Motorola Mobility, Inc. v. Microsoft Corporation

Filing 125

NOTICE by Microsoft Corporation re #124 Defendant's MOTION Claim Construction of Filing Exhibits (Attachments: #1 Appendix (Index to Exhibits), #2 Exhibit 101, #3 Exhibit 102, #4 Exhibit 201, #5 Exhibit 301, #6 Exhibit 302, #7 Exhibit 304, #8 Exhibit 305, #9 Exhibit 501, #10 Exhibit 502, #11 Exhibit 504, #12 Exhibit 601, #13 Exhibit 801 (Part 1), #14 Exhibit 801 (Part 2), #15 Exhibit 901, #16 Exhibit 902, #17 Exhibit 903, #18 Exhibit 904, #19 Exhibit 905, #20 Exhibit 1101, #21 Exhibit 1102, #22 Exhibit 1105, #23 Exhibit 1110, #24 Exhibit 1114, #25 Exhibit 1115, #26 Exhibit 1116, #27 Exhibit 1201, #28 Exhibit 1301, #29 Exhibit 1302, #30 Exhibit 1303, #31 Exhibit 1304, #32 Exhibit 1305, #33 Exhibit 1401, #34 Exhibit 1402, #35 Exhibit 1403, #36 Exhibit 1404, #37 Exhibit 1405, #38 Exhibit 1406, #39 Exhibit 1407, #40 Exhibit 1408, #41 Exhibit 1409)(Miner, Curtis)

Exhibit 1405

US006101531A

United States Patent

[11]

Egglestou et al.
1541

[75]

Patent Number:

[45]

[19]

Date of Patent:

5,377,354
5,406,557
5,491,820
5,506,887
5,513,126
5,568,540
5,621,727
5,764,899

SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING
USER-SELECTED CRITERIA FILTER
PREPARED AT WIRELESS CLIENT TO
COMMUNICATION SERVER FOR
FILTERING DATA TRANSFERRED FROM
HOST TO SAID WIRELESS CLIENT
Invcntors: Gene Eggleston, Cary; Milch Hansen,
Fox River Grove, both of 111.

12/1994
4/1995
2/1996
4/1996
4/1996
10/1996
4/1997
6/1998

6,101,531
Aug. 8, 2000

Scannel et al ..........................
Baudoin.
Belove et al ...............................
Emery et al..
Harkins et al..
Greco et al..
Vaudreuil .
Eggleston et al .......................

709/103
707/3

709/203

Primary Examiner~c Hicu Luu
Attorne.~, AgenL or Firm~omi N. Bose; Terri S. Hughes

[73]

Assignee: Motorola, Inc., Schaumburg, Ill.

[57]

[21]

Appl. No.: 09/060,686

[22]

Filed:

In a main embodiment, prestage filtering is applied via
user-definable filter parameters (e.g., reject, pass, or granularity filters) on data being transferred between a communication unit (201) and communication server (220). For
downloading, e.g., email from a host post office (240), a
communication server controller (229) preferably either
forwards the filter parameters in a query object or message
to the post office to apply and return qualified mail
(406-414), or the communication server receives all unprocessed mail and applies the filters locally (418-420), only
acknowledging as processed that mail which passes the
filters. For uploading, e.g., email from a client, a client
controllcr applics an upload prcstagc filtcr (432) so as to
retain all filter-rejected email, while transmitting cmail passing the filters (434). Thus, only desired data transfers (i.e.,
those meeting user defined filters) are communicated over
the expense-bearing networ -ks between the remote unit and
communication server.

Apr. 15, 1998
Related U.S. Application Data

[63]
[51]
[52]
[58]

Continuation of application No. 08/574,537, Dec. 19, 1995,
abandoned.
Int. CI.7 ........................... G06F 15/16; G06F 15/177
U.S. C| ........................... 709/206; 709/207; 709/220;
709/232
Field of Search ..................................... 709/206, 207,
709/’220, 232, 103, 203; 706/47; 707/3

[56]

References Cited
U.S. PAI’EN’I’ DOCUMENTS
5,276,680
5,283,856
5,287,456

1/1994 Messenger.
2/1994 Gross et al ...............................
2/1994 Rhodes et al..

ABSTRACT

706/47

11 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
COMM SERVER

H._.OSI/SERVER

QUERRV OBJECT

MS!CLIENT

REGEfVE QUERRY

41

~20~

NO~

4~B ~

~ FORWARD QUALIFYING i
MAIL
II

~424

I

A OK~ WLEDGE

422

~[ ~ ~ ,
~

~ 430
GENERA TE MAIL ~

(LISTQUALIFYING, ~

"

~428
MARKINDEX

~

~426

~ ~ 432
APPL Y FILTERS

~

~
~ 434
FORWARD ~ALIFYt~ ~

/436
FOWARDMAIL

i * ""

MAILATTACHMLNIS;RETAQuAUFIEDIN; ALLMAILUN- ~

~ 4~

~ 442
CHANGE RL TER
SE~INGS

RECEIVE;
ADJUST CLIENT
~

~

MS-MOTO SDFLA 00000007333

U.S. Patent

Aug. 8,2000

Sheet 1 ors

6,101,531

MS-MOTO SDFLA 00000007334

COMMUNICATION SERVER

U.S. Patent

Aug. 8,2000

6,101,531

Sheet 3 of 8

MS/CLIENT
INSTANTIA TION

~ 301

SEND REGISTRATION

3O2

VSM

HOST/SER VER(E. G.,
POST OFFICE)

RECEIVE REGI~

~
so4

AUTHENTIFICA TION; ~ RECEIVE REGISTRATION|
SEND REGISTRATION/
AUTHENTICATE
|
LOGON TO HOST

,~

305

308.,~,,,, ~
SEND REGISTRA TION 309
RECEIVE REG.;FULL Y ~ FULL Y QUALIFIED;STARTI-..""
o
QUALIFIED, START TIMER| ~1
TIMER
|
¯ f 32I
~ VIRTUAL SESSION ESTABLISHED-~-*~-~ SESSION ESTABLISHED--,~
¯
[ QUERR Y FOR MAIL
¯
320 I
~ RECEIVE NEW MAIL ~FoR MS

