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`US 2003tll4627r'3Al
`
`(I9) United States
`
`(.2) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0046273 A1
`
`Deshpande
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Mar. 6, 2003
`
`(54)
`
`PIERSONALASSIS'I‘ANCE SERVICE IWl'l'I-l
`INSTANT MESSAGING
`
`(22]
`
`1-‘i1cd;
`
`Aug. 28, 2001
`Publication Classification
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Nikhil M. Deshpande. Beaverlun, 0R
`(05)
`
`(5|)
`
`(Turreslmndcnu: Adda-3"»:
`Scliwegman, Lunrlherg,
`Wuessncr 8:. Kluth. PA.
`p_()_ Box 2938
`Minnefllwfis’ MN 55402 {US}
`
`(7'3)
`
`{\fiignce:
`
`Intel Corpflnllifln
`
`(2]) Appl. No.1
`
`09f940,755
`
`lnl. Cl.7 ........................... " (381W l7l30; Gflfili 9546;
`($061" 17.500
`........................." 707,8; 709.3313; 706.345
`
`(53} US. Cl.
`-
`ABSTRACT
`(3?)
`A nielhod, apparalus, and signal-[mating media for commu-
`nicaling infurrnalinn relalive [0 [he location of a mobile
`device via an inslani message. A mnhile device may requesl
`information from an inslanl-mmsuging server, which per-
`sonalizes the information In [he lncaiion of the mobile
`device.
`
`505
`
`
`
`SEND IM T0
`PERSONAL ASSISTANT
`
`PARSE IM
`
`515
`
`525
`
`500
`
`RECE'VE I”
`
`510
`
`520
`
`INTERROGATE PRESENCE
`DATA FOR THE LOCATION
`
`OF THE SENDER
`
`530
`
`QUERY LOCATION
`DATABASE FOR INFORMAHON
`
`SEND IM
`WITH INFORMATlON
`
`COMMUNICATE TO THE USER
`
`RECEIVE M AND
`
`001
`001
`
`Facebook Ex. 1009
`Facebook Ex. 1009
`U.S. Pat. 7,535,890
`US. Pat. 7,535,890
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 6, 2003 Sheet 1 0f 5
`
`US 2003/0046273 A1
`
`C3
`I!)
`.—
`
`C)
`(D
`‘—
`
`
`AUTHENTICATION
`
`SERVER
`
`INSTANT
`
`
`
`MESSAGINGSERVER
`
`FIG.1
`
`
`
` HOT'SPOTACCESS
`
`POINT ACCESS
`POINT
`140/£70
`
`BILE DEVICE
`
`002
`002
`
`

`

`
`
`
`STORAGE
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`265
`
`FRESH“
`
`
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Mar. 6, 2003 Sheet 2 0f 5
`
`US 2003/0046273 A1
`
`160
`
`INSTANT MESSAGING SERVER
`
`2.35
`
`260
`
`PERSONAL
`
`ASSISTANCE
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`275
`
`27o
`
`LOCAHON
`DATABASE
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 2
`
`003
`003
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 6, 2003 Sheet 3 0f 5
`
`US 2003/0046273 A1
`
`.335
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`STORAGE
`
`360
`
`MOBiLE DEVICE
`
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`FIG.
`
`.3
`
`004
`004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 6, 2003 Sheet 4 0f 5
`
`US 2003/0046273 A1
`
`400
`
`BUDDY LIST FOR RtCHARDOO‘J
`
`415
`
`420
`
`405
`
`John97124 — online, "JFK Airport Gate A43 area"
`Mike_Smith — offline
`Personal Assistant - Online
`
`
`and drive 4 miles
`
`425
`
`430
`
`SEND INSTANT MESSAGE
`
`435
`
`To:
`
`Personal Assistant
`
`Text:
`
`Find me the nearest hotel
`
`SEND ‘37
`
`440
`
`RECEIVED INSTANT MESSAGE
`
`From:
`
`personal Assistant
`
`Here is the information you requested:
`
`Nearest Hotel: Portion Inn, 1220 SW
`Broadway, Portland OR 97201
`
`Contact
`
`Information:
`
`[503)
`
`Driving Direcions from PDX: Turn Right
`
`FIG. 4
`
`005
`005
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 6, 2003 Sheet 5 0f 5
`
`US 2003/0046273 A1
`
`500
`
`505
`
`PERSONAL ASSISTANT
`
`SEND IM TO
`
`PARSE IM
`
`515
`
`525
`
`QUERY LOCATION
`DATABASE FOR INFORMATION
`
`RECEIVE m
`
`510
`
`520
`
`INTERROGATE PRESENCE
`DATA FOR THE LOCA'HON
`
`OF THE SENDER
`
`530
`
`SEND IM
`
`WITH INFORMATION
`
`
`
`535
`
`RECEIVE IN! AND
`
`COMMUNICATE TO THE USER
`
`599
`
`FIG. 5
`
`006
`006
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2003/0046273 A1
`
`Mar. 6, 2003
`
`PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE WITH
`INSTANT MESSAGING
`
`FIELD
`
`[0001] This invention relates generally to communication
`between a mobile device and a server and more particularly
`to communication between a mobile device and a personal
`assistance service at an instant-messaging server.
