AU2012101867B4

AU2012101867B4 - A method and system to create an MMS compliant image of an entire message on a mobile device.

Info

Publication number: AU2012101867B4
Application number: AU2012101867A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dian Belinda Blades
Original assignee: Blades Dian Ms
Current assignee: Blades Dian Ms
Priority date: 2009-12-04
Filing date: 2012-12-22
Publication date: 2013-10-31
Anticipated expiration: 2018-02-02
Also published as: AU2011202042A1; AU2011202042B2; AU2011202042B9; AU2011202042C1; AU2013200631A1; AU2012101867A4

Abstract

Page 14 A method and system applied on a mobile device comprising means to convert one of a SMS message and a MMS message displayed on the mobile device to an image, the mobile device comprising a user interface and a display screen and comprising internal processing means to create an image of a message wherein a single processing step in the mobile device comprises means to convert an entire message and including a background to an image in converting the entire message to an image format.

Description

Page 1 TITLE OF INVENTION A method and system applied on a mobile device, comprising means to create an image of a message wherein a message for converting to an image is one of a SMS message and a MMS message. This Application is a Divisional of Au2011202042; Priority Au2009905882: 04 December, 2009 FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention is directed to methods for creating and delivering messages within a mobile communications network. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In order for a text message to appear at a receiving mobile device in exactly the same way as it appears on the sending device, the same font or fonts used for sending the message must be installed on the receiving device. As this is not possible due to the many operating systems in use by different mobile device manufacturers, there have been complicated prior art workarounds devised to create and deliver messages comprising a plurality of fonts and colours, however significant limitations associated with these methods have prevented this wonderful concept from reaching the wider market including but not limited to the following wherein there exists a dependency on: i) The internet; ii) Additional server requirements; iii) High end operating systems including those that support a table and cell system/grid or table structure; iv) Mark up languages, for example, XML and HTML; v) Compatible operating systems; vi) Compatible programs; vii) Various complex software applications, for example those that encode and decode a message. Instant messaging allows users to personalise messages, however instant messaging is an internet dependent real-time form of communication that is distinctly different to the widely used Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). 0 The method of the present invention is not disadvantaged by the above stated limitations and provides means to personally design a message comprising fonts and colours using even a conservative handset wherein internal processing means within a mobile device comprise means to locally execute the method. In particular, it is anticipated that the present invention will bring much enjoyment to the younger market who cannot afford high end devices with complex technology. Within its scope and at a time when the 5 mail system is increasingly replaced by electronic means, the concept of creating multimedia message electronic greeting cards on a mobile device is further anticipated to have strong appeal within the entire mobile phone market. In accordance with prior art, it is not possible to change the font features of selected input text within a 0 message that is for transmission within a cellular network. It is only possible to select input text and change its attributes within a message that is to be file transferred as an email. This can be wherein both the sending and receiving device support a computer based operating system or wherein an operator has employed a text-based program to create a message. In using a text-based program, a created document must be saved and file attached to a message and sent as an email as Short Message Service and 5 Multimedia Messaging Service do not support word document attachments.

