Patent Publication Number: US-7917181-B2

Title: Method for transmitting graphics symbols and/or audio and graphic information from a transmitter to a receiver

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/979,460, filed Nov. 14, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,419 which represents the U.S. National Phase application of P.C.T. Application No. PCT/EP00/04339, filed May 12, 2000. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a method for transmitting symbols and/or Information from a transmitter to a receiver. Further, the invention relates to devices for coding, transmitting, and receiving symbols and/or information. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Such methods and devices are known from the prior art. Such devices and methods are used, for example, in modern mobile telephones. For example, in these mobile telephones, certain symbols are Chosen when the user of the transmitting mobile telephone sends an SMS message. [Alternate translation: In these mobile telephones, for example when an SMS message is sent, the user of the transmitting mobile telephone chooses certain symbols.] In the prior art, these are generally the standard symbols “+”, “−”, “,”, “.”, “:”, “″”, “?”, “!”, “*”, “/”, (“,”), “&lt;”, “=”, “&gt;”, “%”, “&amp;”, “§” “$”, “@”. These symbols are then transmitted as a symbol. 
     Methods and devices for transmitting information from a transmitter to a receiver are known from the prior art. These methods and devices are used, for example, in mobile telephones. Besides voice transmissions, the transmission of so-called SMS (short message server) is also known. In this connection, reference is made, for example, to Connect 8/99 page 30 ff. Accordingly, short messages can be transmitted by mobile telephones (transmitters), via a short message service central of a service provider, to another mobile telephone (receiver). Voice messages can be transmitted by means of such short messages. 
     However, a disadvantage of the mobile telephones known from the prior art, and specifically of the methods and devices, known from the prior art, for transmitting symbols from one mobile telephone to another, is that the symbols am transmitted as such. 
     The transmission of symbols and/or information then requires a substantial amount of data. This again entails a considerable amount of time, which is needed to transmit the symbols and/or information. 
     Another disadvantage is that only a limited number of symbols and/or information can be transmitted in the prior an. The reason for this primarily also is the considerable amount of data needed for the symbols and/or information. All this data must be transmitted when the symbols and/or information are transmitted. 
     However, the users of the mobile telephone have a significant need also to be able to transmit other symbols and/or information without their telephone bill, meaning the time needed to transmit the symbols, rising above the fee. 
     A disadvantage of the known devices and methods for transmitting audio information from a transmitter to a receiver is that, in the prior art, the audio information itself, that means e.g. tone signals and the like, is irregularly transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver. This means, for example in the case of electromagnetic transmission, which means transmission by electromagnetic waves, such as is customary, for example, for mobile telephones, that the tone signals themselves are transmitted. This means that they are converted into modulations of the transmission frequency, and are transmitted. In the prior art, this results in a substantial amount of data, which is needed to transmit tone signals. For example, in the case of digital transmission, each individual tone signal must be converted into a sequence of fehlen bits, and then this fehlen bit information must be transmitted. These necessary, extensive amounts of data again demand a certain amount of time, which extends or delays the transmission. 
     It is also known how to integrate game functions into mobile telephones. In this connection, reference is made, for example, to Connection Manual 8/99 page 20. These game functions can be invoked on a display device of the mobile telephone and can be used internally by an operator. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore the object of the present invention to further develop methods and devices of the type mentioned in the introduction, in such a way that the above disadvantages are avoided and that it is possible to transmit symbols in less time and to expand the transmission of information. 
     This object is achieved by a method with the characteristics as shown in the claims, in that the following steps are executed: A particular symbol is selected on the transmitting end; a speech expression associated with the symbol is found on the transmission end; the speech expression is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver; the symbol associated with the speech expression is found on the receiving end. 
     The advantages of this procedure are especially that, through the invention, the speech expressions must now be transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver. For example, if the user of a device using this method chooses to transmit the symbol sun, only the word “sun” must be transmitted, and no longer the symbol in itself. However, transmission of the word “sun” requires much less transmission time, so that the transmission process is performed more quickly and economically. On the receiving side, the speech expression is then again converted into the symbol associated with it, so that the receiver of the message then sees the sun symbol on his display or the like. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the particular symbol can be chosen from a symbol table on the transmitting side. This can be done, for example, by means of a display. For example, the user of a mobile telephone can pick a particular symbol to transmit from a whole series of them on a display or on a table of symbols. The mobile telephone will then internally convert the chosen symbol into the corresponding word or into the corresponding speech expression and will transmit this speech expression. Such a symbol table significantly simplifies the selection of symbols for the user. The symbols or the symbol table preferably are first stored in a memory. 
     In another preferred embodiment, a microprocessor controls the selection of the symbols and/or the association of the speech expression to the selected symbol and/or the transmission and also reception of the speech expression. The method thus is preferably implemented with a device which has integrated on one board the memory for storing the symbol table and the associated speech expressions, the microprocessor, and the input unit or keyboard. The method thus can be used completely in modern mobile telephones, since it requires no additional prerequisites which could not be integrated into known mobile telephones. The inventive method and the inventive device for transmitting symbols from a transmitter to a receiver consequently can be applied completely to present-day mobile telephones. 
     Also preferred is a method by which, when the speech expression is transmitted, the transmitter adds an identifier to the speech expression. The function of this identifier is to distinguish the speech expression from other speech expressions which do not represent a symbol. For example, when transmitting the symbol “sun” mentioned above, the symbol sun is first converted into the word “sun,” and then is provided with an identifier, for example the identifier “#”. The speech expression, thus equipped with the identifier “#”, is then transmitted by the transmission unit. On the receiving end, this identification of speech expressions makes it possible to distinguish normal speech expressions from speech expressions which encode a symbol. On the receiving end, a preferred embodiment makes it possible to recognize whether or not a speech expression carries the identifier that identifies it as a coded symbol. If the speech expression has no identifier which identifies it as a coded symbol, it is processed on the receiving end as the speech expression per se and is so indicated the user of the receiving mobile telephone. However, in the case of a speech expression labeled by an identifier, the receiving unit recognizes that this is a coded symbol, and looks for the corresponding associated symbol, preferably in a table stored in a memory. As soon as the symbol has been determined by the receiver, the symbol can be displayed. The user on the receiving end consequently does not notice that only the speech expression was transmitted, but directly sees the symbol and has the feeling that the symbol itself was transmitted. 
     On the receiving end, too, the method can be implemented by means of a microprocessor, which controls the retrieval of symbol tables and associated speech expressions from the memory, and which likewise controls the receiving unit of the receiver and possibly also the display unit for displaying the symbol which has finally been determined. 
     In an especially preferred embodiment, a microprocessor executes an algorithm stored in a memory, when it is supposed to convert a symbol into a speech expression. This embodiment consequently does not need a table. This association of a speech expression with a symbol can also be performed on the receiving end when associating a symbol with a speech expression by means of an algorithm. 
     Another embodiment of the invention has the inventive coding only on one side. This means that the symbol is reproduced coded or coded [sic, should be uncoded] only at the receiver or only at the transmitter. This means that, with this embodiment, when the user makes a transmission, only the speech expression is inputted. The user preferably can equip this speech expression with an identifier. Then the identified speech expression is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver. In this case, only the receiver is then able to convert the identified speech expression into the corresponding symbol. For example, this can be the case if only the receiving mobile telephone is equipped with appropriate display devices which permit display of a symbol, while the transmitting mobile telephone is not able to display a symbol. 
