U.S. patent application number 13/152223 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-06 for methods for user-interface over sms messages based on a reusable context model.
This patent application is currently assigned to GOOGLE INC.. Invention is credited to Tal Franji, Mark Grossmann, Shai Gutner, Divon Lan, Michal Maor, Dror Marcus, Natalia Marmasse.
Application Number | 20120309436 13/152223 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46210475 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120309436 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lan; Divon ; et al. |
December 6, 2012 |
METHODS FOR USER-INTERFACE OVER SMS MESSAGES BASED ON A REUSABLE
CONTEXT MODEL
Abstract
Configurations providing a reusable context model for a user
interface over SMS for interacting with different levels of a user
interface (UI) within an interactive system are described. An SMS
server can implement the reusable context model in which an
available number from a sequence of numbers (e.g., a block of
numbers) is assigned to a first level of the UI. The first level of
the UI can include a set of options corresponding to different
operations within the interactive system. When an SMS message,
which includes a selected option from the set of options from the
first level of the UI, is received over the assigned number, the
SMS server can determine whether to assign an additional number
from the sequence of phone numbers for responding to the received
SMS message. The additional assigned number can correspond with a
second level of the UI within the interactive system.
Inventors: |
Lan; Divon; (Tel Aviv,
IL) ; Marmasse; Natalia; (Ichud, IL) ;
Grossmann; Mark; (Rishon Lezion, IL) ; Gutner;
Shai; (Modi'in, IL) ; Maor; Michal; (Mazor,
IL) ; Marcus; Dror; (Tel Aviv, IL) ; Franji;
Tal; (Hod HaSharon, IL) |
Assignee: |
GOOGLE INC.
Mountain View
CA
|
Family ID: |
46210475 |
Appl. No.: |
13/152223 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/466 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 76/10 20180201;
H04W 4/14 20130101; H04W 8/26 20130101; H04L 67/14 20130101; H04L
51/38 20130101; H04W 8/28 20130101; H04M 1/72552 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/466 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/12 20090101
H04W004/12 |
Claims
1. A machine-implemented method for providing a multi-level
user-interface over a Short Message Service (SMS) to enable
functionality in an interactive system, the method comprising:
receiving a first SMS message to initiate a user session associated
with the interactive system; assigning an available first phone
number from a sequence of phone numbers to a first level of a user
interface (UI) within the interactive system; transmitting a second
SMS message from the first phone number in response to the first
SMS message, wherein the second SMS message includes a set of
options corresponding to the first level of the UI; receiving a
third SMS message from the first phone number, wherein the third
SMS message includes a selected option from the first level of the
UI; assigning an available second phone number from the sequence of
phone numbers to a second level of the UI, wherein the second level
of the UI corresponds to the selected option from the first level
of the UI; transmitting a fourth SMS message from the second phone
number in response to the third SMS message, wherein the fourth SMS
message includes a set of options corresponding to the second level
of the UI; receiving a fifth SMS message from the second phone
number, wherein the fifth SMS message includes a selected option
from the set of options corresponding to the second level of the
UI; assigning an available third phone number from the sequence of
phone numbers to a third level of the UI, wherein the third level
of the UI corresponds to the selected option from the second level
of the UI; and transmitting a sixth SMS message from the third
phone number, wherein the sixth SMS message includes a set of
options corresponding to a third level of the UI.
2. (canceled)
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: changing the status
of each assigned phone number to a busy status after assigning each
assigned phone number for responding to a corresponding received
SMS message.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein each phone number among the
sequence of phone numbers is in a respective status.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein each respective status of each
phone number among the sequence of phone numbers is one of a free,
busy, or stale status.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the free status indicates that a
corresponding phone number is not currently assigned to a user
session.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the busy status indicates that a
corresponding phone number is currently assigned to a user
session.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein the stale status indicates that a
corresponding phone number is inactive.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein assigning the first phone number
to the first user session comprises determining a first phone
number among the sequence of phone numbers currently in a free
status.
10-17. (canceled)
18. A non-transitory system for providing a user-interface over a
Short Message Service (SMS) to enable functionality in an
interactive system, the system comprising: a session module
configured to assign an available first number from a sequence of
phone numbers to a first level of a user interface (UI) within the
interactive system and to assign an available second number from
the sequence of phone numbers to a second level of the UI; a
reception module configured to receive a first SMS message from a
communication device for interacting with the first level of the
UI; and a transmission module configured to transmit a second SMS
message for responding to the first SMS message over the second
number to the communication device, wherein the reception module is
further configured to receive a third SMS message from the
communication device for interacting with a second level of the UI
within the interactive system, and the transmission module is
further configured to transmit a fourth SMS message for responding
to the third SMS message over a third phone number from the
sequence of phone numbers to the communication device, wherein the
reception module is further configured to receive a fifth SMS
message from the second phone number, wherein the fifth SMS message
includes a selected option from a set of options corresponding to
the second level of the UI, wherein the session module is further
configured to assign an available third phone number from the
sequence of phone numbers to a third level of the UI, wherein the
third level of the UI corresponds to the selected option from the
second level of the UI, and wherein the transmission module is
further configured to transmit a sixth SMS message from the third
phone number, wherein the sixth SMS message includes a set of
options corresponding to the third level of the UI.
19. The non-transitory system of claim 18, wherein the first SMS
message includes a selected option from a set of options from the
first level of the UI.
20. The non-transitory system of claim 19, wherein the second SMS
message is responsive to the selected option from the first level
of the UI.
21. The non-transitory system of claim 18, wherein the third SMS
message includes a selected option from a set of options from the
second level of the UI.
22. The non-transitory system of claim 21, wherein the fourth SMS
message is responsive to the selected option from the second level
of the UI.
23. A non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising
instructions stored therein, which when executed by a machine,
cause the machine to perform operations comprising: receiving a
first SMS message from a user to initiate a user session, wherein
the user session is associated with the interactive system;
assigning an available first phone number from a sequence of phone
numbers to a first level of a user interface (UI) within the
interactive system; transmitting a second SMS message over the
first phone number in response to the first SMS message, wherein
the second SMS message includes a set of options from the first
level of the UI; receiving a third SMS message over the first phone
number, wherein the third SMS message includes a selected option
from the set of options from the first level of the UI; assigning
an available second phone number among the sequence of phone
numbers for responding to the third SMS message, wherein the
assigned second phone number corresponds to a second level of the
UI within the interactive system, and the second level corresponds
to the selected option from the first level of the UI; transmitting
a fourth SMS message over the second phone number in response to
the third SMS message, wherein the fourth SMS message includes a
second set of options from the second level of the U; receiving a
fifth SMS message over the first phone number, wherein the fifth
SMS message includes a second selected option from the first level
of the UI; and transmitting a sixth SMS message over a third phone
number, wherein the sixth SMS message includes a third set of
options from a third level of the UI.
24. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] In particular geographical areas in which wireless
Internet/broadband infrastructure is not prevalent or insufficient,
a Short Message Service (SMS) can be utilized to enable
communication via wireless mobile devices. However, current SMS
implementations impose limited functionality for accessing
different levels of an interactive system because of inherent
limitations with SMS. Some implementations may require users to
remember complex and non-intuitive command line syntax in order to
communicate over SMS. Additionally, because of the stateless nature
of SMS, tracking the context in which a respective SMS message is
interacting with the system is problematic because the user may
switch between different commands/options in the system.
[0002] Moreover, the delivery of an SMS message is not guaranteed,
let alone, to be delivered according to an expected order or
sequence. Therefore, SMS implementations may result in delayed or
lost SMS delivery that introduces problems in providing interactive
user interfaces.
SUMMARY
[0003] The subject technology provides for receiving a first SMS
message to initiate a user session associated with the interactive
system. An available first phone number is assigned from a sequence
of phone numbers to a first level of a user interface (UI) within
the interactive system. A second SMS message is transmitted from
the first phone number in response to the first SMS message in
which the second SMS message includes a set of options
corresponding to the first level of the UI. A third SMS message is
received from the first phone number in which the third SMS message
includes a selected option from the first level of the UI. An
available second phone number is assigned from the sequence of
phone numbers to a second level of the UI in which the second level
of the UI corresponds to the selected option from the first level
of the UI. A fourth SMS message is transmitted from the second
phone number in response to the third SMS message in which the
fourth SMS message includes a set of options corresponding to the
second level of the UI.
[0004] Another aspect of the subject technology provides for
receiving a first SMS message over a phone number in which the
phone number is associated with a user session for an interactive
system. The subject technology determines whether another phone
number from a sequence of phone numbers is assigned to a
corresponding level within the UI of the interactive system for
responding to the first SMS message. An available phone number is
assigned if another phone number is not assigned for responding to
the first SMS message. A second SMS message is transmitted over the
assigned phone number for responding to the SMS message.
[0005] In another aspect, the subject technology provides, for a
first phone number assigned to a first level of a user interface
within the interactive system, determining whether the first phone
number is inactive during a first period of time. The status of the
first phone number is changed from a busy status to a stale status
if the first phone number is inactive during the first period of
time. The status of the first phone number is changed from the
stale status to a free status after a second period of time has
elapsed.
[0006] In yet another aspect, the subject technology provides
system for providing a user-interface over a Short Message Service
(SMS) to enable functionality in an interactive system. The system
includes an SMS front-end server configured to provide one or more
modules to perform different functionality. The SMS front-end
server includes a session module configured to assign an available
first number from a sequence of phone numbers to a first level of a
user interface (UI) within the interactive system and to assign an
available second number from the sequence of phone numbers to a
second level of the UI. The SMS front-end server further includes a
reception module configured to receive a first SMS message from a
communication device for interacting with the first level of the
UI. The SMS front-end server includes a transmission module
configured to transmit a second SMS message for responding to the
first SMS message over the second number to the communication
device. In one aspect, the reception module is further configured
to receive a third SMS message from the communication device for
interacting with a second level of the UI within the interactive
system. In one aspect, the transmission module is further
configured to transmit a fourth SMS message for responding to the
third SMS message over a third phone number from the sequence of
phone numbers to the communication device.
[0007] In one aspect, the subject technology provides for receiving
a first SMS message from a user to initiate a user session in which
the user session is associated with the interactive system. An
available first phone number is assigned from a sequence of phone
numbers to a first level of a user interface (UI) within the
interactive system. A second SMS message is transmitted over the
first phone number in response to the first SMS message in which
the second SMS message includes a set of options from the first
level of the UI. A third SMS message is received over the first
phone number in which the third SMS message includes a selected
option from the set of options from the first level of the UI. An
available second phone number is assigned among the sequence of
phone numbers for responding to the third SMS message. The assigned
second phone number corresponds to a second level of the UI within
the interactive system, and the second level corresponds to the
selected option from the first level of the UI. A fourth SMS
message is transmitted over the second phone number in response to
the third SMS message in which the fourth SMS message includes a
second set of options from the second level of the UI.
[0008] It is understood that other configurations of the subject
technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art
from the following detailed description, wherein various
configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by
way of illustration. As will be realized, the subject technology is
capable of other and different configurations and its several
details are capable of modification in various other respects, all
without departing from the scope of the subject technology.
Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The novel features of the subject technology are set forth
in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation,
several configurations of the subject technology are set forth in
the following figures.
[0010] FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a communication flow between
a communication device and an SMS server utilizing a reusable
context model.
[0011] FIG. 2 conceptually illustrates an exemplary process for
implementing a reusable context model for providing a user
interface over SMS.
[0012] FIG. 3 conceptually illustrates an exemplary process in the
reusable context model for determining a phone number for
responding to an SMS message received over a particular phone
number.
[0013] FIG. 4 conceptually illustrates an exemplary process for
changing a status of an inactive phone number assigned to a user
session to a stale status and notifying a user when the phone
number is stale.
[0014] FIG. 5 conceptually illustrates an exemplary communication
flow between the SMS server and a communication device (i.e., user)
for releasing an assigned number from a block of phone numbers
after a user session has expired from inactivity.
[0015] FIG. 6 conceptually illustrates an exemplary process for
converting an SMS message to a compatible format for an interactive
system.
[0016] FIG. 7 conceptually illustrates an exemplary computing
environment including an SMS server of some configurations.
[0017] FIG. 8 conceptually illustrates a system with which some
implementations of the subject technology may be implemented.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
description of various configurations of the subject technology and
is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the
subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are
incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed
description. The detailed description includes specific details for
the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject
technology. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled
in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the
specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without
these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures
and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid
obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.
[0019] To enable functionality to perform more complex tasks with
an interactive system, a method for providing a user-interface for
an interactive system using SMS based on a reused context model is
described. In some implementations, the method uses a block of
phone numbers to send and receive SMS messages to an SMS server for
allowing complex user interactions such as menu-trees, list
browsing and drill-down interaction over several menu/list
levels.
[0020] In a reused context model, an SMS server can provide a
user-interface over SMS for interacting with a one or more levels
of menu UI for an associated interactive system. A respective phone
number from the block of phone numbers can be assigned to
facilitate communication with the associated interactive system.
During an activity period, the SMS server can assign different
phone numbers from the block in order to provide for selection of
options from and navigation of one or more levels of the
interactive system. As used herein, the expression "activity
period" can be understood as a time period in which a user
interacts with the interactive system by transmitting one or more
SMS messages to the SMS server. The user therefore can interact
with different levels of the interactive system over one or more
assigned phone numbers.
[0021] The user can first send an SMS message to an SMS server to
initiate a user session corresponding with a particular interactive
system. The SMS server can determine a first available phone number
to assign to the user session for the interactive system and place
the first number in a busy status to indicate its assignment to the
interactive system. The SMS server can then transmit a subsequent
SMS message to the user over the assigned phone number that
includes a first set of options corresponding to a first level of a
menu user interface (UI) within the interactive system. The SMS
server can keep this phone number assigned to the user during the
activity period in which the user can select one or more different
options from the first level of the menu UI by transmitting
different SMS messages to the first phone number.
