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`FILE HISTORY
`US 5,894,506
`
`5,894,506
`PATENT:
`INVENTORS: Pinter, Gregory J.
`
`TITLE:
`
`Method and apparatus for generating
`and communicating messages between
`subscribers to an electronic messaging
`network
`
`APPLICATION
`NO:
`FILED:
`ISSUED:
`
`US1996708696A
`
`05 SEP 1996
`13 APR 1999
`
`COMPILED:
`
`12 FEB 2016
`
`3
`
`

`

`ISSUECLASSIFICATION
`
`“a" 08/83%“?3999. 335%;
`iiiiiiiii’iiiiiiiiiii/ 2
`
`
`BER
`
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`SERIAL NUMBER
`FILINGDATE
`
`CLAS _
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`
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`STATEI'
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`SHEETS
`
`TOTAL
`
`INDEF'.
`
`FILINGFEE
`
`IFILEU CDUNTFI‘!‘ DHWGS
`
`CLAIMS
`
`CLAIMS
`
`RECEIVED
`
`ATTORNEYS
`DOCKET NO.
`
`
`
`
`
`Foreign priority claimed
`Ely!!!
`35 USC119 conditions me!
`yes
`a my
`Verifiaaand-misused firfims—
`MDHESS
`
`
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`
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`W
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`
`‘P‘
`
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`92,2,
`ISSUE
`BATCH
`l'ill..|MBuEFl\J
`65 ‘
`' 2.799%Primary Examiner
`PREPARED FUR ISSUE
`
`
`
`
`gSSUE FEE EN REE U‘S. DEPT. OFGCIMMJMT. fiTM—FTUASBL {Roam-94)
`
`
`
`PARTS OF APPLICA‘ITON
`FILED SEPARATELY
`NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED
`
`. Lb 4n
`_.1m‘mns me}
`CLATMS ALLOWED /
`
`Pn'nl Clair
`Tatar crai -
`
`I
`
`.
`
`
`
`WARNING: The inlamnaiion disclosed herein may be restricted. Unaumr zed disclusure may be prohibited
`
`
`
`
`by the United Sialea Code Tulla 35. Sections 122. 181 :
`-‘ 365. Passessron mutilate the US
`Patents Tranernam Oflice is rarr‘rcler‘! to authorized mpidyees and contractors only
`
`
`
`
`(FACE)
`
`4
`
`
`
`4
`
`

`

`5,894,506
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING AND
`COMMUNICATING MESSAGES BETWEEN SUBSCRIBERS TO AN
`ELECTRONIC MESSAGING NETWORK
`Transaction History
`
`Transaction Description
`Date
`Initial Exam Team nn
`09-16-1996
`11-07-1996 Application Captured on Microfilm
`04-29-1997 Case Docketed to Examiner in GAU
`01-12-1998 Case Docketed to Examiner in GAU
`02-19-1998 Non-Final Rejection
`02-26-1998 Mail Non-Final Rejection
`07-24-1998 Response after Non-Final Action
`07-24-1998
`Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) Filed
`07-24-1998
`Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) Filed
`07-24-1998 Request for Extension of Time - Granted
`07-30-1998 Date Forwarded to Examiner
`09-18-1998 Examiner Interview Summary Record (PTOL - 413)
`09-29-1998 Mail Notice of Allowance
`09-29-1998 Notice of Allowance Data Verification Completed
`09-29-1998 Mail Examiner's Amendment
`09-29-1998 Examiner's Amendment Communication
`12-23-1998
`Issue Fee Payment Verified
`12-23-1998 Mailroom Date of Drawing(s)
`12-29-1998 Drawing(s) Received at Publications
`01-14-1999 Drawing(s) Processing Completed
`01-14-1999 Drawing(s) Matched to Application
`02-18-1999 Workflow - File Sent to Contractor
`04-07-1999
`Issue Notification Mailed
`04-15-1999 Recordation of Patent Grant Mailed
`08-16-1999 Post Issue Communication - Certificate of Correction
`11-15-2013 Correspondence Address Change
`11-18-2013 Email Notification
`11-18-2013 Change in Power of Attorney (May Include Associate POA)
`06-27-2014 Petition Requesting Trial
`06-27-2014 Petition Requesting Trial
`08-15-2014 Correspondence Address Change
`08-15-2014 Correspondence Address Change
`08-18-2014 Email Notification
`08-18-2014 Change in Power of Attorney (May Include Associate POA)
`04-27-2015 Termination or Final Written Decision
`06-06-2015 Case Docketed to Examiner in GAU
`02-08-2016 File Marked Found
`(cid:3)
`
`5
`
`

`

`08170869 5
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`PA—T'ENT APPLICATION 5
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`CONTENTS '
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`UflltEd States Patent
`[19]
`[11] Patent Number:
`5,894,506
`
`Pinter
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`U8005894506A
`
`[54] METHOD AND mammal FOR
`GENERATING AND COMMUNICATING
`
`MESSAGE BETWEEN sunscnmm T0
`LI '1 II
`MESS
`NETW
`AN EL
`mm:
`AGING
`mu:
`Inventor. Gregory J. Pinter. Brendon. Miss.
