Presence information transmitted in wireless messaging systems and methods

Abstract

A messaging system for selectively performing an action on information, for remote retrieval of messages, for performing action on information at different times, for selective paging, for providing a user interface for message access and having integrated audio visual messaging.

1 - 104 . (canceled) 
     
     
         105 . A method, using a message server connected to a message processor, that indicates presence of a first cell phone on a cellular network to a second cell phone and redirects an instant message (“IM”) to an email account associated with the user of the first cell phone, comprising:
 (a) the message processor detecting that the first cell phone is present on the cellular network; 
 (b) the message processor reporting to the second cell phone that the first cell phone is present on the cellular network; 
 (c) the message processor receiving from the second cell phone and storing on the message server an IM addressed for delivery to the first cell phone; 
 (d) the message processor, prior to delivering the IM to the first cell phone, detecting that the first cell phone is no longer present on the cellular network; and 
 (e) the message processor automatically redirecting the IM stored on the message server to an email account associated with the user of the first cell phone. 
 
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 105  wherein detecting that the first cell phone is present on the cellular network comprises determining the status of the first cell phone using a home location registry (HLR). 
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 105  wherein detecting that the first cell phone is present on the cellular network comprises determining that the first cell phone logged onto an internet messaging service. 
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 105  further comprising the first cell phone enabling a setting that allows the user's presence on the cellular network to be detected by the second cell phone. 
     
     
         109 . The method of  claim 105  further comprising the cell phone instructing a remote message processor to inform other devices of its online presence. 
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 105  further comprising sending a message from the first to the second cell phones upon detecting that the first cell phone is present on the cellular network. 
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 110  wherein the message comprises multimedia information.