Page 2 In accordance with the present invention, a text-based program is not used to create a graphically expressive message. Alternate means to select graphics is devised wherein, in an exemplary embodiment, selectable graphics are incorporated in the settings of a mobile device within a menu structure that can be accessed from the mobile user interface. As this method avoids creating a word document attachment, a message does not have to be file transferred as an email. Furthermore, by avoiding the creation of an attachment, a message can be instantly displayed on a destination mobile device which is essential to the objective of creating emotion associated with special occasion messages. The method of file transfer devised in respect of another aspect of the present invention will be later described in detail and in comprising means to create an image of a message, irrespective of the message contents whatsoever, provides a solution to existing limitations that prevent the delivery of fonts and colours to an input device wherein those fonts and colours are different to the system font and colour or configuration of the input device for receiving messages. DEFINITIONS "Mobile device" as used herein refers to all manner of cellular or mobile phones including smart phones and including any other portable handheld communication unit having a display screen and a user interface, comprising means for an operator to input data in creating a message, including but not limited to a mobile internet device and unified communication devices. "Phone" or "handset" means: mobile device. The term "image" as used herein refers to a Jpeg image or any other portable graphic file formal that 5 conforms to the MMS Standards. The term "picture" as used herein refers to any visual image or representation, however produced. The term "portable graphic file" as used herein includes graphic file formats including, but not limited to, JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF and BMP. 0 "Text" or "textual information" is considered herein to be any written symbology that imparts information to a reader. While described herein in relation to English-language text using the Latin alphabet, the invention can be applied as well to other languages and symbologies. In addition, the invention can be employed with alphanumeric text, alphabetic text or numeric text. 5 SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present invention advances over existing art, introducing unique means to graphically edit a message that is for transmission as a multimedia message on both a touch screen and non-touch screen mobile device wherein the attributes of selected input text within a message can be converted such that the text 40 selectively displays from graphics comprising a plurality of font designs, a plurality of font colours and a plurality of font sizes and wherein the same selectable graphics can be used to configure a base display for entering text in creating a message. In converting text within a message, the selectable graphics can be used without limitation and a single message may be generated to comprise font features including a plurality of font designs, a plurality of font colours and a plurality of font sizes, including any one of. or 45 any combination of the said pluralities. A background may be selected for inclusion within a created message and underline may be further included as an optional graphical feature. A picture or pictures including images and/or other graphical pictures may also form part of a created message. A text-based program is not used to create textual information within a message and in providing for the accurate display of a created message on a destination mobile device, an entire message comprising information 50 entered by a user onto the input unit used to create a message on a sending mobile device, including a background and that may comprise both fonts and pictures including images and/or other graphics in forming a message comprising multiple contents is, within an exemplary embodiment, automatically converted to a single Jpeg image or other portable graphic file that conforms to the MMS Standards at the point of file transfer of the message wherein the image of a converted message forms an entire 55 message on a destination mobile device and wherein, in creating an image of a message by employing a screen capture method, it is not essential that the sending device is equipped with a digital camera.

