WO2004061814A1

WO2004061814A1 - System and method for the generation of event-driven traffic and context related services

Info

Publication number: WO2004061814A1
Application number: PCT/IL2003/001098
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nadav Gur
Original assignee: Mobimate Ltd.
Priority date: 2003-01-02
Filing date: 2003-01-23
Publication date: 2004-07-22
Also published as: GB0515897D0; AU2003288511A1; GB2413205A; IL153778A0

Abstract

A system and method for enhanced event management within a mobile computing communicating and messaging device is disclosed. The event management system and method responds to the occurrence of an event by providing event-handling recommendations to a human user and enables the user to take actions in accordance with the recommendations in order to handle the event in a substantially advanced manner.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE GENERATION OF EVENT- DRIVEN DATA TRAFFIC AND CONTEXT RELATED SERVICES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to user applications implemented in mobile computing devices, and more particularly to an advanced events manager application that automatically generates useful event- driven data traffic across data communications networks.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART Mobile messaging devices are small electronic communications devices, such as cellular phones having enhanced computing capabilities (smart phones) and wireless Personal Digital Assistants (connected PDAs) and non- connected devices such as Personal Data Assistants. Commercially available mobile messaging devices include the Nokia 7600 and 9200 series manufactured by Nokia Corporation (ADR), the Sony-Ericsson 768 and P800 manufactured by Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, the HP iPAQ series provided by Hewlett Packard Inc., the Handspring Treo series manufactured by Handspring Inc., the Palm Tungsten series by Palm Inc. and the like. One of the principal uses of mobile messaging devices is personal messaging. Personal messaging is an application whereby a user of the mobile messaging device sends personal messages to another user operating a substantially similar device. Personal messaging is accomplished through the utilization of specific messaging techniques, such as the Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MMS), e-mail, and the like. The messages are delivered over a cellular network and billed for by a cellular service provider. The increased usage of these services increases the total revenue of the service providers. Obviously increased usage of the messaging services is in the best interest of the service providers. While such mobile devices can perform a wide variety of computing tasks and applications, personal information managers (PIMs) are particularly well suited to mobile devices. PIMs typically comprise applications, which enable the user of the mobile device to manage scheduling in an efficient manner, and other similar tasks. The majority of commonly available PIMs include event scheduling and calendar programs, task lists, address books, and the like. Currently PIM applications are an important market driver for the purchase of mobile devices and associated mobile software.

In order to generate a scheduled event, such as a family birthday, a wedding anniversary, a graduation day, and the like, the user typically interacts with the scheduler application through a user interface. The user interface provides the user with a plurality of selectable options to parameterize the event-scheduling request. For example, the user interface typically allows the user to select the date and time of the event. The user interface also typically allows the user to enter some textual description of the event. The user interface typically enables the user to define the event as a periodically recurring event. Consequent to the completion of the user input, the scheduler application creates an object, which is representative of the event and links the event to the user's calendar in the mobile device. Event objects are typically defined by a number of properties, some of which are defined by the user input information, which the user provides while generating the event. In. addition to entering events the user is provided with the option of viewing the list of upcoming events, to modify the parameters of specific event objects, to delete specific event objects, and the like. A major drawback of the existing scheduler applications regards the actual management of the scheduled event at the point-of time of occurrence.

Such an event will be referred to herein under as a "current event". The handling of a current event by the scheduler application is typically limited to the automatic generation of a reminder message comprising a structured display window, and a pre-defined audio signal. Subsequent to the generation of the reminder, the message is communicated to the user in advance of the upcoming current event. Thus, the actual management of the current event, such as for example, determining the type of birthday gift to purchase, selecting and sending a specific greeting card, ordering a bouquet of flowers to deliver, reserving tickets for an entertainment event, inviting -friends and/or family members to a scheduled party, is left to the discretion of the user. As a result, the actual handling of the current event, such as browsing gift catalogues, shopping, submitting orders, communicating invitations, placing phone calls, and the like, is typically performed substantially manually where the activity is externally relative to the mobile device or even to any computing environment. It would be readily perceived by one with ordinary skills in the art that the provision of an option for managing events substantially internally to a mobile device and within a linked computing and communication environment would be highly beneficial to the users of mobile devices. Advanced event management in mobile devices could further benefit the existing communication service providers by increasing the volume of data traffic and the existing electronic retailers by significantly increasing revenue. Furthermore, the implementation of an enhanced event management application would enable the consequent creation of new online commercial services, would enable new targets for advertising, and thereby could provide substantial economic advantages to all the entities involved.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION . One aspect of the present invention regards a method of managing events in a computing, communicating, and messaging environment. The ' method comprises the steps of: defining at least one procedure associated with at least one event, where the at least one procedure is operative in the handling of the at least one event, identifying the at least one event, and performing the at least one event handling procedure associated with the at least one event. A second aspect of the present invention regards a system for managing events in a computing, communicating, and messaging environment. The system comprises the elements of: at least one messaging device, an event manager application installed on the at least one messaging device, at least one an event handling mediator server device, and an at least one template server device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary computing and communication infrastructure capable of providing a suitable environment for the operation of the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of the structure of an exemplary mobile device, in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the operative components of the event manager application, in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a simplified high-level flowchart describing the major stages of the event management application, in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a simplified high-level flow diagram describing the method of operation of the event manager application, in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 6 shows a cellular phone device, where the display screen of the device presents a simplified visual window associated with event manager application, in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 shows a cellular phone device, where the display screen of the device present another simplified visual window associated with event manager application, in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 shows a cellular phone device, where the display screen of the device presents yet another simplified visual window associated with event manager application, in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 shows a PDA device, where the display screen of the device presents a simplified visual window associated with event manager application, in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 shows a PDA device, where the display screen of the device present another simplified visual window associated with event manager application, in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 11 shows a PDA device, where the display screen of the device presents yet another simplified visual window associated with event manager application, in accordance with the second preferred embodunent of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A system and method for enhanced event management within a mobile computing and messaging device is disclosed. The event management system and method provides recommendations to a user and enables the user to respond to the recommendations made for handling the event. The event management system and method offers a fully integrated event handling system. The event could be an anniversary, a birthday, a meeting and any other occasion.

