WO2001082027A2

WO2001082027A2 - Method and system for customizing a menu of a communication device

Info

Publication number: WO2001082027A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/012779
Authority: WO
Inventors: George A. Evans
Original assignee: Infospace, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-04-19
Filing date: 2001-04-19
Publication date: 2001-11-01
Also published as: WO2001082027A3; AU2001255503A1

Abstract

The method and system allow a user of a communication device (258), which device has a small display or abbreviated keyboard, to create and customize a menu of web pages (570) using a computer (266) with a full display and/or keyboard, which menu is then transmitted to the communication device and displayed on the communication device.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CUSTOMIZING A MENU OF A COMMUNICATION DEVICE

Field of the Invention

This invention is related to the field of computer network access. In particular, this invention is directed to a method for customizing a menu of a communication device, which is capable of communicating with a local or global computer network.

Background of the Invention

Recent advances in technology have allowed users of communication devices (e.g., a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, or the like) to communicate with a local or global computer network via that communication device. These communication devices were originally designed for easy carriage by users. Therefore, the devices were made very small and lightweight, dedicated to perform certain defined functions. Such devices may include a keypad and display screen. To save space, the keypad may include only a numeric keypad (with a few additional dedicated keys), such as on a cellular telephone, rather than a complete alphanumeric keyboard, such as on a personal computer.

Typically, such communication devices were designed as cellular telephones, or the like, and a numeric keypad was adequate to place telephone calls. Thus reducing the overall size of the device. These communication devices, however, are now being employed to access computer networks, such as the Internet and the World Wide Web. Computer networks typically require users to input information in alphanumeric form. As discussed below, the limited keypad can make the input of data cumbersome, time-consuming, and error prone.

Generally, a user of a communication device must use an abbreviated keypad (i.e., not a full size computer keyboard) having only ten numerals, an asterisk or star key, and a pound or number sign key to enter information (e.g., web page addresses). The appropriate numeral key is pressed repeatedly to process sequentially through a series of characters until the desired character is displayed. This process must be repeated for each character in the letter string forming the information to be entered. For example, the user of a Sanyo PCS telephone, model number SCP-4000, is required to complete this time consuming and cumbersome process to access a web page. This process is further complicated when the user needs to enter further information on the web page to obtain desired information (such as entering a birthday to obtain a horoscope). To save time and effort, users of such communication devices have been able to employ a technique, known as "bookmarking," that allows the user to select a particular web page, which may then be accessed via a menu. Even with the benefit of bookmarking, accessing particular web pages and interacting with them can be a cumbersome process. The first step when using the Sanyo telephone is to go to the web page for which the user wants to create the bookmark. There are three ways to go to a web page. A user can input a web page address, input search terms in a search engine and select a web page found by the search engine, or select a web page from a list of existing bookmarks.

To input an address associated with the web page, a user must use a keypad on the telephone. Since the keypad of the telephone is abbreviated and each key represents several alphanumeric symbols, it is necessary to depress the same key numerous times in order to enter a specific alphanumeric character. For example, to go to the web page at the address "www.giantbear.com," a user must depress the following number keys to input the desired letter or symbol and spell out the web page address: 9 six times (to input the letter "w"); 9 one time (w); 9 one time (w); 1 one time (to input the symbol "."); 4 one time (g); 4 three times (i); 2 one time (a); 6 two times (n); 8 one time (t); 2 two times (b); 3 two times (e); 2 one time (a); 7 three times (r); 1 one time (.); 2 three times (c); 6 three times (o); 6 one time (m) and the enter key one time to go to the input web page address. The user must, therefore, make thirty- four keystrokes to enter a simple web page address. Of course, an error in any of these keystrokes may require the user to access the wrong website, wasting time and requiring the user to move through the entire process again.

Once the user goes through this process and arrives at a desired web page, a bookmark can be created. This process too can be cumbersome and time consuming. The user must select the "help" function by depressing a right arrow key several times until "help" is highlighted and then depress the enter key. The user must perform a similar process to highlight the "mark site" function and depress the enter key. Finally, the user must save the web page address as a bookmark by highlighting the "save" function and depressing the enter key. Once the user has added the web site to the list of bookmarks, a menu will be displayed on the telephone display, which menu includes a descriptive term representing a web page address. In this case, the descriptive term would be "GiantBear." The user can access the "GiantBear" site by scrolling through the menu, highlighting "GiantBear," and depressing the enter key.

When the user creates a new bookmark, it is added to the bottom of that user's bookmark list. The user cannot organize or customize the list of bookmarks, such that they are organized by topic or frequency accessed or any other useful fashion. Rather, the bookmarks are organized in a serial list in the order of creation from first to last. A user cannot create folders to categorize groups of bookmarks or even move bookmarks within the list. Over a period of time, a user could accumulate hundreds of bookmarks, making the serial list unwieldy, particularly on such a small display. Consequently, while bookmarking does provide some added convenience for the user, it is fraught with its own difficulties.

