WO2003107638A1

WO2003107638A1 - Set and method for simultaneously activating ring signals on several appliances

Info

Publication number: WO2003107638A1
Application number: PCT/FR2002/002081
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul-Louis Meunier; Laurent Cauvin; René-Louis BARON
Original assignee: Thomson Multimedia; René-Louis BARON
Priority date: 2002-06-17
Filing date: 2002-06-17
Publication date: 2003-12-24
Also published as: AU2002321376A1; AU2002321376A8

Abstract

The invention concerns a set (1) and a method for simultaneously activating ring signals. The set comprises at least a module for registering (32) telecommunication receivers and at least one module for simultaneously activating the ring signals (Sk) of the registered receivers. The activation module is designed to trigger the ring signals in synchronized manner, by triggering successively at least two of the ring signals, so as to authorize harmonized activation of said ring signals when they are adapted to such harmonized activation. Preferably, suitable ring signals are assigned to the receivers, advantageously by means of a downloading module (33). The invention is useful for gathering group members.

Description

ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS ACTIVATION OF RINGTONES ON MULTIPLE DEVICES

The present invention relates to an assembly and to a method 5 of collective and social exploitation of telecommunication receivers, preferably telephone receivers.

Today's society sees the development of behaviors of temporary regroupings, in favor of causes to defend or affinities.

10 Thus, as an extension of traditional families, willingly form “clans” (in the sense of closed groups of people united by strong ties, which may include communities of interest or opinion), “tribes” (at least meaning of groups of people united by common rules or traditions), or "gangs" (in the sense of groups

15 people united by affinity and for common actions). We are also witnessing a multiplication of large-scale demonstrations in favor of common causes, such as humanitarian, social, artistic or political causes.

20 Telecommunications, especially via mobile phones, often play an important role in such groups. They thus make it possible to restore, despite material distances, a bond of social proximity between the different members of each group. In addition, they facilitate group meetings and rallies.

25

The invention relates to these collective and social aspects of telecommunications receivers, and improves the possibilities of operating telecommunications receivers for this purpose. It thus relates to a set and a method of collective and social exploitation of telecommunications receivers, capable of favoring intra-group expression during meetings and rallies.

To do this, the invention applies to a set of simultaneous activation of ringtones, comprising:

at least one module for the respective registration of telecommunications receivers, preferably telephone receivers, with the activation unit, these receivers being respectively provided with ringing tones;

- And at least one module for simultaneous activation of the ringtones of these receivers registered with the activation unit, by sending activation signals respectively and specifically addressed to these receivers, the activation module being provided for triggering the ringtones synchronously.

According to the invention, the activation module is provided for successively triggering at least two of the rings, so as to allow harmonious activation of these rings when the rings are adapted to such harmonious activation.

In this definition, as in all that follows, entities such as modules must be understood in a functional sense, and not necessarily as physically disjointed structural modules. Thus, several modules can for example be produced in the form of a single component or software. Conversely, a single module can be physically distributed in several components or information carriers.

The "telecommunications receivers" are preferably telephone, mobile or fixed receivers. In other modes of realization, they consist in particular of personal digital assistants or PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), pocket computers (palmtop computers), electronic books or tablets.

The term "ringtones" should be understood in the broad sense of any sounds.

By “simultaneous activation” of the rings, it is meant that the various rings ring at the same time at least for a common duration of activation. The different rings can therefore be triggered and interrupted at different times.

By “synchronized triggers” of the rings, it is meant that the various rings are activated at precise and controlled times, by appropriate synchronization means. The accuracy required to trigger the ringtones depends on several factors such as the music considered and the desired listening quality. It can typically be between 1/100 and 1/10 of a second, the synchronization means making it possible to achieve the desired precision. According to a particular advantageous mode of synchronized triggering of several rings, the activation module is capable of successively triggering a first of the rings, which acts as a ringtone, then all the other rings simultaneously. Another advantageous mode of synchronized triggering of several rings is the successive activation of the different rings, after predetermined durations.

The activation module includes synchronization means which allow it to carry out such trips. It can in this way be applied to ringtones adapted to a harmonious activation, by implementing synchronized triggers corresponding to these ringtones. In particular, an activation module capable of simultaneously triggering several of the rings can be used for example for a plurality of identical rings, or for musical rings each giving the sounds of a separate instrument. An activation module capable of successively triggering all the ringtones, with exactly a prefixed beat interval duration, is for its part suitable, for example, for canonicalization of musical ringtones specially provided for such an application. Another interesting application is a composition with several independent voices (counterpoint), triggered successively.

The term "harmonious" should be understood in the broad sense of "producing sounds pleasing to the ear". This subjective notion has a clarifying value in the definition of the activation set and does not constitute a limitation. However, the ringtones adapted to a harmonious activation are respectively associated with precise triggering instants, any delay in one of the ringtones risking compromising the harmony of the whole. The activation module authorizes a harmonious activation of the ringtones insofar as it makes it possible to precisely observe the instants of triggering of the different ringtones (container), regardless of the intrinsic nature of these ringtones (content).

