U.S. patent application number 13/620856 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-21 for electronic message forwarding.
This patent application is currently assigned to Facebook, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Charles A. Carey, Keith C. Hullfish, Michael R. Longe, Joe Parr. Invention is credited to Charles A. Carey, Keith C. Hullfish, Michael R. Longe, Joe Parr.
Application Number | 20130073657 13/620856 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34592145 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130073657 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hullfish; Keith C. ; et
al. |
March 21, 2013 |
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE FORWARDING
Abstract
The invention provides a method of transmitting electronic
messages in a computer environment. The preferred embodiment
receives an electronic message addressed to a telephone number and
determines an instant message identifier associated with the
telephone number. In response to the determination that an instant
message identifier associates with the telephone number, it is
further determined whether an instant message receiver is available
to receive messages addressed to the instant message identifier. In
response to a determination that an instant message receiver is
available to receive instant messages addressed to the instant
message identifier, the electronic message is forwarded as an
instant message addressed to the instant message identifier. In
response to a determination that no instant message receiver is
available to receive instant messages addressed to the instant
message identifier, the electronic message is sent to a mobile
device at the telephone number.
Inventors: |
Hullfish; Keith C.;
(Snohomish, WA) ; Carey; Charles A.; (Kirkland,
WA) ; Longe; Michael R.; (Seattle, WA) ; Parr;
Joe; (Redmond, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hullfish; Keith C.
Carey; Charles A.
Longe; Michael R.
Parr; Joe |
Snohomish
Kirkland
Seattle
Redmond |
WA
WA
WA
WA |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Facebook, Inc.
Menlo Park
CA
|
Family ID: |
34592145 |
Appl. No.: |
13/620856 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12236255 |
Sep 23, 2008 |
|
|
|
13620856 |
|
|
|
|
10723040 |
Nov 26, 2003 |
7428580 |
|
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12236255 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/206 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 51/046 20130101;
H04L 51/04 20130101; H04L 51/36 20130101; H04L 51/14 20130101; H04W
4/12 20130101; H04L 51/38 20130101; H04W 8/18 20130101; H04W 4/14
20130101; H04L 51/066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/206 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/16 20060101
G06F015/16 |
Claims
1. A method for forwarding an electronic message addressed to a
telephone number to an alternative destination, the method
comprising: storing, in computer memory that is accessible by an
electronic messaging system, an association between a particular
telephone number and an alternative address for message delivery;
storing, in the computer memory that is accessible by the
electronic message system, a condition for forwarding an electronic
message addressed to the particular telephone number to another
destination; receiving, from a message sender, an electronic
message addressed to the particular telephone number; in response
to receiving the electronic message addressed to the particular
telephone number: accessing, from the computer memory, the stored
condition for forwarding a received electronic message to another
destination and determining that the condition presently is
satisfied, and accessing, from the computer memory, the stored
association between the particular telephone number and the
alternative address for message delivery to reveal that the
alternative address for message delivery is associated with the
particular telephone number; and in response to determining that
the condition for forwarding a received electronic message to
another destination presently is satisfied and based on accessing
the stored association between the particular telephone number and
the alternative address for message delivery, forwarding the
electronic message to the alternative address for message delivery
in a format that is appropriate for receipt at the alternative
address for message delivery.
2.-20. (canceled)
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/236,255 filed on Sep. 23, 2008, which is a continuation of
and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/723,040,
entitled "Electronic Message Forwarding," filed Nov., 26, 2003,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to electronic messaging systems in a
computer environment. More particularly, the invention relates to
the delivery of an electronic message addressed to a telephone
number.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0003] The information age has brought various communication tools
into every day life. In addition to the traditional telephone and
facsimile services, wireless communication systems and electronic
messaging systems are popular methods that offer convenience and
advantages that the traditional communication devices do not
provide. For example, wireless communication systems allow a mobile
phone user to be reached on his mobile phone in any places within
the geographical area where the wireless telephone services are
offered. Electronic messaging systems allow a user to access
electronic messages received from the Internet via a computer
terminal where he has access to the Internet.
