United States Patent
`
`[:91
`
`5,894,506
`[11] Patent Number:
`Pinter
`[451 Date of Patent: Apr. 13. 1999
`
`
`
`U8005894506A
`
`[54]
`
`[75]
`
`1731
`
`[21]
`
`[22]
`
`[51]
`[52]
`
`1531
`
`[5 6]
`
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`GENERATING AND COMMUNICATING
`MESSAGES BETWEEN SUBSCRIBERS '10
`AN ELECTRONIC WAGE“; NETWORK
`
`Inventor: Gregory J. Pinter. Brandon. Miss.
`
`Assignee: 511de Communications. Inc.
`Jackson. Miss.
`
`App]. Net: 087708.696
`
`Filed:
`
`Int. C1.“i
`US. Cl.
`
`Slip 5. 1996
`..
`.................... HMM U64
`
`..........m 379183.15:
`“379193.24; 34-01325.44: 455MB
`..379167 38. 39.
`Field of Search.
`379193.24.93.25.93.26. 4557313 31.2:
`39512003. 200.31. 200.34. 200.37. 20041
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PA'I'EN'I‘ DOCUMENTS
`
`....... 3401154
`
`4.11961 Spencer ...............
`2.973.676
`571970 Airtime-n
`3.513.443
`..... 179.12
`111973 Stove:
`3.714.375
`.. 179M]
`611974 Hallway
`3.818.145
`340.1311
`1111974 Apsell etal.
`3.846.783
`.. 3fi155
`11.11974 Matter eta].
`3.851.251
`. 17874.1
`3.11976 Kilby eta].
`.
`3.944.724
`3401337
`8.11976 Sebestyea
`3.976.995
`325755
`3.954.775 1011976 (bride! :11.
`340811
`4,010,460
`371977 DeRosa .......
`340.611
`4.010.461
`371977 Stodolski
`340811
`4.160.240
`771979 Partipilo .....
`... 17912
`4.178.475
`1211979 Tayloretal
`3401311
`4.197.526
`411980 Levine........
`3401311
`4249.165
`211981 Mari .......
`179R
`4263.430
`411981 Levine -..
`4.330.780
`511982 Mandi ............................... 340.1825.“
`
`4.336.524
`4382256
`5.327.486
`5.331.466
`5.539.808
`
`6/1982 Levine ................................... 3401311
`511983 Nagala .....
`340.132.51.44
`
`......
`7.11994 Wolfiettll.
`3797210
`111995 Shibnymm et al
`. 379188
`
`7.11996 Inniss et a1.
`.............
`.. 379167
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`"New Radio Paging System.“ by Mitsurti Komtn-a et a1.
`Japan Telecommunications Review. Jul. 1977. vol. 19. No.
`3. pp. 217 and 220—225.
`“Paging System Broadcasts Nationwide on FM Radio Chan-
`nel.” Electronics International. Jan. 4. 1979. vol. 52. No. 1.
`pp. 67-68.
`“A Development Project of a Pockelsi‘ne Receiver for a
`Nationwide Paging System." by Kari Kiishinen et n1. IEFE.
`1979. pp. 383—387.
`
`Priman' Examiner—Fan S. Tsang
`Amaze}; Agent. or Firm—Finnegan. Henderson. Farabow.
`Garrett & Dunner. L.L.P.
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An electronic messaging network comprises a network
`operation center and plural message terminals. all including
`memories for storing corresponding files of canned mes-
`sages aud emaciated message codes. To send a tanned
`message. a calling party selects a canned message stored at
`one message terminal and transmits the assigned message
`code to a receivingparty at another message terminal via the
`network operation center. The receiving terminal retrieves
`the selected canned message from its mentor)r using the
`received message code for display to the receiving party.
`Files of canned responses and associated response codes
`may also be stored in the memories at the terminals and
`network operation center to allow the exchange of selected
`canned response options in conjunction with cranncd mes—
`sages to be in response code form.
`
`21 Claims. 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`36
`
`RETRIEVE
`CANNED
`RESF'GNSE
`| OP’Tl-CIN FILE
`|__ ...l.
