Title of Invention	"SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING A MESSAGE TO TWO OR MORE ASSOCIATED WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES"
Abstract	Methods and apparatus for use in delivering a message, such as a Short Message Service (SMS) message, simultaneously to two or more associated wireless communication devices are described. In one illustrative example, a request to deliver an SMS message to a first wireless communication device identified by a first address is received. In response to the request, the SMS message is delivered to the first wireless communication device as well as to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address different from the first address. In one preferred scenario, the first and the second wireless devices are possessed by the same end user so that SMS messages can be received regardless of which device is being used at any given moment. The method may be executed by a server in the wireless network or, alternatively, by the wireless communication device itself

Title of Invention

"SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING A MESSAGE TO TWO OR MORE ASSOCIATED WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES"

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for use in delivering a message, such as a Short Message Service (SMS) message, simultaneously to two or more associated wireless communication devices are described. In one illustrative example, a request to deliver an SMS message to a first wireless communication device identified by a first address is received. In response to the request, the SMS message is delivered to the first wireless communication device as well as to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address different from the first address. In one preferred scenario, the first and the second wireless devices are possessed by the same end user so that SMS messages can be received regardless of which device is being used at any given moment. The method may be executed by a server in the wireless network or, alternatively, by the wireless communication device itself

Full Text	METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING A MESSAGE TO TWO OR MORE ASSOCIATED WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES BACKGROUND Field of the Technology The present application relates generally to wireless communication networks and devices, and more particularly to Short Message Service (SMS) message delivery techniques within such networks. Description of the Rekted Art There are several different types of useful portable electronic devices on the market today. An end user may own two or more of these electronic devices, including a data communication device, a cellular telephone, a multiple-function communication device with data and voice communication capabilities, a personal digital assistant (PDA) enabled for wireless communication, or a computer incorporating an internal modem, as some examples. Some of these devices are equipped to send and receive Short Message Service (SMS) messages. SMS messages are different from e-mail messages but are delivered in a similar fashion with use of a uniquely identifying address. For example, the address may be a Mobile Station Integrated International Service Digital Network (MSISDN) uniquely associated with a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) that is inserted within a wireless communication device. Since each device is associated with a unique address, an end user who owns two or more of these devices often finds it inconvenient to continually make use of only one of the devices to keep a single consistent address or point of contact with others. Documents related to the present application include Document D1 which represents US6175743B1, Document D2 which represents WO94/09599A, Document D3 which represents EP0899918A2, and Document D4 which represents EP1096726A2. Documents D1 and D2 describe SMS messaging techniques where group messages are delivered to many unassociated wireless devices. In D1, a broadcast and filtering approach is utilized where special information is provided in SMS headers for limiting the cell broadcast of the SMS message. In D2, special "service identifier" information is provided in the messages upon delivery to identify different groups of wireless devices. In the approaches of D1 and D2, important changes are required to be made to the SMS mechanisms of all wireless devices, and no solution is provided to keep a single consistent address or point of contact with others when multiple devices are owned by the same user. In D3, ways in which to provide "alias" source addresses for the sending of e-mail are described. In D4, an e-mail based-technique is described where the e-mail "FROM" address is the same regardless of whether the sender is utilizing a PC or a mobile unit. However, D3 and D4 do not relate to the delivery of SMS or MMS messages or the use of two or more wireless communication devices by the same user. In addition, D3 and D4 do not describe an association of addresses of wireless devices with addresses of other associated wireless devices. Accordingly, there is a resulting need for improved methods and apparatus for use in delivering SMS messages to wireless communication devices. SUMMARY In one illustrative example, a method for use in delivering a message through a wireless communication network comprises the acts of receiving a request to deliver the message to a first wireless communication device identified by a first address, and, in response to the request, causing the message to be delivered to the first wireless communication device, and causing the message to be delivered to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address different from the first address. In another illustrative example, a method for use in delivering a message through a wireless communication network comprises the acts of receiving a request to deliver a message from a first wireless communication device identified by a first address to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address, and, in response to the request, providing a message-originating address with the message that comprises a third address which identifies a third wireless communication device, and causing the message to be delivered to the second wireless communication device with the message-originating address. According to another aspect of the invention, a mobile station, comprises a receiver, a transmitter, a user interface, and one or more processors coupled to the receiver, the transmitter, and the user interface. The one or more processors are for use in receiving, from the user interface, a request to deliver a message to a wireless communication device, and, in response to the request, providing a message-originating address with the message that identifies a different mobile station, and causing the message to be delivered to the wireless communication device with the message-originating address. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to attached figures, wherein: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system which includes a wireless communication device for communicating in a wkeless communication network; FIG. 2 is a more detailed example of a wireless communication device for use in the wireless communication network; FIG. 3 is a particular structure of a system for communicating with the wireless communication device; FIG. 4 is a first flow diagram which illustrates a method for use in simultaneously delivering a Short Message Service (SMS) message to two or more associated wireless communication devices operating in the wireless communication network (mobile-terminated example); FIG. 5 is a second flow diagram which illustrates a method for use in simultaneously delivering an SMS message to two or more associated wireless communication devices operating in the wireless communication network (mobile-originated example); FIG. 6 is an illustration of a visual display of a first wireless communication device which receives an SMS message; and FIG. 7 is an illustration of a visual display of a second wireless communication device which also receives the SMS message in accordance with the techniques of the present application. DETAILED DESQRIFTJON OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Methods and apparatus for use in delivering a message simultaneously to two or more associated wireless communication devices are described herein. The message may be delivered as a Short Message Service (SMS) message or a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message, as examples. In one illustrative embodiment, a request to deliver such a message to a first wireless communication device identified by a first address is received. In response to this request, the message is delivered to the first wireless communication device as well as to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address different from the first address. In a preferred scenario, the first and the second wireless communication devices are possessed by the same end user so that SMS messages can be received regardless of which device is being used by the end user at any given moment. This method may be executed by a server in the wireless network or, alternatively, by the wireless communication device itself. In another illustrative embodiment, a request to deliver a message from a first wireless communication device identified by a first address to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address is received. In response to this request, the message is delivered to the second wireless communication device along with a message-originating address that identifies a third wireless communication device. In a preferred scenario, the first and the third wireless communication devices are possessed by the same end user so that messages delivered therefrom can be identified from a single address regardless of which device is being used by the end user at any given moment. This method may be executed by a server in the wireless network or, alternatively, by the wireless communication device itself. General Configuration. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system 100 which includes a wireless communication device 102 which communicates through a wireless communication network 104. Wireless communication device 102 preferably includes a visual display 112, a keyboard 114, and one or more auxiliary user interfaces (UI) 116, each of which is coupled to a controller 106. Controller 106 is also coupled to radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 108 and an antenna 110. In most modern communication devices, controller 106 is embodied as a central processing unit (CPU) which runs operating system software in a memory component (not shown). Controller 106 will normally control overall operation of wireless device 102, whereas signal processing operations associated with communication functions are typically performed in RF transceiver circuitry 108. Controller 106 interfaces with device display 112 to display received information, stored information, user inputs, and the like. Keyboard 114, which may be a telephone type keypad or full alphanumeric keyboard, is normally provided for entering data for storage in wireless device 102, information for transmission to network 104, a telephone number to place a telephone call, commands to be executed on wireless device 102, and possibly other or different user inputs. Wireless device 102 sends communication signals to and receives communication signals from network 104 over a wireless link via antenna 110. RF transceiver circuitry 108 performs functions similar to those of base station 120, including for example modulation/demodulation and possibly encoding/decoding and encryption/decryption. It is also contemplated mat RF transceiver circuitry 108 may perform certain functions in addition to those performed by base station 120. It will be apparent to those skilled in art that RF transceiver circuitry 108 will be adapted to particular wireless network or networks in which wireless device 102 is intended to operate. Wireless device 102 includes a battery interface 134 for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries 132. Battery 132 provides electrical power to (most if not all) electrical circuitry in wireless device 102, and battery interface 132 provides for a mechanical and electrical connection for battery 132. Battery interface 132 is coupled to a regulator 136 which regulates power for the device. When wireless device 102 is fully operational, an RF transmitter of RF transceiver circuitry 108 is typically keyed or turned on only when it is sending to network, and is otherwise turned off to conserve resources. Such intermittent operation of transmitter has a dramatic effect on power consumption of wireless device 102. Similarly, an RF receiver of RF transceiver circuitry 108 is typically periodically turned off to conserve power until it is needed to receive signals or information (if at all) during designated time periods. Wireless device 102 may consist of a single unit, such as a data communication device, a cellular telephone, a multiple-function communication device with data and voice communication capabilities such as a mobile telephone with data communication functionality, a personal digital assistant (FDA) enabled for wireless communication, or a computer incorporating an internal modem. Alternatively, wireless device 102 may be a multiple-module unit comprising a plurality of separate components, including but in no way limited to a computer or other device connected to a wireless modem. In particular, for example, in the wireless device block diagram of FIG. 1, RF transceiver circuitry 108 and antenna 110 may be implemented as a radio modem unit that may be inserted into a port on a laptop computer. In this case, the laptop computer would include display 112, keyboard 114, one or more auxiliary UIs 116, and controller 106 embodied as the computer's CPU. It is also contemplated that a computer or other equipment not normally capable of wireless communication may be adapted to connect to and effectively assume control of RF transceiver circuitry 108 and antenna 110 of a single-unit device such as one of those described above. Such a wireless device 102 may have a more particular implementation as described later in relation to wireless device 202 of FIG. 2. Wireless device 102 operates using a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) 140 which is connected to or inserted in wireless device 102 at a SIM interface 142. SIM 140 is one type of a conventional "smart card" used to identify an end user (or subscriber) of wireless device 102 and to personalize the device, among other things. Without SIM 140, the wireless device terminal is not fully operational for communication through wireless network 104. By inserting SIM 140 into wireless device 102, an end user can have access to any and all of his/her subscribed services. In order to identify the subscriber, SIM 140 contains some user parameters such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and a Mobile Station Integrated International Service Digital Network (MSISDN). In addition, SIM 140 is typically protected by a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) which is stored therein and known only by the end user. An advantage of using SIM 140 is that end users are not necessarily bound by any single physical wireless device. Typically, the only element mat personalizes a wireless device •terminal is a SIM card. Therefore, the user can access subscribed services using any wireless device equipped to operate with the user's SIM. Some information stored on SIM 140 (e.g. address book and SMS messages) may be retrieved and visually displayed on display 112. Wireless device 102 has one or more software applications which are executed by controller 144 to facilitate the information stored on SIM 140 to be displayed on display 112. Controller 144 and SIM interface 142 have data and control lines 144 coupled therebetween to facilitate the transfer of the information between controller 144 and SIM interface 142 so that it may be visually displayed. An end user enters user input signals at keyboard 114, for example, and in response, controller 144 controls SIM interface 142 and SIM 140 to retrieve the information for display. The end user may also enter user input signals at keyboard 114, for example, and, in response, controller 144 controls SIM interface 142 and SIM 140 to store information on SIM 140 for later retrieval and viewing. Preferably, the software applications executed by controller 106 include an application to retrieve and display address book information stored on SIM 140, and an application to retrieve and display SMS message information stored on SIM 140. Wireless device 102 communicates in and through wireless communication network 104. In the embodiment- of FIG. 1, wireless network 104 is a Global Systems for Mobile (GSM) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network. Wireless network 104 includes a base station 120 with an associated antenna tower 118, & Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 126, a Visitor Location Register (VLR) 130, a Home Location Register (HLR) 132, and a Short Message Service Center (SM-SC) 128. MSC 126 is coupled to base station 120 and to SM-SC 128, which is in turn coupled to other network(s) 134. Base station 120, including its associated controller and antenna tower 118, provides wireless network coverage for a particular coverage area commonly referred to as a "cell". Base station 120 transmits communication signals to and receives communication signals from wireless devices within its cell via antenna tower 118. Base station 120 normally performs stich functions as modulation and possibly encoding and/or encryption of signals to be transmitted to the wireless device in accordance with particular, usually predetermined, communication protocols and parameters, under control of its controller. Base station 120 similarly demodulates and possibly decodes and decrypts, if necessary, any communication signals received from wireless device 102 within its cell. Communication protocols and parameters may vary between different networks. For example, one network may employ a different modulation scheme and operate at different frequencies than other networks. The wireless link shown in communication system 100 of FIG. 1 represents one or more different channels, typically different radio frequency (RF) channels, and associated protocols used between wireless network 104 and wireless device 102. Those skilled in art will appreciate that a wireless network in actual practice may include hundreds of cells, each served by a distinct