     In the inverse case, it is possible on the transmitting end to convert the symbol into a speech expression, while this is not possible on the receiving end. In this inverse case, therefore, the selected symbol is converted into a speech expression only on the transmitting end, while only the speech expression is indicated on the receiving end. In the above-mentioned example, the situation would be such that the user of the transmitting mobile telephone selects the symbol sun, then converts the symbol sun, in accordance with the inventive method, into the speech expression “sun” with reference to the association table, and then again transmits this speech expression. On the receiving end, for example if there is no capability of displaying the symbol “sun,” this speech expression itself is then displayed. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the inventive method and/or the inventive device recognizes the language in which the selected symbol is to be coded prior to coding it. In appropriate circumstances, the user can also prescribe this himself. For example, this means that, if a mobile telephone is owned by a German-speaking user or if the user prescribes German as the transmission language, the symbol “sun” is transmitted as the word “sonne.” However, if the user of the mobile telephone speaks English or if the user prescribes the English language, the symbol sun is transmitted as the speech expression “sun.” In another embodiment, all important languages in the world are programmed into the memory. The transmitting telephone then transmits in the language set for it, while the receiving telephone, by means of the microprocessor, looks for the language just received in the various tables that are stored in the memory, and then displays the symbol selected by the transmitter. 
     In another embodiment, the transmitter is a telephone and the receiver is a personal computer (PC) or a fax machine. The transmitted symbol is then displayed by the PC or is printed out by the fax. 
     The invention further achieves its object by a method with the characteristics as shown in the claims. On the transmission end, at least two related, non-identical symbols are selected, a spent expression is found for each of the two symbols on the transmission end, the speech expressions associated with the symbols are transmitted to the receiver, and, on the receiving end, the sequence of speech expressions is converted into the associated symbols, and the associated symbols are displayed sequentially on a display device. This yields the advantage of enabling a transmitter to easily transmit moving pictures at least to one receiver. The sequence of associated, non-identical symbols preferably correspond to the individual picture sequences of a moving picture, so that moving pictures can be displayed by streaming together at least two of these sequences (symbols). Preferably more than two symbols are selected, and the corresponding speech expressions are joined together, so that picture sequences with correspondingly more sequences can also be transmitted and can be displayed on the receiving end. A preferred embodiment of the invention specifies that the received symbols (picture sequence) are repeated as a loop on the receiving end, so that, once a transmitted succession of picture sequences has been received, it is displayed on the receiving end continuously as a moving picture—in this case with repeating motions. 
     A preferred embodiment of the invention specifies that the individual symbols can be retrieved from a stored table on the transmitting end, and that a speech expression associated with the symbols is transmitted. The individual symbols which represent a moving picture naturally differ only slightly. By transmitting picture sequences of a moving picture, the same speech expression preferably is associated with these individual symbols. This speech expression will differ only in a change, addition, or the like which identifies the respective change of the following picture sequence from the preceding one. This reduces to a minimum the complexity of transmitting moving pictures by a succession of picture sequences converted into speech expressions, since the amount of data that needs to be transmitted has been considerably reduced. 
     On the transmitting end, the received speech expressions are converted into their corresponding associated symbols by means of a table stored in a memory means, and are displayed on the display device. 
     A preferred embodiment of the invention further specifies that a general identifier is added to a transmitted succession of speech expressions which represent symbols. This identifier identifies the short message (as a consequence of the speech expressions) to the receiver unambiguously as moving picture information. This makes it easily possible to distinguish between normal or other short messages and moving picture information. 
     The invention further achieves its object by a device with the characteristics specified in Claim. A microprocessor, which interacts with at least one memory means, is associated both with the transmitter and a receiver, of which there is at least one, and in that a prescribable number of symbols with their associated speech expressions is stored in the memory means, and that a display device is present for selecting at least two of the symbols, and that a transmission and reception device is present for transmitting the minimally two symbols. This can advantageously make it simpler to handle the transmission of moving pictures. Simply by retrieving the desired symbols which are stored in a memory means, the microprocessor can automatically control the conversion of the symbols into speech expressions and their processing for transmission. Transmission is thus simplified. 
     The invention further achieves its object by a method with the characteristics as shown in the claims. On the transmission end, at least two related, non-identical symbols (picture sequences) are selected, an the transmission end a character sequence is found for each of the two symbols, the character sequences associated with the symbols are transmitted to the receiver, and, on the receiving end, the character sequences are converted into their associated symbols, and the symbols am sequentially displayed on a display device, and at the same time a tone sequence associated with the symbols is reproduced acoustically. The advantage here is that a musical background can be actuated at the same time that the moving pictures actuated on the transmitting end am displayed on the receiving end. In this way, either [sic, there is no “or”] the receiver&#39;s attention can be called to the transmitted moving pictures, since the musical background is still audible even if the receiver is momentarily not visible. Another advantage here is that the musical background can actuate in the receiver of the moving pictures additional emotions, memories, thoughts, or the like. 
     A preferred embodiment of the invention specifies that, on the receiving end, at least one tone sequence is permanently associated with the symbols. This makes it possible to limit transmission of information to the symbols, that is the moving pictures, while a tone sequence associated with the symbols is automatically reproduced on the receiving end. This obviates the expense of transmitting the additional reproduction of the tone sequence. 
     Another preferred embodiment of the invention specifies that the transmitting end can modify the tone sequence reproduced on die receiving end. The advantage of this is that, in addition to transmitting the symbols converted into a sequence of characters, at least one character of the transmitted character sequence can actuate the reproduction of a certain tone sequence on the receiving end. Preferably several possible tone sequences are stored on the receiving end. From these, at least one or possibly a certain series of possible tone sequences can be retrieved through the transmitted character sequence. 
     The invention further achieves its object by a device with the characteristics as shown in the claims. A microprocessor, which interacts with at least one memory means, is associated both with the transmitter and the receiver, of which them is at least one, and a prescribable number of related, non-identical symbols (picture sequences) together with the associated character sequences, as well as at least one tone sequence associated with the symbols are stored in the memory means, of which there is at least one, and it contains a display device to display the symbols as well as an acoustic reproduction device to reproduce the tone sequences, of which there is at least one, and it has a transmission and reception device for transmitting the character sequences. The advantage here is that moving pictures can be transmitted as well as displayed, coupled with simultaneous reproduction of a tone sequence. Especially because the symbols associated with the transmitted character sequences are stored on the receiving end and because of the tone sequences linked thereby, the transmitting end can very easily actuate reproduction of the moving pictures with their at least single tone sequence. The microprocessors can automatically control the processing of the transmitted symbols and/or tone sequences on the transmitting end as well as reproduction of the symbols and tone sequences on the receiving end. Such devices consequently are easy to handle, and do not require any additional training. 