Page 3 EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION ARE NOW DESCRIBED Before explaining methods and embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways including, but not limited to, providing means to execute the method wherein the selectable graphics are not stored within the settings of a mobile device or providing means to create messages using custom designed fonts (for example, multiple coloured fonts), and that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. In providing means to execute the method, the system of the present invention may be configured within a mobile device or downloaded to a mobile device within a mobile application wherein the mobile application is one of an application that can modify and interact with the settings of the mobile device in providing means to create a message and an application that comprises internal processing means to create a message. The present invention is of a method and system comprising means to: 2. Personally design a message on a mobile device as illustrated in Diagrams 1-3 and Diagrams 14-16 and as described within Flowcharts I and 4. 2. Convert a created message to an image at the point of file transfer of the message wherein the entire information entered by a user onto the input field used to create a message on a first mobile device is converted to a single Jpeg image or other portable graphic file for direct transmission as a multimedia message to a second mobile device within a cellular network. 3. Accurately display fonts and colours on a destination mobile device, regardless of type or model, wherein the destination mobile device only requires output means to render an image and wherein the same fonts and colours used to create a message on a sending mobile device may not be installed on the destination mobile device and wherein the method and system is independent of the requirement of a text-based program on both the sending and receiving devices, compatible operating systems, computer based operating systems, complex software applications, the ) internet and additional server requirements including those provided for by a font server. 4. Configure a mobile device with a base display as described within Flowcharts 1 and 4 wherein this configuration is called 'Set Format'. 5. Separately configure all displays on a mobile device as described within Flowcharts 2 and 5 wherein this configuration is called 'Display Set Format'. 5 6. Separately configure the dialing display of a mobile device to be used by an operator when making and receiving calls as described within Flowcharts 3 and 6 wherein this configuration is called 'Call Display'. Preferred means to design and position textual information within a message is now summarized: *0 iv) A drop-down selector or a menu structure incorporating selectable graphics is, within in exemplary embodiment, configured within the settings of a mobile device and accessible via for example, the main menu or via a menu that is associated with a displayed message, for example, an options menu, wherein means is provided for an operator to select font features 1.5 one or more times for inclusion within a single message; v) Means is provided to select graphics in one of converting the attributes of selected input text within a created message such that the text selectively displays from a plurality of font designs, a plurality of font colours and a plurality of font sizes and editing the font features of the base display or configuration of the mobile device or the base display for creating 50 messages as provided by a mobile application to selectively display a font design, a font colour and a font size, providing for the display of textual information to be entered onto the input field used to create a message; Touch sensitive means is provided on a touch screen mobile device to determine the location of, and to 55 select input text within a created message that is to be converted to selectively display from a plurality of font designs, a plurality of font colours and a plurality of font sizes; Page 4 iv) Means is provided to determine the location of input text within a message on a non-touch screen mobile device at a curser wherein the space bar provides means to position the cursor 5 at any location across the input field used to create a message and the directional keypad provides means to position the cursor onto any line within the same field. It is further devised that a dedicated keystroke is activated at a cursor and before an operator uses the directional keypad in providing means to select text within a created message that is to be converted to selectively display from a plurality of font designs, a plurality of font colours [0 and a plurality of font sizes. Flowcharts 1 and 4 and Diagrams 9 and 10 illustrate preferred means to access selectors for the purpose of designing a message using either a touch screen or a non-touch screen mobile device wherein a drop down selector as described in the user interface description of Example lor a menu structure as described [5 in the user interface description of Example 2 is provided. An exemplary method of creating a message is now described. To initiate the creation of a message, an operator may enter the input field used to create a message on a !0 mobile device via the main menu wherein a dedicated means to create a message is provided as illustrated within Diagram 4 and named as a 'Flexible Font message' menu item. This menu item provides for the creation of a message, named as a 'Flexible Font message' for the purpose of reference, that is to be automatically displayed as an image on a destination mobile device when the instruction to send the message is executed. Selected textual information within a created message can be graphically !5 edited such that the text selectively displays from a plurality of font designs, a plurality of font colours and a plurality of font sizes and the message may further comprise a selected background and be edited to include one or more pictures comprising images and/or other graphics entered within the same input field used to create a message which is adapted to be input multiple contents. In providing for the display of a message as an image on a destination mobile device, the sending means of a 'Flexible Font message' ;0 is adapted to automatically capture an entire message, including either a selected or the base display/default background, to a single Jpeg image or other portable graphic file that conforms to the MMS Standards. It is preferred that a message is transmitted to a recipients phone number previously designated by a user and that an output device will receive an error notification in the rare case of an input device being unable to render an image. ;5 Whilst the method of converting text provides means to design special occasion or fun messages for display on a destination mobile device, it is to be understood that the 'Set Format' (base display) can be configured to provide the same. An example may be wherein an operator edits the font features of textual information to be entered onto the input field used to create a message in selecting via for example the 40 main menu and before creating a message: 1) a red font; 2) 'Ar Berkley' font style, 3) size 28 font; and, 4) a green background, enters text (Merry Xmas) in creating a message as illustrated in Diagram 6 and then transmits the message as an image without converting any text. Providing for the entry of multiple fonts and colours in creating a message, the base display can be changed at any time. Similarly, it is to be understood that a base display selected by using an application in creating a message also provides means 45 to design special occasion or fun messages for display on a destination mobile device without converting any text. As an operator is not limited to system factory set colours for creating messages and for the display of received messages, this feature additionally provides assistance to people who have difficulty in reading 50 certain colour combinations who may experiment with fonts and colours in editing the display of textual information to be entered within messages. When a conventional SMS message is created and the 'Flexible Font message' means to create a message is not employed, the message will be transmitted as a SMS message and rendered according to the display settings of a destination mobile device, irrespective of the format of the message created on the sending mobile device. Diagram 5 illustrates that the reply 55 menu in accordance with the present invention also comprises means for an operator to reply to an incoming message with a 'Flexible Font message'.