A user operating the mobile device introduces one or more scheduled events into the memory device of the mobile device via a scheduling application that operates in conjunction with a calendar application. The scheduled events may be stored in a server and at in proximity or at the time of event downloaded to the memory of the device. The introduced events are principally characterized by a specific point-in-time value projected towards a valid point-in-time location on the real time axis. When, following the natural progression of real time, the projected point-in-time value of an event becomes synchronized with the appropriate point-in-time location on the real time axis, the event becomes a "current event" and a controllable event management application is activated. An event can be based on a particular point in time, such as a specific birthday date or a special meeting, or on recurring events such as on a recurring event such as on every fifth of November. Alternatively, the controlled event management application could, periodically scan the aggregation of event objects representing user-defined events in order to identify events having a projected activation point-in-time that is higher than the current real time point-in-time. The event management application could be further activated by the identification of a current event-generated object, such as a reminder text message, the status of an attached indicator flag, and the like. The management of the event is controlled by the event management application via current event-specific interaction with the user of the mobile device. In response to the input of the user, the event management application activates pre-defined operative procedures that are functionally related to the optimal handling of the event. The pre-defined procedures could be activated automatically in accordance with the type of the event, in accordance with the profile of the user, in accordance with the available online resources, and in accordance with externally defined rules associated with the interests of the service provider. A procedure may be associated with one or more events. One non-limiting example is to associate the same procedure to birthdays and anniversaries. Alternatively, the procedures could be activated manually by user command. The event management procedures have pre-defined functionality, such as displaying to the user useful event-handling-specific information, sending a message to other persons, connecting the user via a data communication network to useful online content providers, online resource depositories, and beneficial online services, such as marketing information servers, advertisement servers, e-commerce sites, messaging center servers, and the like. The event handling procedures are also operative in submitting event- handling-specific information to the user. The event handling procedures are also operative in guiding the user to the appropriate event-handling specific resources and in responding to specific demands of the user. The functioning of the enhanced event management system affects a substantial increase in the volume of messaging and consequently in the useful data traffic across the network infrastructure within which the even management method operates.

In the first preferred embodiment of the invention the preferred mobile device is a cellular phone having enhanced computing capabilities ("mobile smart phone"), the data communication network is the cellular network optionally connected to the World Wide Web via appropriate gateway devices, and the online resources are server devices installed on local and remote computing and communicating platforms across the network.

In the second preferred embodiment of the invention the mobile device is a personal digital assistant (PDA) device with enhanced communications capabilities ("connected PDA"), the data communications network is a Local or Wide Area network, a packet based network, a cellular or other wireless network and the online resources are server devices installed on local and remote computing and communicating platforms across the network.

In other preferred embodiments of the present invention alternative types of mobile devices could be used, such as advanced wireless devices, gaming console devices, laptop computer devices, desktop computer devices, or any other suitable device that is provided with appropriate computing, communicating, and messaging capabilities. In the other preferred embodiments of the present invention the data communication network could be a satellite network, a cable television distribution infrastructure, a public telephone system (POTS), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), or any other network involving the delivery of diverse content in diverse formats among operatively communicating remote nodes spread over geographically or topographically separate locations. The communication channels supporting the present invention could span several diverse networks through suitable gateway devices equipped with suitable coder/encoder devices and router devices. Still in further preferred embodiments of the present invention the mobile devices could be linked to similar mobile devices in a peer-to-peer mode of processing. In yet another preferred embodiments mobile devices, lacking communication capabilities, could operate in co-operation with static computing and communicating devices where the required transfer of data between the devices is accomplished by synchronizing software routinely installed in current mobile and static devices. Thus, it will be readily apparent to one with ordinary skills in the art that the following description is provided merely in order to facilitate a thorough understanding of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting to other possible embodiments and/or alternative uses that are contemplated without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1 that illustrates an exemplary computing and communications environment in which the preferred embodiments of the present invention could be operative. Mobile devices 12, 14, 16, 18 are mobile messaging devices having wireless communication capabilities. The mobile devices 12, 14, 16, 18 provide users the option of performing useful applications, such as sending messages, browsing Internet sites, scheduling events, creating task tables, building text files, communicating wirelessly to remote devices, and the like. Thus, the mobile devices 12, 14, 16, 18 could wirelessly communicate to remote sites 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 via wireless access points (not shown) and via a data communications network 20. The linking of the mobile devices 12, 14, 16, 18 to the remote sites 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 is accomplished via suitable communication devices, such as wireless modems, RF transmitters/receivers, appropriate communications software or circuit-based communication functionality, and appropriate communication channels comprising air interfaces, wireless access points, messaging servers, network gateways, landlines, satellite transmitters/receivers, cable TV network head-ends, and the like.

