GB2551170A

GB2551170A - A method and apparatus for communicating a message provided by a computer program to a remote mobile communication device

Info

Publication number: GB2551170A
Application number: GB1610016.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Whitey Dean; Dixon Joseph
Original assignee: Ubisend Ltd
Current assignee: Ubisend Ltd
Priority date: 2016-06-08
Filing date: 2016-06-08
Publication date: 2017-12-13
Also published as: GB201610016D0

Abstract

A method of communicating a message to a mobile device involves composing the message and selecting a messaging channel or service associated with the mobile device to communicate the message, e.g. Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MMS), or a cross-platform thirty-party messaging application. The message is converted to a form that conforms to the protocols of the selected messaging channel and is then communicated to the mobile device. The invention allows a user to create a single campaign message and communicate this to subscribers based on their preferred form of messaging. Converted messages may be scheduled to facilitate communication of the messages to the mobile devices at a predetermined time and/or date. Converted messages may be associated with a priority attribute and communicated in priority order. The user may access the messaging system using an application program or a web application that is functionable in a web browser.

Description

A method m4 apparatus for communicating a mtssag%,,M^vjiMM.a mmoMter program f© a remote mobile com mis si s cats on device

Field of the Invention

The invention relates a method and apparatus for communicating a message from a computer program to a mobile communication device. The term "mobile communication device” is to be interpreted broadly to include a portable information processing device, a laptop computer device, a tablet computer device, a wearable computer device or the like.

Mobile telephone devices receive content-based messages through multiple applications such as Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MMS) and commercial third-party messaging applications for example, Facebook Messenger ™, WeChat ™, KiK™, Line™, Viber™, WhatsApp™1Nimbuzz™ and the like. Typically, messages comprise of text characters and images, the precise number and format is dependent on the particular

Incoding scheme used by the message type, the delivery method end the destination service, feme users of mobile devices prefer to receive messages via one particular messaging application over another. Others utilise multiple messaging applications and receive multiple message formats, often using different messaging applications for diverse social and business uses.

The upi of thirrispaily messaging applications is more popular in the developed world due to the ubiquity of the internet for data transmission, in the developing world, where there is little internet access in rural areas, the sending and receiving of messages is much more popular through the SMS format.

An SMS message is sent through a pathway of telecommunications carrier networks and costs money every time a message sent. The cost is dependent on the telecommunications infrastructure and, generally speaking, it’s more expensive to send an SMS in the developing world. Although some third-party messaging applications charge businesses to cmatc an account, there are generally no costs to send a message. This low cost makes the se'-'C ng of messages through third-party messaging applications attractive - particularly as internet coverage and usage is growing rapidly around the world.

Many known messaging software providers lack the ability to give users a choice (whether by SMS, MMS or third - party messaging applications) in how to receive messages. There is a need for a system that is able to send messages across ail platforms regardless of delivery method or intended service destination. Such known systems are mobile health messaging programs. Across the world governments and Nongovernment Organisations [NGOsl deliver critical health messages to individuals, currently these messages are sent almost entirely through SMS and MMS at great financial cost If the functionality existed for messages to be created, edited and delivered ubiquitously through SMS, MMS arid third-party messaging applications it would lower the cost and increase the number of people reached.

The present invention, el least in its preferred embodiment, seeks to address these problems.

Simms^oi the Invention

In a first broad Independent the invention provides a method of communicating a message provided by a computer program , in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device; comprising the steps of » Providing information indicative of said message from a user of said computer program, which in use is commiinleated to said mobile communication device; ® Selecting a means of communication associated to said mobile communication device from one or more means of communication; • Converting said information of said message to a form that comprises information that conforms to the protocols of said selected means of communication via a conversion means; and ® Communicating said converted message to said mobile communication device via an interface means to said means of communication.

This method is advantageous because it enables one or more users, who do not possess any of the technical skills required for the development of software applications, to quickly and easily create and send a message from at least one computer program/web portal to multiple mobile communication devices by the means of employing multiple messaging appliealom Thus, the user Is provided with a computer implemented method for creating, editing and sending of a message over a Wide Area computer Network (WAN) to the correct/intended endpoint (such a mobile communication device associated to a person who is the end user/subscriber of the system).