In practice, the activation module authorizes one or more types of synchronized ringing triggers. We then choose ringtones that both respond to one or more of these types, and are considered (by designers, users, according to harmony rules or according to other criteria) as forming in conjugation sounds satisfactory. The activation module then allows their activation. The ringtones must therefore be created, selected or adapted according to the capacities of the activation module and the activation module must for its part be adjusted according to these ringtones (unless it allows only one type of triggering ).

The whole of the invention thus plays a social role by means of the ringtones of telephone receivers. These have a recognition and rallying function, and allow a collective expression of the group considered, this function being advantageously personalized according to the group.

According to a first application, a group formed by affinity, such as a clan, a band or a tribe, uses the ringtones of mobile phones to reconstitute an ensemble music, to which each makes a distinct contribution. Until the whole group is reunited, certain components of the music are missing. Once the group is complete, all the music unfolds in its entirety in a harmonious way. A member of a group can also belong to another group, thanks to a judicious choice of the musics of the two groups.

According to a second application, a group of collective expression (social movement, club of supporters or admirers, supporters of a cause ...) adopts an identical musical ringtone for all. Once the group is reunited (possibly with a large number of people), the rings are triggered in canon, by grouping the receivers according to sub-groups of simultaneous activation forming a partition of the group.

According to a third application, each branch of a family (for example parents and children) has an identical musical ringtone and the different branches of the family have complementary musical ringtones, respectively, in mobile phones. Each member of the family can start ringing and, with a harmonious automatic time shift, the ringtones of the other members of this family. Thus, he can spot immediately if one of the members of his family branch or of another branch "answers" present at his ringing, or immediately manifest a reunion in music, in a harmonious way.

Other systems are certainly known which make it possible to produce identical or distinct ringtones simultaneously or successively and in close proximity. However, in addition to the fact that the existing systems have applications very far from those of the invention, they only include part of the means required to implement the activation assembly of the invention.

Thus, it is commonplace that several sets are connected in a house for a single telephone line. When a call is received on this line, all connected extensions ring simultaneously. However, this system is not intended for registering the various positions in one or more lists with a common set. Only the line itself is officially listed. Furthermore, the simultaneous activation of the ringtones of the different stations is obtained by sending a single activation signal intended for the line, and not by sending activation signals respectively and specifically addressed to the different stations. In particular, such a system is totally unsuitable for synchronized triggering of cell phone ringtones.

In another known technique, described in document EP-0966143, the start of warning signals in multiple is controlled. telecommunications devices, so as to simultaneously prevent these various devices during a centralized call. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, a local household register contains in memory a plurality of secondary numbers associated with a primary number, as well as delay parameters respectively corresponding respectively to these secondary numbers. A wire center uses these delay parameters to route calls to the destination secondary numbers at appropriate times.

This prior art is also not suitable for an activation assembly in accordance with the invention, since the disclosed technique is centered on a simultaneous triggering of all the rings, in accordance with its purpose. The whole of the invention is on the contrary intended to deliberately cause non-simultaneous triggers of at least two rings, in accordance with its vocation of collective and social exploitation of receivers. Such an achievement goes completely against the teaching of anticipation.

As for other known embodiments provided for successively branching telephone calls from one station to another when no one answers the requested stations, they do not allow to activate the ringtones simultaneously, or to precisely control their triggering times .

In a first advantageous embodiment of the synchronization means used in the activation module, these comprise means for recording trigger times, respectively intended to be communicated to each of the receivers with the activation signals. For their part, the receivers are then each provided with a local clock synchronized with a common clock (for example the clock of a mobile telephone network), as well as a trigger module synchronized with the buzzer at the trigger instant received from the activation assembly with the activation signal.

In a second advantageous embodiment of the synchronization means, the latter are provided for respectively transmitting prior synchronization signals to the attention of all the intended receivers. The receivers are provided with local clocks synchronized on a common clock, as in the first form, the synchronization means also being synchronized on this common clock. In addition, each of the receivers has a communication module to the activation assembly, from the instant of reception of the prior signal which is sent to it. Thus, the synchronization means are capable of determining the transmission delay for each of the receivers. They can therefore use these delays as parameters, in order to adjust the times of transmission of the activation signals to the receivers.

An advantage of this embodiment is that the receivers do not need to be provided with means for synchronized triggering of the rings, but its complexity of implementation is greater than in the first mode and its reliability is based on consistency. transmission times. According to a preferred embodiment, the calibration of the delays is carried out just before the sending of the activation signals.

In a third advantageous embodiment of the synchronization means, the latter are provided for respectively transmitting prior synchronization signals to the attention of all the intended receivers as in the second form, as well as for recording times of transmission of these advance signals and instants of reception of return signals from receivers. Each of these receivers is provided with a local clock (not necessarily synchronized with a common clock), with a module for communicating a synchronization return signal in response to the prior synchronization signal received, and with a determination module. the delay between receiving the prior signal and sending the return signal. This delay is communicated with the return signal. The synchronization means are capable of calculating the round trip duration of a signal between the activation assembly and this receiver, as a function of the instants of transmission and reception and of the delay received from the receiver. The transmissions are assumed to have the same durations in both directions, so that each of the activation signal transmission delays is estimated to be half the round trip duration.

