7040 results about "Text messaging" patented technology

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for recording and generating additional information related to telecommunication events using a mobile communication device, such as a telephone call or a text messaging event using cellular phone or a personal digital assistant. Specifically, the preferred embodiments of the present invention records information such as GPS coordinates that indicate a position of the mobile communication device during the communication event, as well as a location of a sender or receiver of data to or from the mobile communication device, so as to facilitate a log entry of the position of the mobile communication device as well as other useful information that are associated with the communication events.

A method for identifying a physical location of a first automatic location identification (ALI) equipped wireless device by determining a geographic area based upon the identified physical location. In a next step, a server identifies at least a second ALI equipped wireless device located within the determined geographic area, and causes an identifier that identifies the second wireless device to be sent to the first wireless device. A user also can select the geographic region from a menu of regions. In either case, the user of the first ALI equipped wireless device can initiate communication with a user of the second wireless device, for instance using text messaging or by placing a voice call.

A system and method for providing chat group services to wireless mobile terminals is disclosed. The chat forum permits integrated voice and text messaging. The system includes plural mobile terminals, each being capable of running a chat client application. A server complex is connected to one or more wireless carrier networks by way of a packet-based network, such as the Internet. The server complex includes server applications and components for supporting the chat group services and communicating with the chat clients on the mobile terminals. The system also includes features that permit the integration of legacy mobile terminals, communication with machine interfaces using a chat metaphor, and robustness and reliability of operation across various wireless operators.

A computer-implemented process facilitates communication with an entity over a network. A static HTTP URL is associated with the entity. Communications information reflecting the entity's current online presence including the entity's dynamic session information as determined using the HTTP protocol is linked with the URL. Communication with the entity is facilitated using the URL and the communications information. The forms of communication facilitated include type chat / instant messaging, voice communication over a computer network, video communication over a computer network, voice communication from a computer network to a telephone network and two-way text messaging to Internet enabled wireless devices.

A system and method for establishing a private message chat between electronic devices. The method includes steps of providing an indication as to the availability of a user for receiving a private message chat; receiving an audio input message from at least one first client; and transmitting the audio input message to at least one second client over a communications network, wherein the at least one second client can receive, temporarily store and play back the audio input message. The first client may receive a reply audio input message from the at least one second client or, receive a reply text input message from the at least one second client, and subsequently may further communicate back to the second client device via one of audio or text messaging, according to that user's discretion. The transmitting of any audio input message may be accomplished via VoIP or SIP.

A system and method are described herein that allow computing device users to convey emotional expressions graphically to other computing device users during a text messaging session. During the text messaging session, users run a text messaging application on their respective computing devices, each storing in memory a library of graphical expressions. A sender transmits a graphical expression by triggering a sensor which causes an expression command to be sent to the recipient. The expression command identifies for the application running on the recipient's computing device the graphical expression to retrieve from the memory of the recipient's computing device. The graphical expression is then displayed on the recipient's computing device using avatars that represent the sender and the recipient.

The text messaging system consists of mobile terminal (5) connected to mobile communication network (4), information terminal (3) connected to computer network (2), and server (1) connected to the mobile communication network and the computer network. The information terminal (3) has status detection means (22), (23), and (24), and detects an operational status including at least the connection status of the computer network and notifies the server (1) of it. The server (1) has status administration means (8) and (9) and decision means (10). The status administration means (8) and (9) retain the operational status of the information terminal (3) notified from status detection means (24) for each user. The decision means (10) determines a send mode according to the operational status of the information terminal such as whether to send a text message to an information terminal or to send a text message with a network application.

A system and method for establishing a private message chat between electronic devices. The method includes steps of providing an indication as to the availability of a user for receiving a private message chat; receiving an audio input message from at least one first client; and transmitting the audio input message to at least one second client over a communications network, wherein the at least one second client can receive, temporarily store and play back the audio input message. The first client may receive a reply audio input message from the at least one second client or, receive a reply text input message from the at least one second client, and subsequently may further communicate back to the second client device via one of audio or text messaging, according to that user's discretion. The transmitting of any audio input message may be accomplished via VoIP or SIP.

