Abstract:
In a short message service (SMS) wireline/wireless message system, a separate SMS exchange subsystem implements value-added service capability. The value addition service may range, for example, from simple data insertion in the SMS message to the more complex initiation of a teleconference call using inter-exchanged SMS messages.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a non-provisional application of provisional application Ser. No. 60/322,669 filed Sep. 17, 2001. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates generally to wireless networks and, more particularly, to a methodology and a concomitant system whereby a short message service exchange effects value-added functionality, including teleconferencing, based on the contents of a short message. 
   2. Description of the Background Art 
   A Short Message Service (SMS) enables a mobile subscriber in a mobile wireless network to send and receive short alphanumeric messages through his/her mobile station. The mobile station in the modern wireless networks can be a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop or any portable device capable of communicating with the wireless network equipment and having an alphanumeric display. With the advent of integration of some of the functionalities of wireless communication services with the Internet, it is also possible to send and receive short messages from a fixed communication station such as an Internet-connected computer. 
   A high-level block representation of a conventional SMS communication system  100  is shown in  FIG. 1 . A short message (SM) can originate from a wireless device such as a cell phone  120 , a computer  105  connected to the Internet  110 , or any similar device. A SM originating from a wireless device  120  is received by a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)  115  via the wireless medium  121  and other entities such as a base station not shown in the figure for simplicity. The MSC then sends the SM to the applicable SMSC (Short Message Service Center)  135  through the network cloud  130  comprising PSTN, wireless cellular, and other specific networks such as the well-known signaling system 7 (SS7) or even proprietary networks. SMSC  135  then determines the destination of the SM (in this example, mobile station  145 ), and routes it to the appropriate MSC  140 , which then delivers the SM to the destination device  145 . While two distinct MSCs are shown in  FIG. 1  for generality, in cases where the destination device is in the same area as the SM originating device, the SM is handled by a single MSC. Similarly, it is also clear that computer  105  connected to the Internet  110  can transmit the SM to SMSC  135  for handling as outlined above for delivery to mobile station  145 . Moreover, the above description of a conventional SMS system is highly simplified to bring out the underlying processes. However, even in the simplified form, it is readily appreciated that in current SMS systems the SM is just delivered to the destination device in the same form it is sent from the originating device. But, with further reflection, it is soon realized that there exists a great potential for using SMs in a SMS system to initiate different operations based on the contents of the SMs. Also, an SM can be preprocessed and valuable information may be added before delivery to the final recipient. These features are not utilized in the state-of-the-art SMS systems. Furthermore, SMs can be used to initiate specific operations at the destination. Keeping this in view, the subject matter of the present invention relates to an SMS exchange that performs value-addition functions based on the contents of SMs. 
   Another aspect of the subject matter of the present invention relates to initiating a teleconference from a cell-phone through the SMS exchange utilizing the value-added functionality of SMs. Teleconferencing among three or more individuals with cellular phones is a very useful communication service in the today&#39;s environment. People on the move are greatly helped by such a service in making decisions and planning future activities. However, in the current state-of-the-art, a person initiating a teleconference or, e.g., that person&#39;s secretary, is required to call each of the participants and conduct the teleconference. There is now a need for an automated system that can manage a teleconference without the intervention of the person initiating the teleconference. Also, other automated functions such as reminding a user about some event or providing the user with some information at a time pre-selected by the user are possible with such a telecommunication service. A major benefit of such a system is that a user can coordinate activities such as teleconferencing, tele-reminding or timed tele-messaging even when the user is on the move without physical access to a computer with connection to the Internet. 
   Discussed below are representative references that provide a backdrop for the subject matter of the present invention. The SMS exchange with value-addition features and the SMS-based teleconferencing system in accordance with the present invention are not taught or suggested by this art. 
   U.S. Patent Application No. 20010003094 by Foll describes a method and mobile communications system for controlling a short message service. In this invention, on the basis of the fact that short messages are sent by a communication terminal of a mobile subscriber into a mobile radio network and are routed to a switching facility responsible for the mobile subscriber, a short message together with an address that identifies a service facility responsible for dealing with the short message service for a mobile subscriber is received by the switching facility. The short messages are routed for temporary storage in the service facility and for transmission to a communication terminal of another subscriber if the received address is contained in an address table of the switching facility. 
   U.S. Patent Application No. 20010011020 by Nahm pertains to a method for transferring and reflecting message by using short message service in a portable digital phone. In this invention, a method for operating an SMS in a portable digital phone, more particularly a method for transferring and responding to a message using an SMS in a portable digital phone, is described. The method according to the invention includes the steps of drafting a message with a plurality of optional messages by a sending party, transferring the optional messages as an SMS message during a transferring mode, and receiving and responding to the sender&#39;s message by selectively responding to the optional messages. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,212 issued to Ross et al. describes a short message service center. The short message service center allows processing characteristics to be modified for service users within a given type so that the storage and delivery of short messages to one service user of a given type may be different for another service user within the same given type. The short message service center alleviates some of the potential “jams” associated with the processing of large distribution lists and closed user groups. The short message service center further allows for distributed administration. Additionally, the short message service center receives a short message in one standard format and delivers the short message in another standard format. The short message service center utilizes both a table routing method and a global title translation method for routing messages to a recipient. It allows a complete transmission of short messages between service entities having differing short message length definitions and has capability for dynamic system re-configuration. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,726 issued to Donovan et al. describes a system using portion of a short message payload to identify short message service types and delivering the message if user subscribes to the services. A system and method for providing enhanced short-message service options in PCS systems is described. The generic short-message service is split into unbundled short-message service applications (e.g., emergency messaging, voice mail alert, etc.). Each of these unbundled short message services is recognized at short-message systems, home location registers, and subscriber terminals. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,357 issued to Salin pertains short message processing in a mobile exchange. In this invention, a method is described for processing a short message received at a mobile exchange in a cellular radio network, for delivering one short message at a time to a B subscriber. An operation controller is used for observing the operation of the B subscriber so as to detect the delivery of the short message and to prevent the delivery of another short message when the delivery of the preceding short message is in progress. A memory is used for storing rejected short messages and a queue control is adopted responsive to the B-subscriber operation controller for reading the rejected short message from the memory so as to initiate the delivery of the short message to the B subscriber when the delivery of the preceding short message is completed. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,103 issued to Foti describes a method of providing service information from a subscriber service profile to subscribers in a cellular telecommunications network using the short message service. The network includes a mobile station having a visual display, a mobile switching center, and a home location register for storing the subscriber service profile. A request for the service profile information is transmitted from the mobile station to the mobile switching center and the home location register. The mobile switching center retrieves the service profile information from the home location register. The service profile information is appended to an SMS message that is transmitted from the mobile switching center to the mobile station. The service profile information is then provided in a voice message or displayed on the visual display of the mobile station. Thus, this invention provides only basic additional processing of an SMS message before delivery to the final recipient. 
   While the above representative art deals with various aspects of SMS message systems, the art is devoid of a separate SMS exchange with value-addition capability in accordance with the present invention. Moreover, the art is devoid of value addition service involving initiation of a teleconferencing system by using SMS messages such as described herein. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   These shortcomings and other limitations and deficiencies are obviated in accordance with the present invention by a method, and concomitant circuitry, to implement short message value-added services. 
   In accordance with one broad method aspect of the present invention, a method for processing a short message service (SMS) message includes: (a) embedding a value-added field in the SMS message by the originator of the SMS message, the field being indicative of a value-added service requested by the originator, and (b) implementing the value-added service based upon the SMS message. 
   In accordance with yet another broad method aspect of the present invention, a method for establishing a teleconference via a short message service (SMS) message includes: (a) embedding a teleconference directive in the SMS message by the initiator of the teleconference, and (b) implementing the value-added service based upon the teleconference directive. 
   Broad system aspects of the present invention are commensurate with the aforementioned broad method aspects. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a high-level block diagram of a wireless system used to describe a conventional short message service involving mobile devices such as a cell-phone; 
       FIG. 2  is a high-level block diagram of a short message service system wherein a short message service exchange in accordance with the present invention is shown in overlay fashion on the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a high-level block diagram depicting the components of the short message service exchange of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart depicting the processing to deliver a short message for implementing value-added functionality; 
       FIG. 5  depicts the layout of a data packet for an exemplary short message wherein keywords are replaced by actual data for a given originator/member; 
       FIG. 6A  depicts the raw text of the data packet of  FIG. 5  in top-down fashion; 
       FIG. 6B  depicts the conversion of the raw text of  FIG. 6A  into the Extensible Markup Language (XML) format wherein data items are tagged by customized XML tags; 
       FIG. 6C  depicts another example of the raw text of a data packet which contains data to invoke a teleconference; 
       FIG. 6D  depicts the conversion of the raw text of  FIG. 6C  into XML format; 
       FIG. 7  depicts components of the SMS data storage device of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 8  depicts exemplary records in the member database of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  depicts exemplary records in the SM delivery database of  FIG. 7   
       FIG. 10  depicts an illustrative embodiment of an SMS-based teleconference system in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  depicts in high-level block diagram form the teleconference server of  FIG. 10 , including a processor and memory; 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the layout of the member database of the memory in  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 13  illustrates the layout of the session database of the memory in  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 14  illustrates the composition of the proceedings database of the memory shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a flow diagram for the process of establishing and taking down of a teleconference; and 
       FIG. 16  illustrates the Web page format for requesting a teleconference. 
   

