WO2018154518A1

WO2018154518A1 - Assistant in a chat session

Info

Publication number: WO2018154518A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/051159
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nancy M. Greene; Cristina Badulescu; Patrice Varinot
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Current assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Priority date: 2017-02-23
Filing date: 2018-02-23
Publication date: 2018-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 2019-08-23

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed that enable the use of a chat bot during a chat session between users. Embodiments of a method of operation of a first network node are disclosed, wherein the first network node comprises a first participating function serving the first user. In some embodiments, the method comprises receiving, from a first user device associated with a first user, a message directed to a chat bot within a first chat session between the first user and at least one second user; initiating a second chat session between the chat bot, the first participating function, and at least one second participating function that serves the at least one second user; sending the message via the second chat session; receiving a response from the chat bot via the second chat session; and sending the response to the first user device via the first chat session.

Description

ASSISTANT IN A CHAT SESSION

Related Applications

[0001 ] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application serial number 62/462,596, filed February 23, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the use of a chat bot (e.g., a virtual assistant) during a chat session between two or more users. In some example embodiments, the chat session is a chat session in accordance with Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) Converged Internet Protocol (IP) Messaging (CPM).

Background

[0003] Google's Alio solution allows one participant to include a Google Assistant into a one-to-one chat session between two users. Google's Alio solution does not make it clear to the users whether the assistant is always there or only there when invited to participate. Summary

[0004] Systems and methods are disclosed herein that enable the use of a chat bot (e.g., a virtual assistant) during a chat session between two or more users. Embodiments of a method of operation of a first network node to enable a chat bot within a first chat session between a first user and at least one second user are disclosed, wherein the first network node comprises a first participating function serving the first user. In some embodiments, the method of operation of the first network node comprises receiving, from a first user device associated with the first user, a message directed to a chat bot within a first chat session between the first user and the at least one second user and initiating a second chat session between the chat bot, the first participating function, and at least one second participating function that serves the at least one second user, wherein the second chat session is a group chat session. The method further comprises sending the message via the second chat session such that the message is delivered to the chat bot and the at least one second participating function, receiving a response from the chat bot via the second chat session, and sending the response to the first user device via the first chat session.

[0005] In some embodiments, the at least one second user is a second user, the at least one second participating function is a second participating function, and the first chat session is a one-to-one chat session between the first user and the second user. In some other embodiments, the at least one second user comprises two or more second users, the at least one second participating function comprises two or more second participating functions, and the first chat session is a group chat session between the first user and the two or more second users.

[0006] In some embodiments, the second chat session is hidden from the first user device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method further comprises sometime after sending the response to the first user device via the first chat session, terminating the second chat session. In some embodiments, terminating the second chat session comprises terminating the second chat session upon determining that one or more predefined criteria are satisfied. In some embodiments, terminating the second chat session comprises terminating the second chat session upon determining that a predefined amount of time has passed without a message directed to the chat bot. In some embodiments, terminating the second chat session comprises terminating the second chat session upon receiving an explicit request from the first user device.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method further comprises terminating a leg of the first chat session between the first participating function and the at least one second participating function.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method further comprises terminating a leg of the first chat session between the first participating function and the at least one second participating function after initiating the second chat session between the chat bot, the first participating function, and the at least one second participating function that serves the at least one second user.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method further comprises, upon deciding to terminate the second chat session, re-establishing the leg of the first chat session between the first participating function and the at least one second participating function.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method further comprises, while the second chat session is active, receiving, from the first user device, a second message directed from the first user to the at least one second user, and sending the second message via the second chat session.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further comprises, while the second chat session is active, receiving, from the first user device, a second message directed from the first user to the at least one second user, and sending the second message via the second chat session as a private message to the at least one second user.

[0013] In some embodiments, the message sent to the chat bot via the second chat session comprises information that identifies the first user but not the at least one second user.

[0014] In some embodiments, the message comprises an indication that the message is directed to the chat bot.

[0015] In some embodiments, the message comprises a Common Presence and Instant Messaging (CPIM) header comprising an indication that the message is directed to a chat bot. In some embodiments, the message further comprises a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) of the chat bot. In some embodiments, the message further comprises a message body comprising a text-based message from the first user directed to the chat bot. In some embodiments, the message further comprises a geographic location of the first user.

[0016] In some embodiments, the message sent via the group chat session comprises a CPIM header comprising an indication that the message is directed to a chat bot. [0017] In some embodiments, receiving the message directed to the chat bot comprises detecting that the message is directed to the chat bot based on information comprised in the message.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first participating function is a Converged Internet Protocol (IP) Messaging (CPM) messaging server participating function in an Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) CPM system.

[0019] Embodiments of a first network node for enabling a chat bot within a first chat session between a first user and at least one second user are also disclosed, wherein the first network node comprises a first participating function serving the first user. In some embodiments, the first network node is adapted to receive, from a first user device associated with the first user, a message directed to a chat bot within a first chat session between the first user and the at least one second user and initiate a second chat session between the chat bot, the first participating function, and at least one second participating function that serves the at least one second user, wherein the second chat session is a group chat session. The first network node is further adapted to send the message via the second chat session such that the message is delivered to the chat bot and the at least one second participating function, receive a response from the chat bot via the second chat session, and send the response to the first user device via the first chat session.

[0020] Embodiments of a method of operation of a first user device to enable a chat bot to participate in a first chat session between a first user associated with the first user device and at least one second user associated with at least one second user device are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method of operation of the first user device comprises sending, to a network node, a message directed to the chat bot within the first chat session, wherein the message comprises an indication that the message is directed to the chat bot. The method further comprises receiving, from the network node, a response from the chat bot via the first chat session.

[0021 ] In some embodiments, the at least one second user is a second user, and the first chat session is a one-to-one chat session between the first user and the second user. In some other embodiments, the at least one second user comprises two or more second users, and the first chat session is a group chat session between the first user and the two or more second users.

[0022] In some embodiments, the message is a Message Session Relay Protocol (MSRP) SEND message comprising a CPIM header that marks the message as being directed to the chat bot. In some embodiments, the CPIM header comprises a URI of the chat bot. In some embodiments, the MSRP SEND message further comprises a message body, the message body comprising a text-based message directed to the chat bot and a geographic location of the first user device.

[0023] Embodiments of a first user device for enabling a chat bot to participate in a first chat session between a first user associated with the first user device and at least one second user associated with a second user device are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the first user device is adapted to send, to a network node, a message directed to the chat bot within the first chat session, wherein the message comprises an indication that the message is directed to the chat bot. The first user device is further adapted to receive, from the network node, a response from the chat bot via the first chat session.

[0024] Embodiments of a method of operation of a second network node to enable a chat bot to participate in a first chat session between a first user associated with a first user device and a second user associated with a second user device are also disclosed, wherein the second network node comprises a second participating function serving the second user. In some embodiments, the method comprises receiving a message sent from the first user to the chat bot via a second chat session between a first participating function serving the first user, the second participating function serving the second user, and the chat bot, wherein the second chat session is a group chat session. The method further comprises sending the message to the second user device associated with the second user via the first chat session.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first chat session is a one-to-one chat session between the first user and the second user. In some other embodiments, the first chat session is a group chat session between the first user and the two or more second users, the two or more second users comprising the second user.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving a chat bot response sent from the chat bot to the first user via the second chat session and sending the chat bot response to the second user device associated with the second user via the first chat session.

