Patent Application
20070260691
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting and/or receiving electronic mail (E-mail) messages using electronic equipment.
In recent years, electronic mail (“E-mail”) has become a prevalent form of communication. Because E-mail is typically fast, convenient, and easy to use, E-mail has become a popular media for communications in both business and personal settings. Electronic equipment, such as, for example, communication devices, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, etc. may include an E-mail application that allows the user to send and receive E-mail messages to and from others.
The E-mail application is typically a computer readable media in the form of executable code that may be stored in memory of the electronic equipment. Conventional E-mail applications generally do not include advanced send/receive E-mail parameters based on physical attributes associated with the E-mail message. Such physical attributes may include, for example, length of message, size of an attachment, type of attachment, etc. Conventional E-mail applications allow a user to send an E-mail message substantially immediately from the user's electronic equipment to the connected network when the user presses a send/transmit key or allows the user to place the E-mail message in an outbox for delivery at a later time if the network is unavailable.
The cost for sending E-mail messages over a cellular telephone infrastructure is generally much more expensive than sending an E-mail message over a local area network (LAN) and/or wireless local area network (WLAN). Conventional E-mail applications can be defined to use different data bearers like, for example, GPRS, WLAN, etc. using a priority list. When the device cannot find the first option in the list of data bearers the selection process advances to the second option and so on, till the end of the list.
One drawback with conventional E-Mail applications is that the user is not provided with a mechanism that allows the user to send and/or receive an E-mail message based on the physical attributes of the message. Thus, for example, a cost aware user cannot send an E-mail message when the rate it is the cheapest possible or select the fastest network for upload and download services based on the size of E-mail message.
In view of the aforementioned shortcomings associated with conventional E-Mail applications, there is a strong need in the art for an E-mail application that allows the user to specify a preferred communication network (e.g. GPRS, WLAN, etc.) for receiving and/or transmitting E-mail messages based on physical attributes of the message.
One aspect of the invention relates to a method for transmitting an electronic mail message in a mobile telephone, the method comprising: determining a file size associated with an E-mail message; selecting a communication network to transmit the E-mail message based at least on part on the file size of the E-mail message, wherein a first communication network is selected when the file size is below a threshold file size and a second communication network is selected when the file size is above the threshold file size; and transmitting the E-mail message to the selected communications network for delivery to an associated remote E-mail server.
Another aspect of the invention relates to the first communication network being a cellular telephone network.
Another aspect of the invention relates to the second communication network being a local area network.
Another aspect of the invention relates to the second communication network being a wireless local area network.
Another aspect of the invention relates to further including manually selecting the threshold file size.
Another aspect of the invention relates to the threshold file size being a predetermined default file size.
Another aspect of the invention relates to selecting a communication network based on a priority list of communication networks.
Another aspect of the invention relates to the priority list being formed by an associated user assigning a priority to a plurality of available communication networks.
Another aspect of the invention relates to when the E-mail message has not been transmitted for a user defined time period, another communication network is selected from the priority list to transmit/receive the E-mail message.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a mobile telephone comprising: an electronic mail (E-mail) application stored in a memory of the mobile telephone, wherein the E-mail application is configurable for transmitting an E-mail message in a first mode when the E-mail message has a file size less than a threshold file size and a second mode when the file size of the E-mail message is greater than the threshold file size. a processor coupled to the E-mail application, wherein the processor compares the file size of the E-mail message with the threshold file size and configures the mobile telephone for communication using the first mode or the second mode.
Another aspect of the invention relates to further including a display coupled to the processor for displaying a status of at least one function associated with the E-mail application.
Another aspect of the invention relates to the associated user selecting the threshold file size.
Another aspect of the invention relates to the threshold file size being a predetermined file size.
Another aspect of the invention relates to the first mode being a cellular telephone network.
Another aspect of the invention relates to the second mode being a local area network.