[0004] Much effort has been made to enable electronic message
delivery and communication across different communication systems,
for example, between wireless communication systems and electronic
messaging systems via the Internet or between the electronic
messaging systems and facsimile services. A unified messaging
system attempts to provide a universal message sending and delivery
system that allows interoperability among the three typical message
types, that is, voice mail, facsimile message, and electronic
messaging. Using the unified messaging system, a user can retrieve
all three types of messages via a single point of access. For
example, a user can access all three types of messages via an
electronic message system at a computer terminal or via a telephone
system with a telephone number.
[0005] The Short Message Services (SMS) is a type of electronic
messaging system that allows a mobile phone user to send from one
mobile phone a small text message addressed to a telephone number
for reception at another mobile phone. Further, a user may send an
SMS message to a mobile phone at a telephone number through the Web
site of the wireless service provider using a Web browser. Also, a
user may send an SMS message to a mobile phone at a telephone
number using an Instant Messaging software, like AOL Instant
Messenger. The recipient may also be enable to reply from the
mobile device using various mechanisms, like using special short
codes that route messages to a Screen Name on the Instant Messaging
service, like AOL Instant Messenger. An SMS message addressed to a
telephone number is typically stored in a central short message
center which forwards it to the mobile phone at the telephone
number when it is available for communication with the central
short message center.
[0006] The Instant Message Services (IMS) are a real-time
communication process that allows users to exchange instant
messages via a user interface over a communication network. Instant
messages are typically exchanged when the communication channel
between the source and destination devices are established for
real-time communication.
[0007] However, interoperability between the SMS and the IMS has
yet to be achieved. It would be advantageous to provide an
electronic message delivery system that bridges both worlds of the
SMS and the IMS.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention provides processes and systems for forwarding
electronic messages addressed to telephone numbers in a computer
environment.
[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, a method of transmitting
electronic messages in a computer environment includes: receiving
an electronic message addressed to a telephone number; determining
an instant message identifier associated with the telephone number;
determining an instant message receiver is available to receive
messages addressed to the instant message identifier; forwarding
the electronic message as an instant message addressed to the
instant message identifier in response to a determination that an
instant message receiver is available to receive instant messages
addressed to the instant message identifier; maintain the identity
of the telephone number in the message and for any subsequent
responses; and sending the electronic message to a mobile device at
the telephone number in response to a determination that no instant
message receiver is available to receive instant messages addressed
to the instant message identifier.
[0010] In one example, the electronic message includes one of a
text message, an SMS text message, a Multimedia Messaging Services
(MMS) message, a video message and an audio message; and the
instant message is received at an electronic device configured to
receive instant messages addressed to the instant message
identifier. For example, the electronic device may be one of: a
computer, a personal data assistant (PDA) and a telephone receiver.
In one example, the instant message identifier associated with the
telephone number is determined through searching in a database. In
one example, whether or not to forward the electronic message as an
email message addressed to an email address is determined according
to a user preference stored in a database. In another example,
whether or not to forward the electronic message as an instant
message addressed to the instant message identifier is determined
according to a user preference stored in a database. In one
example, the determination of whether or not to forward is further
based on source information of the electronic message, such as: a
source address of the electronic message, a user name of a sender
of the electronic message, a telephone number of a sender of the
electronic message, or an instant message identifier of a sender of
the electronic message. In one example, the instant message is
generated from the electronic message based on one or more
predetermined rules. For example, the one or more predetermined
rules may select one or more portions of the electronic message as
the instant message and may selectively delete one or more portions
of the electronic message to generate the instant message.
[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for
transmitting electronic messages in a computer environment
includes: a module for receiving an electronic message addressed to
a telephone number; a module for determining an instant message
identifier associated with the telephone number; a module for
determining whether an instant message receiver is available to
receive messages addressed to the instant message identifier; a
module for forwarding the electronic message as an instant message
addressed to the equivalent instant message identifier in response
to a determination that an instant message receiver is available to
receive instant messages addressed to the instant message
identifier; and a module for sending the electronic message to a
mobile device at the telephone number in response to a
determination that no instant message receiver is available to
receive instant messages addressed to the instant message
identifier.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1A is a block schematic diagram showing a system that
forwards an SMS message to the intended recipient's communication
devices according to prior art;
[0013] FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing a method of forwarding an
SMS message to the intended recipient according to prior art;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block schematic diagram showing a system for
forwarding an SMS message to the destination devices according to
one embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a method of forwarding the
SMS text message according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a method of selectively
forwarding electronic messages based on user preferences according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a method of receiving the
SMS text message with a privacy feature according to one embodiment
of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a method of selective
forwarding SMS text messages according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a method of forwarding SMS
text messages according to one embodiment of the invention; and
[0020] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a method of forwarding SMS
messages according to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The invention is embodied in an electronic message
forwarding system in a computer environment. The invention provides
methods and apparati for forwarding electronic messages addressed
to telephone numbers as instant messages for the instant message
identifiers associated with the corresponding telephone
numbers.