[0027] Embodiments of a second network node for enabling a chat bot to participate in a first chat session between a first user associated with a first user device and a second user associated with a second user device are also disclosed, wherein the second network node comprises a second participating function serving the second user. In some embodiments, the second network node is adapted to receive a message sent from the first user to the chat bot via a second chat session between a first participating function serving the first user, the second participating function serving the second user, and the chat bot, wherein the second chat session is a group chat session. The second network node is further adapted to send the message to the second user device associated with the second user via the first chat session.

[0028] Embodiments of a method of operation of a network node to enable a chat bot within a first chat session between a first user at a first user device and at least one second user at at least one second user device are also disclosed, wherein the network node comprises a controlling function. In some

embodiments, the method comprises receiving, from a first participating function serving the first user device, a message for initiating a second chat session between the chat bot, the first participating function serving the first user device, and at least one second participating function serving the at least one second user device, wherein the second chat session is a group chat session. The method further comprises establishing the second chat session; receiving, from the first participating function, a message sent from the first user to the chat bot; sending the message sent from the first user to the chat bot via the second chat session; receiving a response from the chat bot; and sending the response to the first participating function and the at least one second participating function via the second chat session.

[0029] In some embodiments, the at least one second user is a second user, the at least one second participating function is a second participating function, and the first chat session is a one-to-one chat session between the first user and the second user. In some other embodiments, the at least one second user comprises two or more second users, the at least one second participating function comprises two or more second participating functions, and the first chat session is a group chat session between the first user and the two or more second users.

[0030] Embodiments of a network node for enabling a chat bot within a first chat session between a first user at a first user device and at least one second user at at least one second user device are also disclosed, wherein the network node comprises a controlling function. In some embodiments, the network node is adapted to receive, from a first participating function serving the first user device, a message for initiating a second chat session between the chat bot, the first participating function serving the first user device, and at least one second participating function serving the at least one second user device, wherein the second chat session being a group chat session. The network node is further adapted to establish the second chat session; receive, from the first participating function, a message sent from the first user to the chat bot; send the message sent from the first user to the chat bot via the second chat session; receive a response from the chat bot; and send the response to the first participating function and the at least one second participating function via the second chat session.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031 ] The accompanying drawing figures incorporated in and forming a part of this specification illustrate several aspects of the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [0032] Figure 1 illustrates an example system in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0033] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate the operation of the system of Figure 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 illustrates the operation of the system of Figure 1 according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate example embodiments of a User Equipment device (UE); and

[0036] Figures 6 through 8 illustrate example embodiments of a network node.

Detailed Description

[0037] The embodiments set forth below represent information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0038] The Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) Association (GSMA) requirements require a chat bot or assistant to be part of the chat session only for a specific amount of time, to only see messages addressed to it, and to ensure that only the identity of the inviting party is shared with the chat bot.

[0039] In some embodiments, the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) Converged Internet Protocol (IP) Messaging (CPM) architecture provides functions in the network that will allow the privacy requirements to be implemented when an assistant is added to a one-to-one chat or group chat. The assistant should only see messages addressed to it, should not see any chat messages exchanged between the users, and should only be aware of the identity of the user that contacted the assistant. The solution described herein for the one-to-one chat session case provides the mechanism for each of the CPM messaging server Participating Functions (PFs) serving the users to become part of a group chat with the chat bot, on behalf of their users. The User Equipment devices (UEs) for Users A and B are not affected: they perceive that they are still in a one-to-one chat session with each other. The CPM messaging server Controlling Function (CF) ensures all messages from User A to the assistant are sent towards both the assistant and User B, all messages from the assistant are sent towards both Users A and B, and all messages between Users A and B are not sent to the assistant. One unique aspect of this solution is that the PF provides this functionality, removing the burden from the UE. The solution is easily extended for the case of including more than one assistant in the one-to-one chat session case, and of including one or more assistants in a group chat session.

[0040] In some embodiments, the proposed solution allows the UE to be unaware that a group chat session has been set up to include the assistant. This simplifies the display of the conversation on the UE and the storage of the conversation history in the CPM message store which is required to include all of the conversation, including the conversation with the assistant.

[0041 ] In a one-to-one chat session between two users in an OMA CPM system, the UE stores messages in a local chat log for that session under the identity of the other party in the session. When a chat bot (e.g., a virtual assistant) is added to the chat session by one of the users, all messages sent to the chat bot and received from the chat bot continue to be stored in the same chat log for the one-to-one session. Embodiments of the solution disclosed herein include a chat bot using network equipment so that there is no impact on the UE.

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates one example of a system 10 in which

embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. In this example, the system 10 is an OMA CPM system including a first UE 12-A and a second UE 12-B. Note that, as used herein, the term "UE" refers to any type of communication device (e.g., a computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, or the like). The system 10 also includes a first CPM messaging server PF 14-A serving the first UE 12-A, a second CPM messaging server PF 14-B serving the second UE 12-B, a CPM messaging server CF 16, a chat bot function 18, and a chat bot 20. Note that while only one chat bot 20 is illustrated, there may be any number of one or more chat bots 20. The PFs 14-A and 14-B, the CF 16, and the chat bot function 18 may be implemented on separate network nodes or any combination of the PFs 14-A and 14-B, the CF 16, and the chat bot function 18 may be implemented on a single network node. In general, a network node is any device that is coupled to a network via a network interface (a wired interface such as an Ethernet interface or a wireless interface such as an IEEE 802.1 1 interface) having one or more processors (e.g., Central Processing Units (CPUs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and/or the like) that execute software to perform the functions of one or more of the PFs 14-A and 14-B, the CF 16, and the chat bot function 18 as described herein.

[0043] In Figure 1 , the lines labelled "1 " designate a one-to-one chat session that is set up between Users A and B (i.e., users associated with UE 12-A and UE 12-B, respectively) using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Message Session Relay Protocol (MSRP) as per OMA CPM (see Open Mobile Alliance, "CPM Conversation Functions," Candidate Version 2.1 , February 9, 2016). In some embodiments, when User A decides to include a chat bot, the UE 12-A adds an appropriate request for the chat bot to the MSRP SEND (e.g., in a Common Presence and Instant Messaging (CPIM) header) along with specific text for the chat bot. The PF 14-A detects that this message requires the chat bot to be added to the chat session, so the PF 14-A initiates a group chat via the CF 16, inviting the chat bot and the PF 14-B associated with the UE 12-B (lines labelled "2"). In some embodiments, once the CF 16 notices the chat bot is no longer being consulted, the CF 16 tears down the group chat, and the PFs 14-A and 14-B reestablish the one-to-one chat session between the PFs 14-A and 14-B (line labelled "3").

[0044] Note that while the example embodiments described herein with respect to Figures 1 , 2A-2B, and 3 enable the use of a chat bot during a one-to- one chat session between two users, the embodiments are easily extended to the case where the use of a chat bot is provided during a group chat session between multiple users, as noted above.

