Two-way wireless message communication system

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a two-way wireless message communication system having a flexible message communication capability.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

Wireless message communication, such as wireless paging, is a widespread consumer wireless communication service that will evolve due to the availability of new narrowband personal communication service (PCS) frequencies. Is expected. Wireless communication and message communication provide the basis for a wide variety of different types of services. One of the most widely used services is unidirectional paging, which is currently extremely successful. The spread of the service is due to the following many factors: (1) Its small shape factor that makes the pager device portable (2) Low cost of the paging service (3) Ease of maintenance of the pager device (4) Ease of use for both message sender and message recipient Is brought about by.

【0003】

However, unidirectional paging is not responsive. Subscribers to unidirectional paging services must rely on other methods to respond to any message received. For example, after receiving a page signal from a unidirectional paging service, the subscriber often has to search for and make a call to answer the message. Recently, two-way paging systems that maintain the advantages of unidirectional paging: small paging equipment, low cost of low-cost services, easy maintenance and ease of use have been introduced. It is proposed to design. These bidirectional paging systems include return channels, but they are merely used for routine and limited responses.

【0004】

"Two-Way Wireless Messaging System having User Agent", "Two-Way Wireless Messaging System" filed by the applicant in the United States. ) In US patent applications 08/686080 and 08/686074 (both filed July 24, 1996), the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art wireless message communication system are dynamic with the message communication network. It is overcome by using a two-way wireless message communication device that creates a message having various message components and receives and responds to the message with the message communication network. It is preferable to be able to open or close a transaction at some point when the user decides (or needs to) deliver more.

【0005】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

The present invention is a two-way wireless message communication system including a message communication network and a two-way message communication device that exchanges messages with the message communication network and generates, receives, and responds to a message having a dynamic message component. It aims to provide superior control over message delivery and deployment and to solve the capacity limitation of existing wireless paging systems.

【0006】

[Means for solving problems]

The two-way wireless message communication system (10) according to the present invention enables flexible message processing in which various message elements are matched to subscriber specifications. These customizations include rich text attributes that clarify part of the text to be emphasized, selective elements, user-defined selective elements, pre-selection, and variants thereof. In one aspect of the invention, a two-way wireless message communication device sends, receives, and responds to a message having ordinary text. The message has a rich text attribute that clarifies the part of the text that should be emphasized. This rich text attribute contains an attribute that emphasizes part of the text.

【0007】

In another aspect of the invention, the two-way message communication device sends, receives, and sends a message having a selective element that allows the user of the message communication device to include or exclude a part of the message. respond. In addition, a user-specified selective element allows the subscriber (40) of the two-way message communication system (10) to specify a list of items for which selection should be made. At the same time, the message can also be customized with certain selective elements with variations.

【0008】

The message registered in the user agent is encoded and has control information in response to the message transfer code received from the bidirectional message communication device. This message is encoded by a pair of control tags that define the start and end points of some of the messages that are coded and controlled by at least one control tag within the user agent. The outgoing message code transferred from the two-way message communication device (11) includes a coded transfer code. This coded transfer code usually has a message number and a modifier that specifies the customization applied to the message.

【0009】

The above disclosure also considers a two-way wireless messaging system that can be used in public switched telephone networks or similar networks. Disadvantages of conventional wireless paging systems can be solved by the present invention by communicating messages in a wireless message network having multiple user agents and other intelligent servers such as transaction servers, distribution servers, batch servers.

【0010】

According to one aspect of the present invention, the wireless message communication device 11 creates a new message or responds to a previously received message along the first communication channel (uplink), and the second communication channel (uplink). You can receive messages along the downlink). Each such message is encoded in a predetermined format, and each message is a message number that uniquely identifies a message that is locally stored, among other things, by both the wireless message communication device and the user agent. Includes customization modifiers and individually configured address aliases that should be applied to.

【0011】

The user agent in the two-way message communication network 14 stores a plurality of messages and destination addresses in particular, corresponding to the subscriber (40) of the two-way message communication system. When the user agent receives a coded message from its associated subscriber, the user agent reassembles the message into the desired full message and destination by selecting from the messages and destination addresses accumulated according to the code.

【0012】

The messages that can be sent are extremely flexible. In addition to the built-in components, the above message can include dynamic components such as built-in responses, choices, pre-defined variables, and so on. As an example, consider the application to stock trading. A subscriber (40) is notified via two-way message communication when the stock he or she is interested in reaches a certain value. The notification message may incorporate a response with the option to buy or sell, and a pre-defined variable for entering the number of shares and the stock price.

【0013】

The dynamic components allow the sender and recipient of the message to customize the message (optional), which greatly increases the practical scope of the system. The specific meaning of the dynamic component is encoded in the message qualifier and replayed and applied by the user agent. Coded messages are much shorter than the corresponding full-text messages, thus allowing the use of reduced bandwidth within wireless communication environments. Communication conditions where using coded messages with user agents is asymmetrical in uplink and downlink bandwidth, or the terminal device is constrained by processing power, memory storage, or battery capacity. Especially suitable for. The two-way message communication system of the present invention can also support multicasting. The message can be forwarded to multiple destinations for multiple responses. The address alias contained in the coded message can correspond to a single address, a group address, or any combination of the two. For multicast, the number of uplink and downlink messages required to send a message is minimized.

【0014】

According to another aspect of the invention, the system can track and respond to queries about transactions. A transaction is a single or series of request-response dialogues between a message sender and one or more message recipients. Transactions are most useful for communication scenarios where selective response is desired. For example, a transaction can identify that a response that arrives after a certain time limit is not required and should be rejected by the system. When combined with multicast, a transaction can identify the desired semantic rule statement for a response. For example, a transaction with ALL semantics identifies that a response from all recipients is desired, while a transaction with OR semantics is one of the recipients. Identify that the response from will close the transaction. Once the transaction is closed, the extra response will be rejected by the system.

【0015】

According to another aspect of the invention, system functionality is distributed between a set of user agents and a set of intelligent servers. The above-mentioned distributed characteristics improve the modularity of the system and enable the incremental deployment of the system. For example, a provider who simply wants the functionality of a user agent but not the functionality of a transaction server only needs to deploy a user agent.

【0016】

The methods and systems of the present invention can be implemented at the beginning of any two-way message communication transport. The present invention relates to a dedicated paging network (eg, narrowband PCS), cellular short message communication service (eg, IS-95 communication service, IS-136 communication service and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) communication service), or wireless. -Includes data transport services (eg, ARDIS wireless packet communication services).

【0017】

The above server can be realized on a special network server or a relay exchange.

【0018】

The message communication device 11 can be a unit attached to a dedicated paging device such as an existing character pager or a computer device (for example, a portable digital information terminal (PDA), a laptop computer), or communication. It can be incorporated as part of a device (eg, a cellular phone / PCS phone) or a computer device (eg, a portable digital information terminal (PDA), a laptop computer).

【0019】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Focusing on FIG. 1, the two-way wireless message communication system 10 shows the two-way wireless message communication system of the present invention, and the two-way wireless message communication system 10 is a transmission from the two-way message communication device (pager) 11. The message code can be received by the user agent 12 of the two-way message communication network 14. The bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 is shown as a dedicated bidirectional pager in many figures. The bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 can also be provided as an accessory to the communication device, or can also be incorporated as part of the communication device or computer device. The message includes a network access switch 18 connected to the telephone 22 by a first communication coupling 20 via twisted pair or coaxial cable, fiber optic line, wireless link or any other type of communication coupling. It can be delivered via the public switched telephone network 16. The two-way message communication network 14 can also be connected to a data network 26 for transporting a cellular network 24 or an e-mail message 27 to a desired destination such as a personal computer at a desired time. .. In addition, it is possible to forward messages to destinations via the World Wide Web (WWW) 27a.

