Digital directory for use in a communications system

The present invention relates to a digital register for use in a A communication system according to the preamble of patent claim 1, a method to create and / or edit a digital directory, a method of Operating a communication system in accordance with the preamble of claim 16 and a communication network according to the preamble of claim 26th

With the advent and rapid spread of the Internet have recently Time a number of new forms of communication developed. One of these novel Communications steep is the so-called messenger systems.

This is a special type of communication systems, in which Users can communicate with each other directly, if they, for example, online located on the Internet.

To be able to join such a messenger system, one must first log in to the operator of the Messenger system and to register. Here the user among other things, a user is assigned to itself the user can select in the rule itself. After successful login, is the user a member of the Messenger system.

In order to communicate with other members of the Messenger system, must the user continues to select an address list in which he such users summarizes, with whom he would like to communicate. Such address list For example, referred to as "buddy list". When the user of the whole the Messenger system user-selected and stored in the address list So users is related to the respective user addressee users. Each user can change his address list at any time, for example by more addressee users receive or addressee user from the address list clears.

The communication in a Messenger system usually works as follows. First, should the member of a messenger system online in a Communication network are. For example, such a communications network a data network the like such as the Internet, a mobile network or. While so each member of the Messenger system online moves in the communication network, it can also start the other communication system, which is for example, is a messenger system. After the appropriate Program of the messenger system has been started, the user is in a digital directory indicates who compiled by its addressee users also online now located in the communication network. Conversely all displayed by the user designated and online located ends addressee Nutzem that is now also the user online is in the communication network.

The user can now submit a message and attached to one or more Send addressee users. This can on the submitted by the user message same answer, so that apart from the actual online activities of each user there can be a communication exchange. This communication exchange performs similarly to those in the known "chat systems."

A central part of the known messenger systems is the address list (Buddy list). This is usually a digital directory that on a display device of a particular user's assigned terminal is illustrated, wherein the digital plan of record in an electronic memory unit is stored. When the user of the messenger system, for example, on a Personal computer works, the digital directory, usually on the Computer screen shown.

The digital directory has a number of information relevant to the Addressee users are assigned. First, the directory first Record, which is stored in the storage unit, and the first Information identifying the addressee-user comprising. This is For example, the user name of each addressee-user and / or to other information regarding its identity. Further comprises the digital Directory usually at least one set of additional, second information respectively the corresponding first information is assigned electronically, and the each addressee users assigned include additional information. Such second information are, for example indications of whether the in digital directory stored addressee users currently online or offline is. Furthermore, the second information may include information about whether a is offline befindlicher addressee users not employed and thus is addressed, or whether the addressee users principle to Communication recording is ready. Finally, it is also known in the digital Directory called "emoticons" to place. This is Symbols corresponding to the respective current state of mind of the addressee user play.

The digital directory generated in this way is thus of different Users, that is to say members of the messenger system, created and / or edited. The one user of the messenger system, which is a form of digital Directory created address list formed, has the possibility of the All of the users of Messenger system to select those addressee users with whom he would like to communicate. This addressee users he can electronically store in its digital directory. However, he can the each addressee users associated not affect information. The Creating and / or editing assigned this one each addressee users Information is for the latter at least partially itself. So is each addressee users initially for the selection of his identifying information, for example the Username responsible. This is generally carried out at login to the messenger system.

Further, each addressee users or users who always implies Addressee users for other users is to specify the communication system whether it is ready for communication or not. He also may have different emoticons, example for his current state of mind, choose. The verification whether a user is online or offline, is usually provided by the conducted communication system itself and independent of the activities User or addressee user displayed on the digital directory.

In the hitherto known messenger systems are up to the individual Username of the user all displayed in the digital directory information, associated with said addressee user, a more or less by the system specified. This allows the user or addressee user has no influence on the form in which a notice is whether he for Communication recording is ready. In some well-known messenger systems This is for example shown that the user depending on the condition is in bold, italicized, underlined, or the like shown. Also are known solutions in which the presence or absence of shown willingness to communicate over different color markings becomes.

When the Messenger system provides so-called emoticons, the user has or addressee-user does not have only the option of a fixed predetermined selection select those emoticons.

The present invention is based on the object, the ease of use in Related to increase with such a digital directories. Furthermore, to the digital directories are supplemented with additional information.

