System and method for sending multimedia attachments to text messages in radiocommunication systems

Abstract

Methods and systems for transmitting attachments to text messages without turning terminals into e-mail clients are described. When an attachment is to be transmitted, an address of an attachment server is appended to the text message. The text message is then forwarded to the intended recipient, e.g., via an SMS server, while the attachment is sent to the attachment server. Upon receipt of the text message, the recipient can then download the attachment from the attachment server using the address included in the text message.

1 . A method for transmitting a text message including an attachment thereto in a radiocommunication system comprising the steps of: 
 transmitting said text message to an intended recipient's terminal via a first server, said text message including an address to a second server;    sending said attachment to said second server;    transmitting a message from said intended recipient's terminal to said second server using said address received in said text message; and    receiving, from said second server, said attachment.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said attachment is one of an image file and an audio file.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said steps of transmitting a message and receiving said attachment are performed using wireless access protocol (WAP).  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of transmitting said text message further comprises the step of: 
 including, in said message, a file type associated with said attachment.    
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of receiving said attachment further comprises the step of: 
 receiving said attachment at said intended recipient's terminal.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of receiving said attachment further comprises the step of: 
 receiving said attachment at a computer terminal.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said intended recipient's terminal is a cellular telephone.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said text message is a short message service (SMS) message.  
     
     
         9 . A radiocommunication system for transmitting a text message including an attachment thereto in a radiocommunication system comprising: 
 means for transmitting said text message to an intended recipient's terminal via a first server, said text message including an address to a second server;    means for sending said attachment to said second server;    means for transmitting a message from said intended recipient's terminal to said second server using said address received in said text message; and    means for receiving, from said second server, said attachment.    
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said attachment is one of an image file and an audio file.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said means for transmitting a message and receiving said attachment are performed using wireless access protocol (WAP).  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said means for transmitting said text message further comprises: 
 means for including, in said message, a file type associated with said attachment.    
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said means for receiving said attachment further comprises: 
 means for receiving said attachment at said intended recipient's terminal.    
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said means for receiving said attachment further comprises: 
 means for receiving said attachment at a computer terminal.    
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said text message is a short message service (SMS) message.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said intended recipient's terminal is a cellular telephone.  
     
     
         17 . A mobile station comprising: 
 a transceiver for transmitting and receiving messages, including a text message having an attachment thereto; and    a processor for controlling said transceiver and for including, in said text message, an address to a server wherein said attachment resides.    
     
     
         18 . The mobile station of  claim 17 , further comprising a memory wherein said address is stored.  
     
     
         19 . The mobile station of  claim 17 , wherein said address is a uniform resource locator (URL).  
     
     
         20 . The mobile station of  claim 17 , further comprising: 
 means for querying a user of said mobile station regarding whether said attachment is to be transmitted with said text message.