U.S. patent application number 11/169360 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-27 for text abbreviation methods and apparatus and systems using same.
Invention is credited to Lekutai, Gaviphat.
Application Number | 20050240391 11/169360 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35137581 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050240391 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lekutai, Gaviphat |
October 27, 2005 |
Text abbreviation methods and apparatus and systems using same
Abstract
Text processors are configured to shorten or compact text based
on one or more abbreviation libraries or rule libraries. Messaging
methods include such text abbreviation processing to reduce message
length based on display properties or to enhance user perception.
Message length can be reduced based on abbreviations in a standard
abbreviation list, a user specific abbreviation list, or a
combination of standard and custom lists. In some examples, text
length is shortened based on stored rules. Mobile stations that
provide messaging services include text processors that reduce
message length and can be configured to process text messages prior
to transmission or after reception. Text processors are provided in
association with word processors and presentation applications, and
are configured to produce shortened text strings. In some examples,
full-length text remains is stored so that both shortened text and
full text are available. Selection of text processor parameters can
be based on a graphical user interface.
Inventors: |
Lekutai, Gaviphat;
(Kirkland, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KLARQUIST SPARKMAN, LLP
121 S.W. SALMON STREET, SUITE 1600
ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
35137581 |
Appl. No.: |
11/169360 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11169360 |
Jun 28, 2005 |
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10282742 |
Oct 28, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
704/2 ; 715/256;
715/273 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/72436 20210101;
G06F 40/166 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
704/002 ;
715/530; 715/513; 715/526 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/24 |
Claims
1-8. (canceled)
9. A mobile station, comprising a message input configured to
receive a message text; a text processor configured to produce a
shortened message text; and a display configured to display the
shortened message text.
10. The mobile station of claim 9, further comprising a transceiver
configured to transmit or receive the shortened message text.
11. The mobile station of claim 9, further comprising a transceiver
configured to receive the message text and deliver the message text
to the message input.
12. The mobile station of claim 8, further comprising a memory
configured to store the message text and the shortened message
text.
13. The mobile station of claim 12, further comprising at least one
function key and a display, wherein activation of the function key
is configured to display the text message or the shortened text
message.
14. The mobile station of claim 13, wherein alternating activation
of the function key is configured to alternatingly display the text
message and the shortened text message.
15. A mobile station, comprising a message input configured to
receive a shortened message text and an abbreviation indicator; and
a display configured to display the shortened message text.
16. The mobile station of claim 15, further comprising a
transmitter configured to transmit a request for delivery of an
expanded message text associated with the shortened message
text.
17. The mobile station of claim 15, further comprising a
transmitter configured to transmit a request for delivery of a
source text associated with the shortened message text.
18. A mobile station, comprising: a receiver configured to receive
a shortened message text; and a transmitter configured to transmit
a request for an expanded message text associated with the
shortened message text.
19. A mobile station, comprising: a user interface configured for
message entry; a processor configured to abbreviate a message
received from the user interface; and a transmitter configured to
transmit the abbreviated message.
20. The mobile station of claim 19, further comprising a memory
configured to store at least one abbreviation parameter, wherein
the processor is configured to abbreviate the message based on the
at least one abbreviation parameter.
21. The mobile station of claim 20, wherein the abbreviation
parameter is associated with a user identity.
22. The mobile station of claim 20, wherein the abbreviation
parameter is associated with an equipment identity.
23. The mobile station of claim 19, wherein the processor is
configured to automatically abbreviate the message.
24. The mobile station of claim 19, wherein the processor is
configured to abbreviate the message based on one or more text
abbreviations stored in an abbreviation library.
25. The mobile station of claim 19, wherein the processor is
configured to abbreviate the message based on one or more
abbreviation rules stored in a rule library.
26-47. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The disclosure pertains to methods and apparatus for text
abbreviation.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The rapid and effective presentation and communication of
information is important in many applications. For example, short
messaging services (SMS) have been developed for wireless
communication systems to provide message delivery to network
subscribers via a wireless network whenever subscribers are in a
wireless service area. Such messages are generally transmitted
outside a voice channel so that the subscriber can access these
messages while communicating via the voice channel. Typically,
these messages are presented on a mobile station display so that
they are received by the subscriber for timely response.
