(12) United States Patent
`Carey et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,714.793 B1
`Mar. 30, 2004
`
`USOO6714793B1
`
`(54) METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INSTANT
`MESSAGING ACROSS CELLULAR
`NETWORKS AND A PUBLIC DATA
`NETWORK
`
`(75) Inventors: Charles A. Carey, Kirkland, WA (US);
`Bruce A. Robinson, Maple Valley, WA
`(US)
`(73) Assignee: America Online, Inc., Dulles, VA (US)
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/519,525
`(22) Filed:
`Mar. 6, 2000
`
`(51) Int. Cl. .................................................. H04Q 7/20
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................ 455/466; 455/414; 455/412
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 455/466, 517,
`455/426,414, 412,458, 415; 340/7.1, 7.2,
`7.21, 7.23, 7.29, 7.51, 7.52, 7.53; 709/204,
`206, 210
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,025,252 A 6/1991 DeLuca et al. ........ 340/825.44
`5,459,458 A 10/1995 Richardson et al. ... 340/825.44
`5,678,179 A 10/1997 Turcotte et al. ............. 455/331
`5,697,060 A 12/1997 Akahane ...........
`... 340/38.1
`5,802.466 A 9/1998 Gallant et al. .............. 455/413
`(List continued on next page.)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`WO
`WO
`
`889660 A2
`WO-OO/427.91
`WO 01/694O6
`
`............ HO4O/7/22
`1/1999
`7/2000 ............ HO4O/7/24
`9/2001
`........... GO6F/15/16
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`IM means business IEEE spectrum Nov. 2002.*
`Sep. 13, 1999 Business wire Atmobile corporation 2 pages. *
`
`Sep. 1, 1999 business Information coropartion Sep. 1, 1999
`(a mobile.com enters IM world. 1 page.*
`SproWuest Wireless Instant messaging (Nov. 22, 1999)
`InfoSpace .com. pp. 1-2.
`Nweswier NY Dec. 8, 1999 Atmobile corp. pp. 1-2.*
`NeXtel announces On-line paging Service provided by wire
`leSS Services-first werieleSS telephone messaging Service
`to Offer Devlivery confirmation. NY Aug. 12, 1998.*
`
`Primary Examiner Nay Maung
`ASSistant Examiner Tilahun Gesesse
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Black Lowe & Graham
`PLLC
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A method, System and computer program product for instant
`message communication in a wireleSS and non-wireleSS
`environment. A message is Sent from a mobile unit device
`over a wireleSS communication network. The message
`includes a destination address, information associated with
`the mobile unit devices user, message content and message
`address. If, according to information previously Stored for
`the mobile unit device's user at the instant message System,
`the destination address is associated with an instant message
`function, the associated instant message function is executed
`at the instant message system using the information con
`tained in the message content, if required as determined by
`the associated instant message function. If, according to
`information previously stored for the mobile unit device's
`user at the instant message System, the destination address is
`asSociated with an instant message name, an instant message
`is created according to the message content and is Sent to the
`user with the associated instant message name. For instant
`messages Sent or received by a mobile unit device with
`known buddies, the instant message is optimized by tagging
`the instant message with a routing phone number that is
`unique to the mobile unit device and buddy combination,
`whose identity is stored both in the mobile unit device
`address book and in the instant message routing Server.
`
`16 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
`
`BEGINNSWTMESSAGE
`Miss? CRE4:0
`
`ESS
`SRKQ3FIE
`is?:ESSGEME0FA
`isiRSRECIPIENT
`
`ETERRF9R&ATION
`kiRRESPSS)
`FiDESTREE RECIPIEF
`
`
`
`SERE FRS
`iSSGENiig SigEEE
`ENTEREFRiGA
`
`SERE
`&SiSSGE
`Naga CRESPONS
`oHEEEREp
`Eogy
`
`BEGINENTRY 8:AggiE8
`NSN:ESSAGE:4kiEING
`EisfiTESSAGEA4iii.is:
`
`8:ERREEE
`8:48:ESSAGENIE
`
`DESTRE
`SERISTENTER
`sitRESTATSESSAGE
`WES
`
`i
`
`as
`GENERATEAPR8GRAAEXECUTELS
`BitBEff)ECEFR
`4:GiES:ERINSEAT
`ESSEN.EST THEREE
`
`20
`
`SEifissRiii:DFR06R40
`THEQili. BECETER8GH
`filesiRTRESSAGESERKIEEEER
`ShokassacESERiCECENTER}
`Apiis as
`
`7
`BiLEt:TBEERECEIES
`NBEECETESHERE!