base station 120 and transceiver, depending upon desired overall expanse of network coverage. All base station controllers and base stations may be connected by multiple switches and routers (not shown), controlled by multiple network controllers. For all wireless devices 102 registered with a network operator, permanent data (such as wireless device 102 user's profile) as well as temporary data (such as wireless device's 102 current location) are stored in HLR 132. In case of a voice call to wireless device 102, HLR 132 is queried to determine the current location of wireless device 102. VLR 130 is responsible for a group of location areas and stores the data of those wireless devices that are currently in its area of responsibility. This includes parts of the permanent wireless device data that have been transmitted from HLR 132 to VLR 130 for faster access. However, VLR 130 may also assign and store local data, such as temporary identifications. Optionally, VLR 130 can be enhanced for more efficient co-ordination of GPRS and non-GPRS services and functionality (e.g. paging for circuit-switched calls, and combined GPRS and non-GPRS location updates). Being part of the GPRS network, a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) is at the same hierarchical level as MSC 126 and keeps track of the individual locations of wireless devices. An SGSN also performs security functions and access control Further, a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) provides interworking with external packet-switched networks and is connected with SGSNs via an IP-based GPRS backbone network. The SGSN performs authentication and cipher setting procedures based on the same algorithms, keys, and criteria as in existing GSM. For SMS transfer over GPRS, the SGSN is used in place of MSC 126. In order to access GPRS services, wireless device 102 first makes its presence known to wireless network 104 by performing what is known as a GPRS "attach". This operation establishes a logical link between wireless device 102 and the SGSN and makes wireless device 102 available to receive, for example, pages via SGSN, notifications of incoming GPRS data, or SMS messages over GPRS. In order to send and receive GPRS data, wireless device 102 assists in activating the packet data address mat it wants to use. This operation makes wireless device 102 known to the GGSN; interworking with external data networks can thereafter commence. User data may be transferred transparently between wireless device 102 and the external data networks using, for example, encapsulation arid tunneling. Data packets are equipped with GPRS-specific protocol information and transferred between wireless device 102 and the GGSN. SMS makes use of SM-SC128 which acts as a store-and-forward system for relaying short messages. Messages are stored in the network until the destination device becomes available, so a user can receive or transmit an SMS message at any time, whether a voice call is in progress or not. SM-SC 128 may be integrated with a Gateway MSC For Short Message Service (SMS-GMSQ and an Interworking MSC for Short Message Service (SMS-IWMSC), as would be the case shown in FIG. 1. An SMS-GMSC is a function for receiving a short message from an SM-SC, interrogating an HLR for routing information and SMS info, and delivering the short message for the recipient MS. An SMS-IWMSC is a function for receiving a short message from within the network and submitting it to the recipient SM-SC. Other messages which may be delivered are Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) messages. The above configuration is preferably provided in substantial accordance with 3rd Generation Partnership Project, Technical Specification 03.40, V6.2.0,2001-12 (Release 1997) (3GPP TS 03.40). As apparent from the above, the wireless network includes fixed network components including RF transceivers, amplifiers, base station controllers, network servers, and servers connected to network. Those skilled in art will appreciate that a wireless network may be connected to other systems, possibly including other networks, not explicitly shown in FIG. 1. A network will normally be transmitting at very least some sort of paging and system information on an ongoing basis, even if there is no actual packet data exchanged. Although the network consists of many parts, these parts all work together to result in certain behaviours at the wireless link. Preferred Wireless Communication Device. FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of a preferred wireless communication device 202. Wireless device 202 is preferably a two-way communication device having at least voice and data communication capabilities, including the capability to communicate with other computer systems. Depending on the functionality provided by wireless device 202, it may be referred to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone with data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a data communication device (with or without telephony capabilities). Wireless device 202 may be a mobile station, as it is in the preferred embodiment. If wireless device 202 is enabled for two-way communication, it will normally incorporate a communication subsystem 211, which includes a receiver 212, a transmitter 214, and associated components, such as one or more (preferably embedded or internal) antenna elements 216 and 218, local oscillators (LOs) 213, and a processing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP) 220. Communication subsystem 211 is analogous to RF transceiver circuitry 108 and antenna 110 shown in FIG. 1. As will be apparent to those skilled in field of communications, particular design of communication subsystem 211 depends on the communication network in which wireless device 202 is intended to operate. Network access requirements will also vary depending upon type of network utilized. In GPRS networks, for example, network access is associated with a subscriber or user of wireless device 202. A GPRS device therefore operates in conjunction with a Subscriber Identity Module, commonly referred to as a "SIM" card 256, in order to operate on the GPRS network. Without such a SIM card 256, a GPRS device will not be fully functional Local or non-network communication functions (if any) may be operable, but wireless device 610 will be unable to carry out any functions involving communications over the network. SIM 256 includes those features described in relation to FIG. 1. Wireless device 202 may send and receive communication signals over the network after required network registration or activation procedures have been completed. Signals received by antenna 216 through the network are input to receiver 212, which may perform such common receiver functions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, and like, and in example shown in FIG. 2, analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. A/D conversion of a received signal allows more complex communication functions such as demodulation and decoding to be performed in DSP 220. In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding, for example, by DSP 220. These DSP-processed signals are input to transmitter 214 for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission over communication network via antenna 218. DSP 220 not only processes communication signals, but also provides for receiver and transmitter control. For example, the gains applied to communication signals in receiver 212 and transmitter 214 may be adaptively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in DSP 220. Wireless device 202 includes a microprocessor 238 (which is one implementation of controller 106 of FIG. 1) which controls overall operation of wireless device 202. Communication functions, including at least data and voice communications, are performed through communication subsystem 211. Microprocessor 238 also interacts with additional device subsystems such as a display 222, a flash memory 224, a random access memory (RAM) 226, auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems 228, a serial port 230, a keyboard 232, a speaker 234, a microphone 236, a short-range communications subsystem 240, and any other device subsystems generally designated at 242. Data and control lines 260 extend between SIM interface 254 and microprocessor 238 for communicating data therebetween and for control. Some of the subsystems shown in FIG. 2 perform communication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide "resident" or on-device functions. Notably, some subsystems, such as keyboard 232 and display 222, for example, may be used for both communicationrelated functions, such as entering a text message for transmission over a communication network, and device-resident functions such as a calculator or task list. Operating system software used by microprocessor 238 is preferably stored in a persistent store such as flash memory 224, which may alternatively be a read-only memory (ROM), a battery backed-up RAM, or similar storage element (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operating system, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as RAM 226. Microprocessor 238, in addition to its operating system functions, preferably enables execution of software applications on wireless device 202. A predetermined set of applications which control basic device operations, including at least data and voice communication applications (such as a network re-establishment scheme), will normally be installed on wireless device 202 during its manufacture. A preferred application that may be loaded onto wireless device 202 may be a personal information manager (PIM) application having the ability to organize and manage data items relating to user such as, but not limited to, email, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. Naturally, one or more memory stores are available on wireless device 202 and SIM 256 to facilitate storage of PIM data items and other information. The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and receive data items via the wireless network. In a preferred embodiment, PIM data items are seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via the wireless network, with the wireless device user's corresponding data items stored and/or associated with a host computer system thereby creating a mirrored host computer on wireless device 202 with respect to such items. This is especially advantageous where the host computer system is the wireless device user's office computer system. Additional applications may also be loaded onto wireless device 202 through network, an auxiliary I/O subsystem 228, serial port 230, short-range communications subsystem 240, or any other suitable subsystem 242, and installed by a user in RAM 226 or preferably a non-volatile store for execution by microprocessor 238. Such flexibility in application installation increases the functionality of wireless device 202 and may provide enhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions, or both. For example, secure communication applications may enable electronic commerce functions and other such financial transactions to be performed using wireless device 202. In a data communication mode, data such as an SMS message will be processed by communication subsystem 211 and input to microprocessor 238. Microprocessor 238 will preferably further process the signal for output to display 222 or alternatively to auxiliary I/O device 228. A user of wireless device 202 may also compose data items, such as SMS messages, using keyboard 232 in conjunction with display 222 and possibly auxiliary I/O device 228. Keyboard 232 is preferably a complete alphanumeric keyboard and/or telephone-type keypad. These composed items may be transmitted over a communication network through communication subsystem 211. For voice communications, the overall operation of wireless device 202 is substantially similar, except that the received signals would be output to speaker 234 and signals for transmission would be -generated by microphone 236. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on wireless device 202. Although voice or audio signal output is preferably accomplished primarily through speaker 234, display 222 may also be used to provide an indication of the identity of a calling party, duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information, as some examples. Serial port 230 in FIG. 2 is normally implemented in a personal digital assistant (PDA)-type communication device for which synchronization with a user's desktop computer is a desirable, albeit optional, component. Serial port 230 enables a user to set preferences through an external device or software application and extends the capabilities of wireless device 202 by providing for information or software downloads to wireless device 202 other than through a wireless communication network. The alternate download path may, for example, be used to load an encryption key onto wireless device 202 through a direct and thus reliable and trusted connection to thereby provide secure device communication. Short-range communications subsystem 240 of FIG. 2 is an additional optional component which provides for communication between wireless device 202 and different systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices. For example, subsystem 240 may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components, a Bluetooth™ communication module, or an 802.11 communication module, to provide for communication with similarlyenabled systems and devices. Bluetooth™ is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that "Bluetooth" and "80X11" refer to sets of specifications, available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), relating to wireless personal area networks and wireless local area networks, respectively. Wireless device 202 also includes a battery interface (such as that described in relation to FIG. 1) for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries. Such a battery provides electrical power to most if not all electrical circuitry in wireless device 202, and the battery interface provides for a mechanical and electrical connection for it The battery interface is coupled to a regulator which regulates power to all of the circuitry. Preferred Network Configuration. FIG. 3 shows a particular system structure for communicating with a wireless communication device. In particular, FIG. 3 shows basic components of an IP-based wireless data network, such as a GPRS network. A wireless device 100 communicates with a wireless packet data network 145, and may also be capable of communicating with a wireless voice network (not shown). The voice network may be associated with IP-based wireless network 145 similar to, for example, GSM and GPRS networks, or alternatively may be a completely separate network. The GPRS IP-based data network is unique in that it is effectively an overlay on the GSM voice network. As such, GPRS components will either extend existing GSM components, such as base stations 320, or require additional components to be added, such as an advanced Gateway GPRS Service Node (GGSN) as a network entry point 305. As shown in FIG. 3, a gateway 140 may be coupled to an internal or external address resolution component 335 and one or more network entry points 305. Data packets are transmitted from gateway 140, which is source of information to be transmitted to wireless device 100, through network 145 by setting up a wireless network tunnel 325 from gateway 140 to wireless device 100. In order to create this wireless tunnel 325, a unique network address is associated with wireless device 100. In an IP-based wireless network, however, network addresses are typically not permanently assigned to a particular wireless device 100 but instead are dynamically allocated on an as-needed basis. It is thus preferable for wireless device 100 to acquire a network address and for gateway 140 to determine this address so as to establish wireless tunnel 325. Network entry point 305 is generally used to multiplex and demultiplex amongst many gateways, corporate servers, and bulk connections such as the Internet, for example. There are normally very few of these network entry points 305, since they are also intended to centralize externally available wireless network services. Network entry points 305 often use some form of an address resolution component 335 that assists in address assignment and lookup between gateways and wireless devices. In this example, address resolution component 335 is shown as a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) as one method for providing an address resolution mechanism. A central internal component of wireless data network 345 is a network router 315. Normally, network routers 315 are proprietary to the particular network, but they could alternatively be constructed from standard commercially available hardware. The purpose of network routers 315 is to centralize thousands of base stations 320 normally implemented in a relatively large network into a central location for a long-haul connection back to network entry point 305. In some networks there may be multiple tiers of network routers 315 and cases where mere are master and slave network routers 315, but in all such cases the functions are similar. Often network router 315 will access a name server 307, in mis case shown as a dynamic name server (DNS) 307 as used in the Internet, to look up destinations for routing data messages. Base stations 320, as described above, provide wireless links to wireless devices such as wireless device 100. Wireless network tunnels such as a wireless tunnel 325 are opened across wireless network 345 in order to allocate necessary memory, routing, and address resources to deliver IP packets. In GPRS, such tunnels 325 are established as part of what are referred to as "PDP contexts" (i.e. data sessions). To open wireless tunnel 325, wireless device 100 must use a specific technique associated with wireless network 345. The step of opening such a wireless tunnel 325 may require wireless device 100 to indicate the domain, or network entry point 305 with which it wishes to open wireless tunnel 325. In this example, the tunnel first reaches network router 315 which uses name server 307 to determine which network entry point 305 matches the domain provided. Multiple wireless tunnels can be opened from one wireless device 100 for redundancy, or to access different gateways and services on the network Once the domain name is found, the tunnel is then extended to network entry point 305 and necessary resources are allocated at each of the nodes along the way. Network entry point 305 then uses the address resolution (or DHCP 335) component to allocate an IP address for wireless device 100. When an IP address has been allocated to wireless device 100 and communicated to gateway 140, information can men be forwarded from gateway 140 to wireless device 100. Wireless tunnel 325 typically has a limited life, depending on wireless device's 100 coverage profile and activity. Wireless network 145 will tear down wireless tunnel 325 after a certain period of inactivity or out-of-coverage period, in order to recapture resources held by this wireless tunnel 325 for other users. The main reason for this is to reclaim the IP address temporarily reserved for wireless device 100 when wireless tunnel 325 was first opened. Once the IF address is lost and wireless tunnel 325 is torn down, gateway 140 loses all ability to initiate IP data packets to wireless device 100, whether over Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or over User Datagram Protocol (UDP). In this application, an "IP-based wireless network" (one specific type of wireless communication network) may include but is not limited to: (1) a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network that has been developed and operated by Qualcomm; (2) a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network for use in conjunction with Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network both developed by standards committee of European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEFT); and (3) future third-generation (3G) networks like Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). It is to be understood that although particular IP-based wireless networks have been described, the communication re-establishment schemes of the present application could be utilized in any suitable type of wireless packet data network. The infrastructure shown and described in relation to FIG. 3 may be representative of each one of a number of different communication networks which are provided and available in the same geographic region. One of these communication networks will be selected by the wireless device, either in an automatic or manual fashion, for communications. SMS Message Delivery Techniques. