Abstract:
A message transaction method includes the steps of sending a connection request, receiving the connection request, generating a ringing response signal in response to the connection request, counting an elapsed time starting from generation of the ringing response signal, sending a disconnection request, stopping of the counting of the elapsed time upon detection of the disconnection request, comparing the elapsed time with at least one relation mapped by a lookup table, and providing a corresponding message in the matching relation. A system to implement the message transaction method is also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority of Taiwanese Application No. 095148952, filed on Dec. 26, 2006. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to a message transaction method for sending messages between mobile communication devices, more particularly to a message transaction method for sending messages between mobile communication devices that translates duration of a ringing signal into a corresponding message. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Mobile phones are widely used for many years as a tool for voice communications. The subscriber is normally charged based on the length of time of an outgoing voice call. 
         [0006]    Over the recent years, short message service, which permits sending of short messages between mobile phones, has become increasingly popular as an alternative to the voice call. The subscriber is charged based on the number of the short messages sent, which is comparatively inexpensive. 
         [0007]    It is desirable to provide a message transaction method that permits sending of messages between mobile phones free of charge. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to a first aspect of the present invention, a message transaction method comprises the steps of: 
         [0009]    A) enabling a receiving mobile communication device to receive a connection request from a sending mobile communication device; 
         [0010]    B) enabling the receiving mobile communication device to generate a ringing response signal to be sent to the sending mobile communication device in response to the connection request; 
         [0011]    C) enabling the receiving mobile communication device to count an elapsed time starting from generation of the ringing response signal; 
         [0012]    D) enabling the receiving mobile communication device to detect receipt of a disconnection request from the sending mobile communication device; 
         [0013]    E) enabling the receiving mobile communication device to stop counting the elapsed time upon detection of the disconnection request; 
         [0014]    F) enabling the receiving mobile communication device to compare the elapsed time counted thereby with a lookup table established in the receiving mobile communication device, wherein the lookup table maps at least one relation between a ringing response signal interval and a corresponding message; and 
         [0015]    G) if the receiving mobile communication device finds a matching relation in the lookup table, enabling the receiving mobile communication device to provide the corresponding message of the matching relation to the user of the receiving mobile communication device. 
         [0016]    According to a second aspect of the present invention, a message transaction method comprises the steps of: 
         [0017]    a) configuring a sending mobile communication device with a lookup table that maps at least one relation between a ringing response signal interval and a corresponding message; 
         [0018]    b) enabling operation of the sending mobile communication device to select a desired relation in the lookup table; 
         [0019]    c) enabling the sending mobile communication device to send a connection request to a receiving mobile communication device; 
         [0020]    d) enabling the sending mobile communication device to receive a ringing response signal from the receiving mobile communication device; 
         [0021]    e) enabling the sending mobile communication device to count an elapsed time starting from receipt of the ringing response signal; and 
         [0022]    f) enabling the sending mobile communication device to send a disconnection request to the receiving mobile communication device when the elapsed time counted by the sending mobile communication device corresponds to the ringing response signal interval in the desired relation selected in step b). 
         [0023]    According to a third aspect of the present invention, a receiving mobile communication device comprises a control module, a communication module, a timer, a memory module, and a message output unit. The communication module is coupled to and controlled by the control module, and is operable so as to generate a ringing response signal to be sent to a sending mobile communication device in response to a connection request received from the sending mobile communication device. The timer is coupled to and controlled by the control module, and is operable so as to count an elapsed time starting from generation of the ringing response signal, and so as to stop counting the elapsed time in response to a disconnection request received from the sending mobile communication device. The memory module is coupled to the control module for storing a lookup table that maps at least one relation between a ringing response signal interval and a corresponding message. The message output unit is coupled to the control module. Upon detection of receipt of the disconnection request, the control module is configured so as to compare the elapsed time counted by the timer with the lookup table, and so as to control the message output unit to provide the corresponding message of the matching relation to the user of the receiving mobile communication device if the control module finds a matching relation in the lookup table. 
         [0024]    According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a system comprises a sending mobile communication device that includes a control module, a memory module, an input module, a communication module, and a timer. The memory module is coupled to the control module for storing a lookup table that maps at least one relation between a ringing response signal interval and a corresponding message. The input module is coupled to the control module, and is operable so as to generate a control signal for enabling selection of a relation in the lookup table by the control module. The communication module is coupled to and controlled by the control module, and is operable so as to send a connection request and so as to receive subsequently a ringing response signal. The timer is coupled to and controlled by the control module, and is operable so as to count an elapsed time starting from receipt of the ringing response signal. The communication module is further operable so as to send a disconnection request when the elapsed time counted by the timer corresponds to the ringing response signal interval in the selected relation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram of a system according to the present invention; and 
           [0027]      FIGS. 2A to 2F  are flow charts of the preferred embodiment of a message transaction method to be implemented using the system shown in  FIG. 1  according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the preferred embodiment of a system for implementing a message transaction method according to this invention includes sending and receiving mobile communication devices  1 ,  3 . 
         [0029]    The sending and receiving mobile communication devices  1 ,  3  establish a connection therebetween through a conventional communication exchange system  2 . The communication exchange system  2  allocates an appropriate channel for establishing the connection between the sending and receiving mobile communication devices  1 ,  3 , and handles transmission of communication signals between the sending and receiving mobile communication devices  1 ,  3 . 
         [0030]    The sending mobile communication device  1  includes a control module  10 , a memory module  14 , an input module  122 , a communication module  13 , and a timer  16 . 
         [0031]    The memory module  14  is connected electrically to the control module  10 , and stores a program  140  to be executed by the control module  10  for performing steps associated with the message transaction method, in a manner that will be described hereinafter. 
         [0032]    The sending mobile communication device  1  is configured with a lookup table  142  that is stored in the memory module  14  thereof. In this embodiment, the lookup table  142 , as shown in Table I, maps a set of relations between ringing response signal intervals and corresponding messages. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE I 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Identification code of the sending mobile communication 
               