Still referring to Fig. 1 the remote sites 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 illustrated on the drawing are server devices that are operative in the transmission of content data and messages to the requesting mobile devices 12,

14, 16, 18. Thus, the Event Handling Mediator Server 22 is a specifically designed and developed set of programs that is operative in providing the mobile devices 12, 14, 16, 18 event-handling-specific infoπnation, such as suitable recommendations lists regarding appropriate network resources where the lists typically include general resource identification, specific resource functionality and network and page address. The lists are transmitted to the mobile devices 12, 14, 16, 18 by request and provide the option to the mobile devices 12, 14, 16, 18 to link communicatively to one or more of the selected resources that are identified by the lists. The lists of the resources could include a template server 27 that provides templates for messages to be sent, and a marketing information server 24 that could provide further, more detailed and more specific resource lists. The detailed lists could provide more focused information concerning suitable e-commerce outlets, such as E-commerce site 26 in order to provide the users of the mobile devices 12, 14, 16, 18 the option of interaction with the server 26. The interaction could involve the performance of desired commercial transactions, such as purchasing products, goods, and useful services. The focused lists could further include network addresses of diverse mediator sites, such as marketing resources 28 that would perform a commercial interaction on behalf on associated e-commerce sites. The mobile devices 12, 14, 16, 18 could be further re-directed to advertisement server 30 that could transmit event-specific, user-specific or request-specific targeted advertisement to a requesting device. The mobile devices 12, 14, 16, 18 could generate and send messages in multimedia-format to the Multimedia Message Service (MMS) control server 25 that would in turn forward the messages to the proper destination. Similarly, the mobile devices 12, 14, 16, 18 could generate and send short text-formatted messages to the Short Message Service (SMS) control server 29 that would in turn forward the messages to the proper destination. Note should be taken that the mobile device could be linked indirectly to the resources 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 via the server 22 or could link directly to the operative service providers to perform desired commercial transactions. Typically the advertisement server 30 could supply suitable targeted ads to the mobile devices 12, 14, 16, 18 in conjunction with other server devices. The advertisements can be targeted according to event type, user profile, previous responses provided by the user and the like. The content transmitted between the mobile devices and the online resources could include multi-formatted data, such as text, graphics, images, video streams, audio, applets, and the like.

Although on the drawing under discussion only a limited number of mobile devices and server devices appear it would be readily understood that in a realistic environment a plurality of mobile devices could be communicating to a plurality of server devices, submit substantially simultaneously a plurality of requests, sending, a plurality of messages, and perform a plurality of commercial transactions. Although on the drawing under discussion only a single data communications network is shown it would be easily perceived that in a realistic environment the mobile devices 12, 14, 16, 18 could access several inter-connected networks via appropriate gateway devices. Referring now to Fig. 2 mobile device 32 is a mobile smart phone, or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) having wireless communication capabilities and operated by a human user. Smart phones and PDAs are commercially available on the market from the major cellular phone and computer hardware manufacturers, such as Nokia, Sony-Ericsson, Motorola, Hewlett-Packard, Sony, Compaq, and the like. Device 32 comprises a communication device 34, an input device 36, an output device 38, a processor device 40, a power supply device 42, and a memory device 44. The communication device 34 provides long-range wireless connectivity via the utilization of a wireless modem or a radio modem. Short-range communications is typically achieved via infrared beam projection technology. The input device 36 represents typically a set of activity buttons in combination with a phone keypad or alternatively a touch-screen, and a pen-like stylus and optionally a substantially miniaturized keyboard. The input device 36 is used by the user to communicate with the mobile device 32 in order to introduce requests and commands to the applications operating in mobile device 32. The output device 38 is a combination of a visual display device and an audio device. The visual display device is typically an LCD-type display. The processor device 40 is typically a microprocessor that coordinates all of the device's functions according to programmed instructions. The processor device 40 could be, for example, an Intel StrongArm microprocessor, a Motorola Dragon Ball Multiprocessor or a Hitachi SH7709a. The memory device 44 is typically solid-state, such as static RAM or Flash memory. Typically the memory device 44 comprises a combination of ROM and RAM chips. Standard pre-installed programs, such as a dialer, address book, calendar, memo pad and an operating system are stored in the ROM chip while dynamic data and user- installed off-the-shelf programs are stored in the RAM. The power supply device 42 comprises diverse types of re-chargeable batteries, such as alkaline, lithium, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, and the like. Typically, the memory device 44 holds a mobile operating system 46, a mini-browser 49, a local storage area 41, and a set of mobile applications 50. The operating system 46 organizes and controls the operation of the hardware and software components constituting the device 32. The operating system 46 contains the pre-programmed instructions that pass suitable commands to the microprocessor device 40. The mini-browser 49 is an application program that provides a way to look at and interact with the information on the Internet. Mini-browser 49 is a WAP-based, HTML-based or similar mobile Internet browser, such as OpenWave Mobile browser, and the like, for use in mobile computing devices. Mobile applications 48 include a Personal Information Manager (PIM) 50, and additional applications 58. Additional applications comprise messaging applications, such as an MMS client 47, an e-mail application, and the like. Mobile applications 48 typically include various applications, such as games, calculators, and less typically, miniaturized versions of standard commercial packages, such as the popular Word or Excel packages. The mobile applications 48 could further include MP3 players, MPEG movie players, and the like. The Personal Information Manager (PIM) 50 includes a scheduler module 52, a calendar module 54, and an event manager module 56. The PIM 50 manages the personal infoπnation of a user. The PIM 50 stores contact information, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, keeps track of appointments via a date book and a calendar, generates reminders of events, such as appointments, via clock and alarm functions. The scheduler 52 handles scheduled events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, planned meetings, dates, parties, and the like. The scheduler module 52 generates events in accordance with the user input, keeps track of the events, generates and displays reminders associated with the events. The scheduler module 52 operates in close co-operation with the calendar module 54 that links between the generated events and a calendar object. The event manager 56 is a specifically developed set of computer programs operative in assisting the user in the handling the current events. The event manager 56 includes a set of pre-defined event-specific procedures designed to be activated automatically in real-time, substantially simultaneously with the occurrence of a respective event. The event-specific procedures could also be activated independently of the occurrence of the respective events. This feature is useful when the desires to obtain the useful event-handling-specific information online resource depositories, beneficial online services, such as marketing information servers, advertisement servers, e-commerce sites, messaging center servers, and the like irrespective of the event specific activation. The activation of an event-specific procedure effects appropriate interaction of the event manager 56 with the user via suitable interface devices, in order to communicate the occurrence of the event to the user, to guide the user in the handling of the event, to respond to the subsequent demands of the user, and to satisfy the user's demands by connecting the user to useful local and/or remote resources in order to handle the current events.

