WO2003061309A2

WO2003061309A2 - Improvements relating to digital wireless communications

Info

Publication number: WO2003061309A2
Application number: PCT/GB2003/000006
Authority: WO
Inventors: Toby Moores; Benjamin James Last; Mark Anthony Hilton; Joanne Elizabeth Allen
Original assignee: Sleepydog Limited
Priority date: 2002-01-03
Filing date: 2003-01-03
Publication date: 2003-07-24
Also published as: GB0200100D0; WO2003061309A3; AU2003201633A1; EP1461968A2

Abstract

A method of sending a data message using a mobile communications device (102a) is described. The method (300) comprises: establishing a voice communications channel (110a, 110b, 112a, 112b, 106) between a first mobile communications device (102a) and a second mobile communications device (102b) and transmitting voice data between the mobile communications devices (102a, 102b); generating (304b, 306a, 306b) a data message using the first mobile communications device (102a); indicating (302b) to the first mobile communications device (102a) that the data message is to be sent to a stored target communications address (505) associated with the second mobile communications device (102b); and transmitting (308) the data message from the first mobile communications device to the stored target communications address (505). The generating and indicating steps occur whilst the voice communications channel (110a, 110b, 112a, 112b, 106) is open.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO DIGITAL WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS

Field of the Present Invention

The present invention concerns improvements relating to digital wireless communications and provides more specifically, an improved method of addressing data messages that are sent from a mobile telecommunications device.

Background to the Present Invention

The 'cellular' concept for wireless communications has proved extremely successful, with vast areas of the world now able to communicate wirelessly using this technology. Cellular systems operate by dividing geographic locations into so-called 'cells', areas of around ten square miles, creating a wireless cellular network. Each cell has a base station at its centre to transmit and receive radio signals to and from transceivers within the surrounding cell area. The base stations communicate with Mobile Switching Centres which connect to the Public Service Telephone Network via landlines. Both the base stations and transceivers operate at low power, such that radio signals do not travel far beyond the cell boundary in which they are transmitted. Accordingly, radio frequencies used in one cell can be reused in non-adjacent cells, allowing a plurality of signal transmissions within a sub-divided geographic area to be handled at any one time. Cellular coverage was initially restricted to large cities and airports, but was gradually extended to main roads and towns and today includes many rural areas, being predominantly used for mobile phone services.

The cellular networks were initially developed without the benefit of standardisation, leading to inherent problems with compatibility. In addition, so-called first generation (1G) mobile phones worked using purely analogue radio transmissions, placing a limitation on network capacity. The Global System for Mobile Communications standards group was formed in 1982 to address these problems initially within Europe, but the resulting GSM guidelines have since been adopted throughout much of the world. The need to rapidly increase cellular capacity in a cost-effective manner lead to a decision to adopt Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technology, which makes more efficient :_use of the available radio sj ctrum by _.assigning time slots to. different . transmissions. Voice signals are converted into high frequency digital signals before being grafted onto a low frequency analogue wave for transmission. This digital technique effectively triples the number of phone calls that can be handled by a cellular network at any one time. The subsequent growth of second generation (2G) digital cellular systems has been rapid and it is anticipated that wireless digital communication will become the universal telecommunications method in due course.

The GSM standards included provisions for a Short Messaging Service (SMS) from the outset. Under the standards the radio spectrum is divided into channels, with each channel occupying a 30 kHz band. There are two different types of channel: communication channels carry voice signals, whilst control channels control signalling inputs and outputs from the communication channels and manage network transmission tasks. The control channels operate at slightly higher frequencies than the communication channels. The Short Messaging Service was introduced to take advantage of any spare frequency capacity within the control channels, allowing short alphanumeric messages of up to 160 characters in length to be sent across the cellular networks. In the first instance the facility was primarily used for voice mail notification, whereby a user is alerted to messages stored for them by the network in a central network repository. Typically, when a user reconnects their handset to a cellular network, a text message such as "3 NEW MESSAGES" will be transmitted to the mobile handset display screen. In due course, the service was adapted so that messages could originate from the mobile phones themselves and be sent to the cellular network or to other mobile phones on which the service was enabled, leading to an explosive growth in SMS messaging.

