U.S. patent application number 12/017999 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-29 for messaging system in a hybrid network and mobile communication environment.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dale W. Malik.
Application Number | 20080125153 12/017999 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35600106 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080125153 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Malik; Dale W. |
May 29, 2008 |
MESSAGING SYSTEM IN A HYBRID NETWORK AND MOBILE COMMUNICATION
ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
Providing communication between a network communication device
and a mobile communication device is disclosed. A server is in
communication with a mobile communications network. The server
communicates with mobile communication devices in the mobile
communications network using a first protocol. The server monitors
the state of each mobile communication device, and provides network
state information for a group of mobile communication devices to a
network communication device. The network communication device and
the server communicate using a second protocol, and the network
communication device is adapted to display network state
information for the group of mobile communication devices and
adapted to provide a user interface for communicating with the
mobile communication devices. The network communication device
includes logic for receiving network information for a
communications network. The network information is related to the
presence of a mobile communication device in the communications
network. The network communication device also includes logic for
transmitting a first message to the communications network
Inventors: |
Malik; Dale W.; (Dunwoody,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS, KAYDEN, HORSTEMEYER & RISLEY, LLP/;AT&T Delaware Intellectual
Property, Inc.
600 GALLERIA PARKWAY, S.E., SUITE 1500
ATLANTA
GA
30339-5994
US
|
Assignee: |
AT&T Delaware Intellectual
Property, Inc.
Wilmington
DE
|
Family ID: |
35600106 |
Appl. No.: |
12/017999 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10889859 |
Jul 13, 2004 |
7321921 |
|
|
12017999 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/466 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 4/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/466 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 7/20 20060101
H04Q007/20 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: before transmitting any user communication
message to a mobile communications device, processing network
presence information to determine whether the mobile communication
device is present on a communications network; responsive to
determining that the mobile communication device is not present on
the communications network, delaying the transmission of the first
user communication message until the mobile communication device is
present on the communications network; and transmitting a first
user communication message to the communications network for user
messaging, wherein the communications network relays the first user
communication message to the mobile communication device.
2. The method of claim 1, further including: displaying to a user
information related to the network presence information.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the displayed information conveys
that the mobile communication device is in a given state, the given
state selected from a group consisting of off-network and
on-network.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying information
related to delivery comprising: prior to receiving a second user
communication message from the communications network, displaying
to a user information conveying that the first user communication
message has not been received by the mobile communication device;
and responsive to receiving the second user communication message
from the communications network, displaying to the user information
conveying that the first user communication message has been
received by the mobile communication device.
5. The method of claim 1, further including: providing the
communications network with one identifier for each mobile
communication device in a group of mobile communications devices;
receiving network information for a given mobile communication
devices included in the group, wherein the network information is
related to the presence of the given mobile communication device in
the communications network.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the network information indicates
that the given mobile communication device is in a given state, the
given state selected from the group consisting of off-network and
on-network.
7. The method of claim 1, further including: monitoring the
presence of the mobile communication device in the communications
network through a series of network information messages;
displaying to a user information indicating the current state of
the mobile communications device in the communications network,
wherein the current state is one of the group consisting of
on-network and off-network; and responsive to the state of the
mobile communication device changing, displaying the new state of
the mobile communication device.
8. A method comprising: receiving from the user a first user
communication message with a first protocol, before transmitting
any user communication message to a mobile communications device,
processing network information to determine whether the mobile
communication device is present on a communications network;
responsive to determining that the mobile communication device is
not present on the communications network, delaying the
transmission of a second user communication message until the
mobile communication device is present on the communications
network; and transmitting to the mobile communications device a
second user communication message with a second protocol.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first user communication
message is an electronic email carried over the internet, and the
protocol of the second user communication message is a Short
Message Service protocol.
10. The method of claim 8, further including: receiving a third
message from the mobile communication device, the third message
confirming that the mobile communication device received the second
user communication message; and responsive to receiving the third
message, transmitting a fourth message to the sender, wherein the
fourth message confirms that the mobile communication device
received the content of the first user communication message.
11. The method of claim 8, further including: responsive to
transmitting the second user communication message, transmitting a
third message to the sender, wherein the third message confirms
that the content of the first user communication message was
transmitted to the mobile communication device.