This third form has the advantages of not requiring synchronized trigger modules in the receivers, and of allowing the presence of disparate local clocks. However, in addition to the drawbacks mentioned for the second form, it requires symmetrical transmissions between the activation assembly and the receivers.

Preferably, the activation assembly comprises at least one module for downloading the ringtones adapted to harmonious activation, in the receivers. This centralizes the systems for choosing and triggering the ringtones, which facilitates monitoring of implementation. Thus, it is possible to reliably ensure a harmonious correspondence between the rings and / or an appropriate adaptation of the rings and of an operating mode of the activation module.

According to a first form of download, the download module is designed to download ringtones identical to all the receivers registered in one of the lists. For example, a single ringtone is provided for each list, and is downloaded each time a new receiver is registered in this list.

According to a second form of download, the download module is designed to download separate ringtones corresponding to all the receivers registered in one of the lists. For example, each list is associated with a predetermined number of musical components, which are distributed during the registration of receivers on this list, until all the components are exhausted.

The activation assembly advantageously has two combined capacities. In addition, in mixed systems, identical or distinct components are distributed to receivers registered in the same list. For example, the download module is designed to assign identical or separate components according to registration criteria (such as a code word for each distinct branch of a group: the receivers of the same branch receive the same ringing) or availability of components (once all the components have been used up, the same is redistributed).

In another mode of obtaining the ringtones, these are installed locally for each receiver, for example in the form of removable pre-recorded recording media available on the market, or recording media that can be loaded independently of the activation set of the invention.

Preferably, the activation assembly comprises at least one selective registration module in at least one of the lists by means of the registration module, designed to authorize at least one initial registration. in this list of at least one receiver and to authorize at least one subsequent recording in this list of at least one other receiver only through the receivers already registered in this list with the registration module.

By specifying that a recording is only authorized when it is carried out "through" already registered receivers, it is understood either that the already registered receivers make the recording of other receivers (direct intermediaries), or that non-registered receivers themselves require their registrations, but by presenting an authorization provided by already registered receivers (indirect intermediaries). Either of these embodiments, or a combination thereof, can be used. A control is therefore imposed for the accesses in registration, of the cascade access type. The control is for example carried out by means of passwords (direct or indirect intermediary), or by a verification of the telephone number of the receiver requesting a registration (direct intermediary).

The selective recording module is preferably provided to define a hierarchy of receivers in the list associated with this module:

- by assigning to the receivers registered in this list by means of the initial registration a maximum rank,

- and by assigning to each of the receivers registered in this list by means of one of the subsequent registrations by one of the receivers already registered, a rank immediately lower than the rank of this receiver already registered.

We can thus keep track of the cascading control of registrations in any of the lists, by recording the registration levels of each of the receivers relative to the receivers initiating registrations. This hierarchy can have several uses, in particular concerning the decision-making on possible additional registrations, the choice of ring tones to distribute, the deletion of certain receivers from the list and / or the triggering of ring tones.

The pyramid shape thus constituted can be representative of a hierarchical system with one or more "chiefs" or decision makers, recruiting by affinity of assistants, who themselves associate acquaintances and friends.

In another mode of receiver registration, registration is free, and may or may not be capped in number of users. For example, for the organization of a large demonstration for a humanitarian cause, any person can register, and a particular hierarchical status is only granted to the organizers of the demonstration.

Preferably, the activation assembly comprises at least one module for selective activation of the activation module for at least one of the lists, designed to authorize the activation of this activation module by at least one of the receivers registered in this list and to prevent triggering by at least one other of the receivers registered in this list.

This makes it possible to better control access to the triggering of the rings, while preventing any of the receivers from being able to produce the triggering.

The receivers registered in this list being subject to a hierarchy and comprising at least one receiver of maximum rank, the trigger module is then advantageously provided to authorize a triggering of the activation module only by the receiver of maximum rank and by other of the receivers authorized to trigger by at least one receiver of rank higher than the rank of these other receivers and itself authorized to trigger.

Triggered access control is therefore completely hierarchical: unless expressly authorized by the hierarchy, only the receiver of maximum rank (or receivers of maximum rank) is authorized to activate the ringtones simultaneously.

The embodiment with triggered access control is particularly suitable for hierarchical groups, where it is preferable to prevent all the rings from being triggered at all times, in particular when the members of this group are numerous. It is also a good idea when a personality, or a reduced number of people, plays a decisive role, for example the organizers of a demonstration in support of a cause.

In an alternative embodiment, the activation module cannot be triggered by the receivers, but by an independent control unit. Such an achievement can be useful for temporary collective expression groups.

In another embodiment, any of the receivers associated with a list can indifferently trigger the activation module. This achievement is interesting in the presence of small groups, especially when the ringtones have a function of mutual recognition or reunion events. The different access control modes are advantageously combined, the users choosing the control methods for the list concerned.

The activation assembly advantageously comprises a generator of musical ringtones, capable of automatically generating the ringtones of the receivers. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for using a plurality of generated and corresponding rings, associated with the same list of receivers - simultaneous activation.

