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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
`
`

`
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`CLASS1FiCATiDN
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`Verified andAI:In1awied3ed
`
`
`
`
`ADDRESS
`
`
`
`
`
`U.S.DEPT. oFGoMM.:PA‘n&1'M—P1*o~435L {Rama-94)
`
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`WARNING: The inlamnalion disclosed herein may be restricted. Unaulh zed disclosure may be prohibited
`
`
`by the United Sialee Code Tulle 35. Seciions ‘I22. 181 :
`-‘ 365. Possession outslcte the U.S.
`Patanw Trademark Oilir.-e is restrrclefi to authorized mpioyeee and oorltractors only.
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`Assistant Examiner
`
`-“
`
`ISSUE
`BATCH
`NUMBER
`
`/-—.’
`
`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
`
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`INDEX OF CLAIMS
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`(RIGHT OUTSIDE]
`
`9
`
`9
`
`

`
`United States Patent
`Pinter
`
`[19]
`
`[11] Ptent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`5,894,506
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`[54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`GENERATING AND COMMUNICATING
`
`4.336.514
`4353155
`
`(#1981 [min ......
`531933 NI!“-I -
`
`USOO5894506A
`
`
`
`MESSAGE; BETWEEN SUBSCRIBERS TD
`Em MES
`NE-I-“Fr
`AN EL
`ON-[C
`AGING
`ORR
`Invenlor. Gregory J. Pinttr. Brandon. Miss.
`['75]
`[73] Assignce: SlLyT¢I Communications. Inc.
`Jackson. Miss.
`
`[211 APPL No". mmfigfi
`
`92] Filed:
`
`5
`
`Scp. 5, [996
`
`B" 5”‘ C1’ "““““““““““““““““"""""""" 5”” "54
`[52]
`(1.5. CI. ............-.
`Jmssmz 37988.15:
`379393.24: 340-m25.44; 45514112
`[53] Field afseanch ...
`.-............ 37957. as. 89.
`379193.24. 93.25. 93.26: 45551.3. 31.2;
`3952900.}. 200.3]. 200.34. 200.37. 200.41
`
`.
`,
`5.539.503
`
`3&5 -=1 ii rd
`.
`aynmn c
`'?Il996 Innis: at I].
`......
`0-n{}_:_]g pUB]__ICAT10NS
`"New Radio Paging System." by Mitsuru Komura at nl.
`Japan Telecommunications Revlcw. Jul. IWT. vol. 19.1%.
`3. pp. 21? and 220-225.
`“Paging System Broadmsls Nationwide on FM Radio Chan-
`nel.“ Elecironlcs International. Jan. 4. 1979. vol. 52. No. J.
`pp, 574,3,
`"A Development Projed of e Poclrersiz-.c Receiver for a
`Nafionwidc Paging System.” by Kari Kiishincn or a]. ram
`1979 pp 333_m
`‘
`‘
`'
`Prfmarzr Ewrm‘MI'~FaI1 SATB9-as
`Aflamey. Agent. or F’-"rm—Finncgan. Henderson. Farabuw.
`Garrett & Dunner. l..L.P.
`
`[55]
`
`nererences Cllcd
`U_s_ H.“-EN-I DOCUMENTS
`‘In’I 96}
`2,973,676
`Sfl 9'?!)
`3513.-H3
`lfl 973
`3314.375
`GI’! 97-!
`3.515.145
`S IfI 97:!
`3.346.733
`III] 974
`3.851.251
`3d'l.'9'Ifi
`3.94-L724
`8.I'J.9'lfi
`3.976.995
`l0f}.9‘l6
`3.93-I,'TT5
`3fl9‘?7
`4.010.481
`‘-01°-‘*5’ M977
`‘E1333
`4.2-||9.l65 H1981
`“9?'526 “[930
`4-.3q‘}.-‘I-M -“I931
`4330.750
`
`“mm”
`[571
`An electronic messaging network cumlxises a netwcrk
`operation center and plural message terminals. all including
`memories for storing corresponding filcs of canned ms-
`sagcs and associated message codes. To send a canned
`message. a calling party selects a canncd lucss-age stored at
`one message lerrninnl and transmits the assigned message
`code to a receiving pm-zyal another message tannins: via the
`network operation ocnlnr. The receiving Ierrninal mlricves.