`
`COPYRIGHT NOTICEIPERMISSION
`
`[0002] Aportion ofthe disclosure ofthis patent document
`contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The
`copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduc-
`tion by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclo-
`sure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent
`file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights
`whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software and
`data as described below and in the drawings hereto: Copy-
`right ‘9 Intel. Incorporated, 2001. All Rights Reserved.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0003] Years ago, people lived their entire lives in the
`same community and rarely ventured beyond its borders.
`Over a lifetime, they accumulated knowledge about their
`community and the businesses and services that were avail-
`able in it. Today, the world is much difi'erent, and people are
`much more mobile. Travelers often find themselves in an
`unfamiliar city or country with little knowledge of the local
`services, such as where to find a hotel, restaurant, or gas
`station. Travelers often resort to scanning the telephone
`book looking for such services. But, a telephone may have
`hundreds of entries in a single category with no way to tell
`which street address is convenient to the traveler’s current
`location and which is far away.
`
`[0004] Many people carry mobile electronic devices, such
`as laptop or notebook computers, handheld computers, cel-
`lular telephones, pagers, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assis-
`taan). These devices often allow communication with other
`people, but
`they lack the ability to provide information
`tailored to the user’s current location.
`
`[0005] What is needed is a way for a user to receive
`assistance personalized to the user’s current location.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0006] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic overview of the archi-
`tecture of an embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0007] FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of an instant-
`messaging server, according to an embodiment of the inven—
`tion.
`
`[0008] FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of a mobile device,
`according to an embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0009] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram example of a user
`interface on a display of a mobile device, according to an
`embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0010] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of processing, according
`to an embodiment of the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`In the following detailed description of exemplary
`[0011]
`embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the
`
`accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like
`elements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown
`by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in
`which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments
`are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the
`art to practice the invention, but other embodiments may be
`utilized and logical, mechanical, electrical,
`and other
`changes may be made without departing from the scope of
`the present invention. The following detailed description is,
`therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope
`of the present invention is defined only by the appended
`claims.
`
`In the following description, numerous specific
`[0012]
`details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of
`the invention. However, it is understood that the invention
`may be practiced without these specific details.
`In other
`instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques
`have not been shown in detail in order not to obsmtre the
`invention.
`
`[0013] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic overview of the archi-
`tecture of an embodiment ol'the invention. According to this
`embodiment, instant-messaging server 160 provides loca-
`tion-based services to mobile device 140 via network 110,
`hotspot-access poian 120 and 130, and authentication server
`150.
`
`[0014] Network 110 is connected to hotspot-access points,
`such as hotspot-access point 120 and hotspot-acoess point
`130. A hotspot may be a wireless access point electronic
`device strategically located for providing wireless mobile
`devices, such as mobile device 140, access to network 110.
`Typical hotspots may be in locations such as airports, hotels,
`restaurants, and stadiums where mobile devices, such as
`mobile device 140, may want
`to make a connection to
`network 110 and obtain services. Although only two
`hotspot-access points 120 and 130 are shown,
`in other
`embodiments any number may be present. In an embodi-
`ment, hotspot-access point 120 andfor 130 may he Intel
`Corporation’s PROIWireless 2011 LAN Access Point
`device.
`In other embodiments, hotspot-access point 120
`andtor 130 may be any appropriate hotspot—access point.
