DE102004041912B4 - Communication terminal, method for sending user data by mail, communication system, method for generating a mail piece, server and method for operating a server - Google Patents

Abstract

Communication terminal with
A message generator arranged to generate a multimedia message, the multimedia message having a postal address, payload, and a request to generate a mail piece, the multimedia message further comprising an identifier from which it can be determined that the postal address is a postal address of a recipient of the mail item to be generated; and
- A transmitting device, which is adapted to send the multimedia message to a server.

Description

The The invention relates to a communication terminal, a method for postal Sending user data, a communication system, a procedure for generating a mail item, a server and a method for Operating a server.

Mobile communication systems according to the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) standard in addition to voice communication links also the sending and receiving of text messages of up to 160 characters in length using the SMS (Short Message Service).

One potential Successor of this simple and exceedingly successful communication service is MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), which is described for example in [1] and [2].

MMS is a communication service that makes mobile sending and mobile Receiving messages with multimedia content allows. A transmitted by the MMS Message is referred to below as multimedia message (MM).

in the Unlike SMS, MMS does not contain the content of transmitted messages to text of 160 characters in length limited.

A Multimedia message can be several multimedia elements, that is multimedia files, different File types (for example, audio files or still image files) and various file formats (for example, GIF or JPEG in case of Still picture file).

MMS allows also the transmission relatively smaller multimedia presentations with one temporally and / or spatially specified procedure.

file formats are typically using MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) content types, as described in [3].

Further information about MIME and about applications of MIME are included in [4] and [5], for example.

operator of mobile communication systems in Germany and other countries the shipping of with mobile subscriber units using digital cameras equipped, digital photos taken by MMS. Further will be so-called MMS-to-Postcard communication services offered that make it possible to send recorded digital photos via postcards. By Offering MMS-to-Postcard communication services to operators of mobile communication systems possible at the business of holiday greetings cards participate.

For one User of a mobile subscriber device using a digital camera equipped, who is on a journey, is the use of a MMS-to-Postcard communication service very easy. The user takes a digital one by means of his mobile radio subscriber device Photo on, creates a free text, gives the postal address of the intended receiver in his mobile subscriber unit and send everything together (free text, digital photo, postal Address of the recipient) in the form of a multimedia message via MMS to a special phone number, for example, + 49-531-12345678, to a special e-mail address, for example postcard-service@operator.com, or to a special one Short code address, for example 5555.

In the mobile network, by means of which the user to Sending the multimedia message used MMS is provided will be the transmitted Multimedia message further processed. This is typically done by means of a specially for the MMS-to-Postcard communication service established network component of a Value Added Service Provider (VASP).

typically, Become the digital photo on a page of a postcard and the Free text together with the postal address of the recipient the other side of a conventional one Printed paper postcard. This is then franked and postal, this means by means of "normal" (non-electronic) Post, shipped.

This entire processing of the multimedia message can be completely automated.

To receives a few days the intended recipient sent the postcard created in this way through the post office. Except for the missing original handwriting of the sender, that is the user the MMS-to-Postcard Communication Service, receives the recipient a whole normal "paper postcard, which he can for example hang on a pinboard or in an album can stick.

To put it bluntly, an MMS-to-Postcard communication service combines modern mobile technology with the well-known, traditional mail service. In view of a still unsatisfactory for mobile communications operators market penetration of mobile part However, mobile devices equipped with digital cameras will still allow operators of mobile communication systems through MMS-to-Postcard communication services to achieve a high level of awareness of MMS among the entire population, even and especially for people who are currently unable to do so for receiving multimedia messages, for example, because they have a reserved attitude to technical innovations in principle or because the mobile subscriber units they use do not support the reception of multimedia messages.

in the Framework of increasing market penetration of mobile subscriber units, the equipped with digital cameras, could be the introduced MMS-to-Postcard communication services in the next Years of popularity. This could, for example, meanwhile to disposal standing very big Selection of motifs for the created in connection with the use of MMS-to-Postcard communication services Postcards, so-called "do-it-yourself postcards".

Further is it for a user of an MMS-to-Postcard communication service is not required to acquire a postcard and a stamp and a mailbox to search. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the user to procure suitable small change in the respective national currency got to. The mobile holiday greetings in the form of using an MMS-to-Postcard communication service Postcards can be conveniently sent from many locations.

According to the state The technique has disadvantages in entering the postal Address of the intended recipient.

The postal address of the recipient is to be distinguished from the address of the VAS (Value Added Service) server, to the a multimedia message to use an MMS-to-Postcard communication service is sent as mentioned above other than a special short code address can be configured.

The postal address of the recipient typically from the address elements first name, last name, street, house number, Zip code and city. Disadvantages of entering the postal Address of the intended recipient exist, because the syntax of entering the address of the recipient at different Provider of MMS-to-Postcard communication services is typically different.

Under Syntax here are the patterns and rules to understand by which the above address elements of the address of the recipient at the Input arranged and assembled. According to the used syntax becomes the address of the respective VAS server interpreted.

