WO2008034149A2

WO2008034149A2 - Data hosting and dissemination system for mobile devices

Info

Publication number: WO2008034149A2
Application number: PCT/ZA2007/000060
Authority: WO
Inventors: Willem J. Van Der Merwe; Peter Pistorius; Wynand Meijer
Original assignee: Van Der Merwe Willem J; Peter Pistorius; Wynand Meijer
Priority date: 2006-09-15
Filing date: 2007-09-17
Publication date: 2008-03-20
Also published as: WO2008034149A3

Abstract

The system 10 includes a central memory arrangement 12, a processor 14, and a user interface 16. Also shown is a mobile telephone network 18.1 and the Internet or World Wide Web 18.2. These networks form communication networks 18 applicable in the described embodiment. Also shown is a mobile telephone handset 20.1 which forms part of the mobile communications network 18.1, and a computer 20.2 which is similarly incorporated into the Internet network 18.2. These devices 20 are mobile devices for the purposes of the description.

Description

DATA HOSTING AND DISSEMINATION SYSTEM FOR MOBILE

DEVICES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a data hosting and dissemination system for mobile devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a data hosting and dissemination system for mobile devices which system includes:- a central memory arrangement accessible via a communications network, which memory arrangement is configured to store data uploaded to the central memory arrangement; a processor arranged in communication with the memory arrangement which processor is configured to retrieve data requested by a user from the central memory arrangement, the processor being configured to automatically compress the uploaded data into a format suited for mobile devices, said processor being further configured to automatically analyse a format of such uploaded data and to automatically choose a compression scheme best suited to provide maximum compression of such data whilst preserving integrity of the data; and a user interface arranged in communication with the processor which interface is configured to allow the user to upload data to the central memory arrangement or request data from the central memory arrangement.

The system may include a dissemination means arranged in communication with the processor, which dissemination means may be configured to disseminate data via a communications network to a suitable device and in a form specified by the user.

The system may allow a user to upload or request data which is automatically formatted and compressed for distribution to a specified mobile device by the processor. The system may require a user to register himself as a user of the system prior to permitting the user to access and use the system.

It is to be appreciated that the user is able to either upload data to the memory arrangement, or to request data via the processor, which the processor then retrieves. This uploaded or retrieved data is automatically compressed by the processor so that the data is suited for dissemination to mobile devices.

Accordingly, a mobile device generally refers to a mobile telephone handset or any similar device having capabilities of sending, receiving and displaying digital content.

The memory arrangement may include a central server. The memory arrangement may include any suitable arrangement for storing data, e.g. computer hard disks, optical drives, magnetic storage devices, and/or the like.

The memory arrangement may be divided into portions with each portion allocated to a specific user, i.e. in terms of webspace principles a portion of the memory may be assigned to a registered user.

The communications network may include a computer network, e.g. the Internet, the World Wide Web, or the like. The communications network may include a mobile telephone network, a landline telephone network, or the like. It is to be appreciated that the network may include any type of communications network usable for the transmission of data. The data may be uploaded to the central memory arrangement using a computer connected to the Internet, or a mobile handset via a telecommunications network, or the like.

The data may include text documents, images, video clips, animations, spreadsheets, presentations, sound clips, and/or the like.

The processor may analyse the format of the data by examining such data's description, e.g. typically a filename extension examination. The processor may then choose the best compression scheme based on such filename extension. Similarly, the processor may analyse a structure of the data to determine the best compression scheme.

The compression scheme may include a scheme ideally suited for images, or a scheme suited for video clips, or a scheme suited for text documents. Accordingly, the processor may format the data into an MPEG4 (Moving Pictures Experts Group

4) format, a 3G (third generation) format, a PDF (portable document format) format, a

JPEG (Joint Pictures Expert Group) format, or the like, depending on the data uploaded or requested by the user. It is to be appreciated that these formats are typically suited for current mobile devices due to the level of compression minimizing transmission bandwidth while retaining the quality and integrity of the data.