`saw:GHEINSTANTMESSAGE
`NElsilisiR.
`
`Meta Platforms, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 001
`
`

`

`US 6,714.793 B1
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,878,397 A * 3/1999 Stille et al. ................. 704/466
`5,903,726 A * 5/1999 Donovan et al.
`... 455/461
`5.960,074 A * 9/1999 Clark ...........
`... 379/310
`5,966,663 A 10/1999 Gleason ...................... 455/466
`6,014,429 A 1/2000 LaPorta et al.
`379/88.15
`6,067,529 A * 5/2000 Ray et al. ........
`... 706/26
`6,112,078 A * 8/2000 Sormunen et al.
`... 455/411
`6,115,605 A
`9/2000 Siccardo et al. ............ 455/426
`
`6,134,432 A * 10/2000 Holmes et al. ............. 455/412
`6,138,158 A * 10/2000 Boyle et al. ................ 709/225
`6,178,331 B1 * 1/2001 Holmes et al. ............. 455/466
`6.212,548 B1 * 4/2001 DeSimone et al. ......... 709/204
`6,237,027 B1 * 5/2001 Namekawa .......
`709/206
`6,301,609 B1 * 10/2001 Aravamudan et al. ...... 709/207
`6,430,604 B1 * 8/2002 Ogle et al. ........... ... 709/207
`6,512.930 B2 * 1/2003 Sandegren .....
`455/518
`* cited by examiner
`
`
`
`Meta Platforms, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 002
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 30, 2004
`
`Sheet 1 of 11
`
`US 6,714.793 B1
`
`E-i
`
`-20
`
`
`
`
`
`MOBILE
`CARRIER
`
`
`
`
`
`INSTANTMESSAGE
`ROUTING SYSTEM
`
`SHORT MESSAGE
`SERVICE CENTER
`
`INSTANTMESSAGE
`ROUTING SERVER
`
`24
`
`30
`
`
`
`
`
`INSTANT
`MESSENGER
`SERVER
`
`
`
`TRADITIONAL
`SYSTEM
`
`A. M.
`
`Meta Platforms, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 003
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 30, 2004
`
`Sheet 2 of 11
`
`US 6,714,793 B1
`
`BEGIN INSTANTMESSAGE
`NAMELEST CREATION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DOES THE
`USERKNOW THE
`INSTANTMESSAGENAME OFA
`DESIRED RECIPIENT
`2
`
`ENTER INFORMATION
`THAT CORRESPONDS TO
`THE DESRED RECIPIENT
`
`SEARCH FOR INSTANT
`MESSAGENAME USING THE
`ENTERED INFORMATION
`
`IS THERE
`ANINSTANTMESSAGE
`NAME THAT CORRESPONDS
`TO THE ENTERED
`NFORMATIoy
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`A2, 2
`
`66
`
`BEGIN ENTRY OF ANOTHER
`INSTANTMESSAGENAME INTO
`THE INSTANTMESSAGENAME LIST
`
`
`
`ENTERAND SAVE THE
`INSTANTMESSAGENAME
`
`DOES THE
`USER WISH TOENTER
`MOREINSTANTMESSAGE
`NAMES
`
`NO
`
`6
`
`GENERATEA PROGRAMEXECUTABLE
`BY THE MOBILE UNITDEVICE FOR
`LOADING THE SAVED INSTANT
`MESSAGENAME LIST THEREN
`
`70
`
`SEND THE GENERATED PROGRAM TO
`THE MOBILE UNIT DEVICE THROUGH
`THESHORTMESSAGESERVICE CENTER
`(SHORTMESSAGESERVICE CENTER)
`AND MOBILE CARRIER
`
`72
`
`MOBILE UNIT DEVICE RECEIVES
`AND EXECUTES THE PROGRAM
`SAING THE INSTANTMESSAGE
`NAME LISTIN MEMORY.