`
`Assignee: Sky’l'el Communications. Inc.
`Jackson. Miss.
`
`Appl. N0.: moan»
`Filed:
`Sep. 5. [996
`lnL Cl.6 ..... ................................. III-4M "64
`
`(LS. CI. ..............
`37958.3: 379188.15:
`379393.24: 34M25.44: 4551412
`............... 37957. 38. E9.
`field amend: ....
`379193.24. 93.25. 93.26: 455513. 31.2;
`”SHOOJ. 200.3]. 200.34. 200.37. 200.41
`
`[75]
`
`[73]
`
`[211
`R2]
`[51}
`[52]
`
`[53]
`
`[56]
`
`2,973,676
`3:13.443
`3.714.375
`3.813.145
`3.046.733
`3.051.251
`3.944.724
`3.975.995
`3.934.715
`4.010.460
`4.010.461
`4.160240
`4.113475
`4.197.526
`4.249.:05
`4263M
`4,330.7a0
`
`Memes Chad
`us. WENT DOCUMENTS
`*lfl 96l
`5“. 970
`IfI. 973
`6“ 91"!
`i III 974
`I [#1914
`M010
`81'1916
`mime
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`711979
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`31981
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`CODE FDR
`SELECTED
`
`-CANNED MESS-NEE
`
`
`mmTERISI
`ENTER
`“I“.
`CGMPILE
`
`MESFMGE
`32‘“ CUDESANI’!
`
`‘ PPRAIETEH‘S!
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`
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`cones a
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`
`
`
`
`4.135514 mm [mine ....-
`
`4.382.156
`511933 Hagan ..
`
`33% mg 3&5 cl 43- Ta:
`:ylma e
`.
`.
`.
`
`5539.504 mm mm a n. -..-
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`“New Radio Paging System." by Mitsuru Kmnm e! n].
`Japan Tclcmmunicafions Review. Jul. 19W. vol. 19.1%.
`3. pp. 211:r and 220-225.
`“Paging System Broadmsls Nationwide on FM Radio Gian-
`nel.“ Elecnnnics International. Jan. 4. 1979. vol. 52. No. I.
`pp. 67—68.
`“A Development Projed of n Poekersire Receiver for a
`Nationwide Paging System.” by Kari Kiishinen e! a]. [EEE
`1979. pp. 383—387.
`Primary EWMMF—‘Fan S. T‘sang
`Aflomq; Agent, or Finn—Finnegan. Henderson. Farabuw.
`Garrett & Dunner. 1.1.1”.
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An electronic messaging network comprises a network
`operation cemer and plural message terminals. 811 including
`mermn'es for stoning eoeresponding files of canned mes-
`sages and associated message codes. To send a canned
`mesnge. a calling party selects a canned message shared a!
`one message terminal and transmits line assigned message
`code to a receiving pmyat another wage tenniml via the
`network operation center. The receiving terminal rein-levee
`the seleaed canned message from its memory using the
`received message code for display In the receiving party.