In a preferred embodiment of the musical ringtone generator, it comprises:

- a means of defining musical moments during which respectively at least four notes can be played,

- a means of defining two families of note pitches, for each musical moment, the second family of note pitches having at least one note pitch which is not in the first family of note pitches, - a means of constitution of at least one succession of notes having at least two notes, each succession of notes being called a musical phrase, succession in which two successive notes are necessarily chosen from at least the first two of the following three types, independently of the order two notes: - two notes whose heights belong to the first family,

- a note whose height belongs to the first family and a note whose height belongs to the second family,

- two notes whose pitches belong exclusively to the second family, the height of one of the two notes corresponding to a sixth degree of a diatonic scale and the pitch of the other note corresponding to a seventh degree of said diatonic scale, and these two notes being in the immediate vicinity exclusively of notes whose pitches belong to the first family, and - a means of output of a signal representative of each pitch of each said succession.

This generator of musical ringtones is advantageously in accordance with the disclosure of document WO-00/17850 (or of the corresponding European patent EP-B-1116213 being granted). Thus, preferably, the means of constituting at least one succession of notes is such that for each moment, each note whose pitch belongs exclusively to the second family is surrounded exclusively by notes from the first family.

Thanks to these provisions, the succession of pitch pitches has both great richness because the number of successions that can be generated in this way is several billion, and harmonic coherence, because the polyphony generated is governed by constraints.

According to particular characteristics, the means of defining two families of note pitches is adapted to define, for each musical moment, the first family as a set of note pitches belonging to a duplicate chord from octave to octave.

According to other particular characteristics, the means for defining two families of note pitches is adapted to define the second family of note pitches so that it comprises at least the note pitches of a range which are not in the first family of note pitches.

Thanks to these provisions, the definition of families is easy and the alternation of notes of the two families is harmonious.

According to other particular characteristics, the means of constituting at least one succession of notes having at least two notes is adapted so that each musical phrase is defined as a set of notes whose start times are not separated from each other. , two by two, more than a predetermined duration.

Thanks to these arrangements, a musical phrase is, for example, made up of notes whose beginnings are not separated by more than three doubles.

Preferably, at least one of the means for defining musical moments, for defining two families of note pitches and for constituting at least one succession of notes is based on the value of parameters. Advantageously, some of these parameters are then used specifically for the implementation of the activation assembly of the invention, these parameters being determined by a user or chosen randomly by the generator of musical ringtones.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, these parameters are thus used to determine different ring tones to be assigned to the receivers of a group: all the ring tones have one or more of these parameters in common, which contributes to ensuring a harmonious simultaneous activation of the ring tones. One of the advantages of such an achievement is that the components of global music, attributed respectively to the receivers in the form of ringtones, are not reduced to components originating from an instrumental distribution. Each can, on the contrary, bring several instruments into play, and form music in its own right.

In addition, the use of parameters facilitates the implementation of crossings between several groups of distinct rings, the rings belonging to several groups at the same time inheriting a plurality of parameters coming from the different groups.

In addition, it is interesting to combine this use of parameters with a hierarchical approach. According to an advantageous form of such an embodiment, a receiver of maximum rank chooses a family of music, by fixing one or more first parameters. Each of the receivers of immediately lower rank is then imposed these first parameters, but can choose one or more second parameters to further specify the music generated in the hierarchical branch of receivers which depends on this second rank receiver. The process is repeated at each row.

The invention also relates to a method for simultaneous activation of ringtones. In this method: receivers are registered respectively in at least one list with an activation unit, these receivers being respectively provided with ringing tones; and the ringtones of the receivers in this list are activated simultaneously, preferably at the request of at least one of these receivers, by sending activation signals respectively and specifically addressed to these receivers, by triggering these ringtones synchronously. According to the invention, at least two of the rings are triggered successively, so as to allow harmonious activation of these rings when these rings are adapted to such harmonious activation.

This method of simultaneous activation is preferably implemented by means of an activation assembly in accordance with any one of the embodiments of the activation assembly of the invention.

Preferably, these ringtones are respectively assigned the ringtones suitable for harmonious activation, advantageously by downloading.

In another implementation mode, the ringtones are determined locally for each receiver, according to common criteria imposed (rhythm, style of music, key, etc.).

The invention also relates to a computer program product, comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments of the invention when this program is executed on a computer.

By "computer program product" is meant any medium of a computer program, covering not only recording media such as for example cassettes, discs or floppy disks but also signals carrying this program. The invention will be better understood and illustrated by means of the following examples of embodiment and implementation, which are in no way limitative, with reference to the appended figures in which:

- Figure 1 is a block diagram of an activation assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention in connection with a group of telephone receivers, shown in a registration phase of a new receiver;

- Figure 2 shows the activation assembly of Figure 1, in a phase of triggering the ringtones of the registered receivers;

- Figure 3 shows a hierarchical distribution of telephone receivers, used by the activation assembly of Figures 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an activation assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, incorporated in a telephone receiver and in connection with other telephone receivers, in the registration phases and ringing;

- Figure 5 shows a flowchart of automatic music generation, implemented to generate ring tones by means of the activation assembly of Figures 1 to 3, or to generate ring tones loaded in the telephone receivers of Figure 4;

FIG. 6 shows in block diagram form a generator of musical ringtones usable in the activation assembly of FIGS. 1 to 3 or for the telephone receivers of FIG. 4, and allowing an automatic generation in accordance with FIG. 5.

