Title of Invention	METHOD OF FILTERING MESSAGES
Abstract	A method of filtering messages received by a telecommunications device Comprises inputting a rule set into the telecommunications device, and then reading an incoming message. The message is then modified if that message breaks a rule of the rule set; and the modified message is displayed. The rule set comprises a plurality of rules, each of which relates to respective predetermined message content.

Title of Invention

METHOD OF FILTERING MESSAGES

Abstract

A method of filtering messages received by a telecommunications device Comprises inputting a rule set into the telecommunications device, and then reading an incoming message. The message is then modified if that message breaks a rule of the rule set; and the modified message is displayed. The rule set comprises a plurality of rules, each of which relates to respective predetermined message content.

Full Text	This invention relates to a method of filtering messages received by a telecommunications device such as a mobile phone, and in particular to a method of 5 filtering the content of text messages to remove or modify text that may be offensive to the use of the device. An increasingly important feature of modem mobile phones is the ability to send SMS messages (text messages). Mobile text messaging has become very popular, 10 particularly for the young. Usually, the receiver of a text message knows the sender of that message, but many messages are unsolicited, for the purposes of, for example, advertising. There is a growing concern that the content of some messages, either solicited or unsolicited, may cause offence to the recipient, and it is impossible for the recipient to know whether a message is likely to cause offence without displaying and 15 reading it. Mobile network operators have some responsibility to prevent such messages being delivered, and are investing in server technology to filter text messages, so that they don't end up on users' mobile phones. However, because the number of messages 20 being past through each network is very large, it requires powerful machines to process all of them reliably. One way in which a mobile network operator can filter text messages is to apply a generic set of rules for the filtering of likely offensive material (such as profanity, racism etc). These rules do, however, tend to be general), as they must relate to material which is likely to be deemed offensive by the majority of users. 25 The aim of the invention is to provide a method of filtering messages to remove offensive material in such a way that a recipient can tailor the filtering rules so as to remove or modify the content of received messages that is offensive to that user, 30 The present invention provides a method of filtering messages received by a telecommunications device, the method comprising the steps of: - 2 a) inputting a rule set into the telecommunications device; b) reading an incoming message; c) modifying the message if that message breaks a rule of the rule set; and d) displaying the modified message; 5 wherein the rule set comprises a plurality of rules, each of which relates to a respective predetermined message content. In a preferred embodiment, the message is a text message. In this case, step b) may include the step of parsing the incoming test message, and step c) may be such as to 10 delete the predetermined text content, or to replace the letters of the predetermined test content with meaningless characters. Preferably, step a) is carried out by downloading the rule set from a network operator. 15 Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of modifying the rule set, by the user of a telecommunications device, to accommodate the needs of that user. The invention also provides a telecommunications device comprising a -transceiver, a processor and a display, the processor including software containing a rule set, means 20 for reading an incoming message, means for modifying the message if that message breaks a rule of the rule set whereby a modified massage is shown on the display, wherein the rule set comprises a plurality of rules, each of which, relates to a respective predetermined message content. 25 Preferably, the software is such that a user of the device can modify the rule set. In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises data input means linked to the processor for modifying the rule set. Conveniently, a keypad constitutes the data input Means. 30 3 Where the message is a text message, the software may be such as to parse the incoming text message, and such as to delete the predetermined text content, or to replace letters of the predetermined text content with meaningless characters. 5 The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawing, the single figure of which is a schematic representation of a mobile phone. Referring to the drawing, a mobile phone includes a processor 1, a keypad 2, a display 3 10 and an antenna 4. The keypad 2 can be used, in known manner, to input text messages for processing by the processor 1 and transmitting via the antenna 4, to the mobile phones of other users. Text messages received from other users via the antenna 4 are processed by the processor 1 and shown on the display 3. 