SMS has been utilised to provide an ever increasing array of services via mobile phones and other handheld devices such as Personal Digital Assistants. For example, notification services have been extended from voice mail to include fax and e-mail notification (including notification of e-mails received in Internet accounts). Indeed, e- mail itself can be received via SMS by assigning a user an e-mail address, which typically incorporates the number of the user's mobile jphqne, such that e-mail is forwarded to the phone as a short message. In addition, an SMS user can also subscribe to information services, receiving notifications about such things as travel news, weather and sporting events (for example when a goal is scored in a football match). A further utilisation of SMS is the downloading of programs for new ring tones onto mobile phones.

The mobile phone is increasingly being viewed as an extension to the personal computer and it is anticipated that users will expect ever more sophisticated levels of functionality on par with those delivered by their computer. A natural progression has been the extension to running multimedia applications on mobile phones, capable of transmitting images as well as voice and alphanumeric data. The introduction of Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), the standards by which devices connect wirelessly to and transmit and receive data from the Internet, presented one way in which mobile phones could be adapted to handle multimedia applications. However, functionality in WAP-enabled mobile telecommunications devices has initially been hampered by the speed at which data can be transmitted over the narrow communication channels in second generation (2G) communications systems. This problem will be greatly improved in third generation (3G) devices, which will take advantage of a new set of broadband radio frequencies recently licensed around the world - the broader communications channels allowing the transmission of larger quantities of data per unit time. However, WAP-enabled mobile phones are only available at the higher end of the market and do not address the multimedia requirements of the vast SMS user base. In the month of May 2002 alone, around 24 billion messages were sent via the Short Messaging Service (source GSM Association). Accordingly, this has prompted the cellular telecommunications companies to develop the functionality of SMS by introducing an Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS) and a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). The Enhanced Messaging Service is intended as an intermediary technology, _/until . services : using me broadband frequencies become available, and adds functionality to the existing SMS service in the control channels. Text can be formatted using different fonts and the service also allows simple black and white icons and basic animations to be sent, along with simple tunes. EMS works by stringing a series of SMS messages together as a group, thereby allowing more sophisticated messages to be sent. However, despite having been adopted by many of the cellular telecommunications companies, EMS is not standardised. In contrast, the Multimedia Messaging Service is being developed in accordance with standards for transmitting data over the new 3G broadband frequencies and will also be suitable for use with intermediary technologies such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). Rather than assigning frequency time slots to messages, as happens with the 2G technology TDMA, GPRS allows each frequency to be used in the sending of a plurality of messages. Each message is broken down into digital data packets which are assigned identifying codes. The digital data packets are then grafted onto low frequency analogue waves for transmission, as in the 2G technology. Software at the receiver is able to isolate the pieces of each message and reassemble them as a whole. This technique prevents a frequency from being monopolised unnecessarily when no data is being sent and, hence, allows sophisticated messages to be sent more quickly. Returning to MMS, it delivers data directly over the communications channels rather than the control channels. As well as formatted text and icons, MMS-enabled mobile phones will be able to send digital photographs taken with onboard cameras and also transmit short audio-visual clips.

Whilst great efforts are being made to fully exploit the revenue potential of these messaging services, with the development of an ever increasing array of applications for wireless telecommunications devices, the present invention recognises and addresses a problem which has been within the messaging services since SMS first originated back in the early 1990s. This problem, namely that the process of sending the majority of messages via a telecommunications device is unduly cumbersome, has continued to propagate through the evolving services described above.

Summary of the Present Invention

It is desired to overcome or substantially reduce the above-mentioned problem. More specifically, it is desired to provide an improved method of addressing data messages that are to be sent from a mobile telecommunications device.

The present invention resides in the appreciation that people having telephone conversations will generally want to send data messages to each other rather than to third parties who are not participating in the call. This fact can then be used to assist in the addressing of a data message, typically automatically with little or no user input.

More specifically, according to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of sending a data message using a mobile communications device, the method comprising: establishing a voice communications channel between a first mobile communications device and a second mobile communications device and transmitting voice data between the mobile communications devices; generating a data message using the first mobile communications device; indicating to the first mobile communications device that the data message is to be sent to a stored target communications address associated with the second mobile communications device; and transmitting the data message from the first mobile communications device to the stored target communications address, wherein the generating and indicating steps occur whilst the voice communications channel is open.