[0022] During the activity period, the SMS server can assign a
respective phone number for each level in the menu UI to allow the
user to select different options from a particular level of the
menu UI. For instance, a second and third phone number can be
assigned to other levels of the menu UI. The user can then transmit
one or more SMS messages to the second and third phone numbers in
order to select options for the corresponding menu UI levels
assigned to the second and third phone numbers. To return to the
above-mentioned first level of the menu UI, the user can
subsequently transmit another SMS message that includes a selected
option from the first level to the first phone number. In this
manner, the user can select different options and navigate
different levels of the menu UI by transmitting SMS messages to the
assigned phone numbers corresponding to different levels of the
menu UI.
[0023] The following description describes the interaction between
a user's communication device and the aforementioned SMS server.
The SMS server can provide a user interface over SMS based on a
reusable context model in which more than one phone number can be
assigned from a sequence of phone numbers to enable interaction
between the user and multiple levels of a user interface for an
interactive service.
[0024] FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a communication flow between
a communication device and an SMS server utilizing a reusable
context model. More specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates the
communication flow in different stages 110-160 between a
communication device 112 and an SMS server for providing an
interactive user interface over SMS. As used herein, a
communication device can include, but is not limited to, a mobile
device, handheld device, a personal digital assistant, a cellular
phone, smartphone, tablet computer, laptop, etc.
[0025] In the first stage 110, the communication device 112
transmits an SMS message 115 to the SMS server represented by a
system number 117. As shown, the system number 117 is represented
as a single "short code" number "#Sys" that the communication
device can use to transmit the SMS message 115 to initiate a user
session with the SMS server. By way of example, the SMS message 115
can include a command to access a service via the SMS server, such
as mail, chat, social networking, blogging, etc. Each service can
represent an interactive system that provides a complex set of
commands and menus (e.g., one or more different levels of menus
that provide access to other commands) that are not easily provided
based on the limitations of SMS.
[0026] In the second stage 120, the SMS server manages a block of
numbers 125 which is used to implement the reusable context model
for providing a user interface over SMS. As illustrated, the block
of numbers 125 includes a sequence of phone numbers 152-170. In
some configurations, the SMS server utilizes an index (e.g., 0 to n
where 0 represents the first number and n is the last number) to
access a particular phone number in the sequence of phone numbers.
The SMS server can place each number from the sequence of phone
numbers 152-170 in a respective status to indicate whether the
corresponding phone number is currently assigned to a user session.
By way of example, each phone number can be assigned in a free,
busy, or stale status. In some configurations, an available number
is in a free status (i.e., currently not assigned to a user
session), a busy number is currently assigned to the user session,
and a stale number indicates that the number is inactive (i.e.,
assigned to the user session but no activity).
[0027] After receiving the SMS message 115 from the first stage
110, the SMS server assigns a first available phone number to a
user session corresponding to the interactive system accessed by
the command from the SMS message 115. The first available number
can be a phone number currently in a free status. In some
configurations, the SMS server can iterate or scan through the
block of numbers 125 to determine a first number in a free status
to assign to the user session. As shown in FIG. 1, the SMS server
assigns a phone number 162 (as indicated by #Sys[2] in bold) that
is currently in a free status from the block of numbers 125 to the
user session.
[0028] In some configurations, the SMS message 122 includes a set
of options corresponding to a first level of a menu user interface
(UI) within the interactive system. As used herein, a level can be
understood as a menu level within the menu UI. The menu UI can
include one or more different menu levels in which each menu level
includes a corresponding set of options or commands. For a given
command included in the SMS message from the communication device
112, the SMS server can provide a set of options from a menu level
responsive to that command. In an example in which the initial SMS
message from the communication device 112 includes a command for
accessing a mail service, the SMS server can transmit a subsequent
SMS message including one or more options for the mail service
(e.g., send mail, browse mail, browse contacts, etc.) to the
communication device 112. As further shown in the second stage 120,
the SMS server then transmits an SMS message 122 over the phone
number 162 in response to the SMS message 115 from the first stage
110. The SMS message can include a set of options corresponding to
a first level of a menu user interface (UI) within the interactive
system.
[0029] In the reusable context model, the SMS server can assign a
phone number to a corresponding level of the UI within the
interactive system. In the second stage 120, the SMS server has
assigned the phone number 162 to the first level of the UI within
the interactive system. For a subsequent SMS message received from
the phone number 162, the SMS server can transmit a response SMS
message corresponding to a selected option from the first level of
the UI within the interactive system.
[0030] In the third stage 130, the communication device 112
transmits an SMS message 132 to the SMS server represented by the
system number 117. As mentioned above, in the reusable context
module, the SMS server can utilize an assigned phone number for
responding to a command corresponding to a menu level of a menu UI
of the interactive system. In other words, an assigned phone number
as used in the reusable context model corresponds with a particular
menu level of the menu UI. From a usability viewpoint, the user can
then re-utilize each assigned number (e.g. by transmitting an SMS
message over the assigned number) for performing commands within
the menu level corresponding with the assigned number. For each SMS
message received over the assigned number, the SMS server can
respond to the included command and selected option for the
corresponding menu level of the menu UI from each SMS message. The
SMS message 132 received by the SMS server over the phone number
162 can include a selected command corresponding to a respective
option from the first level of the menu UI (e.g., as included in
the set of options in the SMS message 122 from the second stage
120). As further shown in the third stage 130, the phone number 162
is now in a busy status after the SMS server changed the status of
the phone number 162 from the free status in the second stage 120.
The SMS server therefore can change the status of each assigned
phone number to busy status after assigning each assigned phone
number for responding to a corresponding received SMS message.
[0031] In the fourth stage 140, the SMS server assigns an available
phone number from the block of numbers 125 for responding to the
command in the SMS message 132 from the third stage 130. For
instance, the SMS server can determine an available phone number
from the block of numbers 125 and then select the available number
to assign to the second user session. As shown, the SMS server
assigns a phone number 165 that is designated by an index value of
3 (i.e., Sys[3]), which is a currently available phone number. The
SMS server then transmits an SMS message 142 over the phone number
165 in response to the SMS message 132 from the third stage 130. In
some configurations, the SMS message 142 includes a set of options
corresponding to a second level of the menu UI within the
interactive system. In the reusable context model, the SMS server
can maintain the phone number 165 for receiving and responding to
an SMS message which include a selected command corresponding to a
respective option from the second level of the menu UI.
[0032] In the fifth stage 150, the communication device 112
transmits an SMS message 145 to the SMS server over the phone
number 162. The SMS message 145 includes a second selected command
corresponding to a different option from the first level of the
menu UI. In the reusable context model, the communication device
112 (i.e., the user) can interact with different levels of the menu
UI within the interactive system. As further shown in the fifth
stage 150, the phone number 165 is now in a busy status after the
SMS server has changed the status of the phone number 165 from a
free status in the fourth stage 140.
[0033] As illustrated, the SMS server in the sixth stage 160
transmits an SMS message 158 over a phone number 155 responsive to
the SMS message 145 received from the fifth stage 150. In the sixth
stage 160, the SMS server has assigned the phone number 155 to
correspond with a third level of the menu UI (shown in the sixth
stage 160 in the busy status and previously in the free status in
the fifth stage 150). By way of example, the SMS server therefore
can include a third set of options corresponding to the third level
of the menu UI in the SMS message 158 transmitted to the
communication device 112 over the phone number 155.