For example could It may be necessary, if using a first MMS-to-Postcard communication service, offered by a first operator of a mobile communication system is the multimedia message according to the scheme "first name Last name street House number zip code city country free text "is created, taking all Address elements and the free text by one space at a time have to be disconnected while using a second MMS-to-Postcard communication service, the from a second operator of a mobile communication system offered, the multimedia message according to the scheme "Free text # Surname; First name; Street including house number; City; Postcode "must be created, where the end of the free text must be indicated by a double cross (number sign '#') and the Free text following address elements by means of a semicolon (';') must be separated from each other.

In Reference [6] is disclosed that in an MMS-Postcard communication service one or more recipient addresses, to be sent to the mailing to be generated by mail should, in the form of one or more vCards to the MMS, by means of which the generation of the mail item is requested to be appended.

pamphlet [7] describes a communication system in which a user of a mobile communication device to send a picture to a server can that for a postcard should be used.

In Reference [8] is described that a user with an MMS a photo and a text, followed by a rhombus and the postal address Recipient can send to a specific phone number and a corresponding Postcard is sent to the postal address.

pamphlet [9] describes a communication service in which a postal Address from an e-mail text is determined and printed the e-mail text is sent to the postal address.

pamphlet [10] describes a system in which a user selects a picture can create a postcard. The picture can be a digital photo sent from a mobile subscriber unit to a printer becomes.

In Reference [11] describes a communication system in which a digital photo can be sent from a digital camera and be delivered as a paper copy by post, for example can.

In Reference [12] is described that a user with his mobile terminal generates an MMS message containing a picture motif and delivery information for one Mailing, for example, a postcard has. A corresponding mailing is generated and shipped.

pamphlet [13] describes a mobile station in which a user for a message the Function "Shipping Postcard ", one can choose Post Cards Recipient from an address book and automatically send the message to a central office becomes. The exchange forwards the message as a postcard by the usual post to the given recipient further.

Of the Invention is based on the problem, a simple way the addressing of a receiver as part of an MMS-to-Postcard communication service.

The Problem is solved by a communication terminal, a method for postal Sending user data, a communication system, a procedure for generating a mail item, a server and a method for Operating a server with the features solved according to the independent claims.

One communication terminal has a message generator that set up is to generate a multimedia message, which multimedia message is a postal Address, payload and a request to create a mailing wherein the multimedia message further comprises an identifier from which it can be determined that the postal address is a postal address of a recipient is the mail piece to be generated. The communication terminal has Furthermore, a transmitting device, which is set up, the multimedia message to a Send server.

Further are a method for sending postal data useful Communication system, a method for generating a mail piece, a server and a method for operating a server according to the above provided communication terminal.

A The idea underlying the invention can clearly be seen therein be that in the context of a corresponding communication service sent multimedia message, with which in particular the generation of a mail item requested and in which appropriate (multimedia) elements are contained, which elements of the multimedia message are recipient addresses specify.

Especially It is not necessary that the postal address of a recipient of a to be generated mailing according to a given syntax is designed according to a user the communication terminal and the communication service. That's why a user can For example, addresses in other, possibly otherwise standardized Use form for postal addressing of a recipient. For example the user can send an electronic business card to a recipient Addressing the receiver without adapting it to a specific syntax by typing Insert the electronic business card into the multimedia message accordingly.

A further idea underlying the invention can vividly therein be seen that the postal address of a recipient separately is characterized, that is, that an identification of the postal address in addition to the address itself is provided. In this way, for example parsing the multimedia message through a parser, the postal address of the recipient easier be recognized, as clearly the search space is limited and for example, only the label needs to be located and subsequently only the so marked element of the multimedia message by a Parser needs to be parsed.

The Invention leads thus increasing the Simplicity and convenience of using the communication service.

For example The multimedia message is used to use an MMS-to-Postcard communication service. The opposite the prior art simplified use of MMS-to-Postcard communication services elevated the acceptance of MMS among users of mobile communication systems and leads thus an increased use of MMS. In particular, operators of Mobile communication systems have a higher average profit per participant of the mobile communication system (ARPU, average revenue per user), as the participants each increase MMS Benefit, for example, more often Send MMS messages.

The postal address is configured in one embodiment according to a uniform syntax, so that in particular a receiver in the context of an MMS-to-Postcard Kommunikationsdiens It can easily be addressed.

The Multimedia message can in addition to the labeling also information about the Syntax according to which the postal address is indicated in the multimedia message, contain. In particular, you can this supplementary information about the syntax of the postal address in the multimedia message at least an indication of country-specific Include address formats.

preferred Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims. The others Embodiments of the invention described in connection with the communication terminal apply mutatis mutandis, also for the procedure for sending postal data, the communication system, the method for generating a mailing, the server and the Method for operating a server.

It it is preferred that the multimedia message is designed according to MMS and the transmitting device is set up, the multimedia message by means of To send MMS to the server.

It It is further preferred that the tag in a message header field the multimedia message or in a header field of a data block, the postal address or a part of the postal address contains is included.

Preferably have the payload audio data, text data, video data, sender address data and / or Still image data.