A method for transmitting choices to a caller has steps of (a) interacting by voice with a caller using a communication device; (b) encountering a point in the interaction that a choice between two or more options is to be provided to the caller; (c) determining if the caller's communication device is capable of receiving a text message; (d) selecting a compatible text message comprising the options; (e) associating with the text message a text message destination address to the caller's device; and (f) transmitting the text message to the caller's device. The interaction may be by IVR or by a live agent.

A multi-configuration portable electronic device is provided. The device includes at least one processor, a first body element including at least one input, and a second body element including a display. The second body element is pivotally coupled to the first body element such that the device can be positioned into a plurality of physical configurations. In response to a change in the physical configuration of the device, there is a change in at least two of a mode of operation of the input device, a mode of operation of the display, and an active software application being executed by the processor. In a preferred embodiment, the physical configurations of the device include a portrait configuration in which the device functions as a wireless phone, and a landscape configuration in which the device functions as a text messaging pager, PDA, handheld computer, electronic organizer, or media player. Also provided is a method of operating a portable electronic device having a plurality of physical configurations.

An interactive multimedia interface and display for providing a wide variety of multimedia content and services to a plurality of users utilizing various platforms. Users or a group of users can participate in interactive multimedia sessions and communicate by text messaging, audio, or video signals in real time. Numerous interactive tools such as application sharing, synchronized internet browsing allowing users to browse the network together, file distribution and sharing, voting and polling, session recording, shared whiteboard, and chat room are provided. Advertising and purchasing information windows allow products to be advertised and purchased. The layout, size, and interactive tools offered can be flexible adapted to requirements.

A digital mobile communication system is provided with a facility by means of which it can establish a connection to the Internet network (12) via an Internet access point (14, 15). IAP settings needed for establishing a connection are stored in a mobile station (MS). When a mobile station (MS) roams, the closest point may, however, change, and IAP settings should be updated in the mobile station (MS). The invention comprises dividing the mobile communication system into IAP areas, which are given preferred IAPs. An IAP area may be e.g. a mobile communication network (11, 17). Mobile communication networks broadcast system information on the basis of which a mobile station may detect that the IAP area has changed and start a procedure for updating IAP settings. Updating may comprise retrieval of IAP settings from a special server (13) in the network maintained by an Internet service provider. Retrieval can be done e.g. via a short message service center (10). In one embodiment the mobile communication network broadcasts messages giving recommended IAP settings to mobile stations.

A teleconferencing system is disclosed that enables patient and physician teleconferencing stations (100) to communicate over a global network (104), wherein the teleconferencing stations include access to a database of electronic medical records (110). The system includes means for instant text messaging (130), audio / video conferencing (142), and secure e-mail exchange (146). The patient and physician have differential access to the electronic medical records, such that the electronic medical records can be updated. The physician station includes means for capturing image data received from the patient station and storing the captured image data into a medical record. In the preferred embodiment the system is able to teleconference more than two stations at a time. In the preferred embodiment, the physician station includes means for entering a prescription (310) and for entering hospital orders (304).

Method for monitoring a cargo container in which a transmitter is arranged on the container and periodically transmits messages to a remote site or location according to a schedule of messages. When a message is not received according to the schedule, which may be the result of tampering with the transmitter or another nefarious action involving the container, it may be considered that the container has been stolen. A rate of transmission of the messages may be modified based on a condition of the vehicle, such as the presence of a driver inside the vehicle, a distance between a driver inside the vehicle and the vehicle, the vehicle being at rest after motion of the vehicle stops, a location of the vehicle, biometric identification of a driver of the vehicle and deviation of the vehicle from an expected route, and / or based on current time and weather around the vehicle.

A method of sending mobile phone contact list data from one mobile phone to another mobile phone is disclosed. The sender composes an SMS or MMS message having contact data from the mobile phonebook attached. The message is sent using a messaging service like SMS or MMS to other mobile phones in a group. Before receiving mobiles act on the message, a check is determined to see if the message contains contact list data. If it does not, the message is processed normally. If the message does contain contact list data, a software program is launched to manage the received contact list data. The program displays the received mobile phone contact list data so that the mobile phone user can examine the data. An import function is run to resolve conflicts, store and overwrite data into the mobile phone's contact database based on the newly received contact list data.