Page 5 Means to instantly display a captured message in accordance with the present invention is now described. According to prior art, in creating a multimedia message, an operator starts by creating a text message. When a subject is added or a photo, video or other attachment is included, the message becomes a multimedia message. US2006/0200568 discloses a method of converting a SMS message to a MMS compliant image without adding a picture, however in accordance with this prior art, which is dependent on the camera on the mobile device, a converted message is not instantly displayed on opening the message on a destination mobile device and is instead limited to transmission only as a MMS attachment. According to the method of the present invention, it is devised that an entire message, including a background, is instantly displayed on a destination mobile device wherein the image of a converted message may occupy the entire message display field as illustrated in Diagram 13. In achieving this objective, a screen capture means cooperates exclusively with a volatile memory that is associated with the input field used to create a message in temporarily storing a converted message in the random access memory of a mobile device and also with a transceiver for sending messages. This process provides means to avoid a message being sent to underlying slower storage and for the processor to be able to interpret data and deliver it in an unaltered state. In yet another embodiment, it is devised that the process of converting a message to an image can be executed completely within the volatile memory. As the means to convert an entire message to a single Jpeg image or other portable graphic file is, within an exemplary embodiment, incorporated within the means to send a message, a single command/instruction on/in the mobile device provides means to execute the conversion means and the message transmission. It is to be understood however, that the present invention is not limited by a single instruction or by the requirement of a dedicated means to create and send a message. The screen capture method or other image conversion software may also be optionally used independently of the described means to send a Flexible Font message in creating a Jpeg image or other portable graphic file of a message. For example, an image of a created message may be saved to memory (for example, to an image folder) and attached in an MMS message if a user so desires. Additionally, it would be obvious to a person skilled in the art that a user could save a created message that has not been converted to an image in the memory (for example, a saved message or drafts folder) and then later return the message to the message display screen for converting to an MMS compliant image for transmission as a multimedia message. 5 The concept of this new method of file transfer is augmented when one considers that it makes possible the display of stylus or digital pen handwritten messages that are not in the form of an attachment. Such messages can also be combined with pictures and created such that the handwritten text within a message selectively displays from a plurality of colours wherein the graphics provided comprising a plurality of font colours also provides for handwritten text. Additionally, boldface can be selected as an optional 0 graphic feature. As the method of file transfer is ideal for displaying handwritten text on a destination phone, this feature may also promote communication in foreign language in the absence of foreign language applications on mobile devices as well as bring further enjoyment to the market in general. Similarly, if a non-Latin language application is used to create a message, this inventive method of file transfer negates the requirement for a receiving device to have a compatible program or non-Latin 15 character recognition firmware or software in order to render a message. Whilst a screen capture or screenshot method is disclosed as a preferred method of creating an image of a message, it would be understood by those skilled in the art that other means for converting a message to an image may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention including creating a PDF 50 of a message and exporting the PDF in an image format.