Referring now to Fig. 3 the event manager 62 is a set of computer programs comprising ordered sequences of software instructions operative in the handling of current events that were originally generated by the scheduler module. The event manager 62 further comprises diverse control and data tables. The event manager 62 captures, identifies, and classifies current events and/or associated reminders and interfaces dynamically with the user via the pre-defined event-specific procedures by the utilization of suitably structured groups of menu items. The event-specific pre-defined procedures are operative in assisting the user in the optimal handling of the captured, identified and classified events by guiding the user in the performance of event-specific actions, in performing event-related user commands, in linking the user to useful event-handling-specific local and/or remote resources and thereby in enabling the user to perform one or more event-specific actions, such as purchasing gifts for a birthday event, sending flowers for a wedding anniversary event, sending greeting cards to a graduation event, reserving tickets to a sporting performance, and the like. The event manager 62 comprises a logic module 64, a user interface component 66, a communications handler 68, a scheduler interface component 70, a calendar interface component 72, and an event handler 74. Event handler 74 comprises a user menus generator 76, a messages generator 78, a network address table 80, a collection of event procedures 81, a collection of event menus 83, and a network address handler 82. The logic module 62 is responsible for the activation of the operative components, for initiating the event handler 62, for loading the suitable components, for passing functional parameters among the internal components and among the event handler 62 and the external programs, such as the scheduler, the calendar, the mini-browser and the like.

The user interface component 66 communicates with the user by passing the appropriate menu texts and associated graphics to the output device of the mobile device, and by displaying to the user messages received from the associated programs. The communications handler 68 is responsible for passing network addresses to the communication software. The scheduler interface component 70 accesses the event objects and the associated reminder messages generated by the scheduler module. The calendar interface component 72 handles the timing and dating issues. The event handler 74 is activated consequent to the identification of a current event reminder message.

Consequently the event handler 74 processes the reminder message, activates suitable event handling procedures 81, selects and obtains menus from the events menus 83 or generates event-specific menus, establishes an interface with the user, guides, directs and instructs the user via the event-specific menus in the optimal handling of the event, and responds operatively to specific requests of the user. Where the menu item selection of the user regards a request for access to local resources or remote resources via a communication network, the network address handler 82 obtains a suitable network address from the network address table 80 and establishes a local address or a remote network connection.

Reference is made now to Fig. 4 that illustrates the main stages of the event management application. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the definition, and implementation of the event-specific handling procedures is an offline process and typically performed by an application program provider through the development of suitable computer program modules. In other preferred embodiments the computer modules associated with event handling procedures could be substantially parameterized in order to provide the user with the option of personally customizing the process. The event handling procedure definition and implementation 172 includes determining the functional characteristics of a event, such as a birthday event, formulating the logical functionality and the operational features of a event handling procedure associated with a event, generating a event handling procedure associated with the event, and logically linking the event handling procedure to the occurrence of the event to provide for the handling of the event. Note should be taken that step 172 typically represents the design, and . the coding of specific sets of software instruction sets that are operative in the handling of a respective sets of events. Subsequent to the completion of the event handling procedures the software is appropriately implemented through the installation thereof in the computing, communication and message devices.

-Still referring to Fig. 4, step 174 and 176 concern the operation of the event management application in the associated mobile messaging device. At step 174, the occurrence of an event (a "current" event) is identified by the event management application. The identification of the event could be accomplished in a variety of ways, such as examining the event type, parsing the reminder text, and the like. The identification step includes capturing or intercepting the event, obtaining the functional attributes of the event, such as the event type indicator, the event date, the event text, and the like. In accordance with these attributes the event is classified as a specific type of event, such as a "birthday" event, and the like. In accordance with the type of the event and/or with specific text strings extracted from the reminder text at step 176 the event handling procedure that is to the event is activated and performed.

Reference is made now to Fig. 5 that depicts an exemplary flow chart representing the operation of the event handler 74 of Fig. 3. At step 84 the handler 74 waits for a current event. At step 86 a current event is captured and identified and at step 88 the event handler 74 determines the type of the proper event-specific procedures in accordance with the parameters of the current event. As a result event-specific user menus are selected, obtained or generated at step 90 and at step 92 a suitable user menu is displayed to the user. At step 94 the response of the user to the displayed menu is obtained where the response typically includes the selection of a menu item. In accordance with the user's response, a list of recommendations is selected, obtained or built and displayed to the user. Subsequently the user is prompted user to select a recommendation out of the displayed list. At step 98 the response of the user is obtained i.e., the user selects a desired menu item representing a specific action and the appropriate action is performed by the event handler. An exemplary action is_. shown across steps 100 through 102. Following a selection of a specific item from the basic^' event-specific menus and from the list of recommendations it could be determined by the event handler that the user demands to access a remote e-commerce site within the network in order to perform a commercial transaction. In order to properly respond to the request at step 100 the event handler obtains the user profile at step 101, obtains the suitable network resource address from the network address table 80 of Fig. 3 or from an alternative memory location and at 102 the access to the selected network resource is achieved through sending the obtained address to the mini- browser program 49 of Fig. 2 via the communication handler 68 of Fig. 3. Consequent to the interaction of the user with the requested network resource, at step 104 the event handling process terminates and program control proceeds to step 84 to enter a repeating program loop across steps 84 through 104 where for each activated event the loop is performed. In an alternative embodiment a non-connected device is used in association with the present invention and also where network resources are not available step 101 is not performed, and in step 102 the event handler stores the user response. Once the user connects the device or once network is available again network resources may be accessed directly or indirectly via the use of the synchronization process. The process of synchronization is disclosed in detail in US Patent 6,330,618. Still referring to Fig. 5, note should be taken that the above- described sequence of steps is substantially simplified and was described merely as an illustrative example set forth for thorough understanding of the underlying concept of the present invention. Following the reduction of the present invention to practice and/or practicing other preferred embodiments of the present invention, an entirely different sequence of operative steps could replace steps 82 through 104 without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. For example, the event handler could be activated by the scheduler module through the passing of a current event's reminder text to the event handler. In contrast to the performance of a single program loop for a single current event, the program loop could be performed a number of times for each current event in order to satisfy diverse aspects of event handling. Alternatively, the user could be provided with an option to activate the event handler manually and to select a specific event to handle where the selected event could be a non-current event i.e., a past event or a future event. For the purpose of simplicity the flow chart described does not include various decision boxes that are typically inherent to programs containing intensive interactions between users and computer-generated menus. Although for the simplicity of the description the various alternative processing paths were not described several "specific event-related procedures driven by the responses of the user that were prompted by the event manager application will be described hereunder in association with the following drawings.