`
`[0015] Network 110 maybe any suitable network capable
`of supporting instant messaging. Instant messaging is dif-
`ferent from electronic mail (email). Email is passed between
`nodes in a network using a "store-and-forward“ technique
`where an email is stored at a node in a network until a
`short-lived connection is established to the next node, at
`which time the email
`is passed along. Eventually, after
`traveling through possibly multiple nodes, the email arrives
`at the destination node. In contrast, instant messaging deliv-
`ers messages faster than email and allows text—based com~
`municatioo to occur in a rapid, conversational
`fashion.
`Whereas email
`is a store-and-fonvard system based on
`short-lived connections, recipients listening for instant mes-
`sages remain connected to their server on a long-lived
`connection. This long-lived connection allows instant mes-
`sages to be delivered in close to real
`time. A further
`difference of instant messaging from email is that email is
`fundamentally built on one~way message passing, while an
`instant—messaging system may be built on request—reply
`pairs. Yet another difference of instant-messaging from
`email is that in an embodiment, instant-messaging may have
`the concept of presence information, which is
`further
`described below with reference to FIG. 2.
`
`007
`007
`
`
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2003/004627’3 A1
`
`Mar. 6, 2003
`
`in other
`[0016] Although one network 110 is shown,
`embodiments any number of networks may be present and
`mobile devices may use the same network or dilferent
`networks.
`In an embodiment, network 110 may support
`wireless communications. In another embodiment, network
`110 may support hard-wired communications, such as a
`telephone line or cable. Network 110 may support any
`appropriate protocol suitable for instant messaging. In an
`embodiment. network 110 may be the Internet and supports
`lP (Internet Protocol). In another embodiment, network 110
`may he a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network
`(WAN).
`In another embodiment, network 110 may be a
`hotspot service provider network. In another embodiment,
`network 110 may be an intranet. In still another embodi-
`ment, network 110 may be any suitable network or combi-
`nation of networks, such as a hotspot service-provider
`network combined with the Internet.
`
`[0017] Mobile device 140 makes a connection with net—
`work l10 by moving into the range of hotspot-access point
`120 or 130. Although only one mobile device 140 is shown,
`in other embodiments, any number may be present. In the
`example shown, mobile device 140 recognizes that hotspot-
`access point 120 is available and may choose to register for
`the services supplied by the hotspot-access point 120 if
`mobile device 140I is configured to accept such services. If
`mobile device 140 registers with network 110 via hotspot-
`access point 120, network 110 confirms the access privileges
`by confirming authorization with one or more authorization
`servers 150. Once authorized, mobile device 14-0 may then
`request or accept
`location—based services that are imple—
`mented using instant-messaging server 160 and supplied
`through network 110 and hotspot-access point 120 or 130.
`Although only one authentication server 150 and one
`instant-messaging server 160 are shown connected to net-
`work 110, any number may be present. Although authenti-
`cation server 150 and instant-messaging server 160 are
`shown to be separate, in another embodiment, they may be
`the same server.
`
`[0018] FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of instant-messag-
`ing server 160, according to an embodiment of the inven—
`tion. Instant-messaging server 160 receives instant messages
`across network 110 from mobile devices, such as mobile
`device 140, and provides location-based services, as further
`described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Referring
`again to FIG. 2,
`instant—messaging server 160 may be a
`server computer. Instant-messaging server 160 may use any
`suitable instant-messaging functions, such as those provided
`by AOL (America Online), Yaliool. or Microsoft MSN
`Messenger Service, but any other suitable instant-messaging
`functions may be used.
`In another embodiment,
`instant-
`messaging server 160 may be implemented by a paging
`service. Instant-messaging server 160 may be implemented
`using any suitable hardware andtor software, such as a
`personal computer available from a number ofvendors. But,
`other examples may be portable computers, laptop comput-
`ers, and mainframe computers. The invention is not so
`limited.
`Instant—messaging server 160 may support any
`suitable instant-messaging protocol.
`In an embodiment,
`instant-messaging server 160 supports the Internet Engineer-
`ing Task Force’s (IETF) Instant Messaging and Presence
`Protocol.
`
`Instant-messaging server 160 includes processor
`[0019]
`235, storage device 240, and network adapter 245, all
`communicativcly coupled via bus 280.
