Patent Abstract:
Techniques in a mobile device for use in grouping user-specific information items in an electronic mail (e-mail) message are disclosed. The mobile device displays a draft e-mail message for a user. In response to detecting a trigger signal, the mobile device adds user-specific information items to the e-mail message by inserting a user information file in the e-mail message. The mobile device produces the user information file by reading a first user-specific information item associated with a first application, where the first user-specific information item is for identifying or contacting the user via the first application, and storing the first user-specific information item in the user information file. The mobile device further reads a second user-specific information item associated with a second application, where the second user-specific information item is for identifying or contacting the user via the second application, and stores the second user-specific information item in the user information file.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. non-provisional patent application having application Ser. No. 10/789,556 and filing date of 27 Feb. 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Technology 
         [0003]    The present application relates generally to mobile stations which communicate voice and data through wireless communication networks, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for automatically grouping user-specific information in such mobile stations. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Present-day wireless communication devices, such as cellular mobile stations, are capable of making and receiving telephone calls and communicating messages and data through wireless communication networks. Such mobile stations are known to facilitate services such as wireless e-mail and Internet access as well as voice telephony. Several applications may be provided in these mobile stations, including a voice telephony application, an e-mail application, an address book application, and a calendar/scheduling application, as some examples. Various user-specific information items associated with these applications (a user name, a telephone number, an e-mail address, etc.) are independently stored and maintained as separate items in the mobile station. Since these items are independently stored and maintained, it is often difficult for the end user or subscriber of the mobile station to personally manage or communicate this information as a whole. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a resulting need for methods and apparatus that overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    Embodiments of present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to attached figures, wherein: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a communication system which includes a mobile station for communicating in a wireless communication network; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a more detailed example of a mobile station for use in the wireless communication network; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a particular system infrastructure for communications with the mobile station; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a data flow diagram relating to a method of automatically grouping user-specific information items in a mobile station; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart for describing a method of automatically grouping user-specific information items in the mobile station; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is an illustrative example of a message which is displayed in a visual display of the mobile station and how user-specific information items may be included within such message; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart for describing a method for facilitating the automatic grouping of user-specific information items in the mobile station. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0015]    Methods and apparatus for automatically grouping user-specific information items in a mobile station are described herein. In one illustrative example, the method includes the steps of reading a first user-specific information item associated with a first file or application of the mobile station; storing the first user-specific information item in a user information file or message of the mobile station; and repeating the acts of reading and storing for at least a second user-specific information item associated with a second file or application of the mobile station, so that the first and the second user-specific information items are grouped together as user information in the user information file or message. Examples of user-specific information items include a user name associated with an end user of the mobile station, a telephone number of the mobile station, an e-mail address associated with an e-mail communication application of the mobile station, and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) of the mobile station. The user information file or message containing the user-specific information items may easily be sent from the mobile station to one or more recipients through a wireless communication network in a message such as an e-mail or PIN message. 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a communication system  100  which includes a mobile station  102  which communicates through a wireless communication network  104 . Mobile station  102  preferably includes a visual display  112 , a keyboard  114 , and perhaps one or more auxiliary user interfaces (UI)  116 , each of which are coupled to a controller  106 . Controller  106  is also coupled to radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry  108  and an antenna  110 . 
         [0017]    In most modern communication devices, controller  106  is embodied as a central processing unit (CPU) which runs operating system software in a memory component (not shown). Controller  106  will normally control overall operation of mobile station  102 , whereas signal processing operations associated with communication functions are typically performed in RF transceiver circuitry  108 . Controller  106  interfaces with device display  112  to display received information, stored information, user inputs, and the like. Keyboard  114 , which may be a telephone type keypad or full alphanumeric keyboard, is normally provided for entering data for storage in mobile station  102 , information for transmission to network  104 , a telephone number to place a telephone call, commands to be executed on mobile station  102 , and possibly other or different user inputs. 
         [0018]    Mobile station  102  sends communication signals to and receives communication signals from network  104  over a wireless link via antenna  110 . RF transceiver circuitry  108  performs functions similar to those of base station  120 , including for example modulation/demodulation and possibly encoding/decoding and encryption/decryption. It is also contemplated that RF transceiver circuitry  108  may perform certain functions in addition to those performed by base station  120 . It will be apparent to those skilled in art that RF transceiver circuitry  108  will be adapted to particular wireless network or networks in which mobile station  102  is intended to operate. 