`
`
`
`Meta Platforms, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 004
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 30, 2004
`
`Sheet 3 of 11
`
`US 6,714,793 B1
`
`80
`
`
`
`
`
`SELECTAN INSTANTMESSAGE
`FUNCTION OR INSTANTMESSAGE
`NAME AND ENTERASSOCIATED
`INFORMATION WITH THESELECTION
`
`SEND THESELECTIONAND ENTRY AS
`FORMATTED DATA TO THE MOBILE CARRIER
`
`82
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`MOBILE CARRIER RECEIVES THE FORMATTED DATA,
`SENDS THE MESSAGE TOASHORTMESSAGESERVICE
`CENTERACCORDING TO INCLUDEDSHORTMESSAGE
`SERVICE CENTERADDRESS INFORMATION
`
`82
`
`
`
`
`
`86
`
`DOES THE
`DATAINCLUDEADDRESS
`DATA ASSIGNED TO AN INSTANT
`MESSAGE ROUTING
`SERVER
`YES
`
`80
`
`NO
`
`PROCESSASA CELL
`PHONESFORTMESSAGE
`
`
`
`
`
`SEND DATA T0
`INSTANTMESSAGE
`ROUTING SERVER
`
`90
`
`Az-f
`
`Meta Platforms, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 005
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 30, 2004
`
`Sheet 4 of 11
`
`US 6,714.793 B1
`
`102
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ACCORDING TO
`THE USERINFORMATION IN
`THE DATABASE, WHAT IS THE ACTION
`ASSIGNED TO THE DESTINATION
`NUMBER
`p
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`AN INSTANT
`MESSAGE
`FUNCTION GB)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`AN INSTANT
`MESSAGE
`NAME
`
`REPACKAGE DATA ASAN INSTANT
`MESSAGE FOR DELIVERY TO RECIPIENT
`ASSIGNED TO THE RECEIVING NUMBER
`ASDEFINED BY THE USER INFORMATION
`STORED IN THE DATABASE
`
`104
`
`108
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`IS
`RECIPIENT
`LOGGED
`ON?
`
`
`
`SEND FAILUREMESSAGETO
`MOBILE UNITDEVICE THROUGH
`SHORTMESSAGESERVICE
`CENTERAND MOBILE CARRIER
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SEND INSTANTMESSAGETO RECIPIENT
`THROUGH INSTANTMESSAGESERVER
`OWER PUBLICDATANETWORK
`
`A 4
`
`Meta Platforms, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 006
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 30, 2004
`
`Sheet 5 of 11
`
`US 6,714.793 B1
`
`130
`
`PRESENT MESSAGE TO MOBILE
`UNIT DEVICE THAT LOGON
`MUSTOCCURFIRST
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`NO
`
`28
`
`
`
`INSTANTMESSAGE ROUTING
`SERVER FOR THE MOBILE
`UNIT DE VICE
`
`YES
`
`
`
`32
`IS THE
`NO-1UNCTIONALOGOFF
`FUNCTION
`9
`
`
`
`2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ENTRA: NO
`
`YES
`
`RETRIEVELOGONINFORMATION FROM / 122
`MESSAGE CONTENTAND ESTABLISH
`NEWINSTANTESSAGESESSION WITH
`INSTANTMESSAGESERVERUSING
`THE LOGON INFORMATION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`36
`
`YES
`
`PROCESS THE FINCTION
`ACCORDING TO ESTABLISHED
`INSTANTMESSAGE RULES
`
`24
`
`26
`
`I34
`
`END INSTANTMESSAGE
`SESSION WITH INSTANT
`MESSAGESERVER
`
`GENERATE LIST OFAVAILABLE
`INSTANTMESSAGE (IM) NAMES
`ACCORDING TO LIST OF INSTANT
`MESSAGENAMES INCLUDED IN
`THE STORED USER INFORMATION
`
`SEND THE GENERATEDLIST OF
`AVAILABLE INSTANTMESSAGE
`NAMES TO THE MOBILE UNIT
`DEWICE THROUGH SHORT
`MESSAGESERVICE CENTERAND
`THE MOBILE CARRIER
`
`
`
`MAKE THE GENERATEDLIST
`USABLE BY THE USER OF THE
`MOBILE UNIT DEVICE
`
`127
`
`A2. 5
`
`Meta Platforms, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 007
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 30, 2004
`
`Sheet 6 of 11
`
`US 6,714.793 B1
`
`INSTANTMESSAGESERVER
`RECEIVES INSANTMESSAGE
`
`140
`
`INSTANTMESSAGESERVER
`SENDS TO RECIPIENT
`
`142
`
`
`
`IS
`RECIPIENT
`INSTANTMESSAGE
`ROUTER
`SERVER
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`144
`
`46
`
`NO RECIPIENTRECEIVES
`AND WEWS MESSAGE
`
`YES
`
`INSTANTMESSAGEROUTINGSERVER /14
`RECEIVES INSTANTMESSAGE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`INSTANTMESSAGE ROUTING
`SERVER PREPAIRES INSTANT .
