NO321223B1 - Procedure and facility for conditional forwarding of an IM message - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to digital communication.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for conditional forwarding of an IM message, for execution by a client computer operatively connected to an IM server through a computer network. The invention also relates to a client computer that operates in accordance with the method, and a computer program that operates in accordance with the method.

Background for the invention

The Internet has changed traditional methods of communication. E.g. e-mail has replaced conventional letters when choosing correspondence. Recently, another form of Internet communication, Instant Messaging (IM), has gained popularity. With IM, messages are sent between two or more participants practically in real time, i.e. "instantaneously".

Well-known examples of current IM systems include AOL Instant messenger, Yahoo! Messenger and Microsoft MSN Messenger.

An instant messaging system typically notifies users of changes in the state of other users. A user can thus decide whether another user is currently connected to the instant messaging system, and the user can decide whether this user changes his or her connection state.

When a user logs into the IM system, the user sends

presence information to the IM system, thereby announcing his or her presence on the system. When the user logs out of the IM system, or terminates the connection to the IM system, the presence information for that user is updated to indicate that the user is offline.

Transmission of short messages, such as SMS messages, among mobile telephone users is also well known in the art. Furthermore, there are known systems for combining short messages such as SMS messages in telecommunications systems and instant messaging via the Internet. Thus, there are previous solutions where an IM server is arranged to forward an IM message as an SMS message to a mobile terminal in the event that the intended recipient's presence information indicates that the user is offline, or when the user has set his

presence information to passive online state.

AOL 9.0 Optimized is a previously known instant messenger system which provides for the forwarding of a message as an SMS message to a mobile terminal. Such forwarding is carried out on the condition that the message recipient is offline or not present. Even with such presence-based routing, however, it may happen that some messages do not reach the recipient in the way expected. This can happen if the recipient leaves the client computer without bothering to log out or notify the IM server, and if an IM message to the recipient arrives at the IM server in the intervening time period after the user has left the computer, and before the presence information changes its state automatically. In this case, the IM system judges that the recipient is online and active, and it will perform the notification and delivery procedure in the same way as if he were present. This may involve displaying the message on the screen, in an open chat window, on the client computer. No forwarding to SMS will take place and the recipient will be able to read the message when he returns to his client computer.

Another disadvantage of such previously known solutions is that the sender will not be notified that the recipient has not read the message.

Summary of the Invention

One purpose of the present invention is to provide a computer-implemented method, a client computer and a computer program whereby at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art are overcome.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a computer-implemented method, a client computer and a computer program which involves improved usability and improved reliability for IM services.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method for executing a client computer operatively connected to an IM server through a computer network, as set forth in the appended independent claim 1.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a client computer as set forth in the appended independent claim 7.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program as set forth in the appended independent claim 8.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

Further features and principles of the present invention will be understood from the detailed description below.

It is to be understood that both the above general description and the following detailed description are given by way of example and for explanation, and are not limiting of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The attached drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the drawings are

Fig. 1 is an example block diagram illustrating an IM system that includes a client computer operating in accordance with the invention, Fig. 2 is an example block diagram illustrating the structure of an IM client computer operating in accordance with the invention, Fig. 3 is an example flow chart that illustrates a method in accordance with the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Reference is now made to the present invention in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the attached drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or identical parts.

Fig. 1 is an example block diagram illustrating an IM system including a client computer operating in accordance with the invention.

In the illustrated system, a first client computer 80 and a second client computer 100 are both operatively connected to the Internet by means of communication links 70 and 90, respectively. Both client computers 80, 100 are provided with IM client software, which enables them to communicate with instant messaging, in cooperation with the IM server computer 50, which is also connected to the Internet 60.

Furthermore, in the illustrated system in fig. 1 is a first mobile terminal 10 such as a mobile phone, and a second mobile terminal 20 such as a mobile phone, both operatively connected to a mobile communication network 30, such as a GSM/GPRS network, via cellular base stations 12, 22. The mobile communication network 30 is arranged to provide a message service, such as SMS (Short Message Service) included in GSM-type mobile communication networks.

The IM server 50 is arranged to communicate with

the mobile communication network using SMS-C (Short Message Service Center) 32, which is connected to the mobile communication network 30.

The Short Message Service Center (SMS-C) 32 is a network device arranged to store and forward short messages such as SMS messages in the mobile network 30. The IM server 50 is arranged to receive an incoming IM message from the first client computer 80 or from the second client computer 100. The IM server 50 is further arranged to receive an incoming IM message from SMS-C, which originates as an SMS sent by one of the mobile terminals 10, 20 respectively. The IM server 50 is further arranged to notify a recipient of the occurrence of an incoming IM message. The identification of the recipient is derived from the message header. The recipient is basically an end user communicating with the IM server using a client computer 80, 100. The IM server 50 maintains certain data associated with a user, including an identification of a mobile phone number associated with the user. The IM server 50 is arranged to receive a request from the client computer to send an undelivered IM message to the client computer. The IM server is arranged to, in response to such reception, send the IM message to the client computer. The IM server 50 is further arranged to receive a request to forward an IM message to a mobile terminal associated with the user identified as the recipient of the IM message. The IM server 50 is arranged, in response to such receipt of a forwarding request, to forward the contents of the IM message as an SMS to the mobile terminal associated with the recipient.