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram which describes a method for use in delivering a message (e.g. an SMS message) simultaneously to two or more associated wireless communication devices. Such a method may be employed in connection with components shown and described above in relation to FIGs. 1-3. FIG. 4 relates particularly to a method involving the two or more wireless devices which receive the message (i.e. mobile-terminated message). In general, the method of FIG. 4 involves receiving a request to deliver an SMS message to a first wireless communication device identified by a first address. In response to the request, the SMS message is delivered to the first wireless communication device as well as to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address different from the first address. In a preferred scenario, the first and the second wireless devices are possessed by the same end user so that messages can be received without fail regardless of which device is being used at any given moment This method may be executed by a server in the wireless network or, alternatively, by the wireless communication device itself. Initially, an end user of an originating wireless device 450 uses a keyboard (or other user interface device) to navigate through a menu of features displayed on the visual display. The end user finds and selects an "SMS message sending feature" provided by originating device 450, composes the SMS message, and depresses a button to send the SMS message to a wireless device (e.g. wireless device 102) which is identified by a first address (e.g. a first MSISDN). This causes the SMS message to be sent from originating device 450 to SM-SC128 (step 402), which is identified by its own phone number stored at originating device 450. In response to receiving this message, SM-SC128 interrogates HLR132 and receives routing information for wireless device 102 associated with the first address as is conventional (step 404). However, SM-SC 128 also identifies a second address (e.g. a second MSISDN) of a second wireless device 470 which is associated with wireless device 102. This may be performed, for example, by issuing a query to a database to retrieve the additional address or addresses. Once the additional second address is identified, SM-SC 128 interrogates HLR 132 to receive routing information for second wireless device 470 having this second address (step 406). SM-SC 128 then sends the short message to MSC126 with use of a forward short message operation (e.g. "forwardShortMessage") for wireless device 102 (step 408). In addition, SM-SC 128 sends the same short message to MSC 126 with use of the forward short message operation for second wireless device 470 (step 410). MSC 126 retrieves subscriber information for wireless device 102 from VLR 130, using an optional authentication procedure (step 412). Similarly, MSC 126 retrieves subscriber information for second wireless device 470 from VLR 130 .(step 414). MSC 126 then transfers the short message to wireless device 102 by issuing a page (step 416), performing authentication (step 420), receiving acknowledgement (step 424), and transferring die message (step 428). Similarly, MSC 126 transfers the same short message to second wireless device 470 by issuing a page (step 418), performing authentication (step 422), receiving acknowledgement (step 426), and transferring the message (step 430). To further illustrate, FIGs. 6 and 7 show examples of visual displays 602 and 702 corresponding to wireless device 102 and second wireless device 470, respectively, displaying the SMS message. As illustrated in FIG. 6, an SMS message 604 is delivered to wireless device 102 and may be shown in its visual display 602; similarly, SMS message 604 is delivered to second wireless device 470 and may be shown in its visual display 702, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Returning back to FIG. 4, MSC 126 may then return to SM-SC 128 the outcome of the forward short message operation for wireless device 102. Similarly, MSC 126 may return to SM-SC 128 the outcome of the operation for second wireless device 470. Assuming both message transfers are successful, SMSC 128 returns a status report indicating delivery of the short message to the originating wireless device. As apparent from FIG. 4, the same short message is simultaneously delivered to two different wireless devices which may be owned and/or possessed by the same user. The method described in relation to FIG. 4 assumes that wireless device 102 and second wireless device 470 are each operating on the same network having the same MSC 126; however they may be on different networks or use different MSCs. Further, although each step outlined in FIG. 4 is illustrated as being performed simultaneously "in step" with the other, they do not need to be performed so closely in time together. What matters is that the short message gets delivered to both wireless devices substantially at the same time (e.g. within a few minutes from each other). Finally, although two wireless devices are described as having the same message delivered to them, more than two wireless devices may be involved. Although the additional functionality of the present application is described as being associated with SM-SC 128 of FIG. 4, the sending of the short message to two different device addresses may be alternatively employed in wireless device 102. For example, although the end user of originating device 450 may depress the button on the device only once to submit the short message, this may cause originating device 450 to send the short message to both wireless device 102 and second wireless device 470 (i.e. sequentially send two messages to two different addresses). In this particular embodiment, SM-SC 128 operates in a conventional fashion. FIG. 5 is another flow diagram which describes another method for use in delivering a message (e.g. an SMS message) simultaneously to two or more associated wireless communication devices. Such a method may be employed in connection with components shown and described above in relation to FIGs. 1-3. FIG. 5 relates particularly to a method involving the wireless device which sends or originates (Le. mobile-originated message). In general, the method of FIG. 5 involves receiving a request to deliver a message from a first wireless communication device identified by a first address to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address. In response to this request, the message is delivered to the second wireless communication device along with a message-originating address that identifies a third wireless communication device. In a preferred scenario, the first and the third wireless communication devices are possessed by the same end user so that messages delivered therefrom can be identified from a single address regardless of which device is being used by the end user at any given moment This method may be executed by a server in the wireless network or, alternatively, by the wireless communication device itself. Initially, an originating wireless device 102 is powered on and registers with the wireless network (step 502). An. end user of originating wireless device 102 uses a keyboard (or other user interface device) to navigate through a menu of features displayed on the visual display. The end user finds and selects an "SMS message sending feature" provided by originating wireless device 102, composes the SMS message, and depresses a button to send the SMS message to a wireless device (e.g. a short message entity or SME in FIG. 5). This causes the SMS message to be sent from originating device 450 to MSC 126 (step 504). In response, MSC 126 interrogates VLR130 to verify that the message transfer does not violate the supplementary services invoked or restrictions imposed (step 506). Next, MSC 126 sends the short message to SM-SC 128 using the forward short message operation (e.g. "forwardShortMessage") (step 508). In response, SM-SC 128 delivers the short message to the SME (step 510) with an optional acknowledgement (step 512). SM-SC 128 acknowledges to MSC 126 a successful outcome of the forward short message operation (step 514). Finally, MSC 126 returns to wireless device 102 the outcome of the operation (step 516). The method of FIG. 5 of the present application differs from conventional methods in that the SMS message is sent with a message-originating address (e.g. an MSISDN) that is different from the address normally used to identify wireless device 102. In particular, the message-originating address sent with the SMS message is the address of a wireless communication device that is associated with wireless device 102. In a preferred scenario, the message-originating address may be that of another different wireless device that is owned and/or possessed by the same end user. In this way, short messages from the same end user appear to be sent by the same device/user. The special addressing technique of FIG. 5 may be employed at a server in the wireless network (e.g. SM-SC 128) or, alternatively, by the wireless communication device itself (e.g. originating wireless device 102). For example, SM-SC 128 may receive the short message from wireless device 102, subsequently identify the alternative address associated with it and accordingly change the message-originating address (prior to step 510). A query to a database may be used to retrieve this alternative address associated with the original address of wireless device 102. As another example, wireless device 102 may itself automatically insert the alternate address (different from its normal address) prior to sending the short message to MSC 126 (prior to step 504). Preferably, tiie procedure to modify the originating address is subject to an appropriate security mechanism to prevent misuse (e.g. "spoofing")- For example, one such method may involve inserting the SIM from the other wireless communication device into wireless device 102 temporarily, so mat a certificate or other authority can be granted to allow wireless device 102 to temporarily use the MSISDN from the other device (e.g. for a predetermined time period or a predetermined number of messages). The above techniques described In relation to FIGs. 4 and 5 are preferably provided in accordance with 3rd Generation Partnership Project Technical Specification 03.40, V6.2.0,2001-12 (Release 1997) (3GPP TS 03.40), having suitable modifications made as desired. Thus/ methods and apparatus for use in delivering a message simultaneously to two or more associated wireless communication devices have been described. The message may be delivered as a Short Message Service (SMS) message or a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message, as examples. In one illustrative embodiment, a request to deliver such a message to a first wireless communication device identified by a first address is received. In response to this request, the message is delivered to the first wireless communication device as well as to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address different from the first address. In a preferred scenario, the first and the second wireless communication devices are possessed by the same end user so that messages can be received without fail regardless of which device is being used by the end user at any given moment In another Illustrative embodiment, a request to deliver a message from a first wireless communication device identified by a first address to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address is received. In response to this request, the message is delivered to the second wireless communication device along with a message-originating address that identifies a third wireless communication device. In a preferred scenario, the first and the third wireless communication devices are possessed by the same end. user so that messages delivered therefrom can be identified from a single address regardless of which device is being used by the end user at any given moment, This method may be executed by a server in the wireless network or, alternatively, by the wireless communication device itself. The above-described embodiments of invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications, and variations may be effected to particular embodiments by those of skill in art without departing from scope of invention, which is defined solely by claims appended hereto. We claim: 1. A system for use in delivering a Short Message Service or Multimedia Messaging Service Message to at least two wireless communication devices (102,470) comprising wireless communication network (104) for receiving a request to deliver the message to a first wireless communication device (102) identified by a first address; and causing the message to be delivered to the first wireless communication device (102) identified by the first address; identifying a second address of a second wireless communication device (470) through an association with the first address; and causing the message to be delivered to the second wireless communication device (470) identified by the second address. 2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more servers of the wireless communication network (104) is employed and the request comprises a request received from message-originating wireless communication device operating in the wireless communication network (104). 3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Short Message Service Center (128) is employed in the wireless communication network(104). 4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first address comprises a first Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network (MSISDN) address which identifies the first wireless communication device (102) and the second address comprises a second Mobile Station Integrated Service Digital Network address which identifies the second wireless communication device (470). 5. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: interrogating a Home Location Register (132) to identify routing information for the first wireless communication device (102) identified by the first address; and interrogating the Home Location Register (132) to identify routing information for the second wireless communication device (470) identified by the second address. 6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein address of the second wireless communication device is identified through an association with the first address comprises the further act of issuing a query to a database for identifying the second address. 7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second wireless communication devices (102,470) being processed by the same user. 8 A Short Message Service Center (128) of a wireless communication network (104) for use in delivering Short Message Service or a Multimedia Messaging Service Message to two or more wireless communication devices (102,470), the Short Message Service Center (128) being adapted to receive a request to deliver the message to a first wireless communication device (102) identified by a first address and, in response to the request: cause the message to be delivered to the first wireless communication device (102); identify a second address of a second wireless communication device (470) through an association with the first address; and cause the message to be delivered to the second wireless communication device (470). 9. The Short Message Service Center (128) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first address comprises a first Mobile Station Integrated Service Digital Network Address which identifies the first wireless communication device (102) and the second address comprises a second Mobile Station Integrated Service Digital Network address which identifies the second wireless communication device (470). 10. The Short Message Service Center (128) as claimed in claim 8, which is further adapted to interrogate a Home Location Register (132) to identify routing information for the first wireless communication device (102) identified by the first address, and interrogate the Home Location Register (132) to identify routing information for the second wireless communication device (470) identified by the second address. 11. The Short Message Service Center (128) as claimed in claim 8 which is further adapted to identify the second address of the second wireless communication device (470) through an association with the first address by issuing a query to a database for identifying the second address. 12. The Short Message Service Center (128) as claimed in claim 8, the first and second wireless communication devices (102, 470) being possessed by the same user.