It is to be appreciated that the above step of generating a data message is intended to have a broad meaning, encompassing not only the written composition of text messages and image capture but also the mere selection of a data file which is to be sent, e.g. attached to an otherwise empty message template. By using a stored target communications address, which is associated with the second communications device, the present invention reduces the amount of interaction that is required from the user of the first communications device. Present messaging systems available on mobile ecommunications. devices ..force users..through .cumbersome addressing procedures before permitting data messages to be sent, even necessarily requiring the user to move the handset away from the user's ear to select or type in the required address. Such messaging systems, whether for sending text, EMS or MMS messages, require users to execute large numbers of key presses on their handsets in order to address messages prior to transmission. The user is required to either key in a target address from memory or to select a target address from the address book stored on their telecommunications device. Either method results in a lengthy process, which if executed during a telephone call, presents a major disruption to the conversation as well as racking up cellular network costs. Accordingly, this has led to a situation where the thought of composing and sending data messages during voice communications in telephone calls has become an anathema to users, even though this dual capability has always been available for SMS and EMS messages.

As a result, people generally delay sending data messages to one another until after their telephone conversation has ended. For example, if two people are having a telephone conversation on mobile telephones and one agrees to text a telephone number to the other because that person does not have anything physically on their person with which to write the number down, the person sending the text message will usually wait until after the call has finished before composing and sending the message. As well as composing the message using the telephone's message editor, the user will also have to enter the number of the other person's telephone directly into the handset or else scroll through their telephone's address book to select the other person's mobile telephone number. The scenario is made worse when the other party's telephone number is not already stored in the address book. In this case, the user must first go to the last received call function on their mobile telephone and save the number to the telephone's address book before composing the message, so that when they come to send the data message the other person's mobile telephone number is available for selection. Unfortunately, if a telephone conversation lasts for some time then the data message may never get sent as the good intention can easily be forgotten.

The same convoluted user-processes are being propagated through to intermediary and third generation devices because of the desire within the telecommunications industry to provide the consumer with systems that are already familiar to them in the short messaging service.

The present invention recognises that people prefer to interact with each other in real time. By automatically performing the message addressing function, the present invention allows messaging services to be far more intuitive to their users' needs. User interfaces on telecommunications devices can be adapted to present a series of 'quick' messaging functions. In particular, when the method of sending a data message comprises receiving and storing a telephone number of the second mobile communications device as well as establishing a voice communications channel and employing that telephone number as the target communications address, then such 'quick' messaging functions enable the automatic addressing of data messages to the second communications device, regardless of whether the number was previously known to the first mobile communications device.

Alternatively, the stored telephone number can be used to look up a stored target communications address which is associated with the second communications device, such that a known user preference for receiving messages can be accommodated - again without requiring any additional interaction from the user of the first communications device. In this case, the retrieving step may comprise determining a predetermined default target communications address from the communications record and using predetermined default target communications address for the transmitting step. Conversely,, the retrieving step may comprise identifying a predetermined default type of target communications address for the communications record and using an address of that default type as the target communications address for the transmitting step. Either way, when the look up of specific record details are being used, message addressing can still advantageously be automated.

The_.method may further comprise_.each mobile communications device transmitting to the other mobile communications device, during the establishing step, a target communications address and storing the other devices target communications address when it is received. This swapping of target communication addresses between the mobile communications devices facilitates quick messaging in both directions, providing both handsets are configured to operate in accordance with the present invention.

The method may further comprise determining whether transmission of a data message of a specific media type (e.g. text, e-mail, digital image, digital voice file) is within the capabilities of the first mobile communications device and receipt of which is within the capabilities of a target device at the target communications address. This filtering function is particularly useful when there is a plurality of possible data communications channels available and one has to be selected. Selecting the data channel on the capabilities characteristics makes sure that messages will be received by the target address. It also accommodates the various different types of portable telecommunications devices on the market by enabling a single software program to be useable with all devices.

If there are several different types of data channels within the capabilities of the device, then the method may further comprise selecting a data communications channel having capabilities in accordance with the media type of the data message which is to be transmitted, wherein the transmitting step may further comprise establishing the data communications channel from the first mobile communications device to the target communications device. This again makes the process automated.

The composed and addressed message can then either be sent during the call, if the handset and network will allow it, or alternatively when the telephone call is terminated. However, when the transmitting step also occurs whilst the voice communications channel is open, the messaging service is best able to serve the user's messaging requirements since they are able to obtain immediate verbal feedback from the other party about the data message. This 'In Call' feature, is enabled by the present invention as it has made the process of actually using this existing feature of telecommunications systems far easier, faster and cheaper to implement thereby removing the previous barrier to use. It is also extremely useful for immediate feedback situations, for example, when a digital photograph is sent of a subject for which the sender requires an immediate verbal opinion - for example on a possible purchase.