The first preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in association with Fig. 6 through 7. In the first preferred embodiment of the invention the event manager application operates in a mobile smart phone linked to a cellular network. The event manager recognizes a specific event and responds thereto by initiating an event-specific interaction with the user of the mobile smart phone. Consequently the user performs a set of actions appropriate to the specific event. The actions generate one or more functional messages sent through the cellular network where the messages are operative in the implementation of a suitable event-handling process, such as purchasing and sending flowers to a person the stored birthday date of whom triggered the mobile smart phone-based event. Referring now to Fig. 6 that shows a view of an exemplary mobile device 122 within which the proposed method of the event management is implemented, in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device 122 is a Sony-Ericsson P800 smart phone device having computing, communication and messaging capabilities. The device 122 is developed, manufactured and distributed by Sony-Ericsson Mobile Communications AB. Device 122 includes the following features: an antenna 123, an LCD-type display screen 126, a speaker device 124, and a set of control buttons 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160. The screen 126 displays a current event-specific reminder display window 128 and an event management display window 130. The window 128 presents the relevant parameters of the current event. The parameters comprise a date value, a day-of-the-week indicator, and a short text string describing the current event. The parameters are event-type-specific and could include additional values, such as a time of day indicator. The display of the reminder window 128 could be associated with a synthesized or a pre- stored audio signal, such as a clock signal, a chimes signal, and the like, obtained from a memory address or generated automatically and played by a suitable audio player device (not shown) installed in the device 122 in co- operation with the speaker device 124. The reminder display window 128 is typically generated by the scheduler module consequent to the "maturing" of a scheduled event i.e., when a scheduled event becomes a current event or will occur within a specified period. Alternatively, the reminder display window 128 could be displayed by the event manager following the passing of the reminder parameters from the scheduler to the event manager. Consequent to the identification and classification of a current event, either via obtaining event object information, such as an event-type indicator or via the suitable analysis of the reminder text, the event manager selects, loads and activates an event-specific procedure in accordance with the identified event type. The selected procedure is operative in the generation of a user menu and in the structured display of the user menu within the event manager window 130. Fig. 6 clearly shows that the current event type is "birthday". In accordance with the "birthday" type the event manager displays a menu the items of which are related to the type of the current event. The menu items displayed in the event manager window 130 represent various user options related to recommended actions to be taken regarding a "birthday" event. Thus, the user operating the device 122 could select the following actions: 1) to send flowers, 2) to send a greeting card, 3) to buy a present, and 4) to exit the menu to terminate the operation of the event manager. It should be stressed that the menu is "customized to the occasion" since the displayed items of the menu represent typical options available to the user for the optimal handling of a "birthday" event. The menu can also be customized according to user preferences. For other types of events other menus could be obtained or generated by the event manager in order to provide the user with a list of typical alternative actions the performance of which could be appropriate to the associated event. Note should be taken that the contents and structures of the reminder window 128 and of the event manager window 130 are exemplary only. The windows 128, 130 could include additional information and could be enhanced graphically. The menu displayed in the window 130 could include additional items, such as "reserve tickets for theatre/show/cinema", "invite friends to a surprise party", "define a new action", and the like.

Still referring to Fig. 6 the string, including the "Would you like to:" text that is displayed above the list of menu items in the event manager window 130 prompts the user to select a desired option associated with one of the menu items. Each of the selected options will effect the activation of a specific event sub-procedure of the event manager. Thus, when the user desires to send, for example, a greeting card, the second menu item, identified by the digit "2", will be selected by the pressing of the control button identified by the digit "2" (140). The event manager user interface component receives the inputted digit and responds to the input by determining which event sub-procedure to activate. Referring now to Fig. 7 that shows the mobile device 122 consequent to the selection of the "Send greeting card" option by the user. In response to the specific selection by the user, the appropriate sub-procedure of the event manager obtains a list of greeting card templates, displays the templates in the event manager window 130, and prompts the user to enter a digit identifying a selected template. The event manager could obtain the templates list via several alternative execution paths. The event manger could search for the templates locally in the device 122 local storage area 41 of Fig. 2 or could initiate a network connection to the event handler mediator server 22 of Fig. 1. The search for the template locally could be supplemented by a search on server 22 of Fig. l.The server 22 could include a plurality of specific templates indexed by the type of events. The event manager accesses the server 22 via the services of the mini-browser 49 of Fig. 2 or by establishing communication with the server 22 through the communications handler 68 of Fig. 3. The mini-browser 49 of Fig. 2 submits the network address of the server 22 of Fig. 1 and establishes a connection with the server 22. The network address could include recommendations list-specific parameters. Consequently the available greeting card templates are downloaded from the server 22 to the mobile device 122 and stored in the local storage area 41. Alternatively, the greeting card templates can be viewable only on a specific network site such as a web site and the user will be "forced" to view the greeting card templates on the provider's web site. In accordance with this alternative revenue can be generated for the greeting card templates provider. The event manger extracts the templates from storage area, and displays the list in a structured format within the event manager window 130. Diverse ther execution paths could be utilized, such as providing the user with the option of selecting different network addresses for additional template stores, and the like.