`the sclcaod canned message from its nnemury using the
`received message cod: for display In the rccciving party.
`Files of canned rcsponses and associated response codes
`any also be stored in the memories at the terminals and
`ncmork operation center to allow the exchange of selected
`canned response options in conjunction with canned mes-
`sagas to be in response cod: fnrrn.
`
`51'] 951’ 2lCIaims. 7D11wing5I1ee‘|3
`
`Rsrszsve
`DPYIONFWLE
`n2’.‘.‘:’o“E.E.
`
`3‘
`
`-
`
`35
`DBTDON FILE
`
`SELECI
`CMNED
`RESPONSE
`
`
`Izlrnmus
`
`RETRIEVE CODES
`F OR SELECI kl)
`RESPONSE
`DPTFONS
`
`
`
`
`ID
`
`
`
`
`
`
`42
`
`Ema“
`"”-1 mnnmsrenqsa
`
`
`
`10
`
`
`
`
`HEIH IEUE
`23 "“'
`DUDE FDR
`SELECTED
`-CANNED MESS-MEE
`
`w__'
`
`E-‘d'|'ER
`mRMlETEFl|Sl
`CGMPILE
`'~|ES5!.'\G'E
`3:‘-‘ EUDESANI1
`
`‘ PfiRAf7EH|_SI
`
`[RIM-|SllI'f
`
`3,. . _ wzssaes
`cones 5
`. mums renrsl
`TO NOE 12
`
`
`
`
`MESSAGE FVLE
`
`10
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 1 of‘!
`
`5,894,506
`
`...0?‘
`
`wz_>_mom_m
`
`._<z_s_mm:
`
`viozfimz
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`
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`
`602.wmfizmo
`
`023.30
`
`._<Z__>_mm._.
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`RETRIEVE
`CANNED
`MESSAGE FILE
`
`DISPLAY
`CANNED
`MESSAGE FILE
`
`36
`
`
`
`RETR1EVE
`CANNED
`RESPONSE
`OPTION FILE
`
`33
`
`DISPLAY CANNED
`RESPONSE
`OPTION FILE
`
`SELECT
`CANNED
`MESSAGE
`
`RETRIEVE
`CODE FOR
`SELECTED
`CANNED MESSAGE
`
`OPTIONS
`
`SELECT
`CANNED
`RESPONSE
`OPTIONS
`
`RETRIEVE CODES
`FOR SELECTED
`RESPONSE
`
`22
`
`24
`
`25
`
`28
`
`32
`
`34
`
`30
`
`ENTER
`PARAMETER(S)
`
`44
`
`ENTER
`PARAM ETER(S)
`
`COMPILE
`MESSAGE
`CODES AND
`
`PARAMETER(S)
`
`
`
`TRANSMIT
`MESSAGE
`CODES 3.
`
`PARAMETER(S)
`TO NOC 12
`
`(FIG 3)
`
`12
`
`2
`
`12
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 3 of 1
`
`5,894,506
`
`RECEIVE MESSAGE
`
`50
`
`CODES AND F’ARAMETER(S)
`
`FROM TERMINAL 10 54
`
`
`
`STORE
`TERMINAL
`IDENWIES
`
`
`
`IDENTIFY
`TERMINALS 10 8- 14
`
`
`RETRIEVE CANNED
`MESSAGE 8: RESPONSE
`OPTIONS TEXT
`
`60
`
` TRANSMIT
`MESSAGE (CODE
`
`OR TEXT} TO
`TERMINAL 14
`
`58
`
`(FIG 4)
`
`FIG. 3
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
`
`5,394,506
`
`RECEIVE MESSAGE
`FROM NOC 12
`
`70
`
`RETRI EVE
`MESSAGE &
`RESPONSE
`OPTIONS TEXT
`
`75
`
`
`
`74
`
` DISPLAY
`MESSAGE 8:
`
`RESPONSE
`OPTIONS TEXT
`
`
`
`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?