[0034] In the reusable context model, it should be understood that
the user can interact with different levels of the menu UI within
the interactive system by sending an SMS message over a particular
phone number corresponding with a respective level of the menu UI.
In some configurations, for example, the SMS server can then
receive a subsequent SMS message from the communication device 112
over the phone number 165 in which the subsequent SMS message
includes a selected command or option corresponding to a respective
operation from the second level of the menu UI. Similarly, the SMS
receive a subsequent SMS message from the communication device over
the phone number 162. The user therefore can interact with another
level of the menu UI within the interactive system in this
manner.
[0035] Although the above description of FIG. 1 relates to three
different levels of the menu UI of the interactive system
corresponding to the phone numbers 155, 162 and 165, one of
ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the SMS server
could utilize additional phone numbers for additional levels of the
menu UI by assigning other available phone numbers. Additionally,
although FIG. 1 illustrates a single block of numbers 125, the SMS
server can manage additional blocks of numbers not shown in FIG. 1.
Therefore, it should be understood that the SMS server can
implement the reusable context model described above by utilizing
several sequences of phone numbers provided in additional blocks of
numbers.
[0036] The following discussion describes an exemplary process for
implementing the reusable context model for providing a user
interface over SMS as described above. The aforementioned SMS
server of some configurations can implement such a process
described in further detail below. FIG. 2 conceptually illustrates
an exemplary process 200 for implementing a reusable context model
for providing a user interface over SMS. FIG. 2 will be described
below by reference to relevant portions of FIG. 1.
[0037] The process 200 begins when a first SMS message is received
at 205 to initiate an SMS session. Referring to FIG. 1, the
communication device 112 transmits the SMS message 115 to initiate
the SMS session that is received by the SMS server (represented by
the system number 117). In some configurations, the SMS server
receives the first SMS message over a system number as shown in the
first stage 110 of FIG. 1. The system number of some configurations
can be an access number (e.g., a sequence of digits) in which the
communication device (i.e., the user) can transmit the first SMS
message to access one of the services provided over SMS by the SMS
server. By way of example, the process 200 can receive the first
SMS message that includes a text string corresponding to a command
(e.g., mail, chat, blog, etc.) that activates a particular
service.
[0038] At 210, the process 200 assigns an available first number
from a sequence of phone numbers in response to the first SMS
message to initiate the user session. The SMS server at 210 can
then determine an available first phone number (i.e., a number in a
free status) from the sequence of numbers managed by the SMS
server. By reference to FIG. 1, the SMS server assigns the phone
number 162 (i.e., #Sys[2]) to the SMS session from the block of
numbers 125 in the second stage 120. In the reusable context model,
the SMS server utilizes each assigned number for handling incoming
SMS messages which include a command or a selected option within a
particular level of the menu UI of the interactive system. Each
assigned phone number therefore corresponds with a level within the
menu UI of the interactive system.
[0039] The process 200 at 215 transmits a second SMS message from
the first phone number (i.e., the assigned first available number
from 210) to the user in response to the first SMS message. The
second SMS message in some configurations includes a set of options
corresponding to a first level of a menu UI within the interactive
system. Referring to FIG. 1, in the second stage 120 the SMS server
transmits the SMS message 122 that includes the set of options from
the first level of the menu UI to the communication device 112 in
response to the SMS message 115 received in the first stage 110
that initiates the user session.
[0040] The process 200 at 220 receives a third SMS message over the
first phone number that includes a selected command corresponding
to a respective option from the first level of the menu UI.
Referring to FIG. 1, in the third stage 130 the SMS server receives
the SMS message 132 that includes the selected command
corresponding to an option from the set of options from the first
level of the menu UI from the communication device 112 over the
phone number 162.
[0041] At 225, the process 200 assigns an available second phone
number from the sequence of phone numbers for responding to the
third SMS message from 220. To implement the reusable context
model, the process 200 can assign an available number (i.e., in a
free status) among the sequence of phone numbers for responding to
an SMS message that includes a selected command from a set of
options corresponding to a particular level within the menu UI. In
this example, the received third SMS message includes the selected
option that upon execution navigates to a different level (e.g., a
second level) of the interactive system. For responding to the
third SMS message, the process 200 therefore assigns the second
phone number corresponding to a second level of the menu UI of the
interactive service. With reference to FIG. 1, the SMS server in
the fourth stage 140 assigns the phone number 165 for responding to
the SMS message 132 from the third stage 130.
[0042] The process 200 continues to 230 to transmit a fourth SMS
message from the second phone number to the user in response to the
third SMS message. The fourth SMS message includes a second set of
options corresponding to a second level of the menu UI. Returning
to FIG. 1, the SMS server transmits the SMS message 142 in the
fourth stage 140 in response to the SMS message 132 from the third
stage 130. The process 200 then ends.
[0043] In the reusable context model, the user can return to a
previous level (e.g., the first level) of the menu UI by
transmitting a subsequent SMS message over the assigned phone
number corresponding to the previous level. In one example, a
subsequent SMS message, which includes a second selected command
from the set of options from the first level of the UI, is received
from the first phone number assigned from 210. The second selected
command can correspond with yet another level of the menu UI of the
interactive system. The process 200 therefore can assign another
available phone number from the sequence of phone numbers to this
additional level of the menu UI. Referring to FIG. 1, the SMS
server in the fifth stage 150 receives the SMS message 145 from the
communication device 112 over the phone number 162 that was
assigned to the first level of the UI from the second stage 120. In
the sixth stage 160, the SMS server assigns the phone number 155 to
another level of the menu UI within the interactive system for
responding to the SMS message 145 from the fifth stage 150.
[0044] Although the process 200 described above assigns two
different phone numbers to two levels of the menu UI within the
interactive system, one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate
that the process 200 could assign additional phone numbers from the
sequence of phone numbers to additional levels of the menu UI as
subsequent SMS messages that include a selected option from a
corresponding level are received. In such an instance, the process
200 can repeat similar operations to steps 220 and 225 to assign a
respective phone number from the sequence of phone numbers to an
additional level of the menu UI. The process 200 can then repeat a
similar operation to step 230 to respond to the selected option by
transmitting an SMS message over the newly assigned phone number to
the user. In this manner, the process 200 provides different phone
numbers for responding to commands in SMS messages for different
levels of the menu UI within the interactive system.
[0045] As mentioned above, in the reusable context model, the user
can return to a previous level of the menu UI by transmitting an
SMS message over the previously assigned phone number (e.g., after
transmitting a previous SMS message over another assigned phone
number corresponding to a different level of the menu UI). The SMS
message transmitted over the previously assigned phone number can
include a different selected option from the previous level of the
menu UI. The SMS server therefore keeps track of the respective
level of the menu UI corresponding to an assigned number from the
sequence of phone numbers. In an instance in which the SMS server
has not assigned a number to a particular level of the menu UI, the
SMS server can then determine an available number for assigning to
the level of the menu UI. In the reusable context model, the SMS
server therefore should determine whether to assign an available
number to a level or re-utilize a previously assigned number for
responding to a received SMS message.