`Files of canned responses and associated reap-ens: codes
`mey also be stored in the memories at the terminals and
`named: operation center to allow the exchange of selected
`canned response options in conjunction with canned mes-
`sages to be in response code form.
`
`ZlCIaims. 1'anth
`
`at:
`
`RE men:
`BANNED
`‘ Resume
`DPUON F‘LE
`
`DDTDON FILE
`
`
`SELECI
`CMNED
`RESPONSE
`
`
`nrnmus
`
`
`
`
`
`RETRIEVE CODES
`f OR SELECI ED
`RESPONSE
`OPTIONS
`
`ID
`
`42
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ENTER
`"“1 DAMMETEHS:
`
`
`
`
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`OZSEOME
`
`:_<Z=>_w_m_.r
`
`xm0>>._.m_z
`
`ZO_._.<mm_n_O
`
`
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`
`v.OE
`
`023-30
`
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`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`22
`
`24
`
`26
`
`RETRIEVE
`CANNED
`MESSAGE FILE
`
`DISPLAY
`CANNED
`MESSAGE FILE
`
`SELECT
`CANNED
`MESSAGE
`
`28
`
`RETRIEVE
`CODEFOR
`SELECTED
`
`CANNED MESSAGE
`
`O
`
`3
`
`ENTER
`PARAMETER(S)
`
`32
`
`34
`
`COMPILE
`MESSAGE
`CODES AND
`
`PARAMETER(S)
`
`TO N00 12
`
`TRANSMIT
`MESSAGE
`CODES &
`
`PARAMETER(S)
`
`36
`
`RETRIEVE
`CANNED
`RESPONSE
`
`OPTION FILE
`
`33
`
`DISPLAY CANNED
`RESPONSE
`OPTION FILE
`
`SELECT
`CANNED
`RESPONSE
`OPTIONS
`
`
`
`RETRIEVE CODES
`FOR SELECTED
`RESPONSE
`OPTIONS
`
`44
`
`ENTER
`
`PARAM ETER(S)
`
`FIG. 2
`
`(FIG 3)
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

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

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
`
`5,394,506
`
`RECEIVE MESSAGE
`FROM NOC 12
`
`
`
`
`
`70
`
`RETRI EVE
`MESSAGE &
`RESPONSE
`OPTIONS TEXT
`
`75
`
` DISPLAY
`MESSAGE &
`
`RESPONSE
`OPTIONS TEXT
`
`74
`
`SELECT
`RESPONSE OPTION
`
`
`
`
`30
`
`TRANSMIT
`
`SELECTED
`RESPONSE
`OPTION T0
`NOC 12
`
`(T0 FIG 5)
`
`FIG. 4
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`82
`
`RESPONSE OPTION
`FROM TERMINAL 14
`
`
`
`
`
` RECEIVE SELECTED
` TEXT OR
`
`
`TEXT
`CODE
`CODE
`
`
`RECEIVED?
`
`TRANSMIT
`
`
`CODE
`OR TEXT?
`
`
`84
`
`88
`
`
`
`TRANSMIT
`RETRIEVE
`SELECTED
`SELECTED
`
`
`RESPONSE OPTION
`REPONSE
`
`(CODE OR TEXT)
`OPTION TEXT
`TO TERMINAL ‘IO
`FROM MEMORY
`
`
` RECEIVE SELECTED
`FROM N00 12
`
`RESPONSE OPTION
`
` RETRIEVE SELECTED
`
`RESPONSE OPTION
`TEXT
`
` 94
`DISPLAY
`SELECTED
`
`RESPONSE
`
`OPTION TEXT
`
`
`FIG. 5
`
`15
`
`15
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`100
`
`102
`
`104
`
`106
`
`108
`
`UPDATE CANNED
`MESSAGE!RESPONSE
`OPTION FILES
`
`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
`
`16
`
`16
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13. 1999
`
`Sheet 7 of '7
`
`5,894,506
`
`OE
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`

`5.894.506
`
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`GENERATING AND COMMUNICATING
`MESSAGES BETWEEN SIJ'IISCRIBERS TO
`AN MONO MESSAGING NETWDRIE
`FIELD OF THE MON
`
`The present invention relates to electronic infatuation
`services and more particularly to the exchange of demonic
`messages among subscribers to an electronic massaging
`network.