`.
`DIE-PLAY CANNED
`RESPCFNSE
`
`OPTION FLLE
`
`
`
`
`
`38
`
`42
`
`40
`
`
`
`SELECT
`CANNED
`RESPONSE
`OPTIONS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`RETPJEVE CODES
`FOR SELECT 1:11
`
`
`
`RESPONSE
`ONIONS
`
`
`
`3......
`
`ENTER
`meme-rams;
`
`
`
`APPLE 1001
`
`.
`
`
`
`
`..
`
`
`
`RETRIEVE
`22-
`CANNED
`
`
`
`MESSAGE FiLE
`
`
`
`2n
`
`
`
`DISPLAY
`CANNED
`MESSAGE FlLE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`551. EC]
`CANNED
`MESS-N315
`
`
`
`1” "er
`
`32
`
`RE IRiEVE
`CODE FOR
`
`scuscrto
`CANNED MESSAGE
`
`
`
`
`ENTER
`
`
`3° ”‘J mmmmsr
`
`-'
`counts
`MESSRGE
`CODES am
`
`IPARAMETERlS}
`
`
`
`
`
`TRANSMIT
`MESSAGE
`3.“!
`cones s
`| manometer
`To N05 12
`|
`
`
`
`APPLE 1001
`
`1
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`OZ_>_m_Om_m
`
`._<Z=>_mm_._.
`
`023.30
`
`meEmz
`
`zoEmmao
`
`8onmmfizmo
`
`w.OE
`
`._<Z__>_mm._.
`
`2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`22
`
`24
`
`26
`
`28
`
`RETRIEVE
`CANNED
`MESSAGE FILE
`
`36
`
`RETRIEVE
`CANNED
`RESPONSE
`
`
`
`OPTION FILE
`
`DISPLAY
`CANNED
`MESSAGE FILE
`
`SELECT
`CANNED
`MESSAGE
`
`RETRIEVE
`
`
`
`CODEFOR
`SELECTED
`CANNED MESSAGE
`
`33
`
`DISPLAY CANNED
`RESPONSE
`OPTION FILE
`
`SELECT
`CANNED
`RESPONSE
`
`OPTIONS
`
`
`
`RETRIEVE CODES
`FOR SELECTED
`RESPONSE
`
`OPTIONS
`
`30
`
`ENTER
`PARAMETER(S)
`
`44
`
`ENTER
`PARAMETER(S)
`
`32
`
`34
`
`COMPILE
`MESSAGE
`CODES AND
`
`PARAMETER(S)
`
`TRANSMIT
`
`MESSAGE
`
`
`
`CODES &
`PARAMETER(S)
`TO NOC 12
`
`(FIG 3)
`
`FIG. 2
`
`3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 3 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`
`
`RECEIVE MESSAGE
`
`CODES AND PARAMETER(S)
`FROM TERMINAL 10
`
`50
`
`
`54
`
`
`STORE
`TERMINAL
`IDENTITIES
`
`IDENTIFY
`ERMINALS 10 & 1
`
`T
`
`4
`
`
`
`RETRIEVE CANNED
`MESSAGE 8: RESPONSE
`OPTIONS TEXT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`60
`
`TRANSMIT
`MESSAGE (CODE
`OR TEXT) TO
`TERMINAL 14
`
`58
`
`(FIG 4)
`
`FIG. 3
`
`4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`
`
`RECEIVE MESSAGE
`
`FROM NOC 12
`
`70
`
`
`
` RETRIEVE
`76
`MESSAGE 8:
`RESPONSE
`OPTIONS TEXT
`
`MESSAGE &
`RESPONSE
`
`OPTIONS TEXT
`
`74
`
`
` DISPLAY
`
`
`SELECT
`
`RESPONSE OPTION
`
`80
`
`
`
`
`
`TRANSMIT
`SELECTED
`
`
`RESPONSE
`OPTION TO
`N00 12
`
`
`
`(T0 FIG 5)
`
`FIG. 4
`
`5
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 5 0f 7
`
`5,8 94,506
`
`RECEIVE SELECTED
`RESPONSE OPTION
`FROM TERMINAL 14
`
`82
`
`TEXT
`
` TEXT OR
`
`83
`
`CODE
`CODE
`
`RECEIVED?