[0046] FIG. 3 conceptually illustrates an exemplary process 300 in
the reusable context model for determining a phone number for
responding to an SMS message received over a particular phone
number. More specifically, the process 300 implements one aspect of
the reusable context model in which a determination is made to
assign an available number to a level of a menu UI or re-utilize a
previously assigned number for responding to a received SMS
message. In some configurations, the SMS server can implement such
a process described in further detail below.
[0047] The process 300 starts at 305 when an SMS message is
received over a first phone number. The first phone number can be
associated with a user session for the interactive system. In some
configurations, the first phone number corresponds to a respective
level of the menu UI within the interactive system. The SMS message
therefore can include a selected option from a set of options from
the corresponding level of the menu UI.
[0048] At 310, the process 300 determines whether another phone
number from a sequence of phone numbers is assigned for responding
to the SMS message. In some configurations, the process 300 can
query a data structure (e.g., table, list, etc.) that maps each
assigned phone number to a corresponding option(s) from the menu
UI. The process 300 can therefore determine an assigned phone
number (if any) for an included selected option from the SMS
message. Based on the determination at 310, the process 300 either
proceeds to 315 or 325.
[0049] In the event that another phone number is assigned for
responding to the SMS message, the process 300 continues to 325. At
325, the process 300 transmits a second SMS message over the
assigned phone number determined at 310. The second SMS message can
include a response to selected option from the received SMS message
at 305. Alternatively, the second SMS message can include a set of
options from a corresponding level of the menu UI within the
interactive system. The process 300 then ends.
[0050] Alternatively, if the process 300 determines that no phone
number from the sequence of phone numbers is assigned for
responding to the first SMS message, the process continues to 315.
At 315, the process 300 assigns an available phone number (i.e., in
a free status) for responding to the received first SMS message. In
some configurations, the process 300 can iterate through the
sequence of phone numbers to determine which phone number is
currently in a free status for assigning. The assigned phone number
is now associated with a user session for the interactive system.
At 320, the process 300 changes the status of the assigned phone
number to a busy status.
[0051] The process 300 then continues to 325 to transmit a second
SMS message over the assigned phone number from 315 for responding
to the received SMS message from 305. The second SMS message can
either include a response to the selected option included in the
received SMS message or a set of options from a corresponding level
of the menu UI within the interactive system. The process 300 then
ends.
[0052] As mentioned above, the SMS server can change the status of
a phone number from a free status to a busy status after assigning
the phone number to a user session. Given that the sequence of
phone numbers is a finite block of numbers, the SMS server can be
configured to monitor activity on each assigned phone number (i.e.,
currently in a busy status) in order to release one or more numbers
into a pool of available numbers for assigning to additional user
sessions. In particular, an assigned number in some instances may
not have sufficient activity to remain assigned to the user
session. The SMS server therefore can be configured to momentarily
change the status of the assigned number from a busy status to a
stale status to indicate that the user session corresponding to the
assigned number has expired (i.e., due to insufficient
activity).
[0053] The following discussion describes an exemplary process for
determining whether an assigned phone number to a user session is
inactive and to notify a user that the user session is now
considered to have expired due to inactivity. The SMS server of
some configurations can implement such a process described in
further detail below. FIG. 4 conceptually illustrates an exemplary
process 400 for changing a status of an inactive phone number
assigned to a user session to a stale status and notifying a user
when the phone number is stale.
[0054] The process 400 begins at 405 to determine, for a first
phone number assigned to a first user session, whether the first
phone number is inactive during a first period of time. In some
configurations, the first period of time is an adjustable time
period. By way of example, the first period of time can be adjusted
based on an administrator setting or parameter (e.g., a session
timeout setting as set via an administrator tool). In another
aspect, the first period of time can be determined based on an
average session time. The average session time, for example, can be
determined by tracking the respective session times for several
sessions and averaging the session times.
[0055] Inactivity in the context of the first user session can be
determined based on not receiving or transmitting at least one SMS
message from a communication device or the SMS server during the
first period of time. The process 400 in some configurations can
monitor the activity over the first phone number by tracking
incoming and outgoing data traffic of SMS messages. The process can
consider the assigned first phone number as inactive after the
first period time has elapsed and no SMS message is sent or
received over the first phone number. Alternatively, if the process
400 determines that the first phone number is not inactive (i.e.,
active) during the first period of time, then the process 400
ends.
[0056] The process 400 continues to 410 to change the status of the
first phone number from a busy status to a stale status if the
process 400 determines that the first phone number is inactive at
405. In some configurations, the process 400 transmits an SMS
message to the communication device to notify the user that the
first phone number is currently stale. Upon being placed into the
stale status, the first phone number is not available for assigning
to another user nor is the first number available for receiving an
SMS message from the communication device. In the reusable context
model, an SMS server will not assign a user session to any number
in a stale status from a sequence of phone numbers. Additionally,
the SMS server will not process any SMS message transmitted over
any number in a stale status.
[0057] At 415, the process 400 makes a determination whether a
first SMS message is received over the first phone number. In some
configurations, the process 400 can make this determination at 415
during a second period of time. The second period of time can be
adjusted utilizing any of the aforementioned techniques discussed
in connection with the first time period. The process 400 continues
to 425 if no SMS message is received over the first phone number.
Alternatively, the process 400 continues to 420 if the process 400
determines at 415 that an SMS message is received over the first
phone number. In the reusable context model, the SMS server of some
configurations will not process any received SMS message because
the first phone number is now in a stale status. The user session
therefore is considered invalid or expired. The process 400 can
then notify the user of the expired user session by transmitting an
SMS message over first phone number to the user. At 420, the
process 400 transmits a second SMS notifying the user of the
expired user session.
[0058] Given that the sequence of phone numbers is a finite block
of numbers (i.e., a limited resource), the SMS server can release
numbers that have been set in a stale status for assigning to other
user sessions. In some configurations, the SMS server can wait for
a second period of time before making the number available for
assigning to a user session. After the second period of time has
elapsed, the process 400 at 425 changes the status of the first
phone number from the stale status to a free states.
[0059] Although FIG. 4 illustrates that the second SMS message
indicating the expired user session is transmitted at 420 after
receiving the first SMS message, the process 400 can transmit an
SMS message indicating the expired user session irrespective of
receiving the first SMS message. In other words, the process 400 in
some configurations can transmit an SMS message indicating the
expired user session after changing the status of the first phone
number from a busy status to a stale status at 410.
[0060] The following discussion relates to a communication flow
between the SMS server and the communication device for aspects of
FIG. 4 described above. More specifically, the SMS server can
release an inactive assigned number to a user session and notify a
user (i.e., a communication device) that the user session has
expired.
[0061] FIG. 5 conceptually illustrates an exemplary communication
flow between the SMS server and a communication device (i.e., user)
for releasing an assigned number from a block of phone numbers
after a user session has expired from inactivity. FIG. 5 will be
discussed with reference to portions of FIG. 4.