Page 6 User interface examples are now described. 5 EXAMPLE 1: This example describes a touch screen user interface wherein a drop-down selector is used to provide means to execute the method of the present invention. Feature number 1: DROP-DOWN SELECTOR [0 In accordance with Example 1, a drop-down selector provides means to execute the method of the present invention on a touch screen mobile device. When embodied within the settings of a mobile device, selectors within the drop-down selector comprising selectable graphics and including a i) font size selector; ii) font style selector; iii) font colour selector; iv) screen or background selector; v) boldface selector; vi) italics selector; vii) uppercase selector; and, viii) underline selector, may be used by [5 an operator for the purpose of both configuring a mobile device with a base display and for the purpose of graphically editing textual information within a message wherein, in both cases, selectable graphics may be used to display textual information, numbers, punctuation marks and symbols. The drop-down selector may further comprise selectors providing for a user to insert pictures including images and/or other graphics within a message. !0 Diagram 11 illustrates a range of font sizes that may be included in a preferred embodiment wherein different font sizes may be numerically represented within a selector that is structured similar to the colour selectors as illustrated in Diagram 7. Diagram 8 illustrates a sample font style selector that may form part of the present invention, wherein to identify different fonts, several characters reflecting a !5 particular font style or alternatively, the names of different font styles are displayed. Any Microsoft fonts that are employed will only be those that are available for license. Diagram 12 illustrates sample boldface fonts that may be included in a preferred embodiment. Flow charts 1, 2 and 3 illustrate preferred means to allow an operator to access the described drop-down ;0 selector when embodied within the settings of a mobile device for the purpose of configuring a mobile device with a 'Set Format', a 'Display Set Format' and a 'Call Display'. In providing for these separate configurations, dedicated settings menu items provide independent means for an operator to open the drop-down selector, which settings menu items are further described as features numbered 2, 3 and 4 within this user interface description. ;5 Flow chart 1 further illustrates preferred means to allow an operator to access the described drop-down selector for the purpose of designing/editing messages. It is desirable that the drop-down selector may be dragged in any direction within a display screen to the 40 extent that only a part of the selector remains visual and it is further desirable that the drop-down selector can be minimized. Feature number 2: FLEXIBLE FONT - SETTINGS MENU ITEM 45 This menu item, which opens to display the described drop-down selector and which is provided in an embodiment that interacts with the settings of a mobile device, may be accessed directly via the main menu for the purpose of configuring a mobile device with a 'Set Format' (base display for creating messages) or accessed via for example an options interface associated with a displayed message in providing for when an operator is designing a message. 50 Page 7 Feature number 3: SET DISPLAY - SETTINGS MENU ITEM 5 This menu item, which opens to display the described drop-down selector and which is provided in an embodiment that interacts with the settings of a mobile device, may be accessed directly via the main menu for the purpose of configuring a mobile device with a 'Display Set Format'. Displays include name lists, inbox, sent and saved messages, missed and received calls, message recipients, phone numbers, menus and other displays or lists that a phone may have. It is preferred that a mobile device will be [0 configured to identify if a selected font size is too large to use within the 'Display Set Format' and in remedy of this, an automatic default to a smaller size will be executed, providing for the largest size that may be used without causing a broken display to be employed. Feature number 4: [5 CALL DISPLAY - SETTINGS MENU ITEM This menu item, which opens to display the described drop-down selector and which is provided in an embodiment that interacts with the settings of a mobile device, may be accessed directly via the main menu for the purpose of configuring a mobile device with a 'Call Display'. !0 Optional Feature number 5: SCREEN BRIGHTNESS CONTROL Optional Feature number 6: SCREEN CONTRAST CONTROL EXAMPLE 2 This example describes both a touch screen and non-touch screen user interface wherein a drop-down selector is not used to provide means to execute the method of the present invention. In accordance with the user interface of Example 2 and as illustrated in Diagram 10, a sub-menu within a conventional menu ;0 structure is configured to comprise the same selectable graphics as described within Example 1. When embodied within the settings of a mobile device, selectors comprising selectable graphics, may be used by an operator for the purpose of both configuring a mobile device with a base display and for the purpose of graphically editing textual information within a message wherein, in both cases, selectable graphics may be used to display textual information, numbers, punctuation marks and symbols. The ;5 described menu may further comprise selectors providing for a user to insert pictures including images and/or other graphics within a message. Flow charts 4, 5 and 6 illustrate preferred means to allow an operator to access selectable graphics when embodied within the settings of a mobile device for the purpose of configuring a mobile device with a 40 'Set Format', a 'Display Set Format' and a 'Call Display'. In providing for these separate configurations, dedicated settings menu items provide independent means for an operator to open the selectors, which settings menu items are further described as features numbered 11, 12 and 13 within this user interface description and which settings menu items are consistent with those disclosed and operable within Example 1 for the same purpose. 45 Flow chart 4 further illustrates preferred means to allow an operator to access selectors for the purpose of designing/editing messages. The same selectable graphics as disclosed within Example 1 are provided as follows. 50 Feature number 1: FONT SIZE SELECTOR Diagram 11 illustrates a range of font sizes that may be included in a preferred embodiment wherein different font sizes may be numerically represented within a selector that is structured similar to the 55 colour selectors as illustrated in Diagram 7.