12. The method of claim 8, further including: monitoring the
current state of the mobile communication device in the
communications network, wherein the current state is one of the
group consisting of on-network and off-network; and responsive to
the state of the mobile communication device changing, transmitting
network information related to the change of state of the mobile
communication device to the sender.
13. A network communication device comprising: logic for, before
transmitting any user communication message to a mobile
communications device, processing network presence information to
determine that the mobile communication device is not present on
the communications network; logic for delaying the transmission of
a first user communication message until the mobile communication
device is present on the communications network; and logic for
transmitting the first user communication message.
14. The network communication device of claim 13, wherein the logic
is embodied in a computer readable medium.
15. The network communication device of claim 13, further
including: logic for displaying to a user information related to
the presence of the mobile communication device in the
communications network.
16. The network communication device of claim 15, wherein the
displayed information conveys that the mobile communication device
is in a given state, the given state selected from the group
consisting of off-network and on-network.
17. The network communication device of claim 13, further
including: logic for displaying to a user information related to
delivery of the first user communication message.
18. The network communication device of claim 13, further
including: logic for providing the communications network with one
identifier for each mobile communication device in a group of
mobile communications devices; logic for receiving network
information for a given mobile communication devices included in
the group, wherein the network information is related to the
presence of the given mobile communication device in the
communications network.
19. The network communication device of claim 18, wherein the
network information indicates that the given mobile communication
device is in a given state, the given state selected from the group
consisting of off-network and on-network.
20. The network communication device of claim 13, further
including: logic for monitoring the presence of the mobile
communication device in the communications network through a series
of network information messages; and logic for displaying to a user
information indicating the current state of the mobile
communications device in the communications network, wherein the
current state is one of the group consisting of on-network and
off-network; and logic for displaying the new state of the mobile
communication device, wherein the new state is displayed responsive
to the state of the mobile communication device changing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/889,859 filed Jul. 13, 2004, which is
hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to messaging
systems and, more particularly, is related to messaging between
networked devices and mobile communication devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Today, a user of a mobile communication device such as a
cell phone can receive and transmit calls and messages. A person
might send a message to a user of a mobile communication device for
various reasons such as the person might know that the user is not
currently available for a telephone call. A problem associated with
sending a message instead of calling is that the person sending the
message often does not know if the message was delivered.
[0004] Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry
to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure provide
communications between a network communication device and a mobile
communication device.
[0006] Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of a
system, among others, can be implemented as follows. A server is in
communication with a mobile communications network. The server
communicates with mobile communication devices in the mobile
communications network using a first protocol. The server monitors
the state of each mobile communication device, and provides network
state information for a group of mobile communication devices to a
network communication device. The network communication device and
the server communicate using a second protocol, and the network
communication device is adapted to display network state
information for the group of mobile communication devices and
adapted to provide a user interface for communicating with the
mobile communication devices.
[0007] Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the
network communication device, among others, can be implemented as
follows. The network communication device includes logic for
receiving network information for a communications network. The
network information is related to the presence of a mobile
communication device in the communications network. The network
communication device also includes logic for transmitting a first
message to the communications network.
[0008] Embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure can
also be viewed as providing methods for communicating with a mobile
communication device. In this regard, one embodiment of such a
method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following
steps: receiving network information for a communications network,
the network information being related to the presence of a mobile
communication device in the communications network; and
transmitting a first message to the communications network, wherein
the communications network relays the first message to the mobile
communication device.
[0009] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the
present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in
the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features, and advantages be included within this
description and be within the scope of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.
Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary messaging
system.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary second messaging
system.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of selected components of an
exemplary mobile communications service provider.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary message
template.
[0015] FIG. 5A is a block diagram of an exemplary on-network
message.
[0016] FIG. 5B is a block diagram of an exemplary off-network
message.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing exemplary steps for sending a
message to a mobile communication device.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing exemplary steps for providing
network state information.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary network
communication device.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a diagram of an exemplary computer having a
communication console.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a diagram of an exemplary communication
console.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an exemplary message template
for communicating with a mobile communication device.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a diagram of an exemplary message sent from a
network communication device to a mobile communication device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be
understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code
which include one or more executable instructions for implementing
specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate
implementations are included within the scope of embodiments of the
present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order
from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently
or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as
would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a first embodiment
of a messaging system. In the first embodiment, people, businesses,
organizations, etc. subscribe to a messaging service provider 102,
which, among other things, provides messaging services through a
plurality of wireless communication service providers 106. Each one
of the subscribers of the messaging service provider 102 has a
network communication device 108 that is located at the
subscriber's premises 110.