`
`10
`
`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 subacribd 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
`comer] 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 firsrfile
`using the message codes and communicated to terminals of
`designated receiving subscribers with the added parameters
`incdlpcu'ated in the bodies ofthe canned messages.
`The present invention also accommodates the addition of
`multiple response mtions m the canned messages selected
`by calling Nbsu'ibcrs. The multiple response options are
`then included with the canned message codes sent to the
`network opaatlon center. The selected mend 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 subsuibers via the netwarlr
`operation 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 tiles are also
`maintained atreceiving subscriber terminals. suds 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 awropriate canned
`messages and multiple response options from stored files.
`and displayed by the receiving party terminals.
`Additional [centres and advantages of the invention will
`he set forth in the description which inflows. and in part will
`he went from the desiripo‘on. 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 admin-
`panvlog drawings.
`3 will be understood that both the foregoing general
`description and the following detailed description are excru-
`plary and explanatory and are intended to provide further
`explanation of the invention as claimed.
`The aocm‘npanying drawings are intended to provide a
`homer understanding of the invention and are incorporated
`in and constitute a part of the specification. illustrate a
`wet-erred embodiment of the invention. and. together with
`the description. serve to explain the principles of the inven-
`tion.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`As more and more people sign on to information
`flatworm. congestion nftllc communications links compris-
`ing these newnrlra. both wireline and wireless. and the
`consequential transmission delays become increasingly sig-
`nificant problems. Faster transmission rates. data compres-
`sion techniques. and more eficlent spectrum utilization are
`among the approaches that have been considered. and to
`some atom implctnenled.
`In increase the capacities of
`conununications links.
`One area of particularly rapid growth is the electronic
`messaging field. More and more pacplc are moving about
`with pix-table devices. such as laptop computers and pmable
`digital devices. which can be economically equipped to
`function as message sendinglreceiving terminals. Motown.
`wireless paging hardware. sofiware. 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
`“swearing the received paging message. While. such
`llpyadld paging strvices are highly desirable. they can
`severely strain the capacity of wireless paging dranuels.
`SW OF THE MNTION
`
`It is accordingly a principle object of the present invention
`to provide at imp-oval electronic messaging network and
`method. wherein communications link capacity is conserved
`by nonsmltting certain messages with an improved degree of
`massage compression.
`Particularly in the ease of radio paging. many paging
`messages consists of a relatively small number of common
`phrases. such as “I am on the way ironic”. “I am working
`late“. “Can we meet for transit". etc.'l'l'tia being the case. such
`commonly used phrases can be coated as “canned" mes-
`sages that can be replaced by short message codes as simple
`as. for enalnple. one or several ASCII characters.
`The present invention takes advantage of this fact by
`providing. in accordance with one preferred embodiment. a
`method of cnnnnunl'cating messages between subscribers of
`an electronic messaging network. comprising the steps of
`maintaining. at a network opo'ation center. a first file of
`melted messages individually retrievable using unique.
`abbreviated message codes respectively assigned to the
`tanned messages; maintaining. at a terminal of a calling
`subscriber. a second file of united messages corresponding
`to the first file; seleding an appropriate canned message
`from the second file for transmission to a terminal of a
`designated. receiving subscriber: sending the message mile
`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
`calling subscriber terminal: and communicating the selected
`canned message to the designated receiving party terminal
`where it is displayed.
`
`35
`
`45
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OFTl-IE 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 taminttl in the network of FIG. I when sending a
`message in accordance with one embodiment of the inven-
`tion:
`FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the
`network operation center {NBC} in the network of FIG. 1
`when relaying a message from the calling terminal to the
`receiving tenninal in accordance with one embodiment of
`the invention:
`
`£15
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`5 . 894.506
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`3
`FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the
`receiving terminal in the network of FIG. I when receiving
`a message in accordance with one unhodiment of the
`invention:
`FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the operations of the
`NBC and the calling terminal regarding a mssage response
`from the receiving terminal in accordance with one embodi-
`ment of the invention:
`FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the netwodt operation
`to update message tiles in the NBC andthe callinglreoeivlng
`terminals in accordance with one embodiment of the inven-
`tion;
`FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of the calling
`tenninnl of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of
`the invention; and
`FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of the NOC of FIG.