[0003] Message presentation on wireless mobile stations can be
limited because of display capabilities or permissible message
lengths. For example, SMS messages are generally limited to 160
characters. In addition, a typical mobile station display can show
only a limited number of characters simultaneously, so that
displayed message length is typically even less. Computer or
workstation applications that use higher resolution displays also
exhibit similar drawbacks although such drawbacks appear only for
longer messages. In some applications, information display may not
be limited by display hardware, but displayed information may be
unsuitable for effective communication. For example, many business
and academic presentations are based on presentation slides
generated with computer presentation applications or word
processors. Unfortunately, while such presentation slides can be
filled with characters or graphics, presentation slides that
include more than a few lines of text or a few graphics are largely
ineffective as viewers are unable to process larger amounts of text
or graphics in a single presentation slide.
[0004] Accordingly, methods and apparatus are needed that provide
enhanced communication.
SUMMARY
[0005] Text processors comprise an input configured to receive a
text string having an initial string length. A text abbreviator is
configured to produce an abbreviated text string having a string
length that is less than the initial string length and an output
that is configured to deliver the abbreviated text string.
According to representative examples, text processors further
comprise a memory configured to store an abbreviation library,
wherein the abbreviated text string is produced based on the
abbreviation library. In additional examples, the text processor
comprises a memory configured to store a rule library, wherein the
abbreviated text string is produced based on the rule library.
[0006] Word processors comprise a text input configured to receive
a text string having an initial length and a text processor
configured to process the text string and produce a processed text
string having a processed string length that is less than the
initial length. A display is configured to display the processed
string. According to representative examples, the text processor
includes an abbreviation library or a rule library, wherein the
processed text string is produced based on the abbreviation library
or the rule library. In additional representative examples, the
text processor is configured to retain the text string and the
abbreviated text string so that either can be displayed.
[0007] Mobile stations comprise a message input configured to
receive an input message text and a text processor configured to
produce a shortened message text from the input message text. A
display is configured to display the shortened message text. In
representative examples, the mobile stations further comprise a
transceiver configured to transmit or receive the shortened message
text. In other examples, the mobile stations comprise a transceiver
configured to receive the input message text and deliver the input
message text to the text processor. In additional representative
examples, the mobile stations comprise a memory configured to store
the input message text and the shortened message text. In other
representative examples, the mobile stations comprise at least one
function key, wherein activation of the function key is configured
to display the text message or the shortened text message.
[0008] Mobile stations comprise a message input configured to
receive a shortened message text and an abbreviation indicator and
a display configured to display the shortened message text. In
representative examples, the mobile stations further comprise a
transmitter configured to transmit a request for delivery of an
expanded message text associated with the shortened message text or
a source text associated with the shortened message text.
[0009] Text processors comprise means for receiving a text message
and means for processing the text message to produce an abbreviated
text message. In representative examples, the text processors
comprise means for selecting an abbreviation extent for the
abbreviated text message, and means for selectively displaying the
text message and/or the abbreviated text message.
[0010] Messaging methods comprise preparing a message text and
abbreviating the message text. The abbreviated message text is then
transmitted to a message recipient. In representative examples, the
message text is abbreviated based on an abbreviation library or a
rule library. In a particular example, messaging methods include
providing an abbreviation library shared by a message sender and
the message recipient. In other messaging methods, a message text
is transmitted and abbreviated after reception.
[0011] Text processing methods comprise receiving a text string and
abbreviating the text string. According to representative examples,
the text string is abbreviated based on an abbreviation library or
an available display area. In additional representative examples,
the text string and the abbreviated text string are stored, and
either is selectable for display. In further examples, the text
string is abbreviated based on one or more abbreviation or rule
libraries. In some examples, such libraries are user configurable
or are associated with a specific vocabulary. In other
representative examples, the text string is abbreviated based on an
abbreviation index associated with a selected abbreviation
extent.
[0012] User interfaces for computer systems having a graphical user
interface, a display, and a user interface selection device
comprise retrieving a menu entry associated with a text processor
function. The menu entry is displayed and a menu selection signal
indicative of the user interface selection device pointing at the
menu entry on the display is received. A text processor function
associated with the menu entry is performed. In representative
examples, the text processor function is text abbreviation or
selection of an abbreviation library or an abbreviation library
entry.