The processor may be configured to retrieve data by accessing the central memory arrangement.

In order to permit interaction with the processor and thereby the central memory arrangement, a user may be presented with a web browser interface for the user interface on a mobile device, i.e. the user browses the web by having a virtual web connection via the user interface.

The user interface may include a webpage hosted on one or more servers so that a user can access such interface via the communications network. This accessing may be done from a computer connected to the network, or via a mobile device.

The user interface may allow the user to arrange the data stored in such user's memory arrangement according to webpage design principles, i.e. the user is able to design a webpage showing the data so uploaded or retrieved so that the user presents the uploaded and/or retrieved data in a form of such user's choice.

The user typically specifies the data to be disseminated by selecting such data from the user interface, e.g. selecting data in the webpage to be disseminated, selecting information retrieved by the processor from the network, or the like. The user interface may allow the user to specify third party access to the memory arrangement, e.g. that third parties are able to view the data on the memory arrangement.

It is to be appreciated that the user interface is usable with a mobile device, such as a mobile telephone, or the like.

The dissemination means may include a transmitter for transmitting the data in a form specified by the user. The form may include an SMS (short message service), an MMS (multimedia message service), an e-mail message which includes the data attached and/or embedded, a facsimile message, or the like. It is to be appreciated that the user may specify the form in which the data is to be disseminated.

The dissemination means may facilitate dissemination by being arranged in communication with a mobile communication network service provider server.

The electronic device to which the data is disseminated may include a fax machine, a computer, a mobile telephone, or any similar device able to receive data.

The system therefore allows a user to effectively use a mobile telephone handset as a remote control device for sending, retrieving, and managing data stored in the memory arrangement for disseminating to destinations of the user's choice.

The user interface may be configured to allow a user access to an online shopping utility associated with the system by the processor being arranged in communication with such an online shopping server. The system may allow the user to conduct such online shopping by the processor relaying shopping instructions between the user interface and the shopping server.

The system may include an online banking facility associated with a conventional debit card. Each user of the system may be allocated a virtual account to which a user may transfer money from a conventional bank account using a banking facilitator. The banking facilitator is in communication with banking institutions and facilitates the transfer of funds between the virtual account and an account at a conventional banking institution.

Should a user use the debit card to, for example, pay for groceries at a supermarket, the money spent is automatically deducted from his virtual account with the system. A user may similarly use the virtual account to transfer funds to an account at a conventional banking institution.

The system therefore allows the user to conduct banking transactions using a mobile telephone.

It is to be appreciated, that the system itself is not associated directly with any banking institutions.

The system may include a rewards program by means of which funds are allocated to the virtual account of a user when the user uses his debit card associated with the account, when the user sends a fax using the system's dissemination system, and so on.

The user interface may be configured to allow the user access to a chat utility by the processor being arranged in communication with such a chat server associated with the system. The system may allow the user to conduct Internet chat by the processor relaying chat instructions between the user interface and the chat server.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein

Figure 1 shows, in diagrammatic view, a data hosting and dissemination system for mobile devices, in accordance with the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a data hosting and dissemination system for mobile devices, in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

In the embodiment shown, the system 10 includes a central memory arrangement 12, a processor 14, and a user interface 16. Also shown is a mobile telephone network 18.1 and the Internet or World Wide Web 18.2. These networks form communication networks 18 applicable in the described embodiment.

Also shown is a mobile telephone handset 20.1 which forms part of the mobile communications network 18.1 , and a computer 20.2 which is similarly incorporated into the Internet network 18.2. These devices 20 are mobile devices for the purposes of the description.

It is to be appreciated that reference to a mobile device generally includes any mobile telephone handset or any similar device having capabilities of sending, receiving and displaying digital content.

The memory arrangement 12 is typically a central memory arrangement housed in a suitable server station and is accessible via the communication networks 18. The memory arrangement 12 is configured to store data uploaded or requested by a user using such communication networks 18.