A method for preventing an illegal user from logging in an online application with an authentic user's user log-in information is provided in the present invention. The system associates user log-in information with personal communication device information specified by the authentic user. In response to receiving the user log-in information inputted by a user, the system retrieves the personal communication device information associated with the user log-in information, and sends a short message to the personal communication device to notify the authentic user of the logging operation. If no confirming message is received from the authentic user, log in is rejected.

The present invention discloses a system and method for enabling the remote purchasing of products or services, etc. (e.g., alcoholic beverages) wherein, as part of the buying transaction, the purchaser indicates a specific physical location where the product will be claimed, may identify a third party as the “recipient” of the product by providing the third-party's e-mail or text messaging address, can attach a personalized message to the transaction, and can specify the information required for recipients who are already known to the system to make an expedited return purchase in real or near-real time. In one aspect, a method of facilitating a third-party purchase includes the steps of receiving, via a first communications device, an instruction from a purchaser to purchase at least one product or service for a prospective recipient at a venue designated to provide that product or service to the recipient in person, the instruction comprising data identifying at least the recipient, the product or service, and the venue; and sending to the venue, via a second communications device, data identifying at least the recipient and the product or service.

A method, system, and program for specifying monitored user participation in a messaging session is provided. A time status for a messaging system element is determined. The time status corresponds to a type of participation by at least one user in a messaging session. An output attribute is assigned to the messaging system element according to the time status, such that output of the messaging system element is specified to depict time status for the messaging session. A client messaging system, receiving the messaging system element with the output attribute, graphically displays the messaging system element in order to graphically reflect user participation in a messaging session.

A system and method for enabling improved management of SMS messages, and in particular automatic replies, forwarding, filtering, saving and deleting of SMS messages on a wireless handset or alternative SMS enabled device. An SMS Center is used for managing SMS messages, an Auto-Reply Message Server (ARMS) stores Auto-Reply Messages and allows a message receiver to set up, change, or delete Auto-Reply Messages, and an SMS Automatic Handling Server (SAHS) handles message instructions for a message receiver. The ARMS and SAHS may be separate components, a unified component, and may be operational such that only one of them may be included in the system.

Energy commodities in the form of electricity and combustible fuel (e.g. natural gas, propane) are used by appliances in a fashion which is monitored and controlled through a Premises Energy Management System (PEMS). The system facilitates direct monitoring and control of energy-consuming appliances, in real time, utilizing automated programmatic control and a plurality of human interfaces including local display and control, email, web browser, text messaging, and integrated voice response (IVR). A Monitoring and Control Coordinator (MCC) provides centralized coordination of functions and one or more Communicating Appliance Interfaces (CAI) interacting with energy consuming appliances are interconnected via wired and wireless communication networks and protocols. The system may retrieve information from third parties, such as weather services, for optimizing energy usage. An interface may be provided to the energy provider / purveyor to enhance the provision of energy by providing additional real-time services such as demand management and service outage management.

A system for providing an interactive promotion to a mobile device has a text messaging server, promotional content stored in a database and an operations and reporting system for retrieving promotional content from the database and generating text messages based on the promotional content for transmission via the text messaging server. The system provides direct marketing promotional content to a consumer who opts in via a wireless network. The consumer then interacts with the promotional system to receive incentives paid for by the client company.

A method and apparatus for preventing texting on cellular telephones while driving. A cellular telephone moving faster than a predetermined speed (for example 15 MPH) automatically locks out the texting function. Dialing of full telephone numbers under these conditions can also be locked out. If the phone becomes stationary for a predetermined period (say 3 minutes), the lockout can be removed. A passenger can enter an override code to prevent the lockout. In some embodiments the override code can only be entered when the phone is moving faster than the predetermined speed and / or when several buttons are depressed simultaneously requiring operation with two hands.

The present invention provides a method and system for real-time charging including the following capabilities: calculation and storage of real time usage information on a per subscriber or group basis; real-time criteria evaluation of configurable thresholds; real-time threshold notification to the subscriber / account owner; and subscriber / account owner interaction capability to restrict specific calls and events for any member of a group, through external systems, text messaging and interactive voice response (IVR) sessions. When these four major capabilities are combined and configured, a pre-paid functionality in a post pay environment is produced.