     The invention further achieves this object by a method with the characteristics as shown in the claims and by a device with the characteristics as shown in the claims, in that, on the transmission end, one item of audio information is selected in the form of at least one character representing this item of audio information; the character, of which there is at least one, is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver, on the receiving end, the character, of which there is at least one, is converted into the item of audio information. The corresponding inventive device is characterized by a memory for storing the characters which represent audio information; a selection means for selecting from the memory an item of audio information in the form of a character, of which there is at least one, which represents this audio information; a transmitter for transmitting the character, of which there is at least one, which represents the audio information. The inventive receiving device correspondingly has a converter to convert the characters representing the audio information into tone signals. In a preferred embodiment, these tone signals are reproduced by a loudspeaker or the like. Another preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the audio information involves at least one tone. By another preferred embodiment, this audio information is then selected by a letter or a note representing this tone. [The German sentence literally reads: “This audio information is then selected in another preferred embodiment of a letter or note representing this tone.” However, this does not seem to make sense.] For this purpose, the inventive device stores the audio information—in this embodiment this means the letters or notes forming the audio information—in the memory. They can then be selected from this memory by means of suitable selection means, for example a touch screen or a standard keyboard. This touch screen or keyboard is connected to a microprocessor which actuates the memory. In a preferred embodiment, the characters can then be transmitted from a transmission device to a receiving device. The transmission device preferably has an antenna to transmit electromagnetic waves. The receiving device preferably has a memory, containing a table which associates the characters representing the audio information, in this case the letters or notes, with the corresponding tone signals. According to the invention, these tone signals, assigned by a microprocessor on the receiving end, can then be reproduced as a tone signal by a loudspeaker or the like. Another preferred embodiment has a memory in which are stored entire melodies on the transmitting end and/or on the receiving end. These melodies likewise can be selected on the transmitting end by means of characters representing these melodies, and can be transmitted to the receiver by transmitting the characters representing the corresponding melody. By means of an identical table, which likewise can be stored in a memory, the receiver can then retrieve and/or reproduce the corresponding memories on the basis of the received character. 
     The inventive method and the inventive devices can be used especially advantageously in a mobile telephone, a so-called handy, for transmitting audio information from a transmitter and receiving it by a receiver. In such mobile telephones, a character representing a tone signal or a memory is then selected from the memory through the keyboard, and is transmitted by pressing the appropriate key. The receiving handy then has a corresponding table for converting the transmitted character, which represents audio information, into the audio information which it represents, i.e. for example, a tone signal or a melody. By means of a microprocessor present in the receiving handy, the melody, which has been retrieved by means of the corresponding table, can then be reproduced through the loudspeaker of the handy either automatically or as desired by the user. By means of this invention, small musical pieces or the like can thus be sent as a greeting by mobile telephones, without the transmission time being extended beyond the fee. 
     The invention is used especially advantageously in combination with the familiar SMS message In this way, it is possible, for example by appending an appropriate identifier to normal letters, to identify these letters as coded tones. On the receiving end, for example in a receiving handy, the SMS message with its attached special identifier can thus be recognized as actually representing a tone signal. [The German actually says: “On the receiving end, for example in a receiving handy of such an SMS message equipped with a special identifier, it can be recognized that actually a tone signal is involved.” However, this does not seem to make sense.] If the receiving handy is properly equipped, so as to recognize the identifier and converting the so-identified letter into a tone signal, the corresponding tone signal can then be reproduced an the receiving end through the loudspeaker of the receiving handy, after it has received this novel SMS message. The invention further achieves this object by a method with the characteristics as shown in the claims. On the transmission end, at least one game is actuated from a prescribable number of different games, the actuated game is displayed an a display device of the transmitter by an associated game mask, an operator selects a desired game action, the desired game action is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver, an the receiving end, the game action desired an the transmission end is displayed an a display device of the receiver by actuating a game mask associated with the game, and that the game action desired an the transmission end is visualized an the game mask. The advantage here is that games can be played with at least two players even over arbitrarily great distances. This opens up completely new fields of application. Furthermore, the inclusion of several players enhances the entertainment value. A preferred embodiment of Ute invention specifies that the desired game action is entered an the transmission end through an operating device which preferably is an alphanumeric keyboard, and is transmitted to the receiver [the German says: “transmitter,” however, this makes no sense] as a short message. This reduces to a minimum the amount of data that most be transmitted to play the game. 
     Further, a preferred embodiment of the invention specifies that an identifier is added to a transmitted game action so as to identify the short message to the receiver unambiguously as a game action. This makes it very simple to distinguish between standard short messages and/or other ones on the one hand, and game information on the other hand. 
     Another preferred embodiment of the invention specifies that, on the transmitting end, your wish to play a game is transmitted to a forwarding exchange associated with a service central, and this forwarding exchange forwards this wish to at least one receiver from an available pool of receivers willing to play. [The German says: “This forwarding exchange forwards at least one receiver from an available pool of receivers willing to play, to take up the game.” However, this makes no sense]. This enables an operator on the transmitting end to express a wish to play, at any time and independent of any known partner, and to start the game with at least one partner, assigned through the forwarding exchange. 
     Preferably it can also be specified that the forwarding exchange selects as receiver a game computer, for example a chess computer. This enables a sender to start a game even with the game computer, if no normal receiver is ready to play just then. 
     Further, a preferred embodiment of the invention specifies that the forwarding exchange associated with the service provider connects simultaneously to several receivers, so that games with more than two players are possible in the manner of a conference call. In this case, depending on the nature of the activated game, either each player can play against each other player, for example in the game “Pachisi®,” or one player alone can play against several players, for example simultaneous chess. 
     The invention further achieves its object by a device with the characteristics as shown in the claims. Both the transmitter and the receiver have a microprocessor which is connected to a memory means, in which is stored the game mask of at least one game. The advantage of this is that the microprocessor can retrieve the game mask of at least one game, and it can be displayed on the display device of the transmitter. 
     At the same time, when a game mask is displayed on the display device, the microprocessor can switch the alphanumeric operating device of the transmitter to “game operation,” which simplifies transmission of the desired game actions. At the same time, the completed game actions and the completed game reactions of the opposing player can be stored in the memory means, so that a running game can be interrupted at any time without the previous game actions being lost. In this way, a game between at least two partners can also last over an extended time, for example days, weeks, months, or the like. The memory means is designed that its content is not lost even if its power supply is interrupted. 
     Another preferred embodiment of the invention specifies that a game mask of at least one game, from the memory means of the transmitter, is transmitted to the receiver upon request. The advantage of this is that a game can be carried on even with a receiver whose receiving device does not have available the necessary game mask to play the game. 
     Further preferred embodiments of the invention derive from other features cited in the subclaims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is explained in more detail below by way of embodiments, with reference to the associated drawings. 
         FIG. 1  schematically shows an inventive mobile telephone for transmitting, coding, and/or receiving symbols. 
         FIGS. 2 to 26  show various symbols that can be transmitted by the inventive method. 
         FIG. 27  schematically shows a view of a transmitter and/or receiver for transmitting information. 
         FIG. 28  shows a block circuit diagram for transmitting moving pictures. 
         FIG. 29  shows a block circuit diagram for receiving moving pictures. 
         FIGS. 30 to 35  schematically show various possibilities for transmitting moving pictures. 
         FIG. 36  schematically shows a view of a transmitter and of a receiver for transmitting information. 
         FIG. 37  shows a block circuit diagram for transmitting moving pictures with tone sequences. 
         FIG. 38  shows a block circuit diagram for receiving moving pictures with tone sequences. 
         FIGS. 39 and 40  schematically show further possibilities for transmitting moving pictures with tone sequences. 
         FIG. 41  schematically shows the procedure of the inventive method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, by means of a schematically shown embodiment of an inventive device. 
         FIG. 42  schematically shows an arrangement for transmitting game information from a transmitter to a receiver. 
         FIG. 43  shows an arrangement for transmitting game information from a transmitter to at least one receiver chosen from a plurality of receivers. 