The second way to go to a web page using the Sanyo telephone is by using a search engine to find a web page and then selecting the desired web page. The telephone, however, does not have a built-in search engine, thereby, making finding a web page quite difficult and time-consuming. It is necessary to access a web page having a search engine by depressing the appropriate keys of the keypad, as discussed above, and use the search engine on that page. The user further needs to input the search terms using the same time consuming and cumbersome process that was used to enter the web page address. Even if there are only two search terms, it is not unlikely that a user would have to depress keys fifty times to input the terms (and any error may require the user to repeat the entire process). Further, a completed search may result in a list of hundreds, if not thousands, of web pages, only one of which is the desired web page. The entire list cannot be displayed on the telephone display at one time and the user must scroll through this list until the desired page is depicted. The small display, therefore, makes it very difficult to select a web page that was found by the search engine. These procedures are very cumbersome and time consuming. Further, they must be performed on a tiny display that is difficult to read and only shows a portion of the relevant material.

Certain embodiments of this invention address the aforementioned problems.

Summary of the Invention

An advantage of an aspect of the instant invention is that it permits a user to access a web page, referred to herein as a service page, using a personal computer (and its convenient, full keyboard), and select a web page on, for example, the Internet or World Wide Web to add to a personal menu. The personal menu can be arranged into folders or otherwise ordered to the preference of the user. Further, the user can select specific information, such as a horoscope or stock prices, in which the user is interested. The user can then access this service page using his communication device and download the personal menu. Using this menu, the user simply selects a web site from the menu and the communication device is connected to that site. Further, the specific information in which the user is interested can be included in the menu, or automatically transmitted to the user on his communication device.

In accord with one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for providing a customized menu to a user on a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device is capable of communicating with a computer network via a wireless connection. The computer network comprises a plurality of web pages. A service page, which typically is a web page or web site on the Internet or the World Wide Web that can be accessed by the user, is provided on the computer network. A user interface is displayed on the service page that allows the user to select a web page of the computer network. Each web page has a web page address and indicia. The indicia can be a symbol, letter string, or the like that identifies the web page. The service page is accessed by the user using a personal computer (or other such device) that is in communication with the computer network. The user selects at least one web page of the computer network using the user interface. The web page address and indicia of the selected web page is stored in a server memory. Data corresponding, at least in part, to the identification of the user is also stored in the server memory. The wireless communication device is connected to the service page via a wireless connection, such as by the user dialing the web page address of the service page on the communication device. A signal is transmitted from the server memory to the wireless communication device. The signal corresponds to at least the indicia and the web page address. The signal is stored in a memory in the wireless communication device. A menu (which includes the indicia) is generated based, at least in part, on the stored signal. The menu is displayed on the communication device. The user can access the selected web page by choosing the indicia displayed on the menu.

In accord with another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for customizing a menu on a communication device. The communication device is capable of communicating with a computer network. A service page is provided on the computer network. A web page of a computer network is selected using a computer distinct from the communication device. The computer is capable of communicating with a service page. The web page has a web page address and indicia. The selected web page address and indicia is transmitted to the communication device.

Certain implementations of this aspect of the invention provide that: the communication device is a wireless communication device; the menu of the communication device is updated to display the selected web page indicia; the step of selecting a web page comprises the steps of initiating communication with a service page, communicating user identification information for obtaining access to the service page, searching a computer network and selecting a web page; the step of initiating communication with a service page uses at least one of: wireless application protocol (WAP); TCP/IP protocol; HTTP protocol; and a file transfer protocol; the step of communicating user identification information for obtaining access to the service page comprises entering a user name and user password, selecting a web page comprises the steps of initiating communication with a service page, communicating user identification information for obtaining access to the service page, and the user entering a web page address in a selection field on the service page; the service page comprises a list of web pages and the step of selecting a web page using a computer comprises the steps of initiating communication with a service page, communicating user identification information for obtaining access to the service page, and selecting a web page from the list of web pages; the web page address is one of a URL address and an IP address; the step of transmitting the selected web page addresses and indicia comprises storing the selected web page address and indicia in a memory, receiving a request for the selected web page address and indicia from a communication device, and transmitting the selected web page address and indicia to the communication device; the step of storing the selected web oaee address and indicia in a memorv further comDrises associating a user with

provided. A web page is selected using a computer. The web page is in communication with a service page and provides updateable information desired by a user. The web page has an address. A user information update request is created that is capable of retrieving the desired updateable information from the selected web page. The selected web page address and user information update request is stored in a memory. The user information update request is applied to retrieve the desired updateable information. The desired updateable information is transmitted to the communication device.

Certain implementations of this aspect of the invention provide that: the step of selecting a web page comprises the steps of initiating communication with a service page, communicating user identification information for obtaining access to the service page, searching a computer network and selecting a web page; the step of selecting a web page comprises the steps of: initiating communication with a service page, communicating user identification information for obtaining access to the service page and the user entering a web page address in a selection field on the service page; the user information update request identifies the information to be updated; the step of creating a user information update request further comprises selecting a period of time in which to receive updated information; the step of creating a user information update request further comprises selecting a time of the day in which to receive updated information; the step of storing the selected web page address and user information update request in a memory further comprises associating a user with the selected web page address and user information update request; the step of associating a user with the selected web page address and user information update request comprises cross- referencing the user identification with the selected web page address and user information update request stored in memory; the step of applying the user information update request to retrieve desired updateable information comprises requesting the desired updateable information from the selected web page and storing the desired updateable information as a request response in a memory; the step of applying the user information update request to retrieve the desired updateable information is performed periodically according to a predetermined period; the period is defined by the user; the updated information is transmitted to the communication device as an electronic mail message; the electronic mail message uses a wireless application protocol (WAP); the electronic mail message is in wireless markup language (WML); the period in which to transmit the updated information is defined by the user. In accord with another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for customizing a menu on a communication device in a system suitable for storing web page addresses, indicia, and user identification. The communication device is capable of communicating with a computer network. User identification information is received at a service page. One or more selected web pages are detected. The web pages have respective addresses and indicia. The one or more selected web page addresses and indicia are stored in a user specific file. The selected web page addresses and indicia are transmitted to the communication device in response to a request.

