Method and apparatus for converting SMS message into MMS compliant image file in mobile communications
AssigneeLG Electronics Inc.
InventorJong-Hwan Kim
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method an apparatus for converting a relatively large sized SMS message that may contain special characters or emoticons into an appropriate MMS image format file to allow sending, receiving and storage via different types of mobile communication terminals that have varying capabilities. The user need not delete old messages from his SMS message inbox or outbox to accommodate large sized SMS messages, as the converted messages can be stored in a separate image file memory. The MMS compliant image format allows a recipient to properly receive messages even though the recipient mobile terminal does not fully support the displaying of certain SMS special characters, emoticons, or the like.
Claims21
A method of converting a Short Message Service (SMS) message into a Multimedia Message Service (MMS) compliant image in a mobile terminal, the method comprising:
- selecting the SMS message to be converted from one or more SMS messages stored in the mobile terminal;
- converting the SMS message into a photograph comprising a background image, wherein the background image is a default background image of a white color or a user selected background image of a color other than the white color, a user selected image, or a video;
- storing the photograph in a photo album database of the mobile terminal;
- and
- transmitting the photograph in an MMS message.
A method for converting a Short Message Service (SMS) message into a Multimedia Message Service (MMS) compliant image, the method comprising:
- composing the SMS message, wherein the SMS message comprises an emoticon;
- converting the SMS message into an MMS compliant photograph comprising a background image, wherein the background image is a default background image of a white color or a user selected background image of a color other than the white color, a user selected image, or a video;
- storing the MMS compliant photograph in a photo album database;
- and
- transmitting the MMS compliant photograph to a phone number or an e-mail address previously designated by a user.
A mobile terminal comprising:
- a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data;
- a memory for storing data;
- an input unit for allowing user inputs;
- a display unit for displaying images and information;
- a controller cooperating with the transceiver, memory, and display unit, wherein the controller is configured to convert a message displayed in the display unit into a photograph and store the photograph into the memory, or to transmit the photograph via the transceiver,
- wherein the controller converts the message displayed in the display unit while the message is composed or selected, if an option menu corresponding to image conversion is selected or if a hotkey used for performing image conversion is operated.
A mobile terminal comprising:
- an input unit to allow a user to compose a message to be sent;
- an output unit to display the message;
- a processor cooperating with the input unit and the output unit, the processor comprising:
- a user interface module to provide a menu of options related to message format conversion;
- an image converting module to convert a first format of the message into a second format in response to a selection of an option menu or an operation of a hotkey when the message is displayed during the composition of the message or if the message is selected, wherein the option menu corresponds to an image conversion and the hotkey is used for performing the image conversion;
- and
- a background processing module to process a background image related to the message that has been converted into the second format.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.