Other advantages of this method are: ® In regards to providing and subsequent sending of the message ™ the method is easy to use, because the subject matter of the message is then subsequently converted to a form, which conforms to the required protocols of the selected means of communication. Thus, enabling the message to be communicated to the intended recipient, via the selected means of communication. The conversion of the message is automatically undertaken without requiring any specialist technical skills from the system user. ® The method provides fast communication from the user of the system to the intended recipient^} of the message. ® The method enables the user to have access to a large audience, this is due to the many third - party cross '-platform messaging applications there are in addition to SMS and MMS systems. ® Hie method enables the intended end user to choose a third party messaging application for receiving messages to which they are subscribed to.

Preferably, a method of communicating a message provided by a computer program, in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device, further comprises thllfep of storing information indicative of a plurality of said messages within an information smratge means Tor subsequent retrieval

This method is advantageous because it enables the storing of multiple messages so that they can be then subsequently communicated to multiple end users in a predetermined message distribution and/or message campaign.

Preferably, a method of communicating a message provided by a computer program, in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device, further comprises the step of scheduling said converted message(s) with a scheduling means, thereby fad^imngthe communication of said converted message^) to said mobile communication device at a predetermined time and/or date.

This method is advantageous because it enables the sending of a message that is triggered |y one or more configurable time periods, whereby the time periods are scheduled to provide the required distribution of an individual, message, or the multiple messages in a campaign at anytime and in any time tone.

Preferably, a method of communicating a message provided by a computer program, in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device, further comprises the step of associating information indicative of a priority attribute to each said converted message.

This method is advantageous because it enables the prioritisation of mu lti ple messages, wherein messages that require urgent d^jgeffare assigned an attribute which comprises a marked, weighted and/or score to indicate the urgency of the message.

Preferably, a method of communicating a message provided by a computer program, in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device, further comprises the step of arranging said translated message(s} in a linear data structure, whereby in use, a said message communicated from said linear data structure will be on a first in - first out basis.

This method is advantageous because it enables multiple messages to be configured in a queue structure wherein the prioritisation of a message being sent will be dependent upon its position in entering the queue. E.g. the first message entering the queue will be the first message communicated to the mobile communication device of the intended recipient

Preferably, a method of communicating a message provided by 3 computer program, in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device, further comprises the step of arranging said converted message^) in a linear data structure; whereby in use, a first said message comprising a priority attribute greater than a priority attribute of a second said message, will have priority over said second message, and will be communicated to said mobiie communication device before a second said message.

This method is advantageous because it enables multiple messages to be configured in a queue structure wherein the prioritisation of a message being sent will be dependent on the priority attribute associated to the message. E.g. a message which comprises a priority attribute that indicates a higher urgency than any other message in the queue, will be prioritised to be communicated to said mobile communication device of the intended recipient, before any other messages and/or any other messages to other recipients with a lower urpncy/prioritisation,

In a second broad independent the invention provides an apparatus to communicate a message provided by a computer program, in use on a computer device, to a remote mobiie communication device; comprising: ® A means for providing information indicative of said message from a user of said computer program; « A selecting mea^s for selecting a means of communication associated to said remote mobile fern one or more means of communication; ® A converting means for converting said information of said message to a form that comprises information that conforms to the protocols of said selected means of communication; and ® An interface means to said means of communication, which in use communicates said converted message to said remote mobile communication device.

This configuration is ad^anfageous because i enables the implementation of a system/apparatusthat enables one or more users, who do not possess any of the technical skills required for the development of software applications, to quickly and easily create and send a message from at least one computer program/web portal to multiple mobile communication devices by the means of employing:multiple third-party messaging applications for example, Facebook Messenger ™, WeChat™, KiK™, Line™, Viber'iM. WhpsApp™, Nimbuzi™ arid the like.

Preferably, an apparatus to communicate a message provided by a computer program, in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device, further comprises an information storage means for storing information indicative of a plurality of said messages.

This configuration is advantageous because it enables one or more messages to be stored within the apparatus prior to communicating them on to the intended recipientfs).

Preferably, an apparatus to communicate a message provided by a computer program, in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device, further comprising a second information storage means for storing Information Indicative of on| or more tables; wherein each said table comprises of information indicative of one or more subscribers.

This configuration is advantageous because it enables one or more distribution tables to be stored within the apparatus. Each fable contains the information which is utilised as a distribution list for a multiple intended recipients. For example, each list may be in aiblm:: of a campaign and is selectable by the apparatus user when required;

This configuration is advantageous because it enables users, who are not technically trained in software systems to create, edit and send a messap quickly and easily from any location with internet access,

Preferably, an apparatus to communicate a message provided by a computer program, in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device, further comprises a scheduling means for determining which said messages are to be arranged in a linear data structure after the lapse of a predetermined time period.

