Messaging service system and method to be performed in such a system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a Messaging Service system which includes one or more Messaging Service terminals and a control means being adapted for communication with a printing means. The Messaging Service terminal is adapted to send a message to the control means, which message contains a print-related information section and a message content section representing the message content. The print-related information section contains print-related information and designates the delivery of the message content section to the printing means or to a second Messaging Service terminal. The system is preferably implemented as a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) system. The message content section may represent one or more images. The print-related information section is preferably contained in a header of the message, and may contain authorization information related to printing or copying rights for printing or copying the message content, preferably the image or images represented by the message content section, by the second Messaging Service terminal.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This is a Reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 7,986,422 which is a national stage of application No. PCT / EP00 / 05577, filed on Jun. 16, 2000.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a messaging service system, preferably a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) system in which messages can be transmitted which contain an information section and a message content section such as an image section. Such a MMS system is suitable for transmitting information of multimedia type such as images (e.g. photographs), audio information and also pure text or graphic information. The invention furthermore relates to a method for transmitting messages containing an information section and a message content section, e.g. an image data section.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Messaging services are frequently used for swiftly sending messages e.g. between mobile phones. As an example, SMS (Short Message System) messages can be sent from one user equipment such as a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a solution for eliminating manual steps in ordering printing of images. It allows multimedia terminals to capture and send images directly to a printer system for printing, without requiring manual steps. The control means stores print-related information and checks for print permission, reducing signaling and messaging load on the network. The control means also has a memory for storing message contents, reducing traffic in the network.

Problems solved by technology

Although this type of messaging service is beneficial in that it allows the sending of a variety of different types of data, it nevertheless is subject to some restrictions regarding usability.

Images