[0013] Network elements comprise a receiver configured to receive a
text message and a processor configured to abbreviate the text
message. In representative examples, the processor is configured to
abbreviate the text message based on one or more abbreviation
parameters that are received from a network element or a mobile
station. In some examples, the processor is configured to receive
at least one abbreviation parameter associated with a message
recipient identity or an equipment identity.
[0014] These and other features are set forth below with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating communication
between two mobile stations.
[0016] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a message processor.
[0017] FIG. 1C illustrates display of a message by a mobile
station.
[0018] FIG. 1D illustrates display of an abbreviated message by the
mobile station of FIG. 1C.
[0019] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a computer system that
includes a text processor configured to abbreviate text
strings.
[0020] FIG. 2B illustrates a presentation slide.
[0021] FIG. 2C illustrates a presentation slide based on an
abbreviated bullet list.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a text
processing method.
[0023] FIG. 4A is a schematic block diagram illustrating text
processing at a mobile station.
[0024] FIG. 4B is a schematic block diagram illustrating text
expansion at a mobile station.
[0025] FIG. 5A is a schematic block diagram illustrating text
processing at a network element.
[0026] FIG. 5B is a schematic block diagram illustrating text
expansion at a network element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] With reference to FIG. 1A, a mobile station 100 includes a
keypad 102 and a microphone 104 configured to receive input from a
mobile station user, and a display 105 configured to show user
inputs, messages, or other information. Other or additional input
devices can also be included with the mobile station 100. The
keypad 102, the microphone 104, or both are configured to
communicate user inputs to a message processor 106 that is in
communication with a transceiver 108. The transceiver 108 produces
a modulated radio-frequency signal that is delivered to an antenna
110 for transmission via an air interface 112 to a base station
114. The base station 114 is in communication with a wireless
communication network 116 and/or a public switched telephone
network (PSTN) 118. A wireless communication network 120 is in
communication with the PSTN 118 and includes a mobile base station
122. A mobile station 130 is in communication with the wireless
network 120 and includes a display 135, a keypad 132, a microphone
134, a message processor 136, and a transceiver 138. As shown in
FIG. 1A, a message or other transmission by the mobile station 100
is delivered to the mobile station 130 via the wireless networks
116, 120 and the PSTN 118. In other examples, a message is
delivered to a landline telephone, a personal computer or other
computer, a personal digital assistant, a computer network, or to
other fixed or mobile destinations.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1B, the message processor 106 includes a
controller 150, a memory 152 configured to store a standard
abbreviation library 154 and user-customized abbreviation libraries
156, 158. In some examples, the processor 106 is provided in a
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), in a public switched telephone
network (PSTN), a portable digital assistant, a personal computer,
a server, or at other locations in a communication system. The
processor 106 can be a dedicated processor, or can be a processor
associated with additional applications. For example, a central
processing unit of a personal computer can be configured as such a
processor. The memory 152 is also configured to store a rule
library 160 that includes one or more abbreviation rules. The
memory 152 can also be configured to store computer executable
instructions for an abbreviation processor 162. A message or other
text provided by the keypad 102 or otherwise provided is received
by the message processor 106 at an input 164 and is abbreviated
based on one or more of the abbreviation libraries 154, 156, 158
and the rule library 160. For example, the received text can be
compared with text stored in one or more of the abbreviation
libraries 154, 156, 158 or processed using classification methods
based on fuzzy logic or neural networks or other methods using
rules stored in the rule library 160. Abbreviation libraries and/or
rule libraries can be configured based on message classes or
profiles. For example, specific libraries can be associated with
personal messages, business messages, family messages, technical
messages, recreational messages, messages directed to international
destinations, messages intended for non-English speakers, or other
message categories. In some examples, more than one library can be
selected. Such libraries can be configured to abbreviate based on,
for example, words or phrases that are easily recognized within a
selected classification. In addition, libraries can be configured
for one or more languages so that language-specific libraries are
available. Messages in one or more languages can be appropriately
shortened based on such libraries.