         [0019]    Mobile station  102  includes a battery interface  134  for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries  132 . Battery  132  provides electrical power to (most if not all) electrical circuitry in mobile station  102 , and battery interface  132  provides for a mechanical and electrical connection for battery  132 . Battery interface  132  is coupled to a regulator  136  which regulates power for the device. When mobile station  102  is fully operational, an RF transmitter of RF transceiver circuitry  108  is typically keyed or turned on only when it is sending to network, and is otherwise turned off to conserve resources. Such intermittent operation of transmitter has a dramatic effect on power consumption of mobile station  102 . Similarly, an RF receiver of RF transceiver circuitry  108  is typically periodically turned off to conserve power until it is needed to receive signals or information (if at all) during designated time periods. 
         [0020]    Mobile station  102  may consist of a single unit, such as a data communication device, a cellular telephone, a multiple-function communication device with data and voice communication capabilities, a personal digital assistant (PDA) enabled for wireless communication, or a computer incorporating an internal modem. Alternatively, mobile station  102  may be a multiple-module unit comprising a plurality of separate components, including but in no way limited to a computer or other device connected to a wireless modem. In particular, for example, in the mobile station block diagram of  FIG. 1 , RF transceiver circuitry  108  and antenna  110  may be implemented as a radio modem unit that may be inserted into a port on a laptop computer. In this case, the laptop computer would include display  112 , keyboard  114 , one or more auxiliary UIs  116 , and controller  106  embodied as the computer&#39;s CPU. It is also contemplated that a computer or other equipment not normally capable of wireless communication may be adapted to connect to and effectively assume control of RF transceiver circuitry  108  and antenna  110  of a single-unit device such as one of those described above. Such a mobile station  102  may have a more particular implementation as described later in relation to mobile station  200  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0021]    Mobile station  102  operates using a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) which is connected to or inserted in mobile station  102  at a SIM interface  142 . SIM  140  is one type of a conventional “smart card” used to identify an end user (or subscriber) of mobile station  102  and to personalize the device, among other things. Without SIM  140 , the mobile device terminal is not fully operational for communication through wireless network  104 . By inserting SIM  140  into mobile station  102 , an end user can have access to any and all of his/her subscribed services. In order to identify the subscriber, SIM  140  contains some user parameters such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). An advantage of using SIM  140  is that end users are not necessarily bound by any single physical mobile device. Typically, the only element that personalizes a mobile device terminal is a SIM card. Therefore, the user can access subscribed services using any mobile device equipped to operate with the user&#39;s SIM. SIM  140  generally includes a processor and memory for storing information. SIM and its interfacing standards are well known. For interfacing with a standard GSM device having SIM interface  142 , a conventional SIM  140  has six (6) connections. Note that, if mobile station  102  operates in accordance with a different communication standard, it may utilize a different memory module such as a Removable User Identity Module (R-UIM). 
         [0022]    Mobile station  102  communicates through wireless communication network  104 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , wireless network  104  operates in accordance with a Global Systems for Mobile (GSM) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). Wireless network  104  includes a base station  120  with an associated antenna tower  118 , a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)  122 , a Home Location Register (HLR)  132 , a Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (SGSN)  126 , and a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)  128 . MSC  122  is coupled to base station  120  and to a landline network, such as a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)  124 . SGSN  126  is coupled to base station  120  and to GGSN  128 , which is in turn coupled to a public or private data network  130  (such as the Internet). HLR  132  is coupled to MSC  122  and SGSN  126 . 
         [0023]    Base station  120 , including its associated controller and antenna tower  118 , provides wireless network coverage for a particular coverage area commonly referred to as a “cell”. Base station  120  transmits communication signals to and receives communication signals from mobile stations within its cell via antenna tower  118 . Base station  120  normally performs such functions as modulation and possibly encoding and/or encryption of signals to be transmitted to the mobile station in accordance with particular, usually predetermined, communication protocols and parameters, under control of its controller. Base station  120  similarly demodulates and possibly decodes and decrypts, if necessary, any communication signals received from mobile station  102  within its cell. Communication protocols and parameters may vary between different networks. For example, one network may employ a different modulation scheme and operate at different frequencies than other networks. 