[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, after an electronic
message addressed to a telephone number is received for forwarding,
an instant message identifier associated with the telephone number
is determined. Then, it is determined whether an instant message
receiver is available to receive messages addressed to the instant
message identifier. The electronic message is forwarded as an
instant message addressed to the instant message identifier in
response to a determination that an instant message receiver is
available to receive instant messages addressed to the instant
message identifier. The identity of the telephone number in the
message and for any subsequent responses is maintained. in response
to a determination that no instant message receiver is available to
receive instant messages addressed to the instant message
identifier, the electronic message is forwarded to a mobile device
at the telephone number.
[0023] In one embodiment, the electronic message is not forwarded
to a mobile device at the telephone number when the electronic
message is forwarded as an instant message addressed to the instant
message identifier, e.g. according to a user preference stored in
the database associated with the telephone number.
[0024] Alternatively, the electronic message may be forwarded to a
mobile device at the telephone number regardless of whether there
is an instant message receiver available to receive instant
messages addressed to the instant message identifier, e.g.
according to a user preference stored in the database associated
with the telephone number.
[0025] In one embodiment, the electronic message is forwarded as
the instant message regardless whether there is an instant message
receiver available to receive instant messages addressed to the
instant message identifier, e.g. according to a user preference
stored in the database associated with the instance message
identifier or the telephone number.
[0026] FIG. 1A is a block schematic diagram showing a system that
forwards an SMS message to the intended recipient's communication
devices according to prior art. Referring now to FIG. 1A, an SMS
message originator instructs a mobile phone 102 to send the SMS
text message to the recipient's mobile phone 106 by using the
destination SMS message address associated with the recipient's
mobile phone number 106. The SMS message is received by an SMS
server 104. The SMS server 104 further transmits the SMS message to
the recipient's mobile phone 106 according to the telephone number
designated as the destination address of the SMS message. The
recipient receives the SMS message on the mobile phone 106.
[0027] FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing a method of forwarding an
SMS message to the intended recipient according to prior art.
Referring now to FIG. 1B, an SMS message originator specifies the
telephone number to which the SMS message is addressed 112. The SMS
message originating mobile phone sends the SMS message to a SMS
server 114. The SMS server stores the SMS message 116 and further
forwards the SMS message according to the destination mobile
telephone number of the SMS message 118 when the mobile phone is in
communication with the SMS server.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a block schematic diagram showing a system for
forwarding an SMS message to the destination device according to
one embodiment of the invention. Referring now to FIG. 2, one
embodiment of the invention provides a system for forwarding an SMS
message to destination devices depending on the real-time presence
of the intended recipient. The system according to one embodiment
of the invention includes an SMS text message originator 202, an
SMS server 204 that includes a routing logic 206, a dynamic message
control server 208, an IM server 210, and one or more destination
devices 212, 214, 216. One embodiment includes additional media
storage 218.
[0029] The SMS text message originator ("originator") 202 generates
an SMS text message addressed to a telephone number of the
recipient mobile devices 212, 214 or an email address of a desktop
computer 216. The SMS text message originator 202 can be any SMS
generating device, e.g. an SMS-enabled mobile device, a web-browser
or an IM client, that allow to generate and send the SMS text
message addressed to the telephone number or the email address.
[0030] In one embodiment, after the SMS message sender instructs
the originator 202 to send an SMS message to a destination device
212, 214 or 216, the SMS server 204 receives the SMS text message.
The SMS server 204 then forwards it to the dynamic message control
server 208.
[0031] The dynamic message control server 208 makes decisions with
regard to various actions that can be taken with the SMS text
message, such as whether to forward the SMS message as an instant
message, or whether or not to forward the SMS message in its
original content. The details of these actions are described below
in FIG. 3.