Full Text

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING A MESSAGE
TO TWO OR MORE ASSOCIATED WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES
BACKGROUND
Field of the Technology
The present application relates generally to wireless communication
networks and devices, and more particularly to Short Message Service (SMS)
message delivery techniques within such networks.
Description of the Rekted Art
There are several different types of useful portable electronic devices on the
market today. An end user may own two or more of these electronic devices,
including a data communication device, a cellular telephone, a multiple-function
communication device with data and voice communication capabilities, a
personal digital assistant (PDA) enabled for wireless communication, or a
computer incorporating an internal modem, as some examples.
Some of these devices are equipped to send and receive Short Message
Service (SMS) messages. SMS messages are different from e-mail messages but
are delivered in a similar fashion with use of a uniquely identifying address. For
example, the address may be a Mobile Station Integrated International Service
Digital Network (MSISDN) uniquely associated with a Subscriber Identity
Module (SIM) that is inserted within a wireless communication device. Since each
device is associated with a unique address, an end user who owns two or more of
these devices often finds it inconvenient to continually make use of only one of the devices to keep a single consistent address or point of contact with others.
Documents related to the present application include Document D1 which represents US6175743B1, Document D2 which represents WO94/09599A, Document D3 which represents EP0899918A2, and Document D4 which represents EP1096726A2. Documents D1 and D2 describe SMS messaging techniques where group messages are delivered to many unassociated wireless devices. In D1, a broadcast and filtering approach is utilized where special information is provided in SMS headers for limiting the cell broadcast of the SMS message. In D2, special "service identifier" information is provided in the messages upon delivery to identify different groups of wireless devices. In the approaches of D1 and D2, important changes are required to be made to the SMS mechanisms of all wireless devices, and no solution is provided to keep a single consistent address or point of contact with others when multiple devices are owned by the same user. In D3, ways in which to provide "alias" source addresses for the sending of e-mail are described. In D4, an e-mail based-technique is described where the e-mail "FROM" address is the same regardless of whether the sender is utilizing a PC or a mobile unit. However, D3 and D4 do not relate to the delivery of SMS or MMS messages or the use of two or more wireless communication devices by the same user. In addition, D3 and D4 do not describe an association of addresses of wireless devices with addresses of other associated wireless devices.

