`US 20020137530A1
`
`(19) United StateS
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`Karve
`
`(10) Pub. No. : US 2002/0137530 A1
`Sep. 26, 2002
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) CELLULAR TELEPHONE WITH SMS
`MESSAGE FORWARDING
`
`(52) U. S. Cl.
`
`. . . 455/466; 455/461; 455/412
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Katyayini Karve, Bangalore (IN)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Correspondence Address:
`MOTOROLA, INC.
`1303 EAST ALGONQUIN ROAD
`IL01/3RD
`SCHAUMBURG, IL 60196
`
`(21) Appl. No. :
`
`09/II01, IIII6
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Mar. II, 2001
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`
`. . . . H04Q 7/20; H04M 11/10
`
`A cellular
`that supports SMS messaging
`includes
`telephone
`received SMS messages
`to be for-
`a feature
`that allows
`warded to another number or device. The telephone
`includes
`for storing a forwarding
`a database memory
`address,
`a
`to the database memory for accessing
`controller connected
`the forwarding address, a display connected to the controller
`the forwarding address and a key for selecting
`for displaying
`the controller
`address
`the forwarding
`to
`instructing
`and
`to the selected forwarding
`forward received short messages
`address.
`
`ACTIVATE MESSAGE FORWARDING
`
`50
`
`FORWARD ALL
`
`MESSAGES
`
`FORWARD ALL MESSAGES FROM
`SENDERS ON LIST
`
`FORWARD ALL MESSAGES EXCEPT
`THOSE FROM SENDERS ON LIST
`
`56
`
`FORWARD ALL MESSAGES WHEN
`INTERNAL MEMORY IS FULL
`
`FPRWARD ALL MESSAGES RECEIVED
`BETWEEN 8:00 AM AND 6;00 PM
`
`60
`
`Apple Inc. Exhibit 1020 Page 1
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 26, 2002 Sheet 1 of 2
`
`US 2002/0137530 A1
`
`C
`
`1
`
`MENU
`
`OK
`
`2 ABC
`
`O~- WO6-
`~BNv ~Bate
`
`~ypm
`
`Z'& I'j' V™Ot
`
`EYA Z
`
`24
`
`MEMORY
`
`DISPLAY
`DRIVER
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`22
`
`INPUT
`
`28
`
`Apple Inc. Exhibit 1020 Page 2
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 26, 2002 Sheet 2 of 2
`
`US 2002/0137530 A1
`
`RECEIVE MESSAGE
`
`g
`
`DISPLAY MESSAGE
`
`D2
`
`34
`
`OPTIONS
`
`SAVE
`
`DELETE
`
`REPLY
`
`FORWARD
`
`SAVE
`
`MESSAGE
`
`DELETE
`MESSAGE
`
`GOTO MESSAGE
`EDITOR
`
`DISPLAY LIST
`OF FORWARDING
`DESTINATIONS
`
`42
`
`D8
`
`40
`
`SELECT FROM
`LIST OR ENTER
`NEW ADDRESS
`
`SEND
`
`44
`
`46
`
`END
`
`48
`
`ACTIVATE MESSAGE FORWARDING
`
`50
`
`FORWARD ALL
`
`MESSAGES
`
`FORWARD ALL MESSAGES FROM
`SENDERS ON LIST
`
`FORWARD ALL MESSAGES EXCEPT
`THOSE FROM SENDERS ON LIST
`
`56
`
`54
`
`FORWARD ALL MESSAGES WHEN
`INTERNAL MEMORY IS FULL
`
`FPRWARD ALL MESSAGES RECEIVED
`BETWEEN 8:00 AM AND 6:00 PM
`
`60
`
`Apple Inc. Exhibit 1020 Page 3
`
`
`
`US 2002/0137530 A1
`
`Sep. 26, 2002
`
`CELLULAR TELEPHONE WITH SMS MESSAGE
`FORWARDING
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
`to com-
`[0002] The present
`relates
`invention
`in general
`to communica-
`munications devices and more particularly
`tions devices that support SMS messaging.