The memory arrangement 12 may include any suitable arrangement for storing data, e.g. computer hard disks, optical drives, magnetic storage devices, and/or the like.

The memory arrangement 12 is typically divided into portions with each portion allocated to a specific user, i.e. in terms of webspace principles a portion of the memory is assigned to a registered user, or the like. In this manner each user then has private space on the memory arrangement to fill with uploaded or retrieved data. As described, the communication networks 18 may include a computer network 18.2, e.g. the Internet, the World Wide Web, or the like, and may also include a mobile telephone network 18.1 , a landline telephone network, or the like. It is to be appreciated that the network 18 may include any type of communications network usable for the transmission of data.

In the embodiment shown, the data is uploadable using a computer 20.2 connected to the Internet 18.2, or a mobile handset 20.1 via a mobile telecommunications network 18.1.

It is to be appreciated that the user, using a mobile device 20, is able to either upload data to the memory arrangement 12, or to request data from the communications network 18.2, which the processor 14 then retrieves. This uploaded or retrieved data is automatically compressed by the processor 14 so that the data is suited for dissemination to mobile devices.

Generally, the data includes text documents, images, video clips, animations, spreadsheets, presentations, sound clips, and/or the like. It is to be, appreciated that the data includes any form of information available on the Internet suited for mobile devices, and the like. For example, mobile phone ringtones, wallpapers, video clips, music, animations, and the like.

The processor 14 is arranged in communication with the memory arrangement 12. The processor 14 is configured to retrieve any requested data from the communications network 18.2. It is to be appreciated that the mobile telephone network 18.1 is generally not the source for data. The processor 14 is also configured to automatically compress the uploaded or retrieved data into a format suited for mobile devices.

To facilitate such automatic compression of data, the processor 14 is configured to automatically analyse a format of such uploaded data and to automatically choose a compression scheme best suited to provide maximum compression of such data whilst preserving integrity of the data. This takes place when the user uploads data to the system 10. The processor 14 analyses the format of the data by examining such data's description, e.g. typically a filename extension examination, or the like. The processor 14 then chooses the best compression scheme based on such filename extension. Similarly, the processor 14 may also be configured to analyse a structure of the data to determine the best compression scheme, and the like.

The compression scheme may include a scheme ideally suited for images, or a scheme suited for video clips, a scheme suited for text documents, or the like. As such, the processor 14 then formats the data into an MPEG4 (Moving Pictures Experts Group 4) format, a 3G (third generation) format, a PDF (portable document format) format, a JPEG (Joint Pictures Expert Group) format, or similar scheme appropriate for the data as uploaded or requested by the user. It is to be appreciated that these formats are typically suited for current mobile devices due to the level of compression minimizing transmission bandwidth while retaining the quality and integrity of the data.

For example, the user uploads a video clip to the memory arrangement

12 via a computer 29.2 across the Internet 18.2. The video clip is in an MPG (Moving

Picture Group) format. The processor 14 automatically recognizes the .mpg file extension and compresses the video clip with the 3GP multimedia container format ideally suited for mobile phones 20.1.

It is to be appreciated that the processor 14 will only perform such compression and/or formatting if it is necessary. For example, if the user uploads a file from a mobile telephone handset 20.1 in a format already suited for a mobile handset, then the processor will only facilitate storing the data on the memory arrangement 12.

Accordingly, the processor 14 generally performs is various tasks and configurations by executing a specific set of instructions, e.g. a software package.

The processor 14 is configured to retrieve data requested by the user by accessing information on the communications network 18.2 and transferring such information to the memory arrangement 12. When the user uses a mobile handset 20.1 , such a request is made via the user interface 16. When the user uploads data from the computer 20.2 via the Internet/communications network 18.2, there is typically no requirement for the user's interface 16, as data is transferable according to conventional networking principles.