`
`
`88
`
`
`
`
`RETRIEVE
`TRANSMIT
`SELECTED
`SELECTED
`
`REPONSE
`RESPONSE OPTION
`OPTION TEXT
`(CODE OR TEXT)
`FROM MEMORY
`TO TERMINAL ‘IO
`
`
` RECEIVE SELECTED
`FROM NOC 12
`
`RESPONSE OPTION
`
` RETRIEVE SELECTED
`
`RESPONSE OPTION
`TEXT
`
`
`DISPLAY
`SELECTED
`
`
`RESPONSE
`
`OPTION TEXT
`
`
`94
`
`FIG. 5
`
`15
`
`15
`
`

`
`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`UPDATE CANNED
`MESSAGE!RESPONSE
`OPTION FILES
`
`100
`
`STORE UPDATED
`CANNED FILES
`IN NOC
`
`TRANSMIT UPDATED
`CANNED FILES
`T0 TERIVHNALS
`IN MESSAGING
`GROUP
`
`102
`
`104
`
`RECEIVE UPDATED
`CANNED FILES
`
`105
`
`STORE UPDATED
`CANNED FILES
`
`108
`
`FIG. 6
`
`16
`
`16
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 13. 1999
`
`Sheet 7 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`m:
`
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`
`
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`
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`
`17
`
`17
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`5.894.506
`
`1
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`GENERATING AND COMMUNICATING
`MESSAGES BETWEEN SUIISCRIBERS TO
`AN .ELEC'l'RON'lC MIEBSAGING NEIWDRK
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The protetlt invention relates to clcclronir: jnfmnation
`services and more particularly to the exchange of elearonje
`messages among subscribers to an electronic messaging
`network.
`
`ID
`
`2
`In accordance with a feature of the present invention. the
`fil-st and second canned message files may be updated. either
`by the network operation center or from a subscribd tcr1't1.i-
`nal in order to customize the canned messages according to
`the needs of a particular group or organization of sI.lb.tcu'b-
`ers. In addition. the canned mrcssnges may be phrased to
`accept the addition of one or more parameters. which are
`earned at the calling subscriber tannins! 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
`incorporated in the bodies ofthe canned messages.
`The present invention also accommodates the addition of
`multiple response options to the canned messages selected
`by trailing subscribers. The multiple response options are
`then included with the canned message codes sent to the
`network cpaatlon center. The selected canned messages are
`then mtrievnd from line first file and communicated to the
`designated receiving subscn"bers. together with the added
`multiple response options. The receiving parties then select
`the appropriate one of the multiple options for transmission
`back to the appropriate calling subscribers via the network
`operation center. The multiple response options rnay also be
`canned responses maintained in dies 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 Ina.n.I:Icr as lhe message codes.
`In accordance with another feature of the present
`invention. corresponding canned message tiles are also
`maintained alrcceiving subscriber terminals. sudt that the
`canned Irtcasagcs may be communicated to the rocciving
`subscribetti in message code form. The received message
`codes are then used to retrieve the appropriate canned
`messages and multiple response options from stored files.
`and displayed by the receiving party terminals.
`Additional features and advantages of the invention will
`be set forth in the desuiption which follows. and in part will
`be apparent from the description. or may be learned by
`practice of the invention. The objectives and other advan-
`tages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
`method and apparatus particularly pointed out in the written
`description and the appended claims. as well as the accom-
`panying drawings.
`3 will be understood that both the foregoing general
`description and the following detailed description are exem-
`plary and explanatory and are intended to provide further
`explanation of the invention as claimed.
`The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a
`further understanding of the invention and art: incorporated
`in and constitute ll pan or the specification. illustrate a
`preferred embodiment of the invention. and. together with
`the description. serve to explain the principles of the inven-
`tion.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE l1'~'V'E.NTION
`As more and more people sign on to information
`Iltxwdrks. congestion nftllc cormnunicalions links compris-
`ing these networks. both wirel.ine 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 inlplclnenlcd.