[0062] As shown, FIG. 5 illustrates a communication flow in four
stages 510-540 between a communication device 512 and an SMS server
managing a block of numbers 525, which includes first to nth phone
numbers 552-570. The SMS server manages the block of numbers 525 in
order to provide a user interface over SMS based on the reusable
context model.
[0063] In the first stage 510, the SMS server transmits a SMS
message 522 over a phone number 560 assigned to a first user
session (as illustrated in bold) to the a communication device 512.
As shown, the assigned phone number 560 is currently in a busy
status. In some configurations, the SMS server transmits the SMS
message 522 after receiving a previous SMS message from the
communication device 512. For instance, the communication device
512 can transmit the previous SMS message to initiate the user
session (e.g., by transmitting the SMS message over the system
number) and the SMS server can assign a first available phone
number (i.e., in a free status) to the user session. In response to
a command or selected option included in the previous SMS message,
the SMS server can transmit the SMS message 522 over the assigned
phone number 560 to the communication device 512.
[0064] In the second stage 520, the SMS server changes the status
of the assigned phone number 560 to a stale status after a first
period of time has elapsed in which no activity occurs over the
phone number 560. The SMS server of some configurations can monitor
activity over the phone number 560 by tracking the transmission and
reception of data (i.e., one or more SMS messages). If the SMS
server does not detect any activity over the phone number 560
during the first period of time, the SMS server changes the status
of the phone number 560 to a stale status as shown in the second
stage 520. The user session assigned to the phone number 560 is
considered expired (i.e., invalid) and therefore the SMS server
will not process a received SMS message. Referring to FIG. 4, the
process 400 at 405 determines whether the first phone number is
inactive during the first period of time and changes the status of
the first phone number to the busy status at 410.
[0065] As further shown in the second stage 520, the communication
device 512 transmits an SMS message 532 over the phone number 560
when the first phone number is in the stale status. Referring back
to FIG. 4, the process 400 at 415 determines whether an SMS message
is received over the first phone number after changing the status
of the first phone number to the stales status at 410.
[0066] In response to the SMS message 532 from the second stage
520, the SMS server can transmit an SMS message notifying the
communication device 512 that the user session has expired. In the
third stage 530, the SMS server transmits an SMS message 542 over
the phone number 560 to the communication device 512 indicating
that the user session has expired. Upon receipt, the user of the
communication device 512 will be notified of the expired user
session corresponding to the phone number 560. By way of example,
the SMS message 542 can include alphanumerical message such as,
"User session expired. Please transmit another SMS message to
initiate another user session." One of ordinary skill in the art
would appreciate that any suitable message could be included in the
SMS message 542 for notifying the user. By reference to FIG. 4, the
process 400 at 420 transmits the second SMS message over the first
phone number indicating the expired user session.
[0067] The SMS server can release the phone number 560 for
assigning to another user session. In some configurations, the SMS
server can wait a second period of time before releasing the phone
number currently in the stale status. As shown in the fourth stage
540, the SMS server changes the status of the phone number 560 to a
free status from the stale status in the third stage 530. Referring
to FIG. 4, the process 400 at 425 changes the status of the first
phone number to the free status after the second period of time has
elapsed.
[0068] The following discussion describes an exemplary process that
can be implemented by an SMS server to convert SMS messages from a
user (i.e., a communication device) and messages received from an
interactive system to facilitate a message flow between the
communication device and interactive system. FIG. 6 conceptually
illustrates an exemplary process 600 for converting an SMS message
to a compatible format for an interactive system. In particular,
FIG. 6 illustrates a request-response communication flow in which
the process 600 converts an incoming SMS message (e.g., from the
communication device) for transmission to the interactive system,
and converts an incoming message from the interactive system in
response for transmission to the communication device. The process
600 of some configurations can be performed conjunctively with the
processes 200 and/or 300 described above in FIGS. 2 and 3 for
providing a reusable context model for interacting with the
interactive system.
[0069] The process 600 begins at 605 when an SMS message is
received from a communication device. For example, the process 600
can receive the SMS message over a phone number (e.g., a first
phone number) assigned to a user session or over a system number
(i.e., #Sys) before a phone number is assigned to the user session.
In some configurations, the SMS message can include a command to
access a service provided by the interactive system or include a
selected option from a level of the interactive system.
[0070] At 610, the process 600 converts the received SMS message to
a compatible format for the interactive system. In particular, the
interactive system may process data and/or messages in a different
format that is incompatible with the SMS message format. The
process 600 therefore converts the SMS message to enable the
interactive system to process the included command or selected
option from the SMS message. For example, the process 600 can
convert the SMS message data into the compatible format by
performing a data transformation. In some configurations, the
process 600 can extract alphanumerical data corresponding to the
command or selected option from the SMS message and subsequently
include the extracted data in the compatible message. The process
600 at 615 then transmits the compatible message to the interactive
system.
[0071] After executing an operation in response to the compatible
message, the interactive system of some configurations can transmit
a message to the SMS server in response. At 620, the process 600
receives a message in a different format than the SMS message
format from the interactive system. The message from the
interactive system can include the results of executing the
selected option from a level in the interactive system or include a
set of options from the level. The process 600 at 625 then converts
the received message into the SMS message format for transmission
to the communication device. At 630, the process 600 transmits the
SMS message to the communication device. The process 600 then
ends.
[0072] The above described operations in FIG. 6 illustrate an
example of a single request-response communication flow between the
communication device and the interactive system for converting
messages. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would
understand that the process 600 could be repeatedly performed for
more than one request-response communication flow. For example, in
the reusable context model, the SMS server can assign a second
number to a different level of the menu UI within the interactive
system. It should be understood that the process 600 can then
perform the operations in FIG. 6 for messages that are received and
transmitted over the second number corresponding to the different
level of the menu UI.
[0073] The following section describes an exemplary computing
environment including an SMS server that can implement the above
described processes as a computer program running on a particular
machine, such as a computer, or stored as instructions in a
computer readable medium.
[0074] FIG. 7 conceptually illustrates an exemplary computing
environment 700 including an SMS server of some configurations. In
particular, FIG. 7 shows an SMS front-end server 720 for
implementing the above described processes in FIGS. 2-4 and 6 that
manage a sequence of phone numbers for providing a user interface
over SMS to an interactive service. In some configurations, the SMS
front-end server 720 is part of a server-based implementation
running a particular machine connected to a network.
[0075] The SMS front-end server 720 of some configurations includes
different modules for providing different functionality. As
illustrated in FIG. 7, the SMS front-end server 720 includes a
transmission module 722 configured to transmit SMS messages, a
reception module 724 configured to receive SMS messages, a session
module 726 configured to manage a sequence of numbers, and a
conversion module 728 configured to convert non-SMS messages to SMS
messages and vice versa. To implement the reusable context model,
the SMS front-end server 720 includes the session module 726 that
assigns an available first number (i.e., in a free status) from the
sequence of numbers to a first level of a user interface (UI)
within the interactive system. The SMS front-end server 720
includes the reception module 724 that receives a first SMS message
from a communication device for interacting with the first level of
the UI. In some configurations, the first SMS message includes a
selected command from a set of options from the first level of a
menu UI within the interactive system. The session module 726 of
the SMS front-end server 720 is further configured to assign an
available second number from the sequence of phone numbers to a
second level of the UI. The transmission module 722 of the SMS
front-end server 720 is further configured to transmit a second SMS
message for responding to the first SMS message over the second
number to the communication device. The second SMS message can be
responsive to the selected command corresponding to the first level
of the UI.