   To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   A high-level circuit block diagram of SMS system  200  for an embodiment in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIG. 2  wherein an SMS exchange performs value-addition to SMs in addition to normal routing and sending of SMs;  FIG. 2  is a modified depiction of  FIG. 1  wherein SMS exchange  205  is shown in overlay fashion on the components of  FIG. 1 . In system  200 , all SMs pass through the SMS exchange  205  before reaching their respective destinations. The different components of the SMS exchange  205  are shown in  FIG. 3  (to be discussed shortly in conjunction with  FIG. 4 ). Each of these components may be implemented on one or more separate computers or may be integrated on a single computer depending on the desired SMS rate handling capacity. A flowchart showing the steps in delivering an SM is shown in  FIG. 4 , and includes the following processes: 
   Process  405 : An SM is originated, for example, in SMS system  200  by computer  105  or wireless device  120 . If the SM is sent from a computer  105 , it is sent to the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the SMS exchange  205  via link  207 . In case the SM is sent from a wireless device such as cell-phone  120 , it is directed to the phone number that corresponds to the SMS exchange  205  via phone line  206 . An exemplary message sent from computer  105  to the Internet e-mail address SMdest@isp.com may be of the form “send quote to &lt;myemail&gt; and call me on&lt;myphone&gt;”. The value-added service corresponding to this message is the replacement of the alias names between the delimiters ‘&lt;’ and ‘&gt;’, namely, ‘myemail’ and ‘myphone’, with the actual e-mail address and phone number of the originator.
 