Accordingly, there is a resulting need for improved methods and apparatus for use in delivering SMS messages to wireless communication devices.
SUMMARY
In one illustrative example, a method for use in delivering a message through a wireless communication network comprises the acts of receiving a request to deliver the message to a first wireless communication device identified by a first address, and, in response to the request, causing the message to be delivered to the first wireless communication device, and causing the message to be delivered to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address different from the first address.
In another illustrative example, a method for use in delivering a message through a wireless communication network comprises the acts of receiving a request to deliver a message from a first wireless communication device identified by a first address to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address, and, in response to the request, providing a message-originating address with the message that comprises a third address which identifies a third wireless communication device, and causing the message to be delivered to the second wireless communication device with the message-originating address.
According to another aspect of the invention, a mobile station, comprises a receiver, a transmitter, a user interface, and one or more processors coupled to the

receiver, the transmitter, and the user interface. The one or more processors are
for use in receiving, from the user interface, a request to deliver a message to a
wireless communication device, and, in response to the request, providing a
message-originating address with the message that identifies a different mobile
station, and causing the message to be delivered to the wireless communication
device with the message-originating address.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of present invention will now be described by way of
example with reference to attached figures, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system which includes a
wireless communication device for communicating in a wkeless communication
network;
FIG. 2 is a more detailed example of a wireless communication device for
use in the wireless communication network;
FIG. 3 is a particular structure of a system for communicating with the
wireless communication device;
FIG. 4 is a first flow diagram which illustrates a method for use in
simultaneously delivering a Short Message Service (SMS) message to two or more
associated wireless communication devices operating in the wireless
communication network (mobile-terminated example);
FIG. 5 is a second flow diagram which illustrates a method for use in
simultaneously delivering an SMS message to two or more associated wireless
communication devices operating in the wireless communication network
(mobile-originated example);
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a visual display of a first wireless communication
device which receives an SMS message; and
FIG. 7 is an illustration of a visual display of a second wireless
communication device which also receives the SMS message in accordance with
the techniques of the present application.
DETAILED DESQRIFTJON OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Methods and apparatus for use in delivering a message simultaneously to
two or more associated wireless communication devices are described herein.
The message may be delivered as a Short Message Service (SMS) message or a
Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message, as examples. In one illustrative
embodiment, a request to deliver such a message to a first wireless
communication device identified by a first address is received. In response to this
request, the message is delivered to the first wireless communication device as
well as to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address
different from the first address. In a preferred scenario, the first and the second
wireless communication devices are possessed by the same end user so that SMS
messages can be received regardless of which device is being used by the end user
at any given moment. This method may be executed by a server in the wireless
network or, alternatively, by the wireless communication device itself. In another
illustrative embodiment, a request to deliver a message from a first wireless
communication device identified by a first address to a second wireless
communication device identified by a second address is received. In response to
this request, the message is delivered to the second wireless communication
device along with a message-originating address that identifies a third wireless
communication device. In a preferred scenario, the first and the third wireless
communication devices are possessed by the same end user so that messages
delivered therefrom can be identified from a single address regardless of which
device is being used by the end user at any given moment. This method may be
executed by a server in the wireless network or, alternatively, by the wireless
communication device itself.
General Configuration. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication
system 100 which includes a wireless communication device 102 which
communicates through a wireless communication network 104. Wireless
communication device 102 preferably includes a visual display 112, a keyboard
114, and one or more auxiliary user interfaces (UI) 116, each of which is coupled
to a controller 106. Controller 106 is also coupled to radio frequency (RF)
transceiver circuitry 108 and an antenna 110.
In most modern communication devices, controller 106 is embodied as a
central processing unit (CPU) which runs operating system software in a memory
component (not shown). Controller 106 will normally control overall operation of
wireless device 102, whereas signal processing operations associated with
communication functions are typically performed in RF transceiver circuitry 108.
Controller 106 interfaces with device display 112 to display received information,
stored information, user inputs, and the like. Keyboard 114, which may be a
telephone type keypad or full alphanumeric keyboard, is normally provided for
entering data for storage in wireless device 102, information for transmission to
network 104, a telephone number to place a telephone call, commands to be
executed on wireless device 102, and possibly other or different user inputs.
Wireless device 102 sends communication signals to and receives
communication signals from network 104 over a wireless link via antenna 110. RF
transceiver circuitry 108 performs functions similar to those of base station 120,
including for example modulation/demodulation and possibly
encoding/decoding and encryption/decryption. It is also contemplated mat RF
transceiver circuitry 108 may perform certain functions in addition to those
performed by base station 120. It will be apparent to those skilled in art that RF
transceiver circuitry 108 will be adapted to particular wireless network or
networks in which wireless device 102 is intended to operate.
Wireless device 102 includes a battery interface 134 for receiving one or
more rechargeable batteries 132. Battery 132 provides electrical power to (most if
not all) electrical circuitry in wireless device 102, and battery interface 132
provides for a mechanical and electrical connection for battery 132. Battery
interface 132 is coupled to a regulator 136 which regulates power for the device.
When wireless device 102 is fully operational, an RF transmitter of RF transceiver
circuitry 108 is typically keyed or turned on only when it is sending to network,
and is otherwise turned off to conserve resources. Such intermittent operation of
transmitter has a dramatic effect on power consumption of wireless device 102.
Similarly, an RF receiver of RF transceiver circuitry 108 is typically periodically
turned off to conserve power until it is needed to receive signals or information (if
at all) during designated time periods.
Wireless device 102 may consist of a single unit, such as a data
communication device, a cellular telephone, a multiple-function communication
device with data and voice communication capabilities such as a mobile telephone
with data communication functionality, a personal digital assistant (FDA) enabled
for wireless communication, or a computer incorporating an internal modem.
Alternatively, wireless device 102 may be a multiple-module unit comprising a
plurality of separate components, including but in no way limited to a computer
or other device connected to a wireless modem. In particular, for example, in the
wireless device block diagram of FIG. 1, RF transceiver circuitry 108 and antenna
110 may be implemented as a radio modem unit that may be inserted into a port
on a laptop computer. In this case, the laptop computer would include display
112, keyboard 114, one or more auxiliary UIs 116, and controller 106 embodied as
the computer's CPU. It is also contemplated that a computer or other equipment
not normally capable of wireless communication may be adapted to connect to
and effectively assume control of RF transceiver circuitry 108 and antenna 110 of a
single-unit device such as one of those described above. Such a wireless device
102 may have a more particular implementation as described later in relation to
wireless device 202 of FIG. 2.
Wireless device 102 operates using a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) 140
which is connected to or inserted in wireless device 102 at a SIM interface 142.
SIM 140 is one type of a conventional "smart card" used to identify an end user
(or subscriber) of wireless device 102 and to personalize the device, among other
things. Without SIM 140, the wireless device terminal is not fully operational for
communication through wireless network 104. By inserting SIM 140 into wireless
device 102, an end user can have access to any and all of his/her subscribed
services. In order to identify the subscriber, SIM 140 contains some user
parameters such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and a
Mobile Station Integrated International Service Digital Network (MSISDN). In
addition, SIM 140 is typically protected by a four-digit Personal Identification
Number (PIN) which is stored therein and known only by the end user. An
advantage of using SIM 140 is that end users are not necessarily bound by any
single physical wireless device. Typically, the only element mat personalizes a
wireless device •terminal is a SIM card. Therefore, the user can access subscribed
services using any wireless device equipped to operate with the user's SIM.
Some information stored on SIM 140 (e.g. address book and SMS messages)
may be retrieved and visually displayed on display 112. Wireless device 102 has
one or more software applications which are executed by controller 144 to
facilitate the information stored on SIM 140 to be displayed on display 112.
Controller 144 and SIM interface 142 have data and control lines 144 coupled
therebetween to facilitate the transfer of the information between controller 144
and SIM interface 142 so that it may be visually displayed. An end user enters
user input signals at keyboard 114, for example, and in response, controller 144
controls SIM interface 142 and SIM 140 to retrieve the information for display.
The end user may also enter user input signals at keyboard 114, for example, and,
in response, controller 144 controls SIM interface 142 and SIM 140 to store
information on SIM 140 for later retrieval and viewing. Preferably, the software
applications executed by controller 106 include an application to retrieve and
display address book information stored on SIM 140, and an application to
retrieve and display SMS message information stored on SIM 140.
Wireless device 102 communicates in and through wireless communication
network 104. In the embodiment- of FIG. 1, wireless network 104 is a Global
Systems for Mobile (GSM) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network.
Wireless network 104 includes a base station 120 with an associated antenna
tower 118, & Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 126, a Visitor Location Register
(VLR) 130, a Home Location Register (HLR) 132, and a Short Message Service
Center (SM-SC) 128. MSC 126 is coupled to base station 120 and to SM-SC 128,
which is in turn coupled to other network(s) 134.
Base station 120, including its associated controller and antenna tower 118,
provides wireless network coverage for a particular coverage area commonly
referred to as a "cell". Base station 120 transmits communication signals to and
receives communication signals from wireless devices within its cell via antenna
tower 118. Base station 120 normally performs stich functions as modulation and
possibly encoding and/or encryption of signals to be transmitted to the wireless
device in accordance with particular, usually predetermined, communication
protocols and parameters, under control of its controller. Base station 120
similarly demodulates and possibly decodes and decrypts, if necessary, any
communication signals received from wireless device 102 within its cell.
Communication protocols and parameters may vary between different networks.
For example, one network may employ a different modulation scheme and
operate at different frequencies than other networks.
The wireless link shown in communication system 100 of FIG. 1 represents
one or more different channels, typically different radio frequency (RF) channels,
and associated protocols used between wireless network 104 and wireless device
102. Those skilled in art will appreciate that a wireless network in actual practice
may include hundreds of cells, each served by a distinct base station 120 and
transceiver, depending upon desired overall expanse of network coverage. All
base station controllers and base stations may be connected by multiple switches
and routers (not shown), controlled by multiple network controllers.
For all wireless devices 102 registered with a network operator, permanent
data (such as wireless device 102 user's profile) as well as temporary data (such as
wireless device's 102 current location) are stored in HLR 132. In case of a voice
call to wireless device 102, HLR 132 is queried to determine the current location of
wireless device 102. VLR 130 is responsible for a group of location areas and
stores the data of those wireless devices that are currently in its area of
responsibility. This includes parts of the permanent wireless device data that
have been transmitted from HLR 132 to VLR 130 for faster access. However, VLR
130 may also assign and store local data, such as temporary identifications.
Optionally, VLR 130 can be enhanced for more efficient co-ordination of GPRS
and non-GPRS services and functionality (e.g. paging for circuit-switched calls,
and combined GPRS and non-GPRS location updates).
Being part of the GPRS network, a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) is
at the same hierarchical level as MSC 126 and keeps track of the individual
locations of wireless devices. An SGSN also performs security functions and
access control Further, a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) provides
interworking with external packet-switched networks and is connected with
SGSNs via an IP-based GPRS backbone network. The SGSN performs
authentication and cipher setting procedures based on the same algorithms, keys,
and criteria as in existing GSM. For SMS transfer over GPRS, the SGSN is used in
place of MSC 126.
In order to access GPRS services, wireless device 102 first makes its
presence known to wireless network 104 by performing what is known as a GPRS
"attach". This operation establishes a logical link between wireless device 102