In Figure 4, elements identical or similar to those of Figures 1 and 2 are designated by the same references. A first embodiment of a set of simultaneous activation 1 of telephone receiver ringtones T _k (FIGS. 1 and 2) essentially comprises an activation unit 2, a registration unit 3 and a memory 4. This set of activation 1 is for example implemented as a service accessible online from a server.

The registration unit 3 is intended for the registration or radiation of telephone receivers targeted by the activation assembly 1. It in particular comprises a selective registration module 31 and a registration module 32. The module registration 32 has the following functions:

- Register new T _k receptors with the activation unit 1, in particular by registering IT _k identifiers of the T _k receptors in lists corresponding respectively to groups 5 of receptors; these lists are stored in memory 4; - and to delete receivers T _k from the lists of memory 4.

The selective recording module 31 is for its part intended to authorize or prohibit registration or cancellation operations on requests, depending on the content of these requests and / or their senders, and to transmit the authorized requests to the module d 'inscription 32. It thus acts as a filter with respect to the latter.

In the embodiment shown, only the telephone receivers already registered in one of the lists with the activation unit 1 are authorized to register another telephone receiver in this list. The recognition is carried out for example by comparing an identifier IT _k of the receiver sending a request (automatic identification of this identifier IT _k or transmission with the request) with the identifiers of receivers contained in memory 4. Preferably, the recognition also rests on using a keyword. Registration of or of the first receivers on one of the lists is carried out for example when opening the list or by using a specific keyword.

Another function of the selective recording module 31 consists in establishing a hierarchy between the receivers T _k of a given list.

To do this, the receivers initially registered are assigned a maximum rank. The other receivers are assigned a rank immediately lower than that of the receiver who registers them.

For the radiation of receptors T _k , it can for example be provided that only the receivers of maximum rank, or the receivers wishing to be radiation, can perform such operations.

The registration unit 3 also has a ring generator 34, capable of automatically generating ring tones S _k , and a download module 33 for these ring tones S _k in local memories of the receivers T _k . Each newly registered receiver T _k is thus allocated one of these rings S _k , generated either beforehand, or preferably after registration. The ring generator 34 advantageously conforms to the music generation techniques described in international application WO-00/17850, as will be detailed below.

In the example shown, the ring generator 34 uses parameters Q _k of musical generation. The generation of a new ring for one of the lists is then obtained by producing parameters taking into account the parameters associated with the rings S _k of the receivers T _k already registered in the list. The newly registered receiver can be invited to select directly (choice from a list of instruments by example) or indirectly (listening to several rings) at least some of the parameters.

The ring tones S _k allocated for a given list are intended to be activated simultaneously while producing harmonious music. They are therefore intended to be triggered synchronously. The ring generator 34 is thus provided for recording in memory 4 not only the parameters Q _k of musical generation produced, but also information relating to the synchronization of the rings S _k in each of the groups 5.

The activation unit 2 comprises an activation module 22, capable of simultaneously activating the ringtones S, of the receivers T _k registered in one of the lists. To do this, it identifies the receivers T _k in the list by referring to memory 4, and addresses signals giving activation instructions l _k respectively and specifically to these receivers τ _k .

The activation unit 2 also includes a selective trigger module 21, designed to authorize a triggering of the activation module 22 for one of the lists, only by one or more receivers of this list.

In the example shown, the selective trigger module 21 uses the hierarchical distribution of the receivers T _k in the list concerned. Thus, the rings S _k of the receivers T _k associated with this list can only trigger:

- receivers of maximum rank;

- and receivers of lower rank, provided that they are directly or indirectly authorized to be triggered by the maximum rank receivers; an indirect authorization is then an authorization passing through intermediate receivers: the receiver giving the authorization is itself authorized by an authorized receiver, and so on up to one of the receivers of maximum rank.

The recognition of authorized receivers T _k can be carried out in a similar manner to that used for registration (use of identifiers IT _k and / or of keywords), the necessary information being obtained in memory 4.

In operation for registration (Figure 1), one of the receivers T _n .., already registered for a list associated with a group 5 of receivers sends to the selective recording module 31 a request for registration RI of a receiver T _n in this list. The selective recording module 31 then ensures that the receiver T _n .., actually has this registration right, in particular by using the identifier IT _n _., Of the receiver T ^. If the number of receivers in the list is capped, the module 31 also checks that an additional registration is possible. Once the registration authorization has been attested, the selective registration module 31 assigns to the receiver T _n a rank rg _n , immediately lower than the rank rg ^ of the receiver T _n _., Obtained in memory 4.

It then communicates all of the information relating to this new receiver T _n to the registration module 32, which stores it in the corresponding list in memory 4.