Certain implementations of this aspect of the invention provide that: the user identification information received is a user name and a user password; the user identification information received is a telephone number of a wireless telephone; the step of storing the one or more selected web page addresses and indicia in a user specific file comprises storing one or more URL addresses for the one or more selected web pages in a memory, storing the indicia for the one or more selected web pages in a memory, and cross-referencing a user identification with the stored URL addresses and indicia; the selected web page address and indicia are transmitted using a wireless application protocol (WAP); the selected web page addresses and indicia are transmitted in wireless markup language (WML).

In accord with another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for customizing a menu on a communication device. The communication device is capable of communicating with a computer network. Indicia of a plurality of web pages are displayed and are capable of being selected by the user. The indicia are descriptive of a web page content. A representation of a contemporaneous menu of a communication device is displayed. The menu lists selected indicia. The selection of indicia by the user is detected. The displayed representation of a contemporaneous menu of a communication device is displayed - this displayed representation of a contemporaneous menu being an updated menu. The updated menu is transmitted to the communication device. The displayed representation of a contemporaneous menu is immediately updated after the user selects one of the indicia of the plurality of web pages, thereby, allowing the user to confirm the organization of the menu before it is transmitted to the communication device. Certain implementations of this aspect of the invention provide that: the step of detecting the selection of indicia comprises detecting the selection of indicia and adding the selected web page to a list of selected web pages; the step of detecting the selection of indicia comprises detecting the selection of indicia and deleting the selected web page from a list of selected web pages; the step of displaying a representation of a contemporaneous menu of a communication device comprises organizing the indicia into categories and displaying groupings of selected indicia in categories; the categories of the indicia are defined by a user.

In accord with another aspect of the invention, a communication device menu customization system is provided to operate in cooperation with a computer network. The computer network comprises a plurality of interconnected computers capable of communicating with one another. The system includes a first computer processor having means for providing a service page, means for communicating with the computer network and means for storing and retrieving data. The system also includes a second computer processor having means for communicating with a computer network and means for communicating with a user. The system includes a communication device having means for communicating with the computer network and means for displaying a menu.

Certain implementations of this aspect of the invention provide that: the computer network is a global computer network; the computer network is a local computer network; the first computer processor is a computer network server; the service page is a user interface; the user interface displays indicia of one or more web pages, the indicia being descriptive of web page content, the indicia being associated with a web page address, the indicia capable of being selected; the user interface comprises a search engine, the search engine being capable of receiving search terms and providing indicia of one or more web pages in response to the search terms, the indicia being descriptive of web page content, the indicia being associated with a web page address, the indicia capable of being selected; the user interface comprises an address field capable of receiving a web page address and displaying indicia associated with the web page address, the indicia being descriptive of web page content, the indicia capable of being selected; the means for communicating with a computer network comprises a modem; the means for storing and retrieving data comprises a memory; the second computer processor comprises a personal computer; the means for communicating with a user comprises a monitor displaying the service page and a means to input data; the monitor is a computer workstation; the means to input data is one of a: keyboard, keypad, scanner, digital camera, optical reader, joystick, mouse, trackball, light pen, wand, bar-code reader, digitizer, data tablet, touchscreen, or magnetic reader; the communication device is a telephone; the telephone is wireless; the telephone is one of: analog and digital; the means for communicating with the computer network is via a wireless connection; the means for displaying the menu is a liquid crystal display (LCD); the means for displaying the menu is an organic light emitting device display (OLED).

In accord with another aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided having a plurality of program steps to be executed on a first computer to customize a communication device menu. The communication device, the first computer, and a second computer are capable of communicating via a computer network. The program includes means for displaying a service page, means for receiving data from the second computer, means for storing data, means for generating a menu, means for modifying the menu based, at least in part, on the data received from the second computer, means for receiving data from the communication device, means for generating a signal based, at least in part, on the menu, and means for sending the signal to the communication device.

In accord with yet another aspect of the invention, a computer program executed on a user computer for customizing a menu of a communication device is provided. The user computer is capable of transmitting data and the communication device is capable of receiving data. The computer program includes means for displaying indicia of one or more web pages, means for selecting indicia, means for storing selected indicia, means for generating a menu based, at least in part, on the selected indicia, and means for transmitting the menu to the communication device.

In accord with yet another aspect of the invention, a computer program product is stored on a computer readable medium for performing menu generation for use in a communication device. The program product includes program code elements for performing the functions of providing a service page, receiving a selected web page address, the web page having a web page address and indicia and transmitting the selected web page address and indicia to the communication device. Certain implementations of this aspect of the invention provide that: the service page is a user interface; the function of transmitting the selected web page address and indicia to the communication device comprises the functions of receiving a request from the communication device and transmitting the selected web page address and indicia to the communication device. In accord with yet another aspect of the invention, an article of manufacture is provided. A computer readable storage medium has a physical substrate configured to represent a computer program. The computer program includes means for displaying indicia of one or more web pages, means for selecting indicia, means for storing selected indicia, means for generating a menu based, at least in part, on the selected indicia; and means for transmitting the menu to the communication device.