`[0003] 2. Background of Related Art
`[0004] Personal
`devices
`communication
`have
`gained
`widespread popularity
`and have dramatically
`changed
`the
`industry. Such communications devices
`telecommunications
`include a keypad for entering numbers and text and a small
`display screen for viewing
`information. To maintain popu-
`these devices have been adding
`features,
`such as
`larity,
`internal phone books, clocks, calendars, calculators, call
`related features, games and Short Message Service (SMS).
`[0005] SMS has become
`increasingly
`amongst
`popular
`mobile phone users. SMS, as defined within the GSM digital
`is very popular
`in Europe,
`mobile phone
`standard,
`the
`Middle East, Asia, Africa and some parts of North America.
`The GSM Association announced
`that worldwide, 9 billion
`SMS messages were sent during August
`they have
`and
`that for December 2000, 10 billion
`to 15 billion
`predicted
`SMS messages will be sent.
`
`[0006] SMS provides
`to send and receive
`the capability
`to and from mobile telephones. The text can
`text messages
`combination. Each
`be words or numbers or an alphanumeric
`is up to 160 characters
`in length when Latin
`short message
`alphabets are used and 70 characters
`in length when non-
`Latin alphabets such as Arabic and Chinese are used. Non-
`text based short messages for example,
`in binary format are
`also supported.
`[0007] SMS is a store and forward service. That is, short
`messages are not sent directly from sender to recipient, but
`always via an SMS Center. Each mobile telephone network
`that supports SMS must have at least one messaging center
`the short messages.
`to handle and manage
`[0008] Short messages can be sent and received simulta-
`neously with GSM voice, data and fax calls because short
`travel over and above the radio channel using the
`messages
`signaling path. To use SMS, users need a subscription
`to a
`that supports SMS and a mobile
`mobile
`telephone network
`that supports SMS. SMS messages are usually sent
`phone
`between mobile phones. However, messages can also be sent
`to/from a fax machine, a PC or an Internet address.
`[0009] Short messages can be originated
`in several dilfer-
`itself or the
`the mobile phone keypad
`from
`ent ways,
`keyboard on another device, such as a hand held computer
`connected to the mobile phone, or via software connected to
`a modem. However originated, all short messages are sent
`initially to a SMS Center. Once the SMS Center has received
`link between
`the communication
`the short message,
`the
`phone and the SMS center is terminated and the SMS Center
`recipient. The SMS
`to the specified
`routes
`the message
`adds the Originating Address such
`Center also automatically
`as the sender's mobile phone number and a timestamp
`to the
`short message. Received short messages are stored in the
`mobile phone's memory or in the SIM (Subscriber Identity
`Module) card.
`
`[0010] Upon receipt of a new short message by a mobile
`phone, the mobile phone notifies the user that a message has
`been received, usually with a ring tone or vibration. The
`icon on its
`mobile phone usually also displays a message
`display. The user can then access and read the message by
`the phone. Some
`commands
`to
`the appropriate
`issuing
`the assignee of
`phones provided by Motorola Corporation,
`the present application, even have an Autoread SMS feature
`that allows the immediate viewing of short messages with-
`out any button presses at all. Once received, the recipient can
`save or delete the message as desired.
`[0011] Mobile phone users routinely use SMS to commu-
`nicate with each other. Typically,
`such person-to-person
`is used to send a greeting,
`information,
`messaging
`request
`a meeting, or to tell someone
`something. Such
`arrange
`from
`are usually originated
`the mobile phone
`messages
`is short
`keypad. When the information
`to be communicated
`or it would
`take too long to have a full conversation or
`someone is traveling overseas or not available to take a voice
`call, SMS is an ideal messaging medium. Network operators
`typically charge the same price to send a short message
`to
`in the same room as they do to someone
`someone
`traveling
`their mobile phone. Further, because short
`overseas with
`to mobile phones that are
`messages are proactively delivered
`typically carried by the user at all times, SMS is often more
`than email.