[0029] As a specific example of an abbreviation process, the
message "MEET ME AT 6:00 PM AT DOWNTOWN OFFICE BUILDING" can be
shortened based on abbreviations in the standard library 154 and/or
one or both of the user-customized libraries 156, 158. For example,
this message can be shortened to "MEET 6P, DWNTWN OFF BLDG,"
substantially reducing message length. In this particular example,
words such as "AT" or "ME" can be identified in the abbreviation
libraries for omission from messages. Vowels can be similarly
identified for omission based on a rule stored in the rule library
160. Words such as "building" can be abbreviated based on, for
example, a stored abbreviation in the standard library 154. As used
herein, shortening of a text string is referred to as abbreviation.
Thus, abbreviation includes shortening a text string by, for
example, removal of vowels or other characters. The abbreviated
message is delivered to an output 166. Details of the message
processor 136 are not shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, but the message
processor 136 can be generally similar to the message processor
106.
[0030] The controller 150 can be arranged to provide user or
hardware configurable abbreviation by, for example, selection of
which abbreviation libraries or rule libraries are to be used, or
to specify a target abbreviation extent. For example, messages that
only slightly exceed display capabilities or permitted message
lengths can be only slightly abbreviated. Alternatively, messages
may be extensively abbreviated between, for example, users who are
accustomed to reading abbreviated messages. The extent of message
abbreviation can be user selected or can be determined by the
message processor based on message properties such as message
length. Abbreviation extent can be conveniently selected based on a
user-selectable abbreviation index.
[0031] While FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate text message processing, voice
messages can be similarly processed after conversion to text using,
for example, speech recognition software that can be executed by
the message processor 106 or by an additional processor Such speech
recognition can be applied before or after transmission. A message
recipient can recover speech by expanding the abbreviated message
and delivering the expanded message to a speech processor. In
addition, text input can be received from a graphics tablet using
handwriting recognition software based on a conventional alphabet
or a specially configured alphabet.
[0032] In the example described above, a message is abbreviated
before transmission by the mobile station 100 to the mobile station
130. In additional examples, full message text can be transmitted
for processing after receipt. For example, the message "MEET ME AT
6:00 PM AT DOWNTOWN OFFICE BUILDING" is transmitted by the mobile
station 100, and the message processor 136 in the mobile station
130 shortens the message prior to presenting the message on the
display 135. The message processor 136 can be configured so that
the message is processed based on, for example, properties of the
display 135, the identity of the message sender, or other message
characteristics such as message length. For example, the message
processor 136 can receive the full message text and determine if
the display 135 has space available for the full text. If so, the
message can be delivered in its original form to the display 135.
If adequate display space is unavailable, the message processor 136
can abbreviate the message based on the display space available.
Thus, if the display 135 has considerable space available, only
slight abbreviation can be applied by removing only a few
characters or abbreviating words having easily recognized
abbreviations, based on, for example, a user abbreviation
configuration. In other examples, message abbreviation can be based
on selected abbreviation or rule libraries that can be configured
based on the identity of the message sender. For example, users can
agree on abbreviation configurations to reduce ambiguities in
abbreviated messages.
[0033] Text and message processing as described above can also be
provided in other communication applications. For example, email
messages can be processed prior to delivery or after receipt to
reduce message length and enhance readability. So-called instant
messaging applications can also include such text processing so
that full message text is converted into shortened instant message
text. This conversion can be performed either prior to transmission
or after receipt. Abbreviation libraries can be configured based on
instant message recipients or recipient groups such as "buddy
lists." For example, a particular buddy list can be associated with
appropriate abbreviation libraries and rules.
[0034] Display of a representative full message and a corresponding
abbreviated message is illustrated in FIGS. 1C-1D. With reference
to FIG. 1C, a mobile station 170 includes a keypad 172, function
keys 174, and a display 176. The mobile station also includes an
antenna, transceiver, a message processor, and other features
similar to those illustrated in FIG. 1A, but not included in FIGS.
1C-1D. The display 176 is configured to include a message area 178
and an area 180 that is configured to show information regarding
current calls, a call log, or other information, and provide access
to a mobile station menu. As shown in FIG. 1C, a portion of a
message "JB WILL BE AT RESTAURANT ON PINE STREET NEAR FREEWAY EXIT"
is displayed in the message area 178. Unfortunately, this message
exceeds the capacity of the message area 178, and cannot be
displayed in its entirety. FIG. 1D illustrates the mobile station
170 as configured to display a shortened message corresponding to
this message. After abbreviation, the entire message can be
displayed in the message area 178. This abbreviation can be
performed by a message processor with or without user intervention.
