(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY(PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`29 November2001 (29.11.2001)
`
`
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 01/91486 Al
`
`(51) International Patent Classification’:
`
`H04Q 7/22
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`PCT/GB01/02244
`
`|GB/GB]; c/o Bolt Media Ltd., 107-111 Fleet Street, Lon-
`don EC4A 2AB (GB). ANDERSON,Mark [GB/GB]; c/o
`Bolt Media Ltd., 107-111 Fleet Street, London LC4A 2AB
`(GB).
`(22) International Filing Date:=22 May 2001 (22.05.2001)
`(74)
`Agent: KAZI, Ilya; Mathys & Squire, 100 Gray’s Inn
`Road, London WC1X 8AL (GB).
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`English
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`(81)
`
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`0012351.3
`
`22 May 2000 (22.05.2000)
`
`GB
`
`(71) Applicants (for all designated States except US): BOLT
`MEDIA LTD. [GB/GB]; 107-111 Fleet Street, London
`EC4A 2AB (GB). BOLT INC [US/US]; 304 Iludson
`Street, New York, NY 10012 (US).
`
`(72) Inventors; and
`(75) Inventors/Applicants (for US only): DARLING, Simon
`
`Designated States (national): AE, AG, AL, AM,AT, AU,
`AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CN, CO, CR, CU,
`CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EC, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH,
`GM,HR,HU,ID,IL,IN,IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC,
`LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, Mw,
`MX, MZ, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK,
`SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, 7A,
`ZW.
`
`(84)
`
`Designated States (regional): ARIPO patent (GH, GM,
`KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), Eurasian
`patent (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), European
`patent (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR,IE,
`
`[Continued on next page]
`
`(54) Title: INFORMING A SUBSCRIBER ABOUTTHE POSITION OF ANOTHER SUBSCRIBER
`
` Database Engine
`
`(57) Abstract: The invention discloses a method
`of communicating, particularly using mobile
`equipment, in which messages can be sent to and
`from a server thereby allowing information to be
`obtained concerning users of the mobile devices
`even when the users are off line and without
`
`requiring direct contact with the users.
`
` Other
`
`Networks
`
`WO01/91486Al
`
`Google Exhibit 1022
`Google Exhibit 1022
`Google v. Mullen
`Google v. Mullen
`
`

`

`WO 01/91486 Ad
`
`__IMIUIOVIATNINIMTTAATAT ATTA ATA
`
`IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR), OAPI patent (BF, BJ, CF,
`CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, MIL, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`Published:
`
`For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid-
`ance Notes on Codes and Abbreviations" appearing at the begin-
`ning ofeach regular issue ofthe PCT Gazette.
`
`—_with international search report
`
`

`

`WO 01/91486
`
`PCT/GB01/02244
`
`INFORMING A SUBSCRIBER ABOUT THE POSITION OF ANOTHER SUBSCRIBER
`
`invention relates to communications, particularly, but not exclusively,
`The present
`systems, methods and apparatus
`facilitating communication by means of mobile
`equipment.
`
`There are a numberof systems and proposals for enabling users to communicate and share
`information.
`
`The Internet is widely known and used and enables information stored at a server to be
`made available to a large number of people who may request the information via a variety
`of access devices. Although intended primarily for publication of information, a variety of
`methods have been used to enable the Internet to be used for communication between
`individuals. For example, groups of users may share information by storing it on a
`common server and may send messages to specific users in “chat rooms”. However,
`communication between two users generally requires both users to access a common
`server or to be online at the same time. E-mail allows a message to besent to a specified
`recipient regardless of whether the recipient is online, but this relies on the recipient
`reading the email and so is not suited to instantaneous notification which, in practical
`terms requires both users to be online at all times. Furthermore, whilst technology is
`constantly improving, access to the internet, particularly by means of mobile devices, is
`often cumbersome and, requiring a high bandwidth for acceptable quality access, if often
`not viable for a user to remain onlineat all times, particularly from a mobile device.
`
`Mobile telephones (see “Definitions” below) are far better suited to imstantaneous
`communication between specific individuals; a user desiring to communicate with another
`user simply dials the number of the intended user and, provided the other user has a
`telephone switched on and in coverage, can be connected rapidly.
`In addition,
`text
`messages may be sent using the known “SMS” (Short Message Service) protocol to a
`desired user regardless of whether the other user has a telephone switched on and will be
`notified by the telephone network without the user having to check specifically, when the
`telephone is next within range or switched on. However, whilst certain systems enable
`messages to be sent by a user to a group of users, such systems (which rely on a
`telecommunications network to forward the message) are generally network-specific and
`inflexible. Moreover, it is generally not convenient to send significant amounts of useful
`information using SMS messages and so mobile telephones are,
`in practical
`terms,
`primarily useful for instantaneous user to user communication.
`
`Wapphoneshave recently been introduced which essentially facilitate Internet-type access
`from a mobile device; these may facilitate communication over the Internet. However,
`there is still a cost associated with a user remaining online.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`The invention is generally concerned with facilitating flexible communication between
`users, particularly, but not exclusively, using mobile equipment.
`
`45
`
`attempting to co-ordinate movements,
`One problem encountered between users
`particularly a group of users, is discovering where other users are.
`
`