Especially below are embodiments described in which clearly one on other media types than Text enhanced MMS-to-Postcard communication service used becomes. As part of the expanded MMS-to-Postcard communication service, in particular when sending video data, special value added service provider algorithms for the extraction of key elements used with particularly high information content from the user data.

clear can, if the multimedia message contains sender address data by means of of the invention between recipient addresses and sender addresses.

It It is further preferred that the multimedia message according to a MIME multipart structure is configured.

It It is further preferred that the message generator is further set, the multimedia message by means of a Server address to the server to address and set up the sending device is the multimedia message according to the server address to the Send server.

Preferably the server address is a short code address, a telephone number or an e-mail address.

clear In particular, using a short code addressing targeted MMS-to-Postcard service category can be selected.

It It is further preferred that the mailpiece is a letter, a packet, a parcel, a telegram or a postcard is.

embodiments The invention is illustrated in the figures and will be discussed below explained in more detail.

1 shows a communication system according to an embodiment of the invention.

2 shows a communication system according to an embodiment of the invention.

3 shows a transaction diagram according to an embodiment of the invention.

4 shows a multimedia message, a first postcard and a second postcard according to an embodiment of the invention.

5 shows a transaction diagram according to an embodiment of the invention.

6 shows a multimedia message and a front of a postcard and a back of a postcard according to an embodiment of the invention.

7 shows a diagram according to an embodiment of the invention.

8th shows a multimedia message and a postcard according to another embodiment of the invention.

1 shows a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The communication system 100 is designed according to the 3GPP specified MMS communication network architecture.

A first MMS user agent 101 is by means of a first MMS Relay / Server 102 and a second MMS relay / server 103 with a second MMS user agent 104 coupled.

An MMS user agent 101 . 104 is a software program that is executed for example on a mobile subscriber unit, on a device connected to a mobile subscriber device, for example on a laptop, or on another communication terminal and MMS is realized, that is, the use of MMS allows.

The first MMS user agent 101 is with the first MMS relay / server 102 by means of a first interface 105 coupled with MM1.

The second MMS user agent 104 is by means of a second interface 106 , also called MM1, with the second MMS Relay / Server 103 coupled.

The first MMS relay / server 102 is by means of a third interface 107 , which is called MM4, with the second MMS relay / server 103 coupled.

The first MMS relay / server 102 is in a first area of responsibility (Multimedia Messaging Service Environment, MMSE) 108 a first MMS service provider (MMS provider) and the second MMS relay / server 103 is in a second area of responsibility 109 a second MMS service provider.

An MMS relay / server 102 . 104 is a network element that is in a jurisdiction 108 . 109 of an MMS service provider to the MMS user agents that are in the area of responsibility 108 . 109 that is, which are executed on communication terminals located in the area of responsibility that the communication service MMS provides.

The first MMS user agent 101 is in the first area of responsibility 108 and the second MMS user agent 104 is in the second area of responsibility 109 ,

An MMS relay / server 102 . 104 has the ability to adapt content of a multimedia message to the capabilities and properties of a communication terminal, referred to as Content Adaptation.

For example, the first MMS relay / server 102 delete a file of a file type or a file format if it has the information that the communication terminal to which a multimedia message containing this file can not transfer files of that file type or file format.

Another possibility of Content Adaptation is that an MMS Relay / Server 102 . 104 a file in a multimedia message, which is transmitted to a communication terminal or a user agent, which is carried on the communication terminal, converted, that is, the file changed so that it has such a file type and such a file format, that it can be processed by the communication terminal. This conversion is also called transcoding.

In this embodiment, the information about the capabilities and characteristics of the communication terminal that is the first MMS user agent lies 101 and the second communication terminal comprising the second MMS user agent 104 has, the first MMS relay / server 102 and the second MMS relay / server 103 each in the form of a communication terminal profile of the communication terminal configured in accordance with the UA-Prof (User Agent Profile) standard.

By means of a fourth interface 110 , which is called MM3, are more servers 111 with the first MMS relay / server 102 coupled. The other servers 111 are external servers that provide, for example, e-mail communication services, fax communication services, or Unified Messaging (UMS) communication services.

From the point of view of the first MMS relay / server 102 becomes the second MMS relay / server 103 operated by a foreign MMS service provider.

Thus, the second interface can be clear 107 be seen as a means of connecting foreign MMS service providers.

By means of a fifth interface 112 that is labeled MM5 is an HLR (Home Location Register) 113 with the first MMS relay / server 102 coupled.

The HLR 113 is a part of a mobile communication system, by means of which the first MMS relay / server 102 with the first MMS user agent 101 communicates, that is vividly, the first interface by means of the mobile communication system 105 provided.

The first MMS user agent 101 is implemented on a user equipment of the mobile radio communication system containing the HLR 113 having.

The mobile communication system is, for example, according to the GSM standard or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) standard configured.

In the HLR 113 are the individual customer data of the user of the communication terminal on which the first MMS user agent 101 is implemented and executed. The HLR 113 is typically in the area of responsibility of the mobile communication system that is not in the first area of responsibility 108 or the second area of responsibility 109 must be identical.

