US20020016163A1 - Chat server and wireless chat device - Google Patents
Chat server and wireless chat device Download PDFInfo
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- US20020016163A1 US20020016163A1 US09/963,973 US96397301A US2002016163A1 US 20020016163 A1 US20020016163 A1 US 20020016163A1 US 96397301 A US96397301 A US 96397301A US 2002016163 A1 US2002016163 A1 US 2002016163A1
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- chat
- wireless communication
- message
- topic
- communication device
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/02—Details
- H04L12/16—Arrangements for providing special services to substations
- H04L12/18—Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast
- H04L12/1813—Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast for computer conferences, e.g. chat rooms
- H04L12/1827—Network arrangements for conference optimisation or adaptation
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/02—Details
- H04L12/16—Arrangements for providing special services to substations
- H04L12/18—Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast
- H04L12/189—Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast in combination with wireless systems
Definitions
- This invention relates in general to wireless communication systems and in particular to real time communication among a plurality of wireless communication devices within a wireless communication system.
- wireless communication devices such as pagers
- the messages are typically a numeric message such as a phone number, or an alphanumeric message containing one unique piece of information such as “meeting in my office at 6:00 pm.”
- the user is alerted of receipt of a new message by an audible alert or a vibratory alert.
- the display of many wireless communication devices includes a message indicator for each message it has received and stored in memory.
- Two-way pagers optimize productivity in a portable package.
- Two-way pagers function as regular full-text pagers, communicate wirelessly with other pagers, and send and receive e-mail.
- GUI graphic user interface
- QWERTY keyboard software programmability
- application interface address book
- customizable menu customizable menu
- PC connectivity and large memory
- Two-way paging protocols are optimized for one-to-one messaging.
- a first wireless communication device can send a message to another wireless communication device; and the recipient of the message can reply to the sender.
- the first wireless communication device can also send the same message to a plurality of wireless communication devices; and receive individual replies from each device. In this manner, real time communication between two wireless communication devices is achieved.
- a second drawback of the current two-way paging systems when a message is sent to a plurality of wireless communication devices is that even if a person did know the people to reply to the system would have to send an individual page to each of them. For example, when a message is sent to five other wireless communication devices, five individual messages must be encoded and sent over the air.
- a temporary news service address could be set up by the infrastructure, but this would take additional time to page each wireless communication device; and add it to the news service group before sending out the message.
- Chat functions are very popular on the Internet. Chat functions allow the simultaneous access to a message or set of messages by multiple users, with each user capable of inputting a message or set of messages to the chat. The message is related to the devices (typically computers) of the other users who have chosen to participate in that chat. Then the other users can respond with their own messages, which are likewise relayed to all the devices. In this manner, chat functions offer real time conversations between users.
- FIG. 1 is an electronic block diagram of a wireless communication system
- FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating communication of chat requests and responses within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is an electronic block diagram of a chat server for use within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1;
- FIGS. 4 through 7 are flowcharts illustrating various embodiments of the operation of the chat server of FIG. 3 in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is an electronic block diagram of a wireless communication device for use within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 9 is an illustration of the chat memory included within the wireless communication device of FIG. 8;
- FIGS. 10 and 11 are embodiments of a protocol for communicating a chat message to the wireless communication device of FIG. 3;
- FIGS. 12 through 16 are flowcharts illustrating various embodiments of the operation of the wireless communication device of FIG. 8 in accordance with the present invention.
- the wireless communication system 10 comprises a message input device, such as a telephone 12 , a computer 14 , or a desktop messaging unit 16 , connected through a conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN) 18 through a plurality of telephone links 20 to a system controller 22 .
- PSTN public switched telephone network
- the telephone links 20 may be a plurality of twisted wire pairs, a fiber optic cable, or a multiplexed trunk line.
- the system controller 22 is coupled to and oversees the operation of at least one radio frequency (RF) transmitter 26 and at least one radio frequency (RF) receiver 28 through one or more communication links 24 .
- the communication links 24 typically are twisted pair telephone wires, and additionally can include radio frequency (RF), microwave, or high quality audio communication links.
- the radio frequency transmitter 26 and the radio frequency receiver 28 which typically are used in message store and forward stations that encode and decode inbound and outbound messages into formats that are compatible with landline message switch computers and personal radio addressing requirements, such as cellular message protocols.
- the system controller 22 can also function to encode and decode wireless messages that are transmitted to or received by the radio frequency transmitter 26 or the radio frequency receiver 28 .
- Telephony signals are typically transmitted to and received from the system controller 22 by telephone sets such as the telephone 12 or the wireless communication device 36 .
- the system controller 22 encodes and schedules outbound messages such as a downlink message 34 , for transmission by the radio frequency transmitter 26 via a transmit antenna 30 to at least one wireless communication device 36 on at least one outbound radio frequency (RF) channel 32 .
- the wireless communication device 36 may be, for example, a cellular telephone or a two-way pager.
- the downlink message 34 may be, for example, a data message.
- the system controller 22 receives and decodes inbound messages such as an uplink message 44 received by the radio frequency receiver 28 via a receive antenna 40 on at least one inbound RF channel 42 from the wireless communication device 36 .
- the uplink message 44 may be, for example, a data message or a reply to a data message.
- the wireless communication system 10 may function utilizing any wireless RF channel, for example, a one or two way pager channel, a mobile cellular channel, or a mobile radio channel.
- the wireless communication system 10 may function utilizing other types of channels such as infrared channels.
- the term wireless communication system refers to any of the wireless communication systems mentioned above or an equivalent.
- the wireless communication device 36 may be a mobile cellular telephone, a mobile radio data terminal, a mobile cellular telephone having an attached data terminal, or a two way pager.
- the term “wireless communication device” refers to any of the devices mentioned above or an equivalent.
- Each wireless communication device 36 assigned for use in the wireless communication system 10 has an address 38 assigned thereto which is a unique selective call address in the wireless communication system 10 .
- the address 38 enables the transmission of the downlink message 34 from the system controller 22 only to the wireless communication device 36 having that address 38 , and identifies the messages and responses received at the system controller 22 from the wireless communication device 36 .
- each wireless communication device 36 also has a pin number assigned thereto, the pin number being associated with a telephone number within the PSTN 18 .
- a list of the assigned addresses and correlated telephone numbers for each wireless communication device 36 is stored in the system controller 22 in the form of a subscriber database 46 .
- the wireless communication system 10 includes a chat server 48 coupled to the system controller 22 via a server interface 52 .
- the chat server 48 manages the communication of a plurality of chat discussions, facilitating substantially real time communication among a plurality of wireless communication devices within the wireless communication system 10 .
- the chat server 48 provides numerous services to manage the chat discussions.
- the chat server 48 also offers various options to the participants to reduce cost or enhance the features of the chat discussion.
- the chat server 48 receives a chat request 54 and in response to such receipt, sends a chat response 56 .
- the chat request 54 is communicated to the chat server 48 via the server interface 52 from the system controller 22 and the chat response 56 is communicated via the server interface 52 to the system controller 22 .
- the system controller 22 then routes the chat response 56 to the requesting device which may be a message input device, such as the telephone 12 , the computer 14 , or the desktop messaging unit 16 , or alternatively may be an individual or a wireless communication device 36 .
- the term requester refers to any of the requesting devices mentioned above or an equivalent.
- the chat server 48 includes a chat server address 50 , which is a unique selective call address in the wireless communication system 10 .
- the chat server address 50 enables the transmission, via the inbound RF channel 42 , to the chat server 48 of the chat request 54 such as chat service requests, subscription requests, and other information requests from a chat requester which may be an individual or the wireless communication device 36 .
- the chat server 48 sends the chat response 56 , to the requester via the outbound RF channel 32 .
- the chat response 56 may be sent alternatively through the system controller 22 via the server interface 52 .
- the chat server 48 also has a pin number assigned thereto, the pin number being associated with a telephone number within the PSTN 18 .
- the chat server address 50 and correlated telephone number is stored in the in the subscriber database 46 of the system controller 22 .
- chat server 48 enhances the operation of the wireless communication system 10 by adding intelligence for multiple wireless communication devices to communicate in substantially real time.
- the chat server 48 interactively manages the traffic associated with a plurality of chat discussions in an efficient manner.
- FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the communication of the chat request 54 and the chat response 56 within the wireless communication system 10 .
- the chat server 48 is in standby operation.
- the chat server 48 queries whether a chat request 54 has been received. If no chat request 54 has been received, the chat server 48 returns to the standby operation of Step 58 . If a chat request 54 has been received, the chat server 48 processes the chat request 54 and compiles the chat response 56 .
- Step 62 the chat server 48 determines whether a wireless chat response has been requested.
- Step 64 if a wireless chat response has not been requested, the chat server 48 communicates the chat response 56 to the system controller 22 via the server interface 52 .
- the chat server 48 communicates the chat response 56 via the outbound RF channel 32 to the requester.
- the chat response 56 is communicated to the requester.
- the chat server Upon communicating the chat response 56 to the requester, the chat server returns to standby operation, Step 58 .
- FIG. 3 is an electronic block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the chat server 48 for use within the wireless communication system 10 .
- the chat server 48 includes a chat server processor 68 , a chat server memory 70 , a chat server monitor 72 , a first chat server antenna 74 , a chat server receiver 76 , a second chat server antenna 78 , and a chat server transmitter 80 .
- the first chat server antenna 74 intercepts transmitted signals such as the chat request 54 from the wireless communication system 10 received via the inbound RF channel 42 .
- the first chat server antenna 74 is coupled to the chat server receiver 76 which employs conventional demodulation techniques for receiving the communication signals transmitted by the wireless communication system 10 such as the chat request 54 .
- the chat server processor 68 Coupled to the chat server receiver 76 , is the chat server processor 68 , utilizing conventional signal processing techniques for processing received chat requests.
- the chat server processor 68 is similar to the MC68328 micro-controller manufactured by Motorola, Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill. It will be appreciated that other similar processors can be utilized for the chat server processor 68 , and that additional processors of the same or alternative type can be added as required to handle the processing requirements of the chat server processor 68 .
- the chat server processor 68 receives the chat request 54 from the chat server receiver 76 and processes that request to generate the chat response 56 .
- the chat server processor 68 is coupled to the chat server memory 70 , which preferably includes a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).
- the chat server memory 70 preferably stores at least one chat topic 82 .
- the chat topic 82 may be for example a private chat group within a business or social group, a current newsworthy topic, a political viewpoint, a particular sport, or any other topic of interest to a group of individuals.
- the term chat topic refers to any of the chat topics mentioned above or an equivalent.
- a chat user 84 identification and a user profile 85 for that chat user 84 subscribing to the chat topic 82 is stored along with the chat topic 82 in the chat server memory 70 .
- the user profile 85 includes, for example, billing information, favorite topics, associates, group lists, age, obscenity rating, and optional services.
- the chat server 48 sends a chat notification when a new chat corresponding to the user profile 85 is initiated.
