FILE HISTORY
`US 5,894,506
`
`5,894,506
`PATENT:
`INVENTORS: Pinter, Gregory J.
`
`TITLE:
`
`Method and apparatus for generating and
`communicating messages between
`subscribers to an electronic messaging
`network
`
`APPLICATION
`NO:
`FILED:
`ISSUED:
`
`US1996708696A
`
`05 SEP 1996
`13 APR 1999
`
`COMPILED:
`
`13 JUN 2013
`
`APPLE 1002
`
`1
`
`

`

`
`
`ISSUECLASSIFICATiON
`
`MTV
`w.
`
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`PATENT DATE
`”Tum
`08/?68 '_9&$ 1311.99%“; NUMBER ..__
`
`Eyes
`Foreign priority olairned
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`yea
`35 USC 1‘8 oondl'llons rrier
`Verifiod and-WNW "fim
`
`AS
`
`PARTS OF APPLICATION
`FILED SEPARATELY
`NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED
`
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`WARNING: The lnlormallon disclosed heroin may be restricted. Unamh- zed disclosure may be pmhibiled
`law “so United Slales Code Tilla 35. Sections 122. 181 .-
`-‘ 365. Possession oulsmie the U3.
`
`2
`
`

`

`5,894,506
`
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING AND COMMUNICATING
`MESSAGES BETWEEN SUBSCRIBERS TO AN ELECTRONIC MESSAGING NETWORK
`
`Transaction History
`
`Transaction Description
`Date
`Initial Exam Team nn
`9/16/1996
`11/7/1996 Application Captured on Microfilm
`4/29/1997 Case Docketed to Examiner in GAU
`1/12/1998 Case Docketed to Examiner in GAU
`2/19/1998 NonͲFinal Rejection
`2/26/1998 Mail NonͲFinal Rejection
`7/24/1998 Response after NonͲFinal Action
`7/24/1998
`Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) Filed
`7/24/1998
`Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) Filed
`7/24/1998 Request for Extension of Time Ͳ Granted
`7/30/1998 Date Forwarded to Examiner
`9/18/1998 Examiner Interview Summary Record (PTOL Ͳ 413)
`9/29/1998 Mail Notice of Allowance
`9/29/1998 Notice of Allowance Data Verification Completed
`9/29/1998 Mail Examiner's Amendment
`9/29/1998 Examiner's Amendment Communication
`12/23/1998
`Issue Fee Payment Verified
`12/23/1998 Mailroom Date of Drawing(s)
`12/29/1998 Drawing(s) Received at Publications
`1/14/1999 Drawing(s) Processing Completed
`1/14/1999 Drawing(s) Matched to Application
`2/18/1999 Workflow Ͳ File Sent to Contractor
`4/7/1999
`Issue Notification Mailed
`4/15/1999 Recordation of Patent Grant Mailed
`8/16/1999 Post Issue Communication Ͳ Certificate of Correction
`
`
`
`3
`
`

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`
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`
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`[111
`[19]
`United States Patent
`5,894,506
`Pinter
`[451
`Date of Patent:
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Patent Number:
`
`U8005894506A
`
`[54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`GENERATING AND COMMUNICATING
`MESSAGES BETWEEN SUBSCRIBERS TO
`AN ELECTRONIC MESSAGING NETWORK
`
`[751
`
`[73]
`
`[211
`[231
`[51]
`[53]
`
`[531
`
`Inventor: Gregory J. Pinter. andou. Miss.
`
`Assigns: Skchl Communicating. Inn.
`Jackson. Miss.
`
`Appl. No; 081708.696
`Filed:
`Sep. 5, 1996
`Int. Cl.6 n... ..................................... “MM U64
`
`-.
`. 379138.23: 379133.15:
`US. Cl. ..........
`379193.24; M01321“: #5513112
`.......... 379157. 88. E9.
`Field DfS-fll’dl ....
`379193.24. 93.25. 93.26: 4551313. 31.2;
`395/2003. 200.31. 200.34. 200.37. 200.41
`
`[5 61
`
`References Cited
`US. Hum DOCUMENTS
`$11961
`2.973.576
`511.970
`3.513.443
`1.11973 Elmer ..