The registration module 32 also sends the ring generator 34 a request for the production of a new musical ring. This ring generator 34 then recovers in memory 4 the parameters Q. ,, Q ₂ ... Q _n-1 respectively associated with the ring tones of the already registered receivers, establishes parameters Q _n specifically intended for the new receiver T _π , and generates a musical ringtone S _n corresponding to these parameters Q _n . In an alternative embodiment, the ring generator 34 has previously produced a set of rings for group 5 and has saved them in a storage space, and it is content to recover them as new receivers in the group are registered. 5.

The memory 34 ringtones registered generator 4 Q parameters _n and information relating to the timing for the S ring _n T _n of the receiver. In addition, it communicates the ringtone S _n to the download module 33. The latter then downloads the ringtone S _n to the new receiver T _n .

In an illustrative example of hierarchical distribution and allocation of parameters (FIG. 3), a telephone receiver T. performs a list opening with the activation unit 1. Activation unit 1 then assigns to this receiver the maximum rank equal to 1 (for simplicity of notation, the height of the row varies in opposite direction to the numbering) and generates a ringtone S., associated with parameters P1 (chosen with the participation of the receiver T.,), which he communicates to the receiver T The latter, at the top of the hierarchy, thus acts as "clan leader".

The receiver T then registers with the activation unit 1 three receivers T ₂₁ , T ₂₂ and T ₂₃ , which is assigned a second position in the hierarchy (rank 2). In addition, the receivers T ₂₁ , T ₂₂ and T ₂₃ respectively receive three rings S ₂₁ , S ₂₂ and S ₂₃ , generated by the ring generator 34 on the basis of the parameters P1 associated respectively with other parameters P21, P22 and P23 (the latter being chosen with the participation of T ₂₁ , T ₂₂ and T ₂₃ receptors). The adoption of parameters P1 in the new parameter sets makes it possible to facilitate the consistency of the various ring tones of the group.

The registration process is repeated in the same way at lower ranks in the group. For example, the receiver T ₂₁ registers receivers T ₂₁₁ , T ₂₁₂ ... T _21m , to which the selective recording module 31 assigns a rank 3, as well as parameters associating the parameters P1 and P21 with new parameters, respectively P211, P212 ... P21m. Similarly, the receiver T ₂₁₂ in turn registers receivers T _{212 | l to} which the selective recording module 31 assigns a rank 4, as well as the association of parameters P1, P21 and P212 with parameters P212L

When rings are triggered, receiver T or another authorized receiver in group 5 sends a request for RD triggering to activation unit 1 (Figure 2). The selective triggering module 21 checks the authorization of the sender of the request, the receiver T. ,, to trigger the activation by obtaining in particular from the memory 4 the identifier IT, and the rank rg ^ of T II the activation module 22 then triggers, which will seek in memory 4 both the identifiers IT _k of all the receivers T _k of group 5, and the trigger times respectively appropriate (these times may or may not be identical). The activation module 22 then sends to these receivers T _k instructions l _k for triggering the associated ring tones S _k , in a synchronized manner as a function of the trigger information. Harmonious music follows, produced by the joint musical sounds S _k .

In a second embodiment relating to the simultaneous activation of ringtones (FIG. 4), one of the telephone receivers T., includes an activation assembly 41. This activation assembly 41 comprises, similarly to the first embodiment, an activation unit 42 and a writing unit 43, as well as a memory 44. The activation unit 42 comprises a trigger module 51 and an activation module 52 , and the registration unit 43 comprises a selective registration module 61 and a registration module 62. The functions of these modules are essentially similar to the functions of the corresponding modules in the first embodiment and will not be explained further. . One difference is that the receiver T ₁ a priori holds a privileged role and is notably placed at the top of the hierarchy. In fact, any registration of a new receiver T _k and any triggering of a simultaneous activation of the rings S _k necessarily pass through it, itself also having the power to initiate both.

Another difference from this second embodiment is due to the presence of recording media E _k respectively in the receivers T _k of the group concerned, including in T _v These recording media E _k are removable media, which can be in particular magnetic or magneto-optical media (floppy disks or cassettes) or flash memories, and are intended to contain the ringtones S _{k respectively} . Thus, the registration unit 43 does not contain a ringtone generator or a download module, unlike the first embodiment, since the ring tones are directly loaded into the receivers T _k .

In practice, a user of a telephone receiver has the possibility of integrating a specific component therein, carrying the activation assembly 41. This user then plays a central role in the constitution of a group of receivers T _k having associated S _k ringtones, suitable for harmonious activation. For example, the user obtains in addition to the above component, a plurality of recording media E _k each containing one of the rings S _k II assigns itself one of these supports E _k , denoted E. ,, so as to constitute the receiver T ₁ provided with both the activation assembly 41 and the support d recording E., It also stores in memory 44 information specifically related to the ring group S _k associated with the recording media E _k (for example, by means of specific functions of the recording unit 43 total number of group S _k tones, relative trigger times of the different S _k tones)

Furthermore, the user of the receiver T., distributes the other recording media E _k to other users, who register their receivers T _k as members of a group led by the receiver T., (direct registration by the receiver T., or registration by the receivers T _k with the receiver T.,), with the information respectively corresponding (in particular, references of the rings S _k assigned) These users respectively incorporate the recording media E _k in their receivers T _k

