Wireless service providers use SMS to notify users of text messages from
other wireless users using text-based communications. SMS is used in
conjunction with an Interactive Voice Response system and a
text-to-speech (TTS) translator to provide enhanced text messaging. Users
access the SMS menu on their wireless phone. Instead of typing a text
message on the wireless phone keypad, users select an IVR option that
connects to the wireless service provider's IVR system. After entering or
speaking the telephone number (name or nickname) for the "To:" field, the
user speaks the message to be sent via SMS. The IVR reads back the spoken
message for user confirmation. Once confirmed, the message is translated
to text using a Text-to-Speech translator, or a speech recognition
dictation feature, and forwarded to the SMS Messaging Gateway.
Alternative embodiments are adapted for use with traditional wireline
phones, so that the caller calls the wireless service provider's IVR
system, enters the destination number and speaks the message to be sent.
Further embodiments provide for the recipient of the message to
optionally have the text message spoken via a TTS feature.