`MESSAGE AND SENDS IT TO THE
`SHORTMESSAGESERVICE CENTER
`
`
`
`SHORT MESSAGESERVICE
`CENTERSTORES AND FORWARDS
`THE INSTANTMESSAGETO
`THE MOBILE CARRIER
`
`I50
`
`152
`
`A., of
`
`Meta Platforms, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 008
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 30, 2004
`
`Sheet 7 of 11
`
`US 6,714.793 B1
`
`60
`
`MOBILE CARRIER PREPARES THE
`INSTANTMESSAGE FROM THESHORT
`MESSAGESERVICE CENTERAND SENDS
`IT TO THE MOBILE UNIT DEVICE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DID
`MOBILE UNIT
`DEVICE RECEIVE
`INSTANT
`MESSAGE
`
`72
`
`SHORTMESSAGESERVICE CENTER
`RETRIEVESSTORED INSTANTMESSAGE
`
`MESSAGESENT TOSHORTMESSAGE
`SERVICE CENTER THATMOBILE
`UNIT DEVICE DID NOT RECEIVE
`THE INSTANTMESSAGE
`
`HASA
`THRESHOLD BEEN
`REaCHED
`
`YES
`
`174
`
`ES
`
`MOBILE UNIT DEVICESENDS / 164
`REPLY TOSHORTMESSAGE
`SERVICE CENTER THROUGH
`MOBILE CARRIER THAT
`MESSAGE WASRECEIVED
`
`MOBILE CARRIER SENDS MESSAGE
`TO INSTANTMESSAGE ROUTING
`SERVER THROUGHSHORTMESSAGE
`SERVICE CENTER THAT MOBILE UNIT
`DEVICES NOTCONNECTED
`
`166
`SHORTMESSAGESERVICE CENTER
`DELETESSTORED INSTANTMESSAGE
`
`
`
`7
`
`INSTANTMESSAGE ROUTING
`SERVER LOGS OFFINSTANT
`MESSAGESESSION WITH
`INSTANTMESSAGESERVER
`
`Ag, 7
`
`Meta Platforms, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 009
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 30, 2004
`
`Sheet 8 of 11
`
`US 6,714,793 B1
`
`
`
`202
`
`
`
`
`
`204
`
`200
`
`
`
`220
`
`
`
`
`
`o WELCOME TO AOLS
`SIMPLE WIRELESS INSTANT
`MESSAGING.
`e ENTER YOUR SCREEN NAME:
`
`o ENTER OUR PASSWORD
`
`t FORAMSSNGR:
`O EMMA972
`206.8092.346
`GOMER22
`206.8092.342
`RICHARDS3
`206.80923.49
`TOM235
`206.8092.344
`BUDDYS
`206.8092.341
`206.80923.47
`
`A. 9
`
`Meta Platforms, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 010
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 30, 2004
`
`Sheet 9 of 11
`
`US 6,714.793 B1
`
`Address Book
`1 AOL Ernmag/2
`2 AOL Gorner22
`3 AO richard53
`4 AOL to 235
`
`
`
`232
`
`230
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Address Book
`8 AO Buddies
`9 AOLDelete
`10 AOLSignOff
`11 AOLSignOn
`
`236
`
`23
`
`Meta Platforms, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 011
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 30, 2004
`
`Sheet 10 of 11
`
`US 6,714.793 B1
`
`AOLBuddies
`ON: Enna72
`Gorner22
`OFF: richardS3 tom:235
`Zebrass
`
`A2. A
`
`238
`
`23)
`
`
`
`MyScreenName
`MyPassword
`
`23
`
`Meta Platforms, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 012
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 30, 2004
`
`Sheet 11 of 11
`
`US 6,714.793 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`WO Gomer22
`Are you free for lunch
`at Hyram's on
`Broadway?