         FIG. 44  schematically shows a view of a transmitter or receiver for transmitting game information. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows a mobile telephone  1 . The mobile telephone  1  has a transmitting unit, which is not shown, with an antenna  2 . The antenna serves both as transmitting antenna for the transmission unit and as a receiving antenna for the reception unit, which likewise is not shown. 
     Further, the mobile telephone  1  has a battery, which is not shown, a microprocessor which is not shown, and a schematically represented memory  4 . The battery supplies the mobile telephone  1  with power. The microprocessor is used to control the mobile telephone  1  and its components. 
     Further, the mobile telephone  1  has a keyboard  6  as input unit. By means of the keyboard  6 , the microprocessor can be actuated in such a way that a symbol selected through the keyboard  6  is retrieved by the microprocessor from the memory  4  and is displayed on a display B. In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the display  8  of the mobile telephone  1  shows a house as symbol  10 . The display S is a liquid crystal display. However, a person skilled in the art will be familiar with other type of display. Through the keyboard  6 , the user can now enter the instruction to the microprocessor, that the displayed symbol  10  is to be sent from the mobile telephone  1 , by means of the transmission unit and the transmission antenna  2 , to another mobile telephone, which is not shown. For this purpose, under the control of the microprocessor, the symbol  10 , in this case a house, is then automatically translated, by means of a translation table stored in the memory  4 , into the speech expression “house” Then an identifier, for example the character “#”, is added to the expression “house.” Then again, under the control of the microprocessor, the resulting expression “house#” is transferred to the transmission unit. By means of the transmission antenna  2 , the transmission unit then transmits the term “house#” to the other mobile telephone. 
     The reception unit of the other mobile telephone receives the term “house#” by means of a receiving antenna. The received term “house#” is forwarded by the reception unit to a microprocessor and, under the control of the microprocessor, it is associated with a particular symbol by means of a table stored in the other mobile telephone, and the symbol found in this way is displayed on a display device of the other mobile telephone. The user of the other mobile telephone thus feels that he has received the transmission of the symbol “house.” 
       FIGS. 2 to 26  show examples of symbols that can be transmitted by means of the inventive method. On the left side of the figures are shown the symbols that can be selected and transmitted, while on the right side are shown the respectively associated speech expressions. For example, one of the tables mentioned above contains all the symbols shown in the figures and their corresponding associated expressions. Before being transmitted, the particular symbol is translated into the expression. 
       FIG. 27  schematically shows an arrangement  10  for transmitting moving pictures from a transmitter  12  to a receiver  14 . The transmitter  12  and/or receiver  14  can be, for example, mobile telephones, PCs, fax machines, communicators, laptops, notebooks, or the like. Terminal devices (telephones), which have an appropriate display (still to be explained), and which are connected to telecommunication systems, are also conceivable. The embodiments discussed below assume that the transmitter  12  and the receiver  14  each represent a mobile telephone. However, their functions can be transferred to the other devices named above, and are within the scope of protection of the invention. 
     First it is assumed that an operator of the transmitter  12  wishes to send moving picture information to a person owning the receiver  14 . For this purpose, the operator of the transmitter  12  retrieves—in a manner to be explained later—a succession of picture sequences (later also called symbols) from a memory means  16 . In a time-ordered representation, these yield a moving picture. This succession of at least two associated, non-identical symbols is processed by a microprocessor  18  and is transmitted, through a transmission and reception device  20 , as a short message  22 , to a service provider  24 . The service providers  24  are, for example, operators of mobile broadcasting systems, such as, for example, C-networks, D-networks, E-networks, or the like. The transmission of a short message  22  via a service provider  24  to a chosen receiver  14  is generally known, so that this does not need to be discussed within the framework of the present description. 
     The short message  22 , which represents the succession of picture sequences, is transmitted to the receiver  14  by way of the service provider  24 . The receiver  14  recognizes—likewise in a manner still to be explained that the short message  22  represent moving pictures. When the receiver  14  retrieves the short message  22 , which does not necessarily have to happen immediately but can also happen at a later time, the receiver  14  recognizes the picture succession by means of a microprocessor  18 , which interacts with a memory means  16 . The appropriate number of picture sequences is then shown, in a sequential plan order, on a display device  26 , so that a moving picture is created for the viewer. 
       FIG. 28  shows a schematic block circuit diagram to elucidate the transmission of moving pictures. The same parts as in  FIG. 27  carry the same reference symbols and will not be discussed again. The available modes of transmitting moving pictures can be represented on the display device  26  through an operating device  28 , which, for example, can be formed by an alphanumeric keyboard. This representation can be menu-guided, for example, in that pressing appropriate keys on the operating device  28  causes the available modes to be shown individually, successively, or combined. In the embodiment under discussion, it is assumed that an arrow approaching a heart is to be transmitted as the moving picture. By way of example, this moving picture is decomposed into four picture sequences, which are stored in the storage means  16  under the ordinal numbers “ 1 ,” “ 2 ,” and “ 4 .” The individual picture sequences, viewed by themselves individually, each represent a phase of the arrow&#39;s approach to the heart. A speech expression is associated with each of the picture sequences, which quasi correspond to a picture symbol. By way of example, this association is stored in the storage means  16  in die schematically shown tabular form. For example, the speech expression “hearta” is associated with the picture sequence “ 1 ” The speech expression “heartb” is associated with the picture sequence “ 2 ,” the speech expression “heartc” with the picture sequence “ 3 ,” and the speech expression “heartd” with the picture sequence “ 4 .” If this arrow, approaching the heart, is to be transmitted as a moving picture, from the transmitter  12  to die receiver  14 , the microprocessor  18  controls the transmission and reception unit  20  in such a way that the sequence “heartaheanbheartcheartd” is transmitted as a short message. 
     On the receiving end, its transmission and reception device  20  transfers this short message to the local microprocessor  18 . By reading the memory means  16 , which is likewise present there, the microprocessor  18  finds the associated picture symbol (picture sequence). Actuating the display device  26  at the receiver  14  can cause the picture sequences “ 1 ,” “ 2 ,” “ 3 ,” and “ 4 ” to be displayed in temporal succession. For the viewer of the display device  20  on the receiving end, this yields, as the moving picture, the arrow approaching the heart. 
     To simplify transmission, one can make an arrangement such that, when the ordinal number “ 1 ” is selected in die transmitter  12 , all picture sequences belonging to a block  17 , for example the picture sequences with ordinal numbers “ 1 ,” “ 2 ,” “ 3 ,” and “ 4 ,” are retrieved and are transmitted to die receiver  14 . 
     To reduce the transmitted data still further, the invention specifies that, when the ordinal numbers “ 7 ”, “ 2 ,” “ 3 ,” and “ 4 ,” are invoked, the microprocessor  18  automatically recognizes that four successive, associated (belonging to one block  17 ), only slightly different picture symbols (picture sequences) are to be transmitted. On this basis, an abbreviated short message can be formed in such a way that the short message merely reads “heartabcd.” The short message thus consists of a raute “heart,” which characterizes the entire picture sequence, and the associations “abcd,” which correspond to the individual picture sequences. This transmitted short message  22  clearly requires less data than the succession of individual picture sequences with their complete speech expressions, as discussed above. The microprocessor  18  at the receiving end then correspondingly re-converts the message and causes their pictures to be displayed on the display device  26 . 