Process  410 : In the case of the SM originating from an Internet connected device  105 , the SM directly arrives at the SMS exchange via the Internet  110  over link  207 . But, an SM originating from a wireless device  120  first arrives at an SMSC  135  via an MSC  115 . The SMSC  135  forwards the SM to an SMS exchange  205 . An SM thus arrives at the SMS exchange  205  via a communication network such as the Internet  110 , or a network ‘cloud’  130  comprising PSTN, wireless cellular networks or other networks. In either case, the SM arriving at the SMS exchange is encapsulated within a data packet.
 
   A data packet corresponding to the aforementioned exemplary message is shown in  FIG. 5 . As is typical, the IP layer packet  500  has header information such as IP source ( 505 ), IP destination ( 510 ), member field ( 515 ), and so forth, as well as a data payload field ( 520 ). The utility of the member field will be discussed below. 
   Process  415 : In the SMS exchange  205 , the SMS gateway  300  of  FIG. 3  extracts the contents of the SM from the different formats in which they arrive. For instance, an SM received via the Internet will usually be in the form of IP (Internet Protocol) packets. The extracted SM is then sent to an SMS format converter  305 . The raw SM is generally in alphanumeric text form along with other information pertaining to the source and destination. The SMS format converter  305  transforms the contents of the SM into a format suitable for efficient processing by the SMS processor  310 . An example of such a format in the current state of the art is the XML (Extensible Markup Language) format. With XML, customized tags and other overlay data are added to the raw SM contents to enable value addition functions to be performed efficiently. 
   As one example, a simplified format of IP packet  600  including an SMS message as data portion  605  is shown in  FIG. 6A , which depicts the contents of  FIG. 5  in a top-down manner. The raw ASCII text in the IP packet is converted into an XML format as shown in  FIG. 6B . As seen here, data items are tagged by customized XML tags such as &lt;KEYWORD&gt; and &lt;/KEYWORD&gt;. The processing of the SM contents by the inclusion of such tags becomes easier for other functional entities in the system. 
   As another example, a simplified format of IP packet  610  including an SMS message as data portion  615  is shown in  FIG. 6C , which depicts a packet that may be used to set-up a teleconference (the details of teleconferencing will be discussed in the sequel). The raw ASCII text in the IP packet is converted into an XML format as shown in  FIG. 6D . As seen here, each data item is tagged by customized XML tags such as &lt;DAY&gt; and &lt;/DAY&gt;. 
   The SM in XML format is then passed on to the SMS processor  310 . 
   Process  420 : SMS processor  310  stores the source, destination and other relevant information for each message in the SMS data storage  315 . Based on the destination information, SMS processor  310  adds routing information required for routing the SM as per a selected routing policy—such routing policies are conventional and as such are not encompassed by the present invention. For example, a least cost routing may be used to send the SM to optimize the communication costs, whereas a least time to deliver policy sends the SM along fast routes to minimize the total delivery time for urgent messages. SMS processor  310  accesses any information required for routing from the SMS Data Storage  315 . The SMS processor  310  then sends the SM to the Value-Addition Processor (VAP)  320 .
 