`
`
`
`TRANSM IT
`CODE
`OR TEXT?
`
`
`
`
`TRANSMIT
`RETRIEVE
`
`SELECTED
`SELECTED
`
`
`RESPONSE OPTION
`REPONSE
`
`
`
`(CODE OR TEXT)
`OPTION TEXT
`
`
` TO TERMINAL 10 FROM MEMORY
`
`
`
`
`84
`
`88
`
`RECEIVE SELECTED
`RESPONSE OPTION
`FROMNOC12
`
`90
`
`92
`
`94
`
`95
`
`CODE
`0835
`TEXT
` RETRIEVE SELECTED
`
`RESPONSE OPTION
`TEXT
`
`
`DISPLAY
`SELECTED
`
`
`RESPONSE
`
`
`OPTION TEXT
`
`
`
`FIG. 5
`
`6
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13. 1999
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`UPDATE CANNED
`MESSAGEIRESPONSE
`OPTION FILES
`
`
`
`100
`
`102
`
`104
`
`106
`
`108
`
`STORE UPDATED
`CANNED FILES
`IN NOC
`
`TRANSMIT UPDATED
`CANNED FILES
`TO TERMINALS
`
`IN MESSAGING
`
`GROUP
`
`RECEIVE UPDATED
`CANNED FILES
`
`STORE UPDATED
`CANNED FILES
`
`FIG. 6
`
`7
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 7 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`omw
`
`mwdaéoo
`
`I\
`I
`
`9..
`LL
`
`w:E20
`
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`
`
`
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`
`meOOMDa:
`
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`
`
`
`8
`
`
`
`

`

`5.894.506
`
`1
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`GENERATING AND COMMUNICATING
`MESSAGES BETWEEN SUBSCRIBERS 11)
`AN ELECTRONIC MESSAGING NETWORK
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to electronic information
`services and more particularly to the exchange of electronic
`mesrages among subscribers to an electronic messaging
`network.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`As more and more people sign on to information
`networks. congestion of the communications links compris-
`ing these networks. both wirellne and wireless. and the
`consequential transmission delays become increasingly sig-
`nificant problems. Faster transmission rates. data compres-
`sion techniques. and more eflicient spectrum utilization are
`among the approaches that have been considered. and to
`some extent
`implemented.
`to increase the capacities of
`communications links.
`
`10
`
`.15
`
`One area of particularly rapid growth is the electronic
`messaging field. More and more people are moving about
`with portable devices. such as laptop computers and portable
`dig'tal devices. which can be economically equipped to
`function as message sendingireceiving terminals. Moreover.
`wireless paging hardware. software. and support services are
`being upgraded to accommodate two-way messaging. That
`is. portable pagers are being developed not only to receiving
`paging messages. but also to send back a signal acknowl-
`edging receipt of a paging message or even a message
`answering the received paging message. While such
`upgraded paging services are highly desirable. they urn
`severely strain the capacity of wireless paging channels.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`25
`
`35
`
`It is accordingly a principle object of the present invention
`to provide an improved electronic messaging network and
`method. wherein communications link capacity is conserved
`by tl'ansmitting certain messages with an improved degree of
`message compression.
`Particularly in the case of radio paging. many paging
`messages consists of a relatively small numbe- of common
`phrases. such as “I am on the way borne". “I am working
`late“. “Can we meet for lunch". etc. This being the case. such
`commonly used phrases can be treated as “canned” mes-
`sages that can be replaced by short message codes as simple
`as. for example. one or several ASCII characters.