This configuration is advantageous because it enables multiple messages to configured into a queue, whereby each message is then communicated to the mobile communication device of an end user/reciplent in accordance with the scheduling/ timing requirements of the system user. This configuration also facilitates the prioritisation of the messages so that they are communicated to the intended recipient in accordance with the required urgency of the message.

Preferably, said means of communication is a third-pasty messaging software application or the like, Short Message Service [SMSJ or Multimedia Messaging Service [MMS]. configuration is advantageous because I enables the communication of the message over a number of communication networks and/ or platforms. This prevents any restriction to the distribution of the message to the intended recipients, due to lack communication infra structure in the geographical area of the intended recipient.

Preferably, said remote mobile communication device is a portable information processing device, a laptop computer device, a tablet computer device, a wearable computer device or Ihe bke.

This configuration is advantageous because it enables the message to the intended recipient to be received by any information processing means or computer device which comprises a processing means for processing the message and displaying and/or communicating the message to the intended recipient

Preferably, sasc computer program is a we» application that is functionable within a wel browser.

This configuration is advantageous, because it enables the user to have quick and easy access to the system from any computer device which has an adequate internet connection to operate a web browser.

Preferably, said computer program is a software application that is functionable within an operating system of a computer device.

This configuration is advantageous; because it enables computer program to be loaded onto specific hardware computer based platforms which do not have the required internet access/ conneetability to use the system via a web based application.

In a third broad independent aspect, the invention provides a computer program adapted to communicate a message provided by a computer program; in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device; comprising: ® A means for providing information indicative of said message from a user of said computer program; * A selecting means for selecting a means of communication associated to said remote mobile from one or more means of communication; • A conversion means for converting said information of said message to a language that comprises information that conforms to the protocols of said selected means of communication; and ® An interface means to said means of communication, which in use communicates said converted message to said remote mobile communication device,

This configuration is advantageous because the computer program can be imported into an information processing means, such as a computer, without having to adjust or rearrange its physical hardware construction or rearranging Its internal hardware. The computer program provides information backups, locally or remotely, Automatic or manual updates can also be applied in accordance with product development or user preferences without rearranging tie physical construction of the computer cevce. Preferably, an information processing means comprising: said computer program sn accordance with the above features.

This configuration provides an information processing means, such as a computer, a computer server, a web based computer server, a tablet or communication device with the computer program incorporated within it;

Brief DgOTjptlon.gf the. Fjgurg§

Figure 1 shows an overall functional diagram of the method/system for communicating a message from the system user, to the intended recipient.

Figure 2 shows a functional diagram which details tie required components for creating and sending message from the system user, to the iltended recipient.

PgtaLlgd..Description .of the Figures

Figure 1 shows an overall functional diagram of the method/system for communicating a message from the system user, to the intended recipient and is generally indicated by arrow 1.

Functional block Z creates a canoaign message, which is then communicated via arrow 4 to functional block 6.

Functional block 3 creates a single broadcast message, which is then communicated via arrow 5 to functional block 6.

Functional block 6 is a computer program or web based application/software platform which enables the message Information to parsed/ encoded/converted into a form that incorporates information that is then compatible with a means of communicating the message to the mobile communication dev ce of the intended recipient The means of communication may be SMS, MMS or a third-party messaging application for example, Facebook Messenger ™, WeChat ™, KiK™, Line™, Yiber™. WhatsApp™ and Nsmhuzz™ or the like.

Once the messages have been parsed/encoded, they are then subsequently scheduled and placed in a message queue via arrow 7, Functional block 8 is message queueing means, which is a linear data storage device.

Once the messages have been arranged within the message queue 8, they are then communicated to multiple Messaging Application Program Interface [APIs] via arrow 9.

The Messaging APIs provide the system 1 with an interfaces which enao.es the communication of the messages from the system 1 to multiple mobile communication devices 13 which are remote to the system 1, via arrow 11.

Message information is communicated from the messaging APIs to the computer program/ web-based application 6 via arrow 12.

Communication of information, such as one or more messages from the intended recipient are communicated from the mobile communication devices 13, to the computer program/web based application 6, via arrows 11 and 12 and the Message Application Program Interface 10.