         [0024]    The wireless link shown in communication system  100  of  FIG. 1  represents one or more different channels, typically different radio frequency (RF) channels, and associated protocols used between wireless network  104  and mobile station  102 . An RF channel is a limited resource that must be conserved, typically due to limits in overall bandwidth and a limited battery power of mobile station  102 . Those skilled in art will appreciate that a wireless network in actual practice may include hundreds of cells, each served by a distinct base station  120  and transceiver, depending upon desired overall expanse of network coverage. All base station controllers and base stations may be connected by multiple switches and routers (not shown), controlled by multiple network controllers. 
         [0025]    For all mobile stations registered with a network operator, permanent data (such as mobile station  102  user&#39;s profile) as well as temporary data (such as mobile station&#39;s  102  current location) are stored in HLR  132 . In case of a voice call to mobile station  102 , HLR  132  is queried to determine the current location of mobile station  102 . A Visitor Location Register (VLR) of MSC  122  is responsible for a group of location areas and stores the data of those mobile stations that are currently in its area of responsibility. This is includes parts of the permanent mobile station data that have been transmitted from HLR  132  to the VLR for faster access. However, the VLR of MSC  122  may also assign and store local data, such as temporary identifications. Optionally, the VLR of MSC  122  can be enhanced for more efficient co-ordination of GPRS and non-GPRS services and functionality (e.g. paging for circuit-switched calls which can be performed more efficiently via SGSN  126 , and combined GPRS and non-GPRS location updates). 
         [0026]    Being part of the GPRS network, Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)  126  is at the same hierarchical level as MSC  122  and keeps track of the individual locations of mobile stations. SGSN  126  also performs security functions and access control. Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)  128  provides interworking with external packet-switched networks and is connected with SGSNs (such as SGSN  126 ) via an IP-based GPRS backbone network. SGSN  126  performs authentication and cipher setting procedures based on the same algorithms, keys, and criteria as in existing GSM. In conventional operation, cell selection may be performed autonomously by mobile station  102  or by base station  120  instructing mobile station  102  to select a particular cell. Mobile station  102  informs wireless network  104  when it reselects another cell or group of cells, known as a routing area. 
         [0027]    In order to access GPRS services, mobile station  102  first makes its presence known to wireless network  104  by performing what is known as a GPRS “attach”. This operation establishes a logical link between mobile station  102  and SGSN  126  and makes mobile station  102  available to receive, for example, pages via SGSN, notifications of incoming GPRS data, or SMS messages over GPRS. In order to send and receive GPRS data, mobile station  102  assists in activating the packet data address that it wants to use. This operation makes mobile station  102  known to GGSN  128 ; interworking with external data networks can thereafter commence. User data may be transferred transparently between mobile station  102  and the external data networks using, for example, encapsulation and tunneling. Data packets are equipped with GPRS-specific protocol information and transferred between mobile station  102  and GGSN  128 . 
         [0028]    As apparent from the above, the wireless network includes fixed network components including RF transceivers, amplifiers, base station controllers, network servers, and servers connected to network. Those skilled in art will appreciate that a wireless network may be connected to other systems, possibly including other networks, not explicitly shown in  FIG. 1 . A network will normally be transmitting at very least some sort of paging and system information on an ongoing basis, even if there is no actual packet data exchanged. Although the network consists of many parts, these parts all work together to result in certain behaviours at the wireless link. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is a detailed block diagram of a preferred mobile station, namely a mobile station  200 . Mobile station  200  is preferably a two-way communication device having voice and data communication capabilities, including the capability to communicate with other computer systems. Depending on the functionality provided by mobile station  200 , it may be referred to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone with data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a data communication device (with or without telephony capabilities). 
         [0030]    If mobile station  200  is enabled for two-way communication, it will normally incorporate a communication subsystem  211 , which includes a receiver  212 , a transmitter  214 , and associated components, such as one or more (preferably embedded or internal) antenna elements  216  and  218 , local oscillators (LOs)  213 , and a processing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP)  220 . Communication subsystem  211  is analogous to RF transceiver circuitry  108  and antenna  110  shown in  FIG. 1 . As will be apparent to those skilled in field of communications, particular design of communication subsystem  211  depends on the communication network in which mobile station  200  is intended to operate. 