     To identify the short message  22  for the receiver as a transmission of associated picture sequences, an identifier can be added, for example by the “#” key. The short message will then consist of the character sequence of variant  1 , “heartaheartbheartcheartd#” or of the preferred short variant  2  “heartabcd#.” 
     Of course, the transmitter  12  can also select only individual picture sequences, for example two, from a block of associated picture sequences. These are then transmitted as a short message. For example, the ordinal numbers “ 2 ” and “ 4 ” can be selected from the block of ordinal numbers “ 1 ,” “ 2 ,” “ 3 ,” and “ 4 .” In this case, either “heartbheartd#” or “heartbd#” is transmitted as the short message. Corresponding to the actually available number of associated picture sequences, various different possibilities result for transmitting moving pictures consisting of several individual picture sequences. 
       FIG. 29  again schematically elucidates reception of the short message  22  at the receiver  14 . Through the transmission and reception device  20 , the microprocessor  18  obtains the short message  22 , and transmits this to the memory unit  16 . The speech expressions are uniquely associated with the picture sequences, and thus the time progression of the individual picture sequences can be displayed on the display device  26 , corresponding to the received short message  22 . In the chosen example, the “heart,” as a constant, identical picture component, needs to be displayed only once, while the approaching “error” is alternatively displayed in its four flight phases, corresponding to the ordinal numbers “ 1 ,” “ 2 ,” “ 3 ,” and “ 4 ,” which were prescribed at the transmission end. 
     The four flight phases of the arrow, which naturally are displayed one after the other, are schematically indicated on the display device  26  in  FIG. 29 . A viewer of the display device  26  consequently sees an arrow approaching the heart. The microprocessor circuit  18  can have an appropriate loop circuit, by which the symbols which were transmitted as the short message  22  and which were converted, via the memory unit  16 , into the picture sequences, can be displayed repetitively. This can continue until an operator at the receiver  14  interrupts or terminates the moving picture information. 
     The short message  22  can be retrieved and thus the moving pictures can be displayed either immediately after the short message  22  has been received or also later. For this purpose, there is a facility for intermediate storage, until the operator of the receiver  14  retrieves the short message  22 . 
       FIGS. 30 to 35  show further embodiments, which relate to various picture sequences for transmitting moving pictures. The storage means  16  is always shown schematically, such that associated picture sequences are always shown in a block  17  with the associated ordinal numbers. As regards the retrieval and transmission of the picture sequences shown in  FIGS. 30 and 35  by way of example, reference is made to the description of  FIGS. 27 to 29 . 
     According to  FIG. 30 , it can be specified that a moving picture consists of a point gradually enlarging into a heart. The individual picture sequences designated by the ordinal numbers “ 5 ,” “ 6 ,” “ 7 ,” “ 8 ,” and “ 9 ” can be associated with the speech expressions “pointa,” “pointb,” “points,” “pointd,” and “pointe.” The transmission can then again consist either of a succession of the speech expressions, for example “pointapointbpointcpointdpointe#” or, according to the short variant, “pointabedefl.” 
       FIG. 31  shows, as an embodiment, an approaching pair, which consists altogether of four picture sequences designated by the ordinal numbers “ 10 ,” “ 117  “ 12 ,” “ 13 .” 
       FIG. 32  shows a possible presentation of a birthday cake, with the picture sequences designated by the ordinal numbers “ 14 ,” “ 15 ,” “ 16 ,” “ 177  ” 187  A quasi growing cake, which finally receives burning candles, can be displayed here. 
       FIG. 33  shows how a face can be displayed, whose features can change from crying to laughing or vice versa. The individual picture sequences here carry the ordinal numbers “ 19 ,” “ 20 ,” “ 21 ,”  22 ,” ″ 23 ”. 
     According to  FIG. 34 , a picture sequence which changes from a face to a devil can be associated with the ordinal numbers “ 24 ,” “ 25 ,” ″ 76 ,” “ 27 ,” and “ 28 ”. 
     Finally,  FIG. 35  shows how a flower can be displayed, which always loses a petal in the individual picture sequences and which, according to the familiar “flirt game,” can carry the subtext “he/she loves me,” “he/she loves me not” and “he/she does love me.” 
     According to further embodiments, the moving pictures can consist, for example, of a laughing and/or crying sun, or a house with a smoking chimney. These can be transmitted and received in moving representations comprising several, but at least two, picture sequences. This enumeration is not complete and final, of course. Any conceivable picture representation, especially if it can be represented in schematized form, can be transmitted as a moving picture in accordance with the method discussed here. 
       FIG. 36  schematically shows an arrangement  10  for transmitting moving pictures with a musical background, from a transmitter  12  to a receiver  14 . For example, a transmitter  12  and/or receiver  14  can be mobile telephones, PCs, fax machines, communicators, laptops, notebooks, or the like. Terminal devices (telephones), which are connected to telecommunication systems, and which are appropriately equipped, are also conceivable. The following embodiment assumes that the transmitter  12  and the receiver  14  are each a mobile telephone. However, their functions can readily be transferred to the other devices mentioned above, and are included within the scope of protection of the invention. 
     The starting point here is that an operator of the transmitter  12  wishes to send moving picture information with a musical background to the owner of the receiver  14 . The operator of the transmitter  12  for this purpose—in a manner to be explained later—retrieves from a memory means  16  a succession of picture sequences (later also called symbols), which yield a moving picture when they am displayed in temporal succession. In addition, information can be but need not be invoked, which causes the receiver not only to display the moving pictures but also to reproduce at least one tone sequence. 
     On the transmission end, the sequence of at least two associated, non-identical symbols, and possibly the triggering Information of the tone sequence which is to be reproduced, are transmitted as a short message  22 , via a transmission and reception device  20 , to a service provider  24 . Service providers  24  are, for example, operators of mobile broadcast systems, such as example C-networks, D-networks, E-networks, or the like. The transmission of a short message  22 , via a service provider  24 , to a selected receiver  14 , is generally known. Consequently, this needs not be discussed in more detail within the framework of the present description. 
     The short message  22 , which represents the succession of picture sequences and, in some circumstances, the triggering Information for reproducing the tone sequence, is transmitted, via the service provider  24 , to the receiver  14 . In a manner which likewise must still be explained, the receiver  14  recognizes that the short message  22  relates to the display of moving pictures with a musical background. The receiver  14  can invoke the short messages  22  either immediately or also at a later time. The receiver  14  then recognizes the picture sequence and, by means of a likewise available microprocessor  18 , which interacts with a storage means  16 , the corresponding number of picture sequences is displayed in temporal succession an the display device  26 , resulting in a moving picture for the viewer. At the same time, the tone sequence associated with the moving pictures is reproduced on a loudspeaker  27  as a melody, in some circumstances with a song. 
     In a schematic block circuit representation,  FIG. 37  elucidates the transmission of moving pictures with a musical background. The same parts as in  FIG. 36  carry the same reference symbols and will not be discussed again. The available modes for transmitting moving pictures with a musical background can be displayed on the display device  26  through an operating device  28  which, for example, can be formed by an alphanumeric keyboard. For example, this presentation can be menu-guided, in that pressing appropriate keys on the operating device  28 , the available modes are displayed individually, successively, or combined. In the embodiment under discussion, it is assumed that an arrow approaching a heart is to be transmitted as the moving picture. By way of example, this moving picture is decomposed into four picture sequences, which are stored in the storage means  16  under the ordinal numbers “ 1 ,” “ 2 ,” “ 3 ,” and “ 4 .” The individual picture sequences, viewed by themselves individually, each represent a phase of the arrow&#39;s approach to the heart. A speech expression is associated with each of the picture sequences, which quasi corresponding to a picture symbol. By way of example, this association is stored in the storage means  16  in the schematically shown tabular form. For example, the speech expression “hearta” is associated with the picture sequence “ 1 .” The speech expression “hearth” is associated with the picture sequence “ 2 ,” the speech expression “hearts” with the picture sequence “ 3 ,” and the speech expression “heartd” with the picture sequence “ 4 .” 