- the chat server transmitter 80 is coupled to the chat server processor 68 and is responsive to commands from the chat server processor 68 .
- the chat server transmitter 80 receives a command from the chat server processor 68
- the chat server transmitter 80 sends the chat response 56 via the second chat server antenna 78 to the wireless communication system 10 .
- the chat server transmitter 80 preferably monitors traffic on the outbound RF channel 32 . If the outbound RF channel 32 is busy, the chat server transmitter 80 collects and buffers the chat responses for a period of time and then communicates them as one chat message. This allows efficient use of the outbound RF channel 32 . If there is little or no traffic on the outbound RF channel 32 , the chat server transmitter 80 sends the chat response 56 individually upon receipt of a command from the chat server processor 68 .
- the chat server processor 68 is coupled to the chat server monitor 72 .
- the chat server monitor 72 performs various functions relating to the chat discussions.
- the chat server monitor 72 is preferably programmed with a set of rules regarding chat topics and substance of chat discussions.
- the chat server monitor 72 may delete chat discussion substance containing obscenity.
- the chat server monitor 72 may also disallow the creation of a new chat topic containing obscenity.
- the chat server monitor 72 preferably also tracks traffic from a particular requester or group for billing purposes. Various billing methods are supported for the various types of chats. A flat rate per month, for example, may be charged to allow the user to pick a certain number of public chat topics to subscribe to continuously or as desired.
- hourly charges or per character charges may be applied to private chat topics.
- the hourly charge also may be applied to specialty public chat topics.
- a specialty public chat topic is one active for a short time based on some special event or related topic.
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the chat server 48 in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of creation of a new private chat topic.
- a private chat topic is one available only to a specific identified group of subscribers.
- the chat server 48 is in standby operation.
- the chat server 48 queries whether a request for a new chat topic has been received. When no request for a new chat topic has been received, the chat server 48 returns to the standby operation of Step 58 .
- the chat server 48 determines if a subscriber list is included in the request.
- the subscriber list is a list of users the requester wishes to include in the chat group for the requested private chat topic.
- the chat server 48 sends a request for the subscriber list to the requester; and then returns to standby operation in Step 58 .
- the chat server 48 creates the new chat topic.
- the chat server 48 sends a start up message to each user in the subscriber list. The start up message creates an inbox with the new chat topic on the subscriber's device.
- the subscriber's device preferably is the wireless communication device 36 .
- Step 96 the chat server 48 sends an introduction message including information about the new chat topic such as the originator and the other subscribers.
- the new chat topic is active and the subscribers maintain their chat discussion.
- the chat server 48 then returns to the standby state of Step 58 .
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the further detail of the operation of the chat server 48 .
- the chat server 48 creates a new chat topic.
- the chat topic 82 is stored in the chat server memory 70 as previously described in FIG. 3.
- the chat server 48 determines whether a guaranteed delivery option is associated with the chat topic 82 .
- the chat server 48 assigns a group address to the chat topic 82 ; and next in Step 106 programs the subscriber devices associated with the subscriber list for the new chat topic with the assigned group address.
- the programming preferably is done wirelessly by the chat response 56 sent over the outbound RF channel 32 to the subscribers' wireless communication devices.
- the programming of the group address may be accomplished via the system controller 22 or via a programming fixture.
- the chat server programs a new chat inbox in each of the subscribers' devices for the new chat. This programming may be accomplished as part of the same message programming the group address or as a separate message after the group address is programmed.
- the chat server 48 then sends an introduction message to the group address, which is received by all the subscribers whose devices were programmed with that group address.
- Step 98 the chat discussion activates for the new chat topic.
- the use of a group address for the private chat as described above is an efficient use of airtime.
- the various chat messages are only sent as one message to a plurality of users.
- Step 110 the chat server 48 stores each chat user 84 on the subscriber list and the address 38 of the chat user's device along with the chat topic 82 in the chat server memory 70 .
- Step 111 the chat server 48 checks whether the first subscriber on the subscriber list is an active account.
- Step 113 when the subscriber is not an active account, the chat server 48 checks for the end of the subscriber list.
- Step 117 when the end of the subscriber list has been reached, the process ends.
- Step 115 the chat server 48 increments a counter and next, returns to Step 111 to check the active status of that subscriber account.
- the chat server 48 programs a new inbox for the new chat topic individually for each chat user 84 by sending a programming page to the individual address of each wireless communication device for each user on the subscriber list.
- Step 114 the chat server 48 sends an introduction message to each individual address for each individual chat user of the subscriber list. The introduction message informs the user that the chat has been formed and acts as an invitation to the user to join the chat.
- Step 98 the chat discussion activates for the new chat topic.
- the process described above and depicted in FIG. 5 offers the user two choices.
- the guaranteed delivery option compensates for the wireless environment being inherently error prone and noisy (ie: subject to interference).
- the non-guaranteed delivery option provides a less expensive, more efficient channel utilization option for both the service provider and the user.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the further operation of the chat server 48 in accordance with the present invention.
- the operation of FIG. 6 specifically relates to public chat topics residing on the chat server 48 and available to all requesting subscribers.
- the chat server 48 is in standby operation.
- the chat server 48 queries whether a request for a chat list has been received. When no request for a chat list has been received, the chat server 48 returns to the standby operation of Step 58 .
- Step 118 the chat server 48 sends a list of active chats to the requester.
- Step 120 the chat server 48 queries whether a topic subscription request has been received from a subscriber.
- Step 111 when a topic subscription request has been received, the chat server 48 checks whether the subscriber account is active. When the subscriber account is not active, the process ends. When the subscriber account is active, In Step 122 , the chat server 48 adds the user to the subscriber list for the requested topic. Next, in Step 124 , the chat server 48 determines whether the requested topic includes a guaranteed delivery option. In Step 126 , when no guaranteed delivery option is associated with the requested topic, the chat server 48 sends a programming message to the wireless communication device of the requester to program the group address of the requested topic.
- Step 128 when a guaranteed delivery option is included in the requested topic, the chat server 48 adds the address for the requester user to the list of addresses associated with the chat topic requested.
- Step 130 after the address is added to the list of addresses, or after the group address is programmed when there is a guaranteed delivery option, the chat server 48 sends a programming message to program a new inbox into the wireless communication device for the requested topic.
- Step 132 the chat server 48 queries for a user acknowledgement receipt from the requester. When no user acknowledgement has been received, the chat server 48 continues to query for a user acknowledgement.
- Step 134 when the chat server 48 has received the user acknowledgement, the requesting user is activated in the requested chat topic. The chat server 48 then returns to the standby operation of Step 58 .
- the chat server when a user desires to chat, the chat server provides the user a list of active chat topics and gives the user the option to choose which chat to subscribe to and also the quality of service for that chat.
- the service provider predefines the quality of service.
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative operation of the chat server 48 in accordance with the present invention.
- the chat server 48 is in standby operation.
- the chat server 48 queries whether a request for a chat list has been received. When no request for a chat list has been received, the chat server 48 returns to the standby operation of Step 58 .
- the chat server 48 checks whether the subscriber account is active. When the subscriber account is not active, the process returns to the standby operation of Step 58 .
- Step 136 the chat server 48 sends a list of active chats along with the group address for each active chat to the requester.
- Step 138 the process queries whether the user has selected one or more active chat topics. When the user has not selected an active chat topic, the chat server 48 returns to the standby operation with no change to the chats.
- Step 140 the user's device adds the group address and an inbox for that chat topic.
- Step 134 the user is now part of the chat and the chat server 48 returns to the standby operation of Step 58 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates a method for giving the user more control over chat activities.
- One example in which this is preferable is free chat services such as those with attached advertisements.
- FIG. 8 is an electronic block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the wireless communication device 36 for use within the wireless communication system 10 .
- the wireless communication device 36 includes a first device antenna 142 , a second device antenna 144 , a device receiver 146 , a device transmitter 148 , a device processor 150 , a device memory 152 , an alert circuit 154 , a display 156 , a user interface 158 , and a chat application 160 .
- the first device antenna 142 intercepts transmitted signals from the wireless communication system 10 .
- the first device antenna 142 is coupled to the device receiver 146 which employs conventional demodulation techniques for receiving the communication signals transmitted by the wireless communication system 10 such as the downlink message 34 .
- a device processor 150 utilizing conventional signal processing techniques for processing received messages.
- the device processor 150 is similar to the MC68328 micro-controller manufactured by Motorola, Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill. It will be appreciated that other similar processors can be utilized for the device processor 150 , and that additional processors of the same or alternative type can be added as required to handle the processing requirements of the device processor 150 .
- the device processor 150 decodes an address in the demodulated data of the received downlink message 34 , compares the decoded address with one or more addresses such as the address 38 stored in an address memory 162 of the device memory 152 ; and when a match is detected, proceeds to process the remaining portion of the received signal.
- the device processor 150 includes a memory manager 164 .
- the memory manager 164 determines if the address of the decoded downlink message 34 is a chat address or a standard messaging address.
- the device processor 150 is coupled to the device memory 152 , which preferably includes a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).
- the device memory 152 includes the address memory 162 , a message memory 166 , and a chat memory 168 . Once the device processor 150 has processed the downlink message 34 , it stores the downlink message 34 in the chat memory 168 if the address is a chat address and in the message memory 166 otherwise.
- FIG. 9 is an illustration of the chat memory 168 .
- the chat memory 168 includes a chat memory slot 174 for the chat topic 82 in which the wireless communication device 36 has subscribed.
- a plurality of chat messages 170 associated with the chat topic 82 is stored together in chronological order in the chat memory slot 174 .
- the chat memory slot 174 is allocated a fixed amount of memory for storing associated plurality of chat messages 170 .
- the chat memory slot 174 holds multiple chat messages in a single message slot. Any chat message received for the chat topic 82 is appended at the end of the plurality of chat messages 170 already in the chat memory slot 174 . If the amount of allocated memory for the chat memory slot 174 is exceeded, the older chat messages are deleted.
- the chat memory slot 174 for the chat topic 82 preferably includes one or more chat preferences 175 .
- the chat preferences 175 define the options chosen by the user for the chat topic 82 .
- the chat preferences 175 may be, for example, an alert option such as alert on receipt of a new chat message or no alert on receipt of a new chat message, guaranteed or non-guaranteed delivery, timeout setting for participation in the chat, and number of chat messages to retain in history and display.
- the chat preferences 175 includes a subscription timer 177 .
- the subscription timer 177 is a preset time period upon which the wireless communication device 36 is active within the chat topic 82 .
- the chat preferences 175 may be any of those mentioned above or an equivalent.
- the chat preferences 175 in one embodiment are set by the chat server 48 when the chat topic is activated. Alternatively, the chat preferences 175 are manually set by the user interface 158 . A default set of chat preferences 175 typically is included either in the chat application 160 or the device processor 150 to enhance the efficiency of managing the chat topics.
- the device processor 150 sends a command to the alert circuit 154 to notify a user that the downlink message 34 has been received and stored.