`3314.375
`.. [1'92
`
`61197-1 Runway . a.
`3.818.145
`. 179141
`1111974 APSE" 91 I]
`3.546.733
`M01511
`
`11119'14
`\Vlglletn I1
`LESLISI.
`.... 325155
`311976 Kilh‘y e1 III
`3.944.726
`1?8|'4.I
`
`811916 Scheflym
`3376.95
`34033?
`3.934,??5 1011976 fluid el :1.
`.
`W. 32555
`
`....... 3405“
`4.910.460
`3119?? Moon .
`
`. W3”
`5.010.461
`311977 Smdokki
`11.1QO 711979 Patti-pile ..
`n. 3401311
`4.178.475 1211979 lelnset a].
`I791":
`
`4119811 Levine .....
`1.197.526
`340511
`2.11981 Mali ..
`3411511
`4.249.165
`
`'
`.. ”912
`4.2633”
`#1981
`
`511932
`4330.7”
`asmsvsWWI:was FILE
`DISPLnY
`GnNNED
`
`MESSMSE F‘LE
`
`
`
`swan
`3°“- ramps-rams:
`
`3.1-”
`
`HERWEUE
`ERIE FEM
`SELECTED
`
`CANNED NEWS
`
`
`CGMPILE
`
`MESSAGE"
`32-“ COWS AW
`‘ manner EMS]
`
`
`TRINSMIT
`
`MESSAGE
`CODES 6
`PARAMEYENIM
`TD MOD ‘2
`
`
`
`4.336.524
`4.352.256
`5.321.436
`5.381.466
`5539.503
`
`._
`NINE Len-me.
`...... 34081 I
`5111933 Nngm ..
`
`"111994 Wolficl i1.
`
`
`111995 Shihlylmn el al
`711996 [miles at l1.
`..........
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`"New Radio Paging System,” by Mitsuru Kotntn c: :11.
`Japan Telecommunications Review. Jul. 1977. vol. 19.1%.
`3. pp. 21? and 220-225.
`"Paging System Broadcasts Nationwide on FM Radio Chan-
`nel." Elceu'onlcs Internalioml. Jan. 4. 1979. vol. 52. No. 1.
`pp. 61—68.
`"A Development Projod of s Poeke‘tsize Receiver for a
`Nationwide Paging System.“ by Kari Klishlncn :1 a1. IEEE.
`1979. pp. 383—387.
`Primary EmminerL—Fan S. Tswg
`Arson-w); Age-n1, ar Firm—Finnegan. Henderson. Parnbuw.
`Garrett & Dumas. 1.1.1".
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An electronic messaging network comprises a octwcllc
`operation come: and plural message Ito-minus. all including
`memories for storing corresponding files of canned mes-
`sages and associaled message codes. To send a canned
`message. a calling party selects a canned message Sim-ed at
`one message tenninsl and transmits the assigned message
`code to aroeeivlngpmya: another message terminal via I11:
`network operation center. The receiving terminal I'dricves-
`the selected canned message from its memory using the
`received message code for display to the receiving party.
`Files of canned responses: and associated response com
`may also be stored in the memories :1 Ihe tenninals and
`network opernu‘ou center {0 allow the exchange of selected
`canned response options in conjunction with canned mes-
`sages to he in response cod: form.