This object is achieved by the digital directory according to claim 1, the procedure for creating and / or editing a digital map according to claim 10, the method of operating a Communication system according to claim 16 and the communication network according to claim 26, further advantages, features, details and effects of the The invention result from the dependent claims, the description and the Drawing.

Features and details which, with regard to the various aspects of the invention namely for the novel digital directory, the method for operating a communication system, the method for creating and / or editing a digital map and the communication network are described, apply alternately with each other.

According to the first aspect of the invention, a digital register is used to Provided use in a communication system in which a number of Users by means of appropriate devices communicate with each other or can communicate, and for displaying on a display device of a in particular, the user associated with the terminal, wherein the digital directory in an electronic storage unit is stored and where the directory one. by a user of the communication system from the user all of the Communication system selected number of addressee-Nutzem, of which wants to communicate users, and this addressee-associated Nutzem comprises information. The digital directory has a first, in the first Storage unit stored on record, the first information includes identifying the addressee user. Furthermore, at least one set is further, second information provided, each of the respective first Information associated with electronically and each addressee users include associated additional information. This digital directory According to the invention in that the at least one directory having tag record that is stored in the storage unit, that the Identification data record identifiers, each having respective second Information is associated electronically in that the identifiers from a respective User and / or addressee user defined dates or definable and that the Identifiers are electronically linked to the second information in such a way that in the display device of the terminal the first data set and in place of the second Information of representing these tag data is displayed or can be displayed.

The inventive digital directory is compared to the previously known Solutions more user-friendly. A basic idea of ​​the present Invention is that the user or addressee user him associated information can encode freely by those definable with free Identifiers provides. These identifiers are then in place of the respective second Information in the digital directory display. This allows the digital Directory displayed information about a specific addressee users this be configured much more personal.

As an identifier is in the light of the present invention, each label form understood, which can create free user or addressee users. there the invention is not limited to specific identifier types. Rather, it follows the variety of possible identifiers from the appropriate communication system and / or communication network and / or terminal device, which one (s) to the user or addressee users is available / stand. Some non exclusive examples are closer in the further course of the description explained.

The assignment of individual information to each other and their links with associated identifiers is preferably via a computer program or software in the / of the corresponding assignment rules embodied.

This will be illustrated by way of non-limiting example. As . was already mentioned above, the digital plan of record, a series of contain information that are specified by the communication system. To think here, for example, to information on whether the addressee users online or offline is. With the digital directory of the invention is the Addressee users now able, this system-provided information to concrete to personalize, or the like. If the addressee users For example, offline, it can create an identifier that explains why he is offline, for example because he is just or the like on vacation. could also the addressee user reporting system that this offline is to link with a corresponding identifier, where he is online, whether For example, at home, at work or the like.

The identifiers generated by the addressee users are appropriately with the linked by the communication system generated information so that not from System generated information is displayed, but instead by the Addressee user generated identifiers.

Advantageously, the one addressee-user information associated with or IDs of this at least partly freely created / buildable and / or edited / processed and / or defined / to be defined.

The second information may be preferably in the form of two or more Records are present, which are stored in the storage unit, wherein at least individual information these records with identifiers of one or more corresponding tag DatensatzlDatensätzen are linked. The invention is not to a certain number or a certain amount of limited information presented in digital or directory are represented. Rather, this results from the respective fields of application, in the digital directory is used.

Advantageously, the second information system-related information with respect to the addressee user include. Examples of such systemic information have already been presented in the introductory part of the description. is to think Here, for example, to information about whether the user or Addressee user is online or offline in the communication system, whether that to Communication recording is ready or not, or the like.

Furthermore, it is possible that the second information specific information comprise on the location of the terminal of the addressee user. Thereby, the in assigned a digital directory each addressee users Total information extended by a further advantageous component. is now it is possible that a user of the communication system that created the by him calls digital directory, can be seen from this, where the individual Addressee users are. This can be in such cases be advantageous in particular, in which the individual users are mobile. An example of this is in the further course the description explained.

If the second information specific information about the location of the Terminal include the addressee user, the addressee user can this now assign an identifier that it can be freely defined. Thereby it is the address attribute Users will be able to encode his whereabouts yourself.

