Provision of additional content to mobile communication devices

Abstract

A system and method for the insertion of additional content to messages sent between mobile communications devices. The system provides for a point system which allows users of the system to accumulate points for additional content sent with text messages. The points may be used for various functions such as purchasing premium services or may be applied towards the user's service charges.

1 . A method for use in providing additional content to a mobile communication device, comprising:
 receiving a text message, the text message having been generated by a user of a first mobile communication device inputting text information into a first mobile communications device;   selecting an item of additional content out of a plurality of items of additional content;   appending the selected item of additional content to the text message; and   transmitting the text message and the appended selected item of additional content to a second mobile communication device for display on the second mobile communication device.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first mobile communications device receives the text message, and the first mobile communications device performs selection of the item of additional content out of the plurality of items of additional content. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the plurality of items of additional content are stored on the first mobile communications device. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein a service provider performs selection of the item of additional content out of the plurality of items of additional content, and further comprising downloading, by the first mobile communications device, of the selected item of additional content. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a message service router of a service provider receives the text message, and the service provider performs selection of the item of additional content out of the plurality of items of additional content. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the text message and appended selected item of additional content are transmitted to the second mobile communications device by way of a cellular communication system. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising associating a point value with the user of the first mobile communication device based on transmission of the text message and the appended selected item of additional content to the second mobile communication device. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein at least some of the different items of the plurality items of additional content have different associated point values. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the point value has a monetary value. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the point value is redeemable for goods or services. 
     
     
         11 . A system for transmitting textual information including additional content, comprising:
 a keypad for entering text information;   a processor configured to store information the text information, configured to append additional content including at least additional text to the text information, and configured to command transmission of the text information and additional content to a second mobile communication device; and   communication circuitry to transmit the text information and additional content to the second mobile communication device.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein transmission of the text information and additional content to the second mobile communication device is by way of a cellular network. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the processor is further configured to allow selection of the additional content from a plurality of items of additional content. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the additional content comprises advertising content. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the processor is further configured to command display of a point value associated with the additional content. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the processor is further configured to command transmission of a request to download further items of additional content. 
     
     
         17 . A system for transmitting textual information including additional content, comprising:
 a message service router for routing text information in a cellular communications network; and   an additional content server data coupled to the message service router, the additional content server configured to receive at least an indication of a sender of a text message and configured to provide the message service router at least an item of additional content based on at least the indication of a sender of the text message.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the additional content server is further configured to select the item of additional content from a plurality of items of additional content. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the additional content server is further configured to associate a point value with the sender of the text message based on the additional content.