Figure 2 shows a more detailed oyer view of the system 1.

Functional block 20 is when a subscriber (an end recipient for the messaging seance) can subscribe to the system via a keyword, or when a system user, for example a company, can create an auto responder that responds to any word sent in by a potential subscriber. For example, a person can message in saying “HU" and the auto responder will initiate with a response. For example, the response may be Ίί you want to subscribe to the pregnancy campaign reply with PREGNANT" or alternatively if you want to support a local soccer team then reply with the soccer team's name etc. The subscriber information is then communicated and stored within a subscriber data table or list, via arrow 21. The preferred means of communicating with the subscriber [For example, a third-party cross-platform messaging application, SMS or MMS| is also stored and correlated to the subscriber record within with the subscriber list 22.

When the system user creates a message, the user starts and logs into the system 1 via functional blocks 23 and 25, and arrows 24 and |§, Functional block 27 is when the user composes and schedules a message for subsequent communication to a mobile communication device 13. The user selects a stored subscriber list 22 which contains one or more subscriber(s) contact details to whom he wishes to message, or to whom he wishes to run a message campaign to multiple end recipients.

The one or more composed messages are then communicated to a database 29 within, or associated to the computer program/web based application.

Functional block 30 is a message scheduler means, which is typically activated after the lapse of a predetermined time period to determine if;any merges from the system user are to be queued. The predetermined time period being hours, minutes and/or seconds, microseconds, nanoseconds or smaller. The sub -second time intervals being required when scheduling a high volume of message traffic through the system. For example scheduling multiple campaigns to multiple end users/ subscribers.

The scheduler obtains the messages stored within the database 29, via arrow 31 Ihl; communicates the messages which the scheduling means 30 has determined are now due to be communicated to the intended recipients), via arrow 32.

Functional block 33 is when a message is parsed/translated/encoded/converted so that it conforms to the protocols of the chosen means of communication [For example, the recipient's preferred messaging service). Thus the transiated/converted message can then be subsequently communicated to the intended recipient via the chosen means of communication.

The parsed/encoded message is then communicated to linear data structure or other messaging queuing means via arrow 34,

Functional block 8 is also the message queue means shown in Figure 1. However, the parsed/encoded messages arranged within this queueing means may also comprise an optional priority attribute. The priority attribute is an indication of the required urgency of the message. The message queue is a first in - first out data structure, with an option to prioritise messages should the need arise, for example, in ease of an emergency, in such instances, the messages with a higher urgency will be prioritised and communicated to the intended recipients before any message(s) having a lower urgency requirement. The priority attribute may be in the form of a score, weighting value assigned to the message.

Once prioritised, the messages can then be sent to the intended recipients according to the sorting of the associated priority attributes.

The messages from the messaging queue means are then communicated to the Messaging APIs via arrow 9¾

Functional block 10 comprises multiple third-party messaging application program interfaces [APIs] which provide and set out the routines and protocols that enables the system 1 to interface to external mobile/celiular communication networks and/or third-party cross platform messaging applications.

The messages are then dispatched/communicated to the mobile communication device of the intended recipients] 13 by the selected communication means [For example, SMS, MM§ and/or a third-party cross platform messaging application^]] via arrow 11.

The system user chooses the subscriber/end from one or more recipient list(s), to whom they intend to send to a message. This may be an individual subscriber or multiple subscribers for a message campaign. This choice from of subscriber list is indicated by arrow 35.

In use, the invention provides a computer-implemented method and apparatus for the creating, editing and prioritisation and sending of text, audio, images, emojis, video and any other media as it becomes available through SMS, MMS and third-party messaging applications for example, Faceboofc Messenger ™, WeChat ™, KiK™, Line™, Viber™, WhatsApp™ and Nimbuzz™ or the tike. The method incorporates the steps required to compile a message, encode the message in the required encoding format and sending the message over the relevant network to the correct end point A mobile communication device of the intended recipient of the message. For example, a user can login to the system/platform and compose a message for sending to their subscribers. This message can contain, text, images, emojis, sound, video and other media as it becomes available. Each different third-party messaging application requires the content of their APi call in a different format. As such, at the point of sending, the platform needs to determine which service the message should be sent via, create a new instance of the relevant sending class which formats the message accordingly.