Another aspect of the invention relates to the second mode being a wireless local area network.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for transmitting an electronic mail message in a mobile telephone, the method comprising: determining a file size of an E-mail message; selecting a communication network to transmit the E-mail message by an associated user based at least on part on a network priority list stored in a memory of a mobile telephone, wherein the network priority list includes a plurality of networks the file size of the E-mail message, wherein a first communication network is selected when the file size is below a threshold file size and a second communication network is selected when the file size is above the threshold file size; and transmitting the E-mail message to the selected communications network for delivery to an associated remote E-mail server.
Another aspect of the invention relates to A method for receiving an electronic mail message in a mobile telephone, the method comprising: determining a file size associated with an E-mail message; selecting a communication network to receive the E-mail message based at least on part on the file size of the E-mail message, wherein a first communication network is selected when the file size is below a threshold file size and a second communication network is selected when the file size is above the threshold file size; and receiving the E-mail message from an associated remote E-mail server through the selected communications network.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for transmitting an electronic mail message in a mobile telephone, the method comprising: determining a file size of an E-mail message; selecting a communication network to receive the E-mail message by an associated user based at least on part on a network priority list stored in a memory of a mobile telephone, wherein the network priority list includes a plurality of networks the file size of the E-mail message, wherein a first communication network is selected when the file size is below a threshold file size and a second communication network is selected when the file size is above the threshold file size; and receiving the E-mail message from an associated remote E-mail server through the selected communications network.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for transmitting an electronic mail message in a mobile telephone, the method comprising: determining a file size of an E-mail message; querying an associated user to select a communication network to receive and/or transmit the E-mail message, wherein the associated user may select either a cellular telephone network or a local area network for transmission of the E-mail message; transmitting the E-mail message through the selected communications network for delivery to an associated remote E-mail server.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer program stored on a machine readable medium, the program being suitable for use in an electronic equipment as an electronic mail application, wherein: when the program is loaded in memory in the electronic equipment and executed causes the electronic equipment to transmit and/or receive an E-mail message from a cellular telephone network and/or a local area network based at least in part on the file size of the E-mail message.
Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
It should be emphasized that the term “comprise/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.”
The term “electronic equipment” includes portable radio communication equipment. The term “portable radio communication equipment”, which herein after is referred to as a mobile radio terminal, includes all equipment such as mobile telephones, pagers, communicators, i.e., electronic organizers, personal digital assistants (PDA's), portable communication apparatus, smart phones or the like.
The foregoing and other embodiments of the invention are hereinafter discussed with reference to the drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Likewise, elements and features depicted in one drawing may be combined with elements and features depicted in additional drawings. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
The present invention is directed to electronic equipment 10, sometimes referred to herein as a communication device, mobile telephone, and portable telephone having an improved electronic mail (E-mail) application for transmitting and/or receiving E-mail messages. In one aspect of the invention, additional functionality over conventional E-mail applications allows the application to transmit and/or receive E-mail messages from a cellular telephone network (e.g., 3G, GPRS, etc.) and a local area network (LAN) and/or wireless local area network (WLAN) depending on the file size of the E-mail message.
Referring to
As illustrated in
The mobile telephone 10 includes a display 14. The display 14 displays information to a user such as operating state, time, telephone numbers, contact information, various navigational menus, status of one or more functions, etc., which enable the user to utilize the various features of the mobile telephone 10. The display 14 may also be used to visually display content accessible by the mobile telephone 10. The displayed content may include E-mail messages, audio and/or video presentations stored locally in memory 24 (
The mobile telephone 10 further includes a keypad 16 that provides for a variety of user input operations. For example, the keypad 16 may include alphanumeric keys for allowing entry of alphanumeric information such as E-mail addresses, distribution lists, telephone numbers, phone lists, contact information, notes, etc. In addition, the keypad 16 typically may include special function keys such as a “call send” key for transmitting an E-mail, initiating or answering a call, and a “call end” key for ending, or “hanging up” a call. Special function keys may also include menu navigation keys, for example, for navigating through a menu displayed on the display 14 to select different telephone functions, profiles, settings, etc., as is conventional. Other keys associated with the mobile telephone 10 may include a volume key, audio mute key, an on/off power key, a web browser launch key, an E-mail application launch key, a camera key, etc. Keys or key-like functionality may also be embodied as a touch screen associated with the display 14.