t

324

RECEIVE MAIL
ACKNOWLEDGE

I

~

UPDATE TIMER
~

RECEIVE MAIL,
FORWARD TO CLIENT I~---]FORWARD MAIL TO VSM I
~" 322
ACKNOWLEDGE TO
SERVER

UPDATE POST OFFICE

~OX(E.G., M,~ RE~D~

330

/,~332
"-’~OTHER DA TA EXCHANGEI~OTHER DA TA E.~(CHANGE~ IOTHER DA TA EXCHANGEI
333-’--"~

~

FIG.3

f
REMOVE
i tREMOVE QUALIFICA TION~
QUALIFICATION ~ t
L OGOFF
~I

341

LOGOFF CLIENT

MS-MOTO SDFLA 00000007336

Aug. 8,2000

U.S. Patent

Sheet 4 ors

6,101,531

COMM SER VER

HOS T/SER VER

Q UERR Y OBJEC T
FOR MAIL

MS/CLIENT

RECEIVE QUERRY

408
NO

410
416

RECEIVE QULIFYING
MAIL;FORWARD

RECEI VE MAIL;
A CKNO WL EDGE

I
420 J
/..---424
RECEIVE MAIL;
ACKNOWLEDGE

412----.~

//.....414

~

A PPL Y FILTERS;
SEND QUALIFYING MAIL|

~

RECEIVE MAIL
A PPL Y FIL TERS
~

FOWARD MAIL

4!8 -’’/

FORWARD QUALIFYING
MAIL

GENERA TE MAIL

k,,,,. 422
f428

ACKNOWLEGE
(LIST QUALIFYING,
UNQUALIFIED MAIL~
¯
~"426

MARK INDEX

432
APPLY FILTERS

434
FORWARD QUALIFYING
MAIL A TTA CHMENTS;
RETAIN; ALL UNQUALIFIED MAIL
438

FOWARDMAIL

¯

,, o

~440
FOWARDMAIL
~~~~
~ 442
CHANGE FILTER
SETTINGS

~
ACK

RECEIVE;
ADJUST CLIENT
PROFILE!OBJECT

T

444

FIG.4

MS-MOTO_SDFLA_00000007337

U.S. Patent

Aug. 8,2000

Sheet 5 of 8

6,101,531

f" APPL Y

~

NEXT MESSAGES

NO

-1

~ NO~ 614
~616yES ~ OMITFIL~F~G
I SEND MESSAGES

FIG.6

MS-MOTO_SDFLA 00000007338

U.S. Patent

Sheet 6 ors

Aug. 8,2000

MS/CLIENT

6,101,531

COMM SERVER

HOST/SERVER

SEND QUERR Y OBJECT~

RECEIVE QUERRY
APPL Y FILTERS

702 ~

704J

~._

~YES
¯

¯ ¯ =

SEND QUALIFYING MAIL~
710__

714"--"’x
RECEI VE ID INFO, SA VE~
IN SUMMARY INDEX

IWAIT PREDETERMINED
PERIOD?
716~"
,/.--720
RECEIVE; UPDATE
CLIENT SUMMARY
INDEX, PROMPT USER
722 ~
USER REQUESTS
SPECIFIED MA IL;SEND
REQUEST(E. G.,
SERIAL NO.~

RECEIVE MAIL;
ACKNOWLEDGE,
UPDATE INDEX

INFORMATION FOR L
EACH NON-QUALIFYINGF~
MAIL, SEND

I

712---...,,
~
MARK QUALIFYING AND~
NON-QUA LIFYING MAIL|

DETERMINE CLIENT
SUMMARY INDEX CONTENT SEND SUMMARY
INDEX DEL TA

~_~

724-..~
RECEIVEREQUEST,
FORWARD OBJ;
TO POST OFFICE

b

~

,,,,.-726
RETRIEVE SPECIFIED
MAIL, FORWARD

RECEIVE FORWARD
TO CLIENT
~-- 728 ,...--UPDATE INDEX, SEND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

f734
MARK MAIL AS READ i
I

FIG.7
f 80I
CLIENT 1 SUMMARY SERIAL NO. 1
INDEX
SERIAL N0.2

HEADER INFO. 1(E.G.,AUTHOR:SUBJECT, DA TE/TIME IN;
SIZE:ACKNOWLEDGEMENT/SIZE:PRIORITY)
HEADER INFO 2

FIG.8

MS-MOTO SDFLA 00000007339

Aug. 8,2000

U.S. Patent

MS/CLIENT
/.-.-.- 902

Sheet 7 ors

6,101,531
HOST/SERVER

COMM SERVER

CONtENtI
GENERATE OPTtMIZED
REPL Y="DEL TA" BETWEEN REPL Y AND A
PREEDING MESSAGE,
AND PRECEEDING
MESSAGE IDENTIFIER

I

~t /.~.--906
COMPARE OPTIMIZED | ,
REPL Y AND STANDARD~-~ RECEIVE OPTMIZED
REPLY
REPLY, SEND SHORT | I
908~
REQUEST PRECEEDING~
MESSA GE CORRESPO- L

!

~NDING TO P~ECEEDIN~

II

MSS.ID

I CEEDING MESSAGE

~ 914

I
920.~

SEND REPLY TO
ADDRESSEE
RECEIVE REPLY ~918
FOR CLIENT
I

COMPARE REPLY TO
PROCEEDING MESSA GE
TO SOURCE/ADDRESSO~
FROM CLIENT(IN INDEX)
FOR CONTENT MA TCHI

~

GENERA TE OPTIMIZED
REPL Y=DEL TA
PLUS PRECEEDING
MESSAGE IDENTIFIER ~

~926

~

~924

’~’1

MS-MOTO_SDFLA_00000007340

U.S. Patent

6,101,531

Sheet 8 of 8

Aug. 8,2000

¯ ~-~-PARAMFTFRfF ~ RITF""-,,~ES
"~LIENT O~d~
L
~
~R D~
~1 FORWARD MESSAGE ~ ~ ~ ¯

~ 9fir ~ ~~NO
~ ~. ~ > ~ ......
ALERT CLIENT USE LIMIT ~ FORWARD NOTIFIER T~
REACHED
r CLIENT, (OPTIONALL Y) ~
~-ADMINISTRATOR ~
~
~
~u
=
OPTIONALL Y(IF CAPABLE)
1)FORWARD REQUEST ~

~

~Ls~[9~L~

ro ~OMtN~STnATOn I

ADDITIONAL ALLOCATION ~ 2)PROCESS CHARGE/ I
2)AUTHORIZE COMM.
DEBIT AMOUNT, ADJUST ~
AODITONAL CHARGE
/DEBIT

~

~972 "

~~

I

(ESTIMA TED),OETERMINEI
NEWUSELIMIT

I
’

~
IFORWARD NOTIFIER T~
ADMINISTRATOR OF
I ANY OVERRIDE; ALERTI

I

TO CUE~T

~
~ VERIFY PRIWLEGE;
-~974

~ ~z~ ~ .o~ co~. s~v~I

~ou~ ~ NEW ~

ALERT CLIENT

IFORWARD NOTIFIER T~
~ CLIENT, (OPTIONA£LLY)~
I ADMINI~TRATOR ~986

: RECEIVE BILLING INFOR
-MA TION FROM PROVIDER
REPLACE ESTIMA TED USE_
~ 988
CHARGES IN BILLING
UPDA TE PRG USE LIMIT,
INDEX, UPDATE DIRECT
ALERT CLIENT
OBJECT REFLECTING NEV~
TRANSACTION TOTA L,
UPDA TE USE LIMIT, NOTIF’~
990~.~ ~
CLIENT, ADMIN.
CLIENT REQUEST ~
¯ ¯
DOWNLOAD OF CUR-~
¯
~
RENT BILLING INDEX|
UPDATE EVENT OCCURS
(E.G., STARTNEW
¯ ¯ ¯ ~_~
BILLING CYCLE); ADJUST
USE LIMITIN~..TIFY CLIENT

~

I

FIG. IO

MS-MOTO_SDFLA_00000007341

6,101,531
1

2

Further, many processes, like that of a typical email reply,
are wasteful of bandwidth by rcsending all earlier messages
each time a new reply is generated, even though the earlier
messages may still be stored at both ends of the wireless
5 network.
In addition to the above concerns over how to optimize
the types and amount of data being transferred, there is
The present application is a continuation of U.E. appliadditionally a problem in a lack of effective techniques for
cation Ser. No. 08/574,537, filed Dec. 19, 1995 now
monitoring and cvcn controlling an aggrcgatc usc of tariffcd
abandoncd, entitled "Mcthod and Apparatus for Virtual 10 networks. While the network seiwice providers have means
Session1 Commuuications" by Gene Egglestou and Mirth
for tracking use by an individual unit basis, which is totaled
Hansen, commonly owned together with this application by
in periodic billing statements, this information is typically
Motorola, Inc.
unavailable to users or their managers/application administrators. Thus, users and managers are typically left without
FIELD OF THE IN Vk, NTION
15 any effective means for controlling the level of messaging
during a billing cycle, and can only monitor or react to usage
The present invention relates to communications and
follo~ving the service providers periodic statements.
more particularly an improved method and apparatus for
transferring data in a communications system.
There remains therefore a need for an improved means for
data communications that solves these and related problems.
20
BACKGROUND
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The last 10 years have seen a tremendous increase in the
demand for communications services, including both wired
FIG. 1 is a block diagram oI a communications system
and xvireless networks capable of handling data colramuniaccording to a first embodiment of the invention;
cations. Unlike real-time voice services, such as standard 25
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a communications system
telephony or cellular wireless services, in which circuitaccording to a further embodiment of the invention;
switched communications are used because of the sensitivity
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating virtual session data
of users to the timing of oral dialogue/voice data, greater
efficiencies can often be achieved in non-voice data com- transfer between the different functional entities of the
munications through the use of packet-switched or hybrid 30 wireless communications system of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a prc-stagc filtering
communications systems. This is particularly the case with
embodiment for data transfer between the different funccommnnications to remote users (e.g., persons sending
tional entities of the wireless communications system of
messages via one of the well-Maown available wireless
FIG. 2;
networks like GSM (Global System for Mobiles) or AMPS
(Advanced Mobile Phone System) cellular), where pro- 35 FIG. ~ is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of
tracted circuit-switched sessions into a mail server or LAN
pre-stage filtering for data transfers;
(local area network) could be prohibitively expensive due to
FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of
thc high pcr-minutc scssion chargcs by the wireless service
pre-stage filtering for data transfers;
provider.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a message summarizaOne solution to this problem has bccn for users to limit, 4o tion and selection embodiment for data transfer between the
as much as feasible, their communications to sessionlcss
different functional entities of the wireless communications
communications. This can be done, e.g., by subscribing to
system of FIG. 2;
additional email services that can receive LAN/WAN (wide
FIG_ g is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a
area network) email and send out broadcast pages and
summary index for use in the process of FIG. 7;
transmissions to registered users, in lieu of requiring a user 45
FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an optimized reply
to maintain a session ~vith a mail server. However, this
embodiment for data transfer between the different funcdisadvantageonsly reqnires snbscription to an additional
tional entities of the wireless communications system of
service, and is typically limited in the types of applications
FIG. 2; and
supported. With the rapid growth in emerging sessionoriented applications--like the popular client server appli- 5o FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a rate governor
embodiment for data transfer bctwccn thc diffcrcnt funccation of Lotus Notes®--the need is growing for more cost
tional entities of the wireless communications system of
effective solutions to providing connectivity of such sessionFIG. 2.
oriented applications and users remotely located from their
host servers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Regardless of whether a session-oriented or session-less 55
These problems and others are solved by the improved
communication service is used, it is also desirable to limit
thc amount of information communicatcd bctwcen a rcmotc
method and apparatus according to the invention. A prcsently p~efcrred first main embodiment of the invention is a