[0032] If the dynamic message control server 208 decides that the
SMS message should be forwarded as an instant message, the dynamic
message control server 208 forwards the SMS message to the IM
server 210 to be transmitted further as an instant message. The IM
server 210 then forwards the SMS message as an instant message to
one or more instant message receivers 214, 216 for the instant
message identifier. In one embodiment, the destination device is an
IM-enabled mobile device 214 displaying the IM interface.
Alternatively, the destination device 216 is a computer terminal
displaying an IM interface.
[0033] If the dynamic message control server 208 decides that the
SMS message should be forwarded as an SMS message through the SMS
server 204, the routing logic 206 then forwards the SMS message to
the mobile phone number with the addressed telephone number.
Alternatively, the dynamic message control server 208 may be
implemented inside or with the routing logic 206 in the SMS server
204, or inside the IM server 210, or partially in the SMS server
204 and partially in the IM server 210.
[0034] In one embodiment, the destination device is an SMS-enabled
mobile device 214. It is understood that different devices may be
used to receive different types of electronic messages. For
example, the mobile device 214 may be used to receive the SMS
messages. The computer terminal 216 may be used to receive the IM
messages. The mobile device 214 may also be used to receive the IM
messages if IMS-enabled.
[0035] In this way, the SMS text message is routed to the
destination devices 214, 216 according to the routing path
determined by the IM Server 210. The dynamic message control server
208 maintains a database containing the information to map the
telephone numbers for the SMS message to corresponding instant
message identifiers and user preferences. The user preferences and
the mapping between the telephone numbers and the IM identifiers
are used by the dynamic message control server 208 to route the SMS
messages according to the embodiments of the invention.
[0036] In another embodiment, media storage 218 are provided to
store various messages. For example, an SMS text message can be
forwarded not only to an IM server 210, but also the media storage
218. A message containing a picture can be forwarded to an online
journal or an online album. In addition, user preferences could be
applied so that only messages originating from a registered phone
number would be able to be forwarded to the media storage 218.
Alternatively, user preferences could also be applied to allow
messages from any originating phone number to be forwarded to the
media storage 218.
[0037] In addition, the media storage 218 provides storage when
messages could not be forwarded to the phone number for the
destination mobile device. For instance, when the destination
mobile device is not capable of receiving the message or parts of
the message, the whole message and/or its parts could be forwarded
for storage.
[0038] It is understood that any type of electronic messages
addressed to a telephone, such as a text message, an SMS short text
message, an Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS) message, a video
message, a graphic message and an audio message, can be routed
according to embodiments of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a method of forwarding the
SMS text message according to one embodiment of the invention.
Referring now to FIG. 3, the invention provides a method of
forwarding an SMS text message addressed to a telephone number at
either a mobile device in the SMS text message format or one or
more IM message receivers displaying an IM message interface,
depending upon whether there is an IM message receiver available to
receive IM messages.
[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, the SMS text message
recipient subscribes to both the SMS service and the IM service. At
the time of the registration of the services, the recipient
receives an SMS address, or has one already assigned, which is
typically the telephone number of the mobile device number for the
SMS service. For example, an SMS text message recipient Jane Smith
is assigned an SMS text message address 650.555.1212, which is her
mobile telephone number. A user of a mobile phone may send an SMS
text message to the mobile phone of Jane Smith by specifying the
phone number 650.555.1212 as the destination address. An email
address, such as 6505551212@Serviceprovider.com, may also be used
for sending a text message from an email client program to the SMS
center of the service provider for delivery as the SMS text message
to the mobile device at the address of 650.555.1212.
[0041] Meanwhile, she registers a screen name representing her
identity in an IM service system, e.g. JaneSmith1. When setting up
her user profile, she associates her screen name of her IM service
with the mobile device number of her SMS services. Thus, for
example, the user profile database of the dynamic message control
server associates the screen name "JaneSmith1" with the mobile
device number 650.555.1212.
[0042] The user profile database may also associate her screen name
with other profile information regarding the recipient, such as
Preferences of Jane Smith in routing SMS messages as instant
messages. For example, she may specify user preference information
that directs the determination process in forwarding SMS text
messages as IM messages and user preference information for
applying filters to forwarded messages. For example, the filters
may include a SPAM filter, a rate-limiting filter, do-not-message
list filters or even do-not-call list filters.