[0045] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate the operation of the system 10 of Figure 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Optional steps are illustrated with dashed lines. Initially, a one-to-one chat session is established between the first UE 12-A and the second UE 12-B. For notation purposes, the one-to-one chat session is referred to herein as having a communication path that includes a number of "legs," namely, a first leg between the first UE 12-A and the first PF 14-A, a second leg between the first PF 14-A and the second PF 14-B, and a third leg between the second PF 14-B and the second UE 12-B.

[0046] Optionally, once the one-to-one chat session is established, the UEs 12-A and 12-B exchange messages in the conventional manner. At some point after the one-to-one chat session is established, the UE 12-A sends a message that is directed to a chat bot (referred to herein as a chat bot message) to the PF 14-A via the one-to-one chat session (step 100). More specifically, in some embodiments, User A selects a chat bot to communicate with during the one-to- one chat session with User B. For example, User A may want to ask the chat bot (e.g., virtual assistant) a question such as, e.g., "@chat bot, what is the current weather in Toronto?" The UE 12-A sends a corresponding chat bot message to the PF 14-A as part of the one-to-one chat session. In some embodiments, the message includes an indication that the message is directed to the chat bot. For example, in some embodiments, this indication may be included in a new CPIM header that marks this message as being directed to a chat bot and, in some embodiments, including the chat bot's Uniform Resource Identifier (URI).

[0047] Upon receiving the chat bot message and determining that the chat bot message is directed to a chat bot, the PF 14-A initiates a group chat between the PF 14-A, the chat bot 20, and the PF 14-B by sending an appropriate message to the CF 16 (step 102). The CF 16 then establishes a group chat session between the PF 14-A, the PF 14-B, and the chat bot 20 and optionally terminates the second leg of the communication path for the one-to- one chat session (step 104). The PF 14-A then sends the chat bot message to the CF 16 (step 106), and the CF 16 sends the chat bot message to both the chat bot 20 (e.g., via the chat bot function 18) and the PF 14-B via the group chat session (step 108 and step 1 10). The PF 14-B sends the chat bot message to the UE 12-B via the third leg of the one-to-one chat session (step 1 12).

[0048] The CF 16 receives a response from the chat bot 20 (referred to herein as a chat bot response) (step 1 14) and forwards the chat bot response to both the PF 14-A and the PF 14-B via the group chat session (steps 1 16 and 1 18). The PF 14-A sends the chat bot response to the UE 12-A via the first leg of the one-to-one chat session (step 120), and the PF 14-B sends the chat bot response to the UE 12-B via the third leg of the one-to-one chat session (step 122). In this manner, the group chat session is transparent to both the UE 12-A and the UE 12-B.

[0049] Optionally, messages may be exchanged between User A and User B while the chat bot 20 is still connected to the chat session. More specifically, User A may send a message to User B. The UE 12-A sends this message to the PF 14-A via the one-to-one chat session in the conventional manner (step 124). However, since the group chat is still active, the PF 14-A sends the message directed to User B to the CF 16, which then forwards the message to both the chat bot 20 and the PF 14-B via the group chat session (steps 126 through 130). Alternatively, the message from User A to User B may be sent as a "private" message within the group chat session such that the message from User A to User B is not sent to the chat bot 20. The PF 14-B sends the message to the UE 12-B via the one-to-one chat session (step 132). In a similar manner, User B may send a message to User A. The UE 12-B sends the message to the PF 14-B via the one-to-one chat session in the conventional manner (step 134). However, since the group chat is still active, the PF 14-B sends the message directed to User A to the CF 16, which then forwards the message to both the chat bot 20 and the PF 14-A via the group chat session (steps 136 through 140). Alternatively, the message from User B to User A may be sent as a "private" message within the group chat session such that the message from User B to User A is not sent to the chat bot 20. The PF 14-A sends the message to the UE 12-A via the one-to-one chat session (step 142).

[0050] At some point, a decision is made to terminate the group chat session. In some embodiments, the decision is made (e.g., by the CP 16 or by the PF 14-A) to terminate the group chat session (and thereby disconnect the chat bot 20 from the chat session) if one or more predefined criteria are satisfied (e.g., if a message has not been sent to the chat bot 20 for at least a predefined amount of time, e.g., 30 seconds). Alternatively, the decision may be made to terminate the group chat session upon receiving an explicit request from the UE 12-A. Once the decision is made to terminate the group chat session, the second leg of the one-to-one chat session is re-established (if previously terminated) and the group chat session is terminated (step 144).

This may be done (e.g., initiated) by the CF 16 or by the PF 14-A, depending on the particular implementation.

[0051 ] Once the group chat session is terminated and the second leg of the one-to-one chat session is re-established, messages may be exchanged between the UEs 12-A and 12-B in the conventional manner.

[0052] Figure 3 illustrates one example of the process of Figures 2A and 2B in which SIP MSRP is used for the one-to-one and group chat sessions. As illustrated, initially, User A opens a chat with User B. As a result, a SIP MSRP one-to-one chat session is established. The SIP MSRP one-to-one chat session includes a first leg between the UE 12-A and the PF 14-A, a second leg between the PF 14-A and the PF 14-B, and a third leg between the PF 14-B and the UE 12-B. In this example, User A sends a message "Hi" to User B. This message is sent from the UE 12-A to the UE 12-B via the one-to-one chat session.

[0053] During the chat session, User A asks the chat bot 20 the question

"Can you tell us the weather in Toronto?" The UE 12-A sends a respective chat bot message to the PF 14-A via the one-to-one chat session. In this example, the chat bot message is a MSRP SEND message toward User B with the following information:

• CPIM To: anonymous

· CPIM From: anonymous

• CPIM Header (new): Indication that marks this message as being directed to a chat bot and, for example, carrying the chat bot's URI

• CPIM Body: Extensible Markup Language (XML) body with the question from User A and, optionally, User A's location.

[0054] At the PF 14-A, the PF 14-A detects the chat bot message that is directed to the chat bot 20. The PF 14-A initiates a group chat session between the PF 14-A, the chat bot 20, and the PF 14-B by sending a corresponding message/invitation to the CF 16. For example, the PF 14-A starts a chat bot group chat - it invites the CF 16 with the chat bot 20 and the PF 14-B in a resource list using the a=chatroom attribute to call it a special "invite an assistant/chat bot" group chat, same contribution/conversation Identifier (ID), session-replaces header set to same contribution-ID as one-to-one chat with PF 14-B. Note that the group chat session is hidden to the UEs 12-A and 12-B.

[0055] In addition to initiating the group chat session, the PF 14-A terminates, or tears down, the second leg of the one-to-one chat session between the PF 14- A and the PF 14-B.

[0056] The PF 14-A sends the chat bot message received from the UE 12-A to the chat bot group chat in, in this example, an MSRP SEND including the following information:

CPIM To: <GC SIP URI>

CPIM From: <User A's TEL URI>

• New CPIM header marking this as message to a chat bot and carrying the chat bot's URI

· CPIM body: XML body with the question for the chat bot and

optionally User A's location In particular, the PF 14-A sends the chat bot message received from the UE 12-A to the CF 16, and the CF 16 sends the chat bot message to both the chat bot 20 and the PF 14-B. The PF 14-B sends the chat bot message to the UE 12-B via the third leg of the one-to-one chat session, which is still maintained between the PF 14-B and the UE 12-B, where the chat bot message is displayed to User B.