By means of a sixth interface 114 that is referred to as MM6 is one (or more) MMS user database (MMS User Database) 115 with the first MMS relay / server 102 coupled.

By means of a seventh interface 116 denoted MM7 is a Value Added Service (VAS) server 117 of a Value Added Service Provider (VASP) with the first MMS Relay / Server 102 coupled.

By means of the value-added service server 117 become the user of the first MMS user agent 101 and possibly other users of the first MMS relay / server 102 provided MMS Value Added Services (VAS). A value-added service is a communication service that goes beyond the mere provision of a communication link, such as the transmission of stock market prices or telephone number information.

In this embodiment, the value-added service server provides 117 an MMS-to-Postcard communication service.

By means of an eighth interface 118 , which is called MM8, is a billing system 119 with the first MMS relay / server 102 coupled, by means of which all relevant information for charging the MMS are collected and evaluated.

A ninth interface 120 that the relay element 121 the first MMS relay / server 102 and the server element 122 the first MMS relay / server 102 coupled, is called MM2.

The communication system 100 can have more interfaces.

Currently In the standardization committees, interfaces with the designations become MM9 and MM10 discussed.

2 shows a communication system 200 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The communication system 200 points accordingly 1 a first MMS user agent 201 on, by means of a first interface 202 with an MMS relay / server 203 is coupled, up. The MMS relay / server 203 is by means of a second interface 204 with a Value Added Service (VAS) server provided by a Value Added Service Provider (VASP) 205 is operated, coupled. For example, the value-added service server is analogous to the one in FIG 1 illustrated value-added server 117 arranged and designed.

The MMS relay / server 203 is in a jurisdiction 208 an MMS service provider.

The network elements of the communication system 200 are analogous to 1 arranged and designed.

The value-added service provider 205 allows you to send postcards created as part of an MMS to Postcard communication service to a large number of mailboxes 206 from respective recipients by post 207 ,

The use of one of the value added service provider 205 provided MMS-to-Postcard communication service by means of the communication system 200 by the user of the MMS user agent 201 will be referred to below with reference to 3 and 4 explained.

3 shows a transaction diagram 300 according to an embodiment of the invention.

Among other things, the transactions shown can be found between an MMS user agent 301 and an MMS relay / server 302 , analogous to 2 are arranged and designed, instead. Further, they are a value-added service provider 303 operating a value-added service server and mailing center, a first recipient 304 and a second receiver 305 involved in the transactions shown.

Messages between the MMS User Agent 301 and the MMS relay / server 302 be by means of a first Schnittstele 306 that the first interface 202 matches, exchanges and messages between the MMS relay / server 302 and the value-added service provider 303 that is, between the MMS relay / server 302 and that of the value-added service provider 303 Operated value-added server, are using a second interface 307 that the second interface 204 corresponds, exchanged. By means of the value added service provider 303 operated Postversandstel You can postcards by post 308 to the first recipient 304 and the second receiver 305 , or at their mailboxes are sent.

Furthermore, the timing and the functionalities of the communication system elements involved in the use of an MMS-to-Postcard communication service by the user of the MMS user agent 301 sending postcards to the first recipient by means of the MMS-to-Postacard communication service 304 and the second receiver 305 shipped, explained.

In step 309 The user creates using his MMS user agent 301 a multimedia message 320 , The structure of the multimedia message 320 will be referred to below with reference to 4 explained in more detail.

4 shows a multimedia message 401 , a first postcard 402 and a second postcard 403 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The multimedia message 401 corresponds to the multimedia message 320 ,

The multimedia message 401 has a multimedia message header (multimedia message header) 404 as well as a multimedia message message body (multimedia message body) 405 on.

The multimedia message 401 is designed according to a MIME multipart structure.

The multimedia message 401 indicates one of the MMS user agent user 301 entered free text 407 and a user-recorded (suitably coded) digital image 406 on.

As mentioned, the user wants to send a postcard to the first recipient 304 and to the second receiver 305 send. For postal addressing of the first recipient 304 the user adds when generating the multimedia message 401 a first address data block 408 and for postal addressing of the second receiver 305 a second address data block 409 in the multimedia message 401 one.

The means of the first address data block 408 specified postal address of the first recipient 304 is by means of a first marking 415 as (from the value-added service provider 303 to be treated separately) postal address of a recipient.

The means of the second address data block 409 specified postal address of the second receiver 305 is by means of a second identifier 416 also as (from the value-added service provider 303 to be treated separately) postal address of a recipient.

In this embodiment, the user adds in generating the multimedia message 401 furthermore personal personal contact information, for example his own postal address, in the form of a third address data block 410 in the multimedia message 401 one.

In one embodiment, the third address data block becomes 410 specially marked so that it indicates that the third address data block 410 does not specify the postal address of a recipient. The identification of the third address data block 410 may in addition to the first labeling described above 415 of the first address data block 408 and the second mark 416 of the second address data block 409 done or as an alternative.