The mobile telephone 10 includes conventional call circuitry that enables the mobile telephone 10 to establish a call, transmit and/or receive E-mail messages, and/or exchange signals with a called/calling device, typically another mobile telephone or landline telephone. However, the called/calling device need not be another telephone, but may be some other device such as an Internet web server, E-mail server, content providing server, etc.
Referring to
The memory 24 may be, for example, a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. In addition, the processing device 32 executes code to carry out various functions of the mobile telephone 10.
Continuing to refer to
The mobile telephone 10 also includes the aforementioned display 14 and keypad 16 coupled to the control circuit 30. The mobile telephone 10 further includes an I/O interface 42. The I/O interface 42 may be in the form of typical mobile telephone I/O interfaces, such as a multi-element connector at the base of the mobile telephone 10. As is typical, the I/O interface 42 may be used to couple the mobile telephone 10 to a battery charger to charge a power supply unit (PSU) 44 within the mobile telephone 10. In addition, or in the alternative, the I/O interface 42 may serve to connect the mobile telephone 10 to a wired personal hands-free adaptor, to a personal computer or other device via a data cable, etc. The mobile telephone 10 may also include a timer 46 for carrying out timing functions. Such functions may include timing the durations of calls, generating the content of time and date stamps, etc.
The mobile telephone 10 may include various built-in accessories, such as a camera 48 for taking digital pictures. Image files corresponding to the pictures may be stored in the memory 24. In one embodiment, the mobile telephone 10 also may include a position data receiver (not shown), such as a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver, Galileo satellite system receiver or the like.
To establish wireless communication with other locally positioned devices, such as the a wireless headset, another mobile telephone, a computer, etc., the mobile telephone 10 may include a local wireless interface adapter 50, such as a Bluetooth adaptor.
To establish wireless communication with other locally positioned devices, such as a wireless local area network, wireless access point and the like, the mobile telephone 10 may further include a wireless local area network interface adapter 52. Preferably, the WLAN adapter 52 is compatible with one or more IEEE 802.11 protocols (e.g., 802.11(a), 802.11(b) and/or 802.11(g), etc.) and allows the mobile telephone 10 to acquire a unique address (e.g., IP address) on the WLAN and communicate with one or more devices on the WLAN, assuming the user has the appropriate privileges and/or has been properly authenticated.
The mobile telephone 10 may also be configured to operate in a wide area communications system (e.g. 3G, GPRS) (not illustrated). The system can include a server or servers for managing calls and/or E-mails placed by and/or destined to the mobile telephone 10, transmitting content (e.g., image files, audio files, video files, etc.) to and/or from the mobile telephone 10 and carrying out any other support functions. The server generally communicates with the mobile telephone 10 via a network and a transmission medium. The transmission medium may be any appropriate device or assembly, including, for example, a communications tower, another mobile telephone, a wireless access point, a satellite, etc. Portions of the network may include wireless transmission pathways.
An exemplary electronic mail (E-mail) application 60 in accordance with aspects of the present invention is shown in
In addition to the conventional fields discussed above, one or more of the following additional user-selectable options may be provided for setting priority information for selecting a communication medium (e.g. GPRS, WLAN, etc.) and/or configuring the E-mail application 60 to select a communication medium based on a physical attribute of the E-mail message to be sent and/or received. In one exemplary embodiment, when the user selects “Options” from the menu bar 64, the user will generally be presented with a dialog box 70 that allows the user to set one or more functions for the E-mail application.