`

`WO 01/91486
`
`PCT/GB01/02244
`
`2
`the invention provides a method of communicating information
`In a first aspect,
`concerning the location ofa first user to a second user, the method comprising:
`receiving at a server, location information for a first user;
`storing the location information at the server together with an identifier of thefirst
`
`user;
`
`receiving at the server a request from a second user querying wherethe first user is
`located;
`transmitting the stored location information to the seconduser,if available.
`
`This may enable a user to determine the location of another user without specifically
`having to contact that other user, even when that other user is not online or when their
`mobile telephoneor other device is switched off.
`
`The information may be communicated by means of mobile devices, preferably by means
`of an SMS message. Preferably the location information is positively transmitted by the
`first user, for example by means of a command, which may be in any of a number of
`formats including (but not limited to) a text command (for example “J am at ...”) or by a
`voice commandor by picking (by touch, key, sound etc) an icon signifying a command.
`Similarly the request by the second user may be in a numberof forms including “whereis
`x?” type query.
`
`The location may be described by the user, for example by a nameor other label; this is
`simple to implement and may convey useful
`information to a likely requestor, without
`necessarily enabling the geographical location to be identified (for example, “I am at the
`pub”) may enable a group of knownother users to determine the location ofthe first user,
`without this information being globally unique. Preferably the location information may
`include information enabling the server to determine an approximate geographical location
`signified by the information (for example a post code or zip code may beincluded). If a
`measure of geographical position is supplied,
`this may enable the server to provide
`information concerning the number of (specified or categorized) users in a particular
`geographical area, on request, or to give an approximate distance or time (particularly if a
`measure of velocity or mode of transport is stored) (the query “how far is X?” may be
`answered, either for the first or second user) to meeting or may enable certain services
`(such as food, drink or transport services or assistance) or advertising to be targeted more
`effectively (to the first user — requests such as “send me a taxi/pizza” may be responded
`to). In addition to location, other information, such as prevailing conditions (temperature,
`weather, congestion etc) may be stored. Each of these preferred features may be provided
`independently ofthe first aspect, alone or in combination with each other.
`
`A fixed telephone number may be supplied enabling the position to be looked up from a
`directory service; this may be provided independently in a second aspect comprising a
`method of automatically determining a measure of position of a user comprising receiving
`over a mobile telephone link a numberof a fixed telephone (or other information) and
`determining a measure of location of the user based on a database correlating telephone
`numbers (or other information) and a measure oflocation.
`
`As an alternative (or in addition) to a user sending a position, a measure of the user
`position may be determined by GPSorbytriangulation, by the user’s mobile telephone or
`by the network, or both and preferably sent at intervals or on request by the server or at the
`requestofthe first user.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`