【0020】

According to the present invention, the second communication coupling 28 is a network control exchange (Network Control) in which the network access switch 18 is coupled to the database 32 via the third communication coupling 36. Point; Connect to NCP) 30. The public switched telephone network 16 is connected to the two-way message communication network 14 via the fourth communication connection 38. The communication coupling between the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 and the bidirectional message communication network 14 is a wireless interface. The bidirectional message communication network 14 may also have at least one user agent 12 corresponding to the subscriber 40 (see FIG. 2) of the bidirectional wireless message communication service. The subscriber receives a message from the two-way message communication network 14 along the first communication channel 42. These messages can include sent messages or sent replies. The message transferred to the bidirectional message communication network 14 by the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 is transferred along the second communication return channel 43. When the message and the recipient's address are encoded, the message received on the bidirectional message communication network 14 is forwarded to the user agent 12.

【0021】

According to the present invention, the user agent 12 includes a plurality of accumulated messages. A predetermined message is received from the subscriber's two-way message communication device (pager) 11 along the second communication return channel 43 in response to a data network 26, a public switched telephone network 16 or a cellular network. -Transferred to a desired destination such as network 24. This outgoing message code is deployed by user agent 12 to allow a downlink message to the desired destination to contain complete information. Furthermore, the selected destination may be the second bidirectional message communication device 44 (see FIG. 2).

【0022】

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the services that can use the two-way wireless messaging communication system 10 have changed: 1) telephone 22, 2) email message 27, and second two-way message. Another second message communication device, such as communication device 44, can be included. The second communication return channel 43 used by the two-way message communication device (pager) 11 and any other device not only carries new messages or responses, but also enhances the capabilities of the two-way wireless message communication system 10. .. The second communication return channel 43 can be used for acknowledgment, thus enabling reliable message communication, and if signal communication such as registration information or location information is available, for this signal communication. Can be used. Since the above message is deployed within user agent 12, the channel bandwidth in the forward direction and the channel bandwidth in the reverse direction are very different, 100 to 1 or more. This asymmetry may also exist in terms of processing power, memory storage and battery capacity between the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 and the bidirectional message communication network 14.

【0023】

For the purposes of consideration, a two-way short message communication scenario is first described, followed by a more detailed description of the various message communication system elements and their functions.

【0024】

Focusing on Figure 3, this figure is referred to as UA T50, UAD52, UA M54 and UA P56 for the four Thomas, Dan, Mary and Paul, respectively. It shows a two-way wireless message communication system with four user agents.

【0025】

Thomas can send a message to his lunch companions Dan, Mary and Paul via his Pager 50a to ask about their lunch choices. The above message is sent via the two-way message communication network 14, along the message distribution channels 57a (wireless interface), 57b (data network interface), and 57c (telephone network interface), respectively, of the pager 58 belonging to Dan. It is delivered as a paging signal to a form of two-way message communication device, an e-mail to computer 60 belonging to Mary, and a telephone call to telephone 62 belonging to Paul. The response from each recipient is collected by the bidirectional message communication network 14 along the individual message return communication channels 64a, 64b, 64c and returned to Thomas as a paging signal via the first communication channel 42. The types of message return communication channels 64a, 64b, 64c and message delivery channels 57a, 57b, 57c vary depending on the device, such as pager 58, computer 60 or telephone 62.

【0026】

According to the present invention, the uplink messages are kept short because user agents 50-56 are used. The user agents reflect the states and contexts of their bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 (see Figure 1), 50a and 58 (eg, some address table and message table within the user agent). In the above example, the uplink message contains a short group identifier and message number. These are used by the user agent as an index for each data table during message expansion. For message responses, the uplink message contains only the response code. It is reassembled into a complete response within the network. By using group addressing, Thomas simply terminates one message communication uplink and the network automatically copies the message to multiple recipients at a given destination.

【0027】

Dan, Mary and Paul receive the message in different formats, each of which is proposed by Thomas during the transmission of the message or specified as part of the user agent's sieving / shipping conditions for each of those recipients.

【0028】

The above criteria for sieving / shipping can be very general. The above criteria may be based on the originator of the message, the time of day, or some other commonly available forwarding option. Messages can also be created using a variety of techniques. For example, Thomas can send a message as a built-in message with a built-in response. Therefore, the message will not only include the text of the request, but also the response list to be selected and returned by the recipient.

【0029】

Any user agent, eg, the user agent illustrated as elements 50-60, typically holds, among other things, an address table and a copy of the message table similar to the message communication device. The address information and the message information stored in the message communication device and each user agent must always be in harmony with each other. Typically, to modify these address and message tables, the subscriber only needs to modify one copy first, and the system will propagate the changes to others.

【0030】

There are various ways in which a subscriber can enter a new message or address into the message communication system. There are mainly two main categories, that is, the category via the message communication device itself, or the category via the message communication system.

【0031】

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11, such as a bidirectional pager, can include a simulated keyboard 69 displayed on an LCD screen 88. The subscriber uses the pager button 84 to navigate around the simulated keyboard 69, select letters and compose a message. This method is verbose and suitable for shorter boilerplate messages. This method is not practical for creating elastic messages that contain dynamic components.

【0032】

Subscribers can also select incoming messages sent by other subscribers and add them to their own set of messages. For example, the subscriber will receive an incoming message from another person. The subscriber may prefer the particular message and add the message to his or her own message list by selecting the appropriate button on the two-way message communication device (pager) 11.

【0033】

In yet another way, many existing message communication devices, such as pagers, have input / output ports (I / O ports). This port can be used to connect to a laptop computer or personal digital assistant (PDA). The subscriber edits the messages using the laptop computer or personal digital assistant (PDA) and downloads them to the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 via the input / output port. It will be possible to use the appropriate protocol.

【0034】

Another major category is for using message communication systems to update messages and addresses to subscriber user agents with some new messages and addresses. For example, new messages and addresses are sent to the above user agents. This is one way to customize a set of subscriber messages and addresses. Copies in subscriber user agents are updated by using dialing programs, internet connections, World Wide Web (WWW) home pages or even operators, and messages and addresses are sent directly via wireline. Be changed.

【0035】

In yet another way, the subscriber signs up for a new third party connection service. When a subscriber first makes a contract for a service, the subscriber is given a set of messages and addresses that will be used to access the service. These messages and addresses are then immediately loaded by the service provider into the subscriber's user agent.

【0036】

Next, the user agent 12 (see FIG. 1) relating to the two-way wireless message communication system 10 (see FIG. 1) will be described in more detail.

【0037】

According to the present invention, each subscriber of the two-way wireless message communication system 10 is represented by a user agent 12 existing in the two-way message communication network 14. The user agent 12 expands the coded outgoing message received from the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 and provides a pointer to a known position immediately in front of the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11. The user agent 12 also retains the state of the two-way message communication device (pager) 11 if it is in a connected state and is a subscriber's profile. User agent 12 can also include some value-added features such as message sieving and selective message delivery. User agent 12 can also be customized by its subscribers. Therefore, the user agent 12 acts as a personal server for the subscriber.

【0038】

User agent 12 also has other advantages. Since the messages are deployed within the two-way message network 14, bandwidth on the uplink can be reduced and bandwidth asymmetry is allowed on the wireless link. By executing intelligent processing in the network instead of in the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11, the high capacity of the network is utilized. The user agent 12 manages mobility by tracking the location of the subscriber. After all, the user agent 12 acts as a management agent for the two-way message communication device (pager) 11 when it is outside the area.