Referring to
At 76 the user is presented the ability to transmit/receive messages over a certain file size (e.g. 5 KB) via the LAN/WLAN. When this selection is made, the priority list 73 may be used for controlling which network the smaller messages are transmitted/received. Assuming the user has selected feature 76, if the E-mail message has not been sent within a predetermined time or at a time defined by the user, the user is provided an opportunity to transmit/receive the E-mail message through any available communication network.
At 80, the user may be prompted to decide prior to transmitting/receiving every E-mail message which communication network may be used. Alternatively, the user may be queried which communication network to be used for messages having a file size about a threshold file size.
As shown in
One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that there are myriad of features and/or options that can be presented to the user for obtaining the functionality described herein and all such modifications shall be deemed to fall within the scope of the present invention.
The system 100 also includes a LAN/WLAN link 103 from the mobile telephone 10 to the wireless access point 104 to LAN 106 and through communication link 105 to the server 102. Mobile telephone 10 is provided with a communications protocol that can be executed by an internal processor of the device and/or by dedicated communications hardware (e.g., a transceiver) coupled to the device for communication with the access point 104. The WLAN adapter 52 of the mobile telephone generally includes a built-in antenna (not shown). The antenna allows the WLAN adapter 52 to exchange signals with the wireless access point 104. The wireless access point 104 generally executes a communication protocol corresponding to the communication protocol executed by the client devices (e.g., device associated with the LAN 106 and/or the mobile telephone 10. The wireless access point 104 also includes communications hardware (e.g., a transceiver with an antenna) for broadcasting signals to the server 102 and various client devices and receiving signals broadcast by server 102 and the various client devices. Although the communication links between the mobile telephone 10 and the access point 104 and between the LAN 106 and the server 102 are depicted as wireless communication links, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that such links may be wired, wireless and/or a combination of wired and wireless communication links.
One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that any communications medium and configuration of network components allowing the functionality described herein shall be deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.
Referring to
At step 204, at least one characteristic of the E-mail message is determined (e.g. file size, number of lines, number of characters, etc.). Preferably, the file size of the E-mail message is determined. In determining a file size associated with the E-mail message, the entire message including, header, text, attachments, etc. may be used to determine the file size of the E-mail message. The file size may be determined in any manner (e.g., interrogation of the E-mail message header, calculated according to conventional methods, etc.).
At step 206, a communication network for transmission of the E-mail message is selected based at least on part on the file size of the E-mail message. As shown in
At step 208, the E-mail message is transmitted and/or received through the selected communications network for delivery to and/or from an associated remote E-mail server.
Referring to
At step 224, at least one characteristic of the E-mail message is determined (e.g. file size, number of lines, number of characters, etc.). Preferably, the file size of the E-mail message is determined. In determining a file size associated with the E-mail message, the entire message including, header, text, attachments, etc. may be used to determine the file size of the E-mail message.
At step 226, a communication network for transmission of the E-mail message is selected based at least on part on a network communication priority list 73 stored in memory 24. Preferably, the network communication priority list 73 includes a plurality of communication networks. According to aspects of the invention, a first communication network is selected when the file size is below a threshold file size and a second communication network is selected when the file size is above the threshold file size.
At step 228, once the communication network has been selected, the E-mail message is transmitted and/or received through the selected communications network for delivery to and/or from an associated remote E-mail server.
Specific embodiments of an invention are disclosed herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the invention may have other applications in other environments. In fact, many embodiments and implementations are possible. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the specific embodiments described above. In addition, any recitation of “means for” is intended to evoke a means-plus-function reading of an element and a claim, whereas, any elements that do not specifically use the recitation “means for”, are not intended to be read as means-plus-function elements, even if the claim otherwise includes the word “means”. It should also be noted that although the specification lists method steps occurring in a particular order, these steps may be executed in any order, or at the same time.
Computer program elements of the invention may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.). The invention may take the form of a computer program product, which can be embodied by a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable or computer-readable program instructions, “code” or a “computer program” embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system. In the context of this document, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium such as the Internet. Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner. The computer program product and any software and hardware described herein form the various means for carrying out the functions of the invention in the example embodiments.