[0026] As will be explained in detail hereinbelow, subscribers of
the messaging service provider 102 receive, among other things,
network information related to selected users of the wireless
communication service providers 106. The subscribers of the
messaging service provider 102 use their network communication
devices 108 to communicate written messages to selected users of
the wireless communication service providers 106. For the purposes
of this disclosure, a network communication device is a device that
has an internet protocol (IP) address and uses the IP address in
communications.
[0027] The messaging service provider 102 communicates with the
wireless communication service providers 106 and with the network
communication devices 108 via the a network, such as the Internet
112. The network communication devices 108 and wireless
communication service providers 106 also communicate with each
other via, e.g., the Internet 112. In another embodiment, the
network communication devices 108 and wireless communication
service providers 106 communicate with each other via public and
private networks known to those skilled in the art such as, but not
limited to, private--corporate intranet, and virtual private
networks over public networks.
[0028] The wireless service provider 106 includes a central office
114 and a plurality of base stations 116. The central office 114
transmits signals over communication links 118 to the base stations
116, which then relay the signals to mobile communication devices
120 such as a cellular mobile telephone or personal digital
assistants (PDAs) or mobile data entry terminals. In some
embodiments, the base stations 116 are in communication with the
central office 114 via a high bandwidth wired/optical communication
link. For the purposes of this disclosure, mobile communications
devices include, among others, devices that communicate using
cellular connectivity such as, but not limited to, Asynchronous
Communication, Short Message Service (SMS), Code Division
Multiplexed Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiplex Access (TDMA),
Wave Division Multiplex Access (WDMA), and Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM).
[0029] As will be described in detail herein below, the mobile
communication devices 120 communicate with the service providers
106 when they come "on-network." For the purposes of this
disclosure, a given communication device 120 is considered to come
"on-network" in a network of a given service provider 106 when the
given communication device 120 initiates communication with the
given service provider 106 such that the given service provider 106
becomes aware of the given communication device 120. The
"on-network" communication may be automatic, e.g., when the mobile
communication device 120 is turned on and within range of a base
station 116, or manual, e.g., the user of the mobile communication
device 120 sends an "on-network" message to the wireless
communication service provider 106.
[0030] As will be described in detail herein below, the messaging
service provider 102 enables the network communication devices 108
to communicate with selected/predetermined "on-network" mobile
communication devices 120. A subscriber defines his or her own
group of members and registers mobile communication devices that
belong to or are associated with members of the subscriber's group.
The mobile communication devices are registered with the messaging
service provider 102. In one embodiment, the mobile communication
devices of members are registered with the wireless communication
service provider 106.
[0031] In this disclosure a "family" is used to illustrate a group,
and the husband, wife, son and daughter of the family are the
members of the illustrative group. However, the family group
described here is for illustrative purposes only. Each subscriber
can include members to his or her own group as the subscriber sees
fit. In one embodiment, the messaging service provider 102 charges
a subscriber a flat fee for having a group that is less than a
predetermined number and charges a graduated fee for more
members.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a second
embodiment of a messaging system. In this second embodiment, a
wireless communication service provider 106(B) provides both
wireless communication to a plurality of mobile communication
devices 120(B.1) and 120(B.2) through a plurality of base stations
116(B) and provides messaging services for its subscribers to the
mobile communication devices 120(B.1) and 120(B.2).
[0033] The subscribers of the wireless communication service
provider 106(B) have subscriber premises 110(B), and located at
subscribers premises 110(B) are network communication devices
108(B). A subscriber uses his or her network communication device
108(B) to communicate with "on-network" members belonging to the
subscriber's group. As will be explained in detail herein below,
messages from the network communication devices 108(B) are
transmitted to a central office 114(B) via the Internet 112(B). The
central office 114(B) relays the messages to "on-network" members.