For example, the user can inspect a portion of the message (as
shown in FIG. 1C) and then indicate that the message is to be
shortened using one or more of the function keys 174.
Alternatively, because the message cannot be displayed in the
available message area, the message can be shortened without user
intervention based on message length and available display area.
The user can select display of the original (unshortened) message
using one or more of the function keys 174, and view the entire
message using a scrolling operation.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 2A, a personal computer 200 or other
computer system is configured to receive and process text generated
using a computer-based presentation application, word processor, or
other application. The personal computer 200 typically includes a
microprocessor, random access memory, read only memory, one or more
hard disk drives, a floppy disk drive, and other data storage
devices and input/output devices. Voice input can be provided using
a microphone in association with speech recognition software. As
shown in FIG. 2A, the personal computer 200 includes CD-ROM drive
201 and user input is provided via a keyboard 202 and a mouse 204.
System and application information is shown on a display monitor
206 such as a cathode ray tube display, a liquid crystal display,
or other display. A network interface can also be provided, but is
not shown in FIG. 2A.
[0036] The personal computer 200 can be configured to receive text
strings produced using the keyboard 202 and the mouse 204 (or other
pointing device or other input devices) so that the text strings
are processed with word processor application software,
presentation application software, graphics software, or other
applications. For example, text strings can be associated with flow
chart text boxes, other boxed text, display slides, display pages,
printed pages, or other display areas having fixed or selectable
display dimensions or resolutions. For example, a text processor
can be implemented as a series of computer executable instructions
configured to selectively shorten input text strings based on, for
example, text box dimensions or page sizes. The computer-executable
instructions can also be configured to process a presentation
application file, a word processor file, other stored text, or can
be configured as a software module that processes text during text
entry or word processing operations. The text processor can be
configured based on parameters such as, for example, a minimum font
size, a maximum font size, and/or range of text fonts and font
sizes. In addition, the text processor can be configured to request
or authorize increases or decreases in text box sizes and to
provide one or more abbreviation levels associated with an
authorized abbreviation extent. The text processor can also be
configured to retain unabbreviated text so that any text ambiguity
due to abbreviation can be resolved by display of full text by, for
example, selecting an alternative text display such as a full-text
display with, for example, a function key, a pointing device such
as the mouse 206, a trackball, or other user input device.
Retaining unabbreviated text also permits text abbreviation to be
executed based on additional or alternative user libraries or
standard libraries. For example, abbreviated presentation text can
be reprocessed based on a target display size, or based on
familiarity of a target audience with standard abbreviations or
acronyms associated with presentation subject matter.
[0037] Referring further to FIG. 2A, the display monitor 206 is
configured to display a representative text box 208 as controlled
by, for example, a presentation application. A user menu 210 is
provided that is associated with selected display regions on the
display monitor 206. For example, activating a mouse button with a
mouse pointer displayed at a display region 211 can be associated
with display of abbreviated text, display of full text, and
activating a mouse button at a display region 212 can be associated
with selection of abbreviation parameters, or deactivating display
of the menu 210. A representative example is illustrated in FIGS.
2B-2C. With reference to FIG. 2B, a presentation slide 250 includes
a list of bullet items 251, 252, 253, 254 that correspond to a full
text input, without abbreviation or other text reduction.
Processing of the full text input is configured to produce a
presentation slide 260 that includes a list of abbreviated bullet
items 261, 262, 263, 264 as shown in FIG. 2C.
[0038] Control of a text processor can be provided based on a menu
or other user interface configured for selection of text processor
parameters. For example, a so-called "drop-down" menu can be
provided that is associated with one or more text processor
functions such as abbreviation, library selection, abbreviation
level selection, or toggling between full text and abbreviated
text. The menu can be displayed in response to a menu entry
selection signal provided by a user selection device such as a
mouse, keyboard, or the device. An execution signal associated with
one or more text processor functions can be provided based on a
menu entry selected by a user.
[0039] Presentation text, message text, and other text generally
include a series of one or more alphanumeric characters. A series
of characters is generally referred to as a text string and a
number of characters associated with a text string is referred to
as a string length. As used herein, such text strings can include
page breaks, line breaks, paragraph breaks, and other formatting
information and a text processor can be configured to remove such
formatting characters.