               
                 device 1 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 ringing 
                 1 second     
                 Message 
                 Please call back 
               
               
                   
                 response 
                 2 seconds 
                   
                 I&#39;ll call you later 
               
               
                   
                 signal 
                 3 seconds 
                   
                 I&#39;ll be late 
               
               
                   
                 interval 
                 4 seconds 
                   
                 Thank you 
               
               
                   
                   
                 5 seconds 
                   
                 Sorry 
               
               
                   
                   
                 6 seconds 
                   
                 Good luck 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0033]    The memory module  14  further stores a contact list  141  that maps a relation between the name of the user of the receiving mobile communication device  3  and a corresponding identification code of the receiving mobile communication device  3 , such as a phone number. 
         [0034]    It is noted that the lookup table  142  configured in the sending mobile communication device  1  includes the identification code of the receiving mobile communication device  3  so that the lookup table  142  can correspond with the receiving mobile communication device  3 . 
         [0035]    The input module  122  is connected electrically to the control module  10 , and is operable so as to generate control signals, such as for enabling selection of a desired one of the relations in the lookup table  142  by the control module  10 . In this embodiment, the input module  122  may be a touchpad or a keypad. 
         [0036]    The communication module  13  is connected electrically to and controlled by the control module  10 , and is operable so as to send a connection request and so as to subsequently receive a ringing response signal. 
         [0037]    The timer  16  is connected electrically to and controlled by the control module  10 , and is operable so as to count an elapsed time starting from receipt of the ringing response signal. 
         [0038]    The communication module  13  is further operable so as to send a disconnection request when the elapsed time counted by the timer  16  corresponds to the ringing response signal interval in the desired relation selected by the control module  10 . 
         [0039]    The sending mobile communication device  1  further includes a display  11  that is connected electrically to and controlled by the control module  10 , and that is operable so as to show a main menu and submenus for selection by the user of the sending mobile communication device  1 . 
         [0040]    The sending mobile communication device  1  further includes a transceiver module  17  that is connected electrically to and controlled by the control module  10 , and that is operable so as to transmit the lookup table  142 . In this embodiment, the transceiver module  17  is a wireless transceiver module that complies with a Bluetooth or an infrared data association (IrDA) specification. In an alternative embodiment, the transceiver module  17  is a wired transceiver module. 
         [0041]    The receiving mobile communication device  3  includes a control module  30 , a memory module  34 , a communication module  33 , and a timer  36 . 
         [0042]    The memory module  34  is connected electrically to the control module  30 , and stores a program  340  to be executed by the control module  30  for performing steps associated with the message transaction method, in a manner that will be described hereinafter. 
         [0043]    The receiving mobile communication device  3  is established with a lookup table  342  that is stored in the memory module  34  thereof and that is identical to that of the sending mobile communication device  1 . 
         [0044]    The memory module  34  further stores a contact list  341  that maps a relation between the name of the user of the sending mobile communication device  1  and a corresponding identification code of the sending mobile communication device  1 , such as a phone number. 
         [0045]    It is noted that the lookup table  342  established in the receiving mobile communication device  3 , as shown in Table II, includes the identification code of the sending mobile communication device  1  so that the lookup table  342  can correspond with the sending mobile communication device  1 . 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE II 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Identification code of the receiving mobile communication 
               