`convenient
`[0012] SMS is also commonly used for notifying mobile
`phone users that they have new voice, fax or Internet mail
`(unified messaging). Whenever
`messages waiting
`a new
`into the mailbox, an alert by SMS
`is dispatched
`message
`the user of this fact. SMS messaging has also been
`informs
`used for ring tone and image downloading. SMS can also be
`used to deliver a wide range of information
`to mobile phone
`users from stock share prices, sports scores, weather,
`flight
`lottery results, jokes to horo-
`information, news headlines,
`scopes.
`[0013] In order to simplify
`the creation of short messages,
`text input algo-
`some phone makers now provide predictive
`is trying
`the user
`that anticipate which word
`to
`rithms
`text input is said to significantly
`generate. Predictive
`reduce
`the number of key strokes needed
`to input a message.
`[0014] Conventional email facilities provide message for-
`to be for-
`allows a received message
`warding. Forwarding
`to one or more parties by the recipient. One benefit
`warded
`of forwarding
`is that it allows a received message to be sent
`retyping or rekeying of the message.
`without
`requiring
`Despite the addition of predictive
`text input facilities, it is
`to type SMS messages using a
`time consuming
`still quite
`that enhance SMS
`phone keypad. Thus, other mechanisms
`are still needed.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0015] It would be beneficial if SMS messages could be
`in the same or a similar manner as conventional
`forwarded
`email messages. Accordingly,
`in one embodiment,
`the
`present invention provides a mobile communications device
`that supports Short Message Service (SMS), the device
`including means for receiving a SMS short message and
`program code for forwarding
`the received short message
`device to another device.
`from the mobile communications
`[0016] In another embodiment,
`invention pro-
`the present
`vides a communications device that supports Short Message
`
`Apple Inc. Exhibit 1020 Page 4
`
`
`
`US 2002/0137530 A1
`
`Sep. 26, 2002
`
`Service (SMS), the device including a database memory for
`storing at least one predefined
`address and a
`forwarding
`to the database memory for accessing
`controller connected
`forwarding address. A display
`is
`the at least one predefined
`for displaying
`connected
`to the controller
`the at least one
`forwarding address. At least one key is
`accessed predefined
`provided for selecting the predefined forwarding address and
`the controller to forward received short messages
`instructing
`to the selected predefined
`address.
`forwarding
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0017] The foregoing summary,
`as well as the following
`detailed description of preferred embodiments of the inven-
`tion, will be better understood when read in conjunction with
`the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating
`the
`there is shown in the drawings embodiments
`invention,
`that
`It should be understood, however,
`are presently preferred.
`is not limited
`to the precise arrangements
`that the invention
`shown. In the drawings:
`and instrumentalities
`[0018] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a communications
`device incorporating
`invention;
`the present
`[0019] FIG. 2 is a high level block diagram of the circuitry
`device of FIG. 1;
`of the communications
`[0020] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a sequence of steps of
`a call forwarding
`feature in a mobile communications device
`in accordance with the present
`invention; and
`[0021] FIG. 4 is another
`flow diagram of a sequence of
`feature of FIG.
`steps of set up options of the call forwarding
`3.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0022] The detailed description set forth below in connec-
`is intended as a description
`tion with the appended drawings
`of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and
`is not intended
`the only forms
`to represent
`in which
`the
`invention may be practiced. The description
`sets
`present
`forth sequences of steps for performing
`the procedures
`in
`It is to be
`connection with
`embodiments.
`illustrated
`the
`that the same or equivalent
`functions
`understood, however,
`and sequences may be accomplished by dilferent embodi-
`to be encompassed within
`ments that are intended
`the spirit
`and scope of the invention.
`like numerals
`In the drawings,
`are used to indicate
`like elements
`throughout.
`
`[0023] The present
`invention provides a software-imple-
`feature of a communications
`device, such as a
`mented
`that supports SMS, which
`mobile or cellular
`telephone
`received short messages
`the device
`to
`to forward
`allows
`other devices or addresses.
`[0024] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a cellular
`telephone 10 capable of incorporating
`the software feature
`invention. The telephone 10 is preferably
`of the present
`a
`such as the Motorola Model
`digital wireless
`telephone,
`vSOSS manufactured by Motorola Corp. of Schaumburg,
`III.