The respective identification of the address data blocks 408 to 410 that is the first label 415 and the second mark 416 which, as mentioned, specify that the respective address data block 408 to 410 the (postal) address of a recipient specified or not, for example, in the form of a relation to the MMS standard new header of the respective multimedia element, that is the respective address data block 408 to 410 , or in the form of a new message header field in the multimedia message message header compared to the MMS standard 404 the multimedia message 401 in which the corresponding multimedia message element, that is, the respective address data block 408 to 410 , is referenced.

The multimedia message 320 is also used by the MMS user agent 301 by means of a suitable VASP address, for example a MSISDN (Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network Number), an e-mail address or short code address, to the value-added service provider 303 , or to the of the value-added service provider 303 Operated value-added server, addressed.

In step 310 becomes the multimedia message designed in this way 320 from the MMS user agent 301 to the MMS relay / server 302 Posted.

In step 311 the MMS relay / server sends a corresponding acknowledgment message 321 to the MMS user agent 301 , by means of which the MMS user agent 301 Feedback on the success rich reception of the multimedia message 320 through the MMS relay / server 302 receives.

In step 312 evaluates the MMS relay / server 302 the VASP address and sends the multimedia message 320 in step 313 to the value-added service provider 303 (or to the of the value-added service provider 303 operated value-added server).

In step 314 confirms the value-added service provider 303 (or by the value-added service provider 303 operated value-added service servers) to the MMS relay / server 302 the successful reception of the multimedia message 320 by means of another confirmation message 322 ,

In step 315 determines the value-added service provider 303 by means of a suitable device based on the in the multimedia message 320 contained identifications of the address data blocks 408 to 410 , in this example, the first label 415 and the second mark 416 which markings as mentioned in the multimedia message header 404 are contained with corresponding references to the respective multimedia message elements or in the header fields of the respective multimedia message elements, those multimedia message elements of the multimedia message 320 containing information about the postal addressing of recipients of the postcards to be sent.

The multimedia message elements of the multimedia message 320 are the digital picture 406 , the free text 407 , the first address data block 408 , the second address data block 409 and the third address data block 410 ,

Based on the labels of the multimedia message elements, in this example the first label 415 and the second mark 416 , recognizes the value-added service provider 303 in that the first address data block 408 and the second address data block 409 specify in each case a postal address of a recipient to whom a postcard is to be sent.

Especially determines the number of multimedia message elements that are flagged postal address of a recipient to contain the number of mailpieces to be generated, in this example postcards.

As in this example, the value-added service provider 303 based on the first marking 415 and the second label 416 determines that the first address data block 408 and the second address data block 409 each specify an address of a receiver generates the value-added service provider 303 by means of a suitable device according to a first postcard 323 that the in 4 illustrated first postcard 402 corresponds and a second postcard 324 , the second in 4 illustrated postcard 403 equivalent.

The means of the first address data block 408 specified postal address of the first recipient 304 will be in the addressee field 411 the first postcard 402 printed and the means of the second address data block 409 specified postal address of the second receiver 305 will be in the addressee field 412 the second postcard 403 printed.

The other multimedia message elements of the multimedia message 320 that is the digital image 406 , the free text 407 and the means of the third address data block 410 specified postal address, will also be on the first postcard 402 and the second postcard 403 printed in appropriate fields or on the respective back.

Ideally, the printed digital photo fills 406 each the complete back of the postcards 402 . 403 out.

The free text 407 will each be in a free text field 413 printed and the by means of the address data block 410 specified postal address in each case in a sender address field 414 , to the left of the respective addressee field 411 . 412 is arranged, is printed.

In step 316 sends the from the value-added service provider 303 operated post office the first postcard 323 and the second postcard 324 by post.

After individual, possibly different maturities reached in step 317 the first postcard 323 the first receiver 304 and in step 318 the second postcard 324 the second receiver 305 ,

Further, with reference to 2 . 5 . 6 and 7 another embodiment of the invention explained.

5 shows a transaction diagram 500 according to an embodiment of the invention.

Analogous to 3 find the transactions between an MMS user agent 501 and an MMS relay / server 502 by means of a first interface 506 , between the MMS relay / server 302 and a value-added service provider 503 (or one of the value-added service provider 503 Operated value-added server) by means of a second interface 507 and between the value-added service provider 503 (or one of the value-added service provider 503 operated post office) and a receiver 504 by mail 508 instead of.

The communication system elements involved in the illustrated transactions are corresponding 2 arranged and designed.

For greater simplicity, in this example, there is only one receiver 504 available. Accordingly, the mailing agency sent by the value-added service provider 503 , the value-added service provider 205 corresponds, is operated, by post a postcard only to a mailbox 206 , the mailbox 206 Recipient 504 ,

The transaction diagram illustrates the timing and functionalities of the elements involved in using an MMS-to-Postcard communication service by the user of the MMS user agent 501 to send a postcard to the recipient 504 ,

In step 509 creates the user of the MMS user agent 501 using the MMS User Agent 501 a multimedia message 520 ,

The multimedia message 520 is according to 6 designed.

6 shows a multimedia message 601 as well as a front side 602 a postcard and a back 603 a postcard according to an embodiment of the invention.

The multimedia message 601 has a multimedia message message header field 604 and a multimedia message message body 605 on.