[0057] The chat bot 20 responds to the chat bot message by sending the response to the CF 16. The CF 16 again utilizes the group chat session to send the chat bot response to both the PF 14-A and the PF 14-B. The PF 14-A sends the chat bot response to the UE 12-A via the first leg of the one-to-one chat session maintained between the PF 14-A and the UE 12-A, and the PF 14-B sends the chat bot response to the UE 12-B via the third leg of the one-to-one chat session maintained between the PF 14-B and the UE 12-B.

[0058] In this example, User A sends a message to User B. In order to prevent the message from being sent to the chat bot 20, the PF 14-A sends the message to the PF 14-B as a "private" message within the group chat session.

[0059] After a predefined period of time during which there are no more messages to the chat bot 20, the PF 14-A reestablishes the (second leg of the) one-to-one chat session between the PFs 14-A and 14-B and tears down the group chat session. Thus, the group chat is not long-lived. Alternatively, the UE 12-A could send a message to the chat bot 20 requesting that the chat bot 20 now be removed from the chat session. This would trigger the PF 14-A (or alternatively the CF 16) to reestablish the (second leg of the) one-to-one chat session between the PFs 14-A and 14-B and tear down the group chat session. After that, messages may be exchanged between User A and User B via the one-to-one chat session in the conventional manner.

[0060] The following paragraphs provide some details for the operation of the various nodes in the system 10 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. UE A (i.e.. the Sender)

[0061 ] User A (or UE 12-A) selects a chat bot to communicate with during the one-to-one chat session already set up with User B. UE 12-A sends the question and optionally its location in an MSRP SEND towards User B. This MSRP SEND message includes, for example:

• CPIM To: anonymous

• CPIM From: anonymous

• New CPIM header marking this as a message to a chat bot and carrying the chat bot's URI

· CPIM body: XML body with the question for the chat bot and

optionally User A's location

PF-A (i.e., the PF serving the Sender)

[0062] PF 14-A detects that the MSRP SEND is a question for a chat bot (CPIM header), so it realizes that it (i.e., the PF 14-A) must send this MSRP SEND to the chat bot.

[0063] PF 14-A starts a chat bot group chat. For example, PF 14-A invites the CF 16 with the chat bot 20 and the PF 14-B in the resource list using the a=chatroom attribute to call it a special "invite an assistant/chat bot" group chat, same contribution/conversation ID, session-replaces header set to same contribution-ID as one-to-one chat with User B.

[0064] PF 14-A sends the message from User A to the chat bot group chat in an MSRP SEND. The MSRP SEND message includes, in this example:

• CPIM To: <GC SIP URI>

· CPIM From: <User A's TEL URI>

• CPIM body: XML body with the question for the chat bot and

optionally User A's location

[0065] After a predefined period of time during which there are no more messages to the chat bot 20, the PF 14-A reestablishes the one-to-one chat session between the PF 14-A and the PF 14-B, and tears down the group chat. The group chat is not long-lived. Alternatively, the UE 12-A could send a message to the chat bot 20 requesting that it now be removed from the chat session. This would trigger the same PF behavior: the PF reestablishes the one- to-one chat session between the PFs and tears down the group chat.

CF and Chat Bot

[0066] The CF 16 receives the group chat invitation with a=chatroom attribute set to "assistant/chat bot" group chat, same contribution/conversation ID, session-replaces header set to same contribution-ID as one-to-one chat with User B. The CF 16 invites both the chat bot 20 and the User B (i.e., PF 14-B) to the group chat and sets up the "assistant/chat bot" group chat.

[0067] The CF 16 receives the chat bot message from the PF 14-A to the chat bot group chat in an MSRP SEND.

· CPIM To: <GC SIP URI>

• CPIM From: <User A's TEL URI>

• New CPIM header marking this as message to a chat bot and

carrying the chat bot's URI

• CPIM body: XML body with the question for the chat bot and optionally User A's location

[0068] The CF 16 provides the chat bot message from User A to the chat bot 20 and to also to User B (i.e., to PF 14-B associated with User B) using normal group chat procedures.

• CPIM To: <chat bot x SIP URI> in one and CPIM To: <User B's TEL URI> in the other

• CPIM From: <User A's TEL URI>

• CPIM body: XML body with the question for the chat bot and optionally User A's location [0069] The chat bot 20 sends answer (i.e., a chat bot response) to the CF 16 in an MSRP SEND.

• CPIM To: <GC SIP URI>

• CPIM From: <chat bot x SIP URI>

· New CPIM header marking this as a message from a chat bot and carrying the chat bot's URI (could be added by PF if missing)

• CPIM body: XML body with the answer from chat bot x

[0070] The CF 16 distributes that answer to User A and User B. Specifically, the CF 16 sends the chat bot response to PF 14-A and PF 14-B via the group chat session.

• CPIM To: <User A's TEL URI> in one and CPIM To: <User B's TEL URI> in the other

• CPIM From: <chat bot x SIP URI>

• New CPIM header marking this as message from a chat bot and carrying the chat bot's URI

• CPIM body: XML body with the answer from chat bot x

PF 14-B

[0071 ] PF 14-B receives the message sent from User A to the chat bot 20 that was sent towards User B via the "chat bot/assistant" group chat CF 16.

• CPIM To: <User B's TEL URI>

• CPIM From: <GC URI>

• New CPIM header marking this as marking this as message to a chat bot and carrying the chat bot's URI

· CPIM body: XML body with the question for the chat bot and optionally User A's location

[0072] PF 14-B forwards the chat bot message towards User B (i.e., to the UE 12-B) in the one-to-one chat session it already has with User B (i.e., with UE 12- B).

· CPIM To: anonymous

• CPIM From: anonymous • New CPIM header marking this as a message to a chat bot and carrying the chat bot's URI

• CPIM body: XML body with the question for the chat bot and

optionally User A's location

[0073] PF 14-B receives the chat bot answer to User A that was also sent towards User B via the "chat bot/assistant" group chat CF 16.

• CPIM To: <User B's TEL URI>

• CPIM From: <chat bot x SIP URI>

• New CPIM header marking this as a message from a chat bot and carrying the chat bot's URI

• CPIM body: XML body with the answer from chat bot x

[0074] PF 14-B forwards it towards User B (i.e., towards the UE 12-B) in the one-to-one chat session it already has with User B (i.e., with UE 12-B).

[0075] In some embodiments, the PF 14-B uses session-replaces value to find the right one-to-one chat session.

• CPIM To: anonymous

• CPIM From: anonymous (cannot put who it is really from - that will have impact on the one-to-one chat)

• CPIM body: XML body with the question for the chat bot and

optionally User A's location

UE 12-B (i.e., Recipient)

[0076] UE 12-B (on behalf of User B) receives the message from User A to chat bot x that was sent towards User B.

• CPIM To: anonymous (best to keep anonymous and not put chat bot x for client backward compatibility and MSRP standard compliance)

· CPIM From: anonymous • New CPIM header marking this as a message to a chat bot and carrying the chat bot's URI

• CPIM body: XML body with the question for the chat bot and

optionally User A's location

[0077] UE 12-B displays the message in the one-to-one conversation with User A and marks it as a message from User A to a chat bot (it knows thanks to the new CPIM header).