user and host, both to save off-site user’s time and to litnit
the costs arising from the more expensive rates for remote
system including a virtual session manager (VSM) for
communications. Unfortunately, typical applications like 6O establishing and maintaining a sessionless communication
email do not provide for user-selected methods for choosing
path with a first data processing device (e.g., a mobile client)
and limiting the vohJme of down-loaded communications, or
on the one hand and a session-oriented communication path
for filtering uploaded communications. Thus, a user who
with a second data processing device (e.g., a host system).
~vants to receive remote messaging is left with an option of
The session-oriented communication protocol with the host
receiving all his messages, even the ones he or she might65 system permits remote access to, e.g., LAN-based
otherwise be willing to leave unread until a later time xvhen
applications, while the virtual session, via a sessionlessno longer using expensive remote communications services.
oriented comnrunication protocol, between the VSM and
SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING
USER-SELECTED CRITERIA FILTER
PREPARED AT WIRELESS CLIENT TO
COMMUNICAiI’ION SERVER EOR
FILTERING DATA TRANSFERRED FROM
HOST TO SAID WIRELESS CLIENT

MS-MOTO SDFLA 00000007342

6,101,531

3

4

remote (i.e., coupled via a tariffed network or connection)
main rate governor is maintained at the communication
client permits this access to be carried out without the
server, allowing access, control and the like by system
expense of a dedicated/circuit switched connection.
administrators and the like. A further rate governor, responsive to the main rate governor, naay also be used at the
In a second main embodiment, a prestage filter stage is
provided for applying user-definable filter parameters (e.g., s remote unit. By means of this rate governor a mechanism is
provided for both limiting user or group data transfer beyond
reject, pass, or granularity filters) on data being transferred
a set amount, as well as providing alerts to users as the limit
between the remote communication unit and communication
is approached.
server. For downloading, e.g., email from a host post office,
a communication server controller preferably either forTurning now to FIG. l, there is generally depicted a
~vards the filter parameters in a query object or message to ~0 communication system 100 in accordance with a first
the post office to apply and return qualified mail, or the
embodiment of the invention. This system is configured to
communication server receives all unprocessed mail and
support one or more user devices such as wireless subscriber
applies the filters locally, only acknowledging as processed
units (i.e., mobile station (MS) 105) communicating with
that mail which is qualified. For uploading, e.g., cmail from
host processor 11~ via an infrastructure including base
a client, a client controller applies an upload prestage filter 15 station 120 and intermediate system 125 coupled to a data
so as to retain all filter rejected mail, while transmitting mail
network 130. In the illustrated case mobile station 105 is a
passing the filters. Thus, only desired data transfers (i.e.,
portable computer having an rf (radio frequency) modem
those meeting user defined filters) are communicated over
106. A communications server 110, including a virtual
the expense-bearing networks between the remote nnit and
session manager (VSM) and query manager (QM), is
communication server.
20 coupled bclwecn ihe public dala nelwork 130 and ihe hos!
In yet another main embodiment, a select and summary
server 11~. The virtual session manager and query manager
(S&S) listing or index is used to providc user flexibility in
arc, prcfcrabl~; an appropriately configured data proccssing
reviewing and requesting otherwise filtered data. Both the
device, the VSM and QM program being shipped for loading
user’s remote communication unit and communication
on the server 11~ via any convenient means such as a
server maintain a S&S index containing identifying~5 nrachine-readable CD-ROM 111 (compact disc-read only
(summary) information about data which has not been fully
memory) or the like. Counterpart client-communications
software, e.g., a prestage filter and rate governor, can be
transferred between the communication unit and communication server. As new data is reviewed and filtered for
shipped via a similar convenient form like CD-ROM 107,
transfer, identifying/summary information is captured for
downloaded directly from server 110 to subscriber 10g (also
any non-qualifying data by either a host unit or the com- 3o being, e.g., a data processing device, by which is meant
munication server. ’llais information is stored in the comvirtually any processor (but not a human) capable of promunication server’s S&S index, and at least periodically
cessing data for a programmed result, whether a general
transferred via update messaging to the remote communipurpose computer or more specialized electronic processor),
cation unit. Upon reviewing its updates or its S&S index, the
or the like.
user may send a request for such of the data that it desires 35 In this elnbodiment the mobile user 105 communicates
partial or full transfers for further review. Thus, a cost
with the serveriVSM 110 using any appropriate data protoefficient review mechanism is provided to users for detercol being used by the data network 130, as necessarily
mining whether to transfer data that otbe~vise fails selected
modified for transport over the wireless infrastructure; the
filter parameters.
wireless infrastructure could be, e.g., any private system like
In a fourth main embodiment, a method and apparatus for 4o ARDIS® or DataTAC®, CDPD (cellular digital packet
optimized reply to messaging is provided. When sending a
data), GPRS (GSM Packet Radio Service), and the like.
reply, the remote communication unit’s controller generates
Thus, a sessionless data flow between the mobile user
a delta (e.g., data representing the content difference
and serveriVSM 110 occurs on an event driven basis, and no
between two messages) between a preceding message and
costly connection is maintained when there is nothing being
the reply message, and forms an optimized reply using the 45 communicated. In order to keep connectivity costs to a
delta and an identifier of the preceding message. On receivminimum, the server 110 is preferably connected to the
ing the optimized reply, the communication server uses the
LAN/%VAN on which the host 11~ is also connected, via any
data unit identifier to retrieve the preceding message from a
standard LANi~,VAN communication channel (e.g., a bus or
further host (e.g., thc post officc mailbox of thc uscr assobackbonc). This allows the communications scrvcr 110 to
ciated with the remote unit), reconstructs the full reply from 5o advantageously maintain the same session with the host 11~
the retrieved message and the delta, and forwards the full
that the client 10~ typically enjoys when connected to the
reply to the addressee. When receiving a reply for the remote
LAIN/WAN. Thns, by use of the server 110 the client 105 can
unit, an index is preferably maintained at both the remote
achieve a virtual session with the host 115 with almost the
unit and communication server of mail stored at the remote
same access as if directly connected to the host’s 115 LAN,
unit. Resort is made to this index to determine a preceding ss but at a substantial reduction in the cost of communicating
message forming part of the reply. An optimized reply is
via the wireless network and PDN 130.
similarly formed from a delta and identifying information of
FIG. 2 illustrates an altcrnativc communication systcm
the preceding message, and sent to the remote unit. In this
200 embodinrent of the present invention. A first client, a
manner, tire volunre and expense incurred in reply nressagmobile end system (M-ES) computer including a user device
ing is greatly reduced, by only sending a delta and small 6o 201, is in communication with a base station (BS1) 218 of
header (i.e., the identifying information).
a wireless communication system. This base station 218 is
Finally, in a fifth embodiment, a rate governor is provided
conpled, e.g., on a same bns or via bridgesironters, to a
for monitoring and controlling the amount of communicacommunication server 220 which includes VSM 230. An
tions between the remote nnit and commnnication server.
electronic mail @mail) post office is conpled locally to VSM
Preferably, as threshold(s) are passed a user is alerted to 6s 230, either as another program running on the same comamounts (time and/or charges) spent or remaining, and once
munications server 220 or located on another server 240 of
a use limit is reached further communication is restricted. A
the comnrunications server’s 220 LAN!WAN. It is not

MS-MOTO SDFLA 00000007343

6,101,531
5

6

important, however, where the post office is located for
and client 201; these include, e.g., appropriate protocol
purposes of operation of the VSM 230, as is illustrated by
software that can be located at the communications server,
other application hosts B and C 25$, 260 being in commuor any other convenient processor per design of the given
nication via other networks such as a public data network or
communication system. By messages is meant any appropublic switched telephone network 250. In fact, the same 5 priate data unit (whether a frame, datastream, packet, or
other format), including objects, datagrams, etc., for conuser 201 could be concurrently coupled via the VSM 230 to,
taining information being communicated.