`The present invention takes advantage of this fact by
`providing. in accordance with one preferred embodiment. a
`method of communicating messages between subscribers of
`an electronic messaging network. oornprising the steps of
`maintaining. at a network operation center. a first file of
`canned messages individually retrievable using unique-
`abbreviated message codes respectively assigned to the
`canned messages: maintaining. at a tenninal of a calling
`subscriber. a second file of canned messages corresponding
`to the first tile: selecting an appropriate canned message
`from the second file for transmission to a terminal of a
`designated receiving subscriber: sending the message code
`assigned to the selected canned message to the network
`operation center; retrieving the selected canned message
`from the first file using the message code received from the
`rattling subscriber terminal; and communicating the selected
`canned message to the designated receiving party terminal
`where it is displayed.
`
`2
`In accordance with a feature of the present invention. the
`first and second canned message files may be updated. either
`by the network operation center or from a subscriber termi-
`nal in order to customize the canned messages according to
`the needs of a particular group or organization of subscrib-
`ers. In addition. the canned messages may be phrased to
`accept the addition of one or more parameters. which are
`entered at the calling subscriber terminal and then included
`with the message codes sent to the network operation center.
`The selected canned messages are retrieved from the first file
`using the message codes and communicated to terminals of
`designated receiving subscribers with the added parameters
`incorporated in the bodies of the canned messages.
`The present invention also accommodates the addition of
`multiple response options to the canned messages selected
`by calling subscribers. The multiple response options are
`then included with the canned message codes sent to the
`network operation center. The selected canned messages are
`then retrieved from the first file and communicated to the
`designated receiving subsm‘bers. together with the added
`multiple response options. The receiving parties then select
`the appropriate one of the multiple options for transmission
`back to the appropriate calling subscribers via the network
`opaation center. The multiple response options may also be
`canned responses maintained in files at the network opera-
`tion center and the subscriber terminals and. like the canned
`messages. have assigned response codes that are handled in
`the same manner as the message codes.
`In accordance with another feature of the present
`invention. corresponding canned message files are also
`maintained at receiving subscriber terminals. such that the
`canned messages may be communicated to the receiving
`subscribers in message code form. The received message
`codes are then used to retrieve the apprcpriate canned
`messages and multiple response options from stored files.
`and displayed by the receiving party terminals.
`Additional fcann‘cs and advantages of the invention will
`be set forth in the description which follows. and in part will
`be apparent from the desoription. or may be learned by
`practice of the invention. The objectives and other advan-
`tages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
`method and apparatus particularly pointed out in the written
`description and the appended claims. as well as the accom-
`panying drawings.
`It will be understood that both the foregoing general
`description and the following detailed description are exem-
`plary and explanatory and are intended to provide firrther
`explanation of the invention as claimed.
`The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a
`further understanding of the invention and are incorporated
`in and constitute a part of the specification. illustrate a
`preferred embodiment of the invention. and. together with
`the description. serve to explain the principles of the inven-
`tron.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic mes-
`saging network utilized in the practice of a preferred
`embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of a
`calling terminal in the network of FIG. 1 when sending a
`message in accordance with one embodiment of the inven—
`tron;
`
`65
`
`FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the
`network operation center {N00 in the network of FIG. 1
`when relaying a message from the calling terminal to the
`receiving terminal in accordance with one embodiment of
`the invention:
`
`9
`
`

`

`5.894.506
`
`3
`FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the
`receiving terminal in the network of FIG. 1 when receiving
`a message in accordance with one embodiment of the
`invention;
`FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the operations of the
`NOC and the calling terminal regarding a message response
`from the receiving terminal in accordance with one embodi-
`ment of the invention:
`
`FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the network open-anon
`to update message tiles in the NBC and the callingr‘reoeivlng
`terminals in accordance with one embodiment of the inven-
`tion;
`
`FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of the calling
`terminal of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of
`the invention: and
`FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of the NOC of FIG.
`1 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
`
`Corresponding reference numerals refer to like parts
`throughout the drawings.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`As seen in FIG. I. an electronic messaging netwurk in
`accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
`invention includes. a calling party terminal 10. a network
`operation center (NOC) 12. and a receiving party terminal
`14. It will be appreciated that. in practice. the network will
`include pluralities of calling and receiving party tuminals.