Page 8 Feature number 2: FONT STYLE SELECTOR 5 Diagram 8 illustrates a sample font style selector that may form part of the present invention, wherein to identify different fonts, several characters reflecting a particular font style or alternatively, the names of different font styles are displayed. Any Microsoft fonts that are employed will only be those that are available for license. [0 Feature number 3: FONT COLOUR SELECTOR Diagram 7 illustrates sample font colour selectors that may form part of the present invention. Feature number 4: [5 SCREEN COLOUR SELECTOR Diagram 7 illustrates sample screen colour selectors that may form part of the present invention. Feature number 5: BOLDFACE SELECTOR !0 Diagram 12 illustrates sample boldface fonts that may be included in a preferred embodiment. Feature number 6: ITALICS SELECTOR !5 Feature number 7: UPPERCASE SELECTOR Feature number 8: UNDERLINE SELECTOR ;0 Optional Feature number 9: SCREEN BRIGHTNESS CONTROL Optional Feature number 10: ;5 SCREEN CONTRAST CONTROL Feature number 11: FLEXIBLE FONT - SETTINGS MENU ITEM This menu item, which opens to display the selectors of the present invention and which is provided in an 40 embodiment that interacts with the settings of a mobile device, may be accessed directly via the main menu for the purpose of configuring a mobile device with a 'Set Format' (base display for creating messages) or accessed via for example an options interface associated with a displayed message in providing for when an operator is designing a message. 45 Feature number 12: SET DISPLAY - SETTINGS MENU ITEM This menu item, which opens to display the selectors of the present invention and which is provided in an embodiment that interacts with the settings of a mobile device, may be accessed directly via the main menu for the purpose of configuring a mobile device with a 'Display Set Format'. Displays include name 50 lists, inbox, sent and saved messages, missed and received calls, message recipients, phone numbers, menus and other displays or lists that a phone may have. It is preferred that a mobile device will be configured to identify if a selected font size is too large to use within the 'Display Set Format' and in remedy of this, an automatic default to a smaller size will be executed, providing for the largest size that may be used without causing a broken display to be employed. 55 Page 9 Feature number 13: CALL DISPLAY - SETTINGS MENU ITEM 5 This menu item, which opens to display the selectors of the present invention and which is provided in an embodiment that interacts with the settings of a mobile device, may be accessed directly via the main menu for the purpose of configuring a mobile device with a 'Call Display'. OTHER OPTIONAL FEATURES OF EXAMPLE 1 AND EXAMPLE 2: [0 1. Additional selectors including: i) Picture selector: Comprising means to insert a picture within a message wherein a picture or pictures may be [5 selected from a personal or professional folder or captured by an operator using the camera of a phone. A menu that is associated with one of a displayed message and the input field used to create a message on a mobile device further provides means for a picture to be automatically entered within a message. A single input field for creating a message is provided and adapted to be input multiple contents with unrestricted flexibility made available to an operator in relation 0 to the location of the message contents. In providing an operator with this flexibility and in providing means to design a message, it is devised that text can be entered at any location within the input field used to create a message, using either touch sensitive means or by using the space bar and directional keypad to determine a location before entering text and means is provided to allow an operator to position and adjust the size of a picture within a message as follows: On a touch screen mobile device, it is devised that an operator may clear the keypad from the display screen before inserting a picture. When a picture has been entered within a message, a simple command, for example, 1 or 2 taps on the centre of the picture will instruct for handles to be made visual and the same command will reverse the instruction. As would be understood by a 0 person skilled in the art, handles may be used to adjust the size or shape of or to rotate a picture and the location of a picture can be changed by touching the centre of the picture and dragging it to a desired location. On a non-touch screen mobile device, it is devised that an operator may adjust the size of a 5 picture by positioning the cursor within the picture and then accessing a 'picture size' menu that is associated with a displayed message. The size of a picture may then be adjusted with each activation of the up and down or left and right keypad directives. It is further devised that means to change the location of a picture within a message is provided wherein the cursor may again be positioned within the picture, however preceding immediate use of the directional keypad to 40 move the picture to a desired location. ii) 'Replace font colour' selector: Comprising means within the described colour selector of the present invention to change all text of a particular colour within a message wherein means is provided for an operator to select two colours, the first selected colour being a colour that is to be changed and the 45 second selected colour being a replacement colour. iii) 'MCF' font selector: Comprising a plurality of multiple coloured fonts. 50 Page 10 iv) Background selector: Comprising additional background selectors providing for special effect within messages 5 including colour combinations, shading, textures and patterns. Alternatively, a picture can be included as the background of a message as illustrated in Diagram 16 wherein the background selector is associated with the picture selector providing means to enter a picture that is selected from a personal or professional folder or captured by an operator using the camera on the phone. It is also devised that a link between messaging and the camera may 0 further provide for a captured message to be automatically entered within a message when using a dedicated means to create a message. v) Border selector: Comprising means to insert a border of a selected style to a message which will be displayed 5 in the same colour as a selected background. The border selector may further comprise a link to colour and size selectors, providing for variations to the display of a selected border. vi) Audio selector: Comprising means to insert an audio file to accompany a message including the following D selectable options. Insert file: Providing means to insert an audio File including songs such as Happy Birthday stored within a personal folder on a mobile device; Record voice message: 5 Providing means to insert a personal voice recording. vii) Graphics selector: Comprising means to insert other graphics, including clipart, within a message as illustrated in Diagram 14. viii) Emoticons selector: Comprising means to insert an cmoticon within a message. ix) Speech bubble selector: Comprising means to insert a speech bubble within a message wherein a speech bubble may be entered with text as a graphic or without text, providing the same functionality as a text box in allowing an operator to enter their own text within the bubble. A speech bubble that does not comprise text may be further linked to a colour and a size selector, wherein the size selector provides For an outline density. 0 In a preferred embodiment, it is devised that the same method to position and adjust the size and shape of pictures may also be used to position and change the size and shape of other graphics, including emoticons within a message and that a graphics menu or menus associated with one of a displayed message and the input field used to create a message on a mobile device provides 5 means for a graphic to be automatically entered within a message. x) Variation to underline selector: Additionally comprising a link to a colour and a size selector wherein a single underline colour may be selected and wherein variations other than bold can be made to the size of 9 underlining.