In an improved version, members of the group of receivers T _k can each have several of the recording media E _k and themselves transmit them to other users. The latter then register their receivers T _k with the receiver T ₁ In the embodiment described, there is provision for recognition of receivers requesting such registration, by means of a code word C Any user already registered and providing one of the recording media E _k to another user also communicates this mode to him of code C

In operation, for example (Figure 4), a receiver T _n already registered transmits the code word C to a new receiver with delivery of the recording medium E _n The new receiver integrates this medium E _n of so as to form the completed receiver T _n , and requires registration with the receiver T ₁ by communicating in particular the code word C and additional information (such as an identifier IT _n of the receiver T _n and the reference of the ringtone S _n contained in support E _n ). The selective recording module 61 checks the validity of the code word C, then transmits a registration order to the registration module 62, which registers the receiver T _n by recording the appropriate information in the memory 44.

During an activation trigger, the receiver T ₂ for example sends to the receiver T ₁ a request for RD triggering. As in the first embodiment, the selective trigger module 51 ensures that T _{2 is} enabled to trigger the activation, then transmits a trigger command to the activation module 52, which triggers the ringtones synchronously S _k of all receivers T _k in the group, including the ringtone S

In an alternative embodiment, the recording media E _k are rechargeable, for example by the Internet. This variant allows the musical ringtones used to be renewed on request. In another variant, the recording media E _k are moreover fixed to the receivers T _k , and no longer removable.

Means for generating musical ringtones which are particularly advantageous for implementing the invention will now be detailed, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. These means apply very particularly to the generator of ringtones 34 of the first embodiment, but can also be used to generate the ring tones S _k contained in the recording media E _k of the second embodiment. Detailed methods of such a generation are set out in international application WO-00/17850.

FIG. 5 schematically represents a flow diagram of automatic musical generation used for the ring generator 34 (or for generating the ring tones stored in the recording media E _k ).

After the start 61, musical moments are defined during an operation 62. For example, a musical piece is then defined comprising measures, each measure comprising beats, each beat comprising note locations. In this example, operation 62 consists in assigning a number of measures to the musical piece, a number of beats for each measure and a number of note locations for each beat or a minimum note duration. Each musical moment is defined in such a way that at least four notes can be played during its duration.

Then, during an operation 64, two families of note pitches are defined for each musical moment, the second family of note pitches having at least one note pitch which is not in the first family. For example, each half measure of the musical piece is assigned a scale and a chord, the first family comprising the note pitches of this chord, duplicated from octave to octave and the second family comprising at least the note pitches of the range who are not in the first family. It is observed that different musical moments or consecutive musical moments can have the same families of note pitches. Then, during an operation 66, at least one succession of notes having at least two notes is formed with, for each moment, each note whose pitch belongs exclusively to the second family being surrounded exclusively by notes from the first family. For example, a succession of notes is defined as a set of notes whose start times are not separated from each other, two by two, by more than a predetermined duration. Thus, in the example explained with operation 64, for each half-measure, a succession of notes does not have two consecutive note pitches which are exclusively in the second family of note pitches.

During an operation 68, a signal representative of the note pitches of each succession is emitted. This signal is for example transmitted to the download module 33. The musical generation then stops at operation 70.

FIG. 6 represents, in the form of a block diagram, an embodiment of a generator of musical ringtones used to generate the ringtones S _k , such as the generator 34. In this embodiment, the generator 34 comprises, connected between them by at least one signal line 80, a generator of note pitch families 72, a generator of musical moments 74, a generator of musical phrases 76 and an output port 78. The output port 78 is connected to a external signal line 82.

The signal line 80 is a line capable of conveying a message or information. For example, it is an electrical or optical conductor of known type. The musical moments generator 74 defines musical moments in such a way that during each musical moment, four notes can be played. For example, the musical moment generator 74 defines a musical piece by a number of measures it contains and, for each measure, a number of beats, and for each beat, a number of possible note start locations or a minimum note duration.

The note pitch family generator 72 defines two note pitch families, for each musical moment. The generator 72 defines the two families of note pitches such that the second family of note pitches has at least one note pitch which is not in the first family of note pitches. For example, each half measure of the musical piece is assigned a scale and a chord, the first family comprising the note pitches of this chord, duplicated from octave to octave, and the second family comprising at least the note pitches of the range that is not in the first family. It is observed that different musical moments or consecutive musical moments can have the same families of note pitches.

The musical phrase generator 76 generates at least one succession of notes having at least two notes, each succession being constituted in such a way that, for each moment, each note whose pitch belongs exclusively to the second family is surrounded exclusively by notes of the first family. For example, a succession of notes is defined as a set of notes whose start times are not separated from each other, two by two, by more than a predetermined duration. Thus, in the example explained with the generator of note pitch families 72, for each half-measure, a succession of notes does not have two consecutive note pitches which are exclusively in the second family of note pitches. The output port 78 transmits, via the external signal line 82, a signal representative of the note pitches of each succession.