As well as providing highly intuitive messaging services, the 'In Call' feature also facilitates the sending of confidential information during a telephone call. For example, one of the people involved in a telephone conversation may be in a public place, such as a train, and may urgently need to communicate highly sensitive information to the other party without the risk of eavesdropping by other people in the close vicinity. Alternatively, a person may be in a private place whilst engaged in the telephone conversation but may have concerns about radio hacking into the voice channel, such that the telephone conversation can be monitored by a third party. Both of these scenarios are addressed by the present invention. Composing an SMS message during the telephone conversation and having it automatically addressed prior to sending, makes communication via SMS more integral to the conversation. SMS messages, like digital voice transmissions, are encrypted but security can be increased by using a different method of encryption for messages, so that even if a voice channel is breached, the SMS data messages would still require separate decryption. Security is yet further improved if confidential information is sent as an e-mail, which in accordance with the present invention is automatically addressed during the telephone call, as a consequence of the more sophisticated encryption techniques which are available. Furthermore, this feature also permits security to be maintained in multi-way telephone conversations. This is where a user has set up a three-way conference call between him and two other parties and he wishes to communicate to one of those parties without the other knowing. The user to whom the secret data message is to be transmitted has been set up in a default list in the user's mobile telephone. When the conference call is set up, the first party's number is recognised and is used to automatically address him when the data message is to be sent.

The present invention has particular application in conjunction with the so-called 'Timeslice' invention of a co-pending patent application no PCT/GB02/01620 published as WO02/082793A. Timeslice is a method of recording telephone calls with points within those calls being marked to aid later navigation through the recording. The recordings are available to all parties involved in the call and several methods have been proposed to facilitate the forwarding, between users, of access to recordings. Several of those methods involve sending messages to the other parties in a phone call and as such could readily utilise the present invention.

More specifically, if Timeslice recordings are stored on the mobile telephones used for the voice communications, using the present invention it would be very easy to forward the recording (or even just the marks) to the other party as a data message. Thus the present invention is partly aimed at the convenience of addressing that would be needed in these cases.

The present invention also extends to a processing program for a programmable portable mobile telecommunications device, the processing program being arranged to configure the portable mobile telecommunications device to implement a method as described above. The present invention in this regard is relatively simple to implement in software, by modifying the existing software already loaded onto mobile handsets, for example. In this regard, the software update can be installed on the mobile telephone by simply downloading the update directly. However, the simplicity of the present invention does not detract from the significant benefits (mentioned previously), which are available as a direct result of the present invention.

The present invention may also according to another aspect of the present invention may be considered to be a mobile communications device for implementing a method of sending a data message, the device comprising: means for establishing a voice communications channel between the mobile communications device and a further mobile communications device and for transmitting voice data between the mobile communications devices; means for generating a data message using the mobile communications device; means for indicating to the mobile communications device that the data message is to be sent to a stored target communications address associated with the further mobile communications device; and means for transmitting the data message from the mobile communications device to the stored target communications address, whilst the voice communications channel remains open.

Finally, according to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile voice and data communications device for sending a data message to a stored target communications address associated with a further mobile communications device, the device comprising: a communications module for supporting a voice communication between the mobile communications device and the further mobile communications device; a message generator for generating a data message using the mobile communications device; an addressing module for indicating to the mobile communications device that the data message is to be sent to the stored target communications address; and a data transmitter for transmitting the data message from the mobile communications device to the stored target communications address, wherein the message generator and addressing module operate to determine the data message and its destination during the voice communication.

Brief Description of the Drawings Methods and apparatus according to preferred embodiments of the improved method of addressing data messages which are sent from a mobile telecommunications device will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in_. which: _

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a communications system over which messages are sent in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram primarily showing software modules which are incorporated into a mobile phone for implementing embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a flow diagram showing the steps involved in creating and sending a message containing a pre-stored image, according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a flow diagram showing the steps involved in creating and sending a message containing a digital photograph taken with a mobile phone, according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a table showing contact details for third parties as stored on a mobile phone, according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 is a flow diagram showing how the first and second embodiments of the present invention may be modified such that a message is delivered to a third party's preferred target address, in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Present Invention With reference to Figure 1, a communications system 100 for implementing presently preferred embodiments of the present invention is now described. The communications system 100 facilitates the sending of data messages between individuals who are conversing using mobile phones, the messages being composed, addressed and sent during telephone calls. Data messages can either be sent directly to the other party's mobile phone or else can be redirected to an e-mail account for that person on the Internet.