`I in someone: with one embodiment of the invention.
`Corresponding reference numerals refer to like parts
`throughout the drawings.
`DETAILED DESWTMN OF THE
`PREFERRED EM'BOD‘ILIENT
`
`As seen in FIG. 1. an electronic messaging network in
`accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
`invention includes. a calling party terminal Ill. a network
`operation center (NOE) 12. and a receiving party terminal
`14. It will be appreciated that. in practice. the network will
`include pluralities of calling and. receiving pal)? luminals.
`The calling party terminal 10 is connected to NOC 12 by a
`communications llnlt I6. which may take the form of land
`line {c.g. phonellncs}. a direct coanputer link. a wireless
`link. or a satellite link. NOC 12 is preferablyr connected to
`receiving party terminal In! by a wireless communications
`link 18. An example of a preferable network operation cents
`that can be implemented in the practice of the present
`invention is the natural: operation center being developed
`by Destineu Corporation of Jackson. Miss. to handle their
`Nationwide Wireless Netwra'k (NWN) paging servicee That
`NOC and a preferred moway wireless network for imple-
`menting the present. invention are described in US. patent
`afielication Ser. Number 03134216. the. mnlents of which
`are her-clay int-mated by reference.
`in accordance with the present invention. calling Lamina!
`10 includes a stored file of canned measages and associated
`canned message codes. Referring to the flow chart of FIG.
`2. when a calling party wishes to send a message to a
`reeeivingparty at terminal lit (FIG. 1). the terminal retrieves
`the file of the canned [manager from storage (step 22} and
`displays the file to the calling party (step 34). The calling
`party Irowms through the file to determine iftlte text of any
`of the canned messages is apportion to convey the par-
`ticular message lint the callingpany wishes to send to the
`receiving party. If an appropriate canned message is noted.
`the (ailing party selects this canned message (step 26) using
`suitable printing means. such as a mouse. cursor. etc. Based
`on the canned message selection. terminal 10 retrieves the
`asaociatcrl canned message code from the file (step 28).
`If the selected canned message calls for the inclusion of
`a parameterts}. such as. for example. time. date. phone
`number. etc“ the milling party enters a desired panmetcfls).
`using an appropriate entry device. such as a keypad [step
`30). The calling terminal I. compiles the retrieved message
`rattle associated with the smitten canned message with an
`appropriate indicator rode. calling and receiving terminal
`addresses. and added paramefis. if any (step 32). Terminal
`1. than transmits the compiled canned message codes and
`
`—
`
`4
`together with calling and receiving.
`parameters. if any.
`terminal addresses to NOC 12 over communications lintt 16
`(FIG. 1) {step 34).
`Assume. for example. that the canned message selected
`by the calling party in step 26 is “I am on my way home".
`This finned. titers-age does not call for the addition of
`parameters. The associated code far this canned message.
`may be. for example. the numb-fl 36 in ASCII code. To
`indicate that nurnhta' 36 is a tanned message code.
`the
`calling terminal It] adds a suitable indicator code. such as
`ASCII control character 3. Thus. the compiled canned
`message codes representing the canned message "i am on
`my way home“ is transmitted in step 34 to NOE 12 simply
`as @236.
`An example of a canned message calling for the inclusion
`ofpararneters maybe’fallmeatatphonc number.Tltis
`canned messageeallsformemllingpartytofilllnadesired
`time parameter and a phone number (step 3|}. Suppose the
`calling my wishes the receiving party to call him at 4 PM
`all phone number 555-1212. the following canned message
`codes m then compiled by the calling terminal 10 and
`transmitted. to NOC 12 as:
`dammmnn
`
`where:
`46> is an ASCII control character serving as a canned
`message indicator.