Process  425 : The VAP  320  performs value addition functions on the SM based on the stored programs in its memory and the data in the SMS data storage  315 . For instance, a user may instruct through his SM that his contact email be sent to the recipient of the SM by just typing the keyword ‘myemail’ in his SM, as exemplified by the data payload  520  in  FIG. 5 . Such keywords may be distinguished from regular text in the message by enclosing them in delimiters such as the ASCII characters ‘&lt;’ and ‘&gt;’. Alternatively, for ease of composing an SM while sending from a cell-phone, a character such as ‘K’ may precede a key word. Thus, ‘K myemail’ would mean that ‘myemail’ is a keyword. Yet another alternative is to define a set of keywords that cannot be used in the normal text of an SM. The VAP then looks up that user&#39;s data, based upon the Member ID ( 515 ) in the SMS data storage  315  and inserts the user&#39;s full email address in place of the keyword ‘myemail’. Similarly, a variety of value addition functions could be defined to perform value addition services based on different product definitions and policies specified in the SMS exchange system.
 
   It is noted that there may be different product definitions within a given service type, and several policies could be defined for use under a given product definition. For example, under a service type called ‘SMS initiated teleconferencing’ (expanded upon later), one product P 1  may be defined as teleconferencing with the maximum number of members limited to  5 . Yet another product P 2  may be restricted to members with cellular phones only. Further, under product P 1 , a policy may involve permitting members to join a teleconference within certain duration from the start of the teleconference, and yet another policy may allow members to join a teleconference at any time. The choice of a product and a policy will appropriately determine the cost for the service. 
   After fully processing the SM, VAP  320  then returns the SM to SMS processor  310 . 
   Process  430 : SMS processor  310  then records the completion of value-addition function and any identifiers required for costing and fee calculation for each SM or rating based on pre-defined SMS delivery plans. The SM is then sent to the SMSC gateway  325 . 
   Process  435 : SMSC gateway  325  converts the SM in XML format into formats suitable for sending them to standard state-of-the-art entities such an SMSC  135  or SMSC  136 , as per well-known communication protocols. For instance, a common protocol used to communicate with a SMSC is the SMPP (Short Message Peer to Peer) protocol (see, for example, http://smsforum.net/doc/public/FAQ/GenFAQ.html). The SM is sent to SMSC  136  which has been chosen by the SMS exchange based on service agreements in force and SM routing algorithms used in the system.
 
Process  440 : From SMSC  136 , the SM is then delivered to the final recipient  145  via MSC  140  following the standard routing process.
 
Process  445 : After successful delivery of an SM, a delivery notification message flows back to the SMS exchange  205  via MSC  140 , SMSC  136 , and SMSC gateway  325 . The SMS processor  310  in the SMS exchange  205  then updates the database record for the SM with the delivery notification details in SMS data storage  315 .
 