This will be explained at a further non-exclusive example. For example, it is conceivable that the user or addressee users used terminal comprises means to determine the current location. The location information can, for example, by means of geo references in the form of Longitude and latitude coordinates to be determined. When the terminal For example, a mobile phone, which is used in a mobile radio network, it could also be in the Location to a specific cell from can be identified mobile network (Cell ID).

However, such details are unattractive for a representation in the digital directory. The inventive digital directory is the user or Addressee users now able, this determined location with its own to provide identification. Instead of Georeferenzwerte now be by the User or addressee user IDs selected in the digital Directory display. So it is for the user or addressee users for example, possible to his whereabouts with the names of fancy places or to link the like. This is for example advantageous when the User or addressee users with other Nutzem in a Communication system unwound game is. It is also possible, roads, City names and to deposit the like.

In the embodiment described above, it is also possible various locations of the user or addressee user with different identifiers link. Then, if the user with his Terminal reaches this staging, the relevant identifier in will digital directory display.

Basically, the invention is not limited to certain forms of identifiers limited. So it is conceivable that the identifiers in the form of text and / or symbols and / or sounds and / or melodies and / or Video sequences are formed. Of course, other embodiments conceivable for the identifiers.

In a further embodiment identifiers can with respect to the terminal be dependent on location defined and assigned electronically or. In this Case, the labels are defined directly on the terminal. This is in Form of a non-limiting example with reference to the assignment of a current be explained whereabouts to a user-defined identifier. In the location-dependent generation of the identifier is the terminal and the Communication system initially independent of the user or address attribute Users of the location or current location of the terminal is determined. This location information, for example in the form of geo-reference cell identities and the like is present, provides a view to the invention, second information represents that a first information for identifying the addressee-user, such as the Usernames associated.

Depending on requirements and application, these location can be determined more or less coarse fail.

The addressee users are now übersein terminal a desired identifier given then with the second information, that is the in the form of Georeferenzwerten, cell identities and the like present location information, such is linked to the digital directory only by the addressee users free defined identifier is displayed. The information may take the form stored records in the storage unit or be. Always when Now the user or addressee users defined in this way place visits, this is the relevant identifier in the digital directory displayed.

In a further embodiment it is possible that identifiers with respect to the terminal are independent of location defined and assigned electronically or. In this Case, the user or addressee users first one of a current location independent location profile to be edited. It means that First, one or more locations are selected, then with a corresponding identifier are linked. For example, through such places Entering corresponding geospatial reference, by electronic selection of Maps, plans and the like are selected. The IDs then in the manner described above with the actual Places linked. The profile can be stored in digital directory.

Now, if the user or addressee user with his terminal a in reach location profile stored place automatically is in the digital directory appropriate, user-defined identifier displayed.

Particularly advantageously, a as described above according to the invention digital directory are used in a Messenger system. In this case My experience at digital directory preferably a list displayed (Buddy list) on a terminal which names of friends, acquaintances, colleagues and the like, and for example, additional and updated information, such as on the status (online / offline), the state of mind (emoticons), the location and like this addressee user has.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for creating and / or Editing a as described above, the inventive digital Directory provided in a communication system, comprising the steps comprising:

<ul><li>a) A user of the communication system selects the user all of the Communication system one or more addressee users from he which wants to communicate and stores them in the storage unit;</li><li>b) each addressee users are from the communication system at creating the digital map automatically additional information and / or assigned identifiers that at least partially also in the storage unit be saved; </li><li>c) that created the user digital directory is in the display device a terminal display.</li></ul>

The inventive method may in a particularly simple and user-friendly way, a digital directory created and / or edited be, in which each user or addressee users at least parts of assigned to information by freely definable by him identifiers can customize.

For this purpose it is first necessary that each user of the communication system it created associated information and / or identifiers that in Communication system are stored. This information and / or Identifiers are then used when shooting a user as addressee users in a digital directory shown in this.

Each user, by adding and / or deleting individual addressee users the always change digital directory in a desired manner as it may.

Furthermore, the addressee-user information associated with and / or may are identifiers of this at least partly created free and / or edited. The respective modified by the addressee user information and / or identifiers are then also displayed in the digital directory so that the digital Directory of current changes in the context of an addressee users are understandable.