`The calling party terminal 10 is connected to NBC 12 by a
`communications link 16. which may take the form of land
`line (e.g.. phonelines}. a direct computer link. a wireleSs
`link. or a satellite link. NOC 12 is preferably connected to
`receiving party terminal 14 by a wireless communications
`Iinlr 18. An example of a preferable network operation center
`that can be implemented in the practice of the [resent
`invention is the network operation center being developed
`by Destineer Corporation of Jackson- Miss. to handle their
`Nationwide Wireless Network {NWN} pag'ng services. That
`NOC and a preferred rive—way wireless network for imple-
`menting the present invention are described in U.S. patent
`application Ser. Number letlllfi. the contents of which
`are hereby incorporated by reference.
`In accordance with the present invention. calling lamina]
`10 includes a stored file of canned messages and associated
`canned message codes. Referring to the flow chart of FIG.
`2. when a calling party wishes to send a message to a
`receiving party at terminal 14 (FIG. 1). the terminal retrieves
`the file of the canned messages from storage (step 22) and
`displays the file to the calling party (step 24). The calling
`party hrowses through the file to determine if the tent of any
`of the canned messages is appropriate to convey the par—
`ticular message that the calling party wishes to send to the
`receiving party. If an appropriate canned message is noted.
`the milling party selects this canned message (step 26) using
`suitable pointing means. such as a mouse. cursor. etc. Based
`on the canned message selection. terminal 10 retrieves the
`associated canned message code from the file {step 28).
`If the selected canned message calls for the inclusion of
`a parameter-(s). such as. for example. time. date. phone
`number. etc.. the calling party enters a desired parametms).
`using an appropriate entry device. such as a keypad (step
`30). The ceiling terminal I. compiles the retrieved message
`code associated with the selected canned message with an
`appropriate indicator code. calling and receiving terminal
`addresses. and added parameters. ii" any (step 32). Terminal
`to then transmits the compiled canned message codes and
`
`.
`
`4
`together with calling and receiving
`if any.
`parameters.
`tenninal addresses to NOC 12 over communications linlt 16
`(FIG. 1) (step 34).
`Assume. for example. that the canned message selected
`by the calling party in step 26 is “I are on my way home".
`This canned message does not call for the addition of
`parameters- The associated code for this canned meSsage.
`may be. for example. the number 36 in ASCII code. To
`indicate that number 36 is a canned message code.
`the
`calling terminal 10 adds a suitable indicator code. such as
`ASCII control character 26. Thus. the compiled canned
`message codes representing the canned message “I am on
`my way home” is transmitted in step 34 to NOC 12 simply
`as d6>36.
`
`An example of a canned message calling for the inclusion
`of parameters may be “Call me at at phone number . This
`canned message calls for the calling party to fill in a desired
`time parameter and a phone ntu'nber (step 30). Suppose the
`calling party wishes the receiving party to call him at 4 PM
`at phone number 555-1212. the following canned message
`codes are then compiled by the calling terminal
`lit and
`transmitted to NOC 12 as:
`mmmmsssnu
`
`where:
`66> is an ASCII control character serving as a canned
`message indicator.
`18 is the code associated with canned message “Call me
`at at phone number ".
`<29) is an ASCII control character serving as a parameter
`separator. and
`4PM and 5551212 are the keyed-in parameters.
`In addition to parameters. the present invention also
`provides for the addition of response options to certain
`canned messages typically posed as questions. To this end.
`terminal [0 maintains a file of canned response options.
`Then. if the calling party wishes to add response options to
`a. selected canned message. the calling party accesses the
`canned response options file (step 36). which is then dis-
`played by terminal 10 {step 38). The calling party browses
`through this file to determine which of the multiple response
`options are appropriate for addition to the selected canned
`message to be sent to the designated receiving party. The
`calling parry selects the amopriate canned response Options
`(step 40) in the same manner as in the selection of the canned
`message. and the calling terminal I. retrieves the particular
`codes associated with the selected canned response options
`(step 42). If the selected canned response options call for the
`addition of parameters. such as time. the calling party enters
`the desired parametetfs) (step 44). The selected canned
`response codes and parameters are then compiled with the
`canned message code and any canned message parameters
`(stop 32). The calling terminal then transmits the compiled
`canned message and response codes. together with any
`parameters to NOC 12 (step 34).