15 In order to carry out the invention, a rule set is input into the processor 1. The inputting of the rule set can be carried out prior to the purchase of the mobile phone, or can be downloaded from a network operator via the antenna 4. In either case, the rule set can be modified to comply with the individual needs of the user of the mobile phone, the operator of the mobile network, or even by particular local requirements. For example, 20 there may be local requirements for content filtering based on both the fashion of the day and the geographical location. In particular, new vernacular words, specifically those which might cause offence, enter and leave the language regularly, due to the fact that language is ever changing. In addition, some words and phrases only have an offensive meaning in certain geographical locations (for example the word "fag" is 25 offensive in the USA, but not in the UK). The mobile network operator may also be provided with a facility for pre-storing the rule set, for downloading the rule set and/or permitting the user to edit the rule set on the mobile phone. The rule set will be an algorithm which will first parse each incoming text message, and 30 then each rule will, in turn, read the parsed text content to determine whether or not that particular rule has been violated. For example, one rule may search for a given rude word, other roles may search for other rude words, and yet other rules may search for 4 particular words or phrases of a racist character. The rule set is such that, if a given rule is violated, the software (the algorithm) will then process the message in accordance with that rule, for example, by deleting the text content which violates the rule, or by modifying that text content, for example, or by replacing the text letters with 5 meaningless characters such as asterisks. Thus, each rule may have different modifying actions for given degrees of offensiveness. In particular, if the rule is to look for one of a given list of "four letter" words, the user could modify the basic rule set originally input into the processor I, so as to vary the actions carried out in dependence upon how that user rates the offensiveness of the various words in the list. In this case for text 10 content which is deemed least offensive by the user, the rule set may be such as to allow that content to be displayed. It will be apparent that modifications could be made to the invention as described above with reference to the drawing. In particular, data input can be carried out by any 15 suitable means, and is not restricted to the use of the keypad 2. For example, data could be input into the mobile phone 1 by downloading from a PC, or by utilising speech recognition software. In this connection, data input covers both the inputting of text messages and any modification of the rule set contained in the mobile phone 1. It will also be apparent that the invention is not restricted to the filtering of messages received 20 by mobile phones, and is also applicable to other devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and wireless gaming devices. Moreover, the invention is equally applicable to the filtering of other forms of messages received by communications devices such as mobile phones, and is not restricted to the filtering of the content of text messages. 5 WE CLAIM: 1. A method of filtering messages received by a telecommunications device, the method comprising the steps of: - 5 a) inputting a rule set into the telecommunications device; b) reading an incoming message; c) modifying the message if that message breaks a rule of the rule set; and d) displaying the modified message; wherein the rule set comprises a plurality of rules, each of which relates 10 to a respective predetermined message content. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the message is a text message. 3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein step b) includes the step of parsing 15 the incoming test message. 4. A method as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein step c) is such as to delete the predetermined text content, or to replace the letters of the predetermined text content with a meaningless characters. 20 5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein step a) is carried out by downloading the rule set from a network operator. 6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the step of 25 modifying the rule set, by the user of a telecommunications device, to accommodate the needs of that user. 7. A telecommunications device comprising a transceiver, a processor and a display, the processor including software containing a rule set means for reading an 30 incoming message, means for modifying the message if that message breaks a rule of the rule set whereby a modified message is displayed, wherein the rule set comprises a plurality of rules, each of which relates to a respective predetermined message content. 6 8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the software is such that a user of the device can modify the rule set. 5 9. A device as claimed in 8, further comprising data input means linked to the processor for modifying the rule set. 10. A device as claimed in claim 9. wherein a keypad constitutes the data input means. 10 11. A device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, where the message is a text message, the software is such as to parse the incoming text message. 12. A device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the software is such as to delete the 15 predetermined text content, or to replace letters of the predetermined text content with meaningless characters. Dated this 18th Day of May, 2005 A method of filtering messages received by a telecommunications device Comprises inputting a rule set into the telecommunications device, and then reading an incoming message. The message is then modified if that message breaks a rule of the rule set; and the modified message is displayed. The rule set comprises a plurality of rules, each of which relates to respective predetermined message content.