[0078] UE 12-B receives the chat bot x answer to User A that was also sent towards User B.

· CPIM To: anonymous

· CPIM body: XML body with the answer from chat bot x

[0079] UE 12-B displays the message in the one-to-one conversation with User A and marks it as coming from a chat bot (it knows thanks to the new CPIM header). Example Embodiments of the UE and a Network Node

[0080] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of a UE 12 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the UE 12 includes processing circuitry 21 comprising one or more processors 22 (e.g., CPUs, ASICs, FPGAs, DSPs, and/or the like) and memory 24. The UE 12 also includes one or more transceivers 26 each including one or more transmitters 28 and one or more receivers 30 coupled to one or more antennas 32. In some

embodiments, the functionality of the UE 12 described above (e.g., with respect to Figures 2A, 2B, and 3) may be implemented in hardware (e.g., via hardware within the circuitry 21 and/or within the processor(s) 22) or be implemented in a combination of hardware and software (e.g., fully or partially implemented in software that is, e.g., stored in the memory 24 and executed by the processor(s) 22).

[0081 ] In some embodiments, a computer program including instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor 22, causes the at least one processor 22 to carry out at least some of the functionality of the UE 12 according to any of the embodiments described herein is provided (e.g., with respect to Figures 2A, 2B, and 3). In some embodiments, a carrier containing the aforementioned computer program product is provided. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium such as memory).

[0082] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of the UE 12 according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. The UE 12 includes one or more modules 34, each of which is implemented in software. The module(s) 34 provide the functionality of the wireless device 12 described herein (e.g., with respect to Figures 2A, 2B, and 3).

[0083] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a network node 36 (e.g., a network node on which the functionality of the PF 14-A, PF 14-B, CF 16, and/or the chat bot function 18 is implemented) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the network node 36 includes a control system 38 that includes circuitry comprising one or more processors 40 (e.g., CPUs, ASICs, DSPs, FPGAs, and/or the like) and memory 42. The control system 38 also includes a network interface 44. In embodiments in which the network node 36 is a radio access node (e.g., a base station in a cellular communications network), the network node 36 also includes one or more radio units 46 that each include one or more transmitters 48 and one or more receivers 50 coupled to one or more antennas 52. In some embodiments, the functionality of the network node 36 (e.g., the functionality of the PF 14-A, PF 14-B, CF 16, and/or the chat bot function 18) described above may be fully or partially implemented in software that is, e.g., stored in the memory 42 and executed by the processor(s) 40. [0084] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram that illustrates a virtualized embodiment of the network node 36 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As used herein, a "virtualized" network node 36 is a network node 36 in which at least a portion of the functionality of the network node 36 is implemented as a virtual component (e.g., via a virtual machine(s) executing on a physical processing node(s) in a network(s)). As illustrated, the network node 36 optionally includes the control system 38, as described with respect to Figure 6. In addition, if the network node 36 is a radio access node (e.g., a base station in a cellular communications network), the network node 36 also includes the one or more radio units 46, as described with respect to Figure 6. The control system 38 (if present) is connected to one or more processing nodes 54 coupled to or included as part of a network(s) 56 via the network interface 44. Alternatively, if the control system 38 is not present, the one or more radio units 46 (if present) are connected to the one or more processing nodes 54 via a network

interface(s). Alternatively, all of the functionality of the network node 36 described herein may be implemented in the processing nodes 54 (i.e., the network node 36 does not include the control system 38 or the radio unit(s) 46). Each processing node 54 includes one or more processors 58 (e.g., CPUs, ASICs, DSPs, FPGAs, and/or the like), memory 60, and a network interface 62.

[0085] In this example, functions 64 of the network node 36 described herein (e.g., the functions performed by the PF 14-A, PF 14-B, CF 16, and/or the chat bot function 18) are implemented at the one or more processing nodes 54 or distributed across the control system 38 (if present) and the one or more processing nodes 54 in any desired manner. In some particular embodiments, some or all of the functions 64 of the network node 36 described herein are implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines implemented in a virtual environment(s) hosted by the processing node(s) 54. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, additional signaling or communication between the processing node(s) 54 and the control system 38 (if present) or alternatively the radio unit(s) 46 (if present) is used in order to carry out at least some of the desired functions. Notably, in some embodiments, the control system 38 may not be included, in which case the radio unit(s) 46 (if present) communicates directly with the processing node(s) 54 via an

appropriate network interface(s).

[0086] In some particular embodiments, higher layer functionality (e.g., layer 3 and up and possibly some of layer 2 of the protocol stack) of the network node 36 may be implemented at the processing node(s) 54 as virtual components (i.e., implemented "in the cloud") whereas lower layer functionality (e.g., layer 1 and possibly some of layer 2 of the protocol stack) may be implemented in the radio unit(s) 46 and possibly the control system 38.

[0087] In some embodiments, a computer program including instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor 40, 58, causes the at least one processor 40, 58 to carry out the functionality of the network node 36 or a processing node 54 according to any of the embodiments described herein is provided. In some embodiments, a carrier containing the aforementioned computer program product is provided. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium such as the memory 60).

[0088] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of the network node 36 according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. The network node 36 includes one or more modules 66, each of which is implemented in software. The module(s) 66 provide the functionality of the network node 36 described herein (e.g., any of the functions of the PF 14-A, PF 14-B, CF 16, and/or the chat bot function 18 described herein, e.g., with respect to Figures 2A, 2B, or 3).

Example Embodiments

[0089] While not being limited thereto, some example embodiments of the present disclosure are provided below. 1 . A method of operation of a first network node to enable a chat bot (20) within a one-to-one chat session between a first user and a second user, the first network node comprising a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user, comprising:

receiving (100), from a first user device (12-A) associated with the first user, a message directed to a chat bot (20) within a one-to-one chat session between the first user and the second user;

initiating (102) a group chat session between the chat bot (20), the first participating function (14-A), and a second participating function (14-B) that serves the second user;

sending (106) the message via the group chat session such that the message is delivered to the chat bot (20) and the second participating function (14-B);

receiving (1 16) a response from the chat bot (20) via the group chat session; and

sending (120) the response to the first user device (12-A) via the one-to- one chat session.

2. The method of embodiment 1 wherein the group chat session is hidden from the first user device (12-A). 3. The method of embodiment 1 or 2 further comprising, sometime after sending (120) the response to the first user device (12-A) via the one-to-one chat session:

terminating (144) the group chat session. 4. The method of embodiment 3 wherein terminating (144) the group chat session comprises terminating (144) the group chat session upon determining that one or more predefined criteria are satisfied.

5. The method of embodiment 4 wherein terminating (144) the group chat session comprises terminating (144) the group chat session upon determining that a predefined amount of time has passed without a message directed to the chat bot (20).

6. The method of embodiment 3 wherein terminating (144) the group chat session comprises terminating (144) the group chat session upon receiving an explicit request from the first user device (12-A).

7. The method of any one of embodiments 3 to 6 further comprising terminating (104) a leg of the one-to-one chat session between the first participating function (14-A) and the second participating function (14-B).