In this embodiment, the wireless communication service provider
106(B) includes the necessary components for providing the
functionality of the messaging service provider 102.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of selected components
of the central office 114(B). It should be noted that a simplified
block diagram of selected components of the central office 114
would be essentially the same. With reference to FIG. 3, in
addition to FIG. 2, the central office 114(B) includes a wireless
gateway server 124 that is connected to a database 126 by a
communication link 128, and a controller 130 that is connected to
the server 124 by a communication link 132. The wireless gateway
server 124 includes a plurality of interfaces 134 for communicating
with mobile communication devices 120. Non-limiting examples of
interfaces 134 includes Information Standard 41 (IS41) and Short
Message Service (SMS) interfaces.
[0035] Among other things, the controller 130 registers mobile
communication devices of a subscribers group into the messaging
system 100. For each member, the subscriber will provide the
controller 130 with the telephone number of the mobile
communication device 120 belonging to or associated with a member
of the subscriber's group. In addition, in some embodiments, the
subscriber will provide the controller with addresses such as
standard e-mail addresses or other SMS equivalent numerical
addresses for communication devices that do not have a telephone
number. The controller 130 associates registered mobile
communication devices with the subscriber's group, and the
association is stored in database 126.
[0036] Typically, the registration of a mobile communication device
120 is accomplished via an e-mail message from the network
communication device 108 belonging to the subscriber. The message
includes the telephone number of the mobile communication device
120 being registered and identifies the subscriber and/or the
network communication device 108 that sent the message. The
database 126 includes subscriber group tables 129. Each subscriber
group table 129 associates the members of a group with a network
communication device 108. However, a subscriber group table 129 can
also be associated with multiple network communication devices 108.
For example, a subscriber might have a network communication device
at his or her work and another at his or her home, and both of the
network communication devices of that subscriber could be
associated with the same subscriber group table 129.
[0037] The database 126 also includes a list of "on-network" mobile
communication devices 120 that are currently on-network. The
current "on-network" mobile communication devices 120 includes
subscribers of the wireless communication service provider 106
whose mobile communication devices 120 are turned on and within
range of a base station 116. Other "on-network" mobile
communication devices 120 can belong to subscribers of different
wireless communication service providers that have "roamed" into
the network of the wireless communication service provider 106.
[0038] The interface 134(A) receives a signal from the mobile
communication device 120(B.1), which is adapted to automatically
signal that it is "on-network". The signal from the mobile
communication device 120(B.1) identifies the mobile communication
device 120(B.1) as being the sender of the signal. Responsive to
receiving an "on-network" signal from the mobile communication
device 120(B.1), the server 124 updates the "on-network" list of
mobile communication devices. The mobile communication device
120(B.1) will send follow-up signals indicating that it is still
"on-network". If the server 124 does not receive a follow-up
"on-network" signal within a predetermined time of the last
"on-network" signal, the server 124 updates the list of
"on-network" mobile communication devices in database 126 to
indicate that the mobile communication device 120(B.1) is now
"off-network."
[0039] In one embodiment, the wireless communication service
provider 106 provides services for mobile communication devices
that include third generation (3G) mobile telephone technology, and
the database 126 includes a Home Location Register (HLR) known to
those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art recognize that a
wireless communication service provider employing 3G mobile
telephone technology receives "on-network" signals from 3G
compliant mobile communication devices, which are then registered
in the HLR. Thus, in one embodiment, the list of "on-network"
communication devices in the database 126 is the HLR.
[0040] Via interface 134(B) the server 124 receives "on-network"
messages from the mobile communication device 120(B.2). The
"on-network" messages from the mobile communication device 120(B.2)
are sent from the mobile communication device 120(B.2) responsive
to user input at the mobile communication device 120(B.2).
Typically, the "on-network" message from the mobile communication
device 120(B.2) is an SMS message. The "on-network" message from
the mobile communication device 120(B.2) can be manually written by
the user of the mobile communication device 120(B.2) or can be sent
responsive to the user selecting an option. Once the server 124 has
received the manual "on-network" message from the mobile
communication device 120(B.2), the list of "on-network" mobile
communication devices in the database 124 is updated. When the
server 124 receives an "off-network" message from the mobile
communication device 120, the server 124 updates the "on-network"
list. The "off-network" message is sent responsive to user
input.