   Referring next to  FIG. 7 , a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of SMS Data Storage  315  is shown. Data storage  315  is a memory that typically includes one or more machine-readable media. Such media include, as is well-known in the art, an appropriate combination of magnetic, semiconductor and optical media. Memory is preferably capable of supporting searching and storing of digital multimedia data such as text and audio. Memory (or portions thereof) may reside on single computer, or may be distributed in a known manner among multiple computers. 
   In the present embodiment, data storage  315  includes member database  700 , SM delivery database  705 , routing data  710 , and other service dependent data  715 . 
   The rows and columns of the databases described herein represent records and fields thereof, respectively. In the described embodiments, the databases are used in a relational arrangement, as is well-known in the art, so that the databases relate to one another by way of fields that store common data. It is to be noted that while the following description refers to specific individual databases, formats, records, and fields, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an embodiment of member database  700  is depicted. Database  700  stores data relating to member accounts that are maintained for account holders. Each record (row) of database  700  represents such an account. For exemplary purposes, two records R 1  and R 2  are shown. 
   Field  810  stores a member identifier that is associated with and that uniquely identifies a member account. In this embodiment, the member identifier is a four-digit member number. The number of digits in this filed can be fixed depending on the maximum expected number of members in any SMS system. Other types of account identifiers with alphanumeric characters may be used if required. Field  815  is used to store the name of a member. In one embodiment, the name stored in field  815  is a digital audio file (or a pointer thereto) that contains a pre-recorded audio sample of the account holder&#39;s name. The audio recording of member names may be played back while interacting with users with telephone or other voice playback instruments. Field  820  stores the profile information of a member such as phone number and email address of the member. It is possible to store multiple possible phone numbers and emails here, and also other profile information not shown here. While sending SMs from devices other than a wireless phone a member is required to login using a password. Field  825  stores the member&#39;s password that is used to authenticate the use of the SMS system by the member. 
   Referring next to  FIG. 9 , an embodiment of SM Delivery database  705  is depicted in detail. Database  705  stores data relating to SMs processed through the SMS exchange. One record (row) of database  705  is maintained for each SM. For exemplary purposes, three records R 3 . 1 , R 3 . 2  and R 4  are shown. Field  910  stores an SM identifier that uniquely identifies an SM. For exemplary purposes, the SM identifier is shown as including six digits. Field  915  stores the identifier of the member who has sent the SM. Field  920  is used to store SM origination information that can be either a wireless phone number or the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the computer from which the SM has been sent. Similarly, field  925  stores the destination information for an SM, which can be a wireless phone number or an IP address. Field  930  stores the actual SMs in the form they were received. For simplicity in representation, only the ASCII characters of some sample SMS messages or parts of messages are shown in  FIG. 9 . Alternatively, pointers to SMs stored elsewhere in memory can be stored in field  930  (not exemplified). Field  935  stores a value-addition service code that indicates the type of value-addition function performed on an SM. The value-addition service code is useful for determining the charge incurred by a user in sending an SM. Different rating schemes can be applied while charging the SM senders based on different service plans to which the users can subscribe. Field  940  indicates the delivery status for an SM. The delivery status could indicate information about an SM delivery such as ‘Delivered’, ‘Pending’, or ‘Cannot deliver’. This information can be made available to a sender of an SM at his/her mobile phone or computer. 
   With reference again to  FIG. 7 , routing data  710  contains information about the different SMSC gateways and SMSCs and their connectivity data. As mentioned earlier, different services connected with SMS can be supported by the SMS system described herein. Relevant data required to support such services is represented in this embodiment as service dependent data  715 . The contents of data  715  will be discussed in more detail below with respect to the teleconference service 
   Teleconference 
   Another preferred embodiment of this invention includes a system and method for establishing, maintaining, and taking down a teleconference among three or more individuals by using an SMS exchange. A schematic representation of SMS-based teleconferencing system  1000  is shown in  FIG. 10 . In this system, each participant has a telephone (wireless or wireline) and the person initiating the teleconference has a wireless cellular phone exemplified by phone  1015  capable of sending SMS messages via MSC  1020 . Alternatively, a teleconference could also be initiated from computer  1025  connected to Internet  1030 . Registered members only can initiate a teleconference. It may be noted that while a conventional wireline/landline telephone  1055  cannot be used to initiate a teleconference as it does not have SMS sending capability, it can still be included in a teleconference for voice based communication. 
   Teleconference site  1001  with teleconference server  1005  is linked to PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and wireless cellular networks  1035  via landline connections  1036  and Internet  1030  via link  1031 . Teleconferencing is made possible through teleconferencing bridge  1010  at teleconference site  1001 . Teleconference server  1005  is interfaced to teleconferencing bridge  1010  for coordination of teleconferencing functions in the system. SMS messages indicating details of a teleconference are sent from SMSC  1045  to SMS exchange  1050 , which is interfaced to teleconference server  1005 , via networks  1035  or Internet  1030 . It is assumed here that SMS exchange  1050  and teleconference server  1005  are geographically local to each other and so the communication between them also takes place over a geographically local interface  1002 . However, SMS exchange  1050  and teleconference server  1005  may be located in different geographical locations and in that case, the communication between them would be through Internet  1030  or other networks  1035 . Teleconferencing bridge  1010  is implemented utilizing any of a plurality of well-known state-of-the-art telephony switches such as, for example, the SwitchMaster™ bridge, a voice and data telephone switch manufactured by CadCom Telesystems, Inc. of Enid, Okla. It is to be noted that the system shown in  FIG. 10  may include well-known internal connectors, architectures, interfaces, ports, and communication devices (e.g., modems) to enable processing and communication. For the purpose of focusing on the inventive subject matter, a detailed description of the same is omitted. 