Preferably, the identifiers by the addressee users can with respect to the terminal be dependent on location and / or off-site created and / or edited. As this happens, it has been further explained above in detail, so that the reader is referred to the relevant passages.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for operating a Communication system provided in a communications network in which a communicate number of Nutzem means of corresponding terminals together or can communicate with each user a digital directory especially a as described above inventive digital Directory is allocated to the stored electronically in the memory unit is and the one from the respective users from the whole of the user Communication system selected number of addressee users, of which wants to communicate users, and this addressee-associated Nutzem comprises information. In the method comprises a first digital directory electronically stored in the memory unit to record, the first Identifying information of the in digital directory address attribute User includes. Moreover, every time the first information from the first data associated with at least one further, second information electronically, in the Additional, each addressee users associated information are contained. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the at least another, second information, an identifier is assigned by the relevant addressee users is freely defined in that the identifiers in the form of a Identification data record are stored electronically in the memory unit and that in a display device of each terminal of the first data record and Place of another, second information representing these Identifier Record appears.

The inventive method may in a particularly simple and user-friendly manner, a communication system in a Communications network to be operated. Among the advantages and functioning of the inventive method of the foregoing, the inventive digital directory and the process of the invention in full for creating and / or editing of such a digital map Referring and hereby incorporated by reference.

Advantageously, in addition to the first data set and the tag record further Information in the form of at least a third data set in the display device of the terminal are shown, wherein the information of the third data set, the contain additional, each addressee users associated information, associated with corresponding first information from the first data set and are stored electronically in the memory unit.

Advantageously, the communication network comprising at least a central processing unit have, wherein the memory unit of the computer unit is assigned and wherein the by any user or addressee user of the communication system started, its associated information and / or identifiers and / or the digital Directory of each user are stored in the storage unit.

In such a case, all the relevant information concerning the users or the addressee users in the central processing unit of the Communications network stored. The individual devices of the user can in simple in design, this case accordingly. For example, then the digital directory in the central processing unit, which is, for example, be is a server set up, and then displayed in the terminal are, for instance by means of a browser. Here, the contents of the digital Directory of the computer unit in coded form, for example, using HTML, WML, XML or the like, are transferred to the browser in the terminal.

In another embodiment, each terminal having a storage unit, of each user or addressee user of the communication system started, its associated information and / or identifiers and / or the digital Directory of each user are stored in the storage unit. In this case is in the digital directory to an application in Terminal.

It is also possible that as described above, as an application in the Terminal designed digital register the dynamic information on a central processing unit applies.

Advantageously, the combined digital directory specific generates information of a particular user by this itself and / or processed.

Advantageously used as a communication system, a Messenger system.

As a communication network may, for example, but not exclusively, to a Data network and / or a mobile radio network can be used. In the data network, it can , for example, to the Internet.

However, it is also conceivable that the communication network of two mutually associated subnets is. In this case, a subnet as a data network and a subnet be designed as a mobile network. The terminals of the data network trained subnetwork may be then to personal computers and the like act as the terminals of the designed as mobile network subnet Mobile phones with the appropriate data communications interface.

Advantageously used as mobile phone network, a cellular mobile radio network, wherein the first information from the first data as the second information a Cell identification (Cell ID) is assigned and wherein the cell identification a the respective addressee-user-definable identifier is assigned.

According to a further aspect of the invention is a communications network provided with at least one electronic memory unit and a number communicate of terminals on the users in the communications network or can communicate. The communication network is inventively in that for each user a as described above inventive digital directory is provided.

The communications network may be advantageous to carry out a above Described method according to the invention for creating and / or editing of digital map and / or to carry out a above Described method according to the invention for operating a be formed communication system in a communication network.

Advantageously, the communications network having a central computer unit, wherein the memory unit of the computer unit is assigned. However, it is also conceivable that each terminal unit is assigned a memory.

Advantageously, at least be designed as a stationary terminal, a terminal. Such stationary terminals is, for example, staff Computers and the like.

In a further embodiment, at least one terminal as a mobile terminal be formed. In such mobile devices are, for example, but not limited to mobile phones (cell phones), palmtops, laptops, Car computer or the like.

Can advantageously be formed as a messenger system, the communication system.

The communication network can, for example, as a data network and / or mobile network be formed. Especially advantageous is the communication network of two interrelated formed subnets, a subnet as a data network and a Subnet is designed as a mobile network.

The invention will now be on hand of an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings explained. Here is the only<b>Fig.</b> 1 schematically Way an inventive digital directory.