8. The method of embodiment 7 further comprising, upon deciding to terminate the group chat session, re-establishing the leg of the one-to-one chat session between the first participating function (14-A) and the second participating function (14-B).

9. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 8 wherein the first participating function (14-A) is a Converged Internet Protocol Messaging, CPM, messaging server participating function in an Open Mobile Alliance, OMA, CPM system.

10. A first network node for enabling a chat bot (20) within a one-to-one chat session between a first user and a second user, the first network node comprising a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user and being adapted to operate according to the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 9.

1 1 . A first network node for enabling a chat bot (20) within a one-to-one chat session between a first user and a second user, the first network node comprising:

a network interface (44, 62);

at least one processor (40, 58); and memory (42, 60) comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor (40, 58) whereby the first network node is operable to provide a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user and is further operable to perform the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 9.

12. A first network node for enabling a chat bot (20) within a one-to-one chat session between a first user and a second user, the first network node

comprising:

one or more modules (66) operable to provide a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user and further operable to perform the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 9.

13. A method of operation of a first user device (12-A) to enable a chat bot (20) to participate in a one-to-one chat session between a first user associated with the first user device (12-A) and a second user associated with a second user device (12-B), comprising:

sending (100), to a network node, a message directed to the chat bot (20) within the one-to-one chat session, the message comprising an indication that the message is directed to the chat bot (20); and

receiving (120), from the network node, a response from the chat bot (20) via the one-to-one chat session.

14. The method of embodiment 13 wherein the message is a Message Session Relay Protocol, MSRP, SEND message comprising a Common

Presence and Instant Messaging, CPIM, header that marks the message as being directed to the chat bot (20).

15. The method of embodiment 14 wherein the CPIM header comprises a Uniform Resource Identifier, URI, of the chat bot (20). 16. The method of embodiment 14 or 15 wherein the MSRP SEND message further comprises a message body, the message body comprising a text-based message directed to the chat bot (20) and a geographic location of the first user device (12-A).

17. A first user device (12-A) for enabling a chat bot (20) to participate in a one-to-one chat session between a first user associated with the first user device (12-A) and a second user associated with a second user device (12-B), the first user device (12-A) adapted to operate according to the method of any one of embodiments 13 to 16.

18. A first user device (12-A) for enabling a chat bot (20) to participate in a one-to-one chat session between a first user associated with the first user device (12-A) and a second user associated with a second user device (12-B), the first user device (12-A) comprising:

a communication interface (e.g., a wireless transceiver (26));

at least one processor (22); and

memory (24) comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor (22) whereby the first user device (12-A) is adapted to operate according to the method of any one of embodiments 13 to 16.

19. A first user device (12-A) for enabling a chat bot (20) to participate in a one-to-one chat session between a first user associated with the first user device (12-A) and a second user associated with a second user device (12-B), the first user device (12-A) comprising:

one or more modules (34) operable to perform the method of any one of embodiments 13 to 16.

20. A method of operation of a second network node to enable a chat bot (20) to participate in a one-to-one chat session between a first user associated with a first user device (12-A) and a second user associated with a second user device (12-B), the second network node comprising a second participating function (14- B) serving the second user, comprising:

receiving (1 10) a message sent from the first user to the chat bot (20) via a group chat session between a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user, the second participating function (14-B) serving the second user, and the chat bot (20); and

sending (1 12) the message to the second user device (12-B) associated with the second user via the one-to-one chat session. 21 . The method of embodiment 20 further comprising:

receiving (1 18) a chat bot response sent from the chat bot (20) to the first user via the group chat session; and

sending (122) the chat bot response to the second user device (12-B) associated with the second user via the one-to-one chat session.

22. A second network node for enabling a chat bot (20) to participate in a one- to-one chat session between a first user associated with a first user device (12-A) and a second user associated with a second user device (12-B), the second network node (12-B) comprising a second participating function (14-B) serving the second user and being adapted to operate according to the method of embodiment 20 or 21 .

23. A method of operation of a network node to enable a chat bot (20) within a one-to-one chat session between a first user at a first user device (12-A) and a second user at a second user device (12-B), the network node comprising a controlling function (16), comprising:

receiving (102), from a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user device (12-A), a message for initiating a group chat session between the chat bot (20), the first participating function (14-A) serving the first user device (12-A), and a second participating function (14-B) serving the second user device

(12-B); establishing (104) the group chat session;

receiving (106), from the first participating function (14-A), a message sent from the first user to the chat bot (20);

sending (108, 1 10) the message sent from the first user to the chat bot (20) via the group chat session;

receiving (1 14) a response from the chat bot (20); and

sending (1 16, 1 18) the response to the first participating function (14-A) and the second participating function (14-B) via the group chat. 24. A network node for enabling a chat bot (20) within a one-to-one chat session between a first user at a first user device (12-A) and a second user at a second user device (12-B), the network node comprising a controlling function (16), the network node adapted to perform the method of embodiment 23. 25. A network node for enabling a chat bot (20) within a one-to-one chat session between a first user at a first user device (12-A) and a second user at a second user device (12-B), the network node comprising:

a network interface (44, 62);

at least one processor (40, 58); and

memory (42, 60) comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor (40, 58) whereby the network node is operable to operate according to the method of embodiment 23.

26. A network node for enabling a chat bot (20) within a one-to-one chat session between a first user at a first user device (12-A) and a second user at a second user device (12-B), the network node comprising:

one or more modules (66) operable to perform the method of embodiment

23. [0090] The following acronyms are used throughout this disclosure.

• ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit • CF Controlling Function

• CMS Converged Internet Protocol Messaging Message

Store

• CPIM Common Presence and Instant Messaging · CPM Converged Internet Protocol Messaging

• CPU Central Processing Unit

• DSP Digital Signal Processor

• FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array

• GSM Global System for Mobile Communications · GSMA Global System for Mobile Communications

Association

• ID Identifier

• IMDN Instant Message Disposition Notification

• IP Internet Protocol

· MSRP Message Session Relay Protocol

• OMA Open Mobile Alliance

• PF Participating Function

• SIP Session Initiation Protocol

• UE User Equipment

· URI Uniform Resource Identifier

• XML Extensible Markup Language

[0091 ] Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the embodiments of the present disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1 . A method of operation of a first network node to enable a chat bot (20) within a first chat session between a first user and at least one second user, the first network node comprising a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user, comprising:

receiving (100), from a first user device (12-A) associated with the first user, a message directed to a chat bot (20) within a first chat session between the first user and the at least one second user;

initiating (102) a second chat session between the chat bot (20), the first participating function (14-A), and at least one second participating function (14-B) that serves the at least one second user, the second chat session being a group chat session;

sending (106) the message via the second chat session such that the message is delivered to the chat bot (20) and the at least one second

participating function (14-B);

receiving (1 16) a response from the chat bot (20) via the second chat session; and

sending (120) the response to the first user device (12-A) via the first chat session.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one second user is a second user, the at least one second participating function (14-B) is a second

participating function (14-B), and the first chat session is a one-to-one chat session between the first user and the second user.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one second user comprises two or more second users, the at least one second participating function (14-B) comprises two or more second participating functions (14-B), and the first chat session is a group chat session between the first user and the two or more second users.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the second chat session is hidden from the first user device (12-A).