- the alert circuit 154 can include a speaker (not shown) with associated speaker drive circuitry capable of playing melodies and other audible alerts, a vibrator (not shown) with associated vibrator drive circuitry capable of producing a physical vibration, or one or more LEDs (not shown) with associated LED drive circuitry capable of producing a visual alert. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other similar alerting means as well as any combination of the audible, vibratory, and visual alert outputs described can be used for the alert circuit 154 .
- the device processor 150 Upon receipt of the downlink message 34 , the device processor 150 preferably also sends a command to the display 156 to generate a visual notification of the receipt and storage of the downlink message 34 .
- the display 156 receives the command from the device processor 150 that the downlink message 34 has been received and stored in the device memory 152 , an indication is displayed.
- the display 156 can be, for example, a full or partial starburst liquid crystal display utilized to display text. It will be appreciated that other similar displays such as dot matrix displays can be utilized for the display 156 .
- the wireless communication device 36 includes the chat application 160 .
- the wireless communication device 36 performs chat functions within the chat application 160 using a plurality of chat messages 170 stored in the chat memory 168 .
- the chat application 160 may be hard coded or programmed into the wireless communication device 36 during manufacturing, may be programmed over-the-air upon customer subscription, or may be a downloadable application. It will be appreciated that other programming methods can be utilized for programming the chat application 160 into the wireless communication device 36 .
- the chat application 160 automatically updates the display 156 when a new chat message has been received. This allows the message to be updated while the user is reading it without disturbing the display 156 .
- wireless communication devices having software-programming capabilities may include specialized and personalized display options and screens for each chat topic.
- wireless communication devices that do not include software-programming capabilities may include standard, pre-defined display options and screens for chat topics.
- the chat application 160 further includes various alert options.
- the chat application 160 notifies the device processor 150 to send a command to the alert circuit 154 when a new chat message is added to the chat memory slot 174 .
- the chat application 160 notifies the device processor 150 to send a command to the alert circuit 154 when an unread chat message is to be deleted from the chat memory slot 174 .
- no alert may be sent when a new chat message is received and stored in the chat memory 168 .
- Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other alerting schemes are within the scope of the present invention.
- the user interface 158 is coupled to the device processor 150 , as shown in FIG. 8.
- the device processor 150 in response to the user interface 158 , such as a user depressing a button or series of buttons, or in response to receipt of a chat response 56 from the chat server 48 , initiates an input signal 172 to the chat application 160 .
- the chat application 160 in response to the input signal 172 , accesses the plurality of chat messages 170 stored in the chat memory 168 for use in operation of the chat application 160 .
- the device transmitter 148 is coupled to the device processor 150 and is responsive to commands from the device processor 150 .
- the device transmitter 148 receives a command from the device processor 150
- the device transmitter 148 sends a signal via the second device antenna 144 to the wireless communication system 10 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a protocol 176 for communicating a chat message to the wireless communication device 36 .
- This protocol 176 is embedded within the downlink message 34 sent to the wireless communication device 36 .
- the protocol 176 includes the address 38 , a chat topic 82 , and a chat message 180 .
- the address 38 is typically a group address used by all subscribers to the identified chat topic 82 in the case of non-guaranteed delivery or is an individual assigned address for that single wireless communication device 36 in the case of guaranteed delivery.
- the chat topic 82 identifies to the device processor 150 that the downlink message 34 contains the chat message 180 and also the chat topic 82 for which the chat message 180 relates.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a protocol for communicating a chat message to the wireless communication device 36 .
- This protocol 176 is embedded within a downlink message 34 sent to the wireless communication device 36 .
- the protocol 176 includes a chat address 178 , a topic code 182 and the chat message 180 .
- the chat address 178 identifies to the device processor 150 that the downlink message 34 contains the chat message 180 .
- the chat address 178 is a group address used by all subscribers to that chat topic in the case of non-guaranteed delivery or is an individual assigned address for that single wireless communication device 36 in the case of guaranteed delivery.
- the topic code 182 then identifies to the device processor 150 the chat topic 82 for which the chat message 180 is associated with. Using one chat address for all chat topics is useful for pagers with limited address capacity.
- FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the subscription to a new chat topic by the wireless communication device 36 .
- the wireless communication device 36 is subscribing to a public chat topic.
- the wireless communication device 36 requests a list of active chats from the chat server 48 .
- the request for the list of active chats is sent from the wireless communication device 36 as the chat request 54 via the inbound RF channel 42 directly to the chat server 48 when the chat server 48 includes the chat server address 50 .
- the request for the list of active chats is sent from the wireless communication device 36 as the uplink message 44 to the system controller 22 via the receive antenna 40 .
- the system controller 22 In response to receipt of the uplink message 44 , the system controller 22 communicates the chat request 54 to the chat server 48 via the server interface 52 .
- the requester sends the request for the list of active chats from an input device such as the telephone 12 , computer 14 , or desktop messaging unit 16 .
- the request is sent through the PSTN 18 to the system controller 22 .
- the system controller 22 In response to receipt of the request from the PSTN 18 , the system controller 22 communicates the chat request 54 to the chat server 48 via the server interface 52 .
- the wireless communication system 10 in accordance with the present invention, may utilize any of the above methods for the request for the list of active chats or an equivalent.
- Step 186 of FIG. 12 the wireless communication device 36 queries for receipt of the list of active chats from the chat server 48 .
- the wireless communication device 36 continues to periodically check for receipt.
- the chat server 48 sends the list of active chats in the form of the chat response 56 directly to the wireless communication device 36 via the outbound RF channel 32 .
- the chat server 48 sends the chat response 56 including the list of active chats to the system controller 22 via the server interface 52 .
- the system controller 22 sends the downlink message 34 including the list of active chats to the wireless communication device 36 .
- Step 188 when the wireless communication device 36 receives the list of active chats, the device processor 150 of the wireless communication device 36 then queries for the selection of a chat topic.
- the chat topic is selected when the user interface 158 sends a command to the device processor 150 which, in response to the command from the user interface 158 , sends the input signal 172 to the chat application 160 notifying the chat application 160 of the selected topic.
- the process ends.
- Step 190 when a new chat topic is selected, the device processor 150 of the wireless communication device 36 next determines whether the system is configured for system subscription of the selected chat topic.
- Step 192 when there is no system subscription, the device processor 150 sends the input signal 172 to the chat application 160 to initiate manual subscription.
- the chat application 160 verifies with the user that a new chat topic is desired. Preferably, the verification is done using the user interface 158 .
- Step 196 the chat application 160 then programs the chat memory 168 to include a new chat message slot for the new chat topic.
- Step 198 a counter is incremented by one and the process returns to Step 194 to continue checking for further selected new chat topics.
- Step 200 when there is a system subscription option activated, the wireless communication device 36 sends a request to subscribe to the chat server 48 .
- the request to subscribe is sent from the wireless communication device 36 as the chat request 54 via the inbound RF channel 42 directly to the chat server 48 when the chat server 48 includes the chat server address 50 .
- the request to subscribe is sent from the wireless communication device 36 as the uplink message 44 to the system controller 22 via the receive antenna 40 .
- the system controller 22 communicates the chat request 54 to the chat server 48 via the server interface 52 .
- the requester sends the request to subscribe from an input device such as the telephone 12 , computer 14 , or desktop messaging unit 16 .
- the request is sent through the PSTN 18 to the system controller 22 .
- the system controller 22 communicates the chat request 54 to the chat server 48 via the server interface 52 .
- the wireless communication system 10 in accordance with the present invention, may utilize any of the above methods for the request to subscribe or an equivalent.
- Step 202 of FIG. 12 the wireless communication device 36 queries for receipt of a programming message from the chat server 48 .
- the chat server 48 sends the programming message in the form of the chat response 56 directly to the wireless communication device 36 via the outbound RF channel 32 .
- the chat server 48 sends the chat response 56 including the programming message to the system controller 22 via the server interface 52 .
- the system controller 22 sends the downlink message 34 including the programming message to the wireless communication device 36 .
- Step 204 when the programming message is received, the new chat topic is added to the chat memory 168 .
- the counter is then incremented by one and the device processor 150 returns to Step 188 and continues to query for selection of another chat topic.
- the wireless communication device receives a list of active chat topics from the chat server and chooses to subscribe. Subscription may be accomplished either through a request to the system and subsequent programming or via the user interface by manually subscribing.
- FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative embodiment of the subscription to a new chat topic by the wireless communication device 36 .
- the wireless communication device 36 is being added as a subscriber to a private chat topic.
- the wireless communication device 36 is in the standby operation.
- the wireless communication device 36 queries for receipt of a new chat programming message. When no chat programming message has been received, the wireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation of Step 208 .
- Step 210 when a chat programming message is received, the chat address 178 for the chat topic 82 is added to the chat memory 168 in Step 212 .
- Step 214 the chat memory slot 174 is created in the chat memory 168 corresponding to the chat topic 82 .
- Step 216 a new chat inbox is created corresponding to the chat topic 82 .
- the wireless communication device 36 sends an acknowledge message to the chat server 48 .
- the acknowledge message is sent from the wireless communication device 36 as the chat request 54 via the inbound RF channel 42 directly to the chat server 48 when the chat server 48 includes the chat server address 50 .
- the acknowledge message is sent from the wireless communication device 36 as the uplink message 44 to the system controller 22 via the receive antenna 40 .
- the system controller 22 In response to receipt of the uplink message 44 , the system controller 22 communicates the chat request 54 to the chat server 48 via the server interface 52 .
- the requester sends the acknowledge message from an input device such as the telephone 12 , computer 14 , or desktop messaging unit 16 .
- the request is sent through the PSTN 18 to the system controller 22 .
- the system controller 22 In response to receipt of the request from the PSTN 18 , the system controller 22 communicates the chat request 54 to the chat server 48 via the server interface 52 .
- the wireless communication system 10 in accordance with the present invention, may utilize any of the above methods for the acknowledge message or an equivalent.
- FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the removal of a subscription to a chat topic by the wireless communication device 36 .
- the wireless communication device 36 is active as a chat topic subscriber.
- the wireless communication device 36 queries for the presence of a subscription timer for the chat topic.
- a subscription timer is a preset time period upon which the wireless communication device 36 is active within the chat. It is typically set at the time of subscription.
- the subscription timer in one embodiment is set by the user at the tie of subscription by sending a subscribe topic time limit request to the chat server 48 at the time of subscription.
- the chat server 48 sets the subscription timer at the time of subscription per the service options associated with the chat topic 82 .
- Step 224 when a subscription timer is present, the wireless communication device 36 determines if the subscription timer has timed out.
- Step 226 when the subscription timer has timed out, the wireless communication device 36 is unsubscribed from the chat topic 82 .
- the device processor 150 in response to the time out of the subscription timer, sends the input signal 172 to the chat application 160 .
- the chat application 160 in response to the input signal 172 , removes the chat topic 82 including the chat address 178 from the chat memory 168 and deletes any chat inbox on the display 156 for the chat topic 82 .