`to those of ordinary skill in the
`However, as will be apparent
`to and may be
`is applicable
`invention
`the present
`art,
`devices including
`in other communications
`embodied
`land
`line telephones. The telephone 10 has output means includ-
`ing a visual output or display 12 and an audio output 14 and
`a keypad 16 and a microphone 18.
`input means
`including
`
`The keypad 16 has a plurality of keys such as numeric keys
`that can be used
`characters
`to enter alphanumeric
`and
`function keys, such as left and right arrows, menu, OK, etc.
`The keypad is thus used to enter both data and commands or
`instructions. The microphone 18 also is used to enter instruc-
`tions and data.
`
`[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, a high level block diagram of
`the circuitry 20 of the telephone 10 is shown. The circuitry
`20 includes a controller 22, a memory 24, a display driver 26
`and input circuitry 28. The controller 22 includes a proces-
`sor, such as a digital signal processor and has one or more
`internal memories (not shown) containing a control program
`(ROM), set-up data, and a scratch pad area, as is understood
`by those of skill in the art. The memory 24 is connected
`to
`the controller 22 and is used to store data and/or program
`code. The data stored in the memory 24 can include phone
`book data, calendar and clock data, stored messages, etc.
`The memory 24 is preferably a non-volatile
`random access
`the memory 24 can
`include
`the
`memory. Functionally,
`space on the SIM (Subscriber
`Identity Module)
`memory
`card that is used in conjunction with the telephone 10, as is
`understood by those of skill in the art.
`
`[0026] The display driver 26 is connected to the controller
`22 and receives and process data from the controller 22 for
`displaying on the display 12. The input circuit 28 is also
`to the controller 22. The input circuit 28 receives
`connected
`input data (commands and data) from the keypad 16 and the
`microphone 18. The circuitry 20 processes the input data and
`in a manner well understood by those of skill in
`commands
`the program code required
`to control and
`the art. Further,
`operate the telephone 10 are understood by those of skill in
`the art.
`
`[0027] With a conventional cell phone, a number
`is dialed
`either by entering
`the telephone
`into
`the number directly
`the keypad, voice
`such as by typing
`in the number using
`in a phone book
`activation or by looking up the number
`the memory 24. Phone book entries can be
`stored
`in
`lookup, voice
`accessed using such methods as alphabetical
`tags, or entering
`location at which the number
`the memory
`a phone book entry comprises
`is stored. Typically,
`the
`location, an identifier such as the person's name,
`memory
`and a phone number. Thus, the memory 24 is partitioned
`to
`the user can store
`include predefined databases
`in which
`information. According
`to the present invention,
`in addition
`the memory 24
`to the well known phone book database,
`includes a space for storing received short messages and a
`address database. The forwarding address data-
`forwarding
`that may be selected by the user
`base stores phone numbers
`that received short messages
`such
`are forwarded
`to the
`selected address.
`
`[0028] The telephone 10 is capable of receiving a SMS
`short message, also known as a Protocol Data Unit (PDU).
`A short message includes two parts, header information and
`short message text, which is also referred to as the user data.
`the address of the SMS
`The header parameters
`include
`Center to which the short message is to be sent, a Destination
`the final recipient of the short mes-
`Address field denoting
`is the address of
`sage, and the Originating Address, which
`the sender of the short message. The short message
`is sent
`from a mobile telephone or other device to an SMS Center.
`The SMS center looks at the header information, adds some
`additional header information, and then tries to send the user
`
`Apple Inc. Exhibit 1020 Page 5
`
`
`
`US 2002/0137530 A1
`
`Sep. 26, 2002
`
`address. The format of
`data to the recipient or destination
`short messages, sending and receiving of short messages,
`and the operations of SMS centers are well known
`to those
`of skill in the art.
`[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3, the telephone 10 includes
`program code for forwarding a received short message from
`the telephone 10 to another device or telephone. FIG. 3 is a
`flow diagram of a sequence of steps of such a call forward-
`in accordance with the present
`ing feature
`invention.
`[0030] The sequence of steps begins with the telephone 10
`receiving a short message as indicated at 30. Once a short
`the message can be immediately dis-
`is received,
`message
`receipt of the
`played on the screen 12 or an icon indicating
`message can be displayed or otherwise
`indicated
`to the user.