`18 is the code associated with canned homage "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.
`laminal ll] maintains a file of canned response options.
`Tl'len. it the calling party wishes to and response options to
`a selected canned message. the calling party accesses the
`canned response options tile (step 36}. which is then flier
`playedhy terminal 10 (stop 35]- The calling patty btmvaes
`through this tile to (lamina which of the multiple response
`options are appropriate for addition to the selected canned
`message to he sent to the designated receiving [any The
`callingparty selects the appropriate canned response options
`(stepttolindtesamenrannerasintheselecfion nfthccanned
`message. and the calling terminal ll retrieves the particular
`codes associated with the selected canned response options
`(step a). If the selected canned response options call for the
`addition ofparamettn's. such as time. the calling party enters
`the desired parameter“) {step 44). The selected canned
`response codes and parameters are then compiled with the
`canned message code and any canned message parameters
`[step 32). The ceiling terminal then transmits the compiled
`canned message and response coder.
`together with any
`parameters to NBC 12 (stop 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:
`Wmldbdfbmlm'fdhlm
`where:
`06> is an ASCII control character serving as the canned
`message and multiple response options indicator.
`dB:- is an ASCII control character serving as the param—
`eter separator.
`
`10
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`5.894.506
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`41> is aaASCIl control character unit separator used as
`a dclinoator separating multiple response options from the
`canned message and [tom each other.
`62 is the code associated with canned message “Can we
`sign the. document first thing tomon-ow‘?".
`‘l
`is the code associated with canned response option
`"yes".
`2 is the code associated with canned response option
`run".
`'1' is the code associated with canned response tuition
`“change to“. and
`1PM is the keyed—in parameter.
`The following example illustrates that. in some cases.
`parameters added to canned messages may be canned
`parameters also stored at
`the calling [ermlnal 10. Such
`canned parameters may be included in the canned message
`file.
`the canned multiple response options file. or in a
`separate canned pm’arneter lilo slored at the calling tenninnl.
`ll canned parameters are stored in separate file from the
`canned message file and the canned multiple response option
`file. parameter selection by the calling party is achieved
`using a swarm: subroutine corresponding to the subroutine
`used to select canned multiple response options.
`To illustrate this case. consider the annual message “Con
`we meet
`for lunch at or
`'l". and the sclectcd multiple
`response options are “noon". "12:30" or “call me". The
`compilation of codes andparameters transmitted to NBC ‘12
`would then be:
`wlmlmn:ml>db15db l omens-cats
`
`where:
`do) is the MCI] control character saving as the tanned
`message and multiple response options indicator.
`(31} is the ASCII coon-cl cltarncter saving as a delin-
`eator for separating the canned message and multiple
`response options from each other.
`<29> is the parameter separator.
`10 is the Code associated with canned message “Can we
`meet for lunch at or 1"".
`8 is the code associated with the canned parameter and
`response option “call me".
`15 is the code associated with canned parameter and
`response option “noon". and
`12130 is the keyed-in parameter.
`FIG. 3 illusu'ates the operation of NOC 12 in accordance
`with one embodiment afthc invention. The council message}
`response option codes and any parameters transmitted by
`calling terminal [0 over communications link to are
`received by a NBC receiver (Step 50'). From the calling and
`receiving terminal addresses included with the canned
`messagclresponsc option codes. the identifies of the calling
`and receiving tmn'utals ll and Ill (FIG. 1) are determined
`(step 52). These determination: are stored in mommy [step
`Sill. From the identity of the receiving terminal 14. NOC 12
`detennines if receiving terminal 14 is capable of accepting
`this particular canned messagdrcsponse option. NOC 1215
`[Hogflmmed to make this determination for several reasons.
`For example. NOC‘ lZnee-dstolrnotv whetherthe designated
`receiving party is it member of a messaging group or
`organization that has established ethic of customized canned
`messages and response options and thus has access to a
`terminal in which files of the customized canned messages»f
`response options and associated codes are stored in memory.
`Also.