               
                 device 3 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 ringing 
                 1 second     
                 Message 
                 Please call back 
               
               
                   
                 response 
                 2 seconds 
                   
                 I&#39;ll call you later 
               
               
                   
                 signal 
                 3 seconds 
                   
                 I&#39;ll be late 
               
               
                   
                 interval 
                 4 seconds 
                   
                 Thank you 
               
               
                   
                   
                 5 seconds 
                   
                 Sorry 
               
               
                   
                   
                 6 seconds 
                   
                 Good luck 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0046]    The communication module  33  is connected electrically to and controlled by the control module  30 , and is operable so as to receive the connection request from the communication module  13  of the sending mobile communication device  1 , so as to generate the ringing response signal to be sent to the sending mobile communication device  1  in response to the connection request, and so as to detect the disconnection request from the communication module  13  of the sending mobile communication device  1 . 
         [0047]    The timer  36  is connected electrically to and controlled by the control module  30 , and is operable so as to count an elapsed time starting from generation of the ringing response signal, and so as to stop counting the elapsed time in response to the disconnection request. 
         [0048]    Upon detection of receipt of the disconnection request, the control module  30  is configured so as to compare the elapsed time counted by the timer  36  with the lookup table  342  established in the receiving mobile communication device  3 . 
         [0049]    The receiving mobile communication device  3  further includes a message output unit in the form of a display  31  that is connected electrically to and controlled by the control module  30  of the receiving mobile communication device  3  so as to provide the corresponding message of a matching relation to the user of the receiving mobile communication device  3  via a text output if the control module  30  finds the matching relation in the lookup table  342 . 
         [0050]    The receiving mobile communication device  3  further includes a speaker  321  that is connected electrically to and controlled by the control module  30 , and that is operable so as to produce an audible call alert. 
         [0051]    The control module  30  is further operable so as to compare an identification code of the sending mobile communication device  1  in the connection request with the contact list  341 . When a matching identification code is found in the contact list  341 , the control module  30  disables operation of the speaker  321  of the receiving mobile communication device  3 . On the other hand, when the matching identification code is not found in the contact list  341 , the control module  30  processes the connection request as an incoming voice call and controls the speaker  321  to produce the audible call alert. In this case, the control module  30  does not compare the elapsed time counted by the timer  36  with the lookup table  342 . 
         [0052]    The control module  30  is further operable so as to determine if the elapsed time counted by the timer  36  has reached a predetermined threshold. If the predetermined threshold has not yet been reached, the timer  36  continues the counting of the elapsed time. On the other hand, if the predetermined threshold was reached, the control module  30  processes the connection request as an incoming voice call. In this case, the control module  30  does not compare the elapsed time counted by the timer  36  with the lookup table  342 . 
         [0053]    The receiving mobile communication device  3  further includes a transceiver module  37  that is connected electrically to and controlled by the control module  30 , and that is operable so as to receive the lookup table  142  from the transceiver module  17  of the sending mobile communication device  1 , thereby establishing the lookup table  342  in the receiving mobile communication device  3 . In this embodiment, the transceiver module  37  is a wireless transceiver module that complies with a Bluetooth or an infrared data association (IrDA) specification. In an alternative embodiment, the transceiver module  37  is a wired transceiver module. 
         [0054]    The preferred embodiment of the message transaction method to be implemented using the aforementioned system according to this invention includes the steps, which are performed by the sending mobile communication device  1 , shown in  FIGS. 2A to 2D . 