[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a message template 136, and the message
template 136 includes an address field 138, a sender field 140 and
a content field 142. With further reference to FIG. 4, in some
embodiments, the mobile communication device 120 includes the
message template 136 in a memory. When the user of the mobile
communication device 120 wants to register his or her mobile
communication device as being "on-network" the user initiates
registration by providing user input. To initiate registration, the
user might press a button or a keypad, select an option in a menu,
or use a keypad to manually write a message. Typically the message
is a Short Message Service (SMS).
[0042] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an exemplary "on-network" message
144 and an exemplary "off-network" message 146, respectively. With
further reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, responsive to user input such
as selecting an option in a menu, the mobile communication device
120(B.2) generates a copy of the message template 136 and populates
the fields 138, 140 and 142. The address field 138 is populated
with a unique address such as "Network@Cingular.com." The mobile
communication device 120(B.2) populates the sender field 140 with
an identifier of the mobile communication device 120(B.2).
Typically, the identifier of the mobile communication device
120(B.2) is the telephone number of the mobile communication
device, however, other identifiers can also be used. The identifier
for the sender is unique to the mobile communication device
120(B.2) at least within the network established by the service
provider 106. The mobile communication device 120(B.2) populates
the content field 142 with a predetermined message that signifies
whether the mobile communication device 120(B.2) is going
on-network or off-network. For the on-network message 144, the
content field 142 is populated by the message "on-network," and for
the off-network message 146, the content field 142 is populated by
the message "off-network.
[0043] Among other things, the server 124 provides member network
information to network communication devices 108. Generally, the
member network information provided to a given network
communication device is related to the communicative state of a
member's mobile communication device 108, e.g., whether a given
member's mobile communication device 108 is on-network or
off-network. The member network information might also include a
source indicator that is related to how the server 124 knows that
the member is on-network or off-network. In other words, the source
indicator would indicate whether the server 124 received an
on-network message 144 or whether the server 124 automatically
determined that mobile communication device 108 was on-line via
interface 134(A). In addition, some mobile communication devices
108 include an Instant Messaging (IM) client, and for those mobile
communication devices 108, the server 124 can detect the presence
of those mobile communication devices 108 using IM protocols, and
in that case, the source indicator might be related to IM. In
addition, the network information might include state information
such as, but not limited to, "idle," "off-line," etc. that is
related to the availability of the user of the mobile communication
device 108.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates a chart having steps 148 that illustrate
exemplary steps taken by the network communication device 108 of a
subscriber. In step 150, the subscriber registers members of his or
her group with the messaging service provider 102 by providing
telephone numbers belonging to selected mobile communication
devices. The network communication device 108 transmits a message
that includes one or more of the telephone numbers provided by the
subscriber to the messaging service provider 102. The message
includes information for identifying the subscriber and/or the
group of the subscriber.
[0045] In step 152, the network communication device 108 determines
which of its members have an "on-network" presence, i.e., which of
the mobile communication devices belonging to members are currently
"on-network". The network communication device determines
"on-network" presence of members based upon member network
information received from the server 124. The member network
information from the server 124 generally includes a list of
currently "on-network" mobile communication devices and/or a list
of mobile communication devices that have changed state, i.e., have
gone from "on-network" to "off-network" and vice-a-versa. In an
alternative embodiment, the member network information is received
from the messaging service provider 102.
[0046] As previously described hereinabove, the member network
information received from the server 124 might also include a
source indicator that is related to how the server "knows" the
presence or lack thereof of a given mobile communication device. In
one embodiment, the network communication device 108 applies
different weightings to the various source indicators to determine
whether a given mobile communication device is on-network or not.
For example, when the user of a mobile communication device does
something such as causing the transmission of an on-network message
144 or an off-network message 146 or initiating IM, then source
indicators related to affirmative actions taken by the user will
have a higher rating than source indicators that are not related to
affirmative actions by the user.
[0047] In step 154, a user uses the network communication device
108 to communicate with selected members of his or her group. In
one embodiment, the network communication device 108 sends a
message from the user to selected members, i.e., to mobile
communication devices associated with selected members of the
group, only if the mobile communication devices are "on-network".