The communications system 100 is comprised of first and second mobile phones 102a and 102b, their respective local base stations 104a and 104b, a system of telecommunications networks 106 and the Internet 108. The telecommunications networks 106 include one or more proprietary cellular networks (not shown) to which the mobile phones 102a and 102b are subscribed and also the public service telephone network (not shown). Each proprietary cellular network features mobile switching centres for routing telephone calls across the network; short messaging service centres for performing similar functions in respect of SMS and EMS messages; and multimedia messaging service centres for handling MMS messages. These centres also forward messages from the network to the public service telephone network and the Internet as and when necessary.

The first mobile phone 102a, when activated, establishes a radio communications link 110a with the base station 104a in its local vicinity. Similarly the second mobile phone 102b communicates with its nearest base station 104b via radio communications link 110b. The base stations 104a and 104b communicate with the telecommunications networks 106 via communication links 112a and 112b, respectively, which in turn are able to communicate with the Internet 108 via an Internet connection 114.

In the following embodiments it is assumed that the mobile phones 102a and 102b are configured to send and receive MMS messages containing sophisticated digital images. The first mobile phone 102a operates in accordance with the present invention, namely to automatically address data messages to the party with whom the user of the mobile phone 102a is in conversation. The software modules within the mobile phone 102a, which enable the improved method of message addressing, will now be described with reference to Figure 2.

The mobile phone 102a of the present embodiments functions in accordance with a set of software modules 200. Voice communications to and from the mobile phone 102a are handled by a call manager module 202, whilst data messages are dealt with by a message manager module 204 in conjunction with a message queuer 206. Both types of communication are interfaced to and from the proprietary network by a cellular network manager module 208.

The call manager 202 liases with a target address manager module 210 when the user of the mobile phone 102a requires a telephone number for a third party. The target address manager 210, under the direction of the user, refers to a contact list database 212 to retrieve third party contact details previously stored by the phone user. In addition to performing these tasks, the target address manager 210 automatically extracts the telephone number of a called or calling party from the call manager 202 whenever a new telephone call is made or received and stores the telephone number in a target address data variable, overwriting the previously stored value.

The message manager 204 oversees the creation and addressing of data messages, as well as processing messages that are received by the cellular network manager 208. Images, which can be included in an MMS message, are stored in an image store 214. Additional images can be supplied to the image store 214 via an optional digital photo manager module 216, which receives data from a digital camera housed on the mobile phone 102a. The digital photo manager 216 compresses bit map data input from the digital camera into a standard image format (such as JPEG) suitable for local storage.

When the mobile phone 102a is used for sending data messages outside of voice communication, then it functions in a similar manner to the prior art when addressing the message. If the user knows the target address to which the data message is to be sent then they can type it into the phone handset directly. Otherwise, the user can look up the target address by directing the message manager 204 to the target address manager 210 which accesses the contact list database 212. The target address manager 210 overwrites the target address data variable with the address selected by the user and forwards it to the message manager 204, which proceeds with addressing and sending the message. However, when the mobile phone 102a is to be used in conjunction with the present invention the user indicates to the message manager 204, via the phone's in call menu, that a 'quick' message is to be sent. The message manager 204 then obtains the target address data variable directly from the target address manager 210, such that the user does not have to key in or select a target address.

The quick messaging functionality will now be described in more detail with respect to two different embodiments. In each embodiment an MMS message is sent via the communications system 100 of Figure 1 from a first mobile phone 102a, which is configured according to the present invention, to a second mobile phone 102b which need not be so configured. A voice communications channel between the two mobile phones 102a and 102b is formed by the radio communications links 110a and 110b and the communications links 112a and 112b which connect to the telecommunications networks 106. After the voice communications channel has been established, the target address data variable is updated with the number of the second mobile phone 102b, as has been previously described. The first embodiment involves sending a pre-stored image as a quick message to the second mobile phone 102b, whilst in the second embodiment the quick message is comprised of a digital photograph taken with an onboard camera during a telephone call. The processing steps for the first embodiment are shown in Figure 3, whilst those for the second embodiment are shown in Figure 4.