and the SGSN and makes wireless device 102 available to receive, for example,
pages via SGSN, notifications of incoming GPRS data, or SMS messages over
GPRS. In order to send and receive GPRS data, wireless device 102 assists in
activating the packet data address mat it wants to use. This operation makes
wireless device 102 known to the GGSN; interworking with external data
networks can thereafter commence. User data may be transferred transparently
between wireless device 102 and the external data networks using, for example,
encapsulation arid tunneling. Data packets are equipped with GPRS-specific
protocol information and transferred between wireless device 102 and the GGSN.
SMS makes use of SM-SC128 which acts as a store-and-forward system for
relaying short messages. Messages are stored in the network until the destination
device becomes available, so a user can receive or transmit an SMS message at any
time, whether a voice call is in progress or not. SM-SC 128 may be integrated with
a Gateway MSC For Short Message Service (SMS-GMSQ and an Interworking
MSC for Short Message Service (SMS-IWMSC), as would be the case shown in
FIG. 1. An SMS-GMSC is a function for receiving a short message from an SM-SC,
interrogating an HLR for routing information and SMS info, and delivering the
short message for the recipient MS. An SMS-IWMSC is a function for receiving a
short message from within the network and submitting it to the recipient SM-SC.
Other messages which may be delivered are Multimedia Messaging Service
(MMS) messages. The above configuration is preferably provided in substantial
accordance with 3rd Generation Partnership Project, Technical Specification 03.40,
V6.2.0,2001-12 (Release 1997) (3GPP TS 03.40).
As apparent from the above, the wireless network includes fixed network
components including RF transceivers, amplifiers, base station controllers,
network servers, and servers connected to network. Those skilled in art will
appreciate that a wireless network may be connected to other systems, possibly
including other networks, not explicitly shown in FIG. 1. A network will
normally be transmitting at very least some sort of paging and system
information on an ongoing basis, even if there is no actual packet data exchanged.
Although the network consists of many parts, these parts all work together to
result in certain behaviours at the wireless link.
Preferred Wireless Communication Device. FIG. 2 is a detailed block
diagram of a preferred wireless communication device 202. Wireless device 202 is
preferably a two-way communication device having at least voice and data
communication capabilities, including the capability to communicate with other
computer systems. Depending on the functionality provided by wireless device
202, it may be referred to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular
telephone with data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a
data communication device (with or without telephony capabilities). Wireless
device 202 may be a mobile station, as it is in the preferred embodiment.
If wireless device 202 is enabled for two-way communication, it will
normally incorporate a communication subsystem 211, which includes a receiver
212, a transmitter 214, and associated components, such as one or more
(preferably embedded or internal) antenna elements 216 and 218, local oscillators
(LOs) 213, and a processing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP) 220.
Communication subsystem 211 is analogous to RF transceiver circuitry 108 and
antenna 110 shown in FIG. 1. As will be apparent to those skilled in field of
communications, particular design of communication subsystem 211 depends on
the communication network in which wireless device 202 is intended to operate.
Network access requirements will also vary depending upon type of
network utilized. In GPRS networks, for example, network access is associated
with a subscriber or user of wireless device 202. A GPRS device therefore
operates in conjunction with a Subscriber Identity Module, commonly referred to
as a "SIM" card 256, in order to operate on the GPRS network. Without such a
SIM card 256, a GPRS device will not be fully functional Local or non-network
communication functions (if any) may be operable, but wireless device 610 will be
unable to carry out any functions involving communications over the network.
SIM 256 includes those features described in relation to FIG. 1.
Wireless device 202 may send and receive communication signals over the
network after required network registration or activation procedures have been
completed. Signals received by antenna 216 through the network are input to
receiver 212, which may perform such common receiver functions as signal
amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, and like,
and in example shown in FIG. 2, analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. A/D
conversion of a received signal allows more complex communication functions
such as demodulation and decoding to be performed in DSP 220. In a similar
manner, signals to be transmitted are processed, including modulation and
encoding, for example, by DSP 220. These DSP-processed signals are input to
transmitter 214 for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency up conversion,
filtering, amplification and transmission over communication network via
antenna 218. DSP 220 not only processes communication signals, but also
provides for receiver and transmitter control. For example, the gains applied to
communication signals in receiver 212 and transmitter 214 may be adaptively
controlled through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in DSP 220.
Wireless device 202 includes a microprocessor 238 (which is one
implementation of controller 106 of FIG. 1) which controls overall operation of
wireless device 202. Communication functions, including at least data and voice
communications, are performed through communication subsystem 211.
Microprocessor 238 also interacts with additional device subsystems such as a
display 222, a flash memory 224, a random access memory (RAM) 226, auxiliary
input/output (I/O) subsystems 228, a serial port 230, a keyboard 232, a speaker
234, a microphone 236, a short-range communications subsystem 240, and any
other device subsystems generally designated at 242. Data and control lines 260
extend between SIM interface 254 and microprocessor 238 for communicating
data therebetween and for control. Some of the subsystems shown in FIG. 2
perform communication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may
provide "resident" or on-device functions. Notably, some subsystems, such as
keyboard 232 and display 222, for example, may be used for both communicationrelated
functions, such as entering a text message for transmission over a
communication network, and device-resident functions such as a calculator or
task list. Operating system software used by microprocessor 238 is preferably
stored in a persistent store such as flash memory 224, which may alternatively be
a read-only memory (ROM), a battery backed-up RAM, or similar storage element
(not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operating system,
specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a
volatile store such as RAM 226.
Microprocessor 238, in addition to its operating system functions,
preferably enables execution of software applications on wireless device 202. A
predetermined set of applications which control basic device operations,
including at least data and voice communication applications (such as a network
re-establishment scheme), will normally be installed on wireless device 202
during its manufacture. A preferred application that may be loaded onto wireless
device 202 may be a personal information manager (PIM) application having the
ability to organize and manage data items relating to user such as, but not limited
to, email, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. Naturally,
one or more memory stores are available on wireless device 202 and SIM 256 to
facilitate storage of PIM data items and other information.
The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and receive data
items via the wireless network. In a preferred embodiment, PIM data items are
seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via the wireless network, with
the wireless device user's corresponding data items stored and/or associated with
a host computer system thereby creating a mirrored host computer on wireless
device 202 with respect to such items. This is especially advantageous where the
host computer system is the wireless device user's office computer system.
Additional applications may also be loaded onto wireless device 202 through
network, an auxiliary I/O subsystem 228, serial port 230, short-range
communications subsystem 240, or any other suitable subsystem 242, and
installed by a user in RAM 226 or preferably a non-volatile store for execution by
microprocessor 238. Such flexibility in application installation increases the
functionality of wireless device 202 and may provide enhanced on-device
functions, communication-related functions, or both. For example, secure
communication applications may enable electronic commerce functions and other
such financial transactions to be performed using wireless device 202.
In a data communication mode, data such as an SMS message will be
processed by communication subsystem 211 and input to microprocessor 238.
Microprocessor 238 will preferably further process the signal for output to display
222 or alternatively to auxiliary I/O device 228. A user of wireless device 202 may
also compose data items, such as SMS messages, using keyboard 232 in
conjunction with display 222 and possibly auxiliary I/O device 228. Keyboard
232 is preferably a complete alphanumeric keyboard and/or telephone-type
keypad. These composed items may be transmitted over a communication
network through communication subsystem 211.
For voice communications, the overall operation of wireless device 202 is
substantially similar, except that the received signals would be output to speaker
234 and signals for transmission would be -generated by microphone 236.
Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording
subsystem, may also be implemented on wireless device 202. Although voice or
audio signal output is preferably accomplished primarily through speaker 234,
display 222 may also be used to provide an indication of the identity of a calling
party, duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information, as some
examples.
Serial port 230 in FIG. 2 is normally implemented in a personal digital
assistant (PDA)-type communication device for which synchronization with a
user's desktop computer is a desirable, albeit optional, component. Serial port 230
enables a user to set preferences through an external device or software
application and extends the capabilities of wireless device 202 by providing for
information or software downloads to wireless device 202 other than through a
wireless communication network. The alternate download path may, for
example, be used to load an encryption key onto wireless device 202 through a
direct and thus reliable and trusted connection to thereby provide secure device
communication.
Short-range communications subsystem 240 of FIG. 2 is an additional
optional component which provides for communication between wireless device
202 and different systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar
devices. For example, subsystem 240 may include an infrared device and
associated circuits and components, a Bluetooth™ communication module, or an
802.11 communication module, to provide for communication with similarlyenabled
systems and devices. Bluetooth™ is a registered trademark of Bluetooth
SIG, Inc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that "Bluetooth" and "80X11"
refer to sets of specifications, available from the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE), relating to wireless personal area networks and
wireless local area networks, respectively.
Wireless device 202 also includes a battery interface (such as that described
in relation to FIG. 1) for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries. Such a
battery provides electrical power to most if not all electrical circuitry in wireless
device 202, and the battery interface provides for a mechanical and electrical
connection for it The battery interface is coupled to a regulator which regulates
power to all of the circuitry.
Preferred Network Configuration. FIG. 3 shows a particular system
structure for communicating with a wireless communication device. In particular,
FIG. 3 shows basic components of an IP-based wireless data network, such as a
GPRS network. A wireless device 100 communicates with a wireless packet data
network 145, and may also be capable of communicating with a wireless voice
network (not shown). The voice network may be associated with IP-based
wireless network 145 similar to, for example, GSM and GPRS networks, or
alternatively may be a completely separate network. The GPRS IP-based data
network is unique in that it is effectively an overlay on the GSM voice network.
As such, GPRS components will either extend existing GSM components, such as
base stations 320, or require additional components to be added, such as an
advanced Gateway GPRS Service Node (GGSN) as a network entry point 305.
As shown in FIG. 3, a gateway 140 may be coupled to an internal or
external address resolution component 335 and one or more network entry points
305. Data packets are transmitted from gateway 140, which is source of
information to be transmitted to wireless device 100, through network 145 by
setting up a wireless network tunnel 325 from gateway 140 to wireless device 100.
In order to create this wireless tunnel 325, a unique network address is associated
with wireless device 100. In an IP-based wireless network, however, network
addresses are typically not permanently assigned to a particular wireless device
100 but instead are dynamically allocated on an as-needed basis. It is thus
preferable for wireless device 100 to acquire a network address and for gateway
140 to determine this address so as to establish wireless tunnel 325.
Network entry point 305 is generally used to multiplex and demultiplex
amongst many gateways, corporate servers, and bulk connections such as the
Internet, for example. There are normally very few of these network entry points
305, since they are also intended to centralize externally available wireless
network services. Network entry points 305 often use some form of an address
resolution component 335 that assists in address assignment and lookup between
gateways and wireless devices. In this example, address resolution component
335 is shown as a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) as one method for
providing an address resolution mechanism.
A central internal component of wireless data network 345 is a network
router 315. Normally, network routers 315 are proprietary to the particular
network, but they could alternatively be constructed from standard commercially
available hardware. The purpose of network routers 315 is to centralize
thousands of base stations 320 normally implemented in a relatively large
network into a central location for a long-haul connection back to network entry
point 305. In some networks there may be multiple tiers of network routers 315
and cases where mere are master and slave network routers 315, but in all such
cases the functions are similar. Often network router 315 will access a name
server 307, in mis case shown as a dynamic name server (DNS) 307 as used in the
Internet, to look up destinations for routing data messages. Base stations 320, as
described above, provide wireless links to wireless devices such as wireless