In the in <b>Fig.</b> 1 illustrated digital directory <b>10</b> If it is a Directory that formed in a system as a Messenger Communication system is provided. The Messenger system is over a established communications network which in turn consists of two sub-networks. At a Subnet is a data network, in this case the Internet while it is the second subnet is a cellular mobile radio network. Both networks are parts coupled to each other that the users of the two subnetworks both within their respective sub-network among themselves and between them Subnets can communicate.

Each user of the communication network has a terminal. Both Terminals may be, for example, stationary devices such as Personal Computers and the like act, whereas other devices than mobile Devices, for example in the form of laptops, palmtops, mobile phones with are data communication interfaces, and the like.

In all devices, the digital directory <b>10</b> in a display device being represented. When digital directory<b>10</b> If it is the so-called Buddy list. Each user of the communication system is such a buddy list<b>10</b> associated with which is electronically stored in a memory unit. to basic operation of the buddy list <b>10</b> is to avoid Repeats the comments in the context of the introductory referenced.

The buddy list <b>10</b> is individually created by any user of the messenger system. You simply select this from the user all of the messenger system, a number of Addressee Nutzem, with which he wants to communicate. Each address attribute Users is a first information <b>14</b> assigned to the identification, For example, the user name. The corresponding first information<b>14</b> to each addressee users are in a first data <b>11</b> stored in the Storage device is stored. In the in<b>Fig.</b> 1 shown Embodiment example, four addressee users in the digital directory <b>10</b> stored, namely the user "Thomas", "bee", "Charlie" and "Hansi". the the first information <b>14</b> representing first record <b>11</b> contains in the case of. Addressee user "Thomas" and "bee" in addition to the username and an indication on the respectively used terminal, in this case in each case a mobile telephone.

Moreover, in the digital directory <b>10</b> Further, the respective address attribute Users associated information is stored or displayed. First, a third record <b>12</b> provided that to each addressee users contains additional information that the corresponding first information <b>14</b> are assigned electronically and each addressee users assigned include additional information. The third data record<b>12</b> each has a series of so-called emoticons <b>15</b> on which are, for example, Emotional states are associated with the individual addressee users. ever According to current emotional state can each addressee users an appropriate emoticon <b>15</b> Select, which then in the corresponding third data <b>12</b> stored and digital directory <b>10</b> is made visible.

Finally, in the digital directory <b>10</b> an identification record <b>13</b> shown. The tag record <b>13</b> has a number of identifiers <b>16</b>, the ones from each addressee of users can be defined. Each identifier<b>16</b> respectively a corresponding second information corresponding to the respective addressee users includes associated additional information, assigned electronically. It takes place the assignment such that the identifications <b>16</b> in a way with the corresponding second information is linked, on that in the display device of the terminal Location of the second information representing these tag data <b>13</b> is shown.

In the present embodiment is in the second information, which are linked to corresponding identifiers to whereabouts information the respective terminal and therefore of the respective addressee-user.

In the case of the addressee user "Thomas" and "bee", a corresponding Mapping on the respective cell identifications (Cell ID) at the cellular Mobile Network effected. For example, would the addressee user "Thomas" announce that he is currently in school. About his terminal, in present case a mobile phone, is from the communication network initially regardless of the addressee users whose location is determined, for example by the corresponding cell ID is determined. The addressee users is now at its terminal the desired identifier given in the present case the concept of school ". This Identifier is stored in the tag data. Further, the identifier is "School" with the actual location information, in this case with the corresponding Cell ID linked in such a way that instead of the actual location information identifier in the digital directory <b>10</b> is shown. Whenever now the address attribute User "Thomas" is inside to those mobile radio cell with identifier "School" has been linked, in future in the digital directory <b>10</b> this special ID <b>16</b> displayed.

Similarly, the addressee user "Thomas" with more places appropriate, be provided by him freely definable labels, so one user of the messenger system of the addressee user "Thomas" his buddy list <b>10</b> has included, among other things, can see where which Addressee user "Thomas" staying currently.

The invention provides a particularly user-friendly way is provided, in a digital directory <b>10</b> an addressee user information associated be able to represent, this encode the information freely can.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

<b>10</b>

digital register (buddy list)

<b>11</b>

first data (username) - first information

<b>12</b>

third data (Emoticons)

<b>13</b>

Identification record

<b>14</b>

username

<b>15</b>

emoticon

<b>16</b>

ID