Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Remote data accessing
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-12
2001-04-24
Najjar, Saleh (Department: 2154)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Remote data accessing
C709S203000, C709S206000, C709S219000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223216
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for enabling a communication device to communicate with a message server holding plural user messages and, more particularly, to a communication device which dispatches a single input command structure to instruct a message server regarding actions to take with respect to plural messages awaiting a user's response.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Messaging systems, including voice mail and E-mail, require the presence of a personal computer with software to enable the creation and maintenance of a communication link with a central message server. Such personal computers are also able to receive facsimile messages into memory from such a server and then to output, via a captive printer, the printed fax message or to display the fax message on an associated monitor. In each instance, the messages are manipulated and controlled, one at a time, via user interaction with a list of messages that are displayed on the computer's monitor.
Laptop computers provide the user with the facility to access message servers while the user is traveling. Such laptop computers are, however, relatively expensive and provide much more functionality than is needed to accomplish the user/message server interaction. Further, to accomplish a connection to the message server, whether via the Internet or via a private network, requires that the user input a series of commands, passwords, and messages that enable the interconnection to be established and maintained. Such input signaling is generally done via a keyboard or a mouse/visual interface.
The prior art has utilized various methods of inputting control signals to data handling apparatus such as copiers, printers, facsimiles, etc. In addition to keyboards, graphical input devices, voice recognition, etc, media sheets with instruction markings thereon have been used to input command data via a scanner input. Such media sheets enable the user to mark instruction data on the sheet, which sheet is then scanned into the respective apparatus. Software within the apparatus recognizes the specific command markings and reacts accordingly (e.g., setting up default parameters).
There is a need for a relatively inexpensive portable communication device that enables communications with various message servers. Such a communication device should provide the user with an ability to access message data from a message server and to dispatch messages to the message server in a manner that minimize connection time—and thus communication charges.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A communication device configured in accordance with the invention enables communication between a user and a message server that holds plural messages for the user. The communication device includes a processor that is responsive to a user's connection signal to establish communication with the message server and to receive a download from the message server of a list of message identifiers for plural messages awaiting a response by the user. The communication device includes a device for displaying the list of message identifiers, along with indications of potential actions which may be taken with respect to each message identifier. The display apparatus is preferably a printer which outputs a media sheet with the list of message identifiers and associated indicated actions. The communication device includes an input device that is adapted to receive user instructions regarding which of the actions is/are to be executed with respect to each message. The processor accumulates all of the user instructions for the plural messages and dispatches a single command message to the message server. The single command message passes the accumulated user instructions to the message server which responds by interpreting the instructions and carrying out the actions instructed by the user. The preferred input device is a scanner which reads user instructions from the media sheet and inputs them to the processor.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5844969 (1998-12-01), Goldman et al.
patent: 5905777 (1999-05-01), Foladare et al.
patent: 5938726 (1999-08-01), Reber et al.
patent: 5978837 (1999-11-01), Foladare et al.
patent: 6061718 (2000-05-01), Nelson
patent: 6101531 (2000-08-01), Eggleston et al.
Hewlett-Packard Co.
Najjar Saleh
LandOfFree
Message database manipulation using a single command to... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Message database manipulation using a single command to..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Message database manipulation using a single command to... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2498474