`In increase the capacities of
`communications links.
`One area of particularly rapid growth is the electronic
`messaging field. More and more people are moving about
`with portable devices. sum as laptop computers and portable
`digital devices. which can be economically equipped to
`functio as message scndinglreceiving terminals. Mcreova.
`wireless paging hardware. sofiware. and support services are
`being upgraded to accommodate two-way messaging. 'l‘hat
`is. portable pagers are being developed not only to receiving
`paging rnessag-cs. but also to send back a signal acknowl-
`edging receipt of a paging message or even I message
`answering the received paging message. While. such
`upgraded paging strvices are highly desirable. they can
`severely strain the capacity of wireless paging channels.
`SIJMIMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is accordingly a principle object of the ptscnl invention
`to provide at improve-ni clectmnic rcessaging network and
`method. wherein communications link capacity is conserved
`by llansmlniug certain messages with an improved degree of
`sage compression.
`Particularly in the case of radio paging. many paging
`messages consists of a relatively small number of common
`phrases. such as “I am on the way home”. "I urn working
`late“. “Can we meet for l.unch". etc.'I'l-its being the case. such
`commonly used phrases can be treated as “canned” mes-
`sages that can be replaced by short message codes as simple
`as. for eaalcple. one or several ASCII] characters.
`Tilt.‘ present invention takes advantage of this fact by
`providing. in accordance with one preferred e|nbod.'tmt:nl. a
`method of cnnununicating messages between subscribers of
`an electronic messaging network. comprising the steps of
`roairaaining. at a network ope-ation center. a first file of
`canned messages individually retrievabie using unique.
`abbreviated message codes respectively assigned to the
`tanned messages; maintaining. at a terminal of a calling
`subscriber. a second file of and messages corresponding
`to the first file; seleanlng an appropriate canned n-leasage
`from the second file for transmission to a terminal of a
`designated receiving subscriber: sending the rncssage code
`assigned to the selected canned message to the network
`operation center: retrieving the selected canned message
`from the lirst tile using the mmsage code received from the
`calling subscriber terminal: and communicating the selected
`canned message to the designated receiving party terminal
`where it is displayed.
`
`35
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION 0‘F'[‘l-IE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is it block diagram illustrating an electronic mes-
`saging network utilized in the practice of at preferred
`embodiment of the present invention:
`FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of a
`calling taminnl in the nctwcrls of FIG. I when sending a
`message in accordance with one embodiment of the inven-
`tion:
`FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the ope.rnl.ii:In of the
`network operation center {NBC} in the network of FIG. 1
`when relaying it message from the calling tenuinal lo the
`receiving terminal in accordance with one cmbadinient of
`the inve-ntion:
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`£15
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`3
`FIG. 4 is a how diagrun illustrating the operation of the
`receiving terminal in the network of FIG. I when receiving
`a message in accordance with one ernhorlimenl of the
`invention:
`FIG. 5 is a flow tl.i.agra.n1 illustrating the operations of the
`NBC and the calling terminal regarding a message response
`front the receiving terminal in accctdancc with one embodi-
`ment of the invention:
`FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the networlt operation
`to update message Iiles in the NOC andthe calliuglreoeiving
`terminals in accordance with one crnbodirnent of the inven-
`tion;
`FIG. 7 is a schematic block dlagrarn of the calling
`terminal of FIG. I in accordance with one tzmbodiment of
`the invention: and
`FIG. 8 is a schematic bloclt; diagram of the NOC of FIG.
`I in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
`Corresponding reference numerals refer to lilte parts
`throughout the drawings.
`DE['Al'LED DESGIIPTICIN OF THE
`PREFERRED EL{BOD‘l'_hv[EN"l'
`
`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 (NOCJ 12. and a receiving party terminal
`14. It will be appreciated that. in practice. the network will
`inclttdc plumlities of calling and receiving party ltrminals.
