Patent ID: 6909904

Claim:
A method for extending the functionality of a message according to a predetermined message format, for use when communicating one or more messages at least in part via a wireless communication system from a sending terminal to a receiving terminal, either of which may be a mobile terminal, the message format providing a user data field, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining a number of bits at the end of the user data field to be used to convey extension data; b) defining the information to be conveyed by each bit; c) inserting extension data into the user data field in the determined number of bits at the end of the user data field; wherein the extension data includes information indicating instructions associated with displaying the message, thereby providing an extension to the messaging according to the predetermined format that is effective for mobile terminals adapted to interpret the extension data but does not prevent mobile terminals not so adapted from displaying the message without regard for the instructions indicated by the extension data.