device 100.
Wireless network tunnels such as a wireless tunnel 325 are opened across
wireless network 345 in order to allocate necessary memory, routing, and address
resources to deliver IP packets. In GPRS, such tunnels 325 are established as part
of what are referred to as "PDP contexts" (i.e. data sessions). To open wireless
tunnel 325, wireless device 100 must use a specific technique associated with
wireless network 345. The step of opening such a wireless tunnel 325 may require
wireless device 100 to indicate the domain, or network entry point 305 with which
it wishes to open wireless tunnel 325. In this example, the tunnel first reaches
network router 315 which uses name server 307 to determine which network
entry point 305 matches the domain provided. Multiple wireless tunnels can be
opened from one wireless device 100 for redundancy, or to access different
gateways and services on the network Once the domain name is found, the
tunnel is then extended to network entry point 305 and necessary resources are
allocated at each of the nodes along the way. Network entry point 305 then uses
the address resolution (or DHCP 335) component to allocate an IP address for
wireless device 100. When an IP address has been allocated to wireless device 100
and communicated to gateway 140, information can men be forwarded from
gateway 140 to wireless device 100.
Wireless tunnel 325 typically has a limited life, depending on wireless
device's 100 coverage profile and activity. Wireless network 145 will tear down
wireless tunnel 325 after a certain period of inactivity or out-of-coverage period,
in order to recapture resources held by this wireless tunnel 325 for other users.
The main reason for this is to reclaim the IP address temporarily reserved for
wireless device 100 when wireless tunnel 325 was first opened. Once the IF
address is lost and wireless tunnel 325 is torn down, gateway 140 loses all ability
to initiate IP data packets to wireless device 100, whether over Transmission
Control Protocol (TCP) or over User Datagram Protocol (UDP).
In this application, an "IP-based wireless network" (one specific type of
wireless communication network) may include but is not limited to: (1) a Code
Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network that has been developed and operated
by Qualcomm; (2) a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network for use in
conjunction with Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network both
developed by standards committee of European Conference of Postal and
Telecommunications Administrations (CEFT); and (3) future third-generation
(3G) networks like Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) and Universal
Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). It is to be understood that although
particular IP-based wireless networks have been described, the communication
re-establishment schemes of the present application could be utilized in any
suitable type of wireless packet data network.
The infrastructure shown and described in relation to FIG. 3 may be
representative of each one of a number of different communication networks
which are provided and available in the same geographic region. One of these
communication networks will be selected by the wireless device, either in an
automatic or manual fashion, for communications.
SMS Message Delivery Techniques. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram which
describes a method for use in delivering a message (e.g. an SMS message)
simultaneously to two or more associated wireless communication devices. Such
a method may be employed in connection with components shown and described
above in relation to FIGs. 1-3. FIG. 4 relates particularly to a method involving the
two or more wireless devices which receive the message (i.e. mobile-terminated
message).
In general, the method of FIG. 4 involves receiving a request to deliver an
SMS message to a first wireless communication device identified by a first
address. In response to the request, the SMS message is delivered to the first
wireless communication device as well as to a second wireless communication
device identified by a second address different from the first address. In a
preferred scenario, the first and the second wireless devices are possessed by the
same end user so that messages can be received without fail regardless of which
device is being used at any given moment This method may be executed by a
server in the wireless network or, alternatively, by the wireless communication
device itself.
Initially, an end user of an originating wireless device 450 uses a keyboard
(or other user interface device) to navigate through a menu of features displayed
on the visual display. The end user finds and selects an "SMS message sending
feature" provided by originating device 450, composes the SMS message, and
depresses a button to send the SMS message to a wireless device (e.g. wireless
device 102) which is identified by a first address (e.g. a first MSISDN). This
causes the SMS message to be sent from originating device 450 to SM-SC128 (step
402), which is identified by its own phone number stored at originating device
450.
In response to receiving this message, SM-SC128 interrogates HLR132 and
receives routing information for wireless device 102 associated with the first
address as is conventional (step 404). However, SM-SC 128 also identifies a
second address (e.g. a second MSISDN) of a second wireless device 470 which is
associated with wireless device 102. This may be performed, for example, by
issuing a query to a database to retrieve the additional address or addresses.
Once the additional second address is identified, SM-SC 128 interrogates HLR 132
to receive routing information for second wireless device 470 having this second
address (step 406).
SM-SC 128 then sends the short message to MSC126 with use of a forward
short message operation (e.g. "forwardShortMessage") for wireless device 102
(step 408). In addition, SM-SC 128 sends the same short message to MSC 126 with
use of the forward short message operation for second wireless device 470 (step
410). MSC 126 retrieves subscriber information for wireless device 102 from VLR
130, using an optional authentication procedure (step 412). Similarly, MSC 126
retrieves subscriber information for second wireless device 470 from VLR 130
.(step 414).
MSC 126 then transfers the short message to wireless device 102 by issuing
a page (step 416), performing authentication (step 420), receiving
acknowledgement (step 424), and transferring die message (step 428). Similarly,
MSC 126 transfers the same short message to second wireless device 470 by
issuing a page (step 418), performing authentication (step 422), receiving
acknowledgement (step 426), and transferring the message (step 430). To further
illustrate, FIGs. 6 and 7 show examples of visual displays 602 and 702
corresponding to wireless device 102 and second wireless device 470, respectively,
displaying the SMS message. As illustrated in FIG. 6, an SMS message 604 is
delivered to wireless device 102 and may be shown in its visual display 602;
similarly, SMS message 604 is delivered to second wireless device 470 and may be
shown in its visual display 702, as illustrated in FIG. 7.
Returning back to FIG. 4, MSC 126 may then return to SM-SC 128 the
outcome of the forward short message operation for wireless device 102.
Similarly, MSC 126 may return to SM-SC 128 the outcome of the operation for
second wireless device 470. Assuming both message transfers are successful, SMSC
128 returns a status report indicating delivery of the short message to the
originating wireless device.
As apparent from FIG. 4, the same short message is simultaneously
delivered to two different wireless devices which may be owned and/or
possessed by the same user. The method described in relation to FIG. 4 assumes
that wireless device 102 and second wireless device 470 are each operating on the
same network having the same MSC 126; however they may be on different
networks or use different MSCs. Further, although each step outlined in FIG. 4 is
illustrated as being performed simultaneously "in step" with the other, they do
not need to be performed so closely in time together. What matters is that the
short message gets delivered to both wireless devices substantially at the same
time (e.g. within a few minutes from each other). Finally, although two wireless
devices are described as having the same message delivered to them, more than
two wireless devices may be involved.
Although the additional functionality of the present application is
described as being associated with SM-SC 128 of FIG. 4, the sending of the short
message to two different device addresses may be alternatively employed in
wireless device 102. For example, although the end user of originating device 450
may depress the button on the device only once to submit the short message, this
may cause originating device 450 to send the short message to both wireless
device 102 and second wireless device 470 (i.e. sequentially send two messages to
two different addresses). In this particular embodiment, SM-SC 128 operates in a
conventional fashion.
FIG. 5 is another flow diagram which describes another method for use in
delivering a message (e.g. an SMS message) simultaneously to two or more
associated wireless communication devices. Such a method may be employed in
connection with components shown and described above in relation to FIGs. 1-3.
FIG. 5 relates particularly to a method involving the wireless device which sends
or originates (Le. mobile-originated message).
In general, the method of FIG. 5 involves receiving a request to deliver a
message from a first wireless communication device identified by a first address
to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address. In
response to this request, the message is delivered to the second wireless
communication device along with a message-originating address that identifies a
third wireless communication device. In a preferred scenario, the first and the
third wireless communication devices are possessed by the same end user so that
messages delivered therefrom can be identified from a single address regardless
of which device is being used by the end user at any given moment This method
may be executed by a server in the wireless network or, alternatively, by the
wireless communication device itself.
Initially, an originating wireless device 102 is powered on and registers
with the wireless network (step 502). An. end user of originating wireless device
102 uses a keyboard (or other user interface device) to navigate through a menu of
features displayed on the visual display. The end user finds and selects an "SMS
message sending feature" provided by originating wireless device 102, composes
the SMS message, and depresses a button to send the SMS message to a wireless
device (e.g. a short message entity or SME in FIG. 5). This causes the SMS
message to be sent from originating device 450 to MSC 126 (step 504). In
response, MSC 126 interrogates VLR130 to verify that the message transfer does
not violate the supplementary services invoked or restrictions imposed (step 506).
Next, MSC 126 sends the short message to SM-SC 128 using the forward short
message operation (e.g. "forwardShortMessage") (step 508). In response, SM-SC
128 delivers the short message to the SME (step 510) with an optional
acknowledgement (step 512). SM-SC 128 acknowledges to MSC 126 a successful
outcome of the forward short message operation (step 514). Finally, MSC 126
returns to wireless device 102 the outcome of the operation (step 516).
The method of FIG. 5 of the present application differs from conventional
methods in that the SMS message is sent with a message-originating address (e.g.
an MSISDN) that is different from the address normally used to identify wireless
device 102. In particular, the message-originating address sent with the SMS
message is the address of a wireless communication device that is associated with
wireless device 102. In a preferred scenario, the message-originating address may
be that of another different wireless device that is owned and/or possessed by the
same end user. In this way, short messages from the same end user appear to be
sent by the same device/user.
The special addressing technique of FIG. 5 may be employed at a server in
the wireless network (e.g. SM-SC 128) or, alternatively, by the wireless
communication device itself (e.g. originating wireless device 102). For example,
SM-SC 128 may receive the short message from wireless device 102, subsequently
identify the alternative address associated with it and accordingly change the
message-originating address (prior to step 510). A query to a database may be
used to retrieve this alternative address associated with the original address of
wireless device 102.
As another example, wireless device 102 may itself automatically insert the
alternate address (different from its normal address) prior to sending the short
message to MSC 126 (prior to step 504). Preferably, tiie procedure to modify the
originating address is subject to an appropriate security mechanism to prevent
misuse (e.g. "spoofing")- For example, one such method may involve inserting
the SIM from the other wireless communication device into wireless device 102
temporarily, so mat a certificate or other authority can be granted to allow
wireless device 102 to temporarily use the MSISDN from the other device (e.g. for
a predetermined time period or a predetermined number of messages).
The above techniques described In relation to FIGs. 4 and 5 are preferably
provided in accordance with 3rd Generation Partnership Project Technical
Specification 03.40, V6.2.0,2001-12 (Release 1997) (3GPP TS 03.40), having suitable
modifications made as desired.
Thus/ methods and apparatus for use in delivering a message
simultaneously to two or more associated wireless communication devices have
been described. The message may be delivered as a Short Message Service (SMS)
message or a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message, as examples. In one
illustrative embodiment, a request to deliver such a message to a first wireless
communication device identified by a first address is received. In response to this
request, the message is delivered to the first wireless communication device as
well as to a second wireless communication device identified by a second address
different from the first address. In a preferred scenario, the first and the second
wireless communication devices are possessed by the same end user so that
messages can be received without fail regardless of which device is being used by
the end user at any given moment In another Illustrative embodiment, a request
to deliver a message from a first wireless communication device identified by a
first address to a second wireless communication device identified by a second
address is received. In response to this request, the message is delivered to the
second wireless communication device along with a message-originating address
that identifies a third wireless communication device. In a preferred scenario, the
first and the third wireless communication devices are possessed by the same end.
user so that messages delivered therefrom can be identified from a single address
regardless of which device is being used by the end user at any given moment,
This method may be executed by a server in the wireless network or,
alternatively, by the wireless communication device itself.
The above-described embodiments of invention are intended to be
examples only. Alterations, modifications, and variations may be effected to
particular embodiments by those of skill in art without departing from scope of
invention, which is defined solely by claims appended hereto.