5. The method of claim 1 or 4 further comprising, sometime after sending (120) the response to the first user device (12-A) via the first chat session:

terminating (144) the second chat session.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein terminating (144) the second chat session comprises terminating (144) the second chat session upon determining that one or more predefined criteria are satisfied.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein terminating (144) the second chat session comprises terminating (144) the second chat session upon determining that a predefined amount of time has passed without a message directed to the chat bot (20).

8. The method of claim 5 wherein terminating (144) the second chat session comprises terminating (144) the second chat session upon receiving an explicit request from the first user device (12-A).

9. The method of any one of claims 5 to 8 further comprising terminating (104) a leg of the first chat session between the first participating function (14-A) and the at least one second participating function (14-B).

10. The method of any one of claims 5 to 8 further comprising terminating (104) a leg of the first chat session between the first participating function (14-A) and the at least one second participating function (14-B) after initiating (102) the second chat session between the chat bot (20), the first participating function (14-A), and the at least one second participating function (14-B) that serves the at least one second user.

1 1 . The method of claim 9 or 10 further comprising, upon deciding to terminate the second chat session, re-establishing the leg of the first chat session between the first participating function (14-A) and the at least one second participating function (14-B).

12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 1 1 further comprising, while the second chat session is active:

receiving (124), from the first user device (12-A), a second message directed from the first user to the at least one second user; and

sending (126) the second message via the second chat session.

13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 1 1 further comprising, while the second chat session is active:

sending (126) the second message via the second chat session as a private message to the at least one second user.

14. The method of any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the message sent to the chat bot (20) via the second chat session comprises information that identifies the first user but not the at least one second user.

15. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the message comprises an indication that the message is directed to the chat bot (20).

16. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the message comprises a Common Presence and Instant Messaging, CPIM, header comprising an indication that the message is directed to a chat bot (20).

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the message further comprises a Uniform Resource Identifier, URI, of the chat bot (20).

18. The method of claim 16 or 17 wherein the message further comprises a message body comprising a text-based message from the first user directed to the chat bot (20).

19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the message further comprises a geographic location of the first user.

20. The method of any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the message sent via the group chat session comprises a CPIM header comprising an indication that the message is directed to a chat bot (20).

21 . The method of any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein receiving (100) the message directed to the chat bot (20) comprises detecting that the message is directed to the chat bot (20) based on information comprised in the message.

22. The method of any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the first participating function (14-A) is a Converged Internet Protocol Messaging, CPM, messaging server participating function in an Open Mobile Alliance, OMA, CPM system.

23. A first network node for enabling a chat bot (20) within a first chat session between a first user and at least one second user, the first network node comprising a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user and being adapted to:

receive, from a first user device (12-A) associated with the first user, a message directed to a chat bot (20) within a first chat session between the first user and the at least one second user; initiate a second chat session between the chat bot (20), the first participating function (14-A), and at least one second participating function (14-B) that serves the at least one second user, the second chat session being a group chat session;

send the message via the second chat session such that the message is delivered to the chat bot (20) and the at least one second participating function (14-B);

receive a response from the chat bot (20) via the second chat session; and

send the response to the first user device (12-A) via the first chat session.

24. The first network node of claim 23 wherein the first network node is further adapted to operate according to the method of any one of claims 2 to 22.

25. A first network node for enabling a chat bot (20) within a first chat session between a first user and at least one second user, the first network node comprising:

a network interface (44, 62);

at least one processor (40, 58); and

memory (42, 60) comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor (40, 58) whereby the first network node is operable to provide a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user and is further operable to:

receive, from a first user device (12-A) associated with the first user, a message directed to a chat bot (20) within a first chat session between the first user and the at least one second user;

initiate a second chat session between the chat bot (20), the first participating function (14-A), and at least one second participating function (14-B) that serves the at least one second user, the second chat session being a group chat session; send the message via the second chat session such that the message is delivered to the chat bot (20) and the at least one second participating function (14-B);

receive a response from the chat bot (20) via the second chat session; and

send the response to the first user device (12-A) via the first chat session.

26. The first network node of claim 25 wherein, via execution of the

instructions by the at least one processor (40, 58), the first network node is further operable to perform the method of any one of claims 2 to 22.

27. A first network node for enabling a chat bot (20) within a one-to-one chat session between a first user and at least one second user, the first network node comprising:

one or more modules (66) operable to provide a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user, the one or more modules (66) comprising:

a first receiving module operable to receive, from a first user device (12-A) associated with the first user, a message directed to a chat bot (20) within a first chat session between the first user and the at least one second user;

an initiating module operable to initiate a second chat session between the chat bot (20), the first participating function (14-A), and at least one second participating function (14-B) that serves the at least one second user, the second chat session being a group chat session;

a first sending module operable to send the message via the second chat session such that the message is delivered to the chat bot (20) and the at least one second participating function (14-B);

a second receiving module operable to receive a response from the chat bot (20) via the second chat session; and a second sending module operable to send the response to the first user device (12-A) via the first chat session.

28. The first network node of claim 27 wherein the one or more modules (66) are further operable to perform the method of any one of claims 2 to 22.

29. A method of operation of a first user device (12-A) to enable a chat bot (20) to participate in a first chat session between a first user associated with the first user device (12-A) and at least one second user associated with at least one second user device (12-B), comprising:

sending (100), to a network node, a message directed to the chat bot (20) within the first chat session, the message comprising an indication that the message is directed to the chat bot (20); and

receiving (120), from the network node, a response from the chat bot (20) via the first chat session.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein the at least one second user is a second user, and the first chat session is a one-to-one chat session between the first user and the second user.

31 . The method of claim 29 wherein the at least one second user comprises two or more second users, and the first chat session is a group chat session between the first user and the two or more second users.

32. The method of any one of claims 29 to 31 wherein the message is a Message Session Relay Protocol, MSRP, SEND message comprising a

Common Presence and Instant Messaging, CPIM, header that marks the message as being directed to the chat bot (20).

33. The method of claim 32 wherein the CPIM header comprises a Uniform Resource Identifier, URI, of the chat bot (20).

34. The method of claim 32 or 33 wherein the MSRP SEND message further comprises a message body, the message body comprising a text-based message directed to the chat bot (20) and a geographic location of the first user device (12-A).

35. A first user device (12-A) for enabling a chat bot (20) to participate in a first chat session between a first user associated with the first user device (12-A) and at least one second user associated with a second user device (12-B), the first user device (12-A) adapted to:

send, to a network node, a message directed to the chat bot (20) within the first chat session, the message comprising an indication that the message is directed to the chat bot (20); and

receive, from the network node, a response from the chat bot (20) via the first chat session.

36. The first user device (12-A) of claim 35 wherein the first user device (12-A) is further adapted to operate according to the method of any one of claims 30 to 34.

37. A first user device (12-A) for enabling a chat bot (20) to participate in a first chat session between a first user associated with the first user device (12-A) and a second user associated with a second user device (12-B), the first user device (12-A) comprising:

a communication interface (26);

at least one processor (22); and

memory (24) comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor (22) whereby the first user device (12-A) is adapted to:

send, to a network node, a message directed to the chat bot (20) within the first chat session, the message comprising an indication that the message is directed to the chat bot (20); and receive, from the network node, a response from the chat bot (20) via the first chat session.