【0039】

As shown in FIG. 11, the user agent 12 can have a boilerplate portion 70 and an expandable portion 72, respectively. The standard part 70 fulfills the basic message communication function that is common to all user agents. The boilerplate 70 can simulate the context of a message communication device (eg, an address table and a message table) and retain information about ongoing message delivery. The extensible part 72 contains the user agent program modules 72a, 72b, and the specific task that the subscriber (see Figure 1) wants, for example, the task of maintaining a personal calendar, the World Wide Web (WWW). It is possible to program the extensible part 72 to perform the task of retrieving specific information from 27a, the database 73, the data-enterable location 73a or other similar functions. Software 74 cooperates with the above user agent program to provide execution time support to this system.

【0040】

These basic functions include registration / deregistration, message delivery and message status inquiry.

【0041】

In the registration function, the current position of the two-way message communication device (pager) 11 is updated to the above system as shown in FIG. The registration function may be explicit or implicit. Explicit registration occurs when the message communication device is powered on or when it is moved into a new cluster (bundle) 78 (see Figure 4). Implicit registration occurs when a message is received or delivered to a message communication device. During power-on, the user agent 12 can also download messages received on the bidirectional message communication network 14 since the last power outage on the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11.

【0042】

User agent 12 enables message delivery in the following cases. That is, (1) when the two-way message communication device (pager) 11 creates a new message, (2) when the two-way message communication device (pager) 11 receives a message, (3) the two-way message communication device. When (pager) 11 responds to a message, and (4) when bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 receives a response.

【0043】

The processing for groups 3 and 4 is very similar to the processing for groups 1 and 2.

【0044】

When the two-way message communication device (pager) 11 creates a new message, the user agent 12 translates the destination address alias and response address alias sent by the two-way message communication device (pager) 11 into a complete address. Expand the provided message number and modifier to the full message text to create a record for the above message. This record can be used as the basis for any subsequent message query. When the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 receives the message, the user agent 12 returns the current state (on / off) and position of the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11. It is also possible to perform certain personal message communication functions, such as transmission or sieving.

【0045】

Regarding the message status inquiry, as described later, the above user agent responds to the inquiry request by referring to the message record of the inquiry request, and if necessary, the current delivery to the transaction server. A query is made for the status.

【0046】

The extensible part 72 of the user agent identifies a framework in which additional functionality can be added as user agent program modules 72a, 72b (see Figure 11). This set of programs contains code for handling specific patterns of messages. The extensible part 72 provides a kernel that tracks event-driven models, performs pattern matching with incoming messages, and nominates them to the appropriate program module. The expandable portion 72 can also be used for signal communication by addressing the message to the user agent itself. For example, the message state query can be implemented as a signal function of the expandable portion 72.

【0047】

Focusing on FIG. 4, this figure shows the basic architecture of the two-way wireless message communication system 10 of the present invention. As shown, the bidirectional wireless messaging communication system 10 includes a three-tiered hierarchical structure. The top tier is the domain (area) 80, cluster 78 constitutes the middle tier, and cell 82 is the bottom tier. The service area of base station 76 defines cell 82. A group of adjacent cells 82 form a cluster 78, and a group of clusters 78 form a domain 80. Three domains 80 are illustrated. Domain 80 is a management unit, and each subscriber is incorporated into a unique domain called the "home domain". Various servers of the two-way wireless message communication system 10 of the present invention are similarly included in each domain 80, and a subscriber user agent resides in the home domain and is managed by the home domain. For the sake of explanation, only one single domain will be described. The hierarchy is designed with respect to some of the following important basic principles of the invention: That is, (1) Basic policy to limit the transmission of control information; (2) Basic policy to limit the size of sent messages; and (3) Basic policy to distribute functions in a modular format.

【0048】

The amount of periodic signal communication is reduced in order to limit the transmission of control information by the two-way message communication device (pager) 11. For example, location updates can be minimized by defining the registration area to be cluster 78. As a result, the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 is only re-registered with the bidirectional wireless message communication system 10 when it crosses the cluster boundary. As a result, the amount of signal communication can be reduced, especially in a microcell communication facility having high subscriber mobility. Therefore, the above message communication network only needs to know the position of the message communication device in order to clarify the cluster 78, and is necessary to locate the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 before the message delivery. The searches that are performed are limited.

【0049】

When the size of the cluster 78 is small, the accuracy of device position determination is improved and the delay of message communication is shortened, but frequent updates are required. On the other hand, when the size of the cluster 78 is large, the average message communication delay increases, but the number of updates required is small. Both message arrival rates and mobility patterns need to be considered to obtain the optimal cluster size.

【0050】

Focusing on FIG. 9, this figure illustrates an example of the message communication device used in the present invention. The message communication device is shown as a dedicated stand-alone type bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11. In this example, the two-way message communication device (pager) 11 generates, receives, and displays a message to the subscriber user agent. The design of the message communication device needs to consider critical hardware capacity limits such as the need to minimize power consumption. As shown in the figure, the two-way message communication device (pager) 11 may be the size of a business card in order to have the portability that is indispensable for "anytime, anywhere" services. Power consumption should be minimized to reduce the frequency of battery replacement.

【0051】

Figure 9 has a function key at the bottom, that is, four function buttons (pager buttons) 84 that act as keys whose functions change depending on the context, and two buttons 86 on the side, which are mainly used for scrolling purposes. A schematic diagram of a typical example of the pager 11 having the above is shown. The two-way message communication device (pager) 11 contains a five-line LCD screen 88, the top four lines used for text display and the bottom one line showing the latest borders of function keys. The bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 includes computer hardware, that is, a processor and memory for the user interface code and pager protocol. A low power general purpose microprocessor can be used for the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11. The memory must be capable of accommodating these various messages and related data.

【0052】

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, base station 76 has a radio interface and a link layer protocol terminated by a bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11. Base station 76 manages radio interface resources. Base station 76 can be deployed as a cellular radio base station, packet radio or other type of transceiver as required for any wireless messaging communication system and wireless paging system.

【0053】

Here, with reference to the whole of FIGS. 4 and 5 in general, various servers used in the two-way wireless message communication system of the present invention will be described below.

【0054】

The batch server 100 provides intelligence to base station 76. One batch server 100 connects to one or more base stations 76, receives a message from the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11, and responds affirmatively. The batch server 100 also receives the scheduled messages to the message communication device, forwards them to the appropriate base station 76 for the purpose of delivering them, and receives an acknowledgment that the messages were correctly received. The batch server 100 groups the downlink page signals into groups for scheduled delivery, enabling the pager to operate in sleep mode. In essence, the batch server 100 acts as a transformation point between the wired (network) portion and the wireless (subscriber and base station) portion of the two-way wireless messaging communication system 10. The batch server 100 is responsible for relaying the uplink message from the subscriber device to the network via the base station 76 and the downlink message from the network to the subscriber device via the base station 76. I am in charge.

【0055】

The protocol structure that can be used for the dialogue between the two-way message communication device (pager) 11, the base station 76, and the batch server 100 is shown in FIG. The Message Layer Protocol (MLP) 102 is responsible for ensuring reliable message delivery between the batch server 100 and the message communication device. Each data unit in Message Layer Protocol (MLP) 102 contains one user-level message. At most one message for each message communication device can be a concern at a time. The sending entity of the message holds a resend timer for the pending message and resends the message until the sending entity receives an acknowledgment. An acknowledgment is generated by the receiving MLP entity above when the message is received correctly.