Still referring to Fig. 7, the string including the text "Select a card template:" that is displayed above the list of the recommended available templates in the event manager window 130 prompts the user to select a desired message template. Each of the selected options will effect the activation of an additional specific sub-procedure of the event manager. Thus, when the user determines to a specific template identified by the digit "2" the suitable control key identified by the digit "2" should be pressed. The event manager user interface component receives the inputted digit and responds to the input in an appropriate manner.

Referring to Fig. 8 that shows the mobile device 122 consequent to the selection of a desired message template by the user prompts the user to type in a personal message text, and to press the control key identified by the string "Send" (132). In response to the pressing of the "Send" button 132 by the user, the appropriate sub-procedure of the event manager passes the completed template and associated information, such as user identification, and personal message text to the MMS client 47 of Fig. 2. The MMS client 47 relays the message to the cellular network operator's MMC center 25 of Fig. 1 that handles the sending of the message to the targeted recipients. Still referring to Fig. 8, following the conclusion of the transaction, the confirmation of the message sending and a suitable wrapping up of the process, such as the issuing of a confirmation notification to the user, the event manager could terminate the handling of the current event. Alternatively, the event manager could provide the option to the user to continue handling the current event by selecting additional actions. For example, in addition to sending a message the user may wish to the purchase and send flowers, to purchase additional gifts, and the like. The event manager could also re-display the event-handling-specific menu shown on Fig. 6 consequent to the finalizing of the sending of the greeting card. Note should be taken that the structure and the contents displayed of the event manager window 130 are exemplary only. The window 130 shown on the drawing under discussion is intentionally simplified in order to enable a thorough understanding of the present invention.

The second preferred embodiment of the invention will be described in association with Fig. 9 through 10. In the second preferred embodiment of the invention the event manager application operates in a wireless personal digital assistant (connected PDA) linked to a data communications network. The event manager application automatically recognizes a specific event and responds by initiating an event-specific interaction with the user of the connected PDA. Consequently the user performs a set of actions appropriate to the specific event. The actions generate one or more functional messages sent through the data communications network where the messages are operative in the implementation of a suitable event-handling process, such as purchasing and sending flowers from an e-commerce site across the network to a person the stored birthday date of whom triggered the PDA-based event Referring now to Fig. 9 that shows a view of an exemplary mobile device 106 within which the proposed method of the event management is implemented, in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the invention. The . device 106 is an iPAQ-type palm-sized computing device having computing and communication capabilities. The device 106 is developed, manufactured and distributed by Compaq Inc. Device 106 includes the following features: a manufacturer, device and operating system identifier band 108, an LCD-type display screen 110, and a set of control buttons 120', 120", 120'", 120"", 120"". The screen 110 displays a current event-specific reminder display window 112 and an event management display window .114. The window 112 presents the relevant parameters of the current event. The parameters comprise a date value, a day-of-the-week indicator, and a short text string describing the current event. The parameters are event-type-specific and could include additional values, such as a time of day indicator. The display of the reminder window 112 could be associated with synthesized or stored audio signal, such as a clock signal, a chimes signal, and the like, obtained from a memory address or generated automatically and played by a suitable sound player device (not shown) in conjunction with a speaker device (not shown) where both devices are installed in the device 106. The reminder display window 112 is typically generated by the scheduler module consequent to the "maturing" of a scheduled event i.e., when a scheduled event becomes a current event. Alternatively, the reminder display window 112 could be displayed by the event manager following the passing of the reminder parameters from the scheduler to the event manager. Consequent to the identification and classification of a current event, either via obtaining event object infoπnation, such as an event-type indicator or via the suitable analysis of the reminder text, the event manager selects, loads and activates an event-specific procedure in accordance with the identified event type. The selected procedure is operative in the generation of a user menu and in the structured display of the user menu within the event manager window 114. Fig. 6 clearly shows that the current event type is "birthday". In accordance with the "birthday" type the event manager displays a menu the items of which are related to the type of the cuπent event. The menu items displayed in the event manager window 114 represent various user options related to recommended actions to be taken regarding a "birthday" event. Thus, the user operating the device 106 could select the following actions: 1) to send flowers, 2) to send a greeting card, 3) to buy a present, and 4) to exit the menu to terminate the operation of the event manager. It should be stressed that the menu is "customized to the occasion" since the displayed items of the menu represent typical options available to the user for the optimal handling of a "birthday" event. For other types of events other menus could be obtained or generated by the event manager in order to provide the user with a list of typical alternative actions the performance of which could be appropriate to the associated event. Note should be taken that the contents and structures of the reminder window 112 and of the event manager window 114 are exemplary only. The windows 112, 114 could include additional infoπnation and could be enhanced graphically. The menu displayed in the window 114 could include additional itenis, such as "reserve tickets for theatre/show/cinema", "invite friends to a surprise party", "define a new action", and the like.