`
`
`
`Options
`
`230
`
`Meta Platforms, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 013
`
`

`

`US 6,714,793 B1
`
`1
`METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INSTANT
`MESSAGING ACROSS CELLULAR
`NETWORKS AND A PUBLIC DATA
`NETWORK
`
`2
`according to information previously Stored for the mobile
`unit device's user at the instant message System, the desti
`nation address is associated with an instant message
`function, the associated instant message function is executed
`at the instant message System using the information con
`tained in the message content, if required as determined by
`the associated instant message function. If, according to
`information previously stored for the mobile unit device's
`user at the instant message System, the destination address is
`asSociated with an instant message name, an instant message
`is created according to the message content and is Sent to the
`user with the associated instant message name.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, if Said instant message function is a sign on
`function, an instant message Session is initiated according to
`prestored user profile information and the message content.
`The message content is an instant message name associated
`with the user of the mobile unit device and a predefined
`password.
`In accordance with Still another aspect of the present
`invention, the Status information of users associated with
`instant message names Stored for the user of the mobile unit
`device in the instant message System are determined and
`sent to the mobile unit device of the user. The user's mobile
`unit device then presents the Sent Status information.
`In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
`invention, if Said instant message function is a Sign off
`function, the instant message Session associated with the
`mobile unit device's user is ended.
`In accordance with Still yet another aspect of the present
`invention, if Said instant message function is a delete instant
`message name function, the Stored instant message is
`deleted according to the message content. The message
`content is at least one instant message name.
`In accordance with Still another aspect of the present
`invention, if Said instant message function is an update
`instant message name function, the Status information of
`users associated with instant message names Stored for the
`user of the mobile unit device in the instant message System
`are determined and Sent to the mobile unit device of the user.
`The user's mobile unit device then presents the Sent Status
`information.
`In accordance with further aspects of the present
`invention, an instant message name is associated with a
`destination address at the instant message System. This
`asSociation is Saved in memory in the instant message
`System according to a registered user of a mobile unit
`device. An executable address loading program is generated
`according to the Saved association and then Sent through the
`wireless environment to the mobile unit device of the
`registered user. At the mobile unit device the executable
`address loading program is executed, thereby entering the
`asSociated instant message name and address into memory.
`In accordance with Still further aspects of the present
`invention, an instant message is processed according to
`Sender user information Stored at the instant message System
`if it is intended for a recipient user signed on through a
`mobile unit device and then Sent through the wireleSS
`environment to the mobile unit device of the recipient user.
`The user's mobile unit device presents the Sent instant
`message and the instant message name of the creator of the
`instant message.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advan
`tages of this invention will become more readily appreciated
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention generally relates to non-voice mes
`Sage transmission and reception acroSS cellular and public or
`private data networks and, more particularly to a method and
`System for message delivery between a cellular and public
`data network.
`
`15
`
`35
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Around the World, tens of millions of users are using
`Software that enables them to be alerted when friends, family
`and colleagues go on-line for the real-time exchange of
`messages. A commonly used term for this type of real-time
`eXchange is instant messaging. Instant messaging is cheap,
`with most vendors giving away the product and others
`charging nominal licensing fees. It is also powerful, allow
`ing users to communicate in one window while, for
`example, looking over a document in another. Team mem
`bers in different locations can Set up impromptu
`25
`conversations, bouncing ideas and Strategies off each other.
`It provides quick and dirty collaboration, with little to buy
`and not much to Set up.