for example, a local email post office 240, a remote clientserver host 255, a further database host server (not shown),
Communications server 220 is also illustrated as supportan administrator host server 260, a multimedia host, a voice
ing additional users, e.g. user module 216, communicating
processor, etc. It should be understood that for purposes of ~0 via different access points, e.g., control module (CM) 217 of
this application, a first device or component is responsive to
a wireless LAN and base station 219, all access points
or in communication with a second unit or component
217-219 being coupled via a common bus, backbone, etc.
regardless of whether the first and second units are directly
These base stations can be part of the same communication
coupled or indirectly coupled, such as via intermediate units,
system, similar systems owned by different service
including switches that operatively couple the units for only ~5 providers, or even different systems, all of which may be
a segment of time, as long as a signal path can be found that
different from the communications server service provider.
directly or indirectly establishes a relationship between the
Thus, for example, a single communications server can
first and second units. For example, the client computer 105
support at one local region 215 an ARDIS® node, a RAM®
is in communication with the VSM server 110 even though
node, a wireless LAN controller module, a CDPD node, an
intermediale syslem (e.g., a rouler or swilch) 125 and a 2o in-building cordless telephone node, etc., allowing users
packet network 130 having multiple s~vitches etc. are disfrom a variety of systems to access the same communicaposed bct~vccn the uscr device 105 and VSM server 110.
tions scrvcr and post office. Uscrs not registered could
access through the appropriate one of these nodes along the
In the illustrated case client 201 includes a data transfer
manager or exchange unit 206, which in simple form could model of FIG. 1, i.e., via PDN 250 to a remote communibe an appropriately programmed electronic processor 207 25 cations server having their VSM!QM. Thus, any nulrrber of
system configurations is possible, limited only by the net(e.g., a general puq~ose CPU (central processing unit) and
work services provided and the user’s preference.
memory or data store 211. A timer 205 is also preferably
employed in the data exchange control process, as will be
A process by which a VSM manages communications
explained further in connection with the flow chart of FIG.
between client and host is illustrated in the flow chart
3 below. A typical client 201 would also include some 3o embodiment of FIG. 3. This process typically begins with a
form(s) of user interface such as display 204, a data cncoder/
user event, such as instantiation (forming) of a communidecoder 203 to accommodate the system communications
cations object at the client and sending a registration mesprotocol(s), and a transceiver (if using rf or infrared
sage (steps 301-302). Alternatively, the infrastructure could
initiate the communications by sending a page or the like
communications) and a modulator-demodulator (or modem)
202 to connect to a ~vireless or wireline comnaunications ~5 requesting the client to register (for example, when the client
network. Transceiver/modem 202 in this case would either
has registered with the wireless system but not yet requested
include a built-in or attached user module for wireless LAN
registration with the communications server). In any event,
communications; the specific type will vary depending on
once a registration message is received by the communicathe system, e.g., including PCMCIA (personal computer
tions server, it preferably authenticates and otherwise qualimemory card interface association) wireless modems, and 40 ties the client, including sending a logoniregistration mesattached or built-in PSTN (public switched telephone
sage to the hosl for its authentication of the client (steps
network) modem, etc. Specific features of data exchange
303-305). Upon successful authentication, the communicaunit 206 preferably includes (as more fully described below)
tions server instantiates a client object (CO) for the coma prestage filter (PSF) manager 208, rate governor (RG) 209,
munications session including client parameters retrieved
user profile store 212, select and summary index store 213, 45 from an inactive client parameter store, as modified by the
and mail store 214 (a store being any available device (e.g., user in his registration or subsequent messages (step 306).
ROM (read-only memory), disks) or program (e_g_, a
These parameters include at a minimum client and host
database) for storage of the specified information).
identifiers, but may also include additional preferences
The communication server 220 preferably includes a data
bascd on thc typc of communications involved. Also, the
transfer manager or controller 229 having a VSM 230, 5o registration and authentication process can be handled by the
VSM, or alternatively by another appropriately programmed
memory stores for storing active client profile (user
entity of the commnnications server. Following instantiation
parameters) and inactive client profile information 226 and
227, a timer 224, and optionally some form of protocol
at the server, a response message, e.g., a further registration
message, is sent to the client, and an acknowledgment
translators or formatters 222. The VSM 230 serves to
manage the virtual session with the client 201 and session ss (ACK) returned to the server; both client and server then
with host systems 240, 255 and!or 260 based on the paramretain the instantiated objects as fully qualified, and start
session timers (steps 307-309). At this point a virtual session
ctcrs loadcd into thc active user paramctcr store/profile
has been established between the client and the VSM, and a
memory 226 or object. Controller 229 preferably also
regular session established between the VSM and host
includes a query manager (QM) 231 for controlling specific
processes (e.g., sending messages to a post office to query 6o computer. If the registration is not successful, then any
instantiated object is deleted, with the client returned to an
for unprocessed messages and forwarding received mesinactive status.
sages etc.), and a prestage filter 232 and rate governor 234.
Memory 225 also preferably includes a client select and
Upon establishing the virtual session, a query is prefersnmmary index database or store 228, which will also be
ably generated by query manager reqnesting unprocessed
described more fully below in connection with FIGS. 7 and 65 data for the user, and the VSM forwards the query to the host
8. The protocol translators 222 serve to format or code the
(step 320). In the case of email, e.g., this might include
messages as appropriate for transport between the VSM 230
generating a request message for all unread nrail in the users

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post office box. The post office then checks for new mail
with the generation of a query object or message at the
received, and forwards all such mail to the VSM (steps
communications server (step 4!)6). This obj ect/message may
be created in response to a preceding client generated
321-322). Because the VSM has established a tAN session
with the post office, these conamunications are performed
message (e.g., a request generated when clicking on an
relatively quickly, e.g., in accordance with the LAN’s and 5 application button requesting updates, executing the mail
host’s typical processing for their current loading level. The
application, etc.), or in response to settings in the client
VSM in turn forwards the data (i.e., mail) received via the
profile. However, after updating the active client profile/
virtual session transport (step 323). For example, in the case
object for an active client application, the query manager is
of FIG. 1 where PDN 130 is an ISDN (integrated services
preferably programmed to send query objects at predeterdigital network) network connected to a CDPD wireless ~0 mined intervals for each application being mn by each active
network, the mail would be appropriately packetized by the
client, the intervals varying depending on the application
communications server and delivered via the serving BS 120
type (e.g., longer for mail (about every 5?*** seconds) than
according to ISDN/CDPD system protocols. This can take
for interactive applications like Lotus Notes (about every
up to several minutes or morc for a moderately sized mail
17"** second). Alternatively, the intervals could be user
package. However, since the data is being delivered in a 15 specified via the client profile, for example to shorten the
sessionless mode, the amount of time the communication
query intervals for time critical applications (e.g., for emerchannel (including the more expensive wireless communi- gency services or "real time" applications), or lengthen the
cation channel portion, as well as the portion via PDN 130)
intervals when less frequent updates are desired (e.g., to
is tied up is kept to a minimnm. This also tranMates into a
conserve on traffic expenses for updates to a rapidly
significant cost savings for the user, since the user is only 20 changing, bul non-lime crilical, group-ware file or
charged on a per packet basis for mail when it is actually
document).
transported, and doesn’t have to pay for a prolonged session
The content of the query objects will vary depending both
to keep connected to the post office in order to receive new
upon the application and client filter settings. One approach