`By way of example. if the selected canned message is
`“Can we sign the document first thing tomorrow?" followed
`by selected canned response options “yes“. "no“. and
`“change to 1 PM". the canned message codes and param—
`eters transmitted to NBC 12 would preferably be as follows:
`462-624Mod dbdfia-Zdbdfi>769> I PM
`
`where:
`
`It}
`
`l5
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`55
`
`6.5
`
`<26> is an ASCII control character serving as the canned
`message and multiple response options indicator.
`<29) is an ASCII control character serving as the param-
`eter separator.
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`5.894.506
`
`5
`
`(31> is an ASCII control character unit separator used as
`a delineate: separating multiple response options from the
`canned message and from each other.
`62 is the code associated with canned message “Carl we
`sign the document first thing tomorrow?".
`1 is the code associated with canned response option
`“yes".
`2 is the code associated with canned response option
`can“.
`7 is the code associated with canned response option
`”change to“. and
`1PM is the keyed—in parameter.
`in some cases.
`The following example illustrates that.
`parameters added to canned messages may be canned
`parameters also stored at the calling terminal 10. Such
`canned parameters may be included in the canned message
`file.
`the canned multiple response options file. or in a
`separate canned parmneter file stored at the calling terminal.
`If canned parameters are stored in separate file from the
`canned message file and the canned multiple rcwonse option
`file. parameter selection by the calling party is achieved
`using a separate subroutine corresponding to the subroutine
`used to select canned multiple response options.
`To illustrate this case. consider the canned message “Can
`we meet for lunch at or 1’”. and the selected multiple
`response options are “noon". “12:30” or “call me”. The
`compilation of codes and parameters transmitted to NBC 12
`would then be:
`
`dob-[046)]WIZJMWISGbI 12304134638
`
`where:
`
`(26> is the ASCII control character serving as the canned
`message and multiple response options indicator.
`<31) is the ASCII control diaractcr serving as a delin-
`eator for separating the canned message and multiple
`response options from each other.
`(29> is the parameter separator.
`l. is the code associated with canned message “Can we
`meet for lunch at or 1’“.
`8 is the code associated widt the canned parameta' and
`response option “call me”.
`15 is the code associated with canned parameter and
`response option “noon“. and
`12:30 is the keyed-in parameter.
`FIG. 3 illustrates the operation of NOC 12 in accordance
`with one embodiment of the invention. The canned message!
`response option codes and any parameters transmitted by
`calling terminal 10 over communications link 16 are
`received by a NOC receiver (5th 50). From the calling and
`receiving terminal addresses included with the canned
`messagelresponse option codes. the identifies of the calling
`and receiving terminals 10 and 14 (FIG. 1) are determined
`[step 52]. These determinations are stored in memory (step
`5d). From the identity of the receiving terminal 14. NOC 12
`detennincs if receiving terminal 14 is capable of accepting
`this particular canned messagelresponse option. NOC 12 is
`programmed to make this determination for several reasons.
`For example. NBC 12 needs to know whether the designated
`receiving party is a member of a messaging group or
`organization that has established a file of customized canned
`messages and response options and thus has access to a
`terminal in which files of the customized canned messages}
`response options and associated codes are stored in memory.
`Also.
`the files of canned messages may include both
`standard. network—wide canned messages and canned mes-
`sages customized for a particular group. Thus. NOC 12 must
`determine whether the designated receiving party terminal
`
`6
`can accept only standard canned messagesz‘nesponse options.
`only customized canned messageslrcsponse options or both.
`In any case. NBC 12 maintains multiple files of canned
`messages and canned response options. including files iden-
`tical to those stored at calling terminal 10 and possibly also
`at receiving terminal 14.