`

`WO 01/91486
`
`PCT/GB01/02244
`
`3
`Preferably the server stores permission information indicating whether the location
`information for the first user is available to the second user and the method preferably
`includes checking the permission information prior to the transmitting step. Each user
`may specify that location information is available only to specified users or groups or
`categories of users or that the information is publicly available. Similar permissions may
`be associated with other information stored for each user (as will be described below); the
`preferred features of this aspect may be provided independently or in combination with
`other aspects. If the second useris not permitted to know the location of the first user, the
`information is not transmitted. References to the information being available in the first
`and subsequent aspects are intended to encompass the information being stored but not
`available to a particular user by virtue of permissions granted as well as the information
`not being stored. The message returned to the second user may be different or may be the
`same for the cases where the information is denied and where it is not stored atall.
`Notification of a request
`for
`information, whether
`satisfied or denied, may be
`communicatedto thefirst user.
`In addition or instead ofa first user granting permission to
`a second user, the second user may request permission to have access to information from
`the first user’s profile, for example business card details, location information, preferences
`and the like. A request for permission may be communicated to the first user, preferably
`as a question, who may respond,preferably with a simple yes/no command.
`
`In a related third aspect, the invention may provide a method of communicating
`information concerning the user(s) in a specified location to a second user, the method
`comprising:
`receiving at a server location information for a plurality of users;
`storing the location information at the server together with an identifier of each
`
`user;
`
`receiving at the server a request from a second user querying which usersare at a
`specified location;
`;
`checking whether location information for any of said plurality of users matches
`said specified location; and
`transmitting to the seconduseran identifier of the or each user for whom a match
`is found,if available.
`
`This may enable a user rapidly to determine which users are at a selected location.
`
`Preferred aspects of the above and other aspects may be applied to the third aspect. The
`second user may specify specific users or a specific group ofusersor all users for whom
`the second user has permission to obtain location details. The group of users may be
`specified in accordance with the aspects described below. As with earlier aspects, the
`request may be in any of a numberof formats, including a commandofthe form “whois
`at X?”or “who is here?” — the location of the requesting user may be stored and used as a
`location specifier. The location may be specified by a simple text match (optionally using
`known“intelligent” fuzzy matching algorithms) or based on geographical identifiers — for
`example to list users within a predeterminedor specified distance.
`
`In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of communicating information from a
`first user to a group of specified users, the method comprising:
`receiving, at a server, from a first user a command includingat least one
`abbreviated identifier of another designated user and information;
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`

`

`WO 01/91486
`
`PCT/GB01/02244
`
`4
`looking up a unique identifier for the or each designated user corresponding to the
`or each respective abbreviated identifier based on a stored list associated with the first user
`of abbreviated identifiers and corresponding uniqueidentifiers;
`sending the information to each designated user based on the uniqueidentifier.
`
`Whilst methods are known for sending messages to predefined groups, these groups tend
`to be cumbersome to modify. It is also knownto store “speed dials” on a mobile phone,
`and these can be used to send messagesto a single user or predefined group. The above
`aspect allows a group to be spontaneously created efficiently and conveniently and a
`single message sent to a server which translates the abbreviated identifiers or “nicknames”
`for a particular user. Storing the list on the server allows dynamic linking ofidentifiers so,
`for example, the unique identifiers (preferably phone numbers) may be updated by
`individual users and this will be automatically reflected in the list. Also, it may avoid the
`tedious task of updating a large number of numbers in the event of a telephone code
`change.
`
`The abbreviated identifiers may comprise a few charactersif text is used for the command
`(which, as before, may be in a number of formats) or a word if a spoken commandis used.
`Optionally, long and short abbreviations and full names maybe stored for a given unique
`identifier and more than one unique identifier may be stored as a target destination, for
`example “S, Simon, Simon Brown, +44 777 123 456, +1 650 555 6666” may be stored as
`short nickname, long nickname,full name,first choice number, second choice number.
`As with all features, the feature of providing both long and short nicknamesona list
`stored on a server may be provided independently. The features of defining groups may
`be combined with other aspects; for example the whereabouts of a group may be queried.
`
`The information may be sent as a commandin a data packet, particularly an SMS
`message; this may be provided independently in a fifth aspect, in which the invention
`provides a method of communicating information from (a mobile telephoneof) a first user
`to a second user, the method comprising receiving a message from (a mobile telephone of)
`a first user at a server, the message containing an identifier of at least one second user and
`information, parsing the messageat the server, and sending information from the server to
`the second user.
`
`Thusrather than sending the message, particularly a short message (e.g. SMS message
`sent from a mobile telephone) directly to the desired user (e.g. to a telephone numberof
`the user), the user is identified within a message sentto a server(e.g. to a telephone
`numberofa server); this of course represents a radical departure from standard messaging.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`The invention extends to complementary methods performed by transmitting or receiving
`users forall the aspects disclosed herein. For example, in a sixth aspect, the invention
`comprises a method of sending a message fromafirst user containing information for a
`second user, wherein the message contains an identifier of the second user, the method
`comprising sending the message from thefirst user to a server arranged to parse the
`message and forward the information to the second user.
`
`45
`
`Similarly, the invention comprises in a seventh aspect, a method comprising receiving at a
`server a message (preferably an SMS message) from a mobile telephone ofa user, the
`message containing a command(and preferably an identifier of at least one other user), the
`method comprising parsing the message at the server. The server preferably stores
`
`50
`
`