The method comprises a computer program/software application which comprises computer program logic which embodies a computer algorithm, which details the software structure for enabling the communication of the message to the intended recipient Thus, enabling a user of the method/apparatus to compose a single message of any character length, in any character encoding, with the addition of media files for delivery to multiple subscribers across multiple different formats. The computer program will also allow the user to schedule said messages at. any time, in any time zone based on flexible and customisable triggers. For example, a user can be subscribed in one of two ways. They can send a message via SMS or third-party messaging application containing one or more keywords, or alternatively a system user can create an auto responder that responds to any word sent in by the potential subscriber, with an invitation for them to subscribe to a specific campaign.

In the case of SMS only, they can be added manually by the user of the system. Initially, the system will store the preferred service of the intended recipient as whatever service, or means of communication, with which they subscribe with, but there will be an option for subscribers to update this at a later date should they wish. At the point of sending the message to the subscriber or intended recipient, the system retrieves this stored value and plrses/encodes the message in accordance with the protocols the preferred service or means of communication.

Furthermore, the computer program will allow the user of the method/apparatus to choose their preferred method of sending (e.g, SMS, a single third-party messaging service or subscriber determined!-

The user can create a campaign of messages and schedule them for a given time and time zone. Schedules can also be triggered based on certain variable data such as subscription date, date of birth, baby due date etc (e.g, send this message on the subscribers birthday). The algorithm determines by which method the message should be sent to the intended recipient, and then subsequently encodes the plain text of the message composed by the user according to the rules imposed by the third-party. This message is sent via a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encrypted HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) connection to the relevant third-party for delivery to the subscriber.

Each message is sent from the computer program using a queue system. This system operates a prioritisation feature that allows urgent messages to escalate to the top of the queue and take precedence over those with a lower priority. For example, standard messages are queued in a standard first in, first out fashion. If for instance, there was an earthquake in japan and the system/platform was used to alert members of the public, these would be tagged as priority and would jump to the top of the queue.

Secure SSL encrypted web-hooks are used to receive feedback from the third-party for tracking message delivery statistics.

The technical problem to be solved by the invention is the generation of a message and then the subsequently communicating of the message to the intended recipient of the message, via the communication means preferred by the intended recipient of the message. Whereby the sender of the message does not require the technical skills required to convert the message to a form which incorporates information that is compatible with the required protocols of the preferred communication means of the intended recipient of the message.

The invention provides a solution to this technical problem by taking a message for an intended recipient and converting the information contained within the message [actual message information and/or configuration/system overhead information] to a form which incorporates information that conforms and is subsequently compatible with the protocols of the means of communication preferred by the end recipient. The converted message is then communicated to the end recipient via the preferred means of communication.

The invention incorporates the following functional elements: « A means of communication: » One or more functional element(s) that are embodied in a sequence of computer code that provides the functionality for the required SMS, MMS and third-party messaging applications. The computer code may be in the form of a code listing, coded subroutine, and a computer coded class within an object - orientated design structure or the like, » A means of selecting a means of communication; ® One or more functional element(s) that are embodied in a sequence of computer code that provides the functionality for selecting the required SMS, MMS and third-party messaging applications, in accordance with the information stored, which is indicative of the prefer communication means of the end recipient. The computer code may be In the form of a code listing, coded subroutine, and a computer coded class within an object - orientated design structure or the like. # A conversion means; ® One or more functional element(s) that are embodied in a sequence of computer code that provides the functionality for converting the information of the message to the end recipient, to a form that comprises information conforms to the protocols of the communication means preferred by the end recipient, The computer code may be in the form of a code listing, coded subroutine, and a computer coded class within an object - orientated design structure or the like. • An interface means; * One or more functional elements) that are embodied in a sequence of computer code that provides the functionality for interfacing and communicating the converted message to the preferred communication means of the end recipient The interfacing means wilt also receive information from an end recipient, whereby the received information is indicative of the information required to subscribe to the system, in addition to the subscribing to the system, the information is indicative of the means of communication used by the end recipient, or preferred feiy the end recipient The computer code may be in the form of a code listing, coded subroutine, and a computer coded class within an object -orientated design structure or the like. ® An information storage means; ® One or more functional element(s) that are embodied in a sequence of computer code, a database, or a memory storage device. « An information table [subscriber tables] ® One or more functional elements) that are embodied in a sequence of computer code that provides the functionality for storing the information associated to each intended recipient who has subscribed to the system. One or more tables can be subsequently indexed in accordance to subseriber/end user, or alternatively one or more tables can be indexed for t|e sending of multiple messages. For example, the subscribers on a table may ail receive the same message, whereby the message is being as campaign by the system user. The computer code may be in the form of a code listing, coded subroutine, and a computer coded class within an object - orientated design structure or the like.