【0056】

The Airlink Specific Convergence Sublayer (ASCS) 104 operates equal communication between the batch server 100 and the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11. Radio Link Special Convergence Sublayer (ASCS) 104 is responsible for dividing the data unit of Message Layer Protocol (MLP) 102 into segments of a size suitable for transmission over the radio interface. The Convergence Sublayer (ASCS) 104 is responsible for reassembling the radio interface frame into the MLP data unit. The Radiolink Special Convergence Sublayer (ASCS) 104 passes only correctly received data units to the Message Layer Protocol (MLP) 102, and any corrupted data units are quietly rejected. The ASCS protocol specifications will depend on the wireless interface protocol, and as a result, there will be many different ASCS protocol specifications.

【0057】

Two link layer protocols 106, 108 are illustrated. Link Layer Protocol (LINK1) 106 operates between batch server 100 and base station 76. The Link Layer Protocol (LINK2) 108 operates over a wireless interface and is specified by a particular wireless interface used in the bidirectional wireless messaging communication system 10.

【0058】

Figure 10 shows a batch server with a high level of configuration. The batch server holds several data structures, such as the registered message communication device table required for its operation to be performed, and the registered message communication device table is actually displayed by the batch server. A record is held for each message communication device receiving service. The record contained information about traffic statistics (eg, some uplink and downlink messages to and from the message communication device), as well as the message communication device (eg, the last visit). Both information about the base station) is included. The wireline side is generally labeled at 109 and the wireless (subscriber and base station) side is labeled at 109a.

【0059】

Records are created in two environments, namely in the message communication device table registered under explicit or implicit registration. As a result, explicit registration is performed under two states: power-on initialization and cluster boundary intersections. The former is a new registration, while the latter is a re-registration. Re-registration requires an additional step to remove the state information held on the old batch server. On the other hand, implicit registration is performed when the base station receives a data message from a message communication device that is not currently registered. This is often the result of active message communication devices moving between cells in the cluster. The above record is deleted when the registration cancellation is received when the power is turned off.

【0060】

Another data structure has an unanswered message queue (UMQ) 110 that contains messages that will be delivered downlink. They are logically organized on a per-message communication device basis, but actual fulfillment can be based on separate queues or common message pools. Batch server 100 uses a method of stopping a little when delivering a message. That is, the batch server 100 does not deliver a new message to the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 until the previous message to the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 is acknowledged. Therefore, at any particular time, there is at most one pending unanswered message.

【0061】

When an acknowledgment is received from the message communication device, the acknowledgment received message, that is, the message at the head portion of the queue is moved to the acknowledgment received message queue (AMQ) 112. The acknowledgment is designed to be short and includes the so-called receive buffer index (rbi), which is a locally unique identifier for the destination pager. The receive buffer index (rbi) is later used to correlate the response with the original message.

【0062】

Yet another data structure is the Acknowledgment Receive Message Queue (AMQ) 112, which contains messages whose delivery has been acknowledged by the destination message communicator and is currently waiting for those responses. The response includes the receive buffer index (rbi) along with the response code. The receive buffer index (rbi) is used to retrieve the original request. That is, the receive buffer index (rbi) basically acts as a local message identification code, thus eliminating the need to send the system message identification code to the uplink. The response code encodes the desired response and is deployed by the responding user agent.

【0063】

In general, the length of these queues is short because the response tends to follow the acknowledgment exactly in the 30 minute range. If the response does not arrive within a certain time limit, there may be a procedure for returning the state to the user agent, which will be performed by one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the AMQS operates like a cache memory for accumulating message information required for processing a response.

【0064】

Depending on the wireless interface, the batch server 100 can also be responsible for performing other low-level tasks. These low-level tasks include the delivery of packets that use multicast behavior. There are two possible forms of multicast distribution: 1) true multicast distribution and 2) occasional multicast distribution. In true multicast delivery, message communication devices belonging to a multicast group share one multicast address, and each message is delivered using the multicast address. In the occasional multicast distribution, an address header message containing a destination device identification code list is first transmitted to alert the receiving message communication device. This address header message is followed by the body of the message.

【0065】

Focusing again on FIGS. 4 and 5, they show the message communication server 114, which improves the modularity of the system by integrating the activities of the individual servers. The message communication server 114 receives outgoing messages, works with other servers to determine their location and the format required to deliver the messages, calls value-added services, and finally delivers the messages. Transfer to a server that can. The functionality of the message communication server 114 is required for all message communication systems, and its operation varies depending on the intelligence and the value-added services available from the message communication system.

【0066】

The distribution server 116 is responsible for delivering messages to their final destinations in an appropriate format. For messages to be delivered to wireless devices such as the bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11, the distribution server 116 executes a designated paging algorithm based on the location information provided by the user agent 12. For messages that need to be converted to a different format, distribution server 116 forwards the message to the translator. The function of the distribution server is basically required by the two-way wireless message communication system 10. If the two-way wireless message communication system 10 does not use location information, but the two-way wireless message communication system 10 is flooded with messages that the wireless interface must deliver (true broadcast), then the above distribution server It has a minimum of functions.

【0067】

In the present invention, the distribution server 116 operates together with the user agent 12 that supplies location information to manage user mobility. Batch server 100, which until now was known that distribution server 116 provided any message to be delivered to a message communication device such as a bidirectional message communication device (pager) 11 or other wireless device Transfer to. If the message delivery by the batch server 100 is successful, the distribution server 116 receives an acknowledgment and the above algorithm ends. If the batch server times out, the distribution server 116 will forward the message to all batch servers 100 in the vicinity of the original target batch server. This increases the number of service areas that try to deliver the message. The above message will not be sent to the original batch server when the second delivery attempt is made. If the above message is still not delivered, the service area is augmented again and sent to batch server 100 near the latest subset until the message is delivered.

【0068】

This algorithm has several advantages. The first advantage is that a single batch server 100 is not included twice during a search. The second advantage is that while distribution server 116 performs designated paging on the cluster area, batch server 100 can run the designated paging algorithm between each base station 76 in cluster 78. This distributed control allows the base station 76 to be added to the cluster without requiring the distribution server 116 to change its designated paging algorithm search list. The designated paging algorithm of the two-way wireless message communication system 10 is the amount of radio traffic within the two-way wireless message communication system 10 when compared to the flooding techniques used by many paging systems currently in operation. It is designed to reduce both network traffic and network traffic. Many variants of this basic algorithm are available to engineers in the field.

【0069】

Transaction server 118 (see Figures 4, 5 and 12) tracks transactions between message communication subscribers. This transaction requires interrelated messages, responses and acknowledgments. Transaction server 118 supports several transaction types, reporting the status of a transaction when requested and closing it when the transaction is complete. Transaction server 118 supports one-to-one transactions and one-to-many transactions. For example, a subscriber (see Figure 2) can send a message to three terminals and request that only the first response be notified. In this case, transaction server 118 would open the transaction when the message was sent and close the transaction when the first response was received. Subsequent responses will be rejected. If the system does not support transactions, transaction server 118 is an unnecessary element.

【0070】

In the system of the present invention, the transaction server 118 can be combined to form a further improved set of transaction services, i.e. 1. 100% response transaction; 2. N number response transaction; and 3. Timed response transaction To support.

【0071】

The 100% response transaction remains open until the response is received by any message recipient. The N-number response transaction remains open until the response is received by N recipients. The timed response transaction remains open until the user-specified time expires. Once the transaction is closed, no further response is accepted and therefore not transferred to the transaction origin. For example, in a transaction where only the first three responses are accepted within 5 minutes, the transaction is closed if either 5 minutes elapses or the 3 responses are received. This is an example of a combination of N-number response transaction type and timed response transaction type. All transactions follow the system timer used to close transactions that were not completed in a reasonable amount of time.

【0072】

A schematic diagram of an example of a transaction server configuration is illustrated in FIG. As mentioned earlier, transaction server 118 supports three basic transaction types: 100% response transactions, N number response transactions, and timed response transactions.