`[0020]
`Processor 235 represents a central processing unit
`of any type of architecture, such as a CISC (Complex
`Instruction Set Computing), RISC (Reduced Instruction Set
`Computing), VHW (Very Long Instruction Word), or a
`hybrid architecture, although any appropriate processor may
`be used. Processor 235 executes instructions and includes
`that portion of instant-meSSaging server 160 that controls the
`operation of the entire server. Although not depicted in FIG.
`2, processor 235 typically includes a control unit
`that
`organizes data and program storage in memory and transfers
`data and other information between the various parts of the
`server. Processor 235 may receive input data from network
`110 via network adapter 245, read and store code and data
`in storage device 240, and may present output data via
`network adapter 245 to network 110. Processor 235 may
`transmit and receive packets of information across network
`110 using network adapter 245.
`[0021] Although instant~messaging server 160 is shown to
`contain only a single processor and a single bus, the present
`invention applies equally to servers that may have multiple
`processors and to servers that may have multiple buses with
`some or all performing different functions in different ways.
`[0022] Storage device 240 represents one or more mecha—
`nisms for storing data. For example, storage device 240 may
`include read only memory (ROM), random access memory
`(RAM), magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage
`mediums,
`llash memory devices, andr'or other machine-
`readable mediums. Although only one storage device 240 is
`shown, multiple storage devices and multiple types of stor—
`age devices may be present. Further, although instant-
`messaging server 160 is drawn to contain storage device
`240,
`the storage device may be distributed across other
`electronic devices attached via network 110.
`
`[0023] Storage device 240 includes personal-assistance
`controller 260, which may include instructions capable of
`being executed on processor 235 to carry out the functions
`of the present invention, as further described below with
`reference to FIG. 5. In another embodiment, some or all of
`the functions of the present invention maybe carried out via
`hardware in lieu of a processor-based system. Referring
`again to FIG. 2, storage device 240 further includes pres-
`ence data 265, location database 270', and buddy list 275.
`Presence data 265 includes presence inform ation of mobile
`devices, including whether they are connected and online or
`disconnected and offline and their location. The location of
`a mobile device may be specified in terms of the hotspotn
`access point which connects the mobile device to network
`110.
`
`[0024] Location database 270 may contain information
`about various services, businesses, and other points of
`interest and their relationship to the various hotspot-access
`points. For example,
`location database 270 may contain
`information about various hotels, rental car companies, gas
`stations, restaurants, hospitals, and dry cleaners that are near
`the respective hotspot—access points. But, in other embodi-
`ments, location database 270 may contain any information
`of interest
`relative to a hotspot-acceSs point. Although
`location database 270 is shown to be within instant-mes-
`saging server 160, in another embodiment location database
`270 may be contained within another computer.
`
`008
`008
`
`
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2003/00462?3 A1
`
`LA
`
`[0025] Buddy list 275 may contain a respective list of user
`names and other information of interest to each respective
`mobile device. Buddy list 275 is further described below
`with reference to FIG. 4.
`
`[0026] Referring again to FIG. 2, of course, storage
`device 240 may also contain additional software and data
`(not shown), which are not necessary to understanding the
`invention.
`
`[0027] Bus 280 represents one or Inore busses (e.g., PCI,
`ISA (Industry Standard Architecture), X~Bus, EISA
`(Extended Industry Standard Architecture), or any other
`appropriate bus) and bridges {also termed bus controllers).
`
`[0028] Network adapter 245 facilitates communication
`between instant-messaging server 160 and network 110.
`Network adapter 245 provides a user of instant-messaging
`server 160 with a means of electronically communicating
`information, such as instant messages, with a remote com—
`puting device, such as hotspot-acccss points 120 and 130,
`mobile device 140, and authentication server 150. In addi-
`tion,
`in another embodiment, network adapter 245 may
`support distributed processing, which enables instant-mes-
`saging server 160 to share a task with other devices linked
`to network 110. Although network adapter 245 is shown as
`part of instant-messaging server 160, in another embodiment
`they may be packaged separately. Although only one net-
`work adapter 245 is shown, in other embodiments, multiple
`network adapters of the same or of a variety of types may be
`present.