`
`21 Claims. ‘1' Drawing Shuts
`Ramses
`zen-
`CANNEB
`‘ Has-=00“
`Immune
`_ L __ __
`DISPLA‘V CEMEEI
`RESPONSE
`
`
`09110" “(E
`
`
`
` ID
`
`fiE'l'RIEVE CODES-
`1 OR EELEm ED
`
`
`
`Resvoxss
`
`
`OPTIONS
`
`
`ENTER
`
`PARAMETEWSJ
`
`
`
`8
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`OZSEUME
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`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 2 of 'T
`
`5,894,506
`
`22
`
`24
`
`26
`
`RETRIEVE
`CANNED
`MESSAGE FILE
`
`DISPLAY
`CANNED
`MESSAGE FILE
`
`SELECT
`CANNED
`MESSAGE
`
`28
`
`RETRIEVE
`CODEFOR
`SELECTED
`
`CANNED MESSAGE
`
`30
`
`ENTER
`PARAMETERcS)
`
`32
`
`34
`
`COMPILE
`MESSAGE
`CODES AND
`
`PARAMETER(S)
`
`TO NOC 12
`
`TRANSMIT
`MESSAGE
`CODES &
`
`PARAMETER(S)
`
`36
`
`RETRIEVE
`CANNED
`RESPONSE
`
`OPTION FILE
`
`33
`
`DISPLAY CANNED
`RESPONSE
`OPTION FILE
`
`SELECT
`CANNED
`RESPONSE
`OPTIONS
`
`
`
`RETRIEVE CODES
`FOR SELECTED
`RESPONSE
`OPTIONS
`
`44
`
`ENTER
`
`PARAM ETER(S)
`
`FIG. 2
`
`(FIG 3)
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13,1999
`
`Sheet 3 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`RECEIVE MESSAGE
`
`50
`
`CODES AND PARAMETER(S)
`
`IDENTIFY
`I
`ERM NALS10 & 1
`
`T
`
`4
`
`
`
`STORE
`TERMINAL
`IDENTITIES
`
`
`FROM TERMINAL 10 54
`
`
`
`
`RETRIEVE CANNED
`MESSAGE 8: RESPONSE
`OPTIONS TEXT
`
`60
`
`
` TRANSMIT
`
`MESSAGE (CODE
`
`OR TEXT} TO
`TERMINAL 14
`
`
`
`58
`
`(FIG 4)
`
`FIG. 3
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`RECEIVE MESSAGE
`FROM N00 12
`
`70
`
`
`
`
`RETRIEVE
`MESSAGE &
`RESPONSE
`OPTIONS TEXT
`
`75
`
`
` DISPLAY
`MESSAGE 8:
`
`RESPONSE
`OPTIONS TEXT
`
`74
`
`SELECT
`RESPONSE OPTION
`
`80
`
`TRANSMIT
`
`SELECTED
`RESPONSE
`OPTION TO
`NOC 12
`
`(T0 FIG 5)
`
`FIG. 4
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`82
`
`RESPONSE OPTION
`FROM TERMINAL 14
`
`
`
`
`
` RECEIVE SELECTED
` TEXT OR
`
`
`TEXT
`CODE
`CODE
`
`
`RECEIVED?
`
`TRANSMIT
`
`
`CODE
`OR TEXT?
`
`
`84
`
`88
`
`
`
`TRANSMIT
`RETRIEVE
`SELECTED
`SELECTED
`
`
`RESPONSE OPTION
`REPONSE
`
`(CODE OR TEXT)
`OPTION TEXT
`TO TERMINAL 10
`FROM MEMORY
`
`
` RECEIVE SELECTED
`FROM NOC 12
`
`RESPONSE OPTION
`
` RETRIEVE SELECTED
`
`RESPONSE OPTION
`TEXT
`
` 94
`DISPLAY
`SELECTED
`
`RESPONSE
`
`OPTION TEXT
`
`
`FIG. 5
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 13, 1999
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`5,894,506
`
`100
`
`102
`
`104
`
`105
`
`108
`
`UPDATE CANNED
`MESSAGE/RESPONSE
`OPTION FILES
`
`STORE UPDATED
`CANNED FILES
`IN NOC
`
`
`
`TRANSMIT UPDATED
`CANNED FILES
`TO TERMINALS
`IN MESSAGING
`GROUP
`
`RECEIVE UPDATED
`CANNED FILES
`
`STORE UPDATED
`CANNED FILES
`
`FIG. 6
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Apr. 1.3. 1999
`
`Sheet 7 of 7
`
`5,894,506
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`5.894.506
`
`METHOD AND AWARA'I'U‘S FOR
`GENERATING AND COMMUNICATING
`MESSAGES BETWEEN SUBSCRIBERS TO
`AN ELECTRONIC MESSAGING NETWDRK
`FIELD OFTHE WON
`
`The [ducal invention relates to electronic infirm-Iron
`services and more partieulrrly to the exchange of electronic
`messages among subscribers to an electronic messaging
`network.