Page 11 2. A method to create and transmit multiple page graphically expressive captured messages formed in accordance with the method of the present invention. 5 3. An internet synchronized interface enabling an operator to download software upgrades to allow for improvements, for example, the addition of new fonts to selectors. 4. An interface between: [0 i) email and the selectors of the present invention, providing for the creation of graphically expressive emails independent of the requirement of a computer based operating system on both the sending and receiving device and also optionally providing for an independent email 'Set Format'; and, [5 ii) Email and the described 'Flexible Font message' method of file transfer wherein a created email may be transmitted as an image. 5. A method to delete the last change to edited text. 6. A method to highlight an entire message, providing for a selected graphic to be applied to an entire message. 7. On-Screen/keypad font size control: A dedicated key or touch button may provide a quick and visual means for an operator to 5 change the configured font size, colour or style that is used as a base display for creating messages. It is devised that activating this control will cycle a display of characters reflecting either different font sizes, colours or styles and that the last displayed font feature will be automatically configured when the control is released. 0 8. Optical Recognition Software that can interpret an image and convert it to a text file that can be edited, providing for an operator to edit an incoming 'Flexible Font message' for return to a sending operator. 9. A settings menu option to configure the described Drop-Down selector of Example 1 to a larger 5 or smaller size. 10. An interface between selectors and other software on a mobile device, for example a calendar display. 40 11. Touch screen stylus or digital pen operated means to create handwritten messages. 12. A method to colour code incoming messages so as to reflect the identity of a sending operator. 13. A method to save received captured messages to a file folder associated with messaging. 45 14. A method to save created captured messages to a file folder associated with messaging. 15. A method to touch control moving the location of textual information within a message created on a touch screen mobile device. 50 16. On-Screen direct link to the drop-down selector of Example 1. 17. On-screen or keypad selectors that are linked to the settings of a mobile device. 55 18. On-screen or keystroke case directive.