Figure 3 shows a quick image process 300 by which a pre-stored image is sent from the first mobile phone 102a to the second mobile phone 102b. The process 300 is separated into processing steps 300a performed by the software modules 200 of the mobile phone 102a and corresponding actions 300b performed by the phone's user. After the voice communications channel is established, the first mobile phone 102a displays its "In Call" menu at step 302a in the quick image process 300. At some point during the conversation the user of the first mobile phone 102a. decides to send a pre- stored image to the second mobile phone 102b and selects the "Quick Message" option from the "In Call" menu at step 302b. The message manager 204 responds at step 304a by displaying a list of possible quick message types on the handset display, such as "Quick Text", "Quick Image" and "Quick Photo". The user selects the "Quick Image" option at step 304b, in accordance with their wish to send an image, which is already stored on their mobile phone 102a as a data message. Upon receiving the user's selection, the message manager 204 obtains the target address data variable, containing the number of the second mobile phone 102b, from the target address manager 210 at step 305. The message manager 204 then requests a list of the images available from the image store 214 and displays this list to the user at step 306a. The user scrolls through the list, optionally viewing images before making their selection at step 306b. The mobile handset 102a creates an MMS message using the selected image and target address data variable at step 308. The message is forwarded to the message queuer 206, which in turn holds it until it can be transmitted by the cellular network manager 208.

It is to be appreciated that the data and voice communication channels are separate and independent and so typically, the data message (image for example) will be transmitted whilst the voice communications channel is still in use.

In the second embodiment a quick photo process 400, as shown in Figure 4, is again separated into steps 400a performed by the software modules 200 of the mobile phone 102a and actions 400b performed by the phone's user. Steps 402a, 402b and 404a are identical to steps 302a, 302b and 304a, respectively, in the quick image process 300. However, in the second embodiment the user selects the "Quick Photo" message type at step 404b because he or she wishes to embellish the conversation with the user of the second mobile phone 102b. For example, the user of the first mobile phone 102a may be considering buying a pair of shoes, but would first like to obtain the opinion of their friend who can be reached via the second mobile phone 102b. Upon being informed that a "Quick Photo" is to be sent, the message manager 204 obtains the telephone number for. the second.mobile phone _.102b_. by executing step 405 which is identical to step 305 described above.

The message manager 204 then initialises the digital photo manager 216 before prompting the user at step 406a to take a photograph via the handset display. The user takes a photograph using the onboard camera at step 406b. The image is compressed and formatted by the digital photo manager 216 before being forwarded to the image store 214. The message manager 204 accesses the captured image and displays it to the user at step 408a, requesting confirmation that it can be sent as a quick message. The user enters a reply at step 406b, either accepting or declining the displayed image, and the message manager 204 at step 410 processes the reply. If the image has been declined by the user then the message manager 204 returns to step 406a, prompting the user to take another photograph, and the subsequent steps described above are repeated until the user is happy with his or her photographic efforts. In each iteration, the digital photograph in the image store 214 is overwritten when a new photograph is taken. After the user has indicated that they are happy with the image, the message manager 412 sends it to the second mobile phone 102b as an MMS message at step 412.

The "Quick Text" message option presented to the user at steps 304a and 404a in the quick image process 300 and the quick photo process 400 is implemented in a similar manner to the two embodiments described above. The message manager 204 fetches the target address data variable and then prompts the user to enter text in an SMS message. When the user has finished typing the text, they confirm that the message can be sent and the message manager 204 automatically addresses the SMS message using the target address data variable.

The embodiments described above may be modified according to a third embodiment of the present invention, such that a message is sent to a third party in accordance with their preferred messaging mode. In the first and second embodiments the "Quick Image" and "Quick Photo" messages are sent from the first mobile phone 102a to the second mobile phone 102b as MMS messages by default. Similarly, a "Quick Text" message is sent as an SMS message by default. The third embodiment allows messages to be sent to the user of the second mobile phone 102b in a format and to a target address that they have previously indicated are preferred. For example, a message can be sent to an e-mail account on the Internet 108 rather than to the second mobile phone 102b.

This may involve formatting of the data message in the transmitting stage of the method. Namely, formatting the data message into a format corresponding to a chosen communications channel or formatting the data message into a format determined by the stored target communications address itself. Either way, the data message can be composed or retrieved in the message generation stage of the process and subsequently formatted into the correct format for the data transmission. For example, if the stored target communications address comprises an e-mail address, the message generation may simply be the composition of text. During the transmission stage, the text may then be formatted into an e-mail (template) such that it can be transmitted as an e-mail via the Internet 108 and data communications channel to the e-mail address.