     The storage means  16  furthermore associates the tone sequences (music) which form the background to the pictorial representations. For example, a choice of two possible tone sequences “ml” and “m 2 ” is here associated with each picture sequence. Each of these abbreviations “ml” and “m 2 ” triggers the reproduction of a certain associated tone sequence at the receiver together with transmission of the moving pictures as will be discussed below. According to the example shown here, the tone sequence “ml” or “m 2 ” can be chosen. According to other embodiments, only one tone sequence “m” or a plurality of tone sequences “m 1 ” to “m 2 ” can be associated with each picture sequence or with each block  17  of associated picture sequences. 
     If this arrow, approaching the heart, is to be transmitted as a moving picture, from the transmitter  12  to the receiver  14 , the microprocessor  18  controls the transmission and reception unit  20  in such a way that the sequence “heartaheartbheartcheartd” is transmitted as a short message. 
     On the receiving end, its transmission and reception device  20  transfers this short message to the local microprocessor  18 . By reading the memory means  16 , which is likewise present there, the microprocessor  18  finds the associated picture symbols (picture sequences) and the associated tone sequence. Actuating the display device  26  at the receiver  14  can cause the picture sequences “ 1 ,” “ 2 ,” “ 3 ,” and “ 4 ” to be displayed in temporal succession and simultaneously the tone sequence (music) corresponding to the character sequence “ml” can be played. For the viewer of the display device  20  on the receiving end, this yields, as the moving picture, the arrow approaching the heart and at the same time the audio reception of the associated melody. The melody as such can consist of an arbitrary tone sequence, which has been previously specified and which is stored in the memory means  16  of the receiver. The tone sequences here can be simple successive tones, complex melodies, and/or melodies combined with song. As a specific example, for example, the “Wedding March” can be intoned as the melody when displaying the arrow approaching the heart. 
     To simplify transmission, one can make an arrangement such that, when the ordinal number “ 1 ” is selected in the transmitter  12 , all picture sequences belonging to a block  17 , for example the picture sequences with ordinal numbers “ 1 ,” “ 2 ” “ 3 ,” and “ 4 ,” as well as an associated tone sequence, for example the tone sequence “m 1 ”, are retrieved and are transmitter to the receiver  14 . 
     To reduce the transmitted data still further, the invention specifies that, when the ordinal numbers “ 1 ,” “ 2 ,” “ 3 ,” and “ 4 ” are invoked, die microprocessor  18  automatically recognizes that four successive, associated (belonging to one block  17 ), only slightly different picture symbols (picture sequences) with an associated tone sequence arc to be transmitted. On this basis, an abbreviated short message can be formed in such a way that the short message merely reads “heartabcdml” The short message thus consists of a root “heart,” which characterizes the entire picture sequence, and the associations “abcd” and “ml” corresponding to the tone sequence which corresponds to the individual picture sequences. This transmitted short message  22  clearly requires less data than the succession of individual picture sequences with at least one tone sequence. The microprocessor  18  at the receiving end then correspondingly reconverts the message and causes their pictures to be displayed on the display device  26  and reproduction on a loudspeaker  27 . 
     To identify the short message  22  for the receiver as a transmission of associated picture sequences together with a tone sequence, an identifier can be added, for example by the “#” key. The short message will then consist of the character sequence of variant  1 , “heartaheartbheartcheartdm 1 #” or of the preferred short variant  2  “heartabedm 1 #.” 
     Of course, the transmitter  12  can also select only individual picture sequences, for example two, from a block of associated picture sequences. These are then transmitted as a short message. For example, the ordinal numbers “ 2 ” and “ 4 ” can be selected from the block of ordinal numbers “ 1 ,” “ 2 ,” “ 3 ,” and “ 4 .” In this case, either “heartbheartdml#” or “heaabdm1l#” is transmitted as the short message. Corresponding to the actually available number of associated picture sequences, various different possibilities result for transmitting moving pictures consisting of several individual picture sequences together with the musical background associated with the sequence “m 1 .” 
       FIG. 38  again schematically elucidates reception of die short message  22  at the receiver  14 . Through the transmission and reception device  20 , the microprocessor  18  obtains die short message  22 , and transmits this to the memory unit  16 . The Speech expressions are uniquely associated with the picture sequences and so are the character sequence “m 1 ” with the tone sequences. Thus the time progression of the individual picture sequences can be displayed on the display device  26  and at the same time the associated tone sequence can be reproduced on the loudspeaker  27 , corresponding to the received short message  22 . 
     In the chosen example, the “heart,” as a constant, identical picture component, needs to be displayed only once, while the approaching “error” is alternatingly displayed in its four flight phases, corresponding to the ordinal numbers “ 1 ,” “ 2 ,” “ 3 ,” and “ 4 ,” which were prescribed at the transmission end. The four flight phases of the arrow, which naturally are displayed one alter the other, are schematically indicated on the display device  26  in  FIG. 29 . A viewer of the display device  26  consequently sees an arrow approaching die heart, white at the same time a musical background is played on the loudspeaker  27 . The microprocessor circuit  18  can have an appropriate loop circuit, by which the symbols which were transmitted as the short message  22  and which were converted, via the memory unit  16 , into the picture sequences and the tone sequences respectively, can be displayed repetitively. This can continue until an operator at the receiver  14  interrupts or terminates the moving picture information. 
     The short message  22  can be retrieved and thus the moving pictures can be displayed and the tone sequences reproduced either immediately after the short message  22  has been received or also later. For this purpose, them is a facility for intermediate storage, until the operator of the receiver  14  retrieves the short message  22 . 
     In the embodiment under discussion, it was assumed that a tone sequence “m 1 ” or “m 2 ” was already associated with the block  17  on the transmitting end. It can also be arranged that, on the receiving end, a tone sequence “m 1 ,” “m 2 ,” or another tone sequence “m×” is retrieved automatically when the short message  22  is received, and is reproduced by a loudspeaker  27 . This makes it unnecessary for the transmission end to associate a particular tone sequence. 
       FIGS. 39 and 40  show more embodiments, which relate to various picture sequences for transmitting moving pictures with simultaneous reproduction of at least one tone sequence. The storage means  16  are shown in each case schematically, related picture sequences in a block  17  always being shown with their associated ordinal numbers. As regards the retrieval and transmission of the picture sequences with their associated tone sequences, shown by way of example in  FIGS. 39 and 40 , reference is made to the description of the  FIGS. 36 to 38 . According to  FIG. 39 , a moving picture consists in the representation of a birthday cake, consisting of, for example, a total of five picture sequences. In this connection, the sequences “m 1 ” or “m 2 ” are again respectively cited for the definition of the associated tone sequences. 
     Accordingly, a short message  22  transmitted from the transmitter  12  to the receiver  14  could read—cakeacakebcakeccakedcakeem 2 ” or, according to the short variant “cakeabcdem 2 .” 
