associated with said next receiving subscriber, if said next receiving subscriber does not respond to said conveyance of said telecommunications data from said originating subscriber.

32. The program product of claim 31 wherein said means for confirming the conveyance or non-conveyance of said voice message to said plurality of receiving subscriber, further comprises:

instruction means residing in a computer for compiling a report detailing which receiving subscribers among said plurality of receiving subscribers did or did not receive said voice message; and instruction means residing in a computer for thereafter delivering said report to said originating subscriber .

33. The program product of claim 32 further comprising :

instruction means residing in a computer for storing said plurality of receiving subscribers at a memory location within said telecommunications network, in response to designating said plurality of receiving subscribers to which data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber within said communications network.

34. The program product of claim 33 wherein said instruction means residing in a computer for automatically conveying said telecommunications data to said plurality of receiving subscribers, in response to a successful access of said unique identifier by said user, further comprises:

instruction means residing in a computer for retrieving said plurality of receiving subscribers from said memory location within said telecommunications network; and

instruction means residing in a computer for thereafter automatically conveying said telecommunications data to said plurality of receiving subscribers, in response to a successful access of said unique identifier by said user.

35. The program product of claim 34 wherein said instruction means residing in a computer for designating a plurality of receiving subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber within said telecommunications network, in response to user input, further comprises:

instruction means residing in a computer for designating a plurality of receiving subscribers to which telecommunications data may be conveyed by an originating subscriber within said telecommunications network, in response to user input, wherein said user input is initiated via voice prompt handling.

36. The program product of claim 35 wherein each of said instruction means further comprises signal bearing media.

37. The program product of claim 36 wherein said signal bearing media further comprises recordable media .

38. The program product of claim 36 wherein said signal bearing media further comprises transmission media .

39. The program product of claim 36 wherein said telecommunications network comprises a cellular telephone network.

40. The program product of claim 39 wherein said originating subscriber further comprises a mobile unit.

41. A communications method for conveying subscriber information from an originating subscriber to multiple receiving subscribers, said method comprising the steps of : storing in a communications network, a subscriber call list comprising a plurality of receiving subscribers, wherein said call list is associated with a unique identifier;

receiving in said communications network from an originating subscriber, said unique identifier;

storing originating subscriber information in said communications network, in response to receipt of said unique identifier by said communications network; and

conveying said stored originating subscriber information to said receiving subscribers.

42. The method of claim 41 wherein the step of receiving in said communications network from an originating subscriber, said unique identifier, further comprises the step of:

receiving in said communications network from an originating subscriber, said unique identifier, via voice prompt handling.

43. The method of claim 42 wherein the step of storing in a communications network, a subscriber call list comprising a plurality of receiving subscribers, wherein said call list is associated with a unique identifier, further comprises the step of:

storing in a memory location within said communications network, a subscriber call list comprising a plurality of receiving subscribers, wherein said call list is associated with a unique identifier.