`the files of canned messages may include both
`standard. network-wide canned messages and united mes:
`sages customized fora partiallitr group. Thus.NDC 12 must
`determine whdher the designated receiving party terminal
`
`6
`can accept only standard canned messagesl‘response options.
`only customilcd canned messageshosponse options or both.
`In any use. NOC 12 maintains multiple files of canned
`messages and canned response options. including files ideas
`Lical to those stated at calling terminal Ill and possibly also
`at receiving terminal 14.
`Based on this determination. NOC anatomist-s whether
`the designated receiving patty terminal can accept
`the
`canned message in code form. id. as received from the
`sending party terminal. or whether the canned message must;
`be transmitted in full text to the receiving party terminal
`(stop 56). If the designated receiving terminal can accept
`canned rncssagdresponsc option nodes. they are transmitted
`to the designated receiving party tenttinal in the same form
`as received from the sending party terminal (step 58). If the
`designated receiving party tenniaal is not equipped to pro-
`cess canned messagclresponse option codes. NBC 12 uses
`the canned messagcfresponse option codes received from the
`calling party terminal 10 to retrieve from the appropriate
`filels) the text of the associated canned message and until
`tiple response qitions. 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 NBC 12 to the receiving terrains! (step 58).
`FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of receiving terminal 14
`upon receiving a message transmission. according to an
`embodimmt of the invention. Initially. terminal 14 receives
`the united messagcfreqoonse option transmission from
`NOC 12 (step 70). The receiving terminal then determines
`whether the canned messagelresponse option reception is in
`message text ur canned message code (step 72). If in text. the
`canned message and any response options are displayed to
`the receiving party [step 1'4). Miamadvialy. if the reception
`is in canned messagclresponse option codes. the receiving
`[any terminal 14. using Lites: codes. ran-lures the associated
`canned messages. GIIIJIEd rcslsonse options. and canned
`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.
`it any. are dismayed in tea: tone for viewing by the
`receiving party terminal (step 1'4).
`If any response options are included with the canned
`message.thc receiving party selecttthe appropriate response
`Option (stop 78). which is then transmitted by the receiving
`terminal back to NUC 12 (step 80). Since a typical response
`option is very short. it can be efliciently transmitted back to
`NOC 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 bys positioned in
`associated relation with the display of the multiple refit-ens:
`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 ofthe NBC and the calling
`terminal in relaying a telecled response option from the
`receiving terrnlnal to the calling terrnlnalllt accordance with
`an embodiment of the invention. Initially. NOC 12 receives
`the selected response option h'ansrnifiod by the receiving
`party terminal lit (step 82). NOC then detcnnines whether
`the received response option is in ASCII text code fomtat or
`in canned response option code {step 83). If in test code.
`NOC simply relays the selected response option to the
`calling party terminal Ill {step 56). If the selected response
`
`10
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`5.894-506
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`7
`option is received from the receiving party terminal in
`eanned response option node. a decision is made whether to
`transmit the selected response option to the calling pmy
`terminal in canned response code or in ASCII text code (slep
`34]. If the former.
`the canned response code is simply
`transmitted to the calling party terminal 10 as received from
`the receiving terminal (step 86]. If in ASCII text code. NOC
`12 is programmed Io access its stored canned multiple
`response option file and. using the received response option
`code. retrieve the selected canned response option text (step
`Its). which is then transmitted in ASCII text code to the
`calling party terminal 10 (51¢ 86).
`The selected response option relayed by NBC 12 is
`received by calling terminal 10 {step DI). which then deter—
`mines whether the response option is in text code format or
`canned. response code [step 92]. ll'la test code. die response
`option is decoded and displayed to the calling party (step
`9:).
`lf 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 um [step 96). which is then
`displayed to the calling pasty (step 94).
`NOC 12. as part of its system responsibilidrs. is capable
`of updating the canned. message. canned response qtlion.
`and canned parameter files. FIG. 6 illustrates the procedure
`tor updating these files in accordance with one unhorlirnent
`of the invention. NOC 12 updates the tiles [step 100} and
`stores the canned file updates in the NOC memory (step
`III). NOC