[0043] In one embodiment, the SMS text message sender instructs the
SMS originator to send an SMS text message to a mobile device
address that includes the mobile device number 302. The SMS server
receives the SMS text message and forwards it to the dynamic
message control server 304.
[0044] Subsequently, the dynamic message control server determines
whether the recipient at the mobile device number has enabled the
SMS forwarding feature 306. The SMS text message is forwarded to
the mobile device number directly 308 if it is determined that the
recipient at the mobile device number did not enable the SMS
forwarding feature 306.
[0045] If it is determined that the recipient at the mobile device
number enabled the SMS forwarding feature 306, the SMS server
proceeds to determine whether the recipient desires to forward the
SMS message as an instant message 310 to the IM service address by
checking against the user preference profile.
[0046] If it is determined that the recipient does not desire to
forward the SMS message to as an instant message 310, the SMS text
message is forwarded to the intended mobile device number at the
mobile phone number 308.
[0047] If the recipient desires to forward the SMS message as an
instant message 310, it is then determined whether an IM receiver
is available to receive IM messages 312.
[0048] In one embodiment of the invention, it is dynamically
determined whether the recipient's IM service receiver is available
to receive an IM message 312. If it is determined that the
recipient's IM service receiver is not available to receive an IM
message 312, the SMS text message is forwarded to the intended
mobile device address as the SMS text message 308. However, if it
is determined that the recipient's IM service receiver is available
to receive an IM message 312, the SMS text message is forwarded as
an instant message to the recipient's IM display interface for
delivery 314. Various features can be implemented in forwarding the
SMS message as the IM message. These features are discussed below
in connection with their respective figures.
[0049] In one embodiment, the recipient's IM display interface is
on a computer terminal. In another embodiment, the recipient's IM
display interface is on a mobile device such as a PDA or a mobile
telephone. Once the instant messaging interface is initiated, the
information for establishing the real-time or near real-time
communication with the IM message receiving device is sent to an IM
server so that IM messages can be delivered in real time or near
real time.
[0050] In one embodiment of the invention, the IM user can also
respond to the sender of the SMS message, which is forwarded to the
SMS user as an SMS message, using an IM forwarding to the SMS
service 314. For example, the server which forwards the SMS message
to the IM receiver is aware of the source of the SMS message. When
the IM receiver responds to the sender of the SMS message by an IM
message, the server automatically converts the IM message into an
SMS message for delivery to the sender. When this SMS message is
delivered to device used by the SMS text message sender, it would
appear to originate from the phone number-originally addressed.
[0051] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of
logging the date and time for the delivery of the message to email
addresses, the instant message identifiers or the storage medium.
The method also provides a method of forwarding the electronic
messages to a storage medium that temporarily or permanently stores
the electronic messages. The messages can be forwarded according to
the time and date preferences of the instant message receiver.
[0052] In this way, the invention bridges the gap between the two
worlds of the SMS services and the IM services. The invention
enables an IM service subscriber to bring the SMS service to the IM
service community. The SMS text messages can be received as instant
messages routed to IM service clients on which she is signed onto
as determined by the IM server in a dynamic real-time fashion.
[0053] Meanwhile, an SMS text message sender with an SMS-enabled
mobile phones would not have to learn anything new, as
unfamiliarity with a new technology may become an obstacle for some
users. By virtue of sending an SMS text message to a mobile device
number that happens to be registered for an SMS text messaging to
Instant Message forwarding feature, an SMS text message user can
communicate with an IM user who is present on the Internet via the
IM user interface.
[0054] Moreover, someone who uses both Instant Messaging and SMS
can maintain contact with those who only know him by his mobile
phone number; they would not have to know his IM identity. They
could simply send a SMS text message to the mobile phone
number.
[0055] The invention facilitates domain sharing with wireless
carriers and provides a method of automatically absorbing a large
amount of wireless telephone service customers when they sign on IM
services. For example, if a wireless telephone service customer's
telephone number is now registered with IM services with an IMS
screen name, the wireless telephone number would automatically
become eligible for IMS message forwarding services. Thus, the IMS
subscriber is able to go online through an IM client, receive an IM
message and receive an SMS text message sent to the wireless
telephone number.