`
`10
`
`2
`In aomttlance with a feature of the present invention. the
`first and second canned message file: may be updated. either
`by the network operation center or from a subscriber termi-
`nal in order to customize the canned messages according to
`the needs of a particular group or organization of subscrib-
`ers. In addition. the canned messages no)! he phrased to
`accept the addition of one or more parameters. which are
`entered at the calling subscriber terminal and then included
`with the message codes sent to the network operation center
`The selected canned messages are retrieved from the first file
`using the message codes and communicated to musicals of
`designated receiving subscribers with the added parameters
`incorporated in the bodies of the canned messages.
`The present invention also accommodates the addition of
`multiple response optic“ to the canned messages selected
`by calling mbsrn-ibers. The multiple response options are
`then included with the canned message codes sent to the
`network donation center. The selected canned messages are
`then retrieved from the first file and communicated to the
`designated receiving subscribers. together with the added
`multiple response options. The receiving parties then select
`the appropriate one of the multiple options for transmission
`hack to the appropu'ate calling subscribers via the netwarlr
`operation centu'. The multiple response options may also he
`cannot] torpedoes maintained in files at the named: opera-
`tion center and the subscribenerminals and. like the canned
`messages. have assigned airports: codes that are handled in
`the same WEI as the message codes.
`In accordance with another feature of the present
`invention. corresponding canned message files are also
`maintained at receiving subscriber terminals. such that the
`canned messages may be communicated to the receiving
`subscribers in message code form. The received message
`codes are then used to retrieve the awroprtate canned
`messages and multiple responm: optirms from stored files.
`and displayed by the receiving party terminals.
`Additional [centres and advantages of the invention will
`be set forth inthe desaiption which follows. and in part will
`be apparent horn the description. or may be learned by
`practice of the invention. The objectives and outer advan-
`tages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
`method and apparatus particularly pointed out in the written
`description and the appended claims. as well as the accom-
`panying drawings.
`It will be understood that both the foregoing general
`deserijnion and the following detailed description are exem-
`plary and explanatory and are intended to provide further
`explanation of the invention as claimed.
`The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a
`further understanding of the invention and are incorporated
`in and constitute a part oi the specification. illustrate a
`prefer-rut embodiment of the invention. and. together with
`the description. serve to explain the principles of the inven-
`lion.
`
`20
`
`35
`
`45
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`As more and more people sign on to information
`networks. congestion of the communications links compris-
`ing these networks. both wireline and wireless. and the
`consequential transmission delays become increasingly sig-
`nificant problems. Film transmission rates. data compres-
`sion techniques. and more eficlent spectrum utilization are
`among the approadtes that have been considered. and to
`some extent
`implemented.
`In increase the capacities of
`communications links.
`One area of particularly rapid gromh is the electronic
`messaging field. More and more people are moving about
`with portable devices. such as laptop computers and portable
`digital devices. which can be economically equipped to
`function as message sendingl‘receiving terminals. Maeovet.
`wirellrs paging hardware. sofiware. and support seniors are
`being upgraded to accommodate two-way messaging. That
`is. portable pagers are being developed not only to receiving
`paging ntessages. but also to send back a signal acknowl—
`edging receipt OI a paging message or even a message
`answering the received paging message. While such
`upgraded paging ravines are bigfly desirable. they can
`severely strain the capacity of wireless pag‘ng channels.
`SW OFTHE INVENTION
`
`It is accordingly a principle object of the present invention
`to provide an improved electronic messaging ironwork and
`method. wherein communications link capadty is conserved
`by transmitting certain messages with an moved degree of
`message compression.
`Particrlarly in the case of radio paging. many paging
`messages consists of a relatively small number of common
`phrases. such as “I am on the way home". “I am working
`late“. “Can we meet forlunch“. ete.'t'hls being the case. such
`commonly used phrases can be rented as “canned" mes-
`sages that can be replaced by short message codes as simple
`as. for atample. one or several ASCII characters.
