||||||||||||l|||||||||||||||||l|||||||||||||ll||||||||||||||||||||||l|llll
`
`
`USUUS 9'?fil 22A
`
`United States Patent
`Lal’orta et al.
`
`[19]
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`5,970,122
`
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`”"011. 19, 1999
`
`1541
`
`I75]
`
`I73]
`
`TWO-WAY WIRELESS MESSAGING
`SYSTEM HAVING USER AGENT
`
`Inventors: Tllamas F. LaPttha, Thomwood. NY;
`Krishnn Kunmr Salmani, Westlicld;
`”“1“." Y‘“ 0“” w‘m‘ Ru“ 3m“
`bmh 01 NJ'
`,
`,
`_
`Assignec: Lueem 'Iechnulugles Inc., Murray Hill.
`NJ.
`
`|*i
`
`Nntice:
`
`issued (In a mntinttcd pms-
`This patent
`ecution application lilet! under 37 CFR
`1.594(1), and is subject to the [we my year
`Df 35 U.S.C.
`palenl
`term provision.»
`154(a)(2).
`
`|31|
`
`App}. No; 085845.080
`
`r2:
`
`I51]
`
`I53]
`
`|53l
`
`I56]
`
`Filed:
`
`Jul. 24., 1996
`
`U.S. Cl.
`
`Int. CI." ............................. HIHM lffi4: HU4M lififl;
`[104M 33-1-2; 11040 "#00
`........................ 3791611; 379nm 379388.08;
`379388.32: 3793170; 37t}_;173; 3793185;
`379.901; 3799-317; 455,.‘31‘1; 45581.2;
`455.3113
`379mm 83, 39‘
`Field of Search
`3795511‘ 76, 3334‘ 3303, 3333, 9139"
`93.34, [70, 173, 135, 301,
`317; 455;:51'1‘
`31.3. 31.
`3; 333.5“ 251'
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATEN'I' [JDC U MEN’I‘S
`
`5.159.502
`5.283.818
`5.3.17.4Sb
`
`turth Purim
`2.91994 Klausner at al.
`1-1994 WoItT el ul.
`.....
`
`370mm
`
` .. 379:5?
`..
`JT‘H'FN}
`
`
`53’3'435 ”399‘! Mum 9‘ “I- “““
`" 37W”
`
`32??? 11:3; mail” a"
`" 33:3:
`
`2mm.» 'l‘heimt‘r e! a].
`melee-2
`455mm
`
`STfh'fiiLI
`5531019
`"It-109:“
`Iayapnlan
`. 3mm;
`5.003330
`3:109: Gordon
`
`553(1’437 “mgr” Segal
`3mm)
`4mm: Pepe mt. ..
`455mm
`s,r42.en5
`:1].
`455E445
`SJSZJ‘H SINGS Fuller cl.
`
`5,345,213
`12:1098 Sumner el al.
`455.3453
`
`Primary Examiner—Fan S. Tsu ng
`AssistantExaminer—Allan Huosain
`
`[S7]
`
`ABSTIMC’I‘
`
`A two-way wireless messaging system includes H messaging
`network having at least (mt: user agent crrrrespending In a
`auhserihcr of a two-way wirelesa mesaaging service. The
`subscriber receives memgcs from the messaging nclwrtrk
`along a
`first cummunicalion channel. The user agent
`includes a plurality of messages stored therein wherein a
`predetermined message is slurred in the user agent and
`forwarded to a desired dcslinalion in respunsu In an urigi—
`eating, meesatge coda:
`Ihat
`is received from at
`two-way
`messaging, device of the subscriber along a second commu—
`nitration return Channel. The originating mes-nag: code can
`be expanded by Ihe user agent. The messages stored by the
`user agent can be modified so lhal tl‘tfl‘crenl messages can be
`forwarded to the predetermined dcstinalion. The user agent
`alsu maintains location infctrmau‘rm of the two-way mesfiag-
`ing device of the subscriber.
`
`4757,55
`
`7.-'l‘3|'38 Matthews et al.