[0056] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a method of selectively
forwarding electronic messages based on user preferences according
to one embodiment of the invention. A variety of actions can he
taken when forwarding the electronic messages based on user
preference according to embodiments of the invention. For example,
the user can choose whether or not the SMS messages shall be
forwarded and where the SMS message should to he forwarded to. The
user preference may be set when registering an SMS service or an IM
service or changed later.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 4, after an SMS text message addressed
to a telephone number is received 402, the dynamic message control
server determines whether to forward the SMS text message
regardless of the availability of the IM receiver based on user
preference 404. If it is determined that the SMS text message shall
be forwarded as an SMS text message regardless of the availability
of the IM receiver based on user preference 404, the SMS text
message is thus forwarded to the mobile phone of the addressed
telephone number as an SMS text message without sending it as an
instant message 406. In effect, the IMS service is blocked with
regard to the SMS text message sender.
[0058] If it is determined that the SMS text message shall not be
forwarded as an SMS text message regardless of the availability of
the IM receiver based on user preference 404, the dynamic message
control server then detects whether a receiver of the instant
message identifier associated with the telephone number is
available to receive instant messages 408.
[0059] If it is determined that the receiver of the instant message
identifier associated with the telephone number is not available to
receive instant messages 408, the SMS text message is forwarded to
the addressed telephone number as an SMS text message without
sending it as an instant message 406. However, if it is the
receiver of the instant message identifier associated with the
telephone number is available to receive instant messages 408, the
SMS text messages is forwarded to the receiver of the instant
message identifier based on the user preference 410.
[0060] In this way, an IMS user controls whether or not she wants
to receive an SMS text message as an instant message.
[0061] An instant message is thus generated and forwarded to the
instant message receiver of the instant message identifier, such as
a screen name 412. In one embodiment, the recipient of the SMS text
message may choose to use one specific user interface to receive
messages and manage her conversations. A variety of the electronic
devices can be configured to display the IMS user interface. Such
electronic devices include but not limited to a computer terminal,
a personal data assistant (PDA), a mobile or wired telephone
receiver or other mobile devices. After the user uses the selected
device for receiving instant messages, e.g. by starting the
software program for the user interface and connecting to an
instant message server using the screen name, the selected device
becomes available to receive instant messages.
[0062] For example, Jane Smith can sign onto her computer to enjoy
the rich messaging experience that an IM service client provides.
The IM client can group messages from the same person within one
window. When an SMS text message can be forwarded to an IM service
client, the SMS text message recipient can sign onto an IM
interface to receive the SMS text message using the IM service
client, providing a better experience than an SMS text message
interface while including some of the same functionality, e.g.
grouping messages from the same person into a conversation.
[0063] FIG. 5 is flow diagram showing a method of receiving the SMS
text message with a privacy feature according to one embodiment of
the invention. User A receives from and sends SMS text messages to
User B using mobile devices. Subsequently, User A wants to stop
receiving messages from User B. The invention provides a method of
discontinuing receiving SMS text messages from an undesired
source.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 5, User A may use a pre-determined
telephone number that is available to all SMS forwarding
subscribers who want to use the privacy feature. User A may send a
text message containing User B's telephone number to the
pre-determined telephone number to discontinue receiving SMS text
messages from User B's telephone number.
[0065] In one embodiment, an SMS server receives an SMS text
message originated from User A addressed to a pre-determined
telephone number 502. It is determined whether the SMS text message
originated from User A contains a telephone number 504, e.g. User
B's telephone number. If it is determined that the SMS text message
originated from User A contains User B's telephone number, any
future SMS text message from User B's telephone number to User A's
telephone number, will not be forwarded to the User A's telephone
number or the instant message identifier associated with User A's
telephone number 506. Thus, the future SMS text message from User B
to User A will be blocked. in effect, User B's SMS text message
intended to reach User A falls on a "deaf ear."
[0066] Alternatively, the unwanted messages may be forward to a
storage media for permanent storage.
[0067] In another embodiment, User A uses a computer to create a
list of telephone numbers to block. In this case, all unwanted
messages from the telephone numbers on the block lists are
blocked.