`

`WO 01/91486
`
`PCT/GB01/02244
`
`5
`information concerning the user and preferably other users and parsing or subsequent
`action in response to the commandis preferably based on the stored information or
`modifies the stored information and may be dependent on permissions associated with the
`information, for example as described elsewhere. The server may be integrated into a
`telecommunications network;if so, it is preferably arranged for connection to another
`network so that commandsare not limited to within a single network. The method may
`include sending pre-stored information, for example a document(e.g. a CV) toa
`designated user, for example by email, fax, mail or to a mobile device using a messaging
`protocol.
`
`In an eighth aspect, the invention provides an SMS message addressed to a server capable
`of parsing a command contained within the message.
`
`Previously mentioned aspects enable users to be designated readily in a group. In certain
`cases, it may be desirable forusers to register as part of a group.
`
`In a ninth aspect, the invention provides a method of compiling a group ofa plurality of
`users comprising:
`receiving, at a server, a message from each of a plurality of users containing a
`predetermined key, each message being associated with an identifier of the user sending
`the message;
`compiling a list of users based on the identifier associated with each message
`containing said key.
`
`Preferably the server stores further information for each user indexed bythe identifier (e.g.
`telephone number of sender ~ which is sent with an SMS message) and the further
`information stored is used to compile the group.
`For example name and address
`information may be stored and a mailing list compiled. Other user preferences may be
`stored, for example as described. below. This information may be used for a number of
`purposes, for example at a party or conference to be included in group announcements or
`games, to respond to a billboard advertisement to request information, to register support
`for a cause. The key maybea desired code. The method mayinclude (or independently
`provide a method of) receiving a request from an organizer to register an event or dynamic
`group, assigning a code to the event and storing the code. The code maybetransmitted to
`the organizer or to a designated group of users for use (as the key mentioned above) when
`wishing to register for the group or the event. Based on stored user information, users
`may be introduced to each other; for example at a conference, a first user may specify that
`he or she is interested in meeting other users who offer legal services (there are many
`possibilities) and the details of other users who havein their profiles an indication that
`they offer legal services and are receptive to new contacts maybe passedto the first user,
`and vice versa.
`
`Whilstit is very useful to make use ofa stored user profile or send commands by means of
`short messages, it may be cumbersometo edit the profile simply using commands.
`
`In a tenth aspect, the invention provides a method of managing a user profile comprising a
`plurality of elements storedat a server, the method comprising:
`modifying elements of the profile or providing information based on the stored
`profile in response to a commandreceived as a short message (e.g. SMS message) using a
`first protocol over a first communication medium (e.g. from a mobile telephone);
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`