`Based on this determination. NOC 12 determines whether
`the designated receiving party terminal can accept
`the
`canned message in code form. Le.. as received from the
`sending party terminal. or whether the canned message must
`be transmitted in full text to the receiving party terminal
`(step 56). If the designated receiving terminal can accept
`canned messagelrcsponsc option codes. they are transmitted
`to the designated receiving party tenninal in the same form
`as received from the sending party terminal (step 58). If the
`designated receiving party terminal is not equipped to pro-
`cess canned mmsagclresponse option codes. NOC 12 uses
`the canned messagelresponse option codes received from the
`calling party terminal 10 to retrieve from the appropriate
`filclsj the text of the associated canned message and mul-
`tiple response options. if any. from a memory ( step 60). The
`text of the canned message and response options. together
`with parameters. is then transmitted in standard message
`code format by NOC 12 to the receiving terminal (step 58).
`FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of receiving terminal 14
`upon receiving a message transmission. according to an
`embodiment of the invention. Initially. tannins] 14 receives
`the canned rncssagchesponsc option transmission from
`NOC 12 (step 70). The receiving terminal then determines
`whether the canned messaget'responsc option reception is in
`message text or canned message code (step '72). If in text. the
`canned message and any response options are displayed to
`the receiving party (step 74}. Alternatively. if the reception
`is in canned messagefresponse option codes. the receiving
`party terminal 14. using these codes. retrieves the associated
`canned messages. (tanned response options. and owned
`parameters from the various stored files identical to those
`stored at calling terminal 10 and NOC 12 (step 76}. The
`retrieved canned message. response options. and parameters.
`if any. are displayed in text font: for viewing by the
`receiving party terminal (step 74).
`If any response options are included with the canned
`message. the receiving party selects the appropriate response
`option (step 78). which is then transmitted by the receiving
`terminal back to NDC 12 (step 80). Since a typical response
`option is very short. it can be eficiently transmitted back to
`NBC 12 in ASCII text code format. However. it will be
`appreciated that the receiving terminal may be so equipped
`that
`the code associated with the selected response. as
`received from NOC 12. may simply be transmitted back to
`the NOC 12 in response option code. Alternatively. the
`receiving terminal may be equipped with keys positioned in
`associated relation with the display of the multiple response
`options. Depression of any one of the keys selects the
`associated one of the response options. and a unique. simple
`code assigned to the depressed key is transmitted back to the
`NOC 12.
`
`FIG. 5 illustrates the Operation of the NOE and the calling
`terminal
`in relaying a selected response option from the
`receiving terminal to the tailing terminal in accordance with
`an unbodiment of the invention. Initially. NBC 12 receives
`the selected response option transmitted by the receiving
`party terminal 14 (step 82). NOC then determines whether
`the received response option is in ASCII text code formal or
`in canned response option code (step 83). If in text code.
`NOC simply relays the selected response option to the
`calling party terminal 10 (step 86]. if the selected response
`
`LII
`
`ID
`
`15
`
`15
`
`30
`
`3S
`
`‘5
`
`55
`
`65
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`5.894.506
`
`1
`option is received from the receiving party terminal in
`canned response option code. a decision is made whether to
`tl'ansmit the selected response optiou to the calling party
`terminal in canned response code orin ASCII text code {step
`84). If the former.
`the canned response code is simply
`transmitted to the calling party terminal 10 as received from
`the receiving terminal {step 86). [fin ASCII text code. NOC
`12 is programmed to aceess its stored canned multiple
`response option file and. using the received response option
`code. retrieve the selected canned response option text (step
`88). which is then transmitted in ASCII text code to die
`calling parry terminal 10 (step 86).
`The selected response option relayed by NOC 12 is
`received by calling terminal 1. (step 90). which then deter-
`mines whether the response option is in test code format or
`canned response code (step 92). If in text code. the response
`option is decoded and displayed to the calling party (step
`94). if the selected reSponse option is in code form. the
`calling terminal simply accesses its stored response options
`file and. using the received response option code. retrieves
`the associated response option text (step 96). which is then
`displayed to the calling party (step 94).