In accord with yet another aspect of the invention, an article of manufacture is provided. A computer usable medium has computer readable program code embodied therein for generating a menu for a communication device. Computer readable program code is configured to cause a computer to display a service page. Computer readable program code is also configured to detect selection of a web page that has an address and indicia. Further, the computer readable program code is configured to cause a computer to store a selected web page address and indicia in a memory. Computer readable program code is configured to cause a computer to generate the menu based, at least in part, on the selected web page address and indicia. Computer readable program code is configured to cause a computer to transmit the menu to the communication device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a flowchart, which illustrates the steps of an embodiment of a process for customizing a menu on a communication device.

Figure 2 is a flowchart, which illustrates the steps of an embodiment of a process for customizing a menu on a communication device. Figure 3 is a flowchart, which illustrates the steps of an embodiment of a process for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device.

Figure 4 is a flowchart, which illustrates the steps of an embodiment of a process for customizing a menu on a communication device.

Figure 5 is a flowchart, which illustrates the steps of an embodiment of a process for customizing a menu on a communication device.

Figure 6 is a functional block diagram, which illustrates an embodiment of a communication device menu customization system.

Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a computer program for customizing a menu of a communication device. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a computer program for customizing a menu of a communication device.

Figure 9 is a flowchart, which illustrates an embodiment of a computer program product for customizing a menu of a communication device. Figure 10 is a functional block diagram, which illustrates an embodiment of an article of manufacture for customizing a communication. device menu.

Figure 11 is a functional block diagram, which illustrates an embodiment of an article of manufacture for customizing a communication device menu. Figure 12 is a pictorial diagram, which illustrates a service page in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will eliminate the time-consuming and cumbersome procedures that are required to customize and organize a menu of a communication device. A user will log onto a service page of a local or global computer network using a computer, which has a full size display and keyboard, and select one or more web pages to be included on the menu of the communication device. The selected web pages can then be organized into folders or categories by moving them on the service page. The customized menu is then transferred to the communication device where it is displayed.

Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a process for customizing a menu of a wireless communication device which is capable of communicating with a computer network via a wireless connection. A service page is provided 10 on a computer network. The computer network includes a plurality of web pages and may be a local computer network or a global computer network. The service page displays 12 a user interface allowing a user to select web page addresses and customize a menu. Since the actual address of web pages are long strings of numbers, which strings are difficult to remember, web page addresses are represented by letters which form identifiable abbreviations (e.g., www) and words (e.g., GiantBear). Each web page address is a URL or IP address and is represented on the display by web page indicia. The web page indicia is descriptive of the content of the web page address or the provider of the web page address. For example, the web page indicia for the URL "www.GiantBear.com" would be "GiantBear." The user accesses a service web page using a computer, which has a full display and keyboard. The user then selects 16 web page indicia to be displayed on the menu of a wireless communication device by clicking an icon associated with the web page indicia that is listed on the service page. Alternatively, the user may use the keyboard (or other such input device) to enter in a web page address, or use a search engine to search for a web page and select web page indicia from the results of that search. Once selected, the service page then stores 18 the selected web page address and indicia in a memory of a computer server. The selected web page is associated with that particular user in the memory.

The user then accesses 20 the service page using the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device may use wireless application protocol (WAP) or any protocol known in the art for wireless communication. To access 20 the service page, the user transmits some identifier such as a name, password, telephone number, or the like and the service page verifies that a valid user identification has been transmitted. Validation can be accomplished by simply comparing the transmitted identification information to a table of valid user identifiers. Alternatively, the communication device may automatically (or at the direction of the user) send out a signal that identifies the user, such as the telephone number of the communication device (like caller ID). After the user gains access to the service page, the wireless communication device requests any updates to the menu. In response to the request, the service page accesses the computer server memory, cross-references the identifying information, and transmits 22 the selected web page address and indicia to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device then stores 24 the web page address and indicia in a wireless communication device memory and generates 26 an updated menu based, at least in part, on the transmitted web page address and indicia. The updated menu is then displayed 28. To access a web page, the user can then simply select 30 web page indicia from the displayed menu on the wireless communication device and the web page corresponding to the web page indicia will be displayed.

Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a process for customizing a menu of a communication device, which is capable of communicating with a computer network. A service page is provided 50 on a computer network. The computer network may be a local computer network or a global computer network. The service page includes a user interface, which allows a user to select web page addresses and customize a menu. Each web page address is represented on the display by web page indicia. The web page indicia is descriptive of the content of the web page address or the provider of the web page address. The user accesses 52 the service page using a regular computer. Communication between the regular computer and the service page can be achieved using wireless application protocol (WAP), TCP/IP protocol, HTTP protocol, file transfer protocol (FTP), or the like. The access procedure includes the user providing identification 54, such as a name, user number, telephone number, password, or the like. The identification is verified 56 by a server computer. Verification 56 can be accomplished by simply checking the user identifier against a table of valid identifiers. The regular computer may be a standard desktop or laptop computer or workstation, which may include a full display and keyboard. Of course, it will be appreciated that the user may employ other devices, such as other types of computers, mainframe computers, workstations, networks, minicomputers, web TV boxes, personal digital assistants, and the like, to access the service page and still practice the invention. The full display makes viewing the menu easier and the full keyboard allows for easy input of information. Any type of local or global computer network communication device, however, may be used (e.g., cellular telephone) instead of a standard computer.