`
`379589
`
`41] Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`LUNCHGRUUP
`
`-
`
`'
`
`[EN ”SE 3 _)
`
`> DAN MARY
`PAUL
`'
`LET'S an m LUNCH
`
`h]
`B
`C
`
`”CDUNALDS
`BURGER KING
`TACO BELL
`
`
`
`14
`
`573
`
`DAN
`
`53
`
`503
`
`THDHAS
`
`LUNEHGFIDUP
`
`BEST:
`H86:
`
`8
`
`
`THU-HAY
`MESSAGING
`
`
`NETHDHK
`
`DAN: McnttNtLtts. L42
`MARY: MCDONALDS.
`PAUL: BURBEFI KING
`
` 54
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1004
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1004
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`0ct.19,1999
`
`Sheet 1 of 8
`
`5,970,122
`
`FIG.
`
`1
`
`14
`
`"TEENS
`
`CELLULAR
`NETWORK
`
`42
`
`4o
`
`44
`
`
`THU-HAY
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`THO—HAY
`MESSAGING
`
`
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`
`NETHDRK - MESSAGING DEVICE
`
`\ 43
`
`
`NETWORK
`CONTROL
`
`POINT [NCP]
`
`PUBLIC
`SHITCHED
`TELEPHONE
`
`T T '
`
`l
`
`T K
`
`la!-
`’ EEE ‘“
`
`CALLER
`TELEPHONE
`
`25
`
`27
`
`DATA
`NETHORK
`
`27a
`
`HTML
`
`HORLO-HIDE
`"EB
`
`2
`
`

`

`42
`y
`
`fl:::EL
`
`43
`
`11
`
`r‘-_"1
`U.A.*
`
`12
`THU-HAY
`
`MESSAGING
`
`NETWORK
`
`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19,1999
`
`Sheet 2 01's
`
`5,970,122
`
`FIG. 2
`
`40
`H
`
`/ BASE STATION
`,-
`14
`
`
`
`
`95
`
`DATA
`
`NETHOHK
`
` 75
`
`
`
`
`CELLULAR
`NETHUHK
`
`
`
`FIG. 3
`
`LUNEHBRUUP -> DAN. MARY, PAUL
`
`H55 3 _>
`
`LET'S GU TU LUNCH
`
`A) HEDUNALUS
`B
`BURGER KING
`C
`
`TACO BELL
`
`503
`
`THUHAS
`
`DESI: LUNCHEROUP
`H56:
`3
`_——-
`
`DAN: HtDflNALDS. L42
`MARY: MCDONALDS.
`PAUL: BURGER KING
`
`54
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`THU-HAY
`MESSAGING
`
`NETHORK
`
`3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`0ct.19,1999
`
`Sheet 3 MB
`
`5,970,122
`
`FIG. 4
`
`30
`
`I
`BA CH
`
`SE VEHR
`
`\
`
`- 3‘
`
`
`
`TRANSACTION IDISTRIBUTIUN
`
`SEHVEFI
`
`4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19, 1999
`
`Sheet 4 of 8
`
`5,970,122
`
`F2113.
`
`ES
`
`100
`
`
`
`HESSAGING
`DEVICE
`
`STATIUN
`
`75
`
`SERVER
`
`240
`
`FKII3.
`
`E?
`
`248
`
`“Whill IM
`
`REPLY (H,Pep# type] 1)
`
`
`HDHIR PK R mid mid xid rep# type. fl
`HDR{P* RI mid mid':xid. Pep#: type
`
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`
`
`HDHIP,R.mid.mid'.xid,[thpei]
`
`HDHIP.H.mid.mid'.xid,type—F.format-P)
`
`HSPlPx Rx lpc-S filter-S status-S type-S format-5 rep-Pddy)
`HDRIH, {P Rx Hi, dst type format] mix' xid rep-body)
`HSGlPi H! mid'. xid. type-5. rep-body)
`'+---u-3
`HSG[P* Rt. mid xid. type-S. rep-body]
`
`fl
`
` ——I
`
`
`
`IAEKIPbi.ACK2)
`
`|
`ACK(P,mid'.xidii'.ACK2}
`
`ACKIP,mid',xid,i'.ACK2l
`
`5
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`0ct.19,1999
`
`Sheet 5 of 8
`
`5,970,122
`
`FIG.