It is also to be appreciated that the present embodiments can be readily configured to send a data message which is not stored on the mobile phone but which is accessible by the mobile telephone. For example, if the data message is a pre-stored e-mail in the user's internet e-mail account, the message creation part of the above embodiments can simply be the connection via the telecommunications network and the Internet of the first mobile phone 102a to that e-mail file and its forwarding to the second mobile phone 102b or an e-mail account thereof.

Figure 5 shows a table 500 from the contact list database 212 of the first mobile phone 102a, which has been modified to include a preferred target address in accordance with the third embodiment. The table 500 is comprised of five columns of data: name 501, mobile phone number 502, landline telephone number⁷503, e-mail address 504 and preferred target address 505. Each row 506 of the table 500 provides contact details for a different individual, as entered by the phone's user. The first and third entries in the table are for Robert and Jim who both have mobile, phone numbers as their preferred target address 505. The second entry, for Alice, has an e-mail address as the preferred target address 505.

The quick messaging processes described above can be adapted to account for a preferred messaging mode by extending the step in which the message manager 204 obtains the target address data variable from the target address manager 210. Upon receiving a call from the message manager 204, the target address manager 210 executes a preferred messaging mode process 600 shown in Figure 6. The target address manager 210 retrieves the target address data variable as before, namely the number of the second mobile phone 102b with which the first mobile phone 102a is in voice communication. However, the target address manager 210 then goes on to check that the target address data variable is the preferred target address, updating the variable if necessary before returning it to the message manager 204. In the event of an entry not being found for the number of the second mobile phone 102b, the target address manager 210 simply returns the target address data variable.

The target address manager 210 sends a query to the contact list database 212 at step 602 to obtain the preferred target address listed with the target address data variable (which at this stage contains the number of the second mobile phone 102b). When the preferred target address is returned at step 604, the target address manager 210 compares it to the target address data variable. If the second mobile phone 102b belongs to Robert or Jim, then no difference will be detected at step 604 since both of these individuals prefer to receive messages via their mobile phones. The target address manager 210 then simply returns the target address data variable to the message manager 204 at step 606 and the quick messaging processes proceed as in the previously described embodiments. However, if a message is to be sent to Alice, then the target address manager 210 overwrites the target address data variable with the preferred target address at step 608 before returning it to the message manager 204. ' The message manager 204 recognises that the message is to be sent as an e-mail rather than as an MMS or SMS message and creates a template in the appropriate format. The user then adds in whatever content they wish to send (typing in text, attaching a pre-stored image or taking and attaching a digital photograph) and the message is forwarded to the cellular network manager 208 for transmission. The proprietary cellular network recognises that the message is an e-mail and forwards it via the Internet connection 114 to the specified e-mail address. In this way, the first mobile phone 102a is able to accommodate Alice's preferred messaging mode automatically, saving the user of the first mobile phone 102a the bother of having to look up and select her e-mail address whenever a quick message is sent during one of their telephone conversations.

It is to be appreciated that the one very useful and practical way of implementing the present invention is to modify existing software that resides in GSM mobile handsets/PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) capable of acting as telephones. Modifications to the prior art software to carry out the above-described functionality are well within the skills of those skilled in the art such that there is no need to describe this process in this application and therefore only the functionality of the present invention has been described herein.

Having described particular preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is to be appreciated that the embodiments in question are exemplary only, and that variations and modifications, such as those that will occur to those possessed of the appropriate knowledge and skills, may be made without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, the invention can be applied to any system that permits voice communications and other messaging systems to operate simultaneously, for example digital fax and X500 systems. The present invention is also suitable for use with other telecommunications devices (for example PDAs having telephone and messaging/e-mail capability) and for sending other types of messages (for example voice recordings). Given that at the time of writing some mobile phones are not yet able to send MMS messages during telephone calls, the present invention can also be used to automatically address data messages which are composed during a telephone call and sent after the call has ended.