`The best known instant messaging System is America
`Online's Instant Messenger (AIM) that was originally
`designed as a feature for AOL's pay service. AIM is soft
`ware that anyone with an Internet connection can download,
`whether they are an AOL member or not. After registering
`a Screen name, the user can maintain lists of AOL members
`and other AIM users, and be alerted whenever one of those
`in the list comes on-line. When one of those in the list comes
`on-line, the corresponding Screen name appears in an AIM
`interface window on the Screen. By clicking on the name
`appearing in the AIM interface window, the user may then
`Send an instant message and initiate a conversation Session.
`Users can also Sort their buddies into groups. For example,
`a lawyer could create Separate groups for partners,
`asSociates, in-house counsel and adversaries.
`Other vendors, such as Yahoo, PeopleLink, Mirabilis
`(ICO) and Activerse, offer Similar instant message Service.
`Despite the apparent Success of instant messaging
`Systems, it is still limited to a user accessing the Service
`through computer-based Systems hardwired to the Internet.
`There exists a need to provide the benefits of instant
`messaging, immediate knowledge of another online Status
`and real-time text communication, outside of hardwired
`Internet Systems. Specifically in a wireleSS environment, it
`would be advantageous to know if a Subscriber has turned on
`their cellular phone. It would also be advantageous to
`communicate via text messages, which are far less costly
`than Voice communications because text message data uses
`up much leSS bandwidth or resources than Voice data.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention provides a method, System and
`computer program product for instant message communica
`tion in a wireleSS and non-wireless environment. First, a
`message is sent from a mobile unit device over a wireleSS
`communication network. The message includes a destina
`tion address, information associated with the mobile unit
`devices user, message content and message address. If,
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Meta Platforms, Inc.
`Exhibit 1007
`Page 014
`
`

`

`US 6,714,793 B1
`
`15
`
`25
`
`3
`as the Same becomes better understood by reference to the
`following detailed description, when taken in conjunction
`with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the components of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process of entering instant
`message names formed in accordance with the present
`invention;
`FIGS. 3-7 are flow diagrams of the formed in accordance
`with the present invention;
`FIGS. 8 and 9 are screen shots of an example user
`interface for remotely entering instant message names, and
`FIGS. 10-14 are diagrams of example user interfaces
`implemented on a cellular phone.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`The present invention is an integrated wireleSS and tradi
`tional instant messaging System and method. AS shown in
`FIG. 1, the System 20 includes a instant message routing
`System 22 that includes a routing Server 24 and a database
`26 for Storing a profile for each Subscribing user. Each user
`profile includes a list of instant message names with each
`name assigned to an address (phone number). The routing
`Server 24 is in communication with one or more short
`message service centers (SMSC) 32 that is in communica
`tion with one or more wireless mobile carriers 34. Each
`wireleSS mobile carrier 34 Supports Subscribing users oper
`ating mobile unit devices 36, Such as a hand-held cellphone,
`a bag phone or a vehicle phone. The routing Server 24 is also
`coupled to a public or private data network 30, Such as the
`Internet. Also coupled to the public or private data network
`30 are an instant message server 40 and one or more
`traditional Systems 42, Such as a personal computer.
`The communication link between the routing server 24
`and the short message Service center 32 is also either a
`public or private data network, Such as the Internet or a
`private dedicated circuit. A protocol residing over the com
`munication link defines the Structure of information com
`municated between the routing Server 24 and the short
`40
`message service center 32. Preferably this link is the Internet
`with TCP/IP operating thereon. Operating over TCP/IP is
`another protocol that allows the routing server 24 to identify
`the effectiveness of communications to the mobile unit
`devices 36. An example protocol residing over TCP/IP is the
`Short message peer-to-peer (SMPP) protocol or configura
`tion or data management procedure (CDMP) protocol.
`These protocols provide Visibility of the Status of message
`deliveries to the mobile unit devices 36.
`A data bearer protocol defines the Structure of data
`messages communicated between the mobile unit devices
`36, the mobile carrier 34 and the short message service
`center 32. The global system for mobile communications
`(GSM) environment, used as the primary digital wireless
`Standard throughout Europe, uses the short message Service
`(SMS) standard data bearer protocol for formatting data for
`delivery between the mobile unit devices 36, wireless
`mobile carrier 34 and the short message Service center 32.