`
`7
`
`215
`
`333
`
`SEMEH
`
`us
`
`521313-1111
`
`{52111)
`
`222
`20112311
`210
`2122
`2180 221222230
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`382115-18 15 1111111111 IP11.1111]lmid.slelqi.alsgiwailtier.typell
`11521111-NEH “Hi. fut]. [Pt 11111:. 11111. 513111. 115191. modifier. type]
`u1211311151111fl]
`[P1, 11111111-1111. type-s)
`HDHIS. [P] 11111. type-S..fn1rll13t-1:111
`HDH is.
`[P].11111. type-S. 1111111311121
`HJH IS P].11111. type-S format-H31
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`UAHSHSH [11-H111].lac-H1.:filter—H1.s1atu5H1.type—11111121113111
`UAHSP 182! [P-HEXI. 1111-H2.:1ilter-H2. status—H2 type-H2. fornat-H2
`
`UAHSPiSflI. 11341311] 1111:H3 filter H3 status-H3 t 1112-H3. farnat-H3
`1113311115 H]. 1F1.1111 -|
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`TXUPIJAT' (lid. lid)
`
`HSEIJS [5.
`
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`
`[H 511. {P}. 111111151. fat. type] . I111. 1111. 11191111111)
`1158(5-H111. lP-Hlil. fut]. fut].laid.11111153110111.11112-111]
`MSG [S-Hfli.
`[Ii—HEX. flt].1l1111. x111. ISF-lbudy. 1
`12-H2}
`
`115615. 113.
`[P. fut}. 11111. nag-body. 11 e-H3]
`
`H5815“H111 [HI 1111]: lag-1111111 type-H1]
`H5515—.H2! [1311211. fit .51111111. type——H2]
`
`1112K [H1 11111111111111.112112]
`1111111 1111.111. 11111 11112)
`|
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`
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`
`11:11 1H3. 11111. 11111. retrieval-111]
`lPDATE 11111. retrieval-111]
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`. lid. 11111.25 11111111. 111113112]
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`115515-1121. 12-1121. 1111 1153-111 11112-1121
`
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`|
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`
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`: 1122
`
`[112.111.1111 1112.113112]
`1
`MGR 1H2. Ilifl. 11113)
`
`
`
`6
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19, 1999
`
`Sheet 6 of8
`
`5,970,122
`
`FI G . 9
`
`LET'S 60 TD DINNER:
`
`b] BURGER KING
`E} TAEU BELL
`
`“-E
`
`FIG. 10
`
`109
`
`
`
`‘g NEH DDHNLINK
`‘.
`NETHDFIK
`
`\
`
`WIRELINE SIDE
`NETHORK
`
`112
`
`110
`
`
`
`ACKNOWLEDSED
`MESSAGE DUEUES
`
`UNACKNDHLEDGEU
`MESSAGE GUEUES
`
`
`
`
`
`
`WIRELESS SIDE
`TU PAGEH
`
`7
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`0ct.19,1999
`
`Sheet 7 of};
`
`5,970,122
`
`72
`FIG. 11
`2?a
`
`EXTENSIBLE PART
`723
`72b
`
`
`
`UA
`PROGRAM
`
`
`
`
`FIXED PART-
`STANDRHD FUNCTIONALITY
`
`
`MESSAGE EXPANSION
`ID
`FDRHARDING.SCREENINB
`
`
`SUBSCRIBER PROFILE
`HIRRURED STATE OF END DEVICE
`
`
`
`74
`
`733
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG.
`
`12A
`
`
`
`125
`
`RECEIVES ACKNUHLEDBHENT
`
`RECEIVES
`RECEIVES w FROM RECIPIENT
`TRANSACTION . EHEM-Ié
`134
`RECEIVES REPLY FFIUH
`
`DONE FROM
`
`NRNABER
`
`p N
`
`RECIPIENT
`
`24
`
`136
`
`RECEIVES ACKNUHLEDGHENT
`FUR REPLY
`
`8
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 19, 1999
`
`Sheet 3 of 8
`
`5,970,122
`
`FIG. 13
`
`
`
`9
`
`

`

`5,970,122
`
`1
`TWO-WAY WIRELESS MESSAGING
`SYSTEM HAVING USER AGENT
`
`This application is related to commonly assigned,
`copending application entitled Two-Way Wireless Messag-
`ing System. filed on the same date as the present application
`by the same inventors.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENHUN
`
`This invention relates to a titan-way wireless messaging
`system and method using a messaging network having at
`least one subscriber user agent that stores messages that are
`forwarded to predetermined destinations.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Wireless messaging, such as wireless paging, is a popular
`consumer wireless service and will grow because of the
`availability of new narrowbattd Personal Communication
`Services (PCS) frequencies. Wireless communication and
`messaging provides. the foundation for many different types
`of services. One popular service is one-way paging, which
`is now very successful. Its popularity has been contributed
`by numerous factors, including:
`{1] the small form factor of the pager device. making it
`portable;
`{2} the low cost of the paging service;
`(3} easy maintenance of the pager device; and
`{4] case of use for both message senders and receivers.