The user then selects 58 web page indicia to be displayed on the menu of a communication device. The web page indicia can be selected by clicking an icon associated with the web page indicia listed on the service page. Alternatively, the user may use the keyboard (or other such input device) to enter in a web page address or indicia, or use a search engine to search for a web page address or indicia and select a web page address or indicia from the results of that search. Once selected, the service page then stores 60 the selected web page address and indicia in a memory of a server computer. The selected web page address and indicia are associated with that particular user in the memory.

The user then accesses 62 the service page using the communication device. The communication device may be a wireless communication device, such as a cellular telephone. Access is gained by transmitting some identifier such as a name, password, telephone number, or the like and verifying the identifier 64. Communication between the service page and the communication device may be achieved using wireless application protocol (WAP), TCP/IP protocol, HTTP protocol, file transfer protocol (FTP), or the like. Alternatively, the communication device may automatically (or at the direction of the user) send out a signal that identifies the user, such as the telephone number of the communication device (like caller ID). After the user gains access, the service page transmits 66 the selected web page address and indicia to the communication device. The web page address and indicia may be transmitted in wireless markup language (WML) or any other language lαiown in the art. The communication device then updates the menu in accordance with the transmitted web page address and indicia. Optionally, the transmitted web page address and indicia may be stored in a memory operably engaged to the communication device. Once stored, the user can use the menu without first accessing the service page and downloading selected web page addresses and indicia. The service page may also include applications, which may be run by the user. A user may desire specific information immediately. To obtain the desired information, the user would progress or flow through the appropriate application. Upon obtaining the desired information, the user would be given the option to select the web page containing the desired information. If the user selects the web page, the web page address and indicia would be included on the menu of the communication device. In this way, the user simply runs an application to obtain desired information and is given the option to include indicia associated with the web page, which contains the desired information, in a menu. At some later time, the user can simply select the web page indicia on the menu of the communication device to obtain the current information on that web page. For example, a user may want the current day's horoscope for the astrological sign Scorpio. The user would run the horoscope application and enter information such as the desired date of the horoscope (i.e., today) and the astrological sign (i.e., Scorpio). The horoscope application would then display the current day's horoscope for Scorpio and an icon. The user could then click on the icon to include the indicia associated with the present page on the menu of the user's communication device. The user would then simply select the indicia to display the current day's horoscope for Scorpio on the communication device.

In addition, the user could select a related web page, while flowing through the application to the desired information, by selecting an appropriate icon. For example, a user may be given the option to obtain the next day's horoscope for Scorpio before reaching the current day's horoscope for Scorpio. The user would have the option of selecting the web page containing the next day's horoscope by clicking on an icon on that web page. The user would then have indicia associated with the web page, which contains the next day's horoscope, on the menu of the communication device. The user, therefore, can create a customized menu, not by specifically seeking to set up a menu, but by selecting web pages containing information, which the user presently desires.

Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information to a communication device, which is capable of communicating with a computer network. A service page is provided 100 on the computer network. A user accesses the service page and selects 102 a web page address and indicia. The user then creates 104 a user information update request. This request may specify the specific information desired, the time period in which to update the information, the time period in which to deliver the update, and the time of day to deliver the update. Further, if the user has access to more than one communication device, the request may indicate to which device the update is to be delivered. For example, the user may want to receive a daily horoscope every morning at eight o'clock a.m. The user would access a web page that provides daily horoscopes and select the web page so that the web page address is stored in the server memory. The user then creates a user information update request, which, in this example, would specify the web page (i.e., a web page having horoscope information), the desired information (i.e., a horoscope), the user's date of birth (so the correct horoscope can be retrieved), the frequency with which to retrieve the information (i.e., daily), and the time to transmit the information to the user (i.e., eight o'clock a.m.). The user information update request is stored 106 in a server computer memory. The service page will apply 108 the user information update request according to a predetermined period and retrieve the desired updated information. The predetermined period in which to apply 108 the information update request may be set by the user. The updated information is then sent (transmitted) 110 from the service page to the communication device. Optionally, the updated information may be stored in the server memory for delivery to the communication device at a later time. The updated information may be sent as an electronic message (e.g., e-mail) to the communication device. The electronic message may use wireless application protocol (WAP) and may be in wireless markup language (WML). The updateable information may be transmitted according to a predetermined period, which may be set by the user. The user may then read the electronic message. Of course, other techniques may be employed and still practice the invention.

Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for customizing a menu on a communication device, which is capable of communicating with a computer network. The method is practiced on a system that is suitable for storing web page addresses, indicia, and user identification. A service page receives 150 user identification information and detects 152 the selection by the user of one or more web pages addresses and indicia. The user identification information may be a user name and a password or a telephone number of a wireless telephone. Communication between the service page and the user may be accomplished using any protocol known in the art. The selected web page address and indicia are then stored 154 in a memory that is attributed to the user. The user then accesses the service page using the communication device and requests the selected web page address and indicia. The selected web page address and indicia are then retrieved from memory and transmitted 156 to the user's communication device. The selected web page address and indicia may be transmitted in wireless markup language (WML). Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating another aspect of a method for customizing a menu on a communication device. A service page displays 200 a plurality of web page identifiers or indicia and displays 202 a representation of a contemporaneous menu of a communication device. An example of a service page in accordance with this aspect of the invention is illustrated in Figure 12. The service page of Figure 12 includes a representation of a contemporaneous cellular telephone menu 550, menu edit commands 560, and a list of selectable web page indicia 570. The web page indicia are descriptive of web page content. The service page detects 204 selection by the user of a web page address and indicia. Upon detection 204 of a selection by the user, the representation of the contemporaneous menu is updated 206. The user can then see how the menu of the communication device will look once the selected web page indicia are added. At this point, the user can edit the displayed representation of the menu. Web page indicia may be moved, deleted, or renamed by selecting the appropriate commands. Further, the user can create folders and organize the indicia into user defined categories. The updates are then transmitted 208 to the communication device upon request by the user.