Fig. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating the structure of an IM client computer in accordance with the invention.

The illustrated structure is a hardware environment in which the method according to the invention can be advantageously carried out. A suitable hardware environment can be a regular personal computer, comprising a bus 104 which interconnects and enables communication between a central processing unit 102, a memory 110, a storage device adapter 140, a network adapter 150, a display adapter 120 and an input adapter 130.

A display 122, such as an LCD screen or a CRT monitor, is connected to the display adapter 120. A keyboard 132 and a pointing device 134, such as a mouse, are connected to the input adapter 130. A storage device 142, such as a hard disk drive, and a reader 144 for an optical storage medium, such as a CD-ROM drive, is connected to the storage device adapter 140. A communication link 90 is connected to the network adapter 150, enabling the client computer to communicate with an external computer network, particularly the Internet.

In operation of the present invention, the memory 110 contains an IM client code portion 112, which contains a sequence of instructions that provide IM functionality to the client computer 100 when the code portion is executed by the central processing unit 102. The IM client code portion 112 may be loaded into the memory from the hard disk drive 142, or from the CD-ROM drive 144, or alternatively downloaded from an external server via the Internet using a propagated signal received by the network adapter 150.

The features of the IM client code 112 constitute a new and characteristic feature of the present invention.

Since these features cause the client computer to operate in a unique manner, the programmed client computer itself is a novel and distinctive invention.

In particular, the IM client code 112 is arranged to cause the client computer to perform a method in accordance with the invention, as described below with reference to fig. 3.

The detailed implementation of a computer program code to carry out the invention is an ordinary task for one skilled in the art, based on the specification below of the method illustrated in FIG. 3.

Fig. 3 is an example flowchart illustrating a computer-implemented method in accordance with the method.

The method is executed by the client computer 100, which is operatively connected to the IM server 50 via the computer network 60, as previously illustrated with reference to FIG. 1. The purpose of the method is to provide conditional forwarding of an IM message addressed to the user (recipient) of the client computer 100.

The procedure starts at reference 202.

The method is typically performed as part of the execution of an IM client computer program executed in the client computer 100. More specifically, the method is typically performed when a chat window is opened on the display 122 of the client computer 100. The identity of the user of the client computer 100 is known to the IM server 50, e.g. by a login/password authentication routine that is well known in the art.

First, in steps 204 and 206, a signal is received from the IM server via connection 90. The signal indicates the occurrence at the IM server 50 of an incoming IM message to the recipient identified as the user of the client computer 100. More specifically, step 204 is repeated waiting on an incoming IM message until notification of an incoming message. The IM message may have originated in another client computer, e.g. the client computer 80 in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the IM message may have been sent from SMS-C, in the event that the message was originally an SMS sent by a mobile terminal such as the first mobile terminal 10 in fig. 1.

Furthermore, in step 208, a notification about the incoming message is presented to the user. More specifically, the notification is displayed on the display 122 of the client computer 100, preferably in the open chat window. Alternatively or additionally, an audible notification is given to the user by means of an audio interface in the client computer.

If a chat window is not open, a new chat window can be opened in the IM client as part of the notification step.

A particular feature of the invention is that the real content of the message is hidden from the user at this point. Only the notification is displayed.

The presented notification advantageously includes an identification of the sender of the message. This identification is derived from the signal received from the IM server during steps 204, 206 above. The notification also includes a request for a user activity on the client computer, such as the phrase ("move the mouse to see the message").

Furthermore, the presented notification advantageously includes data representing the content size and/or content type of the incoming IM message.

Most advantageously, the presented notification comprises both an identification of the message sender, data representing the content size and data representing the content type.

Further, in step 210, user activity at the client computer is determined within a predetermined timeout period. More specifically, one is detected

input device action, such as operation of a key on the keyboard 132 or movement of the mouse 134, within the timeout period.

Thus, the determination step 210 is terminated in response to detection of a keystroke, in response to detection of a mouse movement, or in response to the termination of the timeout period, whichever occurs first.

The timeout period is advantageously in the range of 10 sec. to 10 min., giving the user time to react, while maintaining the near-instantaneous user experience of SMS messaging.

The value for the timeout period can e.g. be identical to the timeout period associated with presence status in a "presence-based routing" feature of the IM server, as discussed in the prior art section above.

The actual timeout period may be preset by the user as part of the user interface preferences of the IM client computer program. Alternatively, the actual value for the timeout period may be received from the IM server, e.g. as a parameter sent with the signal indicating the occurrence of an incoming message.

If the result of the determination step 210 is that user activity is detected within the timeout period, it is assumed that the user is present at the client computer, ready to receive and read the IM message. In this case, step 212 of requesting and receiving the IM message from the IM server is performed, followed by step 214 of displaying the received IM message in the chat window. Step 212 is optional if the message content is included in the incoming message notification 206.

Then, the overall process from step 204 is repeated.