         [0055]    In step  21 , the sending mobile communication device  1  is turned on. 
         [0056]    In step  22 , the display  11  shows a main menu that allows selection of different operating modes of the sending mobile communication device  1 . 
         [0057]    In step  23 , if the input module  122  is operated to generate a control signal such that a telephone operating mode is selected, the flow proceeds to step  24 . Otherwise, the flow proceeds to step  25 . 
         [0058]    In step  24 , the display  11  shows a phonebook. At this time, the user of the sending mobile communication device  1  may proceed to make an outgoing voice call using the phonebook in a conventional manner. Thereafter, the flow goes back to step  22 . 
         [0059]    In step  25 , if the input module  122  is operated to generate a control signal such that a short message service (SMS) operating mode is selected, the flow proceeds to step  26 . Otherwise, the flow proceeds to step  27 . 
         [0060]    In step  26 , the display  11  shows a SMS screen for entering a short message. At this time, the user may proceed to create and send a short message using the phonebook in a conventional manner. Thereafter, the flow goes back to step  22 . 
         [0061]    In step  27 , if the input module  122  is operated to generate a control signal such that a ring message operating mode is selected, the flow proceeds to step  28 . Otherwise, the flow goes back to step  22 . 
         [0062]    In step  28 , the display  11  shows a submenu that allows selection between a “contact list” and a “lookup table”. 
         [0063]    In step  29 , if the input module  122  is operated to generate a control signal such that the “contact list” is selected, the flow proceeds to step  30 . Otherwise, the flow proceeds to step  31 . 
         [0064]    In step  30 , the display  11  shows the contact list  141  stored in the memory module  14 . At this time, the user of the sending mobile communication device  1  may proceed to add, edit, or delete a relation from the contact list  141 . Thereafter, the flow goes back to step  28 . 
         [0065]    In step  31 , if the input module  122  is operated to generate a control signal such that the “lookup table” is selected, the flow proceeds to step  32 . Otherwise, the flow goes back to step  28 . 
         [0066]    In step  32 , the display  11  shows a submenu that allows selection between “configure the lookup table” and “send a ring message”. 
         [0067]    In step  33 , if the input module  122  is operated to generate a control signal such that the “configure the lookup table” option is selected, the flow proceeds to step  34 . Otherwise, the flow proceeds to step  39 . 
         [0068]    In step  34 , the display module  11  shows a submenu that allows selection between “edit the lookup table” and “synchronize the lookup table”. 
         [0069]    In step  35 , if the input module  122  is operated to generate a control signal such that the “edit the lookup table” option is selected, the flow proceeds to step  36 . Otherwise, the flow proceeds to step  37 . 
         [0070]    In step  36 , the display  11  shows the lookup table  142  stored in the memory module  14 . At this time, the user of the sending mobile communication device  1  may proceed to edit and save the lookup table  142 . Thereafter, the flow goes back to step  34 . 
         [0071]    In step  37 , if the input module  122  is operated to generate a control signal such that the “synchronize the lookup table” option is selected, the flow proceeds to step  38 . Otherwise, the flow goes back to step  34 . 
         [0072]    In step  38 , the transceiver module  17  of the sending mobile communication device transmits the lookup table  142  to the receiving mobile communication device  3 . Thereafter, the flow goes back to step  34 . 
         [0073]    In step  39 , if the input module  122  is operated to generate a control signal such that the “send a ring message” option is selected, the flow proceeds to step  40 . Otherwise, the flow goes back to step  32 . 
         [0074]    In step  40 , the display  11  shows the lookup table  142 . 
         [0075]    In step  41 , the input module  122  is operated to generate a control signal to enable selection of a desired relation in the lookup table  142  by the control module  10 . 
         [0076]    In step  42 , the communication module  13  sends a connection request to the receiving mobile communication device  3 . 
         [0077]    In step  43 , if the communication module  13  receives a busy signal from the receiving mobile communication device  3 , the flow proceeds to step  44 . Otherwise, the flow proceeds to step  45 . 
         [0078]    In step  44 , the communication module  13  sends a disconnection request to the receiving mobile communication device  3 . Thereafter, the flow goes back to step  40 . 