In an alternative embodiment, the network communication device 108
sends messages to selected members of the group whether or not they
are "on-network", but the server 124 holds the messages for members
that are "off-network" until they are "on-network".
[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart having exemplary steps 156,
which are taken by the server 124. In step 158, the server 124
associates telephone numbers of mobile communication devices with a
specific group. The group association or subscriber group list 129
is stored in the database 126. Thus, the server 124 can determine
for any mobile communication device, which group, if any, the
mobile communication device is associated with.
[0049] In step 160, the server 124 detects a mobile communication
device as being "on-network". The "on-network" detection is based
upon information received from the mobile communication devices
that are currently "on-network".
[0050] In step 162, the server 124 updates the "on-network" list
131 stored in the database 126. The "on-network" list 131 is
updated to add mobile communication devices that have recently
changed their state from "off-network" to "on-network" and
vice-a-versa. The server 124 changes the state of a mobile
communication device to "off-network" if the server 124 receives an
"off-network" message 146 and/or if the server 124 has not received
an "on-network" message from the mobile communication device within
a predetermined time span.
[0051] In step 164, the server 124 provides the network
communication device 108 with current member network information.
The member network information can include a list of members that
are currently "on-network", or a list of members that are currently
"off-network", or a list of members that have changed states. In an
alternative embodiment, the server 124 provides member network
information to the messaging service provider 102. The server 124
continues to loop over steps 160, 162 and 164.
[0052] FIG. 8 illustrates a simplified block diagram of selected
components of the network communication device 108. The network
communication device 108 includes a processor 166, a memory 168,
and one or more input and/or output I/O devices 170 (or
peripherals) that are communicatively coupled via a local interface
172. The local interface 172 can be, for example but not limited
to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections as is
known in the art. The local interface 172 may have additional
elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers,
buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers to enable
communications. Further, the local interface may include address,
control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate
communications among the aforementioned components.
[0053] The processor 166 is a hardware device for executing
software, particularly that stored in memory 168. The processor 166
can be any custom made or commercially available process. A central
processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several
processors associated with the network communication device 108, a
semi-conductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or
chip set), a macroprocessor or generally any device for executing
software instructions. Examples of suitable commercially available
microprocessors are as follows: (a) PA-RISC series microprocessor
from Hewlett-Packard Company, an 08x86 or Pentium series
microprocessor from Intel Corporation, a power PC microprocessor
from IBM, a Sparc microprocessor from Sun Microsystems, Inc., or a
68XXX series microprocessor from Motorola Corporation.
[0054] The memory 168 can include any one or combination of
volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, DRAM,
SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)) and non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM,
hard-drive, tape, CD-ROM, etc.). Moreover, the memory 168 may
incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and other types of
storage media. Note that the memory 168 can have a distributed
architecture, where various components are situated remote from one
another, but can be accessed by the processor 166.
[0055] The memory 168 includes operating system O/S software 174
and member messaging application software 176. The O/S software 174
is implemented by the processor 166 to essentially control the
execution of other programs and applications such as member
messaging system software 176. The O/S may also provide scheduling,
input-output control, file and data management, memory management
and communication control and related services.
[0056] The member messaging application 176 is a source program,
executable program (object code), script, applet or any other
entity comprising a set of instructions to be performed. When the
member messaging system is a source program, then the program needs
to be translated via a compiler, assembler, interpreter, or the
like, which may or may not be included in the memory 168, so as to
properly operate in connection with the O/S 174. Furthermore, the
member messaging system 176 can be written as (a) an objected
oriented programming language, which has classes of data and
methods, or (b) a procedure programming language, which has
routines, subroutines, and/or functions for example, but not
limited to, (c) C++, PASCAL, BASIC, FORTRAN, COBAL, PEARL, JAVA and
ADA. In some embodiments, the member messaging system 176 is a JAVA
applet running in a browser application.
[0057] Refer to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the network
communication device 108 is a computer system 178 such as a
personal computer having a keyboard and mouse (not shown) that
provide a user input interface and a monitor 180 provides a
graphical and textual user output interface. Displayed on the
monitor 180 is a communication console window 182. Among other
things, the communication console window 182 provides a user with
an interface for communicating with members of the user's
group.