`One-way paging. however, has no reply capabflity. A
`subscriber to a one—way paging service must rely on an
`alternate method to respond to any messages that are
`received. For example, after receiving a page [rpm the
`one—way paging service, a subscriber often has to find a
`telephone and make a call to respond to the message.
`Recently, some ideas have been proposed to design a
`"two—way paging system" while preserving the benefits of
`one-way paging,
`i.e.,
`the small paging device,
`low cost
`service. easy maintenance and ease of use. These two-way
`paging systems include return channels, but they are used
`only for fixed and limited replies.
`In commonly assigned, oopending patent application
`entitled Two—Way Wireless System, the disadvantages of the
`prior art wireless messaging systems are overcome through
`the use of a messaging network and two-way wireless
`messaging device which originates, receives and replies to
`messages having dynamic message components to and from
`the messaging network.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention allows even greater control over
`message delivery and expansion by the use of proxy agents
`in the message network.
`Limitations of existing wireless paging systems are
`resolved and technical advances are achieved in the present
`invention by a method and system for transmitting messages
`on a wireless messaging network with a plurality of user
`agents and other
`intelligent servers such as transaction
`servers. distribution servers and batch servers. The benefits
`of the present invention are set forth below.
`ln accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
`wireless messaging device can originate new messages or
`reply to previously received messages along a first commu-
`nication channel {uplink), and receive messages along a
`second communication channel {downlink}. Each such mes-
`sage is coded in a predetermined manner and includes,
`
`.10
`
`15
`
`35
`
`4O
`
`45
`
`5U
`
`55
`
`hit
`
`65
`
`2
`among other things, a message number that uniquely iden-
`tities a message stored both locally at the device and at the
`user agent, a modifier representing the customization to be
`applied to the message, and personalized address aliases.
`A user agent
`inside the two-way messaging network,
`corresponding to a subscriber of a two-way message system.
`stores among other things, a plurality of messages and
`destination addresses. When a user agent receives a coded
`message from its associated subscriber, it expands the mes-
`sage back to the desired l'ull message and destinations by
`selecting From the stored messages and destination addresses
`according to the code.
`The message that can be transmitted is highly flexible. In
`addition to fixed pro-canned components, it can include
`dynamic components such as embedded replies, choices,
`predefined variables, etc. As an example, consider a stock
`trading application. A subscriber is notified via two-way
`messaging when a Stock he or she is interested in has
`reached a particular value. The notification message can
`embed a reply with choices. to buy or sell and predefined
`variables for entering the number of shares and share price.
`The dynamic components allow customization of mes—
`sages by message senders and recipients.
`thus greatly
`increasing the practical applicability of the system. The
`particular values of the dynamic components are encoded in
`the message modifier, and are recovered and applied by the
`user agent.
`The coded message is much shorter than the correspond-
`ing full-text message.
`thus allowing reduced bandwidth
`usage in a wireless communication environment. Together
`with user agents, the use of coded message is especially
`suited for communication scenarios in which the bandwidth
`in the uplink and downlinlt directions are asymmetric, or the
`end device is Limited by either processing power, memory
`storage. or battery capacity.
`The two~way messaging system of the present invention
`also can support multicasting. A message can be forwarded
`to a plurality of destinations for multiple responses. The
`address alias contained in a coded message can correspond
`to a single address, a group address or any combination of
`the two. With multicast.
`the number of (uplink and
`downlink) messages required for
`the transmission of a
`message is minimized.