【0073】

As shown in FIG. 12, the transaction server has two layers of a hierarchical structure, namely, a conversation management device 120 and a transaction manager 122. The conversation management device 120 holds a simple two-state machine that takes either an open state 124 or a closed state 126. If the transaction is open, a response to the original message is expected and accepted. If the transaction is closed, the response will not be accepted. The transaction manager 122 is responsible for tracking the state of each recipient involved in the transaction and therefore determines if the transaction should be closed. The transaction manager 122 makes this decision based on the number of responses that are being accepted for the transaction and the number of recipients 128 that have reached the reception completion state as illustrated in FIG. 12b. When an appropriate number of recipients are in the reception complete state, the transaction manager 122 tells the conversation management device 120 to close the transaction.

【0074】

Now consider a simple transaction with three recipients. Transaction server 118 receives an OPENTX (open transaction) request from message communication server 114 and assigns a transaction identification code unique to that transaction. The transaction server 118 subsequently activates the conversation management device 120 to process this request. The conversation management device 120 is indexed by the transaction identifier. The conversation management device 120 transitions to the open state and activates the transaction manager 122. Transaction manager 122 creates three records, one for each recipient, that reflect the recipient's status. These records are indexed by the recipient address. Their initial state is named "sent", which means that the message has been sent to all three recipients.

【0075】

Transaction server 118 also stores information related to transaction types. For example, transaction server 118 determines how many responses from a transaction type need to be accepted for a transaction. Transaction server 118 also sets a deadline time timer that determines by what time a transaction should be closed. If the transaction is not a timed transaction, the default system timer is typically used for approximately the length of the day. At this time, the transaction server 118 responds to the message communication server having the transaction identification code.

【0076】

When the acknowledgment and response are received from the message recipient, the conversation management device 120 keeps the transaction open. Transaction manager 122 modifies the state of each corresponding recipient. When an acknowledgment of those responses is received, transaction manager 122 will transition the appropriate recipient to the received completion state. Depending on the number of responses allowed in the transaction, distribution server 116 determines if more responses need to be accepted. When the response limit is reached, that is, when the required number of recipients reach the reception complete state, the transaction manager 122 instructs the conversation management device 120 to close the transaction. The transaction manager 122 also instructs the conversation management device 120 to close the transaction if the transaction time has expired.

【0077】

The response received by transaction server 118 is then blocked. Transaction server 118 sets a record timer. The transaction server 118 is frozen in the closed state and the recipient's state is also frozen until the record timer expires. During this period, transaction server 118 can be queried about the state of the transaction. When the record timer expires, transaction server 118 deletes conversation management device 120 and transaction manager 122 for the transaction. Any subsequent query to transaction server 118 will result in an invalid transaction identifier message.

【0078】

The simple routine flow chart shown in Figure 12b shows the message transmission and its acknowledgment. A message is sent in step 130 and an acknowledgment is received in step 132. The above sequence is completed in step 136 when the response is received from the recipient in step 134 and subsequently an acknowledgment is received for the response.

【0079】

Various types of messages are possible in the two-way wireless message communication system 10 according to the present invention. Unlike many existing paging and message communication systems, which primarily support static messages or require dictation, the present invention supports flexible message types. The design of these message types is strongly influenced by the capabilities of the message communication device. For example, the absence of a keyboard means that free-form messages are impractical. Similarly, the more advanced features that a message communication device processes locally, the more sophisticated the message communication device must be to handle the processing logic.

【0080】

The most basic type of supported message is a fixed built-in message. This message is identical to what is currently available under unidirectional character paging. A simple extension of fixed built-in messages is so-called rich text messages. This rich text message Adds text attributes such as bold font, reverse display, etc. to the fixed built-in message in plaintext. However, fixed built-in messages are severely constrained. That is, they cannot be customized dynamically. To overcome this, the present invention introduces three types of dynamic components: 1) optional components, 2) selective components and 3) pre-defined variables. The optional component outlines (distinguishes) the part of the message that can be dynamically included or excluded. The selective element provides a list of elements to be selected from it. For example, a selective element named "location" can be deployed in a list of choices, ie, a) home, b) office, or c) laboratory. A set of available selective elements is defined by the individual subscribers. Predefined variables represent certain commonly used input fields that can be customized by the user. Typical examples of pre-defined variables are time, telephone number, and so on. Dynamic components can be nested as needed.

【0081】

To facilitate the response, the message can include response components. The response component incorporates the desired response and typically utilizes a dynamic component. This is useful in applications where those possible responses are deductively compromised.

【0082】

The most common message types include conditional components. Conditional components can be conditionally included or excluded based on the meaning of previous dynamic components. The conditional component can be used to chain a large number of messages together, thus eliminating round-trip delays. They are intended only for cutting-edge message communication applications.

【0083】

An example of a protocol flow for delivering a multicast message with a response will be described below. This explanation will focus on the salient features of this system.

【0084】

In this example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the subscriber (S) 200 sends the message to three recipients: recipient (R1) 202, recipient (R2) 204 and recipient (R3). ) (Not shown). In this example, the last registered recipient on batch server (BS-R1) 222 R1202 is still on its batch server (BS-R1) 222. The last registered recipient (R2) 204 on the batch server (BS-R21) 230 has since been moved to the batch server (BS-R22) 232. Recipient (R3) is currently inactive. That is, the power is turned off. Recipient (R1) 202 receives a message on its message communication device when the first delivery attempt is made. Recipient (R2) 204 receives a message on its message communication device when a second delivery attempt is made. The recipient (R3) requests that the message be forwarded to the message storage server for the next search. The functions of each entity, the location management procedure of this system, and an example of the designated paging algorithm will be described below. Interactions with individual base stations are not included in this example. For simplicity, we will assume that there is a one-to-one mapping between the base station and the batch server.

【0085】

Figure 7 shows a highly schematic depiction of the message delivery procedure. The subscriber (S) 200, which is the sender of the message, transmits the message to the network via the supply side batch server (BS-S) 208 via the PG2S-NEW message. This PG2S-NEW message includes a subscriber (S) 200 address, a set of recipient addresses, a set of response destination addresses, and a coded message. In this example, the recipients listed are recipient (R1) 202, recipient (R2) 204 and recipient (R3) 206, and the reply-to address is the address of the message sender (S) 200. The message is encoded by showing the message number and the meaning of some dynamic components. The supply-side batch server (BS-S) 208 receives the message and returns it to the subscriber (S) 200, an acknowledgment BS2PG-ACK (reverse) indicating that the network has already accepted the message for delivery. Generate (indicated by the direction arrow).

【0086】

The supply-side batch server (BS-S) 208 forwards the message to the message communication server (MS) 210 with a BS2MS-NEW message. In addition to the information contained in the above PG2S-NEW message, this message includes a message identifier (mid) that uniquely identifies this message throughout the system.

【0087】

The message communication server (MS) 210 communicates with the message originator user agent (UA-S) 212 with an MS2UA-NEW message. User agent (UA-S) 212 executes the message expansion function. The user agent (UA-S) 212 expands the message body depending on the received message number and the meaning of the dynamic components, and expands some address aliases to the full system address. The user agent (UA-S) 212 responds to the message communication server (MS) 210 with the message body and message type. That is, if this message requests a response, is part of a transaction, or is a simple unidirectional paging signal, it responds with a display signal. In this example, the message is classified as a transaction that requires a response from all recipients. This information is sent in the above UA2MS-NEW message.