Page 12 19. Horizontal display screen viewing. 5 20. A method to print messages. 21. Software interface with programs including MSN, MySpace and Face book. Although this invention has been described in language specific to features and methods, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claimed invention. While only certain examples are given, a person skilled in the art 5 will appreciate that many other interfaces and related techniques can be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention. As used in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features.

)

Claims

1. A method of converting one of a SMS message and a MMS message displayed on a mobile device to an image, the mobile device comprising a user interface and a display screen and comprising internal processing means to create an image of a message wherein a single processing step in the mobile device comprises means to convert an entire message displayed on the mobile device and including a background to an image in converting the entire message to an image format, said method comprising the steps of: (a) Providing a screen capture means in the mobile device, wherein the said single processing step in the mobile device comprises means to convert an entire message displayed on the mobile device and including a background to an image in converting the entire message to an image format, wherein the displayed message for converting to an image is one of a SMS message and a MMS message; (b) Activating the said screen capture means of said step (a) in converting the enti e contents of a displayed message on the mobile device and including a background to an image is converting the entire message to an image format, wherein the displayed message for converting to an image is one of a SMS message and a MMS message.

2. The method of claim I comprising one of storing the so created image of the displayed message in the memory of the mobile device and transmitting the so created image of the displayed message as a multimedia message to a destination mobile device whereby the message can be viewed as an image on the display screen of the destination mobile device.

3. A system applied on a mobile device wherein the system comprises means to convert one of a SMS message and a MMS message displayed on the mobile device to an image, the mobile device comprising a user interface and a display screen and comprising internal processing means to create an image of a message wherein a single processing means in the mobile device comprises means to convert an entire message displayed on the mobile device and including a background to an image in converting the entire message to an image format, said system comprising: (a) A screen capture means in the mobile device, wherein the said single processing means in the mobile device comprises means to convert an entire message displayed on the mobile device and including a background to an image in converting the entire message to an image format, wherein the displayed message for converting to an image is one of a SMS message and a MMS message; (b) Means to display one of a SMS message and a MMS message on the mobile device; (c) An output unit on the mobile device, comprising means to output to the user a said created image of a displayed message; (d) A memory in the mobile device, comprising means to store information comprising a said created image of a displayed message; (e) Sending means in the mobile device, comprising means to transmit a said created image of a displayed message as a multimedia message to a destination mobile device.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the mobile device is a portable communication device comprising means to transmit a multimedia message.

5. The system of claim 3 wherein the mobile device is selected from the group comprising: a mobile phone, a smart phone, and a mobile internet device.