       FIG. 40  shows another example, in which the moving picture consists of four picture sequences, which represent a pair who approach one another, for example dancing. This embodiment shows that more than two, namely in this case four different tone sequences “m 1 ,” “m 2 ,” “m 3 ,” and “m 4 ” can be associated with the moving pictures. For example, by selecting a particular one of these tone sequences, a different melody, for example a different dance rhythm can be defined, such as for example a waltz, tango, foxtrot, or the like. 
     The device, shown as an example in  FIG. 41 , has a memory  2 . The memory  2  is connected, through an electric line  4 , to a touch screen  6 , which serves as the inventive selection means. Furthermore, the memory  2  is connected, via an electric line (not shown) to a microprocessor S. 
     In  FIG. 41 , the letters a-c are shown on the touch screen  6 . These letters are each arranged on separate fields on the touch screen  6 , which are hem likewise designated a-c for the sake of simplicity. By means of the touch screen  6 , a user of the device shown here consequently can select a letter on the touch screen  6  by touching the corresponding field. 
     A “*” is also shown on the touch screen  6 . This “*” is also shown on a separate segment of the touch screen  6 . This “*” provides the capability of choosing between two modes of the present device. If the user of the device chooses the “*” field on the touch screen  6 , all the following letter selections of the user on the touch screen  6  are interpreted by the microprocessor S as the selection of a tone. The microprocessor  8  then adds to the selected letter an appropriate identifier, to identify it as a character embodying a tone signal or as a letter embodying a tone signal. Consequently, in the figure the microprocessor  8  schematically has the character combination “b*”. This is supposed to symbolize that, when the user selects the “*” character on the touch screen  6 , the microprocessor  8  is put into the mode in which it automatically interprets every character or every letter selected on the touch screen  6  as a letter embodying a tone signal. It will thus automatically append an appropriate identifier, in the present embodiment likewise an “*”, to every letter which the user selects on the touch screen  6 . 
       FIG. 41  also shows a transmitter  10 . The transmitter  10  has an antenna (not shown) to transmit electromagnetic waves. The transmitter  10  can transmit the character sequences, which have been digitized by the microprocessor  8 , in the present example the character sequence “b*”, as a modulation of an electromagnetic wave. This transmission is symbolized by the arrow  12 . 
     If the device shown here is to transmit a tone signal, it is first connected to a power supply (not shown) by means of a switch (also not shown). The power supply (not shown) supplies the memory  2 , the touch screen  6 , the microprocessor  8 , and the transmitter  10 . After the device has been turned on, the microprocessor  8  automatically actuates a retrieval process, which causes the letters a-e to be retrieved from the memory  2  via the line  4 , and to be displayed on the touch screen  6 . If the user now chooses the “*” mode an the touch screen  6 , he thereby signals the microprocessor  8  that he, the user, wishes from now an to send tone signals by means of the device. If the user then again selects the appropriate letter on the touch screen  6 , in the present figure the letter b, the microprocessor  8  adds the identifier “*” to this selection on the touch screen  6 , and sends it off through the transmitter  10 . 
     In  FIG. 41 , a receiver  14 , complementary to the transmitter  10 , is shown on the receiving end. The receiver  14  is connected, via an electric line  16 , to a second microprocessor  18 . The microprocessor  18  again is connected, via the lines  20  and  22 , to a loudspeaker  24  and to a liquid crystal display  26 . 
     The microprocessor  18  likewise can be connected to a power supply (not shown) through a switch (not shown). If it recognizes that the receiver  14  has received an information item carrying an “*”, in the present example an appropriately identified letter “b”, (in the figure, this recognition is schematically symbolized by a question mark behind the character “*”, shown in the microprocessor field  18 ), the microprocessor  18  actuates the loudspeaker  24 , via the line  20 , and reproduces on the loudspeaker the tone corresponding to the letter b. Thus, in  FIG. 41 , the “yes” shown next to the electric line  20 , means that the microprocessor  18  answers with yes the question whether the received character carried an identifier “*” to identify a tone, so that then the loudspeaker  24  is actuated. If, in the other case, that is in the case when the received character does not carry an identifier “*”, the microprocessor  18  answers the corresponding question with no, the line  22  is actuated, and the letter itself is reproduced on a liquid crystal display  26 . 
     The device shown above the dashed line in  FIG. 41  can be, for example, a transmitting mobile telephone, while the device shown below the dashed line in the figure can be a receiving mobile telephone. The device shown above the dashed line can also be a computer, for example a personal computer, while the device shown below the dashed line likewise can be a personal computer, the two computers being connected to one another through a telephone line  12 . Of course, the embodiments presented here are purely exemplary. Any conceivable picture representation, especially if it can be represented schematically, can be transmitted by the inventive method as a moving picture, and an arbitrary tone sequence can be associated with it. 
       FIG. 42  shows an arrangement  10  for transmitting game information from a transmitter  12  to a receiver  14 . The transmitter  12  and/or receiver  14  can be, for example, mobile telephones, PCs, fax machines, communicators, laptops, notebooks, or the Terminal devices (telephones), which are connected to telecommunication systems, and which have an appropriate display, are also conceivable. The following embodiments assume that the transmitter  12  and the receiver  14  are each a mobile telephone. However, their functions can readily be transmitted to the other cited devices, and are included within the scope of protection of the invention. 
     It is assumed first of all that the operator of the transmitter  12  and the operator of the receiver  14  agree to begin a game. For this purpose, the operator of the transmitter  12 —in a manner which will still be explained later—retrieves from a memory means  16  a game mask which is displayed on a display device  18 , for example a display. The operator of the transmitter  12  then uses an alphanumeric control panel  20  to select a desired game action, for example placing a chess figure. This is transmitted as a short message  22  to a service provider  24 . Service providers  24  are, for example, operators of mobile broadcasting systems, such as for example C-networks, D-networks, E-networks, or the like. The transmission of a short message  22 , via a service provider  24 , to a selected receiver  24  is generally known, so that it need not be discussed in mom detail within the framework of the present description. 
     This short message  22  is transmitted to the receiver  14  via the service provider  24 . In a manner that likewise still needs to be explained, the receiver  14  recognizes that the short message  22  relates to a game action of the transmitter  12 . When the receiver  14  retrieves the short message  22 , which need not necessarily happen immediately but can also happen at a later time, the receiver  14  recognizes the game action and, through a memory means  16 , which is also present, the corresponding game mask is displayed on the display device  18 , and the desired game action is visualized in the game mask. The operator of the receiver  14  can now react to the game action of the transmitter  12  with his own game action, for example placing a chess figure. For this purpose, the game action desired by the receiver is entered through the alphanumeric keyboard  20  of the receiver  14 , and is transmitted as a short message  22 , via the service provider  24 , to the transmitter  12 . In this response, the functions of transmitter and receiver are quasi interchanged. By mutually sending the short messages  22  and  22 ′, a game, for example a chess game, can be played by the transmitter  12  and the receiver  14  over an extended period of time. The current game stains is stored in the respective memory means  16 , so that the game also can be interrupted. Continuation of the game is possible at any time, either through the transmitter  12  or the receiver  14 , by transmitting the next game action due, as a short message  22  or  22 ′. 