   Referring next to  FIG. 11 , a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of teleconference server  1005  is shown. Server  1005  typically includes memory  1105 , and at least one processor  1100  in communication therewith. Processor  1100  is interfaced to SMS exchange  1050  via connection  1002  to receive SMS messages sent by an initiator of a teleconference. PSTN telephone lines  1036  are interfaced to processor  1100  through a standard PSTN interface. Processor  1100  also controls the switching and other functions of a teleconferencing bridge. It must be noted that the processor  1100  is interfaced to the SMS exchange  1050 , PSTN  1035 , and teleconferencing bridge  1010  through appropriate state-of-the-art interfaces, which are not shown in  FIG. 9  to again focus on the inventive aspects of the subject matter. 
   Memory  1105  typically includes one or more machine-readable media. Such media include, as is well known in the art, an appropriate combination of magnetic, semiconductor and optical media. Memory is preferably capable of supporting searching and storing of digital multimedia data such as text and audio. Memory (or portions thereof) may reside on single computer, or may be distributed in a known manner among multiple computers. 
   In the present embodiment, memory  1105  includes member database  1110 , session database  1115 , proceedings database  1120  and audio storage  1125 . Memory also stores program  1130 , which includes instructions for controlling processor  1110  in accordance with the present invention. 
   The rows and columns of the databases described herein represent records and fields thereof, respectively. In the described embodiments, the databases are used in a relational arrangement, as is known in the art, so that the databases relate to one another by way of fields that store common data. It is to be noted that while the following description refers to specific individual databases, formats, records, and fields, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 12 , an embodiment of member database  1110  is depicted in detail. Database  1110  stores data relating to member accounts that are maintained for account holders. Each record (row) of database  1110  represents such an account. For exemplary purposes, two records R 5  and R 6  are shown. 
   Field  1210  stores a member identifier that is associated with and that uniquely identifies a member account. In this embodiment, the member identifier is a four-digit member number. The number of digits in this field can be fixed depending on the maximum expected number of members in any teleconferencing system. Other types of account identifiers with alphanumeric characters may be used if required. Field  1220  is used to store the name of a member. In one embodiment, the name stored in field  1220  is a digital audio file (or a pointer thereto) that contains a pre-recorded audio sample of the account holder&#39;s name. The audio recording of member names may be played back while interacting with users with telephone or other voice playback instruments. Field  1230  stores the phone number of the member. It is possible to store multiple possible phone numbers here. 
   Referring next to  FIG. 13 , an embodiment of session database  1115  is depicted in detail. Database  1115  stores data relating to one or more sessions. One record (row) of database  1115  is maintained for each session. For exemplary purposes, two records R 7  and R 8  are shown. Field  1310  stores a session identifier that uniquely identifies a session. For exemplary purposes, the session identifier is shown as including six digits. 
   Field  1320  is used to store chairperson identifier that identifies a particular chairperson of a teleconference session. Field  1330  stores a credit card number of the chairperson. In this embodiment, a chairperson uses the credit card number to pay the costs associated with a teleconference session. However, in practice, other well-known payment means may be adopted. Field  1340  stores the duration of a teleconference and field  1350  stores the identification of participants of a teleconference in terms of their member numbers or telephone numbers. 
   Referring next to  FIG. 14 , an embodiment of proceedings database  1120  is depicted in detail. Database  1120  stores data that points to audio stream files. For exemplary purposes, two records R 9  and R 10  are shown. Field  1410  stores a session identifier that uniquely identifies a session. Field  1420  stores a pointer to the audio stream file that can be used to play back audio proceedings of a teleconference. In this embodiment, the identifier stored in field  1420  is a directory path in the audio storage  1125  in memory  1105 . The audio storage space  1125  is a large block of free area where audio recordings of a teleconference can be stored. Authorized members of a teleconference system can later retrieve the stored audio recordings of the teleconference. 
   Teleconference Initiation and Dissolution 
     FIG. 15  shows flowchart  1500  of teleconference initiation and dissolution process, including the following processes: 
   Process  1505 : A teleconference is initiated and scheduled by a member by sending an SMS message to SMS exchange  1050  giving the necessary details about the teleconference. A typical SMS message has already been alluded to with respect to  FIGS. 6C and 6D . Basically, the SMS message contains date, time, and duration of a teleconference, contact details of the participants and information for charging the cost of the teleconference. The SMS message shown in  FIG. 6D  is just an example format with abbreviated keywords that refer to a teleconferencing function. The abbreviations shown are: TC-TeleConference, DT-Date, T-Time, DR-Duration, CP-ChairPerson, M-Member, P-Phone number, and CC-Credit Card. However, while sending a teleconference initiation request from a computer, another more compatible user interface may be provided. For example, web page with a suitable format such as template  1600  shown in  FIG. 16  may be used. 
   A member who conducts the teleconference is designated as the chairperson. A chairperson is accountable for call and other charges with reference to a teleconference conducted by him/her. The teleconference charges typically include the telephone call charges of all the participants, Internet connection charges, SMS processing fees and charges for usage of teleconference server and associated equipment. 
   Process  1510 : SMS exchange  1050  processes the SMS message and checks whether all the information necessary for scheduling a teleconference is provided in the message, and whether sufficient resources in the teleconference bridge would be available for the duration of the teleconference. It also authenticates the chairperson&#39;s identity through member database  1110  and checks the validity of the credit card information. Any missing information is communicated to the teleconference initiator via an SMS message or Internet message in case of teleconference initiation through an Internet connected computer. After ascertaining that the teleconference can be scheduled, the SMS exchange sends a confirmation message to the teleconference initiator.
 