`

`WO 01/91486
`
`PCT/GB01/02244
`
`6
`displaying information concerning a plurality of elements using a second protocol
`(e.g. HTTP) over a second communication medium.
`
`The media need not necessarily be particularly distinct, for example using a WAP phone,
`short queries or commands may be processed as SMS messagesbut a larger portion of the
`profile may be edited or modified using the WAP facilities of the same phone. Another
`example of a possible second medium is the Internet, a third is a direct dial connectiun to a
`modem, again possibly using the same device as used for sending short messages.
`
`In an eleventh aspect, the invention provides a method of communicating data to at least
`one user via a mobile device, the method comprising receiving at a server, an identifier of
`a user (e.g.
`telephone number), looking up data for the user based on the identifier,
`generating a message for the user by means of an algorithm for generating a message
`based on predetermined generic data and user-specific data; and transmitting the message
`to the first user.
`
`This may enable a quiz or useful information to be sent to the user tailored to the user’s
`characteristics which are pre-stored. More preferably, an identifier of at least another user
`is also used and a message specific to the users is generated, for example based on
`matching (or different) characteristics stored for the users. As an example of a “fun”
`algorithm, if birth dates are stored, an astrology algorithm may be run to generate a
`seemingly apposite message for the users based on birth dates and present date.
`If
`business details or areas of business are stored,
`these may be correlated and used to
`generate information of interest to both users. Party games may be run, with questions
`based on membersof the group or tailored to individual members.
`
`In a twelfth aspect, the invention provides a method of communicating data to a plurality
`of users via respective mobile devices, the method comprising receiving at a server, an
`identifier of each user(e.g. telephone number), looking up data forat least a first subset of
`the users user based on respective identifiers, generating at least one message for at least a
`second subset of users by means of an algorithm for generating a message based on
`predetermined generic data and user-specific data; and transmitting the messages to at
`least the second subset of users.- The plurality may be a pair of users and the subsets may
`be a single user, for example in matching characteristics of other users. Alternatively, the
`plurality may comprise a large group and the subsets may comprise the whole group.
`Different messages maybe sent to different users. The messages may comprise questions.
`
`In a thirteenth aspect, the invention provides a method of sending information to a user
`comprising selecting a set of information based on stored characteristics of the user,
`determining what of the set of information has already been sent to the user, picking a
`subset of information based on the results of selecting and determining; and sending the
`subset to the user. The information may comprise advertising information, and may be
`sent as a part of a message sent in accordance with any other aspect or otherwise. The
`information sent to a group of users (defined in accordance with any aspect defined herein
`or otherwise) may be chosen in dependence of the composition of the group.
`For
`example, information which is related but varies between members of a group may be
`appended to messages transmitted to a group of users.
`The message may include
`receiving a response from the user and processing the response based on the information
`previously sent; for example, information comprising an advertisement of an offer may be
`sent and in response to a simple reply for example containing a “yes” command, or a
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`

`

`WO 01/91486
`
`PCT/GB01/02244
`
`7
`specific code, the information may be processed. This may be provided independently in
`a method comprising sending information, preferably as part of a message,
`to a user,
`receiving a response from the user and processing the response based on the sent
`information.
`
`In a fourteenth aspect, the invention provides a method of transmitting messages to a
`group of users comprising appending information to each message, the information being
`selected from a set of messages and varying between the group. The same information
`may be transmitted to more than one user (particularly in the case of large groups). The
`information may be selected for each user based on a common criteria or set of
`information for the group and based further on user specific criteria or based on
`information the user has already received.
`
`In a fifteenth aspect, the invention provides a method of providing information to a user
`comprising:
`storing at a server an identifier of the user and a userprofile;
`providing first information over a first communication medium (e.g. a message
`sent to a mobile telephone),
`based on the identifier and the user profile, providing second information over a
`second communication medium (e.g. the Internet), the second information being
`chosen based on the first information already sent over the first communication
`medium.
`
`In a sixteenth aspect, the invention provides method of communicating information
`comprising:
`
`storing at a server a database containing a plurality of user profiles, each
`profile comprising an identifier of the user, information identifying the user and
`information identifying other users associated with the user (if any);
`receiving a request from a mobile device of the first user to send
`information to a second user; and
`transmitting information from the database to the mobile device of the
`seconduser.
`
`This may enable, for example business cards to be sent; unlike present methods of sending
`information directly from phone to phone, by storing the data at the server, the capacity of
`the phone need not be so large and greater flexibility may be provided. Pre-stored
`information, for example documents, CVs, photos and the like may be sent by any of a
`number of means, for example by fax, email, mail, or as a message to a mobile device of
`the second user. Where a business card is sent to a mobile device, it may be formatted so
`as to be directly storable in a directory of the second user’s phone, for example in a v-card
`format.
`
`The method preferably further comprises storing a link between the two users and may
`include altering permissions (as described elsewhere) so that the two users thereafter have
`access to certain specified information stored in the user profile. A plurality of categories
`of contact may be defined (for example, business contact, colleague, friend,
`lover,
`salesman,stalker, and user-defined categories) with default permissions and information.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`The method may also comprise checking for information stored in each user’s profile
`which matches or according to defined criteria may be of interest to both users; for
`
`50
`
`