【0088】

Here, the message communication server (MS) 210 communicates with the message recipient user agent to determine the location of their corresponding message communication devices, the format in which they intend to receive the message, and their status. The message communication server (MS) 210 makes the above determination by sending a header (HDR) message to the above user agent. The user agent responds with the status of the message communication device and the known position immediately before. In this example, the user agent (UA-R1) 214 replies that the message communication device is active and that a known location immediately before it is on BS-R1. User agent (UA-R2) 216 replies that the message communication device is active and that the known location immediately before it is on BS-R21. User agent (UA-R3) 218 replies that the pager is off and that the message needs to be forwarded to the message storage server.

【0089】

The message communication server (MS) 210 receives those responses and subsequently requests that the transaction server (XS) 220 open a transaction for this message exchange via the OPENTX message. Transaction server (XS) 220 opens the transaction and returns the transaction identification code in the TXRSP message. The transaction identification code uniquely identifies this transaction throughout the network, and further identifies the transaction server (XS) 220 that manages this transaction. The transaction identifier is forwarded to the message originator user agent (UA-S) 212 (TXUPDATE), so that the user agent (UA-S) 212 later receives any inquiry about the state of the transaction. It is possible to access the transaction record in some cases.

【0090】

The Message Communication Server (MS) 210 then forwards the full message body to Distribution Server (DS) 221 along with the recipient list, their desired message format, and the immediate known location (MS2DS). .. Distribution server (DS) 221 determines how to deliver the message to the recipient based on the location information provided and the desired format of the message. The distribution server (DS) 221 forwards the message to the recipient (R1) 202 via the batch server (BS-R1) 222 according to the instruction based on the received location information, and the batch server (BS-R21). Transfer to recipient (R2) 204 via 230. The distribution server (DS) 221 forwards the message to the recipient (R3) to the message storage server (MSS) 224.

【0091】

The batch server (BS-R1) 222 delivers the message (MSG) to the recipient (R1) 202 and finally receives an acknowledgment (ACK). The batch server (BS-R1) 222 forwards this acknowledgment to the distribution server (DS) 221 and the distribution server (DS) 221 forwards the acknowledgment to the transaction server (XS) 220. Transaction server (XS) 220 updates its transaction record.

【0092】

Similarly, an acknowledgment is received from the message storage server (MSS) 224 on behalf of the recipient (R3). This acknowledgment is also forwarded to distribution server (DS) 221 and transaction server (XS) 220. In addition, the distribution server (DS) 221 updates the user agent (UA-R3) 218 and relies on the user agent (UA-R3) 218 for a search identifier that the user later retrieves from the storage device. Inform. The search identification code is downloaded by the user agent (UA-R3) 218 to the recipient (R3) when its power is on.

【0093】

Batch server (BS-R21) 230 does not receive an acknowledgment for recipient (R2) 204 and therefore times out. Batch server (BS-R21) 230 generates a negative response (NAK) to distribution server (DS) 221. Distribution server (DS) 221 executes the specified paging algorithm and expands the message delivery area to all batch servers in the vicinity of the original target batch server. In this example, there is a batch server (BS-R22) 232 and a batch server (BS-R23) 234. The batch server (BS-R22) 232 delivers the message successfully and receives an acknowledgment. The above acknowledgment is forwarded to the distribution server (DS) 221 and the transaction server (XS) 220. Distribution Server (DS) 221 updates User Agent (UA-R2) 216 so that it reflects the current location information of Recipient (R2) 204. Through the dialogue between the distribution server and the user agent, the approximate location of the wireless message communication device is acquired, and the designated paging algorithm is executed.

【0094】

At this time, the delivery of the message to all recipients is completed and the transaction is opened.

【0095】

Figure 8 shows the flow for responding to the message generated above. The response flow is at a high level symmetrical to the message transmission flow. In this example, the recipient (R) 240 generates a response (REPLY), which is received by the batch server (BS-R) 242. The above response is a coded message as in the previous case, and has an identifier for associating the coded message with the original message. The batch server (BS-R) 242 stores the information related to the message in the cache memory and distributes it for a finite period of time. If the above response is received by the batch server (BS-R) 242 within that time frame, the batch server (BS-R) 242 will use the full message identifier, transaction identifier and other identifications from the local identifier. It is possible to determine the code. If the information has already been removed from the cache memory or moved to a different batch server area before the wireless message communicator sends the response, the batch server (BS-R) 242 Information from the user agent of the wireless retrieval message communication device transmitting the response must be retrieved.

【0096】

As in the case of sending the message, the batch server (BS-R) 242 transfers the message to the message communication server (MS) 244 that communicates with the user agent of the user agent (UA-R) 246 of the responding device. To do. The user agent (UA-R) 246 expands the response and sends the message back to the message communication server (MS) 244. The message communication server (MS) 244 then communicates with the transaction server (XS) 248 to inform the transaction server (XS) 248 that the response has been generated. If the transaction is still open and the response is still being accepted, then transaction server (XS) 248 delivers the response to message communication server (MS) 244, as in this example. Instruct to continue. The rest of the response delivery flow is the same as the message delivery flow. That is, communication is performed so that the user agent (UA-R) 246 of the device receiving the response determines the delivery destination of the response, and the response is transmitted to the distribution server (DS) 250 for the purpose of delivery. ..

【0097】

When an acknowledgment for the above response is received by the distribution server (DS) 250, the acknowledgment is forwarded to the transaction server (XS) 248.

【0098】

The two-way wireless message communication system according to the present invention can be widely used in addition to the above illustrated examples. For example, it helps a task dispatcher to nominate a task where it can send a message to a set of recipients to assign a task. For example, in the event of a power outage, a maintenance monitoring program can send a message to all shift workers. The message recipient receives and responds to a message indicating their availability. As a result, the maintenance monitoring program can assign jobs to one or more members of the group.

【0099】

Further, this two-way message communication system can be used as a calendar residual notification service that generates reminders and alarms with the help of a subscriber user agent by a network-based calendar server. The message communication device is portable and can deliver messages to pagers, e-mail devices and other message communication devices. The calendar acts as an "alarm" to some extent, informing the user of scheduled visit appointments, anniversaries and important dates at any time. Reservations can be entered in the calendar as part of the user agent.

【0100】

In addition, the system can be used to send emergency signals and distress (SOS) messages. The emergency signaling system allows the victim to send a distress (SOS) message. This message will be forwarded to the Emergency Command Center. The network can indicate the location of the sender of a message using a location-based service system. The Emergency Command Center sends messages to the victims and uses inquiry messages to perform an initial assessment of their condition. For example, you can send a message like "Are you injured", "Are you bleeding", or "Can you move?" With response options. The responses collected from the initial assessment above could be extremely helpful in appointing the appropriate emergency response unit for the task.

【0101】

Closing a task nomination via a separate two-way message multicast as described above results in an affirmation such as "Rescue crew is heading" or "Meet rescue workers in the next block". The response can be relayed back to the victim seeking emergency rescue.

【0102】

Depending on the subscriber's profile, tracking notifications via two-way message communication can be sent to the subscriber's group members.

【0103】

This service utilizes the reliability, bidirectionality, multicast and transaction support of this bidirectional messaging system.

【0104】

In addition, the message can be sent to a subscriber at a location. For example, if a New York train is not in service, a message could be sent to people throughout New York. This service is equivalent to the current simple paging service, except that it is location dependent.

【0105】

Figures 14, 15a, and 15b show conventional two-way wireless cellular message communication systems based on standards that can understand the basics of cellular systems. Figures 16, 17 and 18 show the use of the servers and user agents of the present invention in relation to cellular systems.

【0106】

In FIG. 14, the cellular system 300 uses an IS-136 radio interface and an IS-41C network node interface between the base station and the mobile message communication entity. This IS-136 wireless interface is a digital cellular wireless interface standard that provides mobile registration, paging for delivering calls, call outgoing, handoff, and telephone services. Provide functions such as message exchange as part of the message communication service. The IS-41C network node interface is a network protocol that operates between a cellular mobile exchange, various databases used for mobile management, and a message communication station 302.