         [0031]    Network access requirements will also vary depending upon type of network utilized. In GPRS networks, for example, network access is associated with a subscriber or user of mobile station  200 . A GPRS device therefore requires a Subscriber Identity Module, commonly referred to as a “SIM”  262 , in order to operate on the GPRS network. Without such a SIM  262  inserted in a SIM interface  264 , a GPRS device will not be fully functional. Local or non-network communication functions (if any) may be operable, but mobile station  200  will be unable to carry out any functions involving communications over the network. SIM  262  includes those features described in relation to  FIG. 1 . Note that, if mobile station  200  operates according to an alternative communication standard, it may utilize a different memory module such as a Removable User Identity Module (R-UIM). 
         [0032]    Mobile station  200  will operate in connection with one of a plurality of base stations  202  associated with the same or different networks at any given time. Mobile station  200  may send and receive communication signals with the selected network after required network registration or activation procedures have been completed. Network selection of the present application is described in relation to  FIG. 6  below. Signals received by antenna  216  through the network are input to receiver  212 , which may perform such common receiver functions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, and like, and in example shown in  FIG. 2 , analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. A/D conversion of a received signal allows more complex communication functions such as demodulation and decoding to be performed in DSP  220 . In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding, for example, by DSP  220 . These DSP-processed signals are input to transmitter  214  for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission over communication network via antenna  218 . DSP  220  not only processes communication signals, but also provides for receiver and transmitter control. For example, the gains applied to communication signals in receiver  212  and transmitter  214  may be adaptively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in DSP  220 . 
         [0033]    Mobile station  200  includes a microprocessor  238  (which is one implementation of controller  106  of  FIG. 1 ) which controls overall operation of mobile station  200 . Communication functions, including at least data and voice communications, are performed through communication subsystem  211 . Microprocessor  238  also interacts with additional device subsystems such as a display  222 , a flash memory  224 , a random access memory (RAM)  226 , auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems  228 , a serial port  230 , a keyboard  232 , a speaker  234 , a microphone  236 , a short-range communications subsystem  240 , and any other device subsystems generally designated at  242 . Data and control lines  260  extend between SIM interface  264  and microprocessor  238  for communicating data therebetween and for control. Some of the subsystems shown in  FIG. 2  perform communication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide “resident” or on-device functions. Notably, some subsystems, such as keyboard  232  and display  222 , for example, may be used for both communication-related functions, such as entering a text message for transmission over a communication network, and device-resident functions such as a calculator or task list. Operating system software used by microprocessor  238  is preferably stored in a persistent store such as flash memory  224 , which may alternatively be a read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operating system, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as RAM  226 . 
         [0034]    Microprocessor  238 , in addition to its operating system functions, preferably enables execution of software applications on mobile station  200 . A predetermined set of applications which control basic device operations, including at least data and voice communication applications (such as a network re-establishment scheme), will normally be installed on mobile station  200  during its manufacture. A preferred application that may be loaded onto mobile station  200  may be a personal information manager (PIM) application having the ability to organize and manage data items relating to user such as, but not limited to, e-mail, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. Naturally, one or more memory stores are available on mobile station  200  and SIM  256  to facilitate storage of PIM data items and other information. 
         [0035]    The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and receive data items via the wireless network. In a preferred embodiment, PIM data items are seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via the wireless network, with the mobile station user&#39;s corresponding data items stored and/or associated with a host computer system thereby creating a mirrored host computer on mobile station  200  with respect to such items. This is especially advantageous where the host computer system is the mobile station user&#39;s office computer system. Additional applications may also be loaded onto mobile station  200  through network, an auxiliary I/O subsystem  228 , serial port  230 , short-range communications subsystem  240 , or any other suitable subsystem  242 , and installed by a user in RAM  226  or preferably a non-volatile store (not shown) for execution by microprocessor  238 . Such flexibility in application installation increases the functionality of mobile station  200  and may provide enhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions, or both. For example, secure communication applications may enable electronic commerce functions and other such financial transactions to be performed using mobile station  200 . 
         [0036]    Mobile station  200  also includes a Personal Identification Number (PIN) which is permanently stored in memory (e.g. Flash memory  224 ). The PIN is hardware-specific and unique to each mobile station, and may be based on a 7-digit format of “XXXXXXX”. The PIN of mobile station  200  can be used to receive PIN messages from other mobile stations having PINs, as well as send PIN messages from mobile station  200  to other mobile stations. PIN messaging is similar to e-mail messaging but without use of an intermediate mailbox. 