`

`WO 01/91486
`
`PCT/GB01/02244
`
`8
`example if both users have indicated in their profiles a common orrelated interest, this
`fact may be flagged to the users, depending on the users’ permissions or preferencesset,
`or an astrological match may be performed; this may be provided independently.
`
`10
`
`As an alternative to sending information to a designated user, the look-up facility of the
`fourth aspect may be provided independently, for use in querying an address book by the
`first user. This may be provided in a seventeenth aspect, in which the invention provides a
`method of communicating information to a first user concerning a second user, the method
`comprising:
`receiving, at a server, from a first user a commandincluding an abbreviated
`identifier of a second user;
`looking up information for the second user corresponding to the abbreviated
`identifier based onastored list associated with thefirst user of abbreviated identifiers and
`corresponding uniqueidentifiers;
`sending the information to the first user.
`Information for multiple second users may be queried at once (in a mannersimilar to the
`group sending facility) and the information may be specified based on a command sent by
`the first user with the identifier or based on a stored default selection of information; for
`example address, phone numbers, location, etc may be queried separately.
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`In an eighteenth aspect, the invention provides a method ofcreating a userprofile
`comprising:
`receiving at a server a message from a mobile device of a user, the message
`containing an identifier of the user;
`creating a user profile in a database for the user associated with the identifier,
`which profile contains records for storing further information;
`subsequently receiving further information concerning the user to populate records
`of the profile.
`
`This may facilitate rapid signup; a user need only send a message (e.g. SMS message)
`optionally containing a signup code or keyfor a record to be created which can
`subsequently be populated, optionally over another network (e.g. the Internet). A user
`may be requested for or assigned a further identifier (e.g. login name and/or password
`and/or email address) in addition to said identifier (e.g. telephone number). A
`confirmatory message maybesentto the user following successful creation ofthe profile.
`Preferably the user identifier is checked prior to creating a record to see if a profile already
`exists for the user.
`
`The matching of information according to the sixteenth aspect may be provided
`independently in a nineteenth aspect comprising a method comprising comparing stored
`user profile information for at least first and second associated users and notifying at least
`one of the users if a predetermined correlation between said information for each user is
`found or notifying at least one of the users of information about the other user in a
`predetermined category.
`
`The invention extends to complementary methods performed at servers, user devices,
`senders and receivers, to apparatus, or computer programs or computer program products
`for implementing any of the method aspects or optimized for use with such methods
`(including but not
`limited to programs for mobile devices, programs for network
`
`

`

`WO 01/91486
`
`PCT/GB01/02244
`
`9
`management, programs for servers and programs for enabling access over another
`network).. The invention further extends to the preferable features disclosed below in the
`example. The invention further extends to mobile communication devices configured to
`operate in accordance with any of the methods disclosed herein. The invention further
`extends to data packets produced in accordance with any of the methods disclosed herein.
`
`Definitions
`For ease of understanding, various terms of art have been used herein. However, unless
`otherwise stated or essential to the context, all terms of art used herein are intended to be
`more broadly construed to encompass variants and derivatives having equivalent or
`similar function. For example, the term “Mobile telephone” or “phone” or “mobile
`device” as used herein is
`intended to encompass any device suited to wireless
`communication, whether by voice, text or other data, preferably having a designated
`unique identifier associated therewith (e.g. telephone number) enabling the device to be
`addressed by another user without communication with the other user having been
`previously established.
`
`The term “SMS message” as used herein is not limited to the present known GSM
`messaging system, unless specifically stated.
`Instead,
`it
`is intended to encompass
`modifications and derivatives thereof, preferably a message sent from or to a mobile
`device in accordance with a protocol for sending a data packet from a sender to a
`designated recipient preferably without requiring both the recipient and sender to have a
`previously established communication link, preferably using a switching layer protocol
`data packet.
`
`the
`to servers may include discrete servers and distributed systems;
`References
`functionality of a server may be integrated into a telecommunications network or spread
`over several networks. References to users may include individual users or business
`service providers, automated services andthe like.
`
`An embodimentof the invention will now be described, by way of example, with
`reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`Figure 1 is a schematic overview of a system in accordance with the invention;
`
`35
`
`Figure 2 illustrates Address Book Tab set up, Entries in My Address Book; and
`
`Figur