`The calling party terminal 10 is connected to NO-C 12 by a
`oornrounicatzions llnlt I6. which may take the farm of land
`line {e.g.. phonellncs}. a direct computer link. a wireless
`link. or a satellite link. NOC 12 is preferably connected to
`receiving party terminal II by a wireless cornrnnnlcations
`link 18. An example of a preferable network operation cents
`that can be implemented in the practice of the present
`invention is the nrtwcrlt operation center being developed
`by Destincu Corporation of Jackson. Miss. to handle their
`Nationwide Wireless Nawmk (NWN) paging servicea That
`NOC and a preferred ttvtrway wireless network for imple-
`menting the present. invention are described in US. patent
`afialication Ser. Number 081134.216. the contents of whlclt
`are hereby incaptxated by reference.
`in accordance with the present invention. calling ta-mimd
`10 includes I stored file of canned messages and associated
`canned message codes. Referring to the low chart of FIG.
`2. when a calling party wishes to send a message to a
`receivingpauy at terminal 1:! (FIG. 1). the terminal retrieves
`the tile of the canned messages from storage (step 22} and
`displays the file to the calling party (step 34). The calling
`party lrowscs through the lile to determine iftlte text of any
`of the canned naeasagcs is ap1:|'op'iate. lo convey the par-
`ticular message tlnl the callingpany wishes to send to the
`receiving party. If an appropriate canned message is noted.
`the calling party selects this canned message (step 26) using
`suitable pointing means. such as a mouse. cursor. etc. Based
`on the canned message selection. terminal 10 retrieves the
`associated canned message code from the file (step 28).
`If the selected canned massage calls for the inclusion of
`n parameterls}. such as. for example. time. date. phone
`number. etc. the calling party enters a desired pararnetcr(s).
`using an appropriate entry device. such as a keypad [step
`30). The calling terminal 10 compiles the retrieved. message
`code associated with the se-lcctctl canned message with an
`appropriate indicator code. calling and receiving terminal
`addressm. and added parartacters. if any (step J2). Terminal
`[0 than Iransrnits the cornpileti canned message codes and
`
`4
`together with calling and receiving.
`parameters. if any.
`terminal addresses to NOC 12 over communications lint: 16
`(FIG. 1) (step 34).
`Assume. for example. that the canned message selected
`by the calling party in step 16 is “I aan on my way home".
`This (‘2l'.'l.tlI.'.l:l. message does not call for tire addition of
`parameters. The associated code far this canned message.
`may be. for example. the number 36 in ASCII code. To
`indieate that nttrnhcr 36 is a canned message code.
`the
`calling termiml 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 lo NOC I2 simply
`as <16>36.
`An example of a canned message calling for the inclusion
`ol‘parameters1naybe"Calln:teatarphone nuJ11her.Tl1.is
`canned tnessagecallsformecallingpartytofilliuadesired
`time parameter and a phone number (step 3|}. Suppose the
`calling parry wishes the receiving party to call him at 4 PM
`at phone number 555-1212. the following canned message
`codes He then compiled by the calling terminal 10 and
`transmitted to NOC 12 as:
`d«6>1I<‘.'R>-ll’!-I49)-5551212
`
`where:
`46> is an ASCII control character serving as a canned
`message indicator.
`18 is the code associated with canned message "Call me _
`at at phone number ".
`<29) is an ASCII control character serving as a paralnctet
`separator. and
`4PM and 5551212 are the keyed-in parameters.
`In addition to paratneters.
`the present invention also
`provides for the addition of response options to certain
`canned messages typically posed as questions. To this end.
`larninal ll] maintains a file of canned response options.