- Step 228 when the subscription timer has not timed out, or when there is no subscription timer, the wireless communication device 36 queries for a user chat topic removal request.
- the chat topic removal request is initiated by the user interface 158 sending a removal command to the device processor 150 .
- the wireless communication device 36 continues to be active in the chat, returning to Step 220 .
- Step 230 when there is a chat topic removal request, the wireless communication device 36 next checks for a system removal option.
- the system removal option gives the chat server 48 the responsibility to remove the wireless communication device 36 from the chat.
- Step 232 when there is no system removal option, a manual removal is initiated.
- Step 234 the chat topic 82 is deleted from the wireless communication device 36 and the device is unsubscribed in Step 226 .
- Unsubscribing includes removing the chat topic inbox and deleting the chat messages from the chat memory.
- the user interface 158 sends a command to the device processor 150 to remove the chat topic 82 .
- the device processor 150 in response to the command from the user interface 158 sends the input signal 172 to the chat application 160 .
- the chat application 160 in response to the input signal 172 , removes the chat topic 82 including the chat address 178 and the chat memory slot 174 from the chat memory 168 and deletes the chat inbox on the display 156 for the chat topic 82 .
- Step 236 when there is a system removal option, the wireless communication device 36 sends a removal request to the chat server 48 .
- the removal request is sent from the wireless communication device 36 as the chat request 54 via the inbound RF channel 42 directly to the chat server 48 when the chat server 48 includes the chat server address 50 .
- the removal request is sent from the wireless communication device 36 as the uplink message 44 to the system controller 22 via the receive antenna 40 .
- the system controller 22 communicates the chat request 54 to the chat server 48 via the server interface 52 .
- the requester sends the removal request from an input device such as the telephone 12 , computer 14 , or desktop messaging unit 16 .
- the request is sent through the PSTN 18 to the system controller 22 .
- the system controller 22 communicates the chat request 54 to the chat server 48 via the server interface 52 .
- the wireless communication system 10 may utilize any of the above methods for the removal request message or an equivalent.
- the chat server 48 determines whether there is a group address associated with the chat topic or whether the chat topic is managed by individual addresses.
- the chat server 48 removes the address 38 for the wireless communication device 36 from the list of chat users associated with the chat topic 82 in the chat server memory 70 of the chat server 48 and the device is unsubscribed in Step 226 .
- Step 242 when there is no group address, the wireless communication device 36 remains active in the chat awaiting receipt of a removal message from the chat server 48 .
- the wireless communication device 36 continues to periodically check for receipt.
- the chat server 48 sends the removal message in the form of the chat response 56 directly to the wireless communication device 36 via the outbound RF channel 32 .
- the chat server 48 sends the chat response 56 including the removal message to the system controller 22 via the server interface 52 .
- the system controller 22 sends the downlink message 34 including the removal message to the wireless communication device 36 .
- Step 226 when the removal message is received, the wireless communication device 36 is unsubscribed from the chat topic 82 .
- the device processor 150 in response to the time out of the subscription timer, sends the input signal 172 to the chat application 160 .
- the chat application 160 in response to the input signal 172 , removes the chat topic 82 including the chat address 178 from the chat memory 168 and deletes any chat inbox on the display 156 for the chat topic 82 .
- FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the wireless communication device 36 when active in one or more chat discussions.
- the protocol of FIG. 10 is utilized for communication of the chat message 180 .
- the wireless communication device 36 is in the standby operation.
- the device processor 150 queries for receipt of a message such as the downlink message 34 . When no message is received, the wireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation of Step 208 .
- Step 246 when there is a message, the device processor 150 checks for a match between the address 38 of the received message and addresses stored in the address memory 162 . When there is not an address match, the wireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation of Step 208 .
- Step 248 when there is an address match, the device processor 150 determines whether the message includes the chat address 178 .
- the memory manager 164 of the device processor 150 processes the message as a standard wireless message by first storing the message in the message memory 166 .
- Step 252 the device processor 150 sends a command to the alert circuit 154 to notify a user that the message has been received and stored.
- the notification may be playing melodies and other audible alerts, a physical vibration, or a visual alert. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other notifications or any combination of the audible, vibratory, and visual alerts described can be used for the notification.
- Step 254 the device processor 150 sends a command to the display 156 to generate a visual notification of the receipt and storage of the message.
- the display 156 receives the command from the device processor 150 that the message has been received and stored in the message memory 166 , an indication is displayed.
- the wireless communication device 36 thereafter returns to the standby operation of Step 208 .
- Step 256 when the received message includes the chat address 178 , the device processor 150 compares the chat address 178 to the chat address of the first chat topic N.
- Step 260 the device processor 150 determines whether there is an Nth chat topic stored in the chat memory 168 . When there is no Nth chat topic, the wireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation of Step 208 . When there is an Nth chat topic, the process returns to Step 256 and the device processor 150 compares the chat address 178 to the chat address of the chat topic N.
- Step 262 when the chat address 178 matches the chat address of the Nth chat topic, the device processor 150 determines whether the message includes the chat message 180 . When the received message does not contain the chat message 180 , the wireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation of Step 208 .
- Step 264 when the message includes the chat message 180 , the memory manager 164 of the device processor 150 determines whether the memory allocation for the Nth chat topic has been exceeded.
- Step 266 when the memory allocation has been exceeded, the memory manager 164 deletes the older pages until the memory limit is no longer exceeded.
- the memory manager 164 is programmed with a buffer limit, which is added to the memory limit to determine how much to delete.
- the buffer limit facilitates allowance of enough memory for the storage of the newly received chat messages.
- Step 268 after the old pages have been deleted, or when the memory allocation is not exceeded, the new chat message is added to the chat messages 170 for the Nth chat topic.
- Step 270 the device processor 150 determines whether the chat topic includes the option of alerting upon receipt of a new chat message. This determination preferably includes communication with the chat application 160 , which stores the options for the chat topics. When the alerting option is included for the chat topic, in Step 252 the device processor 150 sends a command to the alert circuit 154 to notify the user that the chat message has been received and stored.
- Step 272 when there is no alert option for receiving new chat messages, or after the alert command has been sent, the device processor 150 determines whether a visual display update option has been chosen for the chat topic N.
- Step 254 when there is a visual display automatic update the device processor 150 updates the display to show the new chat message. Preferably the new chat message is appended to the bottom of the displayed chat topic messages.
- the wireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation of Step 208 .
- FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative embodiment of the operation of the wireless communication device 36 when active in one or more chat discussions.
- the protocol of FIG. 11 is utilized for communication of the chat message 180 .
- the wireless communication device 36 is in the standby operation.
- the device processor 150 queries for receipt of a message such as the downlink message 34 . When no message is received, the wireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation of Step 208 .
- Step 246 when there is a message, the device processor 150 checks for a match between the address 38 of the received message and addresses stored in the address memory 162 . When there is not an address match, the wireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation of Step 208 .
- Step 248 when there is an address match, the device processor 150 determines whether the message includes the chat address 178 .
- the memory manager 164 of the device processor 150 processes the message as a standard wireless message by first storing the message in the message memory 166 .
- Step 252 the device processor 150 sends a command to the alert circuit 154 to notify a user that the message has been received and stored.
- the notification may be playing melodies and other audible alerts, a physical vibration, or a visual alert. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other notifications or any combination of the audible, vibratory, and visual alerts described can be used for the notification.
- Step 254 the device processor 150 sends a command to the display 156 to generate a visual notification of the receipt and storage of the message.
- the display 156 receives the command from the device processor 150 that the message has been received and stored in the message memory 166 , an indication is displayed.
- the wireless communication device 36 thereafter returns to the standby operation of Step 208 .
- the wireless communication device 36 When there is no Nth chat topic, the wireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation of Step 208 . When there is an Nth chat topic, the process returns to Step 276 and the device processor 150 compares the topic code 182 to the topic code of the chat topic N. The process then continues to Step 262 and thereafter as described previously.
- the present invention as described above facilitates the management of a plurality of chat discussions among a plurality of chat users using wireless communication systems.
- Wireless attributes for example the mobility wireless offers to the chat user, not found in Internet and other wired chat approaches have not been utilized in the past due to special needs of the wireless systems.
- the present invention as described compensates for the requirements of wireless communication systems such as cost per character, limited bandwidth, and channel throughput while taking full advantage of the attributes that wireless brings to chat discussions.
Abstract
Description
- This is a divisional application of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/503,451 filed Feb. 14, 2000 and assigned to Motorola, Inc.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates in general to wireless communication systems and in particular to real time communication among a plurality of wireless communication devices within a wireless communication system.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Historically, wireless communication devices, such as pagers, have had the ability to receive a message sent from a wireless communication system, and perform standard functions in response to the message receipt such as storing the message, displaying the message, or alerting the user of receipt of the message. The messages are typically a numeric message such as a phone number, or an alphanumeric message containing one unique piece of information such as “meeting in my office at 6:00 pm.” The user is alerted of receipt of a new message by an audible alert or a vibratory alert. The display of many wireless communication devices includes a message indicator for each message it has received and stored in memory.
- Today's wireless communication devices are no longer restricted to these standard functions. For example, two-way pagers optimize productivity in a portable package. Two-way pagers function as regular full-text pagers, communicate wirelessly with other pagers, and send and receive e-mail. In many two-way pagers, the combination of an easy to use graphic user interface (GUI), QWERTY keyboard, software programmability, application interface, address book, customizable menu, PC connectivity, and large memory make them ideal for enhanced functionality.
- Two-way paging protocols are optimized for one-to-one messaging. Utilizing two-way paging protocols, a first wireless communication device can send a message to another wireless communication device; and the recipient of the message can reply to the sender. The first wireless communication device can also send the same message to a plurality of wireless communication devices; and receive individual replies from each device. In this manner, real time communication between two wireless communication devices is achieved.
- One drawback of the current two-way paging systems is the inability to send the complete recipient list to every wireless communication device receiving the same message when a message is sent to a plurality of wireless communication devices. This leads to difficulty for an individual recipient to reply to not only the original sender but also all other recipients of the message.
- A second drawback of the current two-way paging systems when a message is sent to a plurality of wireless communication devices is that even if a person did know the people to reply to the system would have to send an individual page to each of them. For example, when a message is sent to five other wireless communication devices, five individual messages must be encoded and sent over the air. Optionally, a temporary news service address could be set up by the infrastructure, but this would take additional time to page each wireless communication device; and add it to the news service group before sending out the message.
- Chat functions are very popular on the Internet. Chat functions allow the simultaneous access to a message or set of messages by multiple users, with each user capable of inputting a message or set of messages to the chat. The message is related to the devices (typically computers) of the other users who have chosen to participate in that chat. Then the other users can respond with their own messages, which are likewise relayed to all the devices. In this manner, chat functions offer real time conversations between users.
- The sophisticated design of wireless communication devices today makes them ideal for wireless communication of chat conversations. However, the drawbacks as described previously of current two-way paging protocols and systems make it burdensome to implement a chat conversation with three or more wireless communication devices.