`In either case, the message is stored in the memory 24. When
`to read the message,
`the user issues
`the user desires
`the
`commands as understood by those of ordinary
`appropriate
`skill in the art, until the message is displayed on the screen,
`step 32. At step 34, the program
`code of the present
`invention olfers a plurality of options
`to the user. A first
`option, step 36, is to save the message,
`in which case the
`in the memory 24. Once the message
`is
`is saved
`message
`routine proceeds
`saved, the message forwarding
`to an end
`step 48. A second option, step 38, is to delete the message,
`is not saved to the memory 24.
`in which case the message
`Like the save message step 36, the delete message step 38
`is proceeded by the end step 48.
`[0031] The user may also choose to edit the message,
`in
`which case the program executes step 40. The message
`the user to edit the text of the message. As
`editor allows
`previously discussed, message editors are well known, with
`text input. After
`some message editors employing predictive
`the message text, the user is offered
`the user finishes editing
`the option to send the edited message at step 46. By inputting
`the proper commands, such as entering a destination address
`or phone number and issuing a send command,
`the edited
`message is sent via an SMS center to the destination address.
`is sent, step 46, the program code pro-
`Once the message
`ceeds to the end step 48.
`
`[0032] The save, delete and edit message options
`illus-
`trated in steps 36, 38, 40 are understood by those of skill in
`in accordance with the present
`the art. However,
`invention,
`code also olfers an option
`to forward
`the program
`the
`received message at step 42. At step 42, a list of forwarding
`is displayed on the display 12. The list includes
`addresses
`phone numbers previously added to the list by the user. The
`the list and at step 44 select one or
`user may scroll through
`more of the numbers. Step 44 also allows the user to add one
`to the list. After the user has selected
`or more new numbers
`is to
`or specified the phone numbers
`to which the message
`step 46 is executed. At step 46, the short
`be forwarded,
`message is sent via the SMS center to the selected destina-
`tions. In order to forward
`to multiple destina-
`the message
`the message is
`tions, in the presently preferred embodiment,
`the SMS center multiple
`times, once for each
`to
`sent
`destination address. Thus, the program code directs the short
`to be forwarded
`to the other device using
`message
`the
`selected forwarding
`address.
`[0033] However, as will be understood by those of ordi-
`nary skill in the art, with the appropriate programming
`at the
`SMS center or by allowing
`the user to define forwarding
`address lists stored at the SMS center, it is possible
`to send
`
`the message once to the SMS center, with the header portion
`of the message identifying a pointer to a multiple destination
`address stored in a memory at the SMS center.
`
`to FIG. 4, a flow diagram of a
`[0034] Referring now
`sequence of steps of set up options of the call forwarding
`is shown. The call forwarding
`set up options pref-
`feature
`erably are accessed via selecting an option
`from a main
`menu. Once the call forwarding set up option is selected, the
`telephone 10 program code proceeds to step 50, which is the
`step for activating automatic message forwarding. That is,
`is activated, messages
`when automatic message forwarding
`received by the telephone 10 are forwarded
`in accordance
`the selected automatic
`option described
`forwarding
`with
`below.
`
`[0035] A first option, step 52, is to automatically
`forward
`all messages to a predefined number or numbers. In step 52,
`to which all received
`the user defines the number or numbers
`short messages are to be forwarded. A second option, step
`54, is to forward all messages received from one or more
`senders, as defined on a list, to one or more
`predetermined
`predefined numbers. At step 54, the user is prompted
`to enter
`sender addresses
`the predetermined
`(phone numbers)
`and
`number(s). As an
`the forwarding
`to enter
`subsequently,
`to step 54, at step 56, the user can select to
`alternative
`forward all messages except for those messages
`received
`from one or more predetermined
`senders, as defined on a list,
`to one or more predefined numbers. The option at step 56
`to receive
`the user
`thus allows
`important messages
`and
`forward messages from senders not deemed to be as impor-
`to step 54, at step 56, the user is
`tant or urgent. Similar
`addresses
`sender
`the predetermined
`to enter
`prompted
`to enter the forwarding
`(phone numbers) and subsequently,
`number(s).