`The present invention takes advantage of this fact by
`providing. in accordance with one preferred embodiment. a
`method of communicating messages lttween subscribers of
`an demonic messaging network; comprising the steps of
`maintaining. at a network operation center. a first file ct
`canned messages individually removable using unique.
`abbreviated message codes respectively assigned to the
`canned messages: maintaining. at a lenninal of a calling
`subscriber. a second file of canned messages corresponding
`to the first file: selecting an appropriate canned message
`from the second file [or transmission to a terminal of a
`designated. receiving subscriber: sending lite message code
`assigned to the selected canned message to the network
`operation center: retrieving the selected canned message
`from the tits: file using the message code received from the
`ailing subscriber terminal: andmmmunlcating the selected
`canned message to the designated receiving party terminal
`where it is displayed.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OFTl-IE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic mes—
`saging network utilized in the practice of a preferred
`embodiment of the present invention:
`FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of a
`calling terminnl in the network of FIG. I when sending a
`message in accordance with one embodiment of the inven-
`trDII:
`FIG. 3 Is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the
`network operation centre (N00 in the network of FIG. ]
`when relaying a message from the calling terminal to the
`receiving tenninal in accordance with one embodiment of
`the invention;
`
`65
`
`16
`
`16
`
`

`

`5 394.506
`
`3
`FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the opfiatiorrt of the
`receiving terminal in the network of FIG. I when reoeiving
`a message in accordance with one unbodiment of the
`invention:
`FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the operations of the
`NBC and the nailing terminal regarding a massage response
`from the receiving terminal in accu'dnnce will: one embodi-
`ment of the invention;
`FIG. 6 is a lion.r diagram illustrating the networkopaadon
`to update message files in the NBC andthe callingireoeivlng
`terminals in accordance with one embodiment ofthe inven-
`tion:
`FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of the calling
`tenninal of FIG. 1 in neoordance with one embodimnt of
`the invention: and
`FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of the NOC ofFlG.
`l in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
`Corresponding relerence numaals refer to like parts
`throuylout the drawings.
`DHI'AILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`As seen in FIG. 1. an electronic messaging network in
`accordance with a preferred embodiment of the [resent
`invention includes. a nailing party terminal 10. a network
`operation center (NOB) 12. and a receiving party terminal
`14. It will. be appreciated that. in practice. the netwurk will
`include pluralilies of filling and. receiving party terminals.
`TheeallingpattyterminalllllsoonnectedtoNOCleya
`communications link I6. which may tat: the fruit of land
`line leg. plionellnes). a direct computer link. a wireless
`link. or a satellite linlr. NOC 12 is preferably connected to
`receiving party terminal Id by a wireless communications
`link 18...“ example of a preferable network operation oenta
`that can be implemented in the pradice of the present
`invention is the network operation center being developed
`by Destineer Corporation of Jackson. Miss. to handle their
`Nationwide Wireless Network (NW'N) paging services. That
`NOC and a prefan‘ed moway wireless network for imple-
`menting the present invention are derail-red in [1.5. patent
`application Ser. Number 081124.216. the contents of which
`are hereby incorporated by referenne.
`in accordance with the present invention. calling terminal
`N includes a stored file of canned messages and associated
`canned message nodes. Referring to the how chart of FIG.
`2. when a calling party wisltes to send a massage to a
`reoeivingpatty at terminal llelG. t). the terminal retrieves
`the file of the canned messages from storage {step 22) and
`displays the tile to the calling parry (step a}. The ceiling
`party Iro‘wnes through the I: to determine iftin: text of any
`of the canned messages is ammonium lo COIWEJF the par-
`ticular message that the callingpany wishes to send to the
`receiving party. it an appropriate onnned message is noted.
`the calling party selects this canned message (step 26) using
`suitable pointing means. 5nd] at a mouse. cursor. etc. Based
`on the tanned message selection. lamina] 10 retrieves the
`associated donned message code from the file (step 18).
`ifthe selected canned message calls for the inclusion of
`n parnrneterls}. such as. for example. time. date. phone
`number. etc.. the calling party enters a desired parameterts).