`
`Instant—messaging server 160 may be implemented
`[0029]
`using any suitable hardware andtor software, such as a
`personal computer. Portable computers, laptop or notebook
`computers, mainframe computers, and network computers
`are examples of other possible coniigu rations. The hardware
`and software depicted in FIG. 2 may vary for specific
`applications and may include more or fewer elements than
`those depicted. For example, other peripheral devices such
`as audio adapters, or chip programming devices, such as
`EI’ROM (Erasable Programmable Read—Only Memory) pro—
`gramming devices may be used in addition to or in place of
`the hardware already depicted. Thus, an embodiment of the
`invention may apply to any hardware configuration that
`supports instant messaging.
`
`[0030] FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of mobile device
`140, which includes processor 335, storage device 340,
`network adapter 345, input device 350, and output device
`355, all communicativer coupled via bus 380. Mobile
`device 140 is capable of sending and receiving instant
`messages and connecting to network 110 via a hotspot—
`access point, such as hotspot-access point 120 or 130.
`
`Processor 335 represents a central processing unit
`[0031]
`of any type of architecture, such as a CISC (Complex
`Instruction Set Computing), RISC (Reduced Instruction Set
`Computing). VLIW (Very Long Instruction Word), or a
`hybrid architecture, although any appropriate processor may
`be used. Processor 335 executes instructions and includes
`that portion of mobile device 140 that controls the operation
`of the entire mobile device. Although not depicted in FIG.
`3, processor 335 typically includes a control unit
`that
`organizes data and program storage in computer memory
`and transfers data and other information between the various
`
`parts of the mobile device. Processor 335 may receive input
`
`009
`009
`
`Mar. 6, 2003
`
`data from input device 350 and network adapter 345, read
`and store code and data in storage device 340. and may
`present output data to a user via output device 355. Procesw
`sor 335 also may transmit and receive packets of informa—
`tion across network 110 via network adapter 345.
`
`[0032] Although mobile device 140 is shown to contain
`only a single processor and a single bus, the present inven-
`tion applies equally to mobile devices that may have mul-
`tiple processors and to mobile devices that may have mul-
`tiple buses with some or all performing different functions in
`different ways.
`
`[0033] Storage device 340 represents one or more mecha-
`nisms for storing data. For example, storage device 340 may
`include read only memory (ROM), random access memory
`(RAM), magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage
`mediums, flash memory devices, andtor other machine-
`readable mediums. Although only one storage device 340 is
`shown, multiple storage devices and multiple types of stor-
`age devices may be present. Further, although mobile device
`140 is drawn to contain storage device 340,
`the storage
`device may be external to or removable from mobile device
`14-0.
`
`[0034] Storage device 340 contains controller 360, which
`may include instructions capable of being executed on
`processor 335 to carry out the functions of the present
`invention. In another embodiment, some or all of the func-
`tions of the present invention may be carried out via hard—
`ware in lieu of a processor-based system. Of course, storage
`device 340 may also contain additional software and data
`(not shown), which is not necessary to understanding the
`invention.
`
`computer. such as instant-messaging server 160. In addition.
`
`[0035] Bus 380 represents one or more busses (c.g., I’CI,
`ISA (Industry Standard Architecture), X—Bus, EISA
`(Extended Industry Standard Architecture), or any other
`appropriate bus) and bridges (also termed bus controllers).
`
`Input device 350 is that part of mobile device 140
`[0036]
`that accepts input from a user. In an embodiment,
`input
`device 350 may be a keyboard, but in other embodiments,
`input device 350 may be a pointing device. mouse, trackball,
`keypad, touehpad, touch screen, pointing stick, microphone,
`or any other appropriate input device. Although only one
`input device 350 is shown,
`in other embodiments any
`number of input devices of the same or of a variety of types
`may be present.
`
`[0037] Output device 355 communicates information to
`the user of mobile device 140. Output device 355 may be a
`cathode—ray tube (CRT) based video display well known in
`the art of computer hardware. But,
`in other embodiments
`output device 355 may be replaced with a liquid crystal
`display (LCD) based or gas, plasma-based, flat-panel dis-
`play. In still other embodiments, any appropriate display
`device may be used. In yet other embodiments. a speaker
`that produces audio output may he used. Although only one
`output device 355 is shown,
`in other embodiments. any
`number of output devices of dilTerent types or of the same
`type may be present.