`Then. if the calling party wishes to add respotl-be options to
`is selected eannotl message. the calling party accesses the
`canned response options lile (step 36}. which is then dis»
`playcdhy terminal 10 (step 35}. The caning party btowses
`through this lile to detamine which of the multiple response
`options are appropriate for addition to the selected tanned
`message to be sent to the designated receiving party. The
`callingparty selects the appropziatt: calmed rcspclltsc options
`(step4O)ind1esamentanncrasintl1ese1ecIa'on nfthecanned
`message. and the calling terminal ll retrieves lhe particular
`codes associated with the selected canned response options
`(are; 42). If the selected canned response options call for the
`addition ofparamettna. such as time. the calling party enters
`the desired pnrarrteu-r(s) {step 44). The selected canned
`response codes and parameters are then compiled with the
`canned message code and any canned message paranteters
`[step 32). The calling terminal then transmits the compiled
`canned message and response codes.
`together with any
`pararnntels In NOC 12 (step 34).
`By way of example. if the selected canned message is
`“Can we sign the document firs: thing tornorrow?" followed
`by selected canned response options "yes". "no". and
`“change to 1 PM”. the canned message codes and param-
`eters transmitted to NOC 12 would prelerahly be as follows:
`flfi3|53<3l>-11591-:JL><l-ft>.l<3l>&cr'l'4.13'l:IlPhtl
`where:
`06> is an ASCII control character serving as the canned
`message and multiple response options indicator.
`db is an ASCI1 control character serving as the param-
`eter separator.
`
`10
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`41> is anASCIl control character unit separator used as
`a dciineator separating multiple response options from the
`canned message and [rum each other.
`62 is the code associated with canned message “Can we
`sign the document first thing tomon-nw‘?“.
`l is the code associated with canned response option
`"yes".
`I is the code associated with canned response option
`run".
`'1' is the code associated with canned response option
`“change to“. and
`1PM is the lreyod—in paran-inter.
`111: following example illustrates that. in some cases.
`parameters added to canned messages may be canned
`pararnelers also stored at
`the callig terminal 10. Such
`canned PIl'tll1].Elfi'5 may be included in the onnned message
`file.
`the canned multiple response options tile. or in a
`separate canned pamrneter file stored at the calling terminal.
`If canned pa.1'a.n1eter.s are stored in separate file from the
`canned message file and the canned multiple rewnse option
`file. parameter selection by the calling party is achieved
`using a separate subroutine corresponding to the subroutine
`used to select canned multiple response options.
`To illustrate this case. consider the canned message "Can
`we mod for lunch at or
`'i"‘. and the selected multiple
`response options are "noon". "l2:30"' or “call me". The
`compilation of nodes andparameters transmitted to NOC 12
`would then be‘.
`<3&lBdl‘a>l$<lV'>]2:EI>-dfl':l5d1:l2-.30-€31:-£38
`
`where:
`<1$> is the ASCII control character serving as the tanned
`message and multiple response options indicator.
`41> is the ASCII control character 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 '."".
`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
`11130 is the lneyed—ln parameter.
`FIG. 3 illusuates the operation of NOC 12 in accordance
`with one embodiment afthe invention. ‘The canned message}
`response option codes and any parauneters unstained by
`calling terminal [0 over comrnunications link I6 are
`received by a NOC receiver (step 50'). From the calling and
`receiving terminal addresses included with the canned
`messagelresponse option codes. the identifies of the calling
`and receiving ta111i.nals II and Ill (FIG. 1) are delerrnin-ed
`(step 52). These determination: are stored in rnemunw [step
`Sill. From the identity of the receiving terminal 14. NOC 12
`detennines if receiving tcnninal id is capable of accepting
`this particular canned ntessagdresponse option. NOC 1115
`progrrmrned to make this determination for several reasons.
`For example. NOC‘ lznee-dstolrnow whetherthe designated
`receiving party is ll member of a messaging group or
`organization that has established afile of customized canned
`messages and response options and thus has access to a
`terminal in which files of the customized canned rnassagesi
`response options and associated codes are stored in memory.
`Also.
`the files of canned messages may include both
`standard. network-wide canned messages and canned mes-
`sages customized fora partiullar group. 'I'hua.Nl'_lC 12 must
`determine whdher the designated receiving party terminal
`
`6
`can accept only standard eannod rriessageslresponsc options.
`only custotuiaed canned rnessagesfresponse options or both.