`The SMS protocol describes the format of data, called SMS
`packages, Sent or received through the System. In accor
`dance with the present invention, the format of data
`messages, i.e. SMS package, Sent from the mobile unit
`device includes the phone number of the mobile unit device,
`a destination phone number, the Short message Service
`center address (preferably a number), a validity period value
`and message content. The validity period value informs the
`Short message Service center 32 how long to attempt deliv
`
`4
`ery. Each data message (SMS package) is preferably a single
`block of information. AS can be readily appreciated by those
`of ordinary skill in the art of wireleSS communication, the
`SMS package may be divided up into multiple packets of
`data and Sent at various intervals.
`FIG. 2 illustrates a method for remotely creating an
`instant message name list for a cellular phone. First, a user,
`who is a Subscriber to a wireleSS instant message Service,
`uses a traditional system 42 coupled to the network 30 to
`Sign on to a web site Supported or generated by the routing
`Server 24. A user becomes a Subscriber by completing a
`registration process that can be performed during online
`communication with either servers 24 or 40 or through other
`means, Such as e-mail, conventional mail or telephonic
`communication. Once the user has entered into the routing
`Server's web site by preferably completing a Sign-on or
`logon with password Verification, the user begins instant
`message name list (i.e. buddy list) creation for the user's
`mobile unit device 36. If the cell phone user knows the
`instant message name that corresponds to a desired
`recipient, decision block 50, the user enters the instant
`message name. The entered instant message name is then
`Saved in a look-up table at a location in the database 26,
`block 52. The look-up table is stored in relation to predefined
`user profile information. Each instant message name Stored
`in the look-up table has a corresponding destination address,
`preferably a phone number. For example, the routing Server
`24 receives from the mobile carrier 24 or a telecommuni
`cations controlling agency a set of n telephone numbers. In
`the database26 for each user profile, the Server 24 associates
`a number from the Set of n telephone numbers to an entered
`instant message name. As a result, the routing System 22
`reuses a limited number of phone numbers.
`If the cell phone user does not know the instant message
`name that corresponds to a desired recipient, decision block
`50, the user enters information that corresponds to the
`desired recipient, Such as an e-mail address, block 54. The
`Server hosting the name list creation website then Searches
`for an instant message name that corresponds to the entered
`information, block 60. If, at decision block 60, there is a
`corresponding instant message name, the corresponding
`instant message name is entered and Saved, see block 52
`above. If, at decision block 60, the search fails to find a
`corresponding instant message name, no name entry occurs
`and the user is given the opportunity to enter more instant
`message names, decision block 62. The user is also given the
`opportunity to enter more instant message names, decision
`block, after block 52.
`If, at decision block 62, the user does not wish to enter
`more instant message names, a program is generated by the
`Server hosting the name list creation website for program
`ming the created instant message name list into the user's
`mobile unit device 36, block 68. Next, at block 70, the
`generated program is Sent through the short message Service
`center 32, where it is formatted according to the proper
`protocol, and then through the mobile carrier 34 to the user's
`mobile unit device 36. At block 72, the user's mobile unit
`device 36 receives and executes the program, thus Saving the
`instant message name list in an address book Stored in
`memory. In other words, the mobile unit device is pro
`grammed in an over-the-air-programming manner to include
`the instant message name list within the mobile unit device's
`instant message listings (i.e. address book).
`In an alternative embodiment, if the mobile carrier 34 and
`corresponding mobile unit devices 36 do not include the
`hardware or Software components for receiving and execut
`ing the program for loading the Saved instant message name
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`Exhibit 1007
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`S
`list, the loading of instant message names and corresponding
`phone numbers that are Stored at the routing System 22 are
`manually entered into the address book of the user's mobile
`unit device 36.
`FIGS. 3-7 illustrate the process of instant message func
`tion delivery, message delivery and instant message recep
`tion using a mobile unit device acroSS a wireleSS and
`non-wireless network. First, at block 80 of FIG. 3, through
`a user interface on the mobile unit device 36 the user selects
`an instant message function or an instant message name(s)
`from the mobile unit device's address book based on the
`latest Stored instant message name Status information
`received from the instant message name routing Server 24 as
`a result of a sign on, a status update or the last communi
`cation with the instant message routing server 24 (see FIG.