- What is needed is a method and apparatus in which a plurality of wireless communication devices can communicate efficiently and in substantially real time with all other wireless communication devices within a particular group to implement chat functions wirelessly.
- FIG. 1 is an electronic block diagram of a wireless communication system;
- FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating communication of chat requests and responses within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is an electronic block diagram of a chat server for use within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1;
- FIGS. 4 through 7 are flowcharts illustrating various embodiments of the operation of the chat server of FIG. 3 in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 8 is an electronic block diagram of a wireless communication device for use within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 9 is an illustration of the chat memory included within the wireless communication device of FIG. 8;
- FIGS. 10 and 11 are embodiments of a protocol for communicating a chat message to the wireless communication device of FIG. 3; and
- FIGS. 12 through 16 are flowcharts illustrating various embodiments of the operation of the wireless communication device of FIG. 8 in accordance with the present invention.
- Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic block diagram of a
wireless communication system 10 is shown. Thewireless communication system 10 comprises a message input device, such as atelephone 12, acomputer 14, or adesktop messaging unit 16, connected through a conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN) 18 through a plurality oftelephone links 20 to asystem controller 22. Thetelephone links 20 may be a plurality of twisted wire pairs, a fiber optic cable, or a multiplexed trunk line. - The
system controller 22 is coupled to and oversees the operation of at least one radio frequency (RF)transmitter 26 and at least one radio frequency (RF)receiver 28 through one ormore communication links 24. Thecommunication links 24 typically are twisted pair telephone wires, and additionally can include radio frequency (RF), microwave, or high quality audio communication links. Theradio frequency transmitter 26 and theradio frequency receiver 28, which typically are used in message store and forward stations that encode and decode inbound and outbound messages into formats that are compatible with landline message switch computers and personal radio addressing requirements, such as cellular message protocols. Thesystem controller 22 can also function to encode and decode wireless messages that are transmitted to or received by theradio frequency transmitter 26 or theradio frequency receiver 28. Telephony signals are typically transmitted to and received from thesystem controller 22 by telephone sets such as thetelephone 12 or thewireless communication device 36. Thesystem controller 22 encodes and schedules outbound messages such as adownlink message 34, for transmission by theradio frequency transmitter 26 via atransmit antenna 30 to at least onewireless communication device 36 on at least one outbound radio frequency (RF)channel 32. As illustrated in FIG. 1, thewireless communication device 36 may be, for example, a cellular telephone or a two-way pager. Thedownlink message 34 may be, for example, a data message. Similarly, thesystem controller 22 receives and decodes inbound messages such as anuplink message 44 received by theradio frequency receiver 28 via a receiveantenna 40 on at least oneinbound RF channel 42 from thewireless communication device 36. Theuplink message 44 may be, for example, a data message or a reply to a data message. - It will be appreciated that the
wireless communication system 10, in accordance with the present invention, may function utilizing any wireless RF channel, for example, a one or two way pager channel, a mobile cellular channel, or a mobile radio channel. Similarly, it will be appreciated that thewireless communication system 10 may function utilizing other types of channels such as infrared channels. In the following description, the term wireless communication system refers to any of the wireless communication systems mentioned above or an equivalent. - Similarly, it will be appreciated that the
wireless communication device 36, in accordance with the present invention, may be a mobile cellular telephone, a mobile radio data terminal, a mobile cellular telephone having an attached data terminal, or a two way pager. In the following description, the term “wireless communication device” refers to any of the devices mentioned above or an equivalent. - Each
wireless communication device 36 assigned for use in thewireless communication system 10 has anaddress 38 assigned thereto which is a unique selective call address in thewireless communication system 10. Theaddress 38 enables the transmission of thedownlink message 34 from thesystem controller 22 only to thewireless communication device 36 having thataddress 38, and identifies the messages and responses received at thesystem controller 22 from thewireless communication device 36. In one embodiment, eachwireless communication device 36 also has a pin number assigned thereto, the pin number being associated with a telephone number within thePSTN 18. A list of the assigned addresses and correlated telephone numbers for eachwireless communication device 36 is stored in thesystem controller 22 in the form of asubscriber database 46. - In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
wireless communication system 10 includes achat server 48 coupled to thesystem controller 22 via aserver interface 52. Thechat server 48 manages the communication of a plurality of chat discussions, facilitating substantially real time communication among a plurality of wireless communication devices within thewireless communication system 10. Thechat server 48 provides numerous services to manage the chat discussions. Thechat server 48 also offers various options to the participants to reduce cost or enhance the features of the chat discussion. - The
chat server 48 receives achat request 54 and in response to such receipt, sends achat response 56. In one embodiment, thechat request 54 is communicated to thechat server 48 via theserver interface 52 from thesystem controller 22 and thechat response 56 is communicated via theserver interface 52 to thesystem controller 22. Thesystem controller 22 then routes thechat response 56 to the requesting device which may be a message input device, such as thetelephone 12, thecomputer 14, or thedesktop messaging unit 16, or alternatively may be an individual or awireless communication device 36. In the following description, the term requester refers to any of the requesting devices mentioned above or an equivalent. - Preferably, the
chat server 48 includes achat server address 50, which is a unique selective call address in thewireless communication system 10. Thechat server address 50 enables the transmission, via theinbound RF channel 42, to thechat server 48 of thechat request 54 such as chat service requests, subscription requests, and other information requests from a chat requester which may be an individual or thewireless communication device 36. In response to thechat request 54, thechat server 48 sends thechat response 56, to the requester via theoutbound RF channel 32. Thechat response 56 may be sent alternatively through thesystem controller 22 via theserver interface 52. Furthermore, thechat server 48 also has a pin number assigned thereto, the pin number being associated with a telephone number within thePSTN 18. Thechat server address 50 and correlated telephone number is stored in the in thesubscriber database 46 of thesystem controller 22. - The addition of the
chat server 48 to thewireless communication system 10 enhances the operation of thewireless communication system 10 by adding intelligence for multiple wireless communication devices to communicate in substantially real time. Thechat server 48 interactively manages the traffic associated with a plurality of chat discussions in an efficient manner. - FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the communication of the
chat request 54 and thechat response 56 within thewireless communication system 10. InStep 58, thechat server 48 is in standby operation. InStep 60, thechat server 48 queries whether achat request 54 has been received. If nochat request 54 has been received, thechat server 48 returns to the standby operation ofStep 58. If achat request 54 has been received, thechat server 48 processes thechat request 54 and compiles thechat response 56. InStep 62, thechat server 48 determines whether a wireless chat response has been requested. InStep 64, if a wireless chat response has not been requested, thechat server 48 communicates thechat response 56 to thesystem controller 22 via theserver interface 52. If a wireless chat response has been requested, thechat server 48 communicates thechat response 56 via theoutbound RF channel 32 to the requester. InStep 66, thechat response 56 is communicated to the requester. Upon communicating thechat response 56 to the requester, the chat server returns to standby operation,Step 58. - FIG. 3 is an electronic block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the
chat server 48 for use within thewireless communication system 10. Thechat server 48 includes achat server processor 68, achat server memory 70, achat server monitor 72, a firstchat server antenna 74, achat server receiver 76, a secondchat server antenna 78, and achat server transmitter 80. - The first
chat server antenna 74 intercepts transmitted signals such as thechat request 54 from thewireless communication system 10 received via theinbound RF channel 42. The firstchat server antenna 74 is coupled to thechat server receiver 76 which employs conventional demodulation techniques for receiving the communication signals transmitted by thewireless communication system 10 such as thechat request 54. - Coupled to the
chat server receiver 76, is thechat server processor 68, utilizing conventional signal processing techniques for processing received chat requests. Preferably, thechat server processor 68 is similar to the MC68328 micro-controller manufactured by Motorola, Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill. It will be appreciated that other similar processors can be utilized for thechat server processor 68, and that additional processors of the same or alternative type can be added as required to handle the processing requirements of thechat server processor 68. Thechat server processor 68 receives thechat request 54 from thechat server receiver 76 and processes that request to generate thechat response 56. - To perform the necessary functions of the
chat server 48, thechat server processor 68 is coupled to thechat server memory 70, which preferably includes a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Thechat server memory 70 preferably stores at least onechat topic 82. Thechat topic 82 may be for example a private chat group within a business or social group, a current newsworthy topic, a political viewpoint, a particular sport, or any other topic of interest to a group of individuals. In the following description, the term chat topic refers to any of the chat topics mentioned above or an equivalent. Achat user 84 identification and auser profile 85 for thatchat user 84 subscribing to thechat topic 82 is stored along with thechat topic 82 in thechat server memory 70. Theuser profile 85 includes, for example, billing information, favorite topics, associates, group lists, age, obscenity rating, and optional services. Thechat server 48 sends a chat notification when a new chat corresponding to theuser profile 85 is initiated. - The
chat server transmitter 80 is coupled to thechat server processor 68 and is responsive to commands from thechat server processor 68. When thechat server transmitter 80 receives a command from thechat server processor 68, thechat server transmitter 80 sends thechat response 56 via the secondchat server antenna 78 to thewireless communication system 10. Thechat server transmitter 80 preferably monitors traffic on theoutbound RF channel 32. If theoutbound RF channel 32 is busy, thechat server transmitter 80 collects and buffers the chat responses for a period of time and then communicates them as one chat message. This allows efficient use of theoutbound RF channel 32. If there is little or no traffic on theoutbound RF channel 32, thechat server transmitter 80 sends thechat response 56 individually upon receipt of a command from thechat server processor 68. - The
chat server processor 68 is coupled to thechat server monitor 72. The chat server monitor 72 performs various functions relating to the chat discussions. The chat server monitor 72 is preferably programmed with a set of rules regarding chat topics and substance of chat discussions. Thechat server monitor 72, for example, may delete chat discussion substance containing obscenity. The chat server monitor 72 may also disallow the creation of a new chat topic containing obscenity. The chat server monitor 72 preferably also tracks traffic from a particular requester or group for billing purposes. Various billing methods are supported for the various types of chats. A flat rate per month, for example, may be charged to allow the user to pick a certain number of public chat topics to subscribe to continuously or as desired. Alternatively, hourly charges or per character charges may be applied to private chat topics. The hourly charge also may be applied to specialty public chat topics. A specialty public chat topic is one active for a short time based on some special event or related topic. One skilled in the art will recognize that any of the billing methods mentioned above or an equivalent are supported by thechat server 48 in accordance with the present invention. - FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the
chat server 48 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of creation of a new private chat topic. A private chat topic is one available only to a specific identified group of subscribers. InStep 58, thechat server 48 is in standby operation. InStep 86, thechat server 48 queries whether a request for a new chat topic has been received. When no request for a new chat topic has been received, thechat server 48 returns to the standby operation ofStep 58. When a request for a new chat topic has been received, inStep 88 thechat server 48 determines if a subscriber list is included in the request. The subscriber list is a list of users the requester wishes to include in the chat group for the requested private chat topic. InStep 90, if no subscriber list is included in the request for a chat topic, thechat server 48 sends a request for the subscriber list to the requester; and then returns to standby operation inStep 58. InStep 92, when a subscriber list is included in the request for a chat topic, thechat server 48 creates the new chat topic. Next, inStep 94, thechat server 48 sends a start up message to each user in the subscriber list. The start up message creates an inbox with the new chat topic on the subscriber's device. The subscriber's device preferably is thewireless communication device 36. Next, inStep 96, thechat server 48 sends an introduction message including information about the new chat topic such as the originator and the other subscribers. InStep 98, the new chat topic is active and the subscribers maintain their chat discussion. Thechat server 48 then returns to the standby state ofStep 58. - FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the further detail of the operation of the
chat server 48. InStep 100, thechat server 48 creates a new chat topic. Thechat topic 82 is stored in thechat server memory 70 as previously described in FIG. 3. Next, inStep 102, thechat server 48 determines whether a guaranteed delivery option is associated with thechat topic 82. InStep 104, when there is no guaranteed delivery option, thechat server 48 assigns a group address to thechat topic 82; and next inStep 106 programs the subscriber devices associated with the subscriber list for the new chat topic with the assigned group address. The programming preferably is done wirelessly by thechat response 56 sent over theoutbound RF channel 32 to the subscribers' wireless communication devices. Alternatively, the programming of the group address may be accomplished via thesystem controller 22 or via a programming fixture. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any of the programming methods mentioned above or an equivalent are supported by the present invention. Next, inStep 108, the chat server programs a new chat inbox in each of the subscribers' devices for the new chat. This programming may be accomplished as part of the same message programming the group address or as a separate message after the group address is programmed. InStep 96, thechat server 48 then sends an introduction message to the group address, which is received by all the subscribers whose devices were programmed with that group address. Next, inStep 98, the chat discussion activates for the new chat topic. - In summary, the use of a group address for the private chat as described above is an efficient use of airtime. The various chat messages are only sent as one message to a plurality of users.