Still refeπing to Fig. 9 the string, including the "Select an option:" text, that is displayed under the list of menu items in the event manager window 114 prompts the user to select a desired option associated with one of the menu items. Each of the selected options will effect the activation of a specific event sub-procedure of the event manager. Thus, when the user desires to send flowers the first menu item, identified by the digit "1", will be selected. The event manager user interface component receives the inputted digit and responds to the input by determining which event sub-procedure to activate. . Refeπing now to Fig. 10 that shows the mobile device 106 consequent to the selection of the "Send flowers" option by the user. In response to the specific selection by the user, the appropriate sub-procedure of the event manager obtains a list of recommended florist retail outlets, displays the list in the event manager window 114, and prompts the user to enter a digit identifying a selected outlet. The event manager could obtain the recommendations list via several alternative execution paths. The event manger could initiate a network connection to the event handler mediator server 22 of Fig. 1. The server 22 could include a plurality of specific recommendations lists indexed by the type of business. The event manager accesses the server 22 via the services of the mini-browser 49 of Fig. 2. The mini-browser 49 submits the network address of the server 22 and establishes a connection with the server 22. The network address could include recommendations list-specific parameters. Consequently an HTML page containing the required recommendations list is downloaded from the server 22 to the mobile device 106 and stored in a suitable buffer area. The event manger extracts the page from the buffer area, and displays the list in a structured format within the event manager window 114. Alternatively the event manager could initiate a network connection to another network server, such as marketing information server 24 of Fig. 1 in order to obtain a similar recommendation list. The connection to the marketing server may lead to a user subscribing to the marketing server service. In this case the mini-browser 49 receives the network address of the server 24 and establishes a network connection either with the main HTML page of the server 24 or directly with a specific page containing the florist retail outlet list. The selected page is downloaded from the server 24 to the mobile device 106 and stored in a buffer area. The event manager extracts the page from the buffer and displays the page in a structured manner in the event manager window 114. Diverse other execution paths could be utilized, such as providing the user with the option of directly entering a network address, and the like. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of HTML in the context of the present invention is exemplary and other languages can be used in the same manner.

Still refeπing to Fig. 10, the string including the text "Select one:" that is displayed under the list of the recommended florist retail outlets in the event manager window 114 prompts the user to select a desired outlet. Each of the selected options will effect the activation of an additional specific sub- procedure of the event manager. Thus, when the user determines to purchase flowers from a specific florist retail outlet identified by the digit "1" the suitable digit should be introduced by the user. The event manager user interface component receives the inputted digit and responds to the input in an appropriate manner. Referring to Fig. 11 that shows the mobile device 106 consequent to

, the selection of a desired florist retail outlet by the user. In response to the specific selection by the user, the appropriate sub-procedure of the event manager passes the network address of the selected outlet to the mini-browser

49 of Fig. 2. The mini-browser 49 establishes a network connection with the selected outlet by introducing the network address and optionally the specific HTML page address of the e-commerce site 26 of Fig. 1 associated with the selected outlet. The HTML page is downloaded to the mobile device 106 and displayed in the event manager window 110. The HTML page is operative in the performance of a commercial transaction related to the purchasing of a desired product or service where the product could be a specific esthetically- pleasing combination of flowers (a bouquet) and the service could be the timely delivery of the purchased product to a suitable home address. The commercial transaction is accomplished through a set of pre-defined interactions between the users of the mobile device 106 with one or more connected HTML pages transmitted in a dynamically sequenced order from the e-commerce site 26 of Fig. 1 to the mobile device 106. The process of the transaction is typical to the cuπently well-known similar transactions performed between existing e- commerce shops and customers requesting to purchase goods and/or services online.

Still refeπing to Fig. 11, following the conclusion of the transaction, the confirmation of the transaction and a suitable wrapping up of the process, such as the issuing of a confirmation e-mailed from the e-commerce site 26 to the e-mail address of the mobile device 106, the event manager could terminate the handling of the cuπent event. Alternatively, the event manager could provide the option to the user to continue handling the cuπent event by selecting other actions. For example, in addition the purchase of flowers the user might wish to purchase additional gifts, reserve tickets to an entertainment event, and the like. In this version of the proposed method the event manager could re-display the event-handling-specific menu described on Fig. 6 consequent to the finalizing of the flower-purchasing transaction. Note should be taken that the structure and the contents and the structure of the HTML page shown in the event manager window 114 are exemplary only. In a realistic environment, HTML pages produced by commercial online sites and associated with commercial transactions are typically enhanced visually with attractive graphics, images, and the like, in order to positively impress potential customers. The window 114 shown on the drawing under discussion is intentionally simplified in order to enable a thorough understanding of the present invention.

During the performance of the commercial transactions targeted advertising could be implemented. For example, during the flower-purchasing transactions the user could receive targeted advertisements promoting diverse similar gifts, such as jewels, cosmetics, apparel, and the like. .

Note should be taken that the structure and the contents displayed of the event manager window 114 are exemplary only. The window 114 shown on the drawing under discussion is intentionally simplified in order to enable a thorough understanding of the present invention.

16 The proposed system and method provide additional useful features. The features include viewing of events where the displayed list of events are ordered by type of event, "maturing" date, and the like, the option of defining the advance period between the occurrence of the event and the generation of a reminder, and the sending of the greeting cards via various methods, such as MMS, SMS, e-mail, and the like. In addition, the identification of a type of event could affect displays of event type-specific advertisements. For example, the display of a. reminder for a birthday event could be accompanied with florist retail outlet advertising. The type of event could be indicated via a specifically designed icon that is displayed in association with the reminder message or by a specifically selected audio tune, such as, for example, the "Happy Birthday to You..." tune for a birthday event. A short pre-defined or Zodiac signs-based guide for a person's characteristics could be displayed alongside of the reminder message. The system and method could further support the option of directly calling a specific commercial outlet by phone where the dial-up is performed by a dedicated dialing application. The system and method is capable of viral self-marketing. For example, greeting cards sent to other MMS capable phones or e-mail addresses could include notifications concerning the message-originating hardware devices; software devices and communication network, such as for example, a Sony-Ericsson P800 mobile phone on a specific cellular network.