[0058] In some embodiments, the member messaging system 176
includes logic for, among other things, adding/deleting/editing
members and the telephone numbers associated with the members. When
the user of the network communication device 108 add/deletes or
edits the telephone number for a member, the network communication
device 108 sends a message, which identifies the network
communication device 108 and includes the telephone number for the
member being added/deleted/edited, to the messaging service
provider 102. The messaging service provider 102 then has the
server 124 edit the group membership list for the network
communication device 108. In one embodiment, the server 124 is a
web server that subscribers of the messaging service provider 102
can access using the computer system 178, which includes a web
browser (not shown). By accessing the web server 124, the
subscriber can enter and/or edit his or her group membership
list.
[0059] The member messaging system 176 also includes logic for,
among other things, displaying member information such as which
members are currently on-network and which members are currently
off-network. In addition, the member messaging system 176 includes
logic for, among other things, providing a user interface,
receiving and sending messages, etc.
[0060] The member messaging system 176, which comprises an ordered
listing of executable instructions for implementing logical
functions, can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use
by or in connection with an instruction execution system,
apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system,
processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the
instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or
device and execute the instructions. In the context of this
document, a "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can
contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program
for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system,
apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium can be, for
example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,
electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus,
device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a
nonexhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include
the following: an electrical connection (electronic) having one or
more wires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random
access memory (RAM) (electronic), a read-only memory (ROM)
(electronic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or
Flash memory) (electronic), an optical fiber (optical), and a
portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical). Note that
the computer-readable medium could even be paper or another
suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program
can be electronically captured, via for instance optical scanning
of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted or
otherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then
stored in a computer memory. In addition, the scope of the present
disclosure includes embodying the functionality of the present
disclosure in logic embodied in hardware or software-configured
mediums.
[0061] FIG. 10 is an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary
communication console window 182. The communication console window
182 includes member presence indicators 184, member identifiers
186, and checkbox/sent/received indicators 188. In this exemplary
embodiment, the member presence indicator 184(A) the member
identifier 186(A) and the member checkbox/sent/received indicator
188(A) are all associated together. Each member of the group has a
member presence indicator, member identifier, and a member
checkbox/sent/received indicator.
[0062] In one embodiment, the console window 182 is a web page that
is displayed at the computer system 178 by a web browser (not
shown). A user of the computer system 178 can access the server 124
to retrieve the console window 182.
[0063] For each member, the member presence indicator 182
associated with that member indicates whether or not that member is
currently "on-network". The member presence indicator 184 for an
"on-network" member is illuminated and dimmed if the member is
currently "off-network".
[0064] In the exemplary communication console window 182, there are
four members listed: mom, dad, Richie and Joanie. Each member's
name is shown within a member identifier box 186. In this example,
the member presence indicators 184(A)-184(C) are currently
illuminated, and the member presence indicator 184(D) is dimmed.
Thus, Dad, Mom, and Ritchie are currently "on-network," and Joanie
is currently "off-network."
[0065] The communication console window 182 is intended to be
flexible/adaptable such that it can display more or fewer names and
the associated member presence indicators 182 and
checkbox/sent/received indicators 188. For example, if there are
more members than can be displayed at one time, then the
communication console window 182 may include scroll bars to enable
the user of the network communication device 108 to scroll through
the entire membership.
[0066] The communication console window 182 also includes
subject/message window 190, a "select all" button 192, a "send"
button 194, a sender pull-down menu 196, and a subject/message
window toggle 198. The user uses the subject/message window toggle
198 to toggle the subject/message window 190 between subject window
mode and message window mode. In subject window mode, the
information typed into the subject/message window 190 is placed in
the subject header of a message. In message mode, the information
typed into the subject/message window 190 is placed in the content
of a message.
[0067] The user uses the sender pull-down menu 196 to select a
"name" that identifies the sender. Normally, the sender pull-down
menu 196 lists all of the members within the group.
[0068] The user of the member messaging system 176 selects
recipients for the message in a variety of ways. In one case, the
user may select individual or multiple members of the group by
selecting the checkbox/sent/received indicator for certain members.