[0068] In one embodiment, the "deaf ear" telephone number generates
an SMS text message as an automatic response stating that the
recipient of the original SMS text message, e.g. User A, no longer
wants to receive future messages from the sender, e.g. User B.
[0069] However, if it is determined that the SMS text message
originated from User A does not contain User B's telephone number
504, the SMS text message is forwarded according to user preference
508.
[0070] In this way, the invention provides a method of blocking any
future messages originating from a specified telephone number to
the telephone number of a user, or the instant message identifier
associated with that user's telephone number. Similarly, User A may
choose to block future instant messages originated from the screen
name associated with the telephone number of User B by sending the
telephone number of User B in an SMS message to a predetermined
telephone number.
[0071] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing a method of selective
forwarding SMS text messages according to one embodiment of the
invention. The invention provides a method of selectively
forwarding SMS text messages according to its source information.
The present invention brings the IMS functionality to the SMS
Service.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, once the SMS
server receives an SMS text message 602, the source Information
about the originating and the destination telephone numbers of the
SMS text message is packaged 604. Without sending the SMS text
message itself, the packet including the source information of the
SMS text message is sent to the dynamic message control server 606.
Once received by the dynamic message control server, the content of
the packet is checked against the user preference 608.
[0073] In one embodiment, the user preference can be set by the
destination telephone number user or the parents who excise
parental control of a teenager user. For example, a destination
telephone number user can indicate in the user preference that an
SMS text message originated from a specific telephone number should
be blocked. In this case, the dynamic message control server checks
if the packet for the destination telephone number includes a
specified telephone number. If it does, the message is blocked or
filtered according to the user preference.
[0074] It is then determined whether the SMS text message should be
forwarded or not to the destination telephone number 610. If it is
determined that the SMS text message can continue on to its
destination, then the SMS text message is delivered to the
SMS-enabled mobile phone or an IMS receiver 612. Alternatively, if
it is determined that the SMS text message should not continue on
to its destination, no attempts of delivery of the SMS text message
is made 614.
[0075] In one embodiment, a user can choose to block all other SMS
text messages forwarding but allow only certain types of SMS text
messages to reach the mobile phone or the IMS receiver according to
the source information. For example, a user may register the
preference to receive SMS text message from only two sources, e.g.
the telephone numbers from the user's parents and from the user's
boss. Alternatively, a user may register the preference to receive
all SMS text messages except one or more specified source telephone
numbers.
[0076] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a method of forwarding SMS
text messages according to one embodiment of the invention. The
invention provides a method of forwarding SMS text messages
according to predetermined rules.
[0077] Referring now to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, at least one
user preference is provided to allow a user to register and make
rules of forwarding the SMS text messages 702. One or more specific
undesired words may be entered into a database that are available
to be checked against later. For example, a user may make rules of
deleting specific words of profanity from all incoming SMS text
messages before the messages are forwarded as instant messages or
delivered to the telephones as SMS text messages; or messages may
be blocked from being forwarded at all. In another example, a user
may choose to delete specific words or sentences or paragraphs
suggesting illegal drugs from all incoming SMS text message. In
another embodiment, a user may choose to apply different filters
that are provided by the system. The various filters make the rules
of forwarding the SMS text messages.
[0078] After the SMS server receives an SMS text message 704, the
contents of an SMS text message are checked against the target
words and a determination is made whether certain selection rules
are applicable to the incoming SMS text message 706. In one
embodiment, a search is performed to determine whether the SMS text
message include target words stored in a database. Once a
determination that certain selection rules are applicable to the
incoming SMS text message 706, a new message is generated according
to the predetermined selection rules 708. For example, the
undesired target words originally in the SMS text message are
deleted; and an instant message without the target words is
generated.
[0079] If no selection rules are applicable to the incoming SMS
text message 706, the SMS text message is forwarded in its original
content according to user preferences.
[0080] In this way, the invention provides a method of parental
control to allow parents to supervise a minor's use of SMS message
systems.
[0081] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a method of forwarding SMS
messages according to one embodiment of the invention. The
invention provides a method of generating an automatic response in
response to an SMS text message.