[0076] In the reusable context model, the reception module 724 of
the SMS front-end server 720 is further configured to receive a
third SMS message from the communication device for interacting
with the second level of the UI. Additionally, the transmission
module 722 of the SMS front-end server 720 is configured to
transmit a fourth SMS message for responding to the third SMS
message over a third phone number from the sequence of phone
numbers to the communication device. The fourth SMS message can be
responsive to a second command corresponding to the second level of
the menu UI within the interactive server.
[0077] For each phone number assigned for responding to a received
SMS message, the session module 726 of the SMS front-end server 720
can be configured to determine whether another phone number has
been previously assigned for responding to the received SMS
message. In the reusable context model, the user (i.e., the
communication device) can navigate to different levels of the menu
UI by transmitting an SMS message over an assigned phone number. In
response to the received SMS message, the transmission module 722
of the SMS front-end server 720 is configured to determine whether
to transmit a response SMS message over the phone number in which
the SMS message was received (e.g., by the reception module 724) or
over another assigned phone number. In some configurations, the
session module 726 of the SMS front-end server 720 is configured to
assign an additional available phone number for responding to the
received SMS message.
[0078] The session module 726 of the SMS front-end server 720 is
further configured to monitor activity over the aforementioned
phone numbers in order to determine whether the phone number should
be released due to inactivity and can change the status of any
phone number from a busy status to a stale status in response.
Further, the session module 726 of the SMS front-end server 720 is
configured to release any phone numbers in a stale status to a free
status to enable any such numbers to be assigned to different
levels of the menu UI within the interactive system.
[0079] As shown, the computer environment 700 includes a
communication device 705, the SMS front-end server 720, an
aggregator server 730, a network 740, and interactive service
servers 750 and 760. The SMS front-end server 720 and the
communication device 705 can engage in a two-way communication flow
for providing a user interface to an interactive system over SMS as
described above in FIGS. 1 and 5 and the processes in FIGS. 2-4.
For instance, the reception module 724 of the SMS front-end server
720 can receive one or more SMS message(s) 710 that includes a
selected option (e.g., from a level in the interactive service) or
a command for executing by the interactive service from the
communication device 705. Similarly, the transmission module 722 of
the SMS front-end server 720 can also transmit one or more SMS
message(s) 710 to the communication device 705 that includes a
response to the selected option or command from the interactive
service. The conversion module 728 of the SMS front-end server 720
can convert any received SMS message 710 to a compatible format for
transmitting to the aggregator server 730.
[0080] The SMS front-end server 720 communicates with the
aggregator server 730 to provide the user interface over SMS for
one or more interactive service servers. In some configurations,
the aggregator server could be located in the same location as the
SMS front-end server 720 (e.g., local network) or over a remote
network. The aggregator server 730 of some configurations provides
an interface to one or more different interactive service servers
that provide different interactive services such as e-mail, chat,
social networking, blogging, etc. In particular, the aggregator
server 730 can utilize an application programming interface (API)
to access the interactive service servers 750 and 760 over the
network 740, which can include, but is not limited to, a local
network, remote network, or an interconnected network of networks
(e.g., Internet). Based on the converted SMS message(s) from the
SMS front-end server 720, the aggregator server 730 can access the
interactive service servers 750 and 760 using one or more API calls
to perform different operations. Although two different interactive
service servers are illustrated in FIG. 7, one of ordinary skill in
the art would realize that the aggregator server 730 could
interface with any number of different interactive servers to
access different services.
[0081] The interactive service servers 750 and 760 can process the
API call(s) from the aggregator server 730 and transmit a response
message(s) to the aggregator server 730. A response message can
include the results of executing the selected option or command
corresponding to a previously submitted SMS message from the
communication device 705. After receiving the response message(s),
the aggregator server 730 transmits the response message(s) to the
SMS front-end server 720. In some configurations, the conversion
module 728 of the SMS front-end server 720 can convert the received
response message(s) into an SMS format for transmitting to the
communication device 705. For example, the conversion module 728 of
the SMS front-end server 720 can perform a data transformation
operation involving one or more different steps to convert the
received response message from a corresponding interactive service
server into a SMS message format.
[0082] In the exemplary computing environment 700 illustrated in
FIG. 7, the SMS front-end server 720 and the aggregator server 730
are shown as separate servers. Alternatively, the SMS front-end
server 720 and the aggregator server 730 could be implemented as a
single server with the combined functionality of the aforementioned
servers as described above. For instance, the single server (e.g.,
with the functionality of the SMS front-end server and the
aggregator server) could receive and transmit one or more SMS
messages to the communication device 705 and manage the user
session using the sequence of numbers (e.g., as described by
reference to FIGS. 1-5). Additionally, the single server could
convert SMS messages for transmitting to a corresponding
interactive service server (e.g., interactive service servers 750
and 760). Conjunctively, the single server could receive one or
more messages from the corresponding interactive service server and
convert such messages into SMS format for transmission to the
communication device 705.
[0083] Although FIG. 7 illustrates four exemplary modules 722-728
for performing different functionality for the SMS front-end server
720, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other
modules could be provided to perform other functionality for the
SMS front-end server 720 and still be within the scope of the
subject technology. Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art
would appreciate that, in some configurations, the functionality
provided in one respective module could be combined into another
module. For example, the functionality of the transmission and
reception modules 722 and 724 could be combined into one module for
the SMS front-end server 720.
[0084] The following section describes an exemplary system that
implements aspects of the above described invention.
[0085] Many of the above-described features and applications are
implemented as software processes that are specified as a set of
instructions recorded on a machine readable storage medium (also
referred to as computer readable medium). When these instructions
are executed by one or more processing unit(s) (e.g., one or more
processors, cores of processors, or other processing units), they
cause the processing unit(s) to perform the actions indicated in
the instructions. Examples of machine readable media include, but
are not limited to, CD-ROMs, flash drives, RAM chips, hard drives,
EPROMs, etc. The machine readable media does not include carrier
waves and electronic signals passing wirelessly or over wired
connections.
[0086] In this specification, the term "software" is meant to
include firmware residing in read-only memory and/or applications
stored in magnetic storage, which can be read into memory for
processing by a processor. Also, in some implementations, multiple
software inventions can be implemented as sub-parts of a larger
program while remaining distinct software inventions. In some
implementations, multiple software inventions can also be
implemented as separate programs. Finally, any combination of
separate programs that together implement a software invention
described here is within the scope of the invention. In some
implementations, the software programs, when installed to operate
on one or more systems, define one or more specific machine
implementations that execute and perform the operations of the
software programs.