38. The first user device (12-A) of claim 37 wherein, via execution of the instructions by the at least one processor (22), the first user device (12-A) is further operable to perform the method of any one of claims 30 to 34.

39. A first user device (12-A) for enabling a chat bot (20) to participate in a one-to-one chat session between a first user associated with the first user device (12-A) and a second user associated with a second user device (12-B), the first user device (12-A) comprising:

one or more modules (34) comprising;

a sending module operable to send, to a network node, a message directed to the chat bot (20) within the first chat session, the message comprising an indication that the message is directed to the chat bot (20); and

a receiving module operable to receive, from the network node, a response from the chat bot (20) via the first chat session.

40. The first user device (12-A) of claim 39 wherein the one or more modules (34) are further operable to perform the method of any one of claims 30 to 34.

41 . A method of operation of a second network node to enable a chat bot (20) to participate in a first chat session between a first user associated with a first user device (12-A) and a second user associated with a second user device (12-

B), the second network node comprising a second participating function (14-B) serving the second user, comprising:

receiving (1 10) a message sent from the first user to the chat bot (20) via a second chat session between a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user, the second participating function (14-B) serving the second user, and the chat bot (20), the second chat session being a group chat session; and sending (1 12) the message to the second user device (12-B) associated with the second user via the first chat session.

42. The method of claim 41 wherein the first chat session is a one-to-one chat session between the first user and the second user.

43. The method of claim 41 wherein the first chat session is a group chat session between the first user and the two or more second users, the two or more second users comprising the second user.

44. The method of any one of claims 41 to 43 further comprising:

receiving (1 18) a chat bot response sent from the chat bot (20) to the first user via the second chat session; and

sending (122) the chat bot response to the second user device (12-B) associated with the second user via the first chat session.

45. A second network node for enabling a chat bot (20) to participate in a first chat session between a first user associated with a first user device (12-A) and a second user associated with a second user device (12-B), the second network node comprising a second participating function (14-B) serving the second user and being adapted to:

receive a message sent from the first user to the chat bot (20) via a second chat session between a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user, the second participating function (14-B) serving the second user, and the chat bot (20), the second chat session being a group chat session; and

send the message to the second user device (12-B) associated with the second user via the first chat session.

46. The second network node of claim 45 wherein the second network node is further adapted to operate according to the method of any one of claims 42 to 44.

47. A second network node that enables a chat bot (20) to participate in a first chat session between a first user associated with a first user device (12-A) and a second user associated with a second user device (12-B), the second network node comprising a second participating function (14-B) serving the second user, comprising:

a network interface (44, 62);

at least one processor (40, 58); and

memory (42, 60) comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor (40, 58) whereby the second network node is operable to:

48. The second network node of claim 47 wherein, via execution of the instructions by the at least one processor (40, 58), the second network node is further operable to perform the method of any one of claims 42 to 44.

49. A second network node that enables a chat bot (20) to participate in a first chat session between a first user associated with a first user device (12-A) and a second user associated with a second user device (12-B), the second network node comprising:

one or more modules (66) operable to provide a second participating function (14-B) serving the second user, the one or more modules (66) comprising:

a receiving module operable to receive a message sent from the first user to the chat bot (20) via a second chat session between a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user, the second participating function (14-B) serving the second user, and the chat bot (20), the second chat session being a group chat session; and

a sending module operable to send the message to the second user device (12-B) associated with the second user via the first chat session.

50. The second network node of claim 49 wherein the one or more modules (66) are further operable to perform the method of any one of claims 42 to 44.

51 . A method of operation of a network node to enable a chat bot (20) within a first chat session between a first user at a first user device (12-A) and at least one second user at at least one second user device (12-B), the network node comprising a controlling function (16), comprising:

receiving (102), from a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user device (12-A), a message for initiating a second chat session between the chat bot (20), the first participating function (14-A) serving the first user device (12-A), and at least one second participating function (14-B) serving the at least one second user device (12-B), the second chat session being a group chat session;

establishing (104) the second chat session;

sending (108, 1 10) the message sent from the first user to the chat bot (20) via the second chat session;

receiving (1 14) a response from the chat bot (20); and

sending (1 16, 1 18) the response to the first participating function (14-A) and the at least one second participating function (14-B) via the second chat session.

52. The method of claim 51 wherein the at least one second user is a second user, the at least one second participating function (14-B) is a second participating function (14-B), and the first chat session is a one-to-one chat session between the first user and the second user.

53. The method of claim 51 wherein the at least one second user comprises two or more second users, the at least one second participating function (14-B) comprises two or more second participating functions (14-B), and the first chat session is a group chat session between the first user and the two or more second users.

54. A network node for enabling a chat bot (20) within a first chat session between a first user at a first user device (12-A) and at least one second user at at least one second user device (12-B), the network node comprising a controlling function (16), the network node adapted to:

receive, from a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user device (12-A), a message for initiating a second chat session between the chat bot (20), the first participating function (14-A) serving the first user device (12-A), and at least one second participating function (14-B) serving the at least one second user device (12-B), the second chat session being a group chat session; establish the second chat session;

receive, from the first participating function (14-A), a message sent from the first user to the chat bot (20);

send the message sent from the first user to the chat bot (20) via the second chat session;

receive a response from the chat bot (20); and

send the response to the first participating function (14-A) and the at least one second participating function (14-B) via the second chat session.

55. The network node of claim 54 wherein the network node is further adapted to perform the method of any one of claims 52 to 53.

56. A network node for enabling a chat bot (20) within a first chat session between a first user at a first user device (12-A) and at least one second user at at least one second user device (12-B), the network node comprising:

a network interface (44, 62);

at least one processor (40, 58); and

memory (42, 60) comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor (40, 58) whereby the network node is operable to:

receive, from a first participating function (14-A) serving the first user device (12-A), a message for initiating a second chat session between the chat bot (20), the first participating function (14-A) serving the first user device (12-A), and at least one second participating function (14- B) serving the at least one second user device (12-B), the second chat session being a group chat session;

establish the second chat session;

receive a response from the chat bot (20); and

57. The network node of claim 56 wherein, via execution of the instructions by the at least one processor (40, 58), the network node is further operable to perform the method of any one of claims 52 to 53.

58. A network node for enabling a chat bot (20) within a first chat session between a first user at a first user device (12-A) and at least one second user at at least one second user device (12-B), the network node comprising:

one or more modules (66) comprising: a first receiving module operable to receive, from a first

participating function (14-A) serving the first user device (12-A), a message for initiating a second chat session between the chat bot (20), the first participating function (14-A) serving the first user device (12-A), and at least one second participating function (14-B) serving the at least one second user device (12-B), the second chat session being a group chat session;

an establishing module operable to establish the second chat session;

a second receiving module operable to receive, from the first participating function (14-A), a message sent from the first user to the chat bot (20);

a first sending module operable to send the message sent from the first user to the chat bot (20) via the second chat session;

a third receiving module operable to receive a response from the chat bot (20); and

a second sending module operable to send the response to the first participating function (14-A) and the at least one second participating function (14-B) via the second chat session.

59. The network node of claim 58 wherein the one or more modules (66) are further operable to perform the method of any one of claims 52 to 53.