WO2005011215A1

WO2005011215A1 - E-mail reception notification system

Info

Publication number: WO2005011215A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2004/000087
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mohamed Asif Abdul Majeed
Original assignee: Mohamed Asif Abdul Majeed
Priority date: 2003-07-28
Filing date: 2004-07-28
Publication date: 2005-02-03

Abstract

A method is provided to produce a display on a computer or cell telephone screen or a visual or aural alert to notify receipt or e-mail. A signal is transmitted via a mail server through a receiver server and then to the mail receiver's screen or other display means.

Description

E-MAIL RECEPTION NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a message prompt system for e-mail.

BACKGROUND ART For the majority of e-mail recipients, it is necessary to check, usually on a regular basis, for availability of mail.

This can prove expensive and is a nuisance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method which involves far less cost and eliminates the nuisance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention a method of indicating receipt of e-mail includes the transmission of a signal via a mail server through a receiver server and then to the mail receiver.

The mail receiver may be a personal computer, in which case the alert is posted on the screen for the receiver to know that he/she has mail. Alternatively, the alert may be displayed on SMS.

In a preferred form of the invention, the signal may be initiated by the mail sender through an Internet service provider (ISP) to a mail server and thence via the receiver server to the mail receiver screen.

The receiver server may be in the form of a modem. 1° this specification the method of the invention is referred to as a "message prompt system" (MPS). The MPS of the invention is of benefit to both the end-user and the ISP that is hosting it.

As far as the ISP is concerned , its implementation costs are minimal, and profit is maximised with no running or overhead costs. Its only extra requirements are a standard telephone line and a standard modem. The costs for the ISP will include the installation and set up fee and the licence fee for the MPS server - this may be free during a contract period. Finally, there will be an ISP cost of a small sum per alert.

The following chart illustrates the great saving of the MPS

Chart depicts MPS vs. SMS

End User Benefits No extra hardware required No software costs No time and money wasted in unnecessary mail checking No need for open telephone line for monitoring mail. Improve email response time with MPS lite alerts. Approximately 90% monthly savings.

% Cost savings for End-user An example of the invention is illustrated in the following diagram. The method of the invention is divided into three phases

1. Server Side 2. Client Side 3. PLC/CLi Control (optional)

Phase 1: Server Side

Server that receives messages needs to spool data -CD's onto Server Side application whenever new messages are received. Each ID will be linked to clients LAN line number together with his/her mobile number. The Server Application should then send a message to clients Mobile with the mail header and senders details (namely e-mail address) and also send a single ring to the clients listed LAN line number.

The number of LAN calls and SMS messages would be itemized, for billing purposes.

Operational Diagram Phase 2: Client Side

Two or three types of alerts are reαuired: 1 A suitable indication may be sent to a specific cellular phone. The message will include sender's address line, and the subject line of the message. If this exceeds the required 160 characters the subject line will be shortened.

2. Message on PC: a message indicating you have mail will be displayed on the client's screen. Requirements S^JpcartelepI^ 3.

If options 2 and 3 are used an alternate in saving the local telephone call can be achieved by linking it's output to a RS323 port.

Phase 3: PLC/CIi control

Phase is required only if an external beeper is required. A diagram follows detailing the methods explained. The server side gives the beeper device connected to the LAN line a missed call which identifies the ISP by its remote ID, this then beeps and also sends a signal to the clients PC, which then prompts the user of incoming mail.

CLI Diagram

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of indicating receipt of e-mail transmitted by a signed via a mail server characterised in that the signal is transmitted through a receiver server and then to the mail receiver by way of an alert displayed on a computer screen, cell telephone screen or the like, or by other visual or aural or other means.

2. The method according to claim 1 characterised in that the alert is displayed on SMS.

3. The method according to either ot the above claims characterised in that the mail sender is able to initiate the signal through an Internet Service provider to a mail server and thence via the receiver server to the mail receiver.

4. The method according to any of the above claims characterised in that the receiver server is in the form of a modem.

5. A method for indicating receipt of e-mail substantially as described in the example.

6. Apparatus for carrying out the method of any of the above claims substantially as described and illustrated in the diagrams.