`in another aspect of the present invention, the system can
`track and answer queries about transactions. A transaction is
`a single or a series of request-response interactions between
`a message sender and recipie-ut{s}. A transaction is. most
`useful
`for communication scenarios in which selective
`responses are desired. For example, a transaction can specify
`that a response arriving beyond a certain titne limit will not
`be needed and should be discarded by the system. When
`combined with multicast, a transaction can specify the
`desired semantics of the reply. For example, a transaction
`with ALL semantics specifies that responses from all recipi-
`c-nts arc desired, while a transaction with OR mmantics
`specifies that a response from any oi’the recipients will close
`the transaction. Once a transacLion is closed, additional
`responses will be discarded by the system.
`[it accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, the system lunctionalities are distributed among a
`collection of user agents and intelligent servers. The distrib—
`uted nature enhances the modularity of the system and
`makes possible the incremental deployment of the system.
`For example, a provider desiring only the functionalities of
`user agents but not those of the transaction servers need to
`only deploy the user agents.
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`5,970,122
`
`3
`The method and system of the present invention can be
`implemented on top of any two-way messaging transport.
`This includes dedicated paging networks (e.g., narrowband
`PCS), cellular short messaging service (cg, 18—95. 15—136
`and GSM). or wireless data transport (e.g.. ARDIS).
`The servers can be implemented on specialized network
`servers or intermediate switches.
`
`The messaging device can he a dedicated paging device
`similar to existing alphanumeric pagers. a unit that attaches
`to a computing device (e.g., PDAs. laptops). or integrated as
`part of a communication device (e .g., cellulariPCS phones)
`or a computing device (eg. PIJAs, laptops).
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The foregoing features and advantages of the present
`invention can be appreciated more fully from the following
`deseription. with references to the accompanying drawings
`in which:
`
`FIG. 1 is a hlock schematic diagram of a system and
`method of the two-way wireless messaging system of the
`present
`invention showing its use in association with a
`public switched telephone network. data network, cellular
`network and a two—way messaging device.
`FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of the two-way
`wireless messaging system of the present invention.
`FIG. 3 is a more detailed view of the two-way wireless
`messaging system showing various user agents, the messag-
`ing network. and examples of messages that can be for—
`warded among the different subscribers.
`FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the network archi—
`tecture of the two-way wireless messaging system of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 5 shows an example of the control architecture for
`the two-way wireless messaging system of the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 6 is a black diagram showing an example of the
`protocol architecture used between the messaging device
`and the batch server of the two-way wireless messaging
`system of the present invention.
`FIG. 7 is a detailed flow chart showing an example of the
`protocol
`flow for new message delivery used with the
`two-way wireless messaging system of the present inven-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 8 is a detailed flow diagram showing an example of
`the reply delivery in the two-way wireless messaging system
`of the present invention.
`FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a two-way messaging
`device in the form of a two-way pager that can he used with
`the two-way wireless messaging system of the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an example- ofthe batch
`server structure that can be used with the two-way wireless
`messaging system of the present invention.
`FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the
`functional parts of the user agent that can be used with the
`two-way wireless messaging system of the premnt inven-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of
`the various functions of the transaction server that can he
`used with the two-way wireless messaging system of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 12:: depicts the open and closed states of the
`conversation manager.
`FIG. 12!) depicts the state transition diagram for the
`recipient states of the transaction server.
`
`f."
`
`.10
`
`St]
`
`3.5
`
`40
`
`SCI
`
`55
`
`fall
`
`65
`
`4
`FIG. 13 shows a schematic illustration of a two-way
`messaging device where a simulated keyboard is displayed
`for entering a message.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`there is shown at 10 a two-way
`Referring to FIG. 1.
`wireless messaging system of the present invention. which
`allows an originating message code from a two-way mes-
`saging device 11 to he received in a user agent 12 of a
`two-way messaging network 14. The two-way messaging
`device 11 is illustrated throughout many ot'the drawings as
`a dedicated two-way pager. The two-way messaging device
`can also be an attachment to a communication device. or
`even integrated as part of a communication or computing
`device. A message can he delivered through a public
`switched telephone network 16 that
`includes a network
`access switch 18 connected to a telephone 22 by a first
`communication coupling 20 through a
`twisted pair line.