A method and apparatus for providing 2-way interactive short message system menus to a mobile device using text-based short messaging rather than WAP techniques. This provides the ability to provide WAP like services at a fraction of the cost of CSD. Mobile Originated Interactive Menus are implemented as a feature of a Short Message Service Center (SMSC). Each option guides either to the next menu level, or to a final action to be executed according to the path followed by the subscriber. Importantly, the mobile originated interactive menus use SMS communications instead of circuit switched data (CSD) (e.g., instead of WAP communications), thus leaving traffic channels available for voice calls. Interactive SMS menus allow service providers to offer their subscribers personalized messaging menus with multiple options for quick and easy access to Web-based content. Users may define the content and frequency they want, whether it is a scheduled delivery or on-demand. The interactive SMS menu options offer customers a simple-to-use technique and apparatus for checking, e.g., stock quotes, local weather, and / or other Web-based news and information when they want it. The interactive nature of the service allows the wireless network to poll the user for their next response, with multiple menued options offered, making it highly intuitive. Replacement of messages in TDMA and GSM mobile devices allow for heavy usage without filling up the user's phone buffer, i.e., prior messages may be overwritten, to assure that only the latest information is all that is being displayed and read. The flexibility of Interactive SMS Menus can allow service providers to define their own base offering of menus, depending upon their targeted customer segments.

A method and device is provided for transmitting location-based text messages between electronic devices. A mobile electronic device can determine a device's location, create a map of that location, create a text message, embed the map in the text message and transmit the text message to a recipient. The device can also transmit or create navigational directions and update the map and the directions in real time.

An adaptive quality control loop for link rate adaptation that selectively adjusts channel condition thresholds based on delay sensitivity of data packets being transmitted. For wireless communication systems incorporating an error correction scheme using re-transmissions, the quality control loop adaptively adjusts channel condition thresholds more frequently for delay sensitive data packets, such as video, and less frequently for delay insensitive data packets, such as text messaging. Channel condition thresholds may be adjusted using fixed or variable steps based on error detection results.

A method for correcting a short text message comprising the steps of: creating a table of common words and misspellings; identifying keypad used for sending the message, examining message for comprehensibility; identifying most likely error, substituting symbols based on a hierarchical system of shared keys followed by adjacent keys to hypothesize correction of the most likely error; examining hypothesized correction for comprehensibility, and repeating steps (c) to (f) until an understandable message is generated.

A system for monitoring and directing athletic or other physical activities is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a headset worn by an athlete includes one or more sensors, a microprocessor, a non-volatile memory and a communication link. The athlete's headset receives and transmits signals to a coach while the athlete is performing an activity. In this embodiment, the present invention provides coordinated audio streams to the athlete during his / her activity and training. In one implementation, the system coordinates audio for entertainment (such as music), audio expression of real-time performance information (such as count of laps, heart rate, etc.), optional pre-planned activity instructions and interrupt audio such as a coach's advice / instruction, or cell phone messages. In this implementation, the system records the output of the performance sensors for later analysis and allows for real-time display of the data for the coach. In one implementation, the system includes a underwater communication link for communication with a swimmer while in the water.

A method, system and computer program product for enhancing a phone device such as a cell phone by automatically linking / associating caller identifying information with voicemail notification so that the phone's user (callee) receives notification of which missed call(s) generated a voicemail / SMS notification. The voicemail notification displays a notification identification (NID) associated with the particular caller number that generated the voicemail, and each voicemail displayed via the associated NID on the phone's display when the user selects the voicemail. Also, voicemail notification (icon or check mark) is added to the missed call log and displayed next to the missed call number that generated a voicemail. Additionally, granular user-directed access to voicemail is provided whereby the user of the phone device accesses the voicemail from the missed call (or received call) log and is able to listen to a specific voicemail left by a selected one of the listed missed calls / callee.

Methods and systems for provisioning an application for a mobile device are provided. A user may request an application. A request concerning the application is sent to a provisioning device. The request includes information concerning the mobile device and / or the user of the mobile device. The information is used to determine the requirements for operating the requested application on the mobile device. A hyperlink for downloading the requirements information is sent to the user of the mobile device via text messaging and / or email. The requirements information may be provided directly to the mobile device, to a personal computing device associated with the user of the mobile device, or a combination.