[0087] A computer program (also known as a program, software,
software application, script, or code) can be written in any form
of programming language, including compiled or interpreted
languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it can be
deployed in any form, including as a stand alone program or as a
module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for
use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need
not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored
in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one
or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single
file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple
coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub
programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed
to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are
located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and
interconnected by a communication network.
[0088] FIG. 8 conceptually illustrates a system 800 with which some
implementations of the subject technology may be implemented. The
system 800 can be a computer, phone, PDA, or any other sort of
electronic device. Such a system includes various types of computer
readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer
readable media. The system 800 includes a bus 805, processing
unit(s) 810, a system memory 815, a read-only memory 820, a storage
device 825, an optional input interface 830, an optional output
interface 835, and a network interface 840.
[0089] The bus 805 collectively represents all system, peripheral,
and chipset buses that communicatively connect the numerous
internal devices of the system 800. For instance, the bus 805
communicatively connects the processing unit(s) 810 with the
read-only memory 820, the system memory 815, and the storage device
825.
[0090] From these various memory units, the processing unit(s) 810
retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order to
execute the processes of the invention. The processing unit(s) can
be a single processor or a multi-core processor in different
implementations.
[0091] The read-only-memory (ROM) 820 stores static data and
instructions that are needed by the processing unit(s) 810 and
other modules of the system 800. The storage device 825, on the
other hand, is a read-and-write memory device. This device is a
non-volatile memory unit that stores instructions and data even
when the system 800 is off. Some implementations of the invention
use a mass-storage device (such as a magnetic or optical disk and
its corresponding disk drive) as the storage device 825.
[0092] Other implementations use a removable storage device (such
as a flash drive, a floppy disk, and its corresponding disk drive)
as the storage device 825. Like the storage device 825, the system
memory 815 is a read-and-write memory device. However, unlike
storage device 825, the system memory 815 is a volatile
read-and-write memory, such a random access memory. The system
memory 815 stores some of the instructions and data that the
processor needs at runtime. In some implementations, the
invention's processes are stored in the system memory 815, the
storage device 825, and/or the read-only memory 820. For example,
the various memory units include instructions for processing
multimedia items in accordance with some implementations. From
these various memory units, the processing unit(s) 810 retrieves
instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the
processes of some implementations.
[0093] The bus 805 also connects to the optional input and output
interfaces 830 and 835. The optional input interface 830 enables
the user to communicate information and select commands to the
system. The optional input interface 830 can interface with
alphanumeric keyboards and pointing devices (also called "cursor
control devices"). The optional output interface 835 can provide
display images generated by the system 800. The optional output
interface 835 can interface with printers and display devices, such
as cathode ray tubes (CRT) or liquid crystal displays (LCD). Some
implementations can interface with devices such as a touchscreen
that functions as both input and output devices.
[0094] Finally, as shown in FIG. 8, bus 805 also couples system 800
to a network interface 840 through a network adapter (not shown).
In this manner, the computer can be a part of a network of
computers (such as a local area network ("LAN"), a wide area
network ("WAN"), or an Intranet, or an interconnected network of
networks, such as the Internet. Any or all components of system 800
can be used in conjunction with the invention.
[0095] These functions described above can be implemented in
digital electronic circuitry, in computer software, firmware or
hardware. The techniques can be implemented using one or more
computer program products. Programmable processors and computers
can be included in or packaged as mobile devices. The processes and
logic flows can be performed by one or more programmable processors
and by one or more programmable logic circuitry. General and
special purpose computing devices and storage devices can be
interconnected through communication networks.
[0096] Some implementations include electronic components, such as
microprocessors, storage and memory that store computer program
instructions in a machine-readable or computer-readable medium
(alternatively referred to as computer-readable storage media,
machine-readable media, or machine-readable storage media). Some
examples of such computer-readable media include RAM, ROM,
read-only compact discs (CD-ROM), recordable compact discs (CD-R),
rewritable compact discs (CD-RW), read-only digital versatile discs
(e.g., DVD-ROM, dual-layer DVD-ROM), a variety of
recordable/rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, etc.),
flash memory (e.g., SD cards, mini-SD cards, micro-SD cards, etc.),
magnetic and/or solid state hard drives, read-only and recordable
Blu-Ray.RTM. discs, ultra density optical discs, any other optical
or magnetic media, and floppy disks. The computer-readable media
can store a computer program that is executable by at least one
processing unit and includes sets of instructions for performing
various operations. Examples of computer programs or computer code
include machine code, such as is produced by a compiler, and files
including higher-level code that are executed by a computer, an
electronic component, or a microprocessor using an interpreter.
[0097] While the above discussion primarily refers to
microprocessor or multi-core processors that execute software, some
implementations are performed by one or more integrated circuits,
such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field
programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some implementations, such
integrated circuits execute instructions that are stored on the
circuit itself
[0098] As used in this specification and any claims of this
application, the terms "computer", "server", "processor", and
"memory" all refer to electronic or other technological devices.
These terms exclude people or groups of people. For the purposes of
the specification, the terms display or displaying means displaying
on an electronic device.
[0099] As used in this specification and any claims of this
application, the terms "computer readable medium" and "computer
readable media" are entirely restricted to tangible, physical
objects that store information in a form that is readable by a
computer. These terms exclude any wireless signals, wired download
signals, and any other ephemeral signals.
[0100] To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of
the subject matter described in this specification can be
implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT
(cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for
displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing
device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide
input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to
provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback
provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g.,
visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input
from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic,
speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with
a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a
device that is used by the user; for example, by sending web pages
to a web browser on a user's client device in response to requests
received from the web browser.
[0101] Configurations of the subject matter described in this
specification can be implemented in a computing system that
includes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, or that
includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or
that includes a front end component, e.g., a client computer having
a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user
can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described
in this specification, or any combination of one or more such back
end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the
system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data
communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of
communication networks include a local area network ("LAN") and a
wide area network ("WAN"), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet),
and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).
[0102] The computing system can include clients and servers. A
client and server are generally remote from each other and
typically interact through a communication network. The
relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer
programs running on the respective computers and having a
client-server relationship to each other. In some configurations, a
server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to a client device
(e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving user input
from a user interacting with the client device). Data generated at
the client device (e.g., a result of the user interaction) can be
received from the client device at the server.
[0103] It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of
steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary
approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that
the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be
rearranged, or that all illustrated steps be performed. Some of the
steps may be performed simultaneously. For example, in certain
circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be
advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components
in the configurations described above should not be understood as
requiring such separation in all configurations, and it should be
understood that the described program components and systems can
generally be integrated together in a single software product or
packaged into multiple software products.
[0104] The previous description is provided to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described
herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles
defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims
are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is
to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims,
wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to
mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather
"one or more." Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term
"some" refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his)
include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice
versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience
only and do not limit the invention.
[0105] A phrase such as an "aspect" does not imply that such aspect
is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies
to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure
relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or
more configurations. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or
more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as a "configuration"
does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject
technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations
of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration
may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A
phrase such as a configuration may refer to one or more
configurations and vice versa.
[0106] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as
"exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other aspects or designs.
[0107] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of
the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are
known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the
art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended
to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein
is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether
such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.
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