Full Text

This invention relates to a method of filtering messages received by a
telecommunications device such as a mobile phone, and in particular to a method of
5 filtering the content of text messages to remove or modify text that may be offensive to
the use of the device.
An increasingly important feature of modem mobile phones is the ability to send SMS
messages (text messages). Mobile text messaging has become very popular,
10 particularly for the young. Usually, the receiver of a text message knows the sender of
that message, but many messages are unsolicited, for the purposes of, for example,
advertising. There is a growing concern that the content of some messages, either
solicited or unsolicited, may cause offence to the recipient, and it is impossible for the
recipient to know whether a message is likely to cause offence without displaying and
15 reading it.
Mobile network operators have some responsibility to prevent such messages being
delivered, and are investing in server technology to filter text messages, so that they
don't end up on users' mobile phones. However, because the number of messages
20 being past through each network is very large, it requires powerful machines to process
all of them reliably. One way in which a mobile network operator can filter text
messages is to apply a generic set of rules for the filtering of likely offensive material
(such as profanity, racism etc). These rules do, however, tend to be general), as they
must relate to material which is likely to be deemed offensive by the majority of users.
25
The aim of the invention is to provide a method of filtering messages to remove
offensive material in such a way that a recipient can tailor the filtering rules so as to
remove or modify the content of received messages that is offensive to that user,
30 The present invention provides a method of filtering messages received by a
telecommunications device, the method comprising the steps of: -

2
a) inputting a rule set into the telecommunications device;
b) reading an incoming message;
c) modifying the message if that message breaks a rule of the rule set; and
d) displaying the modified message;
5 wherein the rule set comprises a plurality of rules, each of which relates
to a respective predetermined message content.
In a preferred embodiment, the message is a text message. In this case, step b) may
include the step of parsing the incoming test message, and step c) may be such as to
10 delete the predetermined text content, or to replace the letters of the predetermined test
content with meaningless characters.
Preferably, step a) is carried out by downloading the rule set from a network operator.
15 Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of modifying the rule set, by the
user of a telecommunications device, to accommodate the needs of that user.
The invention also provides a telecommunications device comprising a -transceiver, a
processor and a display, the processor including software containing a rule set, means
20 for reading an incoming message, means for modifying the message if that message
breaks a rule of the rule set whereby a modified massage is shown on the display,
wherein the rule set comprises a plurality of rules, each of which, relates to a respective
predetermined message content.
25 Preferably, the software is such that a user of the device can modify the rule set.
In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises data input means linked to the
processor for modifying the rule set. Conveniently, a keypad constitutes the data input
Means.
30

3
Where the message is a text message, the software may be such as to parse the
incoming text message, and such as to delete the predetermined text content, or to
replace letters of the predetermined text content with meaningless characters.
5 The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with
reference to the drawing, the single figure of which is a schematic representation of a
mobile phone.
Referring to the drawing, a mobile phone includes a processor 1, a keypad 2, a display 3
10 and an antenna 4. The keypad 2 can be used, in known manner, to input text messages
for processing by the processor 1 and transmitting via the antenna 4, to the mobile
phones of other users. Text messages received from other users via the antenna 4 are
processed by the processor 1 and shown on the display 3.
15 In order to carry out the invention, a rule set is input into the processor 1. The inputting
of the rule set can be carried out prior to the purchase of the mobile phone, or can be
downloaded from a network operator via the antenna 4. In either case, the rule set can
be modified to comply with the individual needs of the user of the mobile phone, the
operator of the mobile network, or even by particular local requirements. For example,
20 there may be local requirements for content filtering based on both the fashion of the
day and the geographical location. In particular, new vernacular words, specifically
those which might cause offence, enter and leave the language regularly, due to the fact
that language is ever changing. In addition, some words and phrases only have an
offensive meaning in certain geographical locations (for example the word "fag" is
25 offensive in the USA, but not in the UK). The mobile network operator may also be
provided with a facility for pre-storing the rule set, for downloading the rule set and/or
permitting the user to edit the rule set on the mobile phone.
The rule set will be an algorithm which will first parse each incoming text message, and
30 then each rule will, in turn, read the parsed text content to determine whether or not that
particular rule has been violated. For example, one rule may search for a given rude
word, other roles may search for other rude words, and yet other rules may search for