lnail. Finally, upon receipt by the client, appropriate
for mail applications is to have a predetermined number of
acknowledgments are sent and the post office box updated, 25 user-definable filter attributes stored in the client profile
e.g., by marking the mail as read or processed (steps
databases (e.g., stores 212 and 226-227 of FIG. 2). These
324-326)
attributes can include, by way of example, the priority of a
While in some systems it may be advantageous to store
message (e.g., urgent, normal, or low); the date on which the
some of the data at the commnnications server, in the case
message is sent or posted; the size of the message (typically
of email and the like it is presently envisioned that the 3o uncompressed, i.e., the normal stored size; although transcommunication server is preferably used in maintaining the
mission size or cost could also be used); the author of the
sessions between client and host, and not as a remote server
message; and the subject of the message (e.g., key words in
for the host. Thus, rather than have all new data from the
a suNect line or in the text). These attributes can simply be
host pushed down to the communications server, most data
used as reject criteria (e.g., reject all messages having "low"
exchanges are preferably initiated, at some predetermined 35 priority, date before "12/15/95", size more than "2" kbytes
interval or intervals, by the communications server (e.g., by
(kilobytes), or subject not containing "project x"), pass
the query manager).
criteria (all messages from "Boss") or a combination of both,
Further, it is an inefficient use of resources to continue
the variety and complexity being a matter of design choice.
querying a host or attempting to deliver data when the client
These attributes also preferably include certain "granularity"
is no longer receiving at its remote location (occurring, e.g., 40 filters, i.e., filters additionally limiting the size of a message
when the client leaves a coverage area, or the user turns off
passing all or most of the other filters. Three possible
its modem or processor). Thus, a process for either mainexamples of granularity filters are a truncation size filter
raining the client in an active status, or removing the client
(e.g., truncate the message after the first "100’" bytes), and
from active status in response to an event, is also preferably
text or file attachment filters (e.g., indicating whether or not
included in the VSM. One such process is to utilize timers 45 to strip attachments). Thus, messages passing all criteria but
at both client and VSM to determine when a virtual session
message size could still be received in a truncated size
is no longer active. The timers are first set upon registration,
meeting the message size criterion. Alternatively, messages
and are subsequently reset after each data exchange (steps
failing the author or subject filters could still be passed with
327-336). If no data cxchangc occurs within a prcdctcrhcadcr information, by sctting all rcjcctcd mcssagcs to bc
mined period of time, say 20 minutes, both client and VSM 5o passed with a text truncation size of "0" bytes. One skilled
would remove the client qualification (i.e., destroy the client
in the art will appreciate that a variety of other reject/pass
object for the commnnication session) and, if desired, mark
filter criteria may be used, and the specific ones and comthe client as being in an inactive status (steps 337-340). The
binations of user-definable (or even administrator-definable)
VSM would also forward a logoff message to the host (step
features will be largely a matter of design choice depending
341). In order to avoid an undesired time out, the client is 55 on factors such as the desired functionality, complexity, and
preferably configured to send a short message after a preapplication(s) (including filterable features). It is significant,
determined period since the last data exchange, sufficiently
however, that clients are now provided by the present
prior to the time at which the timers elapse so that the VSM
invention with a means for effecting prestage filtering of
can receive it. Otherwise, if there are only intcrnrittent data
their comnrunications by virtue of the conmrunications
exchanges, the client may be required to frequently 6o server and definable filter settings, rather than having to
re-register; this in turn means the client will not be notified
choose between receiving no messages or receive all
of outbound data until the client re-registers and is again
messages, including less important or expensive and timecoupled via the virtual session manager.
consuming transmissions.
Turning now to FIGS. 4 throngh 6, a presently preferred
The prestage filtering is preferably performed at the host
embodiment is shown for prestage filtering data for transfer 65 server. This may be accomplished, for example, by passing
between the different functional entities of the wireless
the filter attributes in an appropriately formatted query
communications system of FIG. 2. This typically begins
object or nressage for use by the host application. In the

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illustrated case a query object with the client filter settings
FIGS. 8 and 6 illustrate two approaches to prestage
is forwarded to the post office, and applied by a communifiltering particularly useful for email filtering. In FIG. 5, a
cations server object or CSO (instantiated at the post office
series of five reject filters are applied to each message. If a
when the virtual session is established). The post off:ice!CSO
mail message does not n~eet any of the criteria (priority, date,
reads/queries the query object for the filter attributes, and s size, author, or subject/key word) then il is left unprocessed
(steps ~02-$16). Once all unreviewed messages (i.e., all
applies these criteria in the selection and formatting of
unprocessed messages, or if expanded marking is available
unprocessed messages (steps 408412). ’113e filtered mesall unprocessed messages not previously filtered) have been
sages are then encapsulated and forwarded to the QM, which
filtered, those not rejected are forwarded (step glg). FIG. 6
similarly forwards the filtered messages (with appropriate
protocol translation) to the client (steps 414-416). ~0 illustrates the application of granularity filters. If a message
exceeds the filter size, it is appropriately truncated
Alternatively, where the host application is not designed to
(including insertion of a note indicating truncation) (steps
permit prestage filtering, all unprocessed nressages can be
602-606). Similarly, if there are text or file attachments, and
forwarded to the communications server, where the filters
these arc marked to be filtered, thcy arc stripped ~vith,
are applied via a prestage filter (PSF) object or routine (e.g.,
PSF 232 of FIG. 2), with only qualifying/filtered messages 15 optionally, a note bring inserted al~.rting the addresser that
being forwarded to the client (steps 410, 418424). Through
the attachment was stripped (steps 608-614). Once filtered,
the message is sent (step 616).
acknowledgments the post office is notified how to mark the
mail index in both cases. For example, when prestage
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a further enhancement, permitting
filtering at the post office, all forwarded mail ~vould be
the user to more conveniently review selected information
marked as processed/read and all filleted mail as unproc- 20 even for fillered/rejected dala. In the preferred embodimenl
essed (truncated messages being marked as either depending
a query object or message is similarly generated by the
on design conventions, or if availablc marked as filtered or
communication server as dcscribcd above. However, in
partially processed). If prestage filtering is done at the
addition to the profile infomration, the query object in this
communications server only those messages forwarded to
case includes a request for summary information about each
the client would be acMrowledged and nrarked as processed 25 partially and fully rejected message (step 702). When the
(step 428).
host (i.e., a post office server in the illustrated case) receives
the query it applies the appropriate filters; if only qualifying
In addition to downloadidownlink filtering, prestage filmail is present, this is forwarded to the client as described
tering is also advantageously nsed in npfoad/nplink transmissions. This can take the form of granularity filtering, or
above (steps 704-708). Where there is partially (e.g.,
automatically retaining the whole data unit or message based 3o truncated) or fully rejected data, identifying summary information is captured for all rejected data (step 710). For mail
upon filterable attributes for later transmission when on a
this identifying summary information would include the
lower cost network. In this case, each client would have a
message serial number, along with certain header informaprestage filter (PSF) unit such as that of PSF 208 of FIG. 2
tion (801 and 802 of FIG. 8). This header information may
(e.g., a PSF object or routine drawing on selected attributes
in the profile store 212). Each data unit generated is filtered 35 include any filterable attribute (e.g., date, author, subject,
size, priority, attachment indicator) and is preferably client
using the user-selected criteria, with qualifying data being
forwarded via the communication server (steps 430~136). If
definable, so the client can decide how much header information it needs and how much to omit. All qualifying and
a data unit is not sent, it is retained locally for transmission