The multimedia message 601 has a MIME multipart structure and corresponds to the multimedia message 520 ,

The multimedia message 601 contains in the multimedia message message body 605 a free text 606 , an address data block 607 the user to specify the postal address of the recipient 504 in the multimedia message 601 in the generation of the multimedia message 601 inserts, as well as a video sequence 608 in the form of a video file.

Analogous to that with respect to the 3 and 4 explained embodiments is the address data block 607 by means of a marking 613 as (from the value-added service provider 503 to be treated separately) postal address of a recipient.

The processing steps 510 . 511 . 512 . 513 and 514 become analogous to the processing steps 310 to 314 (in particular, a confirmation message 521 and another confirmation message 522 sent).

In step 515 analyzed the value-added service provider 503 by means of an analysis device, the video sequence 608 ,

The video sequence 608 is a time sequence of a number m of still images of different content and the value-added service provider 503 extracted by the analyzer using a special algorithm 609 (or more algorithms) a number of n still images (where n <m) from the video sequence 608 in which he extracts only those still images that have a particularly high information content.

By means of the algorithm 609 is the temporal correlation of the still images, that is vividly the match of the still images from which the video sequence 608 exists, determined. Correlation in this context means the interdependence between one or more random variables, that is to say image variables in this example. Two random variables are referred to as correlating, if clearly the other changes with the change of one variable, ie the random variables are not independent. The correlation, that is, the correlation coefficient, clearly indicates the strength of the relationship between the two random variables.

nach Stellen (spezifiziert durch die Indizes i, j) gesucht wird, an denen das Bildfragment, das durch die Funktion h(x,y) gegeben ist, wobei h(x,y) beispielsweise der Grauwert des Bildfragments an der Stelle (x,y) des Bildfragments ist, gut mit dem ersten Bild, das durch die Funktion I(x,y) gegeben ist, wobei I(x,y) beispielsweise der Grauwert des ersten Bildes an der Stelle (x,y) des ersten Bildes ist, übereinstimmt. Ein hoher Wert von C_i,j deutet auf eine gute Übereinstimmung an der Stelle (i,j) hin.The correlation between a first image and a second image may be determined, for example, by selecting image fragments of the second image and according to the formula

is searched for locations (specified by the indices i, j) at which the image fragment given by the function h (x, y), where h (x, y), for example, the gray value of the image fragment at the location (x, y) of the image fragment is good with the first image given by the function I (x, y), where I (x, y) is, for example, the gray value of the first image at the location (x, y) of the first image , matches. A high value of C _{i, j} indicates a good match at position (i, j).

By good agreement of several image fragments of the second image at suitable locations of the first image, for example, a high correlation between the first image and the second image could be concluded. If a good match is not found for several image fragments, for example, the value C _{i, j is} always below a certain threshold, for example, it could be concluded that there is a low correlation between the first image and the second image.

From the determined values C _{i, j} , a correlation coefficient of the first image and the second image could be determined, for example, by means of a suitable formula.

The value-added service provider 503 generates a postcard by means of a suitable device 517 with the front 602 and the back 603 , On the back side 603 the extracted n still images are in the form of a picture arrangement 610 printed.

The by means of the address data block 607 specified address of the recipient 504 will be in the addressee field 611 the front 602 the postcard 517 printed.

The free text 606 is placed in a designated field 612 on the front 602 the postcard 517 printed.

In step 516 sends the from the value-added service provider 503 the post office used the postcard 517 by post.

In step 518 reaches the postcard 517 the recipient 504 after a certain period.

In another embodiment, a plurality of n postcards (where n <m), each with a single on the back of the respective postcard printed still image of the video sequence 608 extracted still images are generated and the postcards are separated from each other and possibly with a time difference to the recipient 504 Posted.

In other embodiments, instead of the video sequence 608 Data of another type of media having a temporal dimension, for example, presentations with a timed schedule. Possible presentation description languages in the context of MMS are, for example, SMIL (Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language) and CMF (Compact Multimedia Format).

7 shows a diagram 700 according to an embodiment of the invention.

In 7 the relationship between a video sequence and the correlation coefficient obtained therefrom by means of an algorithm is illustrated. In the upper part diagram 701 the time sequence of a correlation coefficient is shown, with the time to the right and the correlation coefficient to the top.

In the lower part diagram 702 is shown with the same division of the time axis, the course of the video sequence.

The video sequence in this example consists of a first scene 703 a second scene 704 and a third scene 705 ,

A low point, that is a point with a low correlation coefficient, in the upper part diagram 701 The curve shown points to a high dissimilarity of the video sequence at this time successive frames (still images) and an associated high information content of the frame, which follows at this time on another frame out.

The Video sequence consists in this example of m frames.

As can be seen, has the upper part of the diagram 701 displayed curve at each scene change 706 that is, when changing the first scene 703 to the second scene 704 and when changing the second scene 704 to the third scene 705 , a significant slump on. In this example, the algorithm used is designed to include additional digits 707 with a low correlation coefficient, each within a scene. In this embodiment, those n frames become 708 extracted from the video sequence occurring at a (temporal) location in the video sequence where the obtained correlation coefficient reaches a certain threshold 709 below.