【0107】

In FIG. 14, the cellular message communication system is common in conventional cellular networks: home position register 304 (HLR), visitor position register 306 (VLR), mobile exchange 308 (MSC), base station 310 ( BS). In this system, the message communication agent 312 (also called the short message communication agent or entity (SME)) generates a message to the message communication station 302 (MC). This message is forwarded to the mobile exchange 308 for further distribution after receiving the message path address corresponding to the desired destination. This desired destination is typically the mobile message communication entity 314, which may be the bidirectional pager shown as MS-SME314 in the figure or a similar device.

【0108】

IS-136 supports approximately 420 channels, a subset of which is reused in each cell of the cellular system. Each channel can support 48.6kbps traffic. Many of the system's channels are used for voice conversation. The remaining channels are used to support digital control channels (DCCH). Each mobile station acquires a DCCH that exchanges control information and short messages with cellular board stations.

【0109】

DCCH is divided into three forward channels (downlink) and one reverse channel (uplink). The three forward channels are the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH), the Shared Control Feedback Channel (SCF), and the Short Message Communication / Paging / Access Response Channel (SPACH). BCCH is further divided into three control subchannels, two of which are used to broadcast system information, one of which is called the Short Message Communication Service Broadcast Control Channel (S-BCCH) and is one of the message communication services. Reserved to send broadcast messages as a part. SCF is used to provide link layer status information to support mobile media access procedures. SPACH, as the name implies, is used to deliver messages as part of a short message communication service, pages as part of a call delivery in a telecommunications service, and resource allocation.

【0110】

The reverse channel is called a random access control channel (RACH). This channel is used by mobile stations to send control messages or messages that are part of short message communication services to cellular base stations. Link layer feedback for this channel is provided on the SCF.

【0111】

FIG. 14 shows the architecture of the message communication system based on IS-136 / IS41C. Base station 310 and mobile exchange 308 (MSC) operate with the same capabilities as a standard cellular telephone network. Base station 310 receives the IS-136 protocol. Home location register 304 (HLR) stores a permanent profile for each mobile message communication entity or other mobile station, and a pointer to the current visitor location register 306 (VLR) serving each entity. .. The visitor location register 306 stores a temporary copy of the profile of any mobile station or mobile message communication entity and a pointer to the mobile exchange 308 to which the mobile station is currently registered. The message communication station is the core of the message communication system that coordinates the activities of other entities.

【0112】

Figures 15a and 15b show the flow of message delivery to IS-136-based mobile stations. Calls are shown in uppercase letters and responses are shown in lowercase letters. The messages in bold are IS-136 messages, and the ones in italics are IS-41C messages. The normal typeface is a message that represents an interface specified by the vendor called the A interface. In Figure 15a, the mobile message communication entity 314 probably registers by power-on. Upon receiving the REGNOT message, the visitor position register 306 stores a pointer to the serving mobile exchange 308. The visitor position register 306 transfers this message to the home position register 304, which stores a pointer to the visitor position 306.

【0113】

Later, as shown in Figure 15b, the fixed endpoints send the message to the message communication agent 312 (SMDPP). This message is received by the message communication station 302, which queries the home position register 34 to locate the mobile station (SMSREQ or mobile message communication entity 314). This message contains the mobile identification number (MIN) of the destination message communication entity. This request travels to the serving mobile exchange 308, which assigns a routing address to the message communication entity (SMSADDR parameter). This routing address is returned to the message operator 302, which forwards this message to the serving mobile exchange 308. The mobile exchange 308 delivers this message over the message communication channel of IS-136 via base station 310 (SMS delivery).

【0114】

Also, the mobile message communication entity 314 initiates a message exchange. In this case, the mobile message communication entity 314 sends a message to the message communication station 302 via its IS-136 RACH.

【0115】

Various classes of system operation may be expected. The privacy and urgent classes are interpreted by the message communication entity. The net does not distinguish between these classes. This deferred message delivery is explicitly requested or activated by the network when the mobile message communication entity 314 cannot be positioned for message delivery (powered off, out of range, etc.). In these cases, the message is distributed when the mobile message communication entity 314 becomes active. Updating the message allows the sender to overwrite the previously sent message.

【0116】

This system has several other advantages. This system can be operated using cellular network infrastructure for location management. By registering when the message communication entity moves and requesting that the visitor location register and home location register be updated, the network can accurately direct the message to its subscribers.

【0117】

Some entities from the system can provide improved message communication capacity in addition to the IS-16 / IS-41C cellular system. As shown in FIG. 16, the message communication server function is performed by the IS-136 / IS-41C message communication station 302. Both of these entities receive the message, coordinate any other server call, and forward the message to another entity that can send it.

【0118】

The functions of the distribution server 320 are shown as separate entities in FIG. 16, but are included in the message communication station. In the IS-136084 IC system, the message communication station 302 positions the destination message communication device through interaction with the home position register 304 and transfers the message. Alternatively, this functionality can be done in a similar manner by an external distribution server 320, as shown in FIG. In this case, the message communication station 302 calls any service (eg, deferred delivery) triggered by the receipt of the message and sends the message to the distribution server 320, which must send the message. The distribution server 320 interacts with the home location register 304 to locate the destination mobile message communication entity 314.

【0119】

The user agent function is not included in the IS-136 / IS-41C system. By adding the user agent 322 to this system, message expansion is performed in the network. This allows for short coded messages in the network and saves wireless interface resources. The message also contains variables and choices. User agents are also used to provide value-added services such as message screening. The IS-136 / IS-41C system uses the home position register 304 and the visitor position register 306 to record location information, but the user agent location function is not required in this system.

【0120】

The transaction server function is not included in IS-136 / IS-41C. By adding transaction server 324 to this system, value-added transaction services can be supported by cellular message communication systems. These include all of the transaction services supported by the system.

【0121】

If a user agent and transaction server are added to the system, the procedure at message communication station 302 must be changed. The message communication station 302 must forward the incoming message request to the user agent and must be aware of when the transaction service is requested. These additions do not violate the cellular standard. The value-added server may be implemented as an accessory processor of the message communication station 302, or may be implemented as a remote processor. In the former case, only the procedure of the message communication station 302 needs to be changed, and no external message is generated. In the latter case, the operation between the message communication station and the remote processor must be defined. As seen in many telecommunications services today, these operations can be invoked using a signaling system # 7 protocol, such as the standard Transaction Capability Application Part (TCAP).

【0122】

FIGS. 17 and 18 show a message delivery flow when the message communication system of the present invention is used.

【0123】

A new code was used for simplicity. Two mobile message communication entities (MS-SMEs) are used. From left to right, each block is the first mobile message communication entity (MS-SME) 400, base station (BS) 402, mobile exchange (MSC) 404, visitor position register (VLR) 406. , Sender home location register / user agent (HLR-R / UA-S) 408, Recipient home location register / user agent (HLR-R / UA-R) 410, Transaction server (TX) 412, Message communication station Represents (MC) 414, Distribution Server (DS) 416, and Second Mobile Message Communication Entity (MS-SME) 418. The main differences between the flows in Figures 17 and 18 and the flows in Figures 15a and 15b are detailed below. Other parts of the message flow, such as the registration process, are similar.

【0124】

FIG. 17 shows the registration process and shows that the registration flow of the mobile message communication entity 400 is similar to the registration shown in FIG. 15a. Registration occurs at the corresponding user agent defined as the home location register / user agent 408, 410.