When a mobile device 20.1 is used, there is a requirement for some form of interface between the mobile telephone network 18.2 and the system 10. This is due to the fact. that there are significant differences between the natures of a mobile telephone network 18.1 and a computer network 18.2, i.e. voice communication versus binary communication. As such, the system 10 accomplishes such a cross-network connection by the processor 14 presenting the user with, for example, a virtual web browser interface for the user interface 16 on the mobile device 20.1, i.e. the user is able to browse the Internet/web by having a virtual web connection via the user interface 16, or the like. The user is presented with a web browser interface on the mobile handset 20.1 with the user interface 16 converting the instructions received from the handset 20.1 into those instructions required for Internet commands or communication, or the like.

Accordingly, the user interface 16 is generally arranged in communication with the processor 14. This user interface 16 then allows the user to upload or request data and to specify which uploaded or retrieved data is to be disseminated.

The user interface is typically a webpage hosted on one or more servers on the communications network 18.2 so that a user can access such interface via the communications network 18.2. This accessing may be done from a computer 20.2 connected to the network 18.2, via a mobile device 20.1 with sufficient capabilities, or the like.

The user interface 16 may also allow the user to arrange the data stored in such user's portion of the memory arrangement 12 according to webpage design principles, i.e. the user is able to design a webpage showing the data so uploaded or retrieved so that the user presents the uploaded and/or retrieved data in a form of such user's choice. The user typically specifies the data to be disseminated by selecting such data from the user interface 16, e.g. selecting data in the webpage to be disseminated, selecting information retrieved by the processor 14 from the network 18.2, or the like.

Furthermore, the user interface 16 typically allows the user to specify third party access to the memory arrangement 12, e.g. that third parties are able to view the uploaded and/or retrieved data. This allows user to share their data with third parties without the user having to specify specific dissemination to such a third party, as the third party is allowed to access the data.

In the embodiment shown, the dissemination means is also indicated by reference numeral 16, as it typically forms part of the connection to the network 18.1. Similarly, the dissemination means 16 is arranged in communication with the processor 14, so that the data specified for dissemination may be disseminated via both of the shown communication networks 18. This dissemination involves transmitting the data to a suitable device 20 and in a form specified by the user.

As such, the dissemination means 16 generally includes a transmitter for transmitting the data in a form specified by the user, e.g. a mobile telephone transmitter, or the like. The form in which the data is transmissible may include an

SMS (short message service), an MMS (multimedia message service), an e-mail message which includes the data attached and/or embedded, a facsimile message, or the like. As such, it is to be appreciated that the user specifies the form in which the data is to be disseminated. It is further to be appreciated that the system will disseminate the data according to the user's requests as to which device is to receive it.

For example, if the user requests that the data must be sent to another mobile handset, then the system 10 will disseminate the data via the user interface to the mobile telephone network 18.1. If the user specifies that the data must be sent to an e-mail address, then the system 10 will disseminate the data via the Internet network 18.2. The electronic device to which the data is disseminated can include a fax machine, a computer, a mobile telephone, or any similar device able to receive the data.

Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that the system 10 allows a user to effectively use a mobile telephone handset 20.1 as a remote control device for sending, retrieving, and managing the data uploaded or retrieved into the memory arrangement 12. By using such a mobile handset 20.1 data can be requested, uploaded and marked for disseminating to destinations of the user's choice.

As the user's data is manageable remotely in such a manner, the system 10 enables the user full functionality of being connected to the Internet using only a mobile handset. By the processor 14 automatically compressing and formatting any data sent to such a mobile handset 20.1 , it is possible to use the limited resources, e.g. available bandwidth and the like, of such a handset to control much more data intensive operations, such as surfing the Internet, disseminating data, and/or the like.

The user interface is configured to allow a user access to an online shopping utility 22.1 associated with the system 10 by the processor 14 being arranged in communication with such an online shopping server 22.1. The system 10 allows the user to conduct such online shopping by the processor 14 relaying shopping instructions between the user interface 16 and the shopping server 22.1.