Figure 6 is a functional block diagram, which illustrates an embodiment of a communication device menu customization system, which operates in cooperation with a computer network that is made up of a plurality of interconnected computers. The first computer processor 250 is operably connected to a service page generator 256, an input/output device 254, and a memory 252. The service page generator 256 is capable of generating a user interface, which allows a user to select a web page address and indicia. The communication device computer processor 258 is operably connected to an input/output device 262 and a communication device memory 260. The second computer processor 266 is operably connected to a second computer processor memory 268 and input/output device 270. The first computer processor 250, the communication device computer processor 258, and the second computer processor 266 are capable of communicating with one another via a computer network 264. The computer network 264 can be any local or global computer network. The first computer processor 250, the communication device computer processor 258, and the second computer processor 266 transmit and receive signals over communication paths 272, 274, and 276, respectively. Communication between the first computer processor 250, communication device computer processor 258, and the second computer processor 266 may use any protocol known in the art. These communication paths may be hard wired or wireless. The first computer processor 250 may be part of a server computer. The communication device computer processor 258 may be part of a wireless telephone. The second computer processor 266 may be part of a personal computer.

In operation, a user accesses the computer network 264 using the second computer processor 266 via communication path 276. Access may be accomplished by any method known in the art. Once the computer network 264 is accessed, a service page generated by the service page generator 256 of the first computer processor 250 may be accessed. The service page acts as a user interface through which the second computer processor 266 can communicate with the first computer processor 250. The service page displays a list of web page indicia, which can be selected by the user. Alternatively, the service page may include a field into which a web page address may be input or a search engine into which search terms may be entered by the user. The user may also select web page addresses and indicia by storing one or more web page addresses and indicia in second computer processor memory 268 and transferring the file to the first computer processor. However the user inputs or selects the web page address, the first computer processor 250 will then store the input or selected web page address and indicia in memory 252. The service page also may display the customized menu and allow the user to further edit the menu. The user may delete, move, or rename any indicia in the menu and may create folders to organize the indicia in user defined categories. The user of the communication device can then access the computer network 264 via communication path 274 and the first computer processor 250 via communication path 272. The communication device computer processor 258 then transmits a request to the first computer processor 250 to transmit the selected web page address and indicia. In response to the request, the first computer processor 250 transmits the web page address and indicia to the communication device computer processor 258 and the web page address and indicia are stored in the communication device memory 260. The menu on the communication device is then updated and the menu is displayed on the input/output device 262.

Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating another aspect of the invention in the form of a computer program for customizing a menu of a communication device. The computer program is executed on a first computer processor, which is in communication with a communication device and second computer processor via a local or global computer network. The computer program displays a service page 300, receives data from a second computer 302, stores the data in a server memory 304, modifies a menu 306, receives data from a communication device 308, generates an updated menu signal 310, and transmits the updated menu signal to the communication device 312. The service page is a user interface, which may include a plurality of selectable web page indicia. The data received from the second computer may be user identification, a selected web page address and indicia, or search terms to be used by a search engine. The menu is modified to include the selected web page address and indicia. The data received from the communication device includes user identification or a menu update request. The updated signal may be transmitted using wireless markup language or any language known in the art.

Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a computer program for customizing a menu of a communication device, which is capable of communicating with a server computer. The computer program is executed on a user computer, which is capable of transmitting data to a communication device. In this aspect of the invention, the user can use a personal computer to select a web page address and indicia by executing aspects of the computer program. The selected web page and indicia can then be transmitted directly to the communication device. In other words, a user would run the computer program on a personal computer to select web page addresses and indicia. The user would then place the communication device and personal computer in communication. The computer program would then transfer the selected web page address and indicia to the communication device. Thus, the need for a computer network, server computer, or even server page is eliminated.

The computer program includes the steps of displaying web page indicia 350, selecting web page indicia 354, storing the selected web page indicia 356, generating an updated menu 356, and transmitting the updated menu to the communication device 358. In operation, the computer program displays a user interface that may include a list of selectable web page indicia, a search engine, or a web address entry field. The service page may also include a contemporaneous representation of a menu of a communication device. The search engine retrieves web pages in response to search terms input by the user. The web address entry field retrieves a specific web page in response to a user inputting a web page address. The user then selects a web page, which the user desires to be included on a menu of the communication device. The selected web page address and indicia are then stored in a memory of the user computer. The user may select several web pages. Each time a web page is selected, the representation of the contemporaneous communication device menu is updated. The user may then see how the communication device menu will look once the selected web pages are added. The menu displays the web page indicia, which is descriptive of the web page content. The computer program also allows the menu to be edited by editing the representation of the contemporaneous menu. The user may move, delete, or rename web page indicia. The user may also create folders and organize the web page indicia into user defined categories. Once the user completes the selection process and edits to the menu, a signal representing the updated menu is generated and is transmitted to the communication device. The communication device then updates the menu based, at least in part, on the updated menu signal.