       FIG. 43  clarifies another version of the method for transmitting game information from a transmitter  12  to at least one receiver  14 ,  14 ′ and/or  14 ″. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 42  assumed that the transmitter  12  and the receiver  14  agree to begin a game.  FIG. 43  shows the case in which a transmitter  12  would like to start a game, but at the moment does not have available a receiver  14  as a game partner. As already discussed in connection with  FIG. 42 , the game begins by transmitting a short message  22  to the service provider  24 . The letter transmits this short message  22  to an exchange  26 , who knows a plurality of potential receivers  14 ,  14 ′,  14 ″, who are interested in playing. The short message  22  of the transmitter  12  can now be sent by the exchange  26  to each potential receiver  14 . In this connection, it can be arranged that the short message  22  is sent to all potential receivers  14  or only to those receivers  14  who have previously told the exchange  26  that they are waiting to receive a short message  22  containing a game action from any arbitrary transmitter  12 . 
     After the short message  22  has been sent to all the potential receivers  14 , the game exchange  26  waits for the first potential receiver  14  to send a short message  22  and thus to Signal his readiness to start the game. The short message  22 ′ can here immediately contain a game action in response to the game action of the transmitter  12 . All other potential receivers  14  are then not included in the game. The example shown in  FIG. 43  assumes that the receiver  14  was the first to send the short message  22 ′ to begin the game. 
     Variants are also conceivable that the exchange  26  contacts several receivers  14  as game partners. In this way, games can especially be realized which permit more than two players. This can be for example ′Halma,″ “Don&#39;t Get Mad,” or the like. The exchange  26  and the service provider  24  then communicates the corresponding short messages  22  and  22 ′ to all transmitters  12  and receivers  14 , which are connected together in a conference circuit. The exchange  26  then also monitors and controls the order in which the short messages  22  and  22 ′ from the individual participating transmitters  12  and receivers  14  are sent. 
     It is also possible that a game computer  27  is associated with the exchange  26 , to take up the game with the transmitter  12  as needed. This can be the case, for example, if none of the receivers  14 ,  14 ′,  14 ″ is ready or willing to play, or the like. According to another variant, when the transmitter  12  starts a game, he can be connected to several receivers  14 ,  14 ′  14 ″, so that he can exchange game information simultaneously with several receivers  14 . For example, he can play “simultaneous chess” with the individual receivers  14 . For this, the transmitter  12  has the game masks associated with individual receivers  14 ,  14 ′,  14 ″ stored in his memory element  16 . After receiving the current short message  22 ′ from one of the receivers  14 , 14 ′, 14 ″, he retrieves the associated game mask into the display device  18 —The individual receivers  14 ,  14 ′,  14 ″ can easily be associated with the transmitter  12  by means of the Sender identifier (subscriber number assigned by the service provider) which is usually transmitted with short messages. A confusion among the games is thus prevented. 
       FIG. 44  schematically shows a mobile telephone  28 , which can be used as a transmitter  12  and/or a receiver  14 , by means of the embodiments discussed in connection with  FIGS. 42 and 43 . The mobile telephone  28  comprises the display device  18 , the alphanumeric keyboard  20 , an integrated microprocessor  30 , and the memory means  16 . It also has a power supply, which is not shown. For example, this can be a rechargeable battery. The disposition of the individual elements is purely exemplary and naturally can also be different. For example, the keyboard  20  contains a menu key M, through which the games stored in the memory element  16  can be retrieved with menu guidance. In this way, several games can be stored, for example “chess,” “Halma,” “Hearts,” ′Sink the Ship,″ “Ladders,” “Pyramid of Luck,” “Dominos,” “Pachisi®,” “Don&#39;t Get Mad,” or the like. The display device  18  shows a game mask  32  corresponding to the selection of a game by an operator. In the present example, it is assumed that the operator wishes to play chess, so that the “chess” game mask is shown on the display  18 . For the sake of simplicity,  FIG. 44  shows only the outlines with the individual assignments of the letters a to h and digits  1  to  8 . The chess figures themselves have not been shown for reasons of clarity. For example, the display device  18  can show the actual figures. To simplify the representation, a letter can also be assigned to the individual chess figures, for example “B” for rook, “ 1 ” for castle, “S” for knight, “L” for bishop, “D” for queen, and “K” for king. An additional feature, for example a “.” or the like can be used to distinguish between black and white pieces. The individual chess figures can also be associated with colors. In particular, when the mobile telephones have a color display, the game can be represented this way in simplified fashion. Different color intensities can be used to distinguish the black and white pieces. 
     As guided through the menu, the microprocessor  30  retrieves the appropriate game mask  32  from the memory element  16 , and displays it. For this purpose, the microprocessor  30  is connected to the memory element  16 , to the display device  18 , and to the alphanumeric operating keyboard  20 , as indicated by dashes in  FIG. 44 . The mobile telephone  28  further comprises transmission and reception devices, which, in addition to their usual Functions, can also transmit the short messages  22  and receive the short messages  22 ′. 
     By means of the alphanumeric keyboard  20 , an operator of the transmitter  12  can now select an opening move of the chess game. For example, if the knight is to be moved from B 1  to C 3 , this is entered through the alphanumeric keyboard. When the game function is actuated, the alphanumeric keyboard  20  can be switched to game functions by the microprocessor  30 . However, individual moves are also possible without switching the keyboard to game function. A key assignment of the keyboard  20  is indicated such as usually exists with mobile telephones. Multiple assignments of the individual number keys  1  to  0  are possible for entering the letters of the alphabet. Corresponding to the desired game action, for example knight B 1  to C 3 , this move is entered through the keyboard  20 , and is transmitted as a short message  22 . To identify this short message  22  as a game move, an identifier can be added, for example with the “#” key, so that this short message will consist of the character sequence “SB1C3#”. “S” here stands for knight, B 1 ” stands for the initial position, “C 3 ” stands for the final position, and “#” stands for the identification as a game move. 
     This character sequence is received, via the service provider  24 , by the receiver  14  or the receivers  14 ,  14 ′,  14 ″, corresponding to the possibilities discussed in connection with  FIG. 42  and  FIG. 43 . The structure of the receiver  14  is basically the same as that of the transmitter  12 . The character sequence is thus analyzed by the microprocessor  30  in the receiver  14  and, due to its identification by the character “#”, it is recognized as a game move. If the receiver  14  at first does not know what game is involved, an additional identifier can be added in the form of a letter combination, a number combination, or the like, which, for example, uniquely identifies the move as belonging to the game of “chess.” Thereupon, the microprocessor  30  retrieves the corresponding game mask from the memory element  16  and causes it to be displayed on the display device  18 . This retrieval can occur either immediately or after the operator of the receiver  14  has read the short message. Until retrieval, the short message  22  is put into intermediate storage. When the game mask is retrieved on the receiving end, die transmitted game action of the transmitter  12  is simultaneously visualized an die display device  18 , for example by displaying die move “knight B 1  to C 3 ”. Either immediately or later, the operator of the receiver  14  can transmit a follow-up move as his game action, for example rook D 7  to D 6 . The receiver  14  thereby takes over the transmission function, while die original transmitter takes over the receiving function. As die character sequence, “BD7D6#” would then be entered. 
     Corresponding to the exchange of die short messages  22  and  22 ′ respectively, the transmitter  12  and the receiver  14  can carry an the chess game over an arbitrary period of time. The respective game mask  32  with the current status of the game is stored in the memory element  16  and can be retrieved with menu guidance M as needed. The game thus can also be played with quite large interruptions.