`co-axial cable. fiber optic line, wireless link or any other
`type ofcommunicalion coupling. The messaging network 14
`can also be connected to a cellular network 24 or data
`network 26 for transporting Email messages 27 to a desired
`destination such as a personal computer at a desired time.
`Additionally, messages could be forwarded to a destination
`through the world-wide web 27o.
`In accordance with the present invention, a second com-
`munication coupling 28 connects the network access switch
`18 to a Network Control Point (NC?) 30 that is coupled to
`a database 32 via a third communication coupling 36. The
`network 16 is coupled to the messaging network 14 via a
`fourth communication coupling 38. The communication
`coupling between the two~way messaging device 1.1 and
`two—way messaging network 14 is an air interface. The
`messaging network 14 also may have at least one user agent
`12 corresponding to a subscriber 40 (FIG. 2) of the two-way
`wireless messaging service. The subscriber 40 receives a
`message from the messaging network 14- along a
`first
`communication channel 42. These messages can include
`transmitted messages or replies. Messages lltrtvarded by the
`two-way messaging device 11 to the messaging network 14
`are forwarded along a communication return channel 43. In
`the case in which messages and addresses of recipients are
`coded, messages received by the two-way messaging net-
`work 14 are forwarded to a user agent 12.
`In accordance with the present invention. the user agent
`12 includes a plurality of stored messages. A predetermined
`message is forwarded to a desired desLination such as a data
`network 26, public switched telephone network 16 or a
`cellular network 24 in response to an originating message
`code that is received from a two-way messaging device 11
`of the subscriber all] along the second communication return
`channel 43. This originating message code is expanded by
`the user agent 12 so that the downlinlst message to the desired
`destination can include full infonnaLion. Also, the selected
`destination could he a second two-way messaging device 44
`(FIG. 1}.
`Asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2.1he services which can use the
`two—way wireless messaging system it] vary. and can
`include services for sending messages to l) a telephone 22.
`3) a computer as E-Mail 27, and another second messaging
`device. such as a pager 44. The second communication
`return channel 43 used by the two-way messaging device 11
`and any other device not only carries new messages or
`replies. but also enhances the system 10 capabilities. It can
`he used For acknowledgements.
`thus allowing reliable
`
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`messaging, and for signaling such as registration or location
`information, if available. Because the message expands in
`the user agent 12. the channel bandwidth in the forward and
`reverse directions differs significantly, as much as a ratio of
`IOU (or more) to 1. This asymmetry also can exist in terms
`of processing power, memory storage and battery capacity
`between the messaging device 11 and the network 14.
`For purposes of discussion. a short two-way messaging
`scenario is lirsl described, followed by a more detailed
`description of various messaging system elements and their
`Functions.
`
`Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated the two~way
`wireless messaging system having four user agents for
`'lhomas, Dan, Mary and Paul, referred respectively as UAT
`50, UAI) 52, LIAM 54 and UAP 56.
`Thomas can originate through his pager 505' a message to
`his lunch group members. Dan, Mary and Paul. and inquire
`about
`lunch choices. ”the message is delivered via the
`two-way wireless messaging network 14 along message
`delivery channels 57o (air interface), 57!) (Data network
`interface). 57c (telephone network interface) as a page to a
`two-way messaging device in the form of a pager 58
`belonging to Dan, an electronic mail
`to a computer 60
`belonging to Mary. and a phone call to telephone 62 belong-
`ing to Paul respectively. The reply from each recipient is
`collected by the two-way messaging network 14 along a
`respective message return communication channel 640, b, r'
`and forwarded back to Thomas via the first communication
`channel 42 as a page. The type of message return commu—
`nication channel 64o. b, c and message delivery channels
`57a, b, c vary depending on the device. such as a pager 58.
`computer 60 or phone 62.
`the uplink
`invention,
`In accordance with the present
`messages are kept short because of the use of the user agents
`50—56. The user agents mirror the state and context (e.g., any
`address and message tables in the user agent) of their
`messaging devices 11 (FIG. 1), 50a, 58. In the above
`example. the uplink message contains a short group identi-
`fier and a message number. These are used by the user agents
`as indices to respecLive data tables in message expansion.