The present invention may also be extended to calls involving more than two telecommunications devices - for example in facilitating the sending of messages in a three-way conference call as has been mentioned previously. Internally, the software required to implement the present invention can be varied in many ways. For example, it is not strictly necessary to seek confirmation from a user when sending a digital photograph as an MMS message, although it is advisable if quality images are desired. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the target address data variable can simply be overwritten with the preferred target address so that a comparison between the two need not be made. Details of a preferred messaging mode, or a set of contact details, could also be transmitted whenever a communications link is established with another telecommunications device, rather than storing such information locally on the handset.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of sending a data message using a mobile communications device, the method comprising: establishing a voice communications channel between a first mobile communications device and a second mobile communications device and transmitting voice data between the mobile communications devices; generating a data message using the first mobile communications device; indicating to the first mobile communications device that the data message is to be sent to a stored target communications address associated with the second mobile communications device; and transmitting the data message from the first mobile communications device to the stored target communications address, wherein the generating and indicating steps occur whilst the voice communications channel is open.

2. A method according to Claim 1, wherein the establishing step comprises receiving a telephone number of the second mobile communications device and storing the same.

3. A method according to Claim 2, further comprising employing the stored telephone number as the stored target communications address.

4. A method according to Claim 2, further comprising using the stored telephone number to look up the stored target communications address associated with the second mobile communications device.

5. A method according to Claim 4, wherein the using step comprises: comparing the stored telephone number against a stored telephone number entry of each of a plurality of communications records; and retrieving the stored target communications address from a communications record having a match with the stored telephone number.

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6... A method according to . Claim 5,_. wherein , the retrieving step comprises determining a predetermined default target communications address from the communications record and using predetermined default target communications address for the transmitting step.

7. A method according to Claim 5, wherein the retrieving step comprises identifying a predetermined default type of target communications address for the communications record and using an address of that default type as the target communications address for the transmitting step.

8. A method according to any of Claims 2 to 7, wherein the storing step comprises storing the target communications address within the first mobile communications device.

9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the establishing step further comprises each mobile communications device transmitting to the other mobile communications device a target communications address and storing the other device's target communications address when it is received.

10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the generating step comprises accessing a remotely stored data file via the Internet and using' that file as the data message.

11. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the generating step comprises creating an image data message.

12. A method according to Claim 11, wherein the creating step comprises capturing an image with a camera operatively coupled to the mobile communications device. /

13. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the transmitting step also occurs whilst the voice communications channel is open.

14. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the transmitting step comprises formatting the data message into a format corresponding to a chosen communications channel.

15. A method according to Claim 14, wherein the formatting step comprises formatting the data message into a format determined by the stored target communications address.

16. A method according to Claim 15, wherein the stored target communications address comprises an e-mail address and the transmitting step comprises transmitting the data message as an e-mail via a data communications channel to the e-mail address.

17. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising determining whether transmission of a data message of a specific media type (e.g. text, e-mail, digital image, digital voice file) is within the capabilities of the first mobile communications device and receipt of which is within the capabilities of a target device at the target communications address.

18. A method according to Claim 17, further comprising: selecting a data communications channel having capabilities in accordance with the media type of the data message which is to be transmitted, wherein the transmitting step further comprises: establishing the data communications channel from the first mobile communications device to the target communications device.

19. A method according to Claim 18, wherein the establishing step comprises establishing the data communications channel with the second mobile communications device.

20. A processing program for a programmable portable mobile telecommunications device, the processing program being arranged to configure the portable mobile telecommunications device to implement a method according to any preceding claim.

21. A processing program according to Claim 20, carried on an electrical carrier signal.

22. A mobile communications device for implementing a method of sending a data message, the device comprising: means for establishing a voice communications channel between the mobile communications device and a further mobile communications device and for transmitting voice data between the mobile communications devices; means for generating a data message using the mobile communications device; means for indicating to the mobile communications device that the data message is to be sent to a stored target communications address associated with the further mobile communications device; and means for transmitting the data message from the mobile communications device to the stored target communications address, whilst the voice communications channel remains open.

23. A mobile voice and data communications device for sending a data message to a stored target communications address associated with a further mobile communications device, the device comprising: a communications module for supporting a voice communication between the mobile communications device and the further mobile communications device; a message generator for generating a data message using the mobile communications device; an addressing module for indicating to the mobile communications device that the data message is to be sent to the stored target communications address; and a data transmitter for transmitting the data message from the mobile communications .device to. the stored target communications address, wherein the message generator and addressing module operate to determine the data message and its destination during the voice communication.

24. A mobile voice and data communications device according to Claim 23, wherein the message generator is arranged to generate the data message by retrieving a pre-stored message.

25. A method, mobile communications device or processing program substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.