8th shows a multimedia message 801 and a postcard 802 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

The following with reference to 8th explained embodiment is the same communication system as that above with reference to the 4 to 7 explained embodiment.

The transaction flow is analogous to the above with respect to 5 described designed the multimedia message 520 However, this example corresponds to the multimedia message 801 ,

The multimedia message 801 has one Multimedia Message header 803 and a multimedia message message body 804 on. In contrast to the embodiment described above, in which the multimedia message 520 according to 6 is configured has the multimedia message 801 no video sequence 608 but an audio sequence 808 on.

Analogous to the embodiment described above, the multimedia message 801 also a free text 806 and an address data block 807 and is designed according to a MIME multipart structure.

The address data block 807 becomes analogous to the address data block 607 used. In particular, it is by means of a label 812 marked as the postal address of a recipient.

Analogous to the embodiment described above, the transaction steps 509 to 514 carried out.

In step 515 generates the value-added service provider 503 a postcard 802 by using the free text 806 in a designated field 809 and those through the address data block 807 specified address of the recipient 504 in an addressee field 810 the postcard 802 prints.

Further, the value-added service provider extracts 503 the audio sequence 808 from the multimedia message 801 and saves the audio sequence 808 in a memory chip 811 which is integrated into the mailing, in this example on the postcard 802 is glued.

Preferably, the postcard is 802 a so-called telegram postcard with an integrated module and loudspeaker for playback of audio sequences. A telegram postcard is, for example, a birthday greeting card in which automatically a birthday serenade sounds after unfolding.

As mentioned above, the user who wishes to use the MMS-to-Postcard communication service addresses, by means of the MMS user agent used by him, the corresponding multimedia message, for example the in 3 sent multimedia message 320 that the in 4 presented multimedia message 401 corresponds to a value-added service provider, in this example the value-added service provider 303 , This addressing of the value-added service provider 303 is preferably realized by means of short codes, but it is also the realization by means of MSISDN or email addresses possible.

By the user of the MMS user agent 301 entering different short codes he can use the multimedia message 320 easily address to different value-added service providers specializing in different tasks.

In an embodiment contains the multimedia message, for example, a still image, and a value-added service provider offers the service, from the freeze frame a variety of puzzle pieces to create. Preferably leads the VASP doing a sizing through, so that the puzzle pieces produced adapted to the format of a postcard back are. For example, could This service is used by a user by the user a short code addressing in the form of the string "jigsaw", ie the English word for puzzle, used.

In another embodiment the short codes are further subdivided, for example the Addressing by means of the short code "jigsaw-1" cause that from the freeze frame Puzzle pieces are produced, and on individual postcards in any Order to be sent to the specified recipient (s), and An addressing by means of the short code "jigsaw-2" could cause the generated Puzzle pieces all at once, for example, in a package to the or the specified recipients sent.

In another embodiment a postcard is generated containing an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display unit, by means of which the address of the receiver a free text and / or an image is displayed on the back of the postcard become.

In an embodiment, in which the user of the MMS-to-Postcard communication service means a multimedia message a video sequence to the value-added service provider providing the MMS-to-Postcard communication service offers, sent, the generated postcard has an OLED display unit on, which plays the video message contained in the multimedia message.

For example For example, the postcard has an OLED display unit and a computer chip on top of that with the OLED display unit is coupled. In the computer chip is the video sequence, a video decoder and an OLED driver stored so that by means of the computer chip and playing the video sequence by means of the OLED display unit, the is called can be displayed.

The video sequence is preferably stored in compressed form in the computer chip, for example according to MPEG-4, MPGEG-2, H.263 or MPEG-7 and the video decoder performs an ent talking decoding through.

In This document cites the following publications:

• [1] 3GPP TS 22.140 version 6.5.0, Release 6; Third Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS); Service Aspects (Stage 1)
• [2] 3GPP TS 23.140 version 6.5.0, Release 6; Third generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Terminals; multimedia Messaging service (MMS); Functional Description (Stage 2)
• [3] RFC2045; Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME), Part One: 'Format of Internet Message Bodies'; November 1996 (http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2045.txt)
• [4] IETF Network Working Group; RCF 2425: A MIME Content-Type for Directory Information; T. Howes, M. Smith & F. Dawson; September 1998 (http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2425.txt)
• [5] IETF Network Working Group; RCF 2426: vCard MIME Directory profiles; F. Dawson & T. Howes; September 1998 (http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2426.txt)
• [6] Proposal for MMS postcard conformance. Change Request [online]. Doc # OMA-MMSG-2004-0144R01-CR-postcardconformance. Open Mobile Allicane. June 11, 2004
• [7] US 2003/0236709 A1
• [8] Electronic postcard on the phone. In: anthracite, June 2004, p. 26, 27
• [9] WO 02/33604 A2
• [10] US 2004/0023686 A1
• [11] GB 2 379 126 A
• [12] DE 103 24 538 A1
• [13] DE 103 49 941 A1