`
`[0038] Network adapter 345 facilitates communication
`between mobile device 140 and network 110. Network
`adapter 345 provides a means of electronically communi-
`cating information, such as instant messages, with a remote
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2003/00462?3 A1
`
`in another embodiment. network adapter 345 may support
`distributed processing, which enables mobile device 140 to
`share a task with other devices linked to network 110.
`Although network adapter 345 is shown as part of mobile
`device 140, in another embodiment they may be packaged
`separately. Although only one network adapter 345 is
`shown, in other embodiments, multiple network adapters of
`the same or of a variety of types may be pre3ent.
`
`[0039] Mobile device 140 may be implemented using any
`suitable hardware andi’or software, such as a personal com—
`puter or other electronic mobile device. Portable computers,
`laptop or notebook computers, hand-held devices, PDAs
`(Personal Digital Assistants),
`telephones, cellular
`tele—
`phones, smart phones, two-way alphanumeric pagers, and
`network computers or internet appliances are examples of
`other possible configurations of mobile devices. In other
`embodiments, mobile device 140 may be any suitable type
`of electronic device capable of being moved front one
`location to another location. Moreover, mobile device 140
`may be embedded within another structure, such as alt
`automobile, motorcycle, airplane, boat, bicycle, or any other
`kind of moving apparatus.
`
`[0040] The hardware and software depicted in FIG. 3 may
`vary for specific applications and may include more or fewer
`elements than those depicted. For example, other peripheral
`devices such as audio adapters, or chip programming
`devices, such as EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-
`Only Memory) programming devices may be used in addi~
`tion to or in place of the hardware already depicted. Thus, an
`embodiment of the invention may apply to any hardware
`configuration that supports instant messaging.
`
`[0041] As will be described in detail below, aspects of an
`embodiment pertain to specific apparatus and method ele-
`ments implementable on mobile devices and servers.
`In
`another embodiment, the invention may be implemented as
`a program product for use with a mobile device or server.
`The programs defining the Functions of this embodiment
`may be delivered to a mobile device or server via a variety
`of signal-bearing media, which include, but are not limited
`10:
`
`{1) information permanently stored on non-rewrite-
`[0042]
`able storage media (e.g., read only memory devices within
`a mobile device such as CD-ROM readable by a (JD-ROM
`drive;
`
`(2) alterable information stored on rewriteable stor-
`[0043]
`age media (cg, a hard disk drive or diskette); or
`
`(3) information conveyed to a mobile device or
`[0044]
`server by a communications media, such as through a
`computer or
`telephone network accessed via network
`adapter 245 or 345, including wireless communications.
`
`[0045] Such signal-bearing media, when carrying proces-
`sor-readable instructions that direct
`the functions of the
`present
`invention, represent embodiments of the present
`invention.
`
`[0046] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram example of user
`interface 400 on output device 355 of mobile device 140,
`according to an embodiment of the invention. User interface
`400 includes displayed buddy list 405 for user “Rich-
`ardOO-r'," which in this example is the user name associated
`with mobile device 140. The contents of displayed buddy list
`
`010
`010
`
`Mar. 6, 2003
`
`405 were previously downloaded from buddy list 275 in
`instant-messaging server 160. Displayed buddy list 405 may
`contain name field 410, which identifies a selected user of
`interest
`to RichardOO'r'. Richardfltt? previously added
`selected users to buddy list 275. Displayed buddy list 405
`may also contain reachability status field 415, which in this
`example contains “online” or “offline,” indicating whether
`the respective user is connected to instant-messaging server
`160 and thus available to receive an instant message. Dis-
`played buddy list 405 may also contain location information
`420, which may contain a description of the hotspot-acoess
`point to which the respective user’s mobile device is con~
`nected. Reachability status field 415 and location informa-
`tion 420 both contain presence information from presence
`data 265. Displayed buddy list 405 may also include per-
`sonal assistant entry 425, which is not a physical user but
`instead refers to personal-assistance controller 260, from
`which the user of mobile device 140 may request informa-
`tion by sending an instant message, as further described
`below.
`
`[0047] User interface 400 also includes an interface for
`sending an instant message to the recipient
`identified in
`recipient
`field 430, which in this example is “personal
`assistant," which refers to personal-assistance controller
`260. The text of the instant message to be sent is entered by
`the user into text field 435, which in this example is the
`English language query “Find me the nearest hotel." When
`the user selects send button 437, controller 360 sends the
`text in text field 435 to the recipient identified by recipient
`field 430.