`using an appropriate entry device. such as a keypad [step
`30). The nailing terminal 10 compiles the removed. message
`rode associated with the selected owned message with an
`appropriate indicator node. ealling and receiving terminal
`addresses. and added parametus. if any {step 32). Terminal
`to then n-ansruits the compiled matted message aides and
`
`10
`
`IS
`
`35
`
`45
`
`$5
`
`—
`
`4
`together with calling and receiving.
`parameters. if any.
`taminal addresses to NOC 11 over nommunicatinns little to
`lFIG. 1) tslep 3'!)-
`Assume. for example. that the canned. message selected
`bythecalljngpartyin stepMis'Tarnonmyway home".
`This finned message does not call for tire addition of
`patmneters. The associated code for this canned message.
`may be. for example. the number 3-6 in ASCII code. To
`indicate that number 36 is a tanned message code. dte
`calling terminal [0 adds a suitable indicator code. sodt as
`ASClI noon-oi diameter 16. Thus. the compiled canned
`message codes representing the canned message “i am on
`my way home" is transmitted in step 34 to NOC 11 simply
`as <16>36.
`An example of a canned message calling for the inclusion
`ofparameters maybe‘f‘all meatarpbone number."l‘his
`canned messageoallsfa' the callingparrytotlllinadesired
`time parameter and a phone number (step 303. Suppose the
`calling party wishm the receiving party to call him at 4 PM
`all phone number 555-1212. the following canned message
`codes are then compiled by the calling terninal 10 and
`transmitted to NOC 12 as:
`dblm—WMMHD
`
`where:
`46> is an ASCII control ohm-anon sewing as a canned
`message indicator.
`18 is the code associated with canned message "Call me
`at at phone number ".
`(lib-is anASCII control characterservingasaparametet
`separator. and
`4PM and 5551212 are the keyedin parameters.
`In addition to parameters.
`the present invention also
`provides for the addition of response options to certain
`canned messages typically potted as questions. To this end.
`tuminal l0 minteins a file oi canned response qztions.
`Then. it the calling parry wishes to add response options to
`a selected canned message. the calling party accesses the
`canned response options tile (step 36}. width is then dis-
`played by terminal ltl (step 38]. The calling party browse:
`through this tile to detennine which of the multiple response
`options are appogxiate for addition to the selected canned
`message to he sent to the designated receiving parry The
`calling party selects the 8W8": canned response options
`(stepdllindtesamemannerasintlle selection otfthe canned
`message. and the calling terminal I. retrieves the particular
`codes associated with the selected canned response options
`(step 4.2). If the selected canned response options call for the
`addition ofparamelas. such as time. the calling party enters
`the desired paramoterlt) {step 44). The selected canned
`response mules and parmtetm are then compiled with the
`canned message node and any canned message parameters
`(step 32). The calling terminal then nansmits the compiled
`canned message and response nodes.
`together with any
`parameters to NBC 12 (step 3‘).
`By way of example. if the selected onnned triessage is
`"Can We sign the document first thing tomorrow?“ followad
`by selected canned response options “yes". "no". and
`“change to 1 PM". the canned message codes and param-
`eters transmitted to NOC 12 would preterahly he as follows:
`Mmlfimdlm'fd‘bll'fl
`
`where:
`QE> is an ASCII control character serving as the canned
`message and multiple response options indicator.
`d9:- is an ASCII control character serving as the param—
`eter separator.
`
`17
`
`17
`
`

`

`5.894.506
`
`5
`
`)0
`
`15
`
`15
`
`35
`
`IS
`
`55
`
`5
`41; is an ASCII control character unit separator used as
`a delincntor separating multiple response options from the
`canned message and from each min:
`62 is the code associated with canned message “Can we
`sign the. document first thing tomonowT.
`‘l
`is the code associated with canned response option
`“Yes";
`2 is the code associated with canned response option
`can".
`7 is the code associated with canned response (nation
`“change to“. and
`1PM is the keyod-in parameter.
`The following example illustrates that. in some cases.
`parameters added to canned messages may he canned
`parameters also stored at
`the calling terndnal 1!. Such
`manned parametfis may be included in the canned message
`file.