【0125】

FIG. 18 shows the message communication flow after registration. The first coded message SMDPP is sent from the mobile message communication entity 418 to the message communication station 414. This message is encoded so that later message expansion occurs in the network, and confirmation (acknowledgement) is returned. Instead of going to the recipient's home position register as in the example in Figure 15b above, this message is forwarded to the sender's HLR-S / UA-S408. In this HLR-S / UA-S408, message expansion occurs, the message is returned to the message communication station 414, and then back to the recipient HLR-R / UA-R410. The recipient's user agent can filter, request a new format, or provide location information. User information can be thrown into the visitor position register 406 as it is in the current system, or bypassed as shown in this example. The home position register can provide position information. The message is forwarded to the message communication station 414.

【0126】

This message is then forwarded to transaction server 412 to spread the transaction. This transaction is then returned to the message communications station 414 and sent to the distribution server 416, which performs the directed paging algorithm. The message flow here is very similar to the previous example of SMDPP and the confirmation to go back to the distribution server.

【0127】

The message communication system of the present invention has many advantages. Message communication can be deployed in the user agent. In addition, user agents can filter messages to perform other functions. Also, transaction support may be current in the cellular network. The system enables directional paging, the area can be changed using the directional paging function, and the number of registrations required can be reduced. It is not necessary to register whenever the exchange area is changed, and there is no need for a visitor position register. The distribution server can also perform directional paging.

【0128】

Each server can also be implemented as desired. If the directional paging algorithm is not running, you don't need a distribution server. If you don't need message expansion, you don't need a user agent. This gives the system more flexibility. All servers are flexible.

【0129】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, a plurality of messages are stored in the user agent of the two-way wireless message communication network of the present invention. This message corresponds to the one selected by the subscriber of the two-way message communication service. This message is encoded and contains control information. The outgoing message transfer code is transmitted from the subscriber's two-way message communication device to the two-way message communication network. This outgoing message transfer code contains a message number and a modifier that specifies the customization applied to the message. The outgoing message transfer code is then deployed within the user agent, and the expanded message is forwarded to the desired destination based on the content of the outgoing message transfer code. The message can also be encoded with at least one control tag, and can also be encoded with a pair of control tags that specify the first and last part to which control is applied. In this way, in a two-way wireless message communication system, it is possible to provide excellent control over the delivery and deployment of messages and solve the problem of the capacity limitation of existing wireless paging systems.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a system and method of a two-way wireless message communication system of the present invention used in collaboration with a public switched telephone network, a data network, a cellular network and a two-way message communication system.

[Figure 2]

Another schematic of the two-way wireless message communication system of the present invention.

[Fig. 3]

It is a more detailed diagram of a two-way wireless message communication system showing examples of messages that can be transferred between various user agents, message communication networks and different subscribers.

[Fig. 4]

It is the schematic which shows the network architecture of the bidirectional wireless message communication system of this invention.

[Fig. 5]

It is a figure which shows an example of the control architecture of the bidirectional wireless message communication system of this invention.

[Fig. 6]

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the protocol architecture used between the message communication apparatus of the two-way wireless message communication system of this invention, and a batch server.

[Fig. 7]

It is a detailed flow chart which shows an example of the protocol flow for the new message delivery used in the two-way wireless message communication system of this invention.

[Fig. 8]

It is a detailed flow chart which shows an example of the response delivery in the bidirectional wireless message communication system of this invention.

[Fig. 9]

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a bidirectional message communication device in the form of a bidirectional pager that can be used in the bidirectional wireless message communication system of the present invention.

[Fig. 10]

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an example of a batch server configuration that can be used in the two-way wireless message communication system of the present invention.

[Fig. 11]

It is the schematic which shows an example of the functional part of the user agent which can be used for the bidirectional wireless message communication system of this invention.

[Fig. 12]

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of various functions of a transaction server that can be used in the two-way wireless message communication system of the present invention. (a) It is a figure which shows the open state and the closed state of a conversation management device. (b) State transition diagram for the state of the recipient of the transaction server.

[Fig. 13]

It is a figure which shows the schematic diagram of the bidirectional message communication apparatus which a simulated keyboard is displayed for inputting a message.

[Fig. 14]

A simplified block diagram of various components of a two-way message communication cellular system defined by the standard is shown.

[Fig. 15]

(a) Shows the basic message flow when registering a mobile message communication entity in a conventional system. (b) Shows a flow chart of message delivery to a mobile message communication entity.

[Fig. 16]

A simplified block diagram of a two-way message communication cellular system having a user agent of the present invention and a transaction / distribution server is shown.

[Fig. 17]

An example of a basic message flow in the system of the present invention is shown.

[Fig. 18]

An example of a basic message flow for delivering a message to a mobile message communication entity of the present invention is shown.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Two-way wireless message communication system 11 Two-way message communication device (pager) 12 User agent 14 Two-way message communication network 16 Public switched telephone network 18 Network access switch 20 1st communication combination 22 Phone 24 Cellular network 26 Data network 27 Email message 27a World Wide Web 28 Second communication combination 30 Line Network Control Exchange (NCP) 32 database 36 Third communication combination 38 4th communication combination 40 subscribers 42 1st communication channel 43 2nd communication return channel 44 Second bidirectional message communication device 50 User Agent (UA T) 50a pager 52 User Agent (UA D) 54 User Agent (UA M) 56 User Agent (UA P) 57a Message delivery channel 57b Message delivery channel 57c Message delivery channel 58 pager 60 computers 62 Phone 64a Message return communication channel 64b Message return communication channel 64c Message return communication channel 69 Simulated keyboard 70 Standard part 72 expandable part 72a User Agent Program Module 72b User Agent Program Module 73 database 73a Where data can be entered 74 software 76 base station 78 clusters 80 domains 82 cells 84 buttons 86 button 88 LCD screen 100 batch server 102 Message Layer Protocol (MLP) 104 Radio Link Special Convergence Sublayer (ASCS) 106 Link Layer Protocol (LINK1) 108 Link Layer Protocol (LINK2) 109 Wire line side (network) 109a Wireless (subscriber and base station) side 110 Unanswered Message Queue (UMQ) 112 Acknowledgment message queue (AMQ) 114 Message communication server 116 Distribution server 118 transaction server 120 Conversation management device 122 Transaction Manager 124 open 126 close 128 Recipient 130 transmission 132 Receive 134 Receive 136 End 200 subscribers (S) 202 Recipient (R1) 204 Recipient (R2) 206 Recipient (R3) 208 Supply side batch server (BS-S) 210 Message Communication Server (MS) 212 Message Caller User Agent (UA-S) 214 User Agent (UA-R1) 216 User Agent (UA-R2) 218 User Agent (UA-R3) 220 Transaction Server (XS) 221 Distribution Server (DS) 222 Batch server (BS-R1) 224 Message Storage Server (MSS) 230 batch server (BS-R21) 232 Batch server (BS-R22) 234 Batch server (BS-R23) 240 Recipient (R) 242 Batch server (BS-R) 244 Message Communication Server (MS) 246 User Agent (UA-R) 248 Transaction server (XS) 250 Distribution Server (DS) 300 cellular system 302 Message Communication Bureau 304 Home position register 306 Visitor position register 308 Mobile Exchange 310 base station 312 Message Communication Agent 314 Mobile Message Communication Entity 320 distribution server 322 User Agent 324 transaction server 400 1st Mobile Message Communication Entity (MS-SME) 402 Base Station (BS) 404 Mobile Network Operator (MSC) 406 Visitor Position Register (VLR) 408 Sender Home Location Register / User Agent (HLR-R / UA-S) 410 Recipient Home Location Register / User Agent (HLR-R / UA-R) 412 Transaction Server (TX) 414 Message Communication Bureau (MC) 416 Distribution server 418 Second Mobile Message Communication Entity (MS-SME)