`5 below). Then, the user enters message content information
`(either function related information or a message
`accordingly). Alternatively, the message content information
`is entered first, then an instant message function or an instant
`message name is Selected. Examples of user interaction with
`the instant message routing Server 24 and with the mobile
`unit device 36 are illustrated by example in FIGS. 8-14
`below. Next, at block 82, the user's selection and entered
`information is formatted according to the predefined proto
`col and sent to the mobile carrier 34. At block 84, the mobile
`carrier 34 receives the formatted data and sends the format
`ted data to a short message Service center 32 according to the
`included Short message Service center address information.
`At decision block 86, the short message service center 32
`determines if the received formatted data includes address
`data assigned to an instant message routing Server 24, i.e. an
`address field or phone number. If the formatted data does not
`include address data assigned to an instant message routing
`Server 24, the formatted data is probably an email message
`and is processed according to known cellular Short Message
`processing methods, block 88. Also commonly referred to as
`email for cell phones. If the formatted data does include
`address data assigned to an instant message routing Server
`24, the formatted data is reformatted according to the
`predefined protocol used to communicate information
`between the short message Service center 32 and the instant
`message routing Server 24 and then Sent to the instant
`message routing server 24, block 90.
`As shown in FIG. 4, at decision block 102, the instant
`message routing Server 24 compares the destination number
`included in the reformatted data to the look-up table in the
`user profile location in the database 26 that corresponds to
`the mobile unit device phone number included with the
`received data. The comparison determines what action cor
`responds to the destination number. If the action correspond
`ing to the destination number is an instant message function,
`the instant message routing Server 24 executes the instant
`message function, see FIG. 5 below. If the action corre
`sponding to the destination number is an instant message
`name, the instant message routing Server 24 repackages the
`formatted data as an instant message and Sends it to the
`recipient associated with instant message name, block 104.
`Before or after the repackaging occurs, the instant message
`routing Server 24 determines if the recipient that corresponds
`to the instant message name is signed on to the instant
`message System, i.e. the instant message Server 40, decision
`block 106. If the recipient is not signed on, the instant
`message routing Server 24 Sends a failure message to the
`user's mobile unit device 36 through the short message
`Service center 32 and mobile carrier 34, block 108. In a first
`alternate embodiment, if the recipient is not signed on, the
`instant message Server 40 Stores the instant message until the
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`US 6,714,793 B1
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`6
`instant message Server 40 detects that the recipient has
`signed on through an instant message routing Server 24 or a
`traditional System 42. In a Second alternate embodiment, if
`the recipient is not signed on, the instant message is for
`warded to a previously designated e-mail address.
`If the recipient is signed on, the instant message routing
`Server 24 Sends the instant message to the recipient through
`the instant message server 40 over the network 30, block
`110. The process of Sending an instant message to a mobile
`unit device recipient is described in more detail below in
`FIGS. 6 and 7.
`FIG. 5 illustrates the process of processing data received
`from a mobile unit device 36 that corresponds to an instant
`message function, from B of FIG. 4. First, at decision block
`120, if the function is a sign on function, the instant message
`routing Server 24 establishes a new instant message Session
`with the instant message Server 40 for the user associated
`with the mobile unit device 36 that send the sign on function.
`The establishment of a new instant message Session is done
`in accordance with the proper password(s) that was included
`in the message content Sent from the mobile unit device 36,
`block 122. The instant message routing Server 24 checks
`with instant message server 40 to determine which of the
`names in the instant message name list associated with the
`user and Stored in the database 26 are available or signed on,
`block 124. This determination of who is available is then
`sent to the mobile unit device 36 through the short message
`Service center 32 and the mobile carrier 34, block 126. Once
`the mobile unit device 36 receives the availability
`determination, the device 36 process it and makes the
`availability information available for use by the user, block
`127.
`If the instant message function is not the sign on (sign on)
`function and if no instant message Session is presently active
`for the user at the instant message routing Server 24, decision
`block 128, a message informing the user that sign on must
`occur first is presented, block 130. If an instant message
`Session exists and the function is a sign off (sign off)
`function, decision block 132, t