For example, if "mom" wants to send the message, "I'm going to the
store to get dinner. Call me if you want something special" to
"Dad", then she will select his checkbox/sent/received indicator
188(A). Upon being selected, checkbox/sent/received indicator 188
indicates that it has been selected by displaying a check mark, or
X, or other indicator. The user may also use the "select all"
button 192 to select everyone in the group as intended recipients.
However, the user may then unselect himself, or herself or others
by clicking the appropriate checkbox/sent/received indicator(s) 188
for members that the user wishes to unselect.
[0069] The user of the member messaging system 176 uses the send
button 194 to transmit messages. The messages are transmitted from
the network communication device 108 to the server 124. Generally,
the messages are sent as e-mail messages. Upon receipt, the server
124 parses the e-mail messages and then retransmits them to
intended recipients as SMS messages.
[0070] In some embodiments, the network communication device 108
will transmit messages for selected members to the wireless
communication service provider only if the selected members are on
network which the sender knows by looking at the member presence
indicators 184 of the selected members. Thus, for example, if
"Joanie," who is currently off-network, is selected as a recipient
of a message, then the network communication device 108 keeps the
messages addressed to her until she is "on-network". On the other
hand, if "dad," who is currently on-network, is selected as a
recipient, then his message is sent without delay.
[0071] In one embodiment, the checkbox/sent/received indicators 188
are capable of indicating various message states, and the various
message states are generally indicated by changes in color,
illumination, animation, and other techniques known to those
skilled in the art. For example, after the user attempts to send a
message, the checkbox/sent/received indicators 188 of the selected
recipients change from a "check" to a "transmitting" mode, and the
checkbox/sent/received indicators for the members who were not
selected are dimmed. "Transmitting" mode can be indicated by a
variety of ways such as a pulsing indication, a rotating indicator,
or other animation, etc. For "off-network" members who are selected
recipients, their checkbox/sent/received indicators remain in
"transmitting" mode until their messages are sent.
[0072] In one embodiment, messages may be delayed indefinitely
until the recipient is "on-network" or for a predetermined amount
of time. If the message is not transmitted during the predetermined
amount of time, the checkbox/sent/received indicator for that
member changes to a "not sent" mode.
[0073] Once the message has been sent to a member, the
checkbox/sent/received indicator for that member changes to "sent"
mode.
[0074] In one embodiment, when a member receives a message at his
or her mobile communication device 120, the mobile communication
device 120 responds with an acknowledgement message that
acknowledges receipt of the message. The acknowledgement message is
transmitted from the mobile communication device 120 to the server
124. The server 124 formats the acknowledgement communication
message into a format for transmission over the Internet and sends
the message to the network communication device 108.
[0075] Upon receiving the acknowledgement message from a given
member, the member messaging system 176 changes the mode of the
checkbox/sent/received indicator 188 of the given member from
"sent" to "received".
[0076] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary message template 200 which
is stored in the memory 168 of the network communication device
108. The message template 200 includes an addressee field 202, a
sender field 204, a subject field 206, and a content field 208. The
network communication device 108 generates a copy of the message
template 200 and populates the addressee field 202 with the
telephone numbers for the members of the group that have been
selected. The sender field 204 is populated with an identifier
associated with the network communication device 108. The subject
field 206 and content field 208 are populated with information
provided by the user of the network communication device 108.
[0077] FIG. 12 illustrates a message 210 generated at the network
communication device 106 for a member of its group. Message 210 was
generated by the user "Mom." The sender field 204 indicates that
the message 210 came from the network communication device 108 by
using "Home" as a designator and indicates that "Mom" was the
member who sent the message 210. The addressee field 202 is
populated with "Dad's" telephone number so that the service
provider 106 will know to whom to relay the message. The subject
field 206 and content field 208 include the information that "Mom"
entered into the subject/message window 190. After the network
communication device 108 has populated the fields of the message
210, as shown in FIG. 11, the network communication device includes
the message 210 in an e-mail to the service provider 106, which
then parses the e-mail and sends the messages 210 to the intended
recipient in an SMS message.
[0078] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
of the present disclosure, particularly, all embodiments, are
merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a
clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many
variations and modifications may be made to the above-described
embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially
from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such
modifications and variations are intended to be included herein
within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and
protected by the following claims.
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