`the canned multiple response. options fill: or it: a
`separate canned paras-new file stored at the calling terminal.
`If canned parameters are stored in separate file [mm the
`canned message file and the cannedmultlple response Option
`file. parameter selection by the calling party is achieved
`using a separate subroutine corresponding to the subroutine
`used to select canned multiple response options.
`To illustrate this case. consider the canned message "Can
`we meet for lunch at or
`'i'. and the Elected multiple
`response options are “noon“. “12:30" or “call rne’.‘ The
`compilation of codes andparameters transmitted to Not: 12
`Would then be:
`Wlmlmnflidmlfidb l 2 MID-(H38
`where:
`<36) is theASCH control character saving as the canned
`message and multiple response options indicator.
`41> is the ASCII coon-cl diameter saving as a delin-
`caror for separating the canned message and multiple
`response options from each other.
`<29> is the parameter separator.
`10 is the code associated with canned message “Can we
`meet for lunch at or '2‘".
`8 is the code associated with the canned parameter and
`response onion “call me“.
`15 is the code associated with canned parameter and
`response option “noon“. and
`12:30 is the keyed-tn parameter.
`FIG. 3 illustrates the operation of NOC 12 in accordance
`withone embodiment of the invention. The canned messagell
`response option codes and any parameters transmitted by
`clfling terminal 10 over communications link to are
`received by a N06 receiver (step 59]. From the calling and
`receiving terminal addresses included with the canned
`messagdresponse option codes. the identities of the calling
`and receiving terminals ll and III (FIG. 1) are determined
`(step 5:). These determination: are stored in memory {step
`it}. From the identity of the receiving terminal 14. NOC 12
`determines if receiving terminal In is capable of accepting
`this particular canned message/response option. NOC 12 is
`programmed to make this ammunition for several reasons.
`For example. NOC‘ Rhonda toknotv whether the designated
`receiving party is a member of a messa-ng group or
`organization that has establishedafile ot‘ customized canned
`messages and response options and thus has access to a
`terminal in which files of the customized cant-ted messagest‘
`response option and associated codes are stored in memory.
`Also.
`the files of cloned messages may include both
`standard. network-wide canned messages and canned mes:
`sages customized for a partiallar group. Thus.NDC 12 must
`detennine. whether the designated receiving party terminal
`
`6
`can aceqtt only standard canned messagesiresponse options.
`only customiaed canned messageslresponse options or both.
`In any case. NOC 12 maintains multiple tiles of canned
`messages and tanned response options. including files ideni
`final to those stated at calling terminal 10 and possibly also
`at receiving terminal 14.
`Based on this determination. NBC unetennines whether
`the designated receiving party lamina] can accept the
`canned message in node form. Le.. as received from the
`sendingpntl'ty termini. or whether the canned message must
`be transmitted in lull lent to the receiving party terminal
`(step 56]. 1f the designated receiving terminal can accept
`canned messagelresponse option codes. they are transmitted
`to the designated receiving party terminal in the same form
`as received irom the sending puny terminal (step 53]. If the
`designated receiving party tetrnintd is not equipped to pro-
`cess canned mesaagefrcsponse option codes. NBC 12 uses
`the canned messagclresponsc option codes received from the
`calling part}! terminal 10 to retrieve horn the appropriate
`their) the text of the associated canned message and tool
`tiplc response qxions. ii any. from a memory {step 60). The
`text of the canned message and response options. together
`with parameters. is then transmitted in standard message
`code format by NOC 12 to the receiving terminal (step 58).
`FIG. 4 illustrates the operation of receiving terminal 14
`upon receiving a message transmission. according to an
`embodimmt of the invention. Initially. terminal ld receives
`the canned messagefreaponse option transmission from
`NOE 12 [step 1'0). The receiving terminal then determines
`Whether the canned measagct‘reapcnse option reception is in
`message text or canned message code (Sig: 72}. If in text. the
`canned message and any response options are displayed in
`the receiving party (step 74). Alternatively. if the reception
`is in manned messagu‘responae option codes. the receiving
`[tarry rennin-l 14. using these nodes. retrieves; the associated
`canned messages. canned response options. and canned
`parameters from the various stored files identical to those
`stored at calling terminal lit and NBC 12 (step 76]. The
`unloved canned mmsage. raponse options. and parameters.