`For message reply. the uplink message contains only a reply
`code. This is expanded back to the full reply inside the
`network. By using group addressing. Thomas sends only one
`message uplirtk and the network automatically "copies“ the
`message to the multiple recipients at
`the predetermined
`destinations.
`
`Dan. Mary and Paul each receive the message in a
`different format, which could have been proposed by Tho-
`mas during message origination or specified as part of the
`lilteringlfonvarding criteria of the respective user agents of
`the recipients.
`The criteria for filteringtforwarding can be very general.
`It could be based on the message originator, time of day, or
`any other commonly available forwardmg options. Mes-
`sages can also he formed in it variety of techniques. For
`example, Thomas can send the message as a pro-canned
`message with an embedded response. Thus. the message
`would include not only the text of the request, but would also
`include a list of responses to be selected and returned by the
`recipient.
`Any user agent, eg, those depicted as items 50—56,
`typically maintains, among other things, an identical copy of
`the address and message tables as the messaging devices.
`The address and message information stored in the messag-
`ing device and respective user agent should always be
`consistent with each other. Typically.
`to change these
`
`6
`address and message tables, a subscriber needs to Change
`one copy first and the system will propagate the changes to
`the other.
`
`There are various methods a subscriber to the messaging
`system can use to enter new messages or addresses. There
`are chiefly two main categories, i.ew through the messaging
`device itself, or through the messaging system.
`For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13.
`the messaging
`device 11, e.g., a two-way pager. can include a simulated
`keyboard 69 displayed on the LCD screen 88. A subscriber
`uses the pager buttons 84 to navigate around the simulated
`keyboard and select characters to compose a message. This
`method is tedious and applicable more to short, fixed mes-
`sages. This method is not practical for making flexible
`messages that contain dynamic components.
`A subscriber can also elect to add an incoming message
`sent by others to its own set of messages. For example, the
`subscriber will receive an incoming message from another
`individual. The subscriber may like that particular message
`and through an appropriate selection of buttons on the
`messaging device It, add that message to his or her own
`message list.
`In stiU another method, many existing messaging devices
`such as pagers, have an inputr'output (ito) port. This port
`could be used to connect to a laptop or a Personal Digital
`Assistant. A subscriber uses the laptop or PDA to edit
`messages and download them to the messaging device 11 via
`the inputr'output port. An appropriate protocol could be used.
`The other major category is to use the messaging system
`for updating any new messages and addresses to the sub-
`scriber user agent. For example. new messages and
`addresses are directed to the user agent. This is one way to
`customize a subseriber‘s message and address set. The copy
`in the subscriber user agent is updated such as by using a
`dial-up program. an internet connection, a world-wide web
`page or even an operator to change the messages and
`addresses directly via wireline.
`In still another method, the subseriber signs up for a new
`third-party service. When the subscriber initially signs for
`that service, the subscriber is given a set of messages and
`addmsscs that are used to access the service. These messages
`and addresses are then loaded directly into the subscriber's
`user agent by the service provider.
`in the following, a more detailed description of a user
`agent 12 (FIG. 1) and its function relative to the two—way
`wireless messaging system 10 (FIG. I) is set forth.
`in accordance with the present invention, each subscriber
`of the two-way wireless messaging system 10 is represented
`by a user agent 12 that resides inside the messaging network
`14. The user agent 12 expands coded originating messages
`received from a two—way messaging device and provides
`pointers to the last known location of the two-wa y messag-
`ing device 11. It also maintains the status of the two—way
`messaging device 11, i.e., if it is on-line, and a profile of the
`subscribcr. The user agent 12 also can provide some value-
`added functions such as message screening and selective
`message forwarding. The user agent 12 may also be cus-
`tomized by its subscriber 40. Thus, the user agent 12 acts as
`a personal server for the subscriber 40.
`The user agent 12 also provides other benefits. Because
`messages are expanded inside the messaging network 14.
`the bandwidth on the uplink can be reduced, allowing
`bandwidth asymmetry on the wireless link. By performing
`intelligent processing in the network instead of at the end
`device 11, the enhanced power of the network is utilized.
`The user agent 12 manages mobility by tracking the location
`
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`of the subscriber. Finally. the user agent 12 serves as a proxy
`for the two-way messaging device 11 when it is out of range.