`_
`NOC 12. as part of its system responsibilities. is capable
`of updating the canned message. canned response option.
`and canned parameter files. FIG. 6 illustrates the procedure
`for updating these files in accordance widt one embodiment
`of the invention. NOC 12 updates the files (step 100} and
`stores the canned file updates in the NDC memory (step
`102). NOC 12 then transmits the updated canned files to all
`of the terminals in a particular twu—way messaging group.
`including calling terminal 10 and receiving terminal 14 (step
`104). The canned file updates are received by the messaging
`group lenninals (step 106} and stored in the terminal memo
`ties (step 108]. It will be appreciated that updated canned
`files may be created at one of the terminals and transmitted
`to NOC 12. which then ppm-ates to disseminate the file
`updates to other terminals of the messaging group.
`As indicated above. the calling terminal 10 and NOC 12
`are disclosed more fully in the cited application SH. No.
`081124216 and preferably comprise the structure disclosed
`in this application For illustrative proposes. applicants
`include FIGS. 7 and 8 to illustrate preferred structure in
`block diagram firm.
`A {referred stnicntre of rolling terminal 10 appropriate
`for practicing the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 7.
`As shown. the calling terminal 10 includes a CPU 110. a
`ROM 112 to store an application program for cancelling
`terminal operation in accordance with the present invention.
`a RAM 114 to store the canned messagel'response options!
`parameter files and associated codes. and a compiler 116 for
`easembling the messagefresponse options/parameter codes.
`indicator and separator codes. and address codes into a
`message under the control of the application program and
`CPU 1].. Calling terminal 10 also includes an inpuu'output
`(HO) device 118 selectively connecting a transmitter 120
`and a receiver 122 into the terminal circuitry. A coder!
`decoder 124 encodes text messages transmitted by the
`terminal to NBC 12 and decodes text messages received
`from NOC. including selected response options in test code
`received from a receiving terminal 14. A terminal keypad
`126 is used by the calling party to designate a receiving party
`(typically by phone number}. to retrieve milled message}
`response optionslparameter files from RAM 114. to scroll
`through the displayed files. and to select
`the canned
`messagelresponse optionsfparameteris) appropriate for
`sending to the receiving party. Display 123 also displays
`selected response options from receiving parties relayed by
`
`8
`NOC 12. These terminal components are intuconnected in
`operative relation by a system bus 130. While FIG. 7
`illustrates the operative structural oonftgtnation of calling
`terminal 10. it will be appreciated that. preferably. receiving
`terminal 14 is structurally configured in the same manner.
`FIG. 8 illustrates the structure of NOC 12 in accordance
`with one embodiment of the invention. As shown. NBC 12
`includes a CPU 131 connected by a system bus 132 to an
`inpuu‘output {U0} device 134. to which a transmitter 136 and
`a receiver 138 are connected. A ROM 139 stores an appli-
`cation program appropriate for modelling NOC 12 in
`accordance with the present invention. A RAM 140 stores
`sets of canned messagedresponse optionslparameters files
`for various messaging groups. including the group to which
`terminals 10 and I4 belong. Thus. RAM 140 stores a set of
`canned files identical to the set stored in the RAMs of
`terminals 10 and 14. NOC 12 also includes a memory 142
`for stcring the identifies of the calling and receiving termi-
`nals involved in a message that is being relayed. as well as
`the messages. Message storage is preferred in case receiving
`terminals do not receive an original message transmission
`and. thus. retransmission is required. Retention of terminal
`identities is required so that selected response options
`received from receiving terminals are correctly relayed to
`the appropriate calling terminals.
`Finally. NOC 12 also includes a message compiler 144
`that may be required for message formatting and for adding
`appropriate codes. such as terminal address codes not
`included in the message; being relayed by the NBC. This is
`particularly so in the case of a selected response option
`which typically does not
`include the calling terminal
`address. NUC then refers to the calling terminal identify
`stored in memory 142 ptn‘suant to determining the (ailing
`taminal address that musthe included in the transmission of
`the selected response option. if it is to be relayed to the
`correct calling terminal.
`It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
`modifications