In; an alternative embodiment of the invention, the subscriber/intended recipient of the message, or the user of the system cars select more than one preferred means of communication, for example, selecting SMS and a third-party cross-platform messaging service. This embodiment maybe required whin if is essential that subscriber receives urgent high priority messages, which are not totally dependent on one means of communication. For example, high priority messages may not get through if the preferred means of communication fails due to a technical problem/breakdown or becomes swamped/overloaded with message/data traffic.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the subscriber/intended recipient of the message, Of the user of the system can select a secondary means of communication which will come in to effect when the preferred/primary means of communication associated to the subscriber develops a technical problem, which prevents the messap from being sent to the end recipient in another embodiment of the invention, the system will comprise multiple levels of message prioritisation. For example, the system will comprise low, medium and high levels of message prioritisation.

Claims

ckimi

1. A method of communicating a message provided by a computer program, in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device; comprising the steps of » Providing information indicative of said message from a user of said computer program, which in use is communicated to said mobile communication device; « Selecting a means of communication associated to said mobile communication device from one or more means of communication; ® Converting said information of said message to a form that comprises information that conforms to the protocols of said selected means of communication; and » Communicating said converted message to said mobile communication device via an interface means to said means of communication. 2. <A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of storing information indicative of a plurality of said messages within an information storage means for subsequent retrieval;
3. A method according to either of claims 1 or 2; further comprising the step of scheduling said converted message(s) with a scheduling means, thereby facilitating the communication of said converted message(s) to said mobile communication device at a predetermined time and/or date;
4. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of associating information indicative of a priority attribute to each said converted message;
5. A method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of arranging said converted message(s) in a linear data structure, whereby in use. a said message communicated from said linear data structure will be on a first in - first out basis.
6. A method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of arranging said converted message(s) in a linear data structure; whereby in use, a first said message comprising a priority attribute greater than a priority attribute of a second said message, will have priority over said second message, and will be communicated to said mobile communication device before a second said message.
7. An apparatus to communicate a message provided by a computer program, in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device; comprising: * A means for providing information indicative of said message from a user of said computer program; ® A selecting means for selecting a means of communication associated to said remote mobile from one or more means of communication; * A conversion means for converting said information of said message to a form that comprises information that conforms to the protocols of said selected means of communication; and ® An interface means to said means of communication, which in use communicates said converted message to said remote mobile communication device,
8. An apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an information storage means for storing information indicative of a plurality of said messages.
9. An apparatus according to either of calms 7 or 8, further comprising a second information storage means for storing Information indicative of one or more tables; wherein each said table comprises of information indicative of one or more subscribers.
10. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 7 to 9, further comprises a scheduling means for determining which said messages are to be arranged in a linear data structure after the lapse of a predetermined time period.
11. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 7 to 10, wherein said means of communication is a cross-platform, third-party messaging software application or the like, Short Message Service [SMS], or Multimedia Messaging Service [MMS].
12. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 7 to 11, wherein said remote mobile communication device is a portable information processing device, a laptop computer device, a tablet computer device, a wearable computer device or the like.
13. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 7 to 12, wherein said computer program Is a web application that is functionable within a web browser, Η: An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims f to 12, wherein said computer program is a software application that is functionable within an operating system of a computer device.
15. A computer program adapted to communicate a message provided by a computer program, in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device; comprising;: * A means for providing information indicative of said message from a user of said computer program; * A selecting means for selecting a means of communication associated to said remote mobile from one or more means of communication; * A conversion means for converting said information of said message to a form that comprises information that conforms to the protocols of said selected means of communication; and * An interface means to said means of communication, which in use communicates said converted message to said remote mobile communication device,
16. An information processing means comprising said computer program in accordance with claim 15,
17. A method of communicating a message provided by a computer program, in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device as substantial!# herein before described and/or illustrated in the accompanying text and/or Figures. ISi Anapparatus to communicate a message provided by a computer program, in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device as substantially herein before described and/or illustrated in the accompanying text and/or Figures.
19. A computerprogram adapted to communicate a message provided by a computer program, in use on a computer device, to a remote mobile communication device.