On the other hand, if the result of step 210 is that user activity is not detected within the timeout period, the forwarding request step 216 is performed.

In the forwarding request step 216, a request to forward the IM message to a mobile terminal in a mobile communication network is sent from the IM client 100 to the IM server 50. In response to this step, the IM server forwards the contents of the IM message to the SMS-C and so on to a mobile terminal (e.g. the mobile terminal 20).

The mobile terminal is identified by a telephone number. This phone number may be stored in the IM server, in a storage area associated with the IM client user. Alternatively, the identification of the mobile terminal can be sent by the IM client. In the latter case, the identification will be sent as part of the forwarding request in step 216.

Once the request is sent, the IM client process is repeated from step 204.

The process can be interrupted or terminated by the user at any time, e.g. by shutting down the client.

Several modifications and adaptations of the present invention are possible.

E.g. the mobile communication network 30 may be any mobile communication network that provides a messaging service between end users, such as a GPRS-enabled network, or a 3G network, operating in accordance with the UMTS or CDMA2000 technologies.

Although the detailed description refers to SMS messages, any types of messages in mobile communication systems can be used, such as e.g.

MMS.

The detailed description refers to the client computer as a personal computer. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that desktop workstations, laptop or handheld computers may be used as client computers in accordance with the invention.

As an alternative, however, which is not covered by the present invention as set forth in the patent claims, the logic associated with the invention may be executed on the IM server instead of the client, except for display and input device handling.

The computer program in accordance with the invention advantageously comprises additional portions, which results in a total IM client program with various additional features, which may be known in and of themselves. Such features may include appearance-related features, e.g. external options and language options that can be selected by a user. Additional features include various connection and network features, such as automatically connecting to a specific IM server on startup, authentication/login procedures, and credential handling. The IM client can also include a buddy list feature, whereby SMS buddies and IM buddies for different IM platforms can be identified. These buddies are advantageously arranged in groups. IM client actions such as "open chat window", "send file" or "remove buddy", among others, are advantageously available for each buddy. Features for adding and editing buddies may also be available in the IM client computer program. Additional possible features include presence status management, chat session management, and emoticon management.

Application example

An example scenario illustrating the technical effect and applicability achieved by the invention will now be described, with reference to the above detailed description, especially fig. 1.

An SMS message is sent from the first mobile terminal of a message sender. The SMS message is addressed to the IM server 50, and the SMS identifies the message recipient as a registered user of the IM service provided by the IM server 50. The telephone number of the second mobile terminal 20 is associated with the message recipient, i.e. the registered user, and data representing this telephone number is stored in the IM server 50.

The SMS message sent from the first mobile terminal 10 causes a corresponding IM message to be sent from the SMS-C 32 to the IM server 50. In response to receiving this IM message, the IM server 50 provides a signal to the recipient, i.e. the registered user of the client computer 100, indicating the occurrence of the incoming IM message. The client computer receives the signal. As a result, a notification is presented to the recipient, requesting a user activity such as a mouse movement. If such user activity is detected in the client computer within the preset timeout period, the client computer will request and receive the real IM message, and the IM message will be displayed in a chat window. If, on the other hand, the timeout period expires without any client user activity being detected, forwarding to

SMS.

The above detailed description of the invention has been presented for illustrative purposes.

Claims (10)

1. Computer-implemented method for conditional forwarding of an IM message from an IM server to a mobile terminal in a mobile communications network, where the conditional forwarding is based on detection of user activity at a client computer operatively connected to the IM server via a computer network, characterized in that the method is executed by the client computer and comprises the following steps: (a) receiving a signal from the IM server, which signal indicates the occurrence of an incoming IM message from a network device arranged to store and forward messages having its origin as SMS or MMS sent by a first mobile terminal operating in the mobile communication network, (b) to present a notification to a user, (c) to detect user activity within a predetermined timeout period, (d) if user activity is not detected within said timeout- period, to send to the IM server a request to forward the IM message to a second mobile terminal operating in the mobile communication network. 2. Procedure in accordance with claim 1, where said notification includes an identification of the message sender, derived from the received signal, and a request for user activity at the client computer. 3. Procedure in accordance with claim 2, where said notification further comprises data representing content size or content type for the incoming IM message. 4. Method in accordance with one of claims 1-3, where said detection step (c) comprises the step detecting an input device action within said timeout period. 5. Procedure in accordance with claim 4, where said detection step (c) is interrupted in response to detection of a keystroke, in response to detection of a mouse movement, or in response to the end of the timeout period. 6. Method in accordance with one of claims 1-3, where said presentation step (b) comprises the step to display said notification on a display. 7. Client computer, operatively connected to an IM server via a computer network, arranged for conditional forwarding of an IM message, said computer being programmed to carry out a method in accordance with one of claims 1-6. 8. Computer program for conditional forwarding of an IM message, comprising instructions which cause a client computer to perform a method in accordance with one of claims 1-6 when executed by a processing device in said client computer. 9. Computer program in accordance with claim 8, specifically executed in a memory device, in a storage device or in a storage medium. 10. Computer program in accordance with claim 8, specifically executed on a propagated signal.