The generator 34 of musical ringtones comprises, for example, a general-purpose processor programmed to implement the present technique and a MIDI sound card connected to a bus of the processor. In another implementation, the generator 5 transmits the musical ringtones in a purely software manner, and therefore does not require a sound card.

Claims

1. Simultaneous activation set (1, 41) of rings (S _k ), comprising:

- at least one registration module (32, 62) respective to telecommunications receivers (T _k ), preferably telephone, in at least one list with the activation assembly (1, 41), said receivers (T _k ) being respectively provided with ringing tones (S _k ); - And at least one simultaneous activation module (22, 52) of said rings (S _k ) of said receivers (T _k ) registered with the activation assembly (1, 41) in said list, by sending signals activation (l _k ) respectively and specifically addressed to said receivers (T _k ), said activation module (22, 52) being designed to trigger said rings (S _k ) in a synchronized manner,

characterized in that said activation module (22, 52) is provided for successively triggering at least two of said rings (S _k ), so as to allow harmonious activation of said rings (S _k ) when said rings (S _k ) are adapted to such harmonious activation.

2. Activation assembly (1, 41) according to claim 1, characterized in that said activation module (22, 52) is capable of successively triggering a first of said rings, then all the others of said rings (S _k ) simultaneously.

3. Activation assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one download module (33) of said ringtones (S _k ) suitable for harmonious activation, in said receivers (T _k ).

4. Activation assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said download module (33) is provided for downloading ringtones identical to all of said receivers (T _k ) registered in one of said lists.

5. Activation assembly (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that said download module (33) is designed to download distinct ringtones and corresponding to all said receivers (T _k ) registered in the 'one of the said lists.

6. Activation assembly (1, 41) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one selective recording module (31, 61) in at least one of said lists by means of said module of registrations (32, 62), provided for authorizing at least one initial recording in said list of at least one receiver (T.,) and for not authorizing at least one subsequent recording in said list of at least one other receiver (T ₂ ... T _n ) only through the receivers already registered in said list with said registration module (32, 62).

7. Activation assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said selective recording module (31) is provided for defining a hierarchy of said receivers (T _k ) in said list:

- by assigning to said receivers (T registered in said list by means of said initial registration a maximum rank,

- And by assigning to each of said receivers (T ₂ ... T _n ) registered in said list by means of one of said subsequent registrations by one of said already registered receivers, a rank immediately lower than the rank of said already registered receiver.

8. Activation assembly (1, 41) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one trigger module (21, 51) selective for said activation module (22, 52) for at least one of said lists, provided to authorize a triggering of said activation module (22, 52) by at least one of said receivers (T _k ) registered in said list and to prohibit said triggering by at least one of said receivers registered in said listing.

9. Activation assembly (1, 41) according to claim 8, characterized in that said receivers (T _k ) entered in said list being subject to a hierarchy and comprising at least one receiver (T,) of maximum rank, said trigger module (21, 51) is provided for authorizing triggering of said activation module (22, 52) only by said receiver (T.,) of maximum rank and by other of said receivers authorized for triggering by at least a receiver of rank higher than the rank of said other receivers and authorized for triggering.

10. Activation assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a generator (34) of musical tones, capable of automatically generating said tones (S _k ) of said receivers (T _k ) .

11. Activation assembly (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the generator (34) of musical ringtones comprises: - a means of definition (74) of musical moments during which respectively at least four notes are capable of 'be played,

a means for defining (72) two families of note pitches, for each musical moment, the second family of note pitches having at least one note pitch which is not in the first note pitch family,

- A means of constitution (76) of at least one succession of notes having at least two notes, each succession of notes being called a musical phrase, succession in which two successive notes are necessarily chosen from at least the first two of the three types following, regardless of the order of the two notes:

- two notes whose heights belong to the first family,

- two notes whose pitches belong exclusively to the second family, the height of one of the two notes corresponding to a sixth degree of a diatonic scale and the height of the other note corresponding to a seventh degree of said diatonic scale, and said two notes being in the immediate vicinity exclusively of notes whose heights belong to the first family, and

- An output means (78) of a signal representative of each pitch of each said succession.

12. Method for simultaneous activation of ringtones, in which: receivers (T _k ) are registered respectively in at least one list with an activation set (1, 41), said receivers (T _k ) being respectively provided ring tones (S _k ); and said ringtones (S _k ) of said receivers (T _k ) of said list are activated simultaneously, preferably at the request of at least one of said receivers (T _k ), by sending activation signals (l _k ) respectively and specifically addressed to said receivers (T _k ), by triggering said rings (S _k ) in a synchronized manner, characterized in that at least two of said rings (S _k ) are successively triggered, so as to allow harmonious activation of said rings (S _k ) when said rings (S _k ) are adapted to such harmonious activation,

said simultaneous activation method being preferably implemented by means of an activation assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Activation method according to claim 12, characterized in that said receivers (T _k ) respectively assign said ringtones (S _k ) suitable for harmonious activation, advantageously by downloading.

14. A computer program product, comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the method according to one of claims 12 or 13 when said program is executed on a computer.