The system 10 includes an online banking facility 22.2 associated with the system 10 and a conventional debit card. Each user of the system is allocated a virtual account to which a user can transfer money from a conventional bank account using a banking facilitator (not shown).

The banking facilitator is in communication with banking institutions and facilitates the transfer of funds between the virtual account and an account at a conventional banking institution. Should a user use the debit card to pay for groceries at a supermarket, the money spent is automatically deducted from his virtual account with the system 10. A user can similarly use the virtual account to transfer funds to an account at a conventional banking institution.

The system 10 therefore allows the user to conduct banking transactions using the mobile telephone 20.1.

The system 10 includes a rewards program by means of which funds are allocated to the virtual account of a user when the user uses his debit card associated with the account, when the user sends a fax using the system's dissemination system, and so on.

In addition, the user interface 16 is also configured to allow the user access to a chat utility by the processor 14 being arranged in communication with such a chat server 22.3. The system 10 then allows the user to conduct Internet chats by the processor 14 relaying chat instructions between the user interface 16 and the chat server 22.3.

The system 10 relies on the ability to automatically analyse and compress most types of data and data files without impairing and/or losing the integrity of the data itself. This ability to manipulate data, allows the system 10 to effect smoother, faster and more cost effective data transfers, via Internet/fixed line and/or mobile/wireless communication channels or networks. For mobile applications, the system 10 predominantly utilises GPRS (General Packet Radio System) and radio frequency communication channels.

As described above, some of the capabilities provided by the system 10 include private and/or corporate data storage in a virtual - online hosted location or site. During the process of uploading different types of data files (text documents, pictures, presentations, music files, video files, animations, and/or the like), data so uploaded is automatically compressed to maximum capability without losing the integrity of the data. If necessary, the uploaded data is also converted at the same time into a mobile format to allow mobile users to access, view and transmit these files in any format to third party recipients. Compression technology is able to convert and compress many media and document formats into formats that are specifically intended for mobile devices.

By the user interface 16 allowing a user to arrange data stored in the memory arrangement 12, the system 10 also provides the user with a data publishing tool or content management system which allows a user to build a website. Once such a website is created, the user can then publish any of the stored data so that it is accessible from the networks 18. This content management system allows the user to publish a website that can be viewed on mobile devices as well as on conventional computers. This site then includes data as uploaded or specified by the user, which site the user is then able to connect with in order to perform certain functions. This remote connectability to the site with a mobile handset 20.1 allows the user the remote functionality normally associated with a computer Internet connection.

As such, the system 10 further provides a fully compatible Internet and mobile communications centre. This functions the same as a typical Internet e-mail program, but is accessible via a GPRS wireless device such as a mobile phone. In order to use this communications tool, the user therefore can use either conventional Internet connectivity from a computer, or simply log on from their mobile phone via GPRS, and send e-mails (with or without attachments) directly from the system 10.

Users can also access their hosted site via an Internet or GPRS connection to transmit/communicate messages in Fax, SMS, MMS and similar formats.

Due to the functionality provided by the system 10, online shopping is also incorporated which allows users the ability to do online shopping directly from their hosted sites, or to browse through their sites via GPRS mobile connection, for locations of shops and/ or businesses linked to system 10. In use, in one embodiment, a user registers with the system 10 and uploads data to the memory arrangement 12. Such data is typically uploaded via the Internet 18.2 using a conventional computer 20.2. The user is also able to request data using a mobile handset 20.1 , as the user interface 16 provides the user with a channel through which the processor 14 can be instructed to retrieve specific data, e.g. a virtual web browser interface, or the like.

The user is then able to design and publish the data as a website. The user is also able to instruct the system 10 remotely to disseminate specific data to a specified address. For example, the user connects to the system 10 via the user interface 16 with a mobile handset. The user selects holiday images which he uploaded previously and specifies that such image must be sent via MMS to a friend's mobile handset. The system 10 will then transmit the images so selected to the specified mobile number as an MMS.