`if any. are displayed in text form fa viewing by the
`receiving party terminal (step 1'4).
`If any response options are included with the canned
`message.the receiving party selomthe appropriate response
`Option (step 1'8). which is then transmitted by the receiving
`terminal hack to NOC 11(slep 80}. Since a typical response
`option is very short. it can be efiiciently transmitted back to
`NBC 12 in ASCII text code format. However. it will be
`appreciated that the receiving terminal may be so equipped
`that
`the code associated with the selected response. as
`received from NOC 12. may simply be transmitted back to
`the NOC 12 in response option code. Alternatively. the
`receiving terminal may be equipped with keys positioned in
`associated relation with the display of the multiple response
`options. Depression of any one of the keys selects the
`associated one of the response options. and a unique, simple
`node assigned to the demessed key is transmitted baclno the
`NOC 12.
`FIG. 5 illustrates the operation offlto NBC and the calling
`terminal in relaying a selected response option from the
`receiving terminal to the calling tenninalln accordance with
`an embodiment of the invention. Initially. NOC 12 receives
`the selects! response option transmitted by the receiving
`patty terminal 14 (step 82). NOC then determines whether
`the received response option is in ASCII text code format or
`in canned response option rode [step 83). If in text code.
`NBC simply relays the selected response option to the
`calling [any taminal 10 {.5qu 56}. If the selected response
`
`18
`
`18
`
`

`

`5.894.506
`
`7
`option is received from the receiving party terminal in
`canned response option code. a decision is made whether to
`transmit the selected response option to the calling party
`terminal in tanned [emanate code or in ASCII text code (step
`84]. If the former.
`the canned response code is simply
`nonsmittod to the calling party terminal 10 as received from
`the receiving terminal (step so]. ttinASCl] text code. NOC'
`12 is programmed to access its stored canned multiple
`response option file and. using the received response option
`code. retrieve the selected canned response option [ext (step
`88). which is then transmitted in ASCII text code to the
`calling party tin-initial 10 (rim 8:6}.
`The selected response option relayed by NBC 12 is
`received by calling terminal I! (step 90). which then deter-
`mines whether the response option is in text code format it
`canned response code (step 92]. [fin test code. the response
`option is decoded and displayed to the mllittg party (step
`94). If the selected response option is in code form. the
`calling terminal simply accesses its stored response options
`tile and. using the received response option code. achieves
`the associated response option teat (step 96). which is then
`displayed to the calling party (step 94).
`NOC 12. as part of its system responsibilities. is capable
`of updating the canned message. canned response option.
`and canned parameter files. FIG. 6 illustrates the procedure
`for updating these files in accordance with one embodiment
`of the invention. NOC 12 updates the files (step 100} and
`stores the canned file updates in the NOE memory (step
`1'2). NOC 12 then transmits the updated. canned files to all
`of die terminals in a particular two-way messaging group.
`including calling terminal ll and receiving terminal 14 (step
`104). The canned file updates are received by the messaging
`group nominals (step 106) and stored in the terminal memo-
`ries (step 108}. It will be appreciated that updated mned
`files may be created at one of the terminals and transmilred
`to NOC 12. which then operates to disseminate the file
`updates to 011111 tu’minals of the messaging group.
`As indicated above. the calling la'rninal 10 and NOC 12
`are disclosed more fully in the cited application Ser. No.
`081124.216 and preferably rewrite the structure disclosed
`in this application. For illustrative purposes. npplicants
`include FIGS. 7 and s to illustrate preferred structure in
`taloclt diagram form.
`A Feta-red strucntre of filling terminal 10 appropinte
`for practicing the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 7,
`As shown. the calling terminal 10 includes a CPU 110. a
`ROM 112 to store an application program for controlling
`lerminal operation in norm-dance With the present invention.
`a RAM 114 to store the canned messagdresponse opdonsi
`parameter flies and associated codes. and a cmnpiler 116 it:
`assembling the ntessageircsponse optionst‘pamneter codes.
`indicator a