We claim:
1. A system for use in delivering a Short Message Service or Multimedia
Messaging Service Message to at least two wireless communication
devices (102,470) comprising
wireless communication network (104) for receiving a request to deliver the message to a first wireless communication device (102) identified by a first address; and
causing the message to be delivered to the first wireless communication device (102) identified by the first address;
identifying a second address of a second wireless communication device (470) through an association with the first address; and
causing the message to be delivered to the second wireless communication device (470) identified by the second address.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more servers of the wireless communication network (104) is employed and the request comprises a request received from message-originating wireless communication device operating in the wireless communication network (104).
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Short Message Service Center (128) is employed in the wireless communication network(104).
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first address comprises a first Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network (MSISDN) address which identifies the first wireless communication device (102) and the second address comprises a second Mobile Station Integrated Service Digital Network address which identifies the second wireless communication device (470).

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
interrogating a Home Location Register (132) to identify routing information for the first wireless communication device (102) identified by the first address; and
interrogating the Home Location Register (132) to identify routing information for the second wireless communication device (470) identified by the second address.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein address of the second wireless communication device is identified through an association with the first address comprises the further act of issuing a query to a database for identifying the second address.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second wireless communication devices (102,470) being processed by the same user.
8 A Short Message Service Center (128) of a wireless communication
network (104) for use in delivering Short Message Service or a Multimedia Messaging Service Message to two or more wireless communication devices (102,470), the Short Message Service Center (128) being adapted to receive a request to deliver the message to a first wireless communication device (102) identified by a first address and, in response to the request: cause the message to be delivered to the first wireless communication device (102); identify a second address of a second wireless communication device (470) through an association with the first address; and cause the message to be delivered to the second wireless communication device (470).
9. The Short Message Service Center (128) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first address comprises a first Mobile Station Integrated Service Digital Network Address which identifies the first wireless communication device (102) and the second address comprises a second Mobile Station Integrated Service Digital Network address which identifies the second wireless communication device (470).

10. The Short Message Service Center (128) as claimed in claim 8, which is further adapted to interrogate a Home Location Register (132) to identify routing information for the first wireless communication device (102) identified by the first address, and interrogate the Home Location Register (132) to identify routing information for the second wireless communication device (470) identified by the second address.
11. The Short Message Service Center (128) as claimed in claim 8 which is further adapted to identify the second address of the second wireless communication device (470) through an association with the first address by issuing a query to a database for identifying the second address.
12. The Short Message Service Center (128) as claimed in claim 8, the first and second wireless communication devices (102, 470) being possessed by the same user.

Documents:

4218-DELNP-2005-Abstract-(22-07-2008).pdf

4218-delnp-2005-abstract.pdf

4218-delnp-2005-assignments.pdf

4218-delnp-2005-claims-(01-08-2008).pdf

4218-DELNP-2005-Claims-(22-07-2008).pdf

4218-delnp-2005-claims.pdf

4218-delnp-2005-correspondence-others-(01-08-2008).pdf

4218-DELNP-2005-Correspondence-Others-(22-07-2008).pdf

4218-DELNP-2005-Correspondence-Others.pdf

4218-delnp-2005-correspondence-po.pdf

4218-delnp-2005-description (complete)-01-08-2008.pdf

4218-delnp-2005-description (complete)-22-07-2008.pdf

4218-delnp-2005-description (complete).pdf

4218-DELNP-2005-Drawings-(22-07-2008).pdf

4218-delnp-2005-drawings.pdf

4218-delnp-2005-form-1.pdf

4218-delnp-2005-form-13-(22-07-2008).pdf

4218-delnp-2005-form-18.pdf

4218-delnp-2005-form-2.pdf

4218-DELNP-2005-Form-3.pdf

4218-delnp-2005-form-5.pdf

4218-DELNP-2005-GPA-(22-07-2008).pdf

4218-DELNP-2005-PCT-210.pdf

4218-delnp-2005-pct-220.pdf

4218-delnp-2005-pct-409.pdf

4218-delnp-2005-pct-416.pdf

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Patent Number

233473

Indian Patent Application Number

4218/DELNP/2005

PG Journal Number

14/2009

Publication Date

27-Mar-2009

Grant Date

30-Mar-2009

Date of Filing

19-Sep-2005

Name of Patentee

RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED

Applicant Address

295 PHILLIP STREET, WATERLOO, ONTARIO N2L 3W8, CANADA

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	CARPENTER PAUL M.	5 SOUTH WESTERN ROAD, ST. MARGARETS, TWICKENHAM TW1 1LG, GREAT BRITAIN

PCT International Classification Number

H04Q 7/22

PCT International Application Number

PCT/CA2003/000421

PCT International Filing date

2003-03-24

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	PCT/CA2003/000421	2003-03-24	Canada