non-qualifying (i.e., filter-rejected) mail is marked similarly
later, e.g., when connected via a lower cost network to the
post office. As an enhancement, the user could additionally 40 as described above (step 712).
be provided with a selection of types of send buttons (i.e.,
When the response object or message is received by the
filtered send or unfiltered send), or be prompted with an alert
QM of the communication server, the encapsulated identidialogue or similar message when a message is filtered to tying summary information is saved to a select and summary
decide whether to forward the data unfiltered (steps
(S&S) index, such as that illustrated by client S&S index
438-440). Similarly, the user can be provided with several 45 database 22~ of FIG. 2 and the index structure of FIG. ~.
groups of filter settings that could be manually or automatiThis index is preferably created in response to the first query
cally activated, so as to enable the client to adjust plural filter
follo~ving fnll qualification, although one could retain a
settings with a minimum effort, for example by switching to
stored index when the client is inactive as long as the index
a morc rcstrictivc profilc whcn cntcring important mcctings
is fully updatcd upon rc-rcgistrationiqualification. In order
(which profile could be automatically activated via an appro- 5o to minimize transmissions between the communication
priately configured and coupled calendar program, etc.).
server and the client, only changes to the S&S index are
forwarded, as summary delta data (i.e., a delta of the revised
While only the client need retain the upload filter
attributes in its profile store, preferably both the communiindex to the immediately preceding index, the preceding
index being an acknowledged version same as that stored in
cation server and client store copies of the download filter
settings in their profile memories. This conveniently permits ss the S&S index (e.g., S&S index database 213 of FIG. 2) of
a client to review all settings whenever desired, and to
the client). Where only identifying summary information is
received in response to the query object, one may additionchangc thc scttings locally. Whcn the download settings arc
ally delay forxvarding the delta information to the client for
changed at the client, the changes are communicated to the
a predeternrined period of time or until the next message
communication server preferably as soon as the change is
made, or as soon as a virtual session is established if the 6o passing the prestage filters is forwarded, whichever comes
changes are made while offiine from the communication first (i.e., the filter-rejected information more likely being
less important, some users may prefer to receive S&S index
server (steps 442444). Fnrther, where a summary index of
updates less frequently in order to further reduce costs or
filtered messages is maintained (as is described in connecinterruptions) (steps 714-718).
tion with FIGS. 7 and 8 below), npon a change in filter
settings the communication server may be automatically set 6s
Upon receiving the delta of the identifying summary
information, the client updates its S&S index and, when
to forward all messages previously rejected but now passing
appropriate, pronapts the user (again, the pronrpt criteria
the new filter settings.

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could be set for all messages, or some sub-set based on any
message is being sent, the controller additionally compares
filterable attribute, etc.). The user is thus able to review the
the reply message with the optimized reply to determine
summary information and make a determination on whether
which is optimum for transmission (step 906). This deteror not to override the filter rejection. For nrail the user wants
ruination may be made based on a comparison of the
to read, the user indicates the decision by any appropriate s message sizes, compressed and formatted message sizes, or
means (clicking on the message, voice command, etc.) and any other convenient means for estimating which version of
an appropriate request generated (e.g., for all selected mail,
the reply will require the least bandwidth or transport cost.
’l’hus, for example, a normal reply message to a very short
tor only a partially filtered version (e.g., truncated), etc.)
(steps 720-722). The request is appropriately translated, as
message may be selected for transmission where the overneeded, and sent as a query object or message to the post ~0 head of the delta and message identifier make the optimized
office. Upon retrieval, the requested data is forwarded to the
reply bigger than the normal reply message would be.
client via the QM. Upon receipt at the client, a read
However, in most instances it is anticipated that the optiacknowledgment is generated and sent to the communicamized reply will be smaller than a normal reply message,
tion scrvcr. Preferably whcn thc read ac ~knowlcdgmcnt is
providing significant savings to thc clicnt in timc and costs.
received at the communication set-oct a further ACK ~5 When the optimized reply is received at the QM of the
(acknowledgment signal) is sent to the client, at which time
communication server, a determination is made on whether
both client and communication server update their respecto reconstruct the normal reply message (i.e., form a replica
tive S&S indices to remove the entry for read mail from the
reply) or to forward the optimized reply, based on known
S&S index, and note any partially read mail. Upon
parameters (if any) of the target communication unit/client.
acknowledgment, the post office further marks any read mail 2o Thus, for example, where bolh Ihe originaling and largel
as processed (steps 724-734).
clients are active and served by the same communication
As with prcstagc filtering, one skilled in the art will
scrvcr and thus arc known to have optimized reply
appreciate that nrany more filterable attributes and summary
capabilities, and the target client was an addressee or origiinputs are possible than those described, and which ones are
nator of the preceding message identified by the message
available will depend on such factors as the desired 25 identifier of the optilnizcd reply, a reconstructed reply is not
functionality, complexity, and application(s) (including filrequired. Rather, since the preceding message is either in the
terable features) for which the select and summary index is
inbox or outbox of the target unit, the target unit can
being used. The index structure may thus similarly vary
reconstruct the reply message from the identified mail in its
significantly, as will the means f~r achieving similar indices mailbox and the delta. This advantageonMy allows bandfor both the client and communication server; in other 3o width to be minimized for both the sending and target
~vords, while one could simply periodically forward the
clients. Further, if perchance the target unit has already
whole index, where practical any one of a number of known
deleted the identified preceding message, the controller of
delta (e.g., data representing the content difference between
the target unit could, rather than acknowledge receipt, send
two files) or other update approaches for communicating
a request for the normal reply message, which the commuless than the whole index are likely more preferable. What ~5 nication server would reconstruct as described next.
is significant, no matter the particular design approach
In cases where the target unit is not an active client with
selected, is that a summary index, showing unprocessed or
the communication server, the QM (or other appropriate
partially processed data (e.g., that filtered), is available to a
entity of the controller) functions to reconstruct the reply
client for determination on whether to process the data
message from the optimized reply. Because the communifurther, with a substantially identical index being retained at 4o cation s~rver preferably does not retain a copy of client mail
thc communication scrvcr in order to furthcr reduce transor data located on other hosts (such remote stores typically
mission requirements.
adding complexity and cost, while being unnecessary in
FIG. 9 illustrates a yet further improvement, this embodiview of the virtual session established via the communicament permitting a user to minimize the data transmitted for
tion server), it would use the identifier to retrieve the
responses to earlier data transmissions. This is particularly 45 preceding message from the host (e.g., send a query object
advantageous in the case of email, where it is common to
or message to the appropriate post office) (steps 908-912).
append all prior messages in an email conversation to a
This can be implemented by requesting the preceding mesreply, making for lengthy reply messages that contain subsage from the client inbox, or from the origiuating unit’s
stantial portions that arc idcntical to mail alrcady saved at
outbox (or cvcn thc target unit’s inbox, if it is a cc: on the
the client or target unit. While this has come to be expected 5o preceding message). Because the serial number is a unique
in email replies, it is also quite costly in time and tariff
number widely used in email applications, this is the prefcharges in bandwidth limited systems like most wireless
erable message identifier for email systems. However, where
communication systems.
this unique number is unavailable other identifiers may be
used, including author, date and/or subject matches. Further,
Starting from a client perspective, the process of FIG. 9