[0040] A representative text processing method 300 is illustrated
in FIG. 3. In a step 302, a text string is received for processing.
In a step 304, processing parameters are selected. These processing
parameters can be associated with, for example, display hardware
properties, a degree of processing intended, availability of
standard, custom, or shared abbreviation or rule libraries, and
whether an unprocessed text string is to be retained in addition to
a processed text string. For example, memories 305A, 305B, 305C can
be configured to store abbreviation level parameters, display
properties, and libraries, respectively. With processing parameters
selected, the text is processed in a step 306 and the text string
to be displayed is selected in a step 308. In a step 310, the
selected text is displayed. Computer readable media can be
configured to include computer-executable instructions for such
text processing methods, or other applications that include such
text processing.
[0041] Text processing methods can be associated with a graphical
user interface such that provided with a MICROSOFT WINDOWS
operating system or other operating system. Generally such
graphical user interfaces display an object on a display screen and
a text processing function is associated with the displayed object.
For example, the displayed object can be associated with display of
abbreviated text or full text, selection of abbreviation level, or
selection or customization of one or more rule or abbreviation
libraries. A user input based on the displayed object activates
execution of such functions. In some examples, a menu of functions
is displayed.
[0042] With reference to FIG. 4A, a text processing method 400
configured for execution at a mobile station at which a message is
prepared includes a step 402 of receiving message source text
produced using, for example, a keyboard, a touchpad, a writing area
on a personal digital assistant, a mouse or other pointing device
with a displayed keyboard, or other device. One or more user
personalities are retrieved from a memory 405 or obtained from a
wireless or other network node, and abbreviation parameters
associated with the user personalities are applied to the input
text in a step 404. Processed text and/or unprocessed text can be
stored in a memory 407and the processed text is transmitted in a
step 409. An abbreviation identifier can be associated with the
processed text in a step 408, and transmitted to a recipient or a
network node in the step 409. The abbreviation identifier can
indicate that a text string has been processed, or can indicate a
processing extent as well as identifiers associated with some or
all parameters associated with the processed text. In addition, the
abbreviation identifier can indicate whether the associated
unprocessed text is available.
[0043] With reference to FIG. 4B, a method 410 of processing
abbreviated text at, for example, a mobile station includes
receiving abbreviated text in a step 412 and selecting source text
or abbreviated text for display in a step 413. If display of
abbreviated text is selected, the abbreviated text is directed to a
display in a step 414. The abbreviated message can be stored in a
step 417 based on, for example, a user configuration parameter for
all messages, or a user configuration parameter based on message
properties such as length, sender, number and identity of other
recipients, time of transmission, time of reception, or other
message property. A processor at a recipient mobile station is
configured to process the received abbreviated text and display
message source text based on an abbreviation personality library
420 and/or an abbreviation parameter table 421 that can be based on
a sender identification, message length, abbreviation level, or
other parameters. The message source text, or partially recovered
message source text is displayed in a step 418 and can be stored in
the step 417.
[0044] User personalities can be based on sender preferences,
recipient preferences, hardware and/or software configuration in a
mobile station or other device. For example, a user personality can
be configured so that messages to selected recipients are
abbreviated based on a private library. The user personality for
such a personal library can provide identification of recipients to
be associated with such a private user personality. The personal
library can also include abbreviations for terms that common to
group members, or abbreviation can be avoided for recipients for
whom abbreviated messages pose difficulties. Messages to other
recipients can be abbreviated based on generic abbreviation
conditions, or only slightly abbreviated so that they are easily
understood.
[0045] With reference to FIG. 5A, a network element such as a base
station controller (BSC), a mobile switching center (MSC), gateway
mobile services switching center (GMSC) receives a text message or
text string from another network element or a mobile station in a
step 502, and determines if the text message is to be stored in a
step 503. A memory 505 located at the network element or at other
network or remote location is configured to store the received text
message or string. The received text string is processed in a step
504 based on one or more abbreviation personalities 510, a default
rule or text library 511, text destination identifiers 512, or
subscriber/network profiles 513. Representative text destination
identifiers include a Mobile Identification Number (MIN), an
International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), an Electronic
Serial Number (ESN), or an International Mobile Equipment
Identifier (IMEI). The MIN typically corresponds to a phone number
assigned to a user by a carrier. The IMSI typically permits user
identification and includes fields associated with a carrier and a
home country. The ESN typically identifies a mobile station based
on a manufacturer code and a manufacturer-assigned serial number.