`
`[0048] User interface 400 also includes an interface for
`receiving instant messages. In the example shown, after the
`message in text field 435 has been sent to personal-assis-
`tance controller 260, mobile device 140 receives response
`445 from personal-assistance controller 260, which is iden-
`tified as personal assistant 440 in user
`interface 400.
`Response 445 includes the information requested by the user
`of mobile device 140, including in this example the name,
`address, and telephone number of the nearest hotel to the
`location of mobile device 140 and driving directions from
`the location of mobile device 140 to the hotel.
`
`state that requests for information will have certain struc-
`
`[0049] The example data shown in FIG. 4 is for illustra-
`tive purposes only, and any appropriate data may be used.
`
`FIE}. 5 depicts a flowchart of processing, acmrding
`[0050]
`to an embodiment of the invention. Control begins at block
`500. Control
`then continues to block 505 where mobile
`device 140 sends an instant message containing a request for
`service to instant—messaging server 160 via network 110 and
`hotspot-access point 120. Control then continues to block
`510 where instant-messaging server 160 receives the instant
`message.
`
`then continues to block 515 where per-
`[0051] Control
`sonal-assistance controller 260 parses the request
`in the
`instant message using a natural language parSer. A natural-
`language parser takes as input a sentence and may use a
`dictionary and a set of grammar rules to determine the
`meaning of the input sentence. The parser may analyze the
`sentence and create an abstraction representation of the
`meaning of the sentence using the dictionary and the set of
`grammar rules, which are specific to a particular natural
`language, such as English. For example, the rules of English
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2003/0046273 A1
`
`Mar. 6, 2003
`
`lures for asking about certain topics or asking specific
`questions about these topics. There are many types of natural
`language parsers available including a 'l'op—Down—Depthw
`First parser, a Top-Down-BreadthnFirst parser. and Bottom;
`Up-Depth-First-Chart parser.
`
`then continues to block 520 where per-
`[0052] Control
`sonal-assistance controller 260 obtains
`the location of
`mobile device 140 from presence data 265. Control then
`continues to block 525 where personal-assistance controller
`266 obtains information regarding the request from location
`database 270 based on the meaning obtained from parsing
`the request and the location of mobile device 140. Control
`then continues to block 530 where personal~assistance eon~
`troller 260 sends the information obtained from location
`database 270 to mobile device 140 as an instant message via
`network adapter 245, network 110, and hotspot-access point
`120. Control
`then continues to block 535 where mobile
`device 140 receives the instant message and communicates
`it to the user via output device 355. Control then continues
`to block 599 where the processing returns.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A method, comprising:
`
`location,
`immediate message from a
`first
`sending a
`wherein the first
`immediate message comprises a
`request for information; and
`
`receiving a second immediate message, wherein the sec-
`ond instant message comprises a
`response to the
`request, wherein the response is dependent on the
`location.
`
`2. The method of claim 1. wherein the sending the first
`immediate message further comprises sending the first
`immediate message to a user name identified in a buddy list.
`3. The method of claim 2, wherein the user name iden—
`tifies a program executing on an instant-messaging server.
`4. A method, comprising:
`
`receiving a first instant message from a sender;
`
`determining a location of the sender; and
`
`sending a second instant message to the sender, wherein
`contents of the second instant message are dependent
`on the location of the sender.
`5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
`
`parsing contents of the first instant message to determine
`a meaning of the contents, wherein the contents of the
`second instant message are further dependent on the
`meaning.
`6. The method of claim 5. further comprising:
`
`finding information related to the meaning of the contents
`of the first instant message; and
`
`building the contents of the second instant message based
`on the information.
`
`7. A server, comprising:
`
`data indicating a location of a mobile device; and
`
`a personal-assistance controller to send information to the
`mobile device, wherein the information is based on the
`location of the mobile device.
`8. The server of claim 7, wherein the mobile device is
`connected via a long-Lived connection to the instant-mes-
`saging server.
`
`9. The server of claim 7, wherein the personal-assistance
`controller is to send an instant message to the mobile device,
`wherein the instant message comprises the information.
`10. The server of claim 7, further comprising:
`
`a location database comprising the location of the mobile
`device and the in