4
particular words or phrases of a racist character. The rule set is such that, if a given rule
is violated, the software (the algorithm) will then process the message in accordance
with that rule, for example, by deleting the text content which violates the rule, or by
modifying that text content, for example, or by replacing the text letters with
5 meaningless characters such as asterisks. Thus, each rule may have different modifying
actions for given degrees of offensiveness. In particular, if the rule is to look for one of
a given list of "four letter" words, the user could modify the basic rule set originally
input into the processor I, so as to vary the actions carried out in dependence upon how
that user rates the offensiveness of the various words in the list. In this case for text
10 content which is deemed least offensive by the user, the rule set may be such as to allow
that content to be displayed.
It will be apparent that modifications could be made to the invention as described above
with reference to the drawing. In particular, data input can be carried out by any
15 suitable means, and is not restricted to the use of the keypad 2. For example, data could
be input into the mobile phone 1 by downloading from a PC, or by utilising speech
recognition software. In this connection, data input covers both the inputting of text
messages and any modification of the rule set contained in the mobile phone 1. It will
also be apparent that the invention is not restricted to the filtering of messages received
20 by mobile phones, and is also applicable to other devices such as personal digital
assistants (PDAs) and wireless gaming devices. Moreover, the invention is equally
applicable to the filtering of other forms of messages received by communications
devices such as mobile phones, and is not restricted to the filtering of the content of text
messages.

5
WE CLAIM:
1. A method of filtering messages received by a telecommunications device, the
method comprising the steps of: -
5 a) inputting a rule set into the telecommunications device;
b) reading an incoming message;
c) modifying the message if that message breaks a rule of the rule set; and
d) displaying the modified message;
wherein the rule set comprises a plurality of rules, each of which relates
10 to a respective predetermined message content.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the message is a text message.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein step b) includes the step of parsing
15 the incoming test message.
4. A method as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein step c) is such as to delete
the predetermined text content, or to replace the letters of the predetermined text
content with a meaningless characters.
20
5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein step a) is carried out
by downloading the rule set from a network operator.
6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the step of
25 modifying the rule set, by the user of a telecommunications device, to accommodate the
needs of that user.
7. A telecommunications device comprising a transceiver, a processor and a
display, the processor including software containing a rule set means for reading an
30 incoming message, means for modifying the message if that message breaks a rule of
the rule set whereby a modified message is displayed, wherein the rule set comprises a
plurality of rules, each of which relates to a respective predetermined message content.

6
8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the software is such that a user of the
device can modify the rule set.
5 9. A device as claimed in 8, further comprising data input means linked to
the processor for modifying the rule set.
10. A device as claimed in claim 9. wherein a keypad constitutes the data input
means.
10
11. A device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, where the message
is a text message, the software is such as to parse the incoming text message.
12. A device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the software is such as to delete the
15 predetermined text content, or to replace letters of the predetermined text content with
meaningless characters.
Dated this 18th Day of May, 2005

A method of filtering messages received by a telecommunications device
Comprises inputting a rule set into the telecommunications device, and
then reading an incoming message. The message is then modified if that
message breaks a rule of the rule set; and the modified message is
displayed. The rule set comprises a plurality of rules, each of which
relates to respective predetermined message content.

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Patent Number

219061

Indian Patent Application Number

00917/KOLNP/2005

PG Journal Number

17/2008

Publication Date

25-Apr-2008

Grant Date

23-Apr-2008

Date of Filing

18-May-2005

Name of Patentee

TTPCOM LIMITED

Applicant Address

MELBOURN SCIENCE PARK, CAMBRIDGE ROAD, MELBOURN, ROYSTON, HERTFORDSHIRE, SG8 6HQ. UNITED KINGDOM.

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	PAUL GEOFFREY TINDALL	36 BECHER CLOSE, RENHOLD, BEDFORDSHIRE, MK410LP, UNITED KINGDOM.

PCT International Classification Number

H04M 1/725

PCT International Application Number

PCT/GB2003/04292

PCT International Filing date

2003-10-06

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	0230219.8	2002-12-27	U.K.