         [0079]    In step  45 , if the communication module  13  receives a ringing response signal from the receiving mobile communication device  3 , the flow proceeds to step  46 . Otherwise, the flow goes back to step  43 . 
         [0080]    In step  46 , the timer  16  counts an elapsed time starting from the receipt of the ringing response signal. 
         [0081]    In step  47 , when the elapsed time counted by the timer  16  corresponds to the ringing signal interval in the desired relation selected in step  41 , the flow proceeds to step  48 . Otherwise, the flow goes back to step  46 . 
         [0082]    In step  48 , the communication module  13  sends a disconnection request to the receiving mobile communication device  3 . Thereafter, the flow goes back to step  22 . 
         [0083]    The preferred embodiment of the message transaction method further includes the steps, which are performed by the receiving mobile communication device  3 , shown in  FIGS. 2E and 2F . 
         [0084]    In step  49 , the lookup table  342  is established in the receiving mobile communication device  3 . That is, the transceiver module  37  receives the lookup table  142  transmitted in step  38 . 
         [0085]    In step  50 , the communication device  33  detects receipt of the connection request from the sending mobile communication device  1 . 
         [0086]    In step  51 , if the communication device  33  detects the connection request, the flow proceeds to step  52 . Otherwise, the flow goes back to step  50 . 
         [0087]    In step  52 , the control module  30  compares the identification code of the sending mobile communication device  1  in the connection request with the contact list  341 . 
         [0088]    In step  53 , when the control module  30  finds a matching identification code in the contact list  341 , the flow proceeds to step  55 . Otherwise, the flow proceeds to step  54 . 
         [0089]    In step  54 , the control module  30  processes the connection request as an incoming voice call in a conventional manner. Thereafter, the flow goes back to step  50 . 
         [0090]    In step  55 , the control module  30  disables operation of the speaker  321 . That is, the receiving mobile communication device  3  operates in a silent mode. 
         [0091]    In step  56 , the communication module  33  generates the ringing response signal to be sent to the sending mobile communication device  1  in response to the connection request. 
         [0092]    In step  57 , the timer  36  counts an elapsed time starting from generation of the ringing response signal. 
         [0093]    In step  58 , if the control module  30  determines that the elapsed time counted by the timer  36  has reached a predetermined threshold, the flow proceeds to step  59 . Otherwise, the flow proceeds to step  60 . 
         [0094]    In step  59 , the control module  30  processes the connection request as an incoming voice call. Thereafter, the flow goes back to step  50 . 
         [0095]    In step  60 , the communication module  33  detects receipt of a disconnection request from the sending mobile communication device  1 . 
         [0096]    In step  61 , upon detection of the disconnection request, the flow proceeds to step  62 . Otherwise, the flow goes back to step  58 . 
         [0097]    In step  62 , the control module  30  accepts the disconnection request. 
         [0098]    In step  63 , the timer  36  stops counting the elapsed time. 
         [0099]    In step  64 , the control module  30  compares the elapsed time counted by the timer  36  with the lookup table  342  in the memory module  34 . 
         [0100]    In step  65 , if the control module  30  finds a matching relation in the lookup table  342 , the flow proceeds to step  66 . Otherwise, the flow goes back to step  50 . 
         [0101]    In step  66 , the display  31  shows the corresponding message of the matching relation found in step  65  to the user of the receiving mobile communication device  3 . Thereafter, the flow goes back to step  50 . 
         [0102]    It should be noted herein that the corresponding messages in the lookup table  342  are not limited to text form and may be audio files so that messages are provided to the user of the receiving mobile communication device  3  via an audio output in other embodiment of this invention. 
         [0103]    From the above description, the message transaction method of this invention translates different intervals of ringing signals into messages using a lookup table. As such, the messages can be sent from the sending mobile communication device  1  to the receiving mobile communication device  3  without incurring any costs on the subscriber of the sending mobile communication device  1 . Furthermore, the message transaction method of this invention is implemented as a program that is installed in the sending and receiving mobile communication devices  1 ,  3 , and requires no additional hardware to be installed in the sending and receiving mobile communication devices  1 ,  3 . 
         [0104]    While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.