[0082] Referring now to FIG. 8, User A has been using short message
service (SMS) to send and receive SMS text messages from and to his
mobile phone. Subsequently, User A wants to automatically generate
a response to other users who send him a message. User A sends a
text message containing the automatic response to a pre-determined
phone number, e.g. the message "Gone Fishin'" sent to a
predetermined telephone number "*99" or "4699.
[0083] In one embodiment, after an SMS server receives an SMS text
message addressed to a predetermined telephone number 802, the
dynamic message control server determines the source telephone
number of the SMS text message 804. Based on the source telephone
number information, the preferences of the user of the source
telephone number is modified 806 so that an automatic response is
generated for any future SMS text messages addressed to the source
telephone number. For example, when the SMS server receives the SMS
text message "Gone Fishin'" from User A, the telephone number
associated with User A is determined and the preference of User A
is modified so that the server will generate an automatic response
to future SMS text messages addressed to the telephone number.
[0084] For example, when an incoming SMS message is determined to
be addressed to the telephone number that requires an automatic
response, an SMS text message containing the automatic response is
generated 808. The context of the SMS message from the telephone
number that requests the automatic response service, e.g. User A's
telephone number, maybe used to generate the automatic response.
For example, after User A sends a text message of "Gone fishin'" to
a predetermined telephone number "*99" or "4699, any text message
addressed to the telephone number of User A will be automatically
responded with the automatic generated response text message "Gone
fishin," which is the text equivalent of a voicemail
greeting/auto-reply for User A.
[0085] Thus, this action initiates the capability to generate the
automatic response. Optionally, a particular status may be
associated with this automatic response, which could be displayed
on devices that support the display of such status.
[0086] Although the above embodiments and examples are described in
a particular combination and flow order, different combinations and
different orders of processing steps can be used. Some user
preferences can be shared or derived from other products and
preferences.
[0087] Alternatively, some additional user preferences can be set
to condition the message delivery to the instant message receiver
based on time and dates. For instance, in FIG. 7, there could be a
pre-determined rule stating that within a certain time period, e.g.
12:00 am-6:00 am, and/or within a date range, e.g. Dec. 25,
2003-Jan. 1, 2004, messages would not be forwarded either to the
instant message receiver and/or the mobile device. Additionally,
the user may be able to specify an auto-response, as shown in FIG.
8, during this period.
[0088] In one embodiment, message delivery could also be dependent
on community-wide SPAM rules that go beyond user preferences. For
instance, if the originating phone number violates any community
wide rules, has been excommunicated from the community, or has sent
too many messages within a period of time (i.e., rate-limiting),
the phone number may be put on a list of phone numbers. If a phone
number is on this list, the Dynamic Message Control Server would
not deliver messages originating from this phone number to any
destination device. Similarly, destination phone numbers may opt to
be on a "Do Not Message" list, akin to the "Do Not Call" List. In
effect, if the destination phone number is on the list, messages
from certain originating phone numbers would not be delivered to
the destination phone number.
[0089] In one embodiment, a log of messages could be created by the
Dynamic Message Control Server regardless of how a message is
forwarded. For instance, if the message is forwarded to the mobile
device number directly like in 308, then this action is recorded in
the log. This log would be accessible by an administrator tool
which would be part of the dynamic message control server.
[0090] It can be appreciated that the present invention can be
implemented on the SMS C server or can be implemented on separate
servers, such as an IM server. A dynamic message control server can
be included in the SMS-C server A routing logic can be implemented
independent of the SMS server with the dynamic message control
server.
[0091] It is important to note that embodiments of the methods can
be further used with other types of electronic messages. Other
types of electronic messages include any type of electronic
messages capable of being delivered and received by SMS/MMS-enabled
and/or IMS-enabled electronic devices, such as a text message, an
MMS message, a video message and an audio message etc. An
SMS-enabled and IMS-enabled electronic devices include a computer,
a personal data assistant (PDA), a mobile or wired telephone
receiver or other electronic devices.
[0092] It is also important to note that embodiments of the
invention include an apparatus for transmitting an electronic
message according to the methods described above and a program
storage medium readable by a computer, tangibly embodying a program
of instructions executable by the computer to perform the method
for updating address information as described above.
[0093] Although the invention is described herein with reference to
the preferred embodiment, one skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that other applications may be substituted for those set
forth herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. Accordingly, the invention should only be
limited by the claims included below.
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