commences with a client formulating a reply to a received ss for some messages it may even be advantageous to use other
mail message, much as he or she would for any typical email
relatively unique values, snch as CRC or other values, by
themselves or together with other identifiers. It is relatively
application (step 902). Howcvcr, when thc uscr cxccutcs the
unimportant for purposes of the invention what the identifier
reply, e.g., by clicking on a send button, the client controller
is, as long as it is useful within the accuracy demanded by
(201 of FIG. 2) optimizes the reply message by calculating
a delta or difference, using any appropriate delta routine, 6o the system design for retrieving the correct preceding message.
between the reply message and the preceding message. This
delta is then formed into an optimized reply along with a
Once the preceding message has been received by the
message/data unit identifier for the preceding message/data
communication server, it uses a counterpart delta routine to
~ nit (preferably the mail serial number, althongh any retrievthat of the client to reconstruct a replica of the reply message
able identifier of the preceding message may be used, such 6s from the delta of the optimized reply and the retrieved copy
as header information, or even a CRC (cyclic redundancy
of the preceding message. Once reconstructed, the reply
check) value) (step 9~4). To ensure that only the shortest
nressagc is forwarded to the target unit(s), as well as to the

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outbox or sent mail folder of the client’s post office box
within desired limits. Turning to FIG. 10, with reference also
to FIG. 2, one embodiment of such a rate governor is
(steps 914-916). While some additional processing and
network traffic is required between the communication
illustrated. This rate governor operates to track the approxiserver and host, this is relatively inexpensive compared to
naate tinle and/or expense for client use, which can be as
the savings achieved by using an optimized reply over the 5 simple as timing a circuit-switched connection, or where
tariffed network between the communication server and
packet data is being sent, timing (or estimating based on
client.
size) the time and/or cost of transmitting the packet over the
tariffed network(s). In estimating the transmission value
While the preceding approach can be implemented with(e.g., cost), a rate governor conld better estimate actual costs
out resort to a message index, it can be further optimized by
by taking into account known (e.g., rates by established by
use of indices at the comnrunication server and client. In this ~0 each network service provider pricing factorstime of day, by
case, a full index of each active client’s mailbox (or other
grade/quality of service (QoS) for packets, by size or bandapplication file(s)) is maintained at both the client and the
communication server. This index could advantageously be
width desired, etc.). These values would be maintained for
application by the rate governor (234 of FIG. 2) as each data
one of the S&S indices 213 and 228 of FIG. 2 designed to
inclnde all mail (although perhaps with less identifying
unit is received to determine an estimated transmission
information for received mail than for filter-restricted mail, 15 value.
depending on factors such as the memory available and the
In the illustrated case of an email application, upon
amount of identifying information desirable). When an
receiving a client-generated message the QM (or other
optimized reply is received at the communication server, a
appropriatc controller cntity of the communication server)
search of the appropriate client index (e.g., first the target
passes the pertinent packet information or message paramunit, if also an active client, otherwise the client’s or 20 etcr (e.g., the packet size frour the header) to the rate
originating unit’s indices) for the message identifier of the
governor, which in this case operates as a packet rate
preceding message, indicating whether or not the preceding
governor (or PRG). The PRG determines from the client
message has been deleted. When the preceding message’s object (or profile store) the amount of use time and!or charge
identifier is present, the process continues as noted above, in
still available (or alternatively, the amount already used, and
other words by sending the optimized reply to the target unit, 25 limits allowed), and compares the use time remaining (e.g.,
or reconstructing the reply message and forwarding it to the
a previously authorized or allocated transmission value)
target unit.
against the value for the message parameter (step 954).
Replies being sent to the client can similarly use an
Preferably several limits are established, inch~ding one or
optimized reply 1o minimize messaging sizes. Thus, for
more alert thresholds. These alert thresholds would serve to
example, where a reply is received by the communication 3o warn the client each time a certain threshold is passed in
server which has the client as an addressee, the communiamounts of time/charge used or remaining, permitting the
cation server is capable of generating a delta between the
client to limit use as needed to stay within budget, or to seek
reply message and a preceding message known to be stored
a higher limit in advance of the point at which the use limit
in a mail database (e.g., memory 214 of FIG. 2) of the client.
is reached. This use or transmission limit serves as the
The preceding message is most easily identified if an addi- ~5 budgeted limit for data transfers. Unless a user is privileged,
tional identifier is included with the reply for ease of
once the use limit is reached further communications/data
searching in the client’s index. Ho~vever, where such is not
transfers are restricted. In the simplest form, such transfers
included, identifier’s can be extracted from the text (e.g., are restricted by alerting the client that the use limit has been
author, date, recipient, subject) for comparison matching.
reached, terminating the current session and preventing
Alternatively, a comparison of the text of the reply message 40 further sessions until additional use limit time/charge is
can bc used in determining the preceding mcssagc. For
authorized. Alternatively, certain messaging could still be
example, a series of preceding messages could be retrieved permitted (based, e.g., on any filterable criteria--e.g., perfor textual comparison; or alternatively an identifying value
mitting messages to the administrator but not a further
tor all or selected (e.g., sent) mail can be maintained (e.g., communication unit), but ~vith reminders that routine mesby calculating the text CRC value and storing it in the 45 sages will not be forwarded. This would advantageously
index), and a check of selected portions (e.g., all portions
allow critical messages, messages to an administrator (e.g.,
belo~v insertions identifying preceding messages in the text)
requesting additional authorization), etc_, to still be
of the reply mcssagc text can then bc performed. The latest
transferred, although it does not prevent a user from ~nning
or largest matching preceding message is the selected
up excess chargcs for mcssaging to the communication
(which could be either a message sent to, or sent from, the 5o server, a PRG may thus also be advantageously used in the
client), so as to minimize the delta, and the delta calculated
client (e.g., PRG 209 of FIG. 2), signaled by the PRG of the
between the preceding message and the reply message. An
commnnication server to automafically set certain prestage
optimized reply is then formed including the delta and
filters to restrict all but certain message transfers until a new
preceding message identifier recognizable by the client. This
use limit is provided. If a user were to bypass this client PRG
optimized reply is then forwarded, and reconstructed at the ss and continue improper messaging, all further sessions could
client into the reply message. In other words, the client
be terminated by the communication server with notification
retrieves from memory the message corresponding to the
to the administrator and client.
message identifier, and forms a replica of the reply message
If the user is privileged, data transfers would still continue
from the delta and message. Once acknowledged, both client
despite the user limit having been exceeded. However, an
and comnrunication server indices are appropriately updated 6o alert would still preferably be sent to both the client and
to reflect thc mail transfcr (stcps 918-9311).
administrator, allowing the administrator to verify the priviThis embodiment thus provides an efficient process for
lege and reset the use limit if desirable, and the client to still
sending reply data between a client and the communication
be aware it has passed a targeted use amount (steps 986-968
server, without requiring the costly transfer of earlier transand 980-984). In any event, after each data transfer the
mitted p~rtions ~f the reply data.
6s client object or store is updated to reflect the new estimated
In a final embodiment, a rate governor is provided so as
transaction total (e.g., time remaining, total expense, etc.)
to assist clients in maintaining their nressaging and expenses
(step 958).

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As mentioned above, if a user is not privileged it is
limited number of which have been described in detail
preferable to allow the client an additional data transfer to an
above, llaus, for example, while the embodiments above
administrator requesting additional allocation of time/
describe application to clients communicating in certain