`In any use. NOC 12 maintains multiple files of canned
`messages and canned response options. including files lclea~
`Lical to those stated at calling terminal Ill and possibly also
`1! receiving tenninal 141.
`Based on this determination. NOC lzdeterrninas whether
`the designated receiving party terminal can accept
`the
`canned message in code form.
`i.c.. as received fmm the
`sending party terminal. or whether the canned message must
`be transrniued in full lent to the receiving party terminal
`(stop 56). If the designated receiving terminal can accept
`canned rnessageiresponse option oodes. they are Iranslnitted
`to the designated receiving party terminal in the statue form
`as reoeived from the sending party terminal (step 58). If the
`designated receiving party terminal is not equipped to pro-
`cess canned rnessagefrespo-use option codes. NBC 12 uses
`the canned ntessagefresponse option codes received Erom the
`calling party terminal 10 to retrieve from the appropriate
`filefs) the text of the associated canned message and mttl~
`Iiple response qitions. ifany. from a Inernory {step 60). The
`text of the canned message and response options. together
`with pnraructers. is then transmitted in standard message
`code format by NOC 12 to the receiving terminal (step 58).
`FIG. 4 illustrat.es the operation of receiving terminal 14
`upon receiving a message transmission. according to an
`ornbodimtmt of the invention. Initially. termina.l lull receives
`the canned messngcfreqnonse option transmission from
`NOC 12 (step 70). The receiving terminal then determines
`whether the canned messagelresponse option reception is in
`message text rr c-anncd message code (stop 72). If in text. the
`canned message and any response options are displayed to
`the receiving parry [step Tat). Alternatively. if the reception
`is in canned rnessngelresponse option codes. the receiving
`party ‘terminal 14. using these nodes. raricves the associated
`canned messages. canned response options. and canned
`parameters from the various stored. files identical to those
`stored at calling terminal Ill and N00 12 {step 76). The
`renieved canned message. response options. and parameters.
`if any: are displayed in text form for viewing by the
`receiving party tt'nn.ina.l (step 74).
`If any response options are included with the canned
`!ttt:ssnge.lI'Il: receiving party seleetttlte appropriate response
`option {step 78). which is then 'Ira.nsm.iu.ed by the receiving
`terminal back to NUC 12 (step SD). Since a typical response
`option is very short. it can be efiieiently transmitted back to
`NOC 12 in ASCII text code format.
`lzlowever. it will be
`appreciated that the receiving terminal may he so equipped
`that
`the code nssoclaled with the selected response. as
`received from NOC 12. may simply be transmiued 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 response
`options. Depression of any one of the keys selects the
`associated one of the response options. and a unique. simple
`on-do assigned to the depressed key is transmitted back to the
`NOC 12.
`FIG. 5 illustrates the operation oftlte N-"DC and the ca.|.lilIg
`terrninal i.n relaying I eelecled response qztion frurn the
`receiving terminal to the calling terrnlnalin accordance with
`an embodiment of the invention. Initially. NOC 12 receives
`the ncleelrnd response option transrni'd.r-d by the receiving
`party terminal 14 (step 82). NOC then determines whether
`the received response option is in ASCII text node forntat or
`in canned response option rode {step 83). If in test code.
`NOC simply relays the selected response option to the
`calling party terminal Ill {star 56). If the selected response
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`option is received from the receiving party terminal in
`canned response option node. a decision is made whether to
`transmit the selected response option to the calling pmy
`lerrllinal in canned response code or in ASCII text code (step
`34]. If the forrlter.
`the canal response node is simply
`transmitted to the calling party Ierrninal 10 as received from
`the receiving terminal (step 86;. If inAS(.‘l] text code. Not?
`12 is programmed to access its stored canned multiple
`response option tile and. using the received response option
`code. retrieve the selected canned response option text (step
`as). which is then transmitted in ASCII text code to the
`calling party terminal 10 (stg 86).
`The selected response option relayed by NBC 12 is
`received by calling terminal 10 {step II). which then dete