As the system 10 forms the link between the mobile handset and the Internet by automatically compressing and formatting data for viewing on such a mobile handset, the user is able to surf the Internet, send and receive data to and from the Internet remotely using a mobile communications network.

Although only certain embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood by any person skilled in the art that other modifications, variations, and possibilities of the invention are possible. Such modifications, variations and possibilities are therefore to be considered as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and hence forming part of the invention as herein described and/or exemplified.

It shall further be understood that the examples are provided for illustrating the invention further and to assist a person skilled in the art with understanding the invention and is not meant to be construed as unduly limiting the reasonable scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A data hosting and dissemination system for mobile devices which system includes:- - a central memory arrangement accessible via a communications network, which memory arrangement is configured to store data uploaded to the central memory arrangement; a processor arranged in communication with the memory arrangement which processor is configured to retrieve data requested by a user from the central memory arrangement, the processor being configured to automatically compress the uploaded data into a format suited for mobile devices, said processor being further configured to automatically analyse a format of such uploaded data and to automatically choose a compression scheme best suited to provide maximum compression of such data whilst preserving integrity of the data; and a user interface arranged in communication with the processor which interface is configured to allow the user to upload data to the central memory arrangement or request data from the central memory arrangement.

2. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the system further includes a dissemination means arranged in communication with the processor, which dissemination means is configured to disseminate data via a communications network to a suitable device and in a form specified by the user.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the system allows a user to upload or request data which is automatically formatted and compressed for distribution to a specified mobile device by the processor.

4. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a mobile device refers to a device having capabilities of sending, receiving and displaying digital content.

5. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a mobile device is a mobile handset.

6. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory arrangement includes a central server that includes an arrangement for storing data.

7. A system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the memory arrangement is divided into portions with each portion allocated to a specific user of the system.

8. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communications network includes one or more networks usable for the transmission of data and selected from the group including: a computer network, and a mobile telephone network.

9. A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the data includes data selected from the group including: text documents, images, video clips, animations, spreadsheets, presentations, sound clips, and the like.

10. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor analyse the format of the data to be stored on the central memory arrangement by examining such data's description and choosing the best compression scheme based on such data description.

11. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system presents a user with a web browser interface for the user interface on a mobile device in order to permit interaction with the processor and thereby the central memory arrangement.

12. A system as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the user interface allows the user to arrange the data stored in such user's memory arrangement according to webpage design principles.

13. A system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 11 , wherein the dissemination means includes a transmitter for transmitting the data in a form specified by the user.

14. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the dissemination means facilitates dissemination by being arranged in communication with a mobile communication network service provider server.

15. A system as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the electronic device to which the data is disseminated is selected from the group including: a fax machine, a computer, a mobile telephone, or any similar device able to receive data.

16. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface is configured to allow a user access to an online shopping utility associated with the system by the processor being arranged in communication with such an online shopping server.

17. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system includes an online banking facility associated with a conventional debit card and a virtual account.

18. A system as claimed in claim 17, wherein a banking facilitator in communication with banking institutions facilitates the transfer of funds between the virtual account and an account at a conventional banking institution.

19. A system as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the system includes a rewards program by means of which funds are allocated to the virtual account of a user when the user uses his debit card associated with the account, when the user sends a fax using the system's dissemination system, and so on.

20. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface is configured to allow the user access to a chat utility by the processor being arranged in communication with such a chat server associated with the system.

21. A data storage and dissemination system for mobile devices according to the invention, as hereinbefore generally described.

22. A data storage and dissemination system for mobile devices as specifically described with reference to or as illustrated in any one of the accompanying drawings.

23. A data storage and dissemination system for mobile devices including any new and inventive integer or combination of integers, substantially as herein described.