The IMEI is typically a serial number assigned to a mobile station
for identification. These or other text destination identifiers can
be configured, for example, so that text processing in the step 504
is based on a recipient identity, equipment used by a recipient, or
a combination thereof. In other examples, text processing can be
based on properties of other network elements, network capacity,
network congestion, or based on a subscriber service profile that
indicates services available to the message originator. An
abbreviation indicator can be associated with the processed text in
a step 506, and the processed text transmitted to a recipient or
another network element in a step 508. The processed text can be
transmitted with or without the abbreviation indicator. If the
abbreviation indicator is available to the recipient mobile station
(or network element), the text processing of the step 504 can be
reversed or partially reversed, either automatically based on an
abbreviation personality associated with a network element, a
recipient, communication equipment, or network capacity or
capabilities. Alternatively, a recipient can request a less
abbreviated version in order to confirm or clarify the received
processed text. In addition, if messages are abbreviated to avoid
network congestion, the recipient can request that unprocessed
message text be delivered when network congestion is relieved. The
abbreviation indicator can be associated with abbreviation extent
or identify specific libraries used for text shortening.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 5B, a method 520 of expanding a processed
text at, for example, a network element or a mobile station,
includes receiving the processed text and a processing identifier
in a step 522. If desired, the processed text is stored in a memory
525 in a step 523. In a step 526, processing parameters are
retrieved from memories 530, 531, 532, 533 that are configured to
store abbreviation personalities, text destination identifiers,
subscriber and/or network profiles, or default processing
parameters, respectively. Typically, some processing parameters can
be selected based on the abbreviation identifier. In addition, the
abbreviation parameter can be configured to indicate the
availability of unprocessed text. In a step 536, the processed text
is expanded and in a step 538 the expanded text is transmitted. In
some examples, text expansion is based on a request by a recipient
received in a step 540 that typically includes an abbreviation
expansion identifier that is associated with an extent of
expansion, associated expansion/abbreviation parameters, or a
request for transmission of unprocessed text. In a control step
541, a determination is made if source text is requested. If so, a
request for source text is transmitted in a step 542. Otherwise,
processing parameters are retrieved in the step 526 for additional
expansion in the step 536. In some examples, the expanded text is
returned with the request for further processing. Alternatively,
stored processed text can be retrieved from the memory 525.
[0047] It will be appreciated that the examples described above can
be modified in arrangement and detail. For example, text processors
can be associated with text origination, text reception, or at
locations between text origination and text reception. For example,
a wireless network can include a text processor associated with a
network messaging center. Based on network settings or
configuration parameters supplied by a network subscriber, text
messages can be abbreviated for transmission to a recipient.
Messages intended for a subscriber can also be abbreviated based on
configuration parameters stored at a user mobile station such as a
cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, a palm-top computer,
or other mobile device that communicates over an air interface.
Alternatively text processor settings can be stored at a network
message center or other network location. Text processors can be
provided as computer-executable instructions for use with liquid
crystal or other computer-based projection systems, laptop
computers, handheld computers, or other devices. In addition, text
processors can be configured to process web pages, word processor
documents, spreadsheets, or be associated with applications such as
terminal emulators and email applications that use text.
[0048] In other examples, message sources and message receivers can
be associated with wireless communication devices such as mobile
stations, wireless personal digital assistants, personal computers
and laptop computers that communicate via a wireless network, other
computers that communicate via a wired network, or other devices.
For example, a message source can be a personal computer that is
configured to transmit a message that is intended for a recipient
via an air interface. Alternatively, a mobile station can be
configured to produce a text message that is directed to a personal
computer. Text processing can be provided at the personal computer,
a network element of a wired or wireless portion of a network, a
server, at a mobile station, or other location. In some examples,
text processing can be provided at several locations. Abbreviation
parameters can be stored locally or in a wired or wireless network,
or entered manually. Processing identifiers can be communicated as
one or more identification bits or identification words that are
associated with processing extent and/or processing libraries,
processing classes, or processing rules that are to be applied or
that have been applied. In view of these representative examples, I
claim all that is encompassed by the appended claims.
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