The event manager is operative in the handling of "matured" events that were originally generated by a scheduler module. Event handling involves the perfoπnance of one or more alternative event-specific actions or a set of event-specific actions where the different alternatives are selected by the user in accordance with the guidance of the event manager. The event manager is driven by the occuπence of the events and the event handling is driven in turn by the event manager under the control of the user. Event handling involves the performance of event-specific actions that could be accomplished via the utilization of local computerized resources, such as MMS, e-mail, automatic phone dialing, and the like, and the utilization of local and/or computerized resources, such as messaging servers, information servers, e-commerce shops, ad servers, and the like.

The proposed system and method is highly beneficial to the entire set of participating entities involved. The users of the mobile devices are provided with an extremely useful and beneficial advanced and enhanced event handling process. The effective utilization of the event handling system would increase the volume of messaging and data traffic across existing and prospective data communications networks thereby benefit communication service providers, such as Cellular Network Operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The method typically involves an increase in the volume of messages sent and online electronic purchases and thereby enhances the revenues of e-commerce shops. The enhanced traffic flowing through online marketing servers operated by marketing services increases the revenues of those agencies. The proposed system and method could open up new potential markets for online commerce, online mediation, and online advertising. In addition, the proposed system and method could become a potential market driver for the purchase of mobile hardware and mobile software devices.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims, which follow.

Claims

CLAIMS I/WE CLAIM:

1. A method of managing events in a computing, communicating, and 5 messaging environment, the method comprising the steps of: defining at least one procedure associated with at least one event, the at least one procedure is operative in the handling of the at least one event; identifying the at least one event; 0 performing the at least one event handling procedure associated with the at least one event.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of defining comprises the sub-steps of: 5 determining the functional characteristics of the at least one event; formulating the logical functionality and the operational features of the at least one event handling procedure associated with the at least one event; creating the at least one event handling procedure associated with the 0 at least one event; logically linking the at least one generated event handling procedure to the at least one event to provide for the handling of the event.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of identifying 25 comprises the sub-steps of: capturing the at least one event; obtaining at least one functional attribute of the captured event; classifying the at least one event;

30.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of performing comprises the sub-steps of: communicating the identified at least one event to an at least one human user; activating the at least one procedure associated with the captured and identified event; presenting at least one event handling recommendation associated with the at least one event handling procedure to the at least one human user; prompting the at least one human user to select at least one event handling option associated with the at least one event handling recommendation associated with the at least one event handling procedure; responding operatively to the selection of the at least one event handling option associated with the at least one event handling recommendation associated with the at least one event handling procedure by the at least one user.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one event is the occuπence of a pre-scheduled personal event generated by a human user via a scheduler application.

6. The method as claimed in claim 5 wherein the pre-scheduled personal event is a birthday event.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the pre-scheduled personal event is a wedding anniversary.

8. The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein a functional characteristics of the at least one event comprises an event type, event date, and event text.

. The method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the operational features of the at least one event handling procedure associated with the at least one event are formulated in accordance with the type of the event.

10. The method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the capturing of the at least one event is accomplished via the generation of a reminder message by the scheduler application.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10 wherein the capturing of the at least one event is accomplished by comparing in real-time the cuπent point-in-time to the scheduled point-in-time of the at least one event.

12. The method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the event handling recommendations associated with the event-handling procedure comprise purchasing and sending diverse greeting messages and gifts.

13. The method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the response to the selections of the human user comprises providing the user with specific greeting card and gift lists obtained locally or remotely in order to enable the user to purchase a greeting card or a gift represented by the items in the lists.

14. The method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the response to the selections of the user comprises initiating and performing appropriate commercial transactions between the user and diverse e- commerce sites across the communications network.

15. A system for managing events in a computing, communicating, and messaging environment, the system comprising the elements of: at least one messaging device; an event manager application installed on the at least one messaging device; at least one an event handling mediator server device; an at least one template server device.

16. The system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the at least one messaging device is a mobile messaging device.

17. The system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the event manager application comprises the elements of: a logic module for activating, initiating and loading components; a user interface module for communicating with a user; a communications handler for passing addresses to a communication software; a scheduler application interface module for accessing at least one event object and at least one associated reminder message; a calendar application interface module for handling tuning and dates; an event handler for processing reminders and activating and operating at least one event.

18. The system as claimed in claim 17 wherein the event handler component comprises the elements of: an user menus generator; at least one event handling procedure; an event menu table; a network addresses table; a network addresses handler.

19. The system as claim in claim 16 wherein the mobile messaging device is a cellular telephone device having enhanced computing capabilities (mobile smart phone) and connectable to a communications network.

20. The system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the communications network is a cellular network.

21. The system as claimed in claim 20 wherein the cellular network is linked to diverse communications networks via specific gateway devices.

22. The system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the mobile messaging device is a personal digital assistant having communications and messaging capabilities (connected PDA) and connectable to a communications network.

23. The system as claimed in claim 22 wherein the communications network is the Internet.

24. The system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the at least one an event handling mediator server device is installed on a computer platform across a communications network.

25. The system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the at least one template server device is installed on at least one computing platform across a communications network.

26. The system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the messaging device comprises the elements of: a communication device; an input device; an output device; a processor device; a power supply device; and 5 a memory device.

27. The system as claimed in claim 26 wherein the memory device comprises the elements of: a mobile operating system; •10 a mini-browser application; a local storage area; a multimedia message service client application; and a personal information manager (PIM) application.

15