         [0037]    In a data communication mode, a received signal such as a message or web page download will be processed by communication subsystem  211  and input to microprocessor  238 . Microprocessor  238  will preferably further process the signal for output to display  222  or alternatively to auxiliary I/O device  228 . A user of mobile station  200  may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages, PIN messages, or short message service (SMS) messages, for example, using keyboard  232  in conjunction with display  222  and possibly auxiliary I/O device  228 . Keyboard  232  is preferably a complete alphanumeric keyboard and/or telephone-type keypad. These composed items may be transmitted over a communication network through communication subsystem  211 . 
         [0038]    For voice communications, the overall operation of mobile station  200  is substantially similar to data communication, except that the received signals would be output to speaker  234  and signals for transmission would be generated by microphone  236 . Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on mobile station  200 . Although voice or audio signal output is preferably accomplished primarily through speaker  234 , display  222  may also be used to provide an indication of the identity of a calling party, duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information, as some examples. 
         [0039]    Serial port  230  in  FIG. 2  is normally implemented in a personal digital assistant (PDA)-type communication device for which synchronization with a user&#39;s desktop computer is a desirable, albeit optional, component. Serial port  230  enables a user to set preferences through an external device or software application and extends the capabilities of mobile station  200  by providing for information or software downloads to mobile station  200  other than through a wireless communication network. The alternate download path may, for example, be used to load an encryption key onto mobile station  200  through a direct and thus reliable and trusted connection to thereby provide secure device communication. 
         [0040]    Short-range communications subsystem  240  of  FIG. 2  is an additional optional component which provides for communication between mobile station  200  and different systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices. For example, subsystem  240  may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components, or a Bluetooth™ communication module to provide for communication with similarly-enabled systems and devices. Bluetooth™ is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. 
         [0041]    Mobile station  200  also includes a battery interface  254  for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries  256 . Such a battery  256  provides electrical power to most if not all electrical circuitry in mobile station  200 , and the battery interface  254  provides for a mechanical and electrical connection for it. Thus, mobile station  200  is afforded some portability. Battery interface  254  is coupled to a regulator (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) which regulates power to all of the circuitry. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  shows a particular system infrastructure for communicating with a wireless communication device, such as the mobile station described in relation to  FIGS. 1-2 . In particular,  FIG. 3  shows basic components of an IP-based wireless data network, such as a GPRS network. Mobile station  200  communicates with a wireless packet data network  345 , and may also be capable of communicating with a wireless voice network (not shown). The voice network may be associated with IP-based wireless network  345  similar to, for example, GSM and GPRS networks, or alternatively may be a completely separate network. The GPRS IP-based data network is unique in that it is effectively an overlay on the GSM voice network. As such, GPRS components will either extend existing GSM components, such as base stations  320 , or require additional components to be added, such as an advanced Gateway GPRS Service Node (GGSN) as a network entry point  305 . 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a gateway  340  may be coupled to an internal or external address resolution component  335  and one or more network entry points  305 . Data packets are transmitted from gateway  340 , which is source of information to be transmitted to mobile station  200 , through network  345  by setting up a wireless network tunnel  325  from gateway  340  to mobile station  200 . In order to create this wireless tunnel  325 , a unique network address is associated with mobile station  200 . In an IP-based wireless network, however, network addresses are typically not permanently assigned to a particular mobile station  200  but instead are dynamically allocated on an as-needed basis. It is thus preferable for mobile station  200  to acquire a network address and for gateway  340  to determine this address so as to establish wireless tunnel  325 . 
         [0044]    Network entry point  305  is generally used to multiplex and demultiplex amongst many gateways, corporate servers, and bulk connections such as the Internet, for example. There are normally very few of these network entry points  305 , since they are also intended to centralize externally available wireless network services. Network entry points  305  often use some form of an address resolution component  335  that assists in address assignment and lookup between gateways and mobile stations. In this example, address resolution component  335  is shown as a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) as one method for providing an address resolution mechanism. 