`
`[0036] Yet another option, at step 58, is to forward all
`address when the portion of the
`messages to a predetermined
`telephone memory 24 used for storing short messages is full.
`Preferably, an icon or message is displayed on the screen 12
`the user that the short message memory is full and
`informing
`that messages are being forwarded.
`
`[0037] A further option, at step 60, allows
`the user
`to
`time periods during which received short messages
`define
`to a predefined number(s). At
`forwarded
`are automatically
`is prompted
`step 60, the user
`to enter
`forwarding
`the
`numbers and the time period when received messages are to
`be forwarded.
`
`[0038] The description of the preferred embodiment of the
`for purposes of illus-
`invention has been presented
`present
`tration and description, but is not intended
`to be exhaustive
`to the form disclosed. It will be
`or to limit
`the invention
`appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be
`made to the embodiment described above without departing
`from the broad inventive concept thereof. For example, short
`messages could be forwarded with or without
`saving
`the
`short message in a memory resident in the mobile phone and
`the short messages could be forwarded with or without
`in the mobile phone. It is under-
`the message
`displaying
`is not limited
`stood, therefore,
`invention
`to the
`this
`that
`particular embodiment disclosed, but covers modifications
`the spirit and scope of the present
`as
`invention
`within
`defined by the appended claims.
`
`Apple Inc. Exhibit 1020 Page 6
`
`
`
`US 2002/0137530 A1
`
`Sep. 26, 2002
`
`1. A mobile communications
`device that supports Short
`Message Service (SMS), the device comprising:
`means for receiving a SMS short message; and
`
`the
`to
`
`program code for forwarding
`the received short message
`device
`the mobile communications
`from
`to another
`device.
`2. The communications
`device of claim 1, wherein
`program code directs the short message
`to be forwarded
`the other device via a predefined
`address.
`forwarding
`3. The communications
`device of claim 2, wherein
`the
`program code directs only short messages received from a
`to be forwarded
`to the
`predetermined
`address
`originating
`address.
`forwarding
`predefined
`device of claim 2, wherein
`4. The communications
`the
`program code directs only short messages received from an
`address other than one or more predetermined
`originating
`to be forwarded
`to the predefined
`addresses
`forwarding
`address.
`5. The communications
`device of claim 2, wherein
`the
`program code directs only short messages received during a
`time period to be forwarded
`to the predefined
`predetermined
`destination address.
`device of claim 2, further com-
`6. The communications
`received SMS messages,
`for storing
`a memory
`prising
`code directs only short messages
`wherein
`the program
`is filled to be forwarded
`received after the memory
`to the
`address.
`forwarding
`predefined
`7. A communications
`device that supports Short Message
`Service (SMS), the device comprising:
`for storing at least one predefined
`a database memory
`address;
`forwarding
`
`a controller connected to the database memory for access-
`ing the at least one predefined
`address;
`forwarding
`
`a display connected to the controller for displaying
`the at
`least one accessed predefined
`forwarding address; and
`
`the predefined
`forwarding
`to
`the controller
`forward
`to the selected predefined
`
`at least one key for selecting
`address
`instructing
`and
`received
`short messages
`forwarding address.
`8. The communications
`device of claim 7, wherein
`the
`controller directs only short messages
`received
`from a
`to be forwarded
`to the
`address
`predetermined
`originating
`address.
`forwarding
`predefined
`9. The communications
`device of claim 7, wherein
`the
`received
`controller directs only short messages
`from an
`address other than one or more predetermined
`originating
`to the predefined
`to be forwarded
`addresses
`forwarding
`address.
`10. The communications
`device of claim 7, wherein
`the
`received during
`controller directs only short messages
`a
`time period to be forwarded
`to the predefined
`predetermined
`address.
`forwarding
`11. The communications
`device of claim 7, further com-
`prising a memory space for storing received SMS messages,
`the controller directs only short messages received
`wherein
`to be forwarded
`to the
`is filled
`space
`after
`the memory
`address.
`forwarding
`predefined
`
`Apple Inc. Exhibit 1020 Page 7