charges. This request would be forwarded by the commusystems, one should appreciate that it has application to any
nication server to the administrator hosl, where it would be s communication system, wired or wireless, client-server,
processed for approval. If approved, the administrator would
distributed or other networks, etc., in which the user is
notify the communication server to adjust the use limit by a
remote from a host. It can also be used with almost any
specified amount. Alternatively, if there is no system
application program or groups of programs (e.g., transferadministrator, but charges or debits are handled throngh
ring database, wordprocessing, graphics, voice etc. files,
communication server service provider, the client may send ~0 email or groupware. Moreover, xvhile processor 2@6, conexecuting programs and control messages, etc.), not just
any appropriate authorization for additional charge/debit to
the communication server (e.g., by sending an encrypted
troller 229, timers 20~ and 224, data stores 211 and 22~, and
account number and identifying information like a PIN
other circuits, are described in terms of specific logical/
(personal identification number). Once the charge or debit is
functional!circuitry relationships, one skilled in the art will
processed and approved to the service provider’s
appreciate that such may be implemented in a variety of
satisfaction, the amount of charge or debit would be used to 15 ways, preferably by appropriately configured and proadjust the use limit. A notification would also be forwarded
grammed processors, ASICs (application specific integrated
to the client of the new use limit, with the client PRG being
circuits), and DSPs (digital signal processors), but also by
updated accordingly (steps 970-97g).
hardware components, some combination thereof, or even a
distributed architecture with individual elements physically
In addition to updating the use limit in response to a user
or administrator request, the rate governor can also be 2o separated but cooperating to achieve the same functionality.
advantageously set to automatically update the use limits
Thus, it should be understood that the invention is not
upon the occurrence of a predetermined update event. Thus,
limited by the foregoing description of preferred
for example, where billing and budgeting is done on a embodiments, but embraces all such alterations,
monthly cycle, and the administrator has set rate governor
modifications, and variafions in accordance w-ith the spirit
preferences so as to automatically reset the use limit on the 25 and scope of the appended claims.
first day of the next billing cycle, the communication server
We claim:
will automatically reset the client use limit at the specified
1. A method of communicating data units over a wireless
fime and in the specified amount (step 992).
network between a client communication unit and a host
Moreover, in order to achieve an even more accurale
device via a comnrunication server, the method comprising,
billing control, the communication server could be coupled 30 at the communication server:
~vith the tariffed network service provider(s) so as to receive
filtering data units based on a first set of user-selected
periodic charge statements for client data traffic, as well as
criteria to produce filtered data units;
updates for tariff rates, etc. In order to take advantage of
communicating the filtered data units to the client comthese statements, a billing index would be maintained for
munication unit;
each client esfimating use and charges for each data transl~r. 35 receiving a second set of a plurality of user-selected
Upon receiving the periodic charge statement (e.g., forcriteria, wherein the second set of the plurality of
warded once a day during an administrative window)
user-selected criteria has been previously prepared at
estimated use entries are replaced by the actual use and
the client communication unit and, when completed,
charges from the statement, and the client profile (and
has been sent to the communication server in a virtual
object, if active) is updated to reflect a corrected use limit, 40
session;
ctc. The administrator is notified, and thc clicnt is notified
filtering subsequent data units based on the second set of
upon Ihe nexl transaction, of Ihe upda|ed amoutu. If desired,
the plurality of user-selected criteria to create subsethe client or administrator can request a download of the
qucnt filtered data units; and
current billing index showing the most recent estimated and
communicating the subsequent filtered data units to the
45
actual charges (steps 986-99@).
client communication unit.
Finally, one should appreciate that the above process is
2. The method according to claim 1 further comprising
equally applicable to groups as well as to individual clients.
truncating a filtered dala unit if the filtered data unit exceeds
Thus, the PRG can advantageously be used to set use limits
a first filter size.
for groups and supcrgroups of uscrs, as wcll as for individual
3. The method according to claim 1 further comprising
clients as described above. Thus, where one of the applica- 5o
truncating a subsequent filtered data unit if the subsequent
tions being used is groupware, as opposed to the email
filtered data unit exceeds a second filter size.
example described above, different groups can be assigned
4. The method according to claim 1 further comprising:
group use limits for groupware data transfers (while retainmaintaining a summary index of data units that did not
ing individual use limits for separate email or data transfers,
pass the first set of user-selected criteria to produce
etc.). To avoid one or two users exhausting the group’s ss
unfiltered data units; and
authorized limit, individual use limits can still be set for each
automatically forwarding the unfiltered data units to the
client, although with more flexibility, e.g., to draw on unused
client communication unit that pass the second set of
group time before requiring additional allocation from an
the plurality of user-selected criteria.
administrator, to pernrit another user of the group to yield a
portion of its individual use limit, etc./ks should be apparent, 60 5. A nrethod of comnrunicating data units over a wireless
network bctwccn a client communication unit and a host
many variations exist on how the rate governor is structured,
device via a communication server, the method comprising,
depending on the applications being used, clients and groups
at the client communication unit:
operating, the interactivity with service providers, complexity or simplicity desired, and many other related and unrecommunicating a set of a plurality of user-selected criteria
lated f~clors.
to the communication server;
6s
One sldlled in the art will appreciate that there are many
storing the set of the plurality of user-selected criteria
variations that are possible for the present invention, only a
locally in a memory;

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receiving filtered data units from the communication
defined groups of filter settings that are selectively commuserver based on the set of the plurality of user-selected
nicable to the communication server.
criteria;
10. The method according to claim 5 further comprising
reviewing the set of the plurality of user-selected criteria
providing the client communication unit with several groups
s of filter settings that are manually activated.
locally;
modifying the set of the plurality of user-selected criteria
11. A method of communicating data units ovcr a wirclcss
locally to producc a modificd sct of a plurality uscrnetwork between a client communication unit and a host
selected criteria;
device via a communication server, the method comprising:
storing the modified set of the plurality of user-selected
filtering data units, at the communication server, based on
criteria locally in the memory;
a first set of a plurality of user-selected criteria to
conan]unicating the modified set of the plurality of userproduce filtered data units;
selected criteria to the communication server; and
communicating, at the communication server, the filtered
receiving filtered data units from the comnmnication
data units to the client communication unit;
server based on the modified set of the plurality of 15
preparing, at the client communication unit, a second set
user-selected criteria.
6. The method according to claim 5 wherein the steps of
of a plurality of user-selected criteria and, when
communicating occurs when a virtual session is established
completed, communicating the second set of the plubetween the client communication unit and the communirality of user-selected criteria to the communication
cation server.
20
server in a virtual session;
7. The method according to claim 5 wherein the step of
filtering subsequent data units, at the communication
modifying comprises modifying the set of user-selected
server, based on the second set of the plurality of
criteria at the client communication unit while on-line with
user-selected criteria to create subsequent filtered data
thc communication scrvcr.
units; and
8. The method according to claim 5 wherein the step of 25
communicating, at the communication server, the subsemodifying comprises modifying the set of the plurality of
quent filtered data units to the client communication
user-selected crileria a! Ihe clien! communication uni! while
unit.
off-line from the communication server.
9. The method according to claim 5 further comprising
providing the client communication unit with several pre-

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