         [0045]    A central internal component of wireless data network  345  is a network router  315 . Normally, network routers  315  are proprietary to the particular network, but they could alternatively be constructed from standard commercially available hardware. The purpose of network routers  315  is to centralize thousands of base stations  320  normally implemented in a relatively large network into a central location for a long-haul connection back to network entry point  305 . In some networks there may be multiple tiers of network routers  315  and cases where there are master and slave network routers  315 , but in all such cases the functions are similar. Often network router  315  will access a name server  307 , in this case shown as a dynamic name server (DNS)  307  as used in the Internet, to look up destinations for routing data messages. Base stations  320 , as described above, provide wireless links to mobile stations such as mobile station  200 . 
         [0046]    Wireless network tunnels such as a wireless tunnel  325  are opened across wireless network  345  in order to allocate necessary memory, routing, and address resources to deliver IP packets. In GPRS, such tunnels  325  are established as part of what are referred to as “PDP contexts” (i.e. data sessions). To open wireless tunnel  325 , mobile station  200  must use a specific technique associated with wireless network  345 . The step of opening such a wireless tunnel  325  may require mobile station  200  to indicate the domain, or network entry point  305  with which it wishes to open wireless tunnel  325 . In this example, the tunnel first reaches network router  315  which uses name server  307  to determine which network entry point  305  matches the domain provided. Multiple wireless tunnels can be opened from one mobile station  200  for redundancy, or to access different gateways and services on the network. Once the domain name is found, the tunnel is then extended to network entry point  305  and necessary resources are allocated at each of the nodes along the way. Network entry point  305  then uses the address resolution (or DHCP  335 ) component to allocate an IP address for mobile station  200 . When an IP address has been allocated to mobile station  200  and communicated to gateway  340 , information can then be forwarded from gateway  340  to mobile station  200 . 
         [0047]    Wireless tunnel  325  typically has a limited life, depending on mobile station&#39;s  100  coverage profile and activity. Wireless network  345  will tear down wireless tunnel  325  after a certain period of inactivity or out-of-coverage period, in order to recapture resources held by this wireless tunnel  325  for other users. The main reason for this is to reclaim the IP address temporarily reserved for mobile station  200  when wireless tunnel  325  was first opened. Once the IP address is lost and wireless tunnel  325  is torn down, gateway  340  loses all ability to initiate IP data packets to mobile station  200 , whether over Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or over User Datagram Protocol (UDP). 
         [0048]    In this application, an “IP-based wireless network” (one specific type of wireless communication network) may include but is not limited to: (1) a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network that has been developed and operated by Qualcomm; (2) a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network for use in conjunction with Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network both developed by standards committee of European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT); and (3) future third-generation (3 G) networks like Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). 
         [0049]      FIG. 4  is a data flow diagram relating to a method of the present application. Broadly, a plurality of user-specific information items  400  of the mobile station are automatically grouped together by the mobile station into a central or master user information file or message  402 . File or message  402  may be a text file, an address book file, or a newly composed e-mail or PIN message, as some examples, which is stored in memory of the mobile station. It is preferred that at least two user-specific information items associated with at least two different files or applications of the mobile station are grouped together in the same file or message. 
         [0050]    In the present embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the user-specific information items  400  include four (4) user-specific information items  404 ,  406 ,  408 , and  410 . User-specific information item  404  (Item “A”) is associated with a file or application A of the mobile station; user-specific information item  406  (Item “B”) is associated with a file or application B of the mobile station; user-specific information item  408  (Item “C”) is associated with a file or application C of the mobile station; and user-specific information item  410  (Item “D”) is associated with a file or application D of the mobile station. User-specific information items  400  may include additional or fewer of these items and, if they include additional items, may include other suitable information such as a residential and/or business address of the end user of the mobile station, etc. 
         [0051]    In the present embodiment, user-specific information item  404  is a user name associated with an end user of the mobile station; user-specific information item  406  is a telephone number of the mobile station; user-specific information item  408  is an e-mail address associated with an e-mail communication application of the mobile station; and user-specific information item  410  is a personal identification number (PIN) of the mobile station. The user name may be stored as address book or user account information associated with the mobile station, as some examples. The telephone number may be stored in programmable memory of the mobile station, and is preferably an International Mobile Subscriber Identification (IMSI) number which is stored in a SIM or R-UIM card which is inserted in the mobile station. As described earlier above, the mobile station also includes a PIN which is permanently stored in memory (e.g. Flash memory). The PIN is hardware-specific and unique to each mobile station, and may be based on a 7-digit format of “XXXXXXX”. The PIN of the mobile station can be used to receive PIN messages from other mobile stations having PINS, as well as send PIN messages from the mobile station to other mobile stations. PIN messaging is similar to e-mail messaging but without use of an intermediate mailbox. It is desirable to communicate the PIN to other devices so that the PIN messaging function can be utilized. 