- Referring back to
Step 102, when the guaranteed delivery option is chosen, inStep 110, thechat server 48 stores eachchat user 84 on the subscriber list and theaddress 38 of the chat user's device along with thechat topic 82 in thechat server memory 70. Next, inStep 111, thechat server 48 checks whether the first subscriber on the subscriber list is an active account. InStep 113, when the subscriber is not an active account, thechat server 48 checks for the end of the subscriber list. InStep 117, when the end of the subscriber list has been reached, the process ends. When the end of the subscriber list has not been reached, inStep 115, thechat server 48 increments a counter and next, returns to Step 111 to check the active status of that subscriber account. When the subscriber account is active, inStep 112, thechat server 48 programs a new inbox for the new chat topic individually for eachchat user 84 by sending a programming page to the individual address of each wireless communication device for each user on the subscriber list. Next, inStep 114, thechat server 48 sends an introduction message to each individual address for each individual chat user of the subscriber list. The introduction message informs the user that the chat has been formed and acts as an invitation to the user to join the chat. Next, inStep 98, the chat discussion activates for the new chat topic. - The process described above and depicted in FIG. 5 offers the user two choices. The guaranteed delivery option compensates for the wireless environment being inherently error prone and noisy (ie: subject to interference). The non-guaranteed delivery option provides a less expensive, more efficient channel utilization option for both the service provider and the user.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the further operation of the
chat server 48 in accordance with the present invention. The operation of FIG. 6 specifically relates to public chat topics residing on thechat server 48 and available to all requesting subscribers. InStep 58, thechat server 48 is in standby operation. InStep 116, thechat server 48 queries whether a request for a chat list has been received. When no request for a chat list has been received, thechat server 48 returns to the standby operation ofStep 58. When a request for a chat list has been received, inStep 118 thechat server 48 sends a list of active chats to the requester. Next, inStep 120, thechat server 48 queries whether a topic subscription request has been received from a subscriber. When no subscribe topic request has been received, thechat server 48 returns to the standby operation ofStep 58. InStep 111, when a topic subscription request has been received, thechat server 48 checks whether the subscriber account is active. When the subscriber account is not active, the process ends. When the subscriber account is active, InStep 122, thechat server 48 adds the user to the subscriber list for the requested topic. Next, inStep 124, thechat server 48 determines whether the requested topic includes a guaranteed delivery option. InStep 126, when no guaranteed delivery option is associated with the requested topic, thechat server 48 sends a programming message to the wireless communication device of the requester to program the group address of the requested topic. InStep 128, when a guaranteed delivery option is included in the requested topic, thechat server 48 adds the address for the requester user to the list of addresses associated with the chat topic requested. InStep 130, after the address is added to the list of addresses, or after the group address is programmed when there is a guaranteed delivery option, thechat server 48 sends a programming message to program a new inbox into the wireless communication device for the requested topic. Next, inStep 132, thechat server 48 queries for a user acknowledgement receipt from the requester. When no user acknowledgement has been received, thechat server 48 continues to query for a user acknowledgement. InStep 134, when thechat server 48 has received the user acknowledgement, the requesting user is activated in the requested chat topic. Thechat server 48 then returns to the standby operation ofStep 58. - In summary, when a user desires to chat, the chat server provides the user a list of active chat topics and gives the user the option to choose which chat to subscribe to and also the quality of service for that chat. In one embodiment, the service provider predefines the quality of service.
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative operation of the
chat server 48 in accordance with the present invention. InStep 58, thechat server 48 is in standby operation. InStep 116, thechat server 48 queries whether a request for a chat list has been received. When no request for a chat list has been received, thechat server 48 returns to the standby operation ofStep 58. When a request for a chat list has been received, inStep 111, thechat server 48 checks whether the subscriber account is active. When the subscriber account is not active, the process returns to the standby operation ofStep 58. When the subscriber account is active, inStep 136 thechat server 48 sends a list of active chats along with the group address for each active chat to the requester. InStep 138, the process queries whether the user has selected one or more active chat topics. When the user has not selected an active chat topic, thechat server 48 returns to the standby operation with no change to the chats. When the user selects a chat topic, inStep 140, the user's device adds the group address and an inbox for that chat topic. Next, inStep 134, the user is now part of the chat and thechat server 48 returns to the standby operation ofStep 58. - The operation of FIG. 7 illustrates a method for giving the user more control over chat activities. One example in which this is preferable is free chat services such as those with attached advertisements.
- FIG. 8 is an electronic block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the
wireless communication device 36 for use within thewireless communication system 10. Thewireless communication device 36 includes afirst device antenna 142, asecond device antenna 144, adevice receiver 146, adevice transmitter 148, adevice processor 150, adevice memory 152, analert circuit 154, adisplay 156, auser interface 158, and achat application 160. - The
first device antenna 142 intercepts transmitted signals from thewireless communication system 10. Thefirst device antenna 142 is coupled to thedevice receiver 146 which employs conventional demodulation techniques for receiving the communication signals transmitted by thewireless communication system 10 such as thedownlink message 34. - Coupled to the
device receiver 146, is adevice processor 150 utilizing conventional signal processing techniques for processing received messages. Preferably, thedevice processor 150 is similar to the MC68328 micro-controller manufactured by Motorola, Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill. It will be appreciated that other similar processors can be utilized for thedevice processor 150, and that additional processors of the same or alternative type can be added as required to handle the processing requirements of thedevice processor 150. - The
device processor 150 decodes an address in the demodulated data of the receiveddownlink message 34, compares the decoded address with one or more addresses such as theaddress 38 stored in anaddress memory 162 of thedevice memory 152; and when a match is detected, proceeds to process the remaining portion of the received signal. - Preferably, the
device processor 150 includes amemory manager 164. Thememory manager 164 determines if the address of the decodeddownlink message 34 is a chat address or a standard messaging address. - To perform the necessary functions of the
wireless communication device 36, thedevice processor 150 is coupled to thedevice memory 152, which preferably includes a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Thedevice memory 152 includes theaddress memory 162, amessage memory 166, and achat memory 168. Once thedevice processor 150 has processed thedownlink message 34, it stores thedownlink message 34 in thechat memory 168 if the address is a chat address and in themessage memory 166 otherwise. - FIG. 9 is an illustration of the
chat memory 168. Thechat memory 168 includes achat memory slot 174 for thechat topic 82 in which thewireless communication device 36 has subscribed. A plurality ofchat messages 170 associated with thechat topic 82 is stored together in chronological order in thechat memory slot 174. Thechat memory slot 174 is allocated a fixed amount of memory for storing associated plurality ofchat messages 170. Thechat memory slot 174 holds multiple chat messages in a single message slot. Any chat message received for thechat topic 82 is appended at the end of the plurality ofchat messages 170 already in thechat memory slot 174. If the amount of allocated memory for thechat memory slot 174 is exceeded, the older chat messages are deleted. Thechat memory slot 174 for thechat topic 82 preferably includes one ormore chat preferences 175. Thechat preferences 175 define the options chosen by the user for thechat topic 82. Thechat preferences 175 may be, for example, an alert option such as alert on receipt of a new chat message or no alert on receipt of a new chat message, guaranteed or non-guaranteed delivery, timeout setting for participation in the chat, and number of chat messages to retain in history and display. In one embodiment, thechat preferences 175 includes asubscription timer 177. Thesubscription timer 177 is a preset time period upon which thewireless communication device 36 is active within thechat topic 82. One skilled in the art will recognize that thechat preferences 175 may be any of those mentioned above or an equivalent. Thechat preferences 175 in one embodiment are set by thechat server 48 when the chat topic is activated. Alternatively, thechat preferences 175 are manually set by theuser interface 158. A default set ofchat preferences 175 typically is included either in thechat application 160 or thedevice processor 150 to enhance the efficiency of managing the chat topics. - Referring back to FIG. 8, the
device processor 150 sends a command to thealert circuit 154 to notify a user that thedownlink message 34 has been received and stored. Thealert circuit 154 can include a speaker (not shown) with associated speaker drive circuitry capable of playing melodies and other audible alerts, a vibrator (not shown) with associated vibrator drive circuitry capable of producing a physical vibration, or one or more LEDs (not shown) with associated LED drive circuitry capable of producing a visual alert. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other similar alerting means as well as any combination of the audible, vibratory, and visual alert outputs described can be used for thealert circuit 154. - Upon receipt of the