Process  1515 : SMS processor  1100  then appends information such as telephone numbers of members identified by their member identifiers and credit card number to the SMS message for enabling the scheduling of the teleconference by the teleconference server  1005 .
 
Process  1520 : SMS  1050  exchange sends the processed SMS message to the teleconference server  1005 .
 
Process  1525 : At the scheduled time of a teleconference, the teleconference server  1005  calls up the chairperson&#39;s phone (e.g.,  1015 ) first and indicates the starts of the teleconference. The other participants&#39; phones (e.g.,  1055 ,  1065 ,  1066 ) are then called up separately. It may be noted that the calls from the teleconference server reach the participants via PSTN and/or appropriate MSCs (e.g.,  1020 ,  1070 ). Calls of the responding participants are then bridged at the teleconferencing bridge. It is possible to repeat calling non-responding participants at periodic intervals for the duration of the conference to connect them in the middle of a teleconference.
 
Process  1530 : Teleconferencing among the called-in participants progresses with their calls linked through the teleconferencing bridge. During the course of a teleconference, it is possible for the chairperson or other authorized persons to send SMS messages to SMS exchange  1050  for performing specific value-addition services. For example, a chairperson may send an SMS message to call up one or more new members for inclusion in the teleconference. On completion of the teleconference, the chairperson hangs up his/her connection signaling the end of teleconference.
 
Process  1535 : The teleconference server disconnects the telephone connections from the teleconferencing bridge  1010  and performs billing and settlement functions.
 
   OTHER EMBODIMENTS 
   As mentioned earlier, timed tele-messaging is yet another example of value-addition service that can be supported by SMS exchange  205  or  1050 . A user can send an SM to the SMS exchange instructing the system to send a message incorporated in the SM at a specific time as a new SM to him/her or to another party. The SMS exchange then sends the message contained in the SM to the destination at the specified time. 
   Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings. Thus, the previous description merely illustrates the principles of the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those with ordinary skill in the art will be able to devise various arrangements, which although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, that is, any elements developed that perform the function, regardless of structure. 
   In addition, it will be appreciated by those with ordinary skill in the art that the block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative circuitry, equipment, and systems embodying the principles of the invention.