         [0052]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart for describing a method of automatically grouping user-specific information items, such as those items described in relation to  FIG. 4 , in a mobile station. The method may be performed by a controller or processor (e.g. a microprocessor) of the mobile station (e.g. see  FIGS. 1-2 ). Further, the method may be embodied in a computer program product which includes a computer storage medium (e.g. memory or computer disk) having computer instructions stored therein which are executable by the controller or processor. Beginning at a start block  502  of  FIG. 5 , the processor identifies whether user information is requested in a file or message of the mobile station (step  504 ). If the user information is not requested in step  504 , the processor continues monitoring for such request. If the user information is requested in step  504 , then the processor begins to perform an automatic grouping of the user-specific information items. 
         [0053]    In performing the automatic grouping, the processor reads a user-specific information item associated with a file or application of the mobile station (step  506 ). Next, the processor stores the user-specific information item in a central or master file or message of the mobile station (step  508 ). If the user-specific information item is stored in a central or master file, the central or master file may be a text file, an address book file, or a newly composed e-mail or PIN message, as some examples. If the user-specific information item is stored in a message, the message may be an e-mail message associated with an e-mail communication application of the mobile station, an SMS message, a PIN message, or a data input field of a web page form. 
         [0054]    If additional user-specific information items are needed (step  510 ), then the processor repeats the procedure at step  506  for the next user-specific information item. Specifically, the processor reads the next user-specific information item associated with a next file or application of the mobile station (step  506 ). The processor then stores this next user-specific information item in the same central or master file or message of the mobile station (step  508 ). If even further user-specific information items are needed as identified in step  510 , the processor repeats this procedure again at step  506  for the other user-specific information items associated with other files or applications of the mobile station. If no other items are needed at step  510 , the flowchart of the method is done at a block  512 . In the method described, the processor is operative to group at least two user-specific information items into the file or message. 
         [0055]    In the present embodiment of  FIG. 4 , at least four user-specific information items are grouped which include the user name associated with the end user of the mobile station, the telephone number of the mobile station, the e-mail address associated with the e-mail communication application of the mobile station, and the PIN of the mobile station. Note also that the request in step  504  is performed in response to a trigger signal detected by the processor. The trigger signal may be caused by an expiration of a regular or periodic timer kept by the processor (i.e. for a regular or periodic updating of the user information), a user input request for the user information in the central or master file, a user input request for the user information in a message, or an update to a user-specific information item made by the end user at the mobile station. 
         [0056]      FIG. 6  is an illustrative example of a message which is displayed in visual display  222  of the mobile station and how user-specific information items may be included within such message. In particular, visual display  222  is shown as displaying an e-mail message  604  that the end user has drafted with use of an e-mail application. A pull-down menu  608  is provided for the e-mail application which includes a number of different options to edit e-mail message  604 . In particular, one option in pull-down menu  608  is an “Add User Information” option  610 . In response to the end user selecting the “Add User Information” option  610  via the user interface (e.g. with use of a cursor  612 ), the e-mail application causes user information  606  which includes a plurality of user-specific information items to be inserted as text within e-mail message  604 . The grouping of these user-specific information items within e-mail message  604  may be performed by reading the items directly from their original files or, alternatively, by reading the items from the central or master file which is maintained by the mobile station. 
         [0057]    In the present embodiment, user information  606  is shown to include four (4) user-specific information items including a user name associated with an end user of the mobile station (e.g. “John Doe”), a telephone number associated with the mobile station (e.g. “123-456-7890”), an e-mail address associated with the end user (e.g. “john.doe@company.com”), and a PIN associated with the mobile station (e.g. “1234567”). The mobile station utilizes the techniques described in relation to  FIG. 4-5  of the present application to facilitate the insertion of the user information within this message  604 . The end user of the mobile station will ultimately cause e-mail message  604  with user information  606  to be transmitted to one or more recipients (e.g. another mobile station or an e-mail mailbox) through the wireless communication network. As an alternative to inserting user information  606  within e-mail message  604  as shown and described, user information  606  may be included in a file which is sent as an attachment to e-mail message  604 . 