`allowing the system 10 to account for disconnected users.
`As shown in FIG. 11, the user agent 12 can have respec—
`tive fixed and extensible parts 7|]. 72. The fixed part 7|]
`implements basic messaging functions that are generic for
`all user agents. It can mimic the context of a messaging
`device, (c.g.. the address table and the message table] and
`maintains information about ongoing message delivery. The
`extensible part 72 includes user agent programs 72a. 7215. it
`can be programmed to perform specific tasks as desired by
`the subscriber 40 (FIG. I). e.g., maintaining a personal
`calendar. retrieving spec ific information from a world wide
`web page 27a. :1 database 73. where data can be input 73a,
`or other similar functions. The software 74, is associated
`with the user agent program to provide rttn Lime support for
`the system.
`These basic functions include regislratiofli’deregistration,
`message delivery and message status query.
`In registration the current location of the two-way mes-
`saging device is updated to the system as shown in FIG. 4.
`Registration can be explicit or implicit. Explicit registration
`occurs when a messaging device is powered~up or when it
`moves into a new cluster 78 (FIG. 4). Implicit registration
`occurs when a message is received or delivered to a mes-
`saging device. During power-up the user agent 12 can also
`download messages that have been received in the messag-
`ing network 14 since the last power-down of the two-way
`messaging device.
`The user agent 12 allows message delivery:
`{1) when the device originates a new message;
`(2) when the device receives a message;
`(3] when the device replies to a message; and
`(4] when the device receives a reply.
`Processing for groups 3 and 4 closely resembles that of
`groups 1 and 2.
`When a messaging device 11 originates a new message.
`the user agent 12 Lranslates the destination and reply address
`aliases sent by the device into the full address and expands
`the supplied message number and modifier into full message
`text and creates a record for the message. This record can be
`used as a basis for any subsequent message query. When a
`messaging device 11 receives a message, the user agent 12
`returns the current status (ontoll') and location of its device.
`Certain personal messaging fitnetions. e.g.. forwarding or
`filtering can also be performed.
`For message status query, the query request is answered
`by the user agent by consulting its message record and if
`necessary. a transaction server is consulted about current
`delivery status. as will be explained later.
`The extensible portion of the user agent specifies a
`framework in which additional functions can be added as
`user agent program modules 72a. 72b (FIG. 11). This
`collection of programs contain codes to handle messages of
`a specific pattern. The extensible part 72 follows an event-
`driven model and provides a kernel
`that pattern-matches
`incoming messages and dispatches them to an appropriate
`program module. Also. the extensible part 72 can be used for
`signaling by addressing a message to the user agent itself.
`For example. a message status query can be implemented as
`a signaling function in the extensible part.
`Referring now to FIG. 4.
`there is illustrated a basic
`architecture of the two-way wireless messaging system 10 of
`the present invention. As illustrated, the system It} includes
`a three-tier hierarchy. The highest is a domain Hill; the cluster
`78 is the middle; and the cell 82 is the lowest. The coverage
`
`8
`area of a base station 76 defines a cell 82. A collection of
`adjacent cells 82 form a cluster 78 and a collection of
`clusters form a domain 80. Three domains are illustrated. A
`domain Ill] is an administrative unit and each subscriber is
`associated with a unique domain called the “home domain”.
`The various servers of the present invention 10 are repli-
`cated in each domain 80 and the user agent of a subscriber
`resides and is manager] by its home domain. For pu rposes of
`description only one single domain is described. This hier-
`archy is designed for several
`important principles in the
`present invention:
`(1) limiting the control information transmission;
`(2] limiting the size of transmitted messages; and
`(3) distributing functions in a modular manner.
`To limit
`the transmission of control
`infon'nalion by a
`two—way messaging device 11.
`the amount of periodic
`signaling is reduced. For example. location updates can be
`minimized by defining the registration area to be a cluster
`78. Thus. the two-way messaging device 11 only rc-registers
`with the system 10 when it crosses cluster boundaries. This
`can reduce the amount of signaling traffic, especially in a
`microeell infrastructure with high subscriber mobility. Thus.
`the messaging network only knows the location of a mes-
`saging device to the resolution of a cluster 78. and a limited
`search is necessitated to locate