downlink message 34, thedevice processor 150 preferably also sends a command to thedisplay 156 to generate a visual notification of the receipt and storage of thedownlink message 34. When thedisplay 156 receives the command from thedevice processor 150 that thedownlink message 34 has been received and stored in thedevice memory 152, an indication is displayed. Thedisplay 156 can be, for example, a full or partial starburst liquid crystal display utilized to display text. It will be appreciated that other similar displays such as dot matrix displays can be utilized for thedisplay 156. - In a preferred embodiment, the
wireless communication device 36 includes thechat application 160. Thewireless communication device 36 performs chat functions within thechat application 160 using a plurality ofchat messages 170 stored in thechat memory 168. Thechat application 160 may be hard coded or programmed into thewireless communication device 36 during manufacturing, may be programmed over-the-air upon customer subscription, or may be a downloadable application. It will be appreciated that other programming methods can be utilized for programming thechat application 160 into thewireless communication device 36. - Preferably the
chat application 160 automatically updates thedisplay 156 when a new chat message has been received. This allows the message to be updated while the user is reading it without disturbing thedisplay 156. One skilled in the art will recognize that wireless communication devices having software-programming capabilities may include specialized and personalized display options and screens for each chat topic. Alternatively, wireless communication devices that do not include software-programming capabilities may include standard, pre-defined display options and screens for chat topics. - The
chat application 160 further includes various alert options. In one embodiment, thechat application 160 notifies thedevice processor 150 to send a command to thealert circuit 154 when a new chat message is added to thechat memory slot 174. In another embodiment, thechat application 160 notifies thedevice processor 150 to send a command to thealert circuit 154 when an unread chat message is to be deleted from thechat memory slot 174. Alternatively, no alert may be sent when a new chat message is received and stored in thechat memory 168. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other alerting schemes are within the scope of the present invention. - Preferably, the
user interface 158 is coupled to thedevice processor 150, as shown in FIG. 8. Thedevice processor 150, in response to theuser interface 158, such as a user depressing a button or series of buttons, or in response to receipt of achat response 56 from thechat server 48, initiates aninput signal 172 to thechat application 160. Thechat application 160, in response to theinput signal 172, accesses the plurality ofchat messages 170 stored in thechat memory 168 for use in operation of thechat application 160. - The
device transmitter 148 is coupled to thedevice processor 150 and is responsive to commands from thedevice processor 150. When thedevice transmitter 148 receives a command from thedevice processor 150, thedevice transmitter 148 sends a signal via thesecond device antenna 144 to thewireless communication system 10. - FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a
protocol 176 for communicating a chat message to thewireless communication device 36. Thisprotocol 176 is embedded within thedownlink message 34 sent to thewireless communication device 36. Theprotocol 176 includes theaddress 38, achat topic 82, and achat message 180. Theaddress 38 is typically a group address used by all subscribers to the identifiedchat topic 82 in the case of non-guaranteed delivery or is an individual assigned address for that singlewireless communication device 36 in the case of guaranteed delivery. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, thechat topic 82 identifies to thedevice processor 150 that thedownlink message 34 contains thechat message 180 and also thechat topic 82 for which thechat message 180 relates. - FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a protocol for communicating a chat message to the
wireless communication device 36. Thisprotocol 176 is embedded within adownlink message 34 sent to thewireless communication device 36. Theprotocol 176 includes achat address 178, atopic code 182 and thechat message 180. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, thechat address 178 identifies to thedevice processor 150 that thedownlink message 34 contains thechat message 180. Thechat address 178 is a group address used by all subscribers to that chat topic in the case of non-guaranteed delivery or is an individual assigned address for that singlewireless communication device 36 in the case of guaranteed delivery. Thetopic code 182 then identifies to thedevice processor 150 thechat topic 82 for which thechat message 180 is associated with. Using one chat address for all chat topics is useful for pagers with limited address capacity. - FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the subscription to a new chat topic by the
wireless communication device 36. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, thewireless communication device 36 is subscribing to a public chat topic. InStep 184, thewireless communication device 36 requests a list of active chats from thechat server 48. In one embodiment the request for the list of active chats is sent from thewireless communication device 36 as thechat request 54 via theinbound RF channel 42 directly to thechat server 48 when thechat server 48 includes thechat server address 50. In an alternative embodiment, the request for the list of active chats is sent from thewireless communication device 36 as theuplink message 44 to thesystem controller 22 via the receiveantenna 40. In response to receipt of theuplink message 44, thesystem controller 22 communicates thechat request 54 to thechat server 48 via theserver interface 52. In another embodiment, the requester sends the request for the list of active chats from an input device such as thetelephone 12,computer 14, ordesktop messaging unit 16. The request is sent through thePSTN 18 to thesystem controller 22. In response to receipt of the request from thePSTN 18, thesystem controller 22 communicates thechat request 54 to thechat server 48 via theserver interface 52. It will be appreciated that thewireless communication system 10, in accordance with the present invention, may utilize any of the above methods for the request for the list of active chats or an equivalent. - Next, in
Step 186 of FIG. 12, thewireless communication device 36 queries for receipt of the list of active chats from thechat server 48. When no list of active chats has been received, thewireless communication device 36 continues to periodically check for receipt. In one embodiment, thechat server 48 sends the list of active chats in the form of thechat response 56 directly to thewireless communication device 36 via theoutbound RF channel 32. In an alternative embodiment, thechat server 48 sends thechat response 56 including the list of active chats to thesystem controller 22 via theserver interface 52. In response to receipt of thechat response 56 from thechat server 48, thesystem controller 22 sends thedownlink message 34 including the list of active chats to thewireless communication device 36. InStep 188, when thewireless communication device 36 receives the list of active chats, thedevice processor 150 of thewireless communication device 36 then queries for the selection of a chat topic. Preferably, the chat topic is selected when theuser interface 158 sends a command to thedevice processor 150 which, in response to the command from theuser interface 158, sends theinput signal 172 to thechat application 160 notifying thechat application 160 of the selected topic. When no chat topic is selected, the process ends. InStep 190, when a new chat topic is selected, thedevice processor 150 of thewireless communication device 36 next determines whether the system is configured for system subscription of the selected chat topic. - In
Step 192, when there is no system subscription, thedevice processor 150 sends theinput signal 172 to thechat application 160 to initiate manual subscription. InStep 194, thechat application 160 verifies with the user that a new chat topic is desired. Preferably, the verification is done using theuser interface 158. InStep 196, thechat application 160 then programs thechat memory 168 to include a new chat message slot for the new chat topic. InStep 198, a counter is incremented by one and the process returns to Step 194 to continue checking for further selected new chat topics. - In
Step 200, when there is a system subscription option activated, thewireless communication device 36 sends a request to subscribe to thechat server 48. In one embodiment the request to subscribe is sent from thewireless communication device 36 as thechat request 54 via theinbound RF channel 42 directly to thechat server 48 when thechat server 48 includes thechat server address 50. In an alternative embodiment, the request to subscribe is sent from thewireless communication device 36 as theuplink message 44 to thesystem controller 22 via the receiveantenna 40. In response to receipt of theuplink message 44, thesystem controller 22 communicates thechat request 54 to thechat server 48 via theserver interface 52. In another embodiment, the requester sends the request to subscribe from an input device such as thetelephone 12,computer 14, ordesktop messaging unit 16. The request is sent through thePSTN 18 to thesystem controller 22. In response to receipt of the request from thePSTN 18, thesystem controller 22 communicates thechat request 54 to thechat server 48 via theserver interface 52. It will be appreciated that thewireless communication system 10, in accordance with the present invention, may utilize any of the above methods for the request to subscribe or an equivalent. - Next, in
Step 202 of FIG. 12, thewireless communication device 36 queries for receipt of a programming message from thechat server 48. When no programming message has been received, thewireless communication device 36 continues to periodically check for receipt. In one embodiment, thechat server 48 sends the programming message in the form of thechat response 56 directly to thewireless communication device 36 via theoutbound RF channel 32. In an alternative embodiment, thechat server 48 sends thechat response 56 including the programming message to thesystem controller 22 via theserver interface 52. In response to receipt of thechat response 56 from thechat server 48, thesystem controller 22 sends thedownlink message 34 including the programming message to thewireless communication device 36. InStep 204, when the programming message is received, the new chat topic is added to thechat memory 168. InStep 206, the counter is then incremented by one and thedevice processor 150 returns to Step 188 and continues to query for selection of another chat topic. - In summary, the wireless communication device receives a list of active chat topics from the chat server and chooses to subscribe. Subscription may be accomplished either through a request to the system and subsequent programming or via the user interface by manually subscribing.
- FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative embodiment of the subscription to a new chat topic by the
wireless communication device 36. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, thewireless communication device 36 is being added as a subscriber to a private chat topic. InStep 208, thewireless communication device 36 is in the standby operation. InStep 210, thewireless communication device 36 queries for receipt of a new chat programming message. When no chat programming message has been received, thewireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation ofStep 208. InStep 210, when a chat programming message is received, thechat address 178 for thechat topic 82 is added to thechat memory 168 inStep 212. Next, inStep 214, thechat memory slot 174 is created in thechat memory 168 corresponding to thechat topic 82. InStep 216, a new chat inbox is created corresponding to thechat topic 82. Next, inStep 218, thewireless communication device 36 sends an acknowledge message to thechat server 48. In one embodiment the acknowledge message is sent from thewireless communication device 36 as thechat request 54 via theinbound RF channel 42 directly to thechat server 48 when thechat server 48 includes thechat server address 50. In an alternative embodiment, the acknowledge message is sent from thewireless communication device 36 as theuplink message 44 to thesystem controller 22 via the receiveantenna 40. In response to receipt of theuplink message 44, thesystem controller 22 communicates thechat request 54 to thechat server 48 via theserver interface 52. In another embodiment, the requester sends the acknowledge message from an input device such as thetelephone 12,computer 14, ordesktop messaging unit 16. The request is sent through thePSTN 18 to thesystem controller 22. In response to receipt of the request from thePSTN 18, thesystem controller 22 communicates thechat request 54 to thechat server 48 via theserver interface 52. It will be appreciated that thewireless communication system 10, in accordance with the present invention, may utilize any of the above methods for the acknowledge message or an equivalent. - FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the removal of a subscription to a chat topic by the
wireless communication device 36. InStep 220, thewireless communication device 36 is active as a chat topic subscriber. InStep 222, thewireless communication device 36 queries for the presence of a subscription timer for the chat topic. A subscription timer is a preset time period upon which thewireless communication device 36 is active within the chat. It is typically set at the time of subscription. The subscription timer in one embodiment is set by the user at the tie of subscription by sending a subscribe topic time limit request to thechat server 48 at the time of subscription. Alternatively, thechat server 48 sets the subscription timer at the time of subscription per the service options associated with thechat topic 82. InStep 224, when a subscription timer is present, thewireless communication device 36 determines if the subscription timer has timed out. InStep 226, when the subscription timer has timed out, thewireless communication device 36 is unsubscribed from thechat topic 82. To unsubscribe from thechat topic 82, thedevice processor 150, in response to the time out of the subscription timer, sends theinput signal 172 to thechat application 160. Thechat application 160, in response to theinput signal 172, removes thechat topic 82 including thechat address 178 from thechat memory 168 and deletes any chat inbox on thedisplay 156 for thechat topic 82. - In
Step 228, when the subscription timer has not timed out, or when there is no subscription timer, thewireless communication device 36 queries for a user chat topic removal request. In one embodiment, the chat topic removal request is initiated by theuser interface 158 sending a removal command to thedevice processor 150. When there is no chat topic removal request, thewireless communication device 36 continues to be active in the chat, returning toStep 220. InStep 230, when there is a chat topic removal request, thewireless communication device 36 next checks for a system removal option. The system removal option gives thechat server 48 the responsibility to remove thewireless communication device 36 from the chat. InStep 232, when there is no system removal option, a manual removal is initiated. InStep 234, thechat topic 82 is deleted from thewireless communication device 36 and the device is unsubscribed inStep 226. Unsubscribing includes removing the chat topic inbox and deleting the chat messages from the chat memory. Preferably, to accomplish the unsubscribing, theuser interface 158 sends a command to thedevice processor 150 to remove thechat topic 82. Thedevice processor 150 in response to the command from theuser interface 158 sends theinput signal 172 to thechat application 160. Thechat application 160, in response to theinput signal 172, removes thechat topic 82 including thechat address 178 and thechat memory slot 174 from thechat memory 168 and deletes the chat inbox on thedisplay 156 for thechat topic 82. - In
Step 236, when there is a system removal option, thewireless communication device 36 sends a removal request to thechat server 48. In one embodiment the removal request is sent from thewireless communication device 36 as thechat request 54 via theinbound RF channel 42 directly to thechat server 48 when thechat server 48 includes thechat server address 50. In an alternative embodiment, the removal request is sent from thewireless communication device 36 as theuplink message 44 to thesystem controller 22 via the receiveantenna 40. In response to receipt of theuplink message 44, thesystem controller 22 communicates thechat request 54 to thechat server 48 via theserver interface 52. In another embodiment, the requester sends the removal request from an input device such as thetelephone 12,computer 14, ordesktop messaging unit 16. The request is sent through thePSTN 18 to thesystem controller 22. In response to receipt of the request from thePSTN 18, thesystem controller 22 communicates thechat request 54 to thechat server 48 via theserver interface 52. It will be appreciated that thewireless communication system 10, in accordance with the present invention, may utilize any of the above methods for the removal request message or an equivalent. Next, inStep 238, thechat server 48 determines whether there is a group address associated with the chat topic or whether the chat topic is managed by individual addresses. InStep 240, when there is not a group address, thechat server 48 removes theaddress 38 for thewireless communication device 36 from the list of chat users associated with thechat topic 82 in thechat server memory 70 of thechat server 48 and the device is unsubscribed inStep 226. InStep 242, when there is no group address, thewireless communication device 36 remains active in the chat awaiting receipt of a removal message from thechat server 48. When no removal message has been received, thewireless communication device 36 continues to periodically check for receipt. In one embodiment, thechat server 48 sends the removal message in the form of thechat response 56 directly to thewireless communication device 36 via theoutbound RF channel 32. In an alternative embodiment, thechat server 48 sends thechat response 56 including the removal message to thesystem controller 22 via theserver interface 52. In response to receipt of thechat response 56 from thechat server 48, thesystem controller 22 sends thedownlink message 34 including the removal message to thewireless communication device 36. InStep 226, when the removal message is received, thewireless communication device 36 is unsubscribed from thechat topic 82. To unsubscribe from thechat topic 82, thedevice processor 150, in response to the time out of the subscription timer, sends theinput signal 172 to thechat application 160. Thechat application 160, in response to theinput signal 172, removes thechat topic 82 including thechat address 178 from thechat memory 168 and deletes any chat inbox on thedisplay 156 for thechat topic 82. - In summary, when a subscription timer times out, a user requests to be removed from a chat discussion, or an equivalent event occurs which indicates removal of the user from the chat, all associated chat resources are shut down and memory freed up for other uses.
- FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the
wireless communication device 36 when active in one or more chat discussions. In FIG. 15, the protocol of FIG. 10 is utilized for communication of thechat message 180. InStep 208, thewireless communication device 36 is in the standby operation. InStep 244, thedevice processor 150 queries for receipt of a message such as thedownlink message 34. When no message is received, thewireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation ofStep 208. InStep 246, when there is a message, thedevice processor 150 checks for a match between theaddress 38 of the received message and addresses stored in theaddress memory 162. When there is not an address match, thewireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation ofStep 208. InStep 248, when there is an address match, thedevice processor 150 determines whether the message includes thechat address 178. InStep 250, when the received message does not contain thechat address 178, thememory manager 164 of thedevice processor 150 processes the message as a standard wireless message by first storing the message in themessage memory 166. Next, inStep 252, thedevice processor 150 sends a command to thealert circuit 154 to notify a user that the message has been received and stored. The notification may be playing melodies and other audible alerts, a physical vibration, or a visual alert. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other notifications or any combination of the audible, vibratory, and visual alerts described can be used for the notification. Next, inStep 254, thedevice processor 150 sends a command to thedisplay 156 to generate a visual notification of the receipt and storage of the message. When thedisplay 156 receives the command from thedevice processor 150 that the message has been received and stored in themessage memory 166, an indication is displayed. Thewireless communication device 36 thereafter returns to the standby operation ofStep 208. - In
Step 256, when the received message includes thechat address 178, thedevice processor 150 compares thechat address 178 to the chat address of the first chat topic N. InStep 258, when thechat address 178 does not match the chat address of the first chat topic N, a counter is incremented to N=N+1. Next, inStep 260, thedevice processor 150 determines whether there is an Nth chat topic stored in thechat memory 168. When there is no Nth chat topic, thewireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation ofStep 208. When there is an Nth chat topic, the process returns to Step 256 and thedevice processor 150 compares thechat address 178 to the chat address of the chat topic N. InStep 262, when thechat address 178 matches the chat address of the Nth chat topic, thedevice processor 150 determines whether the message includes thechat message 180. When the received message does not contain thechat message 180, thewireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation ofStep 208. InStep 264, when the message includes thechat message 180, thememory manager 164 of thedevice processor 150 determines whether the memory allocation for the Nth chat topic has been exceeded. InStep 266, when the memory allocation has been exceeded, thememory manager 164 deletes the older pages until the memory limit is no longer exceeded. Preferably, thememory manager 164 is programmed with a buffer limit, which is added to the memory limit to determine how much to delete. The buffer limit facilitates allowance of enough memory for the storage of the newly received chat messages. InStep 268, after the old pages have been deleted, or when the memory allocation is not exceeded, the new chat message is added to thechat messages 170 for the Nth chat topic. Next, inStep 270, thedevice processor 150 determines whether the chat topic includes the option of alerting upon receipt of a new chat message. This determination preferably includes communication with thechat application 160, which stores the options for the chat topics. When the alerting option is included for the chat topic, inStep 252 thedevice processor 150 sends a command to thealert circuit 154 to notify the user that the chat message has been received and stored. InStep 272, when there is no alert option for receiving new chat messages, or after the alert command has been sent, thedevice processor 150 determines whether a visual display update option has been chosen for the chat topic N. InStep 254, when there is a visual display automatic update thedevice processor 150 updates the display to show the new chat message. Preferably the new chat message is appended to the bottom of the displayed chat topic messages. Next, when the display has been updated, or when there is no display update option, thewireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation ofStep 208. - FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative embodiment of the operation of the
wireless communication device 36 when active in one or more chat discussions. In FIG. 16, the protocol of FIG. 11 is utilized for communication of thechat message 180. InStep 208, thewireless communication device 36 is in the standby operation. InStep 244, thedevice processor 150 queries for receipt of a message such as thedownlink message 34. When no message is received, thewireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation ofStep 208. InStep 246, when there is a message, thedevice processor 150 checks for a match between theaddress 38 of the received message and addresses stored in theaddress memory 162. When there is not an address match, thewireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation ofStep 208. InStep 248, when there is an address match, thedevice processor 150 determines whether the message includes thechat address 178. InStep 250, when the received message does not contain thechat address 178, thememory manager 164 of thedevice processor 150 processes the message as a standard wireless message by first storing the message in themessage memory 166. Next, inStep 252, thedevice processor 150 sends a command to thealert circuit 154 to notify a user that the message has been received and stored. The notification may be playing melodies and other audible alerts, a physical vibration, or a visual alert. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other notifications or any combination of the audible, vibratory, and visual alerts described can be used for the notification. Next, inStep 254, thedevice processor 150 sends a command to thedisplay 156 to generate a visual notification of the receipt and storage of the message. When thedisplay 156 receives the command from thedevice processor 150 that the message has been received and stored in themessage memory 166, an indication is displayed. Thewireless communication device 36 thereafter returns to the standby operation ofStep 208. - In
Step 274, when the received message includes thechat address 178, thedevice processor 150 determines whether the received message includes thetopic code 182. When there is notopic code 182, the process goes to Step 250 and proceeds throughSteps Step 276, when there is a topic code, thedevice processor 150 compares thetopic code 182 to the topic code of the first chat topic N. InStep 278, when thetopic code 182 does not match the topic code of the first chat topic N, a counter is incremented to N=N+1. Next, inStep 280, thedevice processor 150 determines whether there is an Nth chat topic stored in thechat memory 168. When there is no Nth chat topic, thewireless communication device 36 returns to the standby operation ofStep 208. When there is an Nth chat topic, the process returns to Step 276 and thedevice processor 150 compares thetopic code 182 to the topic code of the chat topic N. The process then continues to Step 262 and thereafter as described previously. - The present invention as described above facilitates the management of a plurality of chat discussions among a plurality of chat users using wireless communication systems. Wireless attributes, for example the mobility wireless offers to the chat user, not found in Internet and other wired chat approaches have not been utilized in the past due to special needs of the wireless systems. The present invention as described compensates for the requirements of wireless communication systems such as cost per character, limited bandwidth, and channel throughput while taking full advantage of the attributes that wireless brings to chat discussions.
- Although the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various alterations and modifications may be made without departing from the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all such alterations and modifications be considered as within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (16)
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AU779918B2 (en) | 2005-02-17 |
EP1269738A1 (en) | 2003-01-02 |
DE60113820T2 (en) | 2006-07-13 |
KR20020079859A (en) | 2002-10-19 |
KR100513417B1 (en) | 2005-09-09 |
BRPI0108312B1 (en) | 2016-11-16 |
MXPA02007850A (en) | 2004-09-10 |
EP1269738B1 (en) | 2005-10-05 |
US6459892B2 (en) | 2002-10-01 |
DE60113820D1 (en) | 2006-02-16 |
CN100499594C (en) | 2009-06-10 |
BR0108312A (en) | 2003-03-05 |
EP1269738A4 (en) | 2003-06-04 |
JP4555537B2 (en) | 2010-10-06 |
TW496067B (en) | 2002-07-21 |
CN1401183A (en) | 2003-03-05 |
JP2003523152A (en) | 2003-07-29 |
US20020094803A1 (en) | 2002-07-18 |
US6668169B2 (en) | 2003-12-23 |
ATE306175T1 (en) | 2005-10-15 |
WO2001061984A1 (en) | 2001-08-23 |
AU3325601A (en) | 2001-08-27 |
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