         [0058]    Note that  FIG. 5  is merely one example in which an automatic grouping of user-specific information items may be utilized in the mobile station. The trigger signal in the example of  FIG. 5  is a user input request for the user information in the message. In other cases where a central or master file is utilized, however, the grouping may be triggered by an expiration of a regular or periodic timer kept by the processor (i.e. for regularly or periodically updated the user information), by a user input request for the user information in the central or master file, or by an update to a user-specific information item made by the end user at the mobile station. Also, instead of an e-mail message, the message may alternatively be any suitable message which can be sent from the mobile station to one or more recipients. 
         [0059]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart for describing an optional method for facilitating the automatic grouping of user-specific information items in the mobile station. Again, the method may be performed by a controller or processor (e.g. a microprocessor) of the mobile station (e.g. see  FIGS. 1-2 ). Further, this method may be embodied in a computer program product which includes a computer storage medium (e.g. memory or computer disk) having computer instructions stored therein which are executable by the controller or processor. Beginning at a start block  702  of  FIG. 7 , the processor identifies whether an update to a user-specific information item associated with a file or application has been made at the mobile station (step  704 ). The update may be caused by the end user at the user interface of the mobile station. For example, the update may be caused by the insertion of a new memory module (SIM or R-UIM) in the mobile station and/or the addition of a new or updated e-mail account for the e-mail application, as examples. If no update has occurred at step  704 , the processor continues monitoring for such update. If the user-specific information item is updated in step  704 , then the processor proceeds to update the user-specific information item in the central or master file. In performing the update, the processor reads the updated user-specific information item associated with the file or application (step  706 ) and updates the user-specific information item in the central or master file with the updated item (step  708 ). Preferably, the updating in steps  706  and  708  also occurs for at least some of the other user-specific information items stored in the central or master file at the time they are updated in their associated file or application. 
         [0060]    Advantageously, various user-specific information items that are associated with various files or applications and independently stored and maintained as separate items in the mobile station are automatically combined so that the end user or subscriber can utilize and/or communicate the user information as a whole to others. 
         [0061]    Final Comments. Methods and apparatus for automatically grouping user-specific information items in a mobile station are described. In one illustrative example, the method includes the steps of reading a first user-specific information item associated with a first file or application of the mobile station; storing the first user-specific information item in a user information file or message of the mobile station; and repeating the acts of reading and storing for at least a second user-specific information item associated with a second file or application of the mobile station, so that the first and the second user-specific information items are grouped together as user information in the user information file or message. Examples of user-specific information items include a user name associated with an end user of the mobile station, a telephone number (e.g. an IMSI) of the mobile station, an e-mail address associated with an e-mail communication application of the mobile station, and a PIN of the mobile station. The user information file or message containing the user-specific information items may easily be sent to one or more recipients through a wireless communication network in a message such as an e-mail or PIN message. 
         [0062]    A mobile station of the present application includes a wireless transceiver; an antenna coupled to the wireless transceiver; a processor coupled to the wireless transceiver; and memory. The processor is operative to read a first user-specific information item associated with a first file or application stored in the memory; store the first user-specific information item in a user information file or message; and repeat the reading and storing for at least a second user-specific information item associated with a second file or application stored in the memory, so that the first and the second user-specific information items are grouped together as user information in the user information file or message. The processor is further operative to cause the user information or message containing the user-specific information items to be transmitted through the wireless transceiver to one or more recipients through a wireless communication network. 
         [0063]    In a related technique, a method for facilitating the grouping of user-specific information items is performed in response to an update to a user-specific information item associated with a file or application of the mobile station. The steps include, in response to the update, reading the user-specific information item associated with the file or application of the mobile station; and storing the user-specific information item in a user information file of the mobile station which has a plurality of stored user-specific information items. 
         [0064]    Advantageously, various user-specific information items that are associated with various files or applications and independently stored and maintained as separate items in the mobile station are automatically combined so that the end user or subscriber can utilize and/or communicate the user information as a whole to others. 
         [0065]    The above-described embodiments of invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications, and variations may be effected to particular embodiments by those of skill in art without departing from scope of invention, which is defined solely by claims appended hereto.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7