100

communication system

101

MMS user agent

102 103

MMS relay / server

104

MMS user agent

105-107

interfaces

108 109

areas of responsibility

110

interface

111

server

112

interface

113

HLR

114

interface

115

MMS user database

116

interface

117

Value-added service server

118

interface

119

billing system

120

interface

121

Relay element

122

Server element

200

communication system

201

MMS user agent

202

interface

203

MMS relay / server

204

interface

205

Value-added service providers

206

mailboxes

207

mail

208

jurisdiction

300

transaction chart

301

MMS user agent

302

MMS relay / server

303

Value-added service providers

304 305

receiver

306 307

interfaces

308

mail

309-318

process steps

320-322

news

323 324

postcards

401

Multimedia Message

402 403

postcards

404

Multimedia Message header

405

Multimedia message message body

406

digital image

407

free text

408-410

Address data blocks

411 412

addressees fields

413

Free text field

414

Sender address field

415 416

markings

500

transaction chart

501

MMS user agent

502

MMS relay / server

503

Value-added service providers

504 305

receiver

506 307

interfaces

508

mail

509-516

process steps

517

postcard

518

Process step

520-522

news

601

Multimedia Message

602

Post cards face

603

Postcard back

604

Multimedia Message header

605

Multimedia message message body

606

free text

607

addressee field

608

video sequence

609

algorithm

610

images arrangement

611

addressee field

612

field

613

Labelling

700

diagram

701 702

part charts

703-705

scenes

706

scene change

707

Further Put

708

Single images

709

threshold

801

Multimedia Message

802

postcard

803

Multimedia Message header

804

Multimedia message message body

806

free text

807

Address data block

808

audio sequence

809

field

810

Address data field

811

memory chip

812

Labelling

Claims (13)

Communication terminal with A message generator, configured to generate a multimedia message which Multimedia message a postal address, user data and a Request for generating a mail item, wherein the Multimedia message further comprises a label, from the it can be determined that the postal address is a postal address a recipient the mail item to be generated is; and - a transmitting device, the is set up to send the multimedia message to a server. The communication terminal of claim 1, wherein the multimedia message designed in accordance with MMS is and the transmitting device is set up, the multimedia message to send to the server via MMS. Communication terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tag in a message header field of the multimedia message or in a header field of a data block containing the postal address or contains a part of the postal address is included. Communication terminal according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user data audio data, text data, video data, sender address data and / or Have still image data. Communication terminal according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the multimedia message is configured according to a MIME multipart structure. Communication terminal according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the message generator further set up is the multimedia message by means of a server address to the server to address and the transmitting device is set up, the multimedia message according to the server address to send to the server. Communication terminal according to claim 6, wherein the server address is a short code address, a phone number or an e-mail address. Communication terminal according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mailpiece is a letter, a parcel, a parcel, a telegram or a postcard is. Method for sending postal data by mail by means of a communication terminal, wherein according to the method - of the communication terminal a multimedia message is generated which multimedia message a postal address, payload, and a request to generate a mail item, the multimedia message further has a label from which it can be determined that the postal Address a postal address of a recipient of the mail to be generated is; and - from the communication terminal the multimedia message is sent to a server. Communication system with a communication terminal and a Server, where - the communication terminal a message generator having established is to generate a multimedia message, which is multimedia message a postal address, payload, and a request to generate a mail item, the multimedia message further has a label from which it can be determined that the postal Address a postal address of a recipient of the mail to be generated is; - the communication terminal a transmitting device that is configured, the multimedia message to send to the server; and - The server with a processing facility is coupled and has a control device, the set up is to control the processing means so that the processing means generates a mail item that contains at least a portion of the payload and according to the postal address to the recipient is addressed. A method for generating a mail item, wherein - a multimedia message is generated by a communication terminal, which multimedia message has a postal address, user data and a request for generating a mail item, wherein the multimedia message further comprises a label from which can be determined in that the postal address is a postal address of a recipient of the mail item to be generated; - From the communication terminal, the multime dia message is sent to a server; and - the server controls a processing device such that the processing device generates a mail item that has at least a portion of the payload data and that is addressed according to the postal address to the recipient. Server of a communication system, which communication system a communication terminal having, - of the Server has a receiving device that is set up, a multimedia message sent from a communication terminal to receive which multimedia message is a postal address, User data and a request for generating a mail item, wherein the multimedia message further comprises an identifier, from which it can be determined that the postal address is a postal Address of a recipient of is to be generated mail piece; - The server with a processing facility is coupled and has a control device, the set up is to control the processing means so that the processing means generates a mail item that contains at least a portion of the payload and according to the postal address to the recipient is addressed. Method for operating a server of a communication system, which communication system has a communication terminal, in which - of the Server a multimedia message sent by a communication terminal receives which multimedia message is a postal address, user data and a request for generating a mail item, wherein the multimedia message further comprises an identifier it can be determined that the postal address is a postal Address of a recipient the mail item to be generated is; - The server is a processing device controls so that the processing device generates a mail item, having at least a portion of the payload and the according to the postal Address to the recipient is addressed.