Figure 9 is a flowchart, which illustrates an embodiment of a computer program product for customizing a menu of a communication device. The computer program product comprises program code elements to provide a service page 400, receive a selected web page address and indicia 402, receive a request for a selected web page address and indicia 404, and transmit the selected web page and indicia 406 to a communication device. The service page is a user interface, which allows a user to select web page indicia to be displayed on a communication device menu. In operation, the user will access the service page and select a web page. The selected web page address and indicia will be received 402 and stored in a memory. Upon a request by the user of the communication device, the web page address and indicia will be transmitted to the communication device.

Figure 10 is a functional block diagram, which illustrates an embodiment of an article of manufacture for customizing a communication device menu, wherein the communication device is capable of communicating with a computer network. The article of manufacture includes a display 450 operably connected to a display control 456 via connection 462. The display 450 may be a computer monitor or the like. The display control 456 is operably connected to a menu generator 458 via connector 468. The connector 468 is simply an electrical connector. The display control 456 generates the signal to be displayed on the display 450. An input device 452 is operably connected to the display 450 and menu generator 458 via connectors 480 and 466, respectively. The input device can be a keyboard, keypad, magnetic reader, or the like. The menu generator integrates the selected web page address and indicia with the web page addresses and indicia already displayed in the menu. The menu generator then generates a signal representing the updated menu. An output device 460 is operably connected to the menu generator, a memory, and a computer network via connectors 474, 472, and 476, respectively. The output device 460 allows communication with a computer network via connector 476. The input device 452 is operably connected to the memory 454 via connector 482.

In operation, display control 456 generates a signal representing a service page. The signal representing a service page is coupled to the display 450 via connector 462. The display 450 displays the service page. The user then uses input device 452 to select a web page displayed on the display 450. The selected web page address and indicia are then stored in memory 454 and coupled to the menu generator 458. The menu generator 458 integrates the selected web page address and indicia with the existing web page addresses and indicia. A signal is then generated by the menu generator, the signal representing the updated menu. The updated menu signal is then transmitted to the display control 456. The display control 456 integrates the updated menu signal and service page signal into a display signal. The display signal is then coupled to the display 450. This allows the user to see how the communication device menu will look after it is updated. Upon completion of the selection process, the updated menu signal is coupled to the output device 460. The output device then accesses the computer network 478 and transmits the updated menu to the communication device via the computer network 478.

Figure 11 is a functional block diagram, which illustrates an embodiment of an article of manufacture for customizing a communication device menu. The article of manufacture includes a computer readable medium having computer readable program code for generating a menu for a communication device. The computer readable program code includes code to display a service page 500, detect web page selection 502, store a selected web page 504, generate a menu 506, and transmit a menu 508. In operation, a service page will be displayed on a user's computer screen. The service page includes a plurality of selectable web page addresses and indicia. The user selects the desired web pages using methods known in the art. The selection of a web page address and indicia is detected and the selected web page address and indicia are stored in a memory. A web page address and indicia menu is then generated based, at least in part, on the selected web page address and indicia. The updated menu is then transmitted to the communication device. Although the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. A method for providing to a user a customized menu on a wireless communication device, which wireless communication device is capable of communicating with a computer network via a wireless connection, and which computer network comprises a plurality of web pages, the method comprising:

providing a service page on the computer network, which service page can be accessed by the user;

displaying a user interface on the service page that allows the user to select a web page of the computer network, the web page having a web page address and indicia;

accessing the service page by the user with a computer in communication with the computer network ;

selecting at least one web page of the computer network by the user using the user interface, wherein the selected web page has a web page address and indicia;

storing the web page address and indicia of the selected web page in a server memory;

storing data corresponding, at least in part, to the identification of the user in the server memory;

connecting the wireless communication device to the service page via a wireless connection;

transmitting a signal from the server memory to the wireless communication device, the signal corresponding to at least the indicia and the web page address;

storing the signal in a memory in the wireless communication device;

generating a menu based, at least in part, on the stored signal;

displaying the menu on the communication device, which menu includes the indicia; and

accessing by the user of the selected web page by choosing the indicia.

2. A method for customizing a menu on a communication device, which is capable of communicating with a computer network, comprising the steps of: providing a service page; selecting a web page of a computer network using a computer distinct from the communication device, which is capable of communicating with a service page, the web page having a web page address and indicia; and transmitting the selected web page address and indicia to the communication device.

3. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein the communication device is a wireless communication device.

4. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 2, further comprising the step of updating the menu of the communication device to display the selected web page indicia.

5. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein the step of selecting a web page comprises the steps of: initiating communication with a service page; communicating user identification information for obtaining access to the service page; searching a computer network; and selecting a web page.

6. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 5, wherein the step of initiating communication with a service page uses at least one of: wireless application protocol (WAP); TCP/IP protocol; HTTP protocol; and a file transfer protocol.

7. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 5, wherein the step of communicating user identification information for obtaining access to the service page comprises the step of entering a user name and user password.

8. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein the step of selecting a web page comprises the steps of: initiating communication with a service page; communicating user identification information for obtaining access to the service page; and the user entering a web page address in a selection field on the service page.

9. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 8, wherein the step of initiating communication with a service page uses at least one of: wireless application protocol (WAP); TCP/IP protocol; HTTP protocol; and a file transfer protocol.

10. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 8, wherein the step of communicating user identification information for obtaining access to the service page comprises the step of entering a user name and user password.

11. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein the service page comprises a list of web pages and the step of selecting a web page using a computer comprises the steps of: initiating communication with a service page; communicating user identification information for obtaining access to the service page; and selecting a web page from the list of web pages.

12. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 11 , wherein the step of initiating communication with a service page uses at least one of: wireless application protocol (WAP); TCP/IP protocol; HTTP protocol; and a file transfer protocol.

13. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 11, wherein the step of communicating user identification information for obtaining access to the service page comprises the step of entering a user name and user password.

14. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein the web page address is one of a URL address and an IP address.

15. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein the step of transmitting the selected web page address and indicia uses wireless application protocol (WAP).

16. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein the selected web page address and indicia are transmitted in wireless markup language (WML).

17. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein the step of transmitting the selected web page addresses and indicia comprises: storing the selected web page address and indicia in a memory; receiving a request for the selected web page address and indicia from a communication device; and transmitting the selected web page address and indicia to the communication device.

18. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 17, wherein the step of storing the selected web page address and indicia in a memory further comprises associating a user with the stored web page address and indicia.

19. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 17, wherein the step of receiving a request for the selected web page address and indicia from a communication device further comprises establishing communication between a server and a communication device and receiving user identification.

20. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 17, wherein the selected web page address and indicia are transmitted to the communication device using wireless markup language (WML).

21. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein the computer network is a local computer network.

22. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 2, wherein the computer network is a global computer network.

23. A method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device, which is in communication with a computer network, comprising the steps of: providing a service page; selecting a web page using a computer, which is in communication with a service page, the web page providing updateable information desired by a user, the web page having an address; creating a user information update request, the user information update request being capable of retrieving the desired updateable information from the selected web page; storing the selected web page address and user information update request in a memory; applying the user information update request to retrieve the desired updateable information; and transmitting the desired updateable information to the communication device.

24. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 21, wherein the step of selecting a web page comprises the steps of: initiating communication with a service page; communicating user identification information for obtaining access to the service page; searching a computer network; and selecting a web page.

25. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 24, wherein the step of selecting a web page comprises the steps of: initiating communication with a service page; communicating user identification information for obtaining access to the service page; and the user entering a web page address in a selection field on the service page.

26. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 24, wherein the step of selecting a web page using a computer comprises the steps of: initiating communication with a service page, the service page including a list of web pages; communicating user identification information for obtaining access to the service page; and selecting a web page from the list of web pages.

27. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 24, wherein the user information update request identifies the information to be updated.

28. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 24, wherein the step of creating a user information update request further comprises selecting a period of time in which to receive updated information.

29. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 24, wherein the step of creating a user information update request further comprises selecting a time of the day in which to receive updated information.

30. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 24, wherein the step of storing the selected web page address and user information update request in a memory further comprises associating a user with the selected web page address and user information update request.

31. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 30, wherein the step of associating a user with the selected web page address and user information update request comprises cross- referencing the user identification with the selected web page address and user information update request stored in memory.

32. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 24, wherein the step of applying the user information update request to retrieve desired updateable information comprises requesting the desired updateable information from the selected web page and storing the desired updateable information as a request response in a memory.

33. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 24, wherein the step of applying the user information update request to retrieve the desired updateable information is performed periodically according to a predetermined period.

34. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 34, wherein the period is defined by the user.

35. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 24, wherein the updated information is transmitted to the communication device as an electronic message.

36. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 35, wherein the electronic message uses a wireless application protocol (WAP).

37. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 35, wherein the electronic mail message is in wireless markup language (WML).

38. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 24, wherein the step of transmitting the updated information to the communication device is performed periodically according to a predetermined period.

39. The method for customizing automatic delivery of updateable information on a communication device as defined in claim 38, wherein the period is defined by the user.

40. In a system suitable for storing web page addresses, indicia, and user identification, a method for customizing a menu on a communication device, which is capable of communicating with a computer network, comprising: at a service page, receiving user identification information; detecting one or more selected web pages, the web pages having addresses and indicia; storing the one or more selected web page addresses and indicia in a user specific file; and transmitting the selected web page addresses and indicia to the communication device in response to a request.

41. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 38, wherein the user identification information received is a user name and a user password.

42. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 38, wherein the user identification information received is a telephone number of a wireless telephone.

43. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 38, wherein the step of storing the one or more selected web page addresses and indicia in a user specific file comprises: storing one or more URL addresses for the one or more selected web pages in a memory; storing the indicia for the one or more selected web pages in a memory; and cross-referencing a user identification with the stored URL addresses and indicia.

44. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 38, wherein the selected web page address and indicia are transmitted using a wireless application protocol (WAP).

45. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 38, wherein the selected web page addresses and indicia are transmitted in wireless markup language (WML).

46. A method for customizing a menu on a communication device, which is capable of communicating with a computer network, comprising: displaying indicia of a plurality of web pages, the indicia being descriptive of a web page content, the web page having an address, the indicia being capable of being selected; and displaying a representation of a contemporaneous menu of a communication device, the menu listing selected indicia; detecting the selection of a web page address and indicia; updating the displayed representation of a contemporaneous menu of a communication device, the displayed representation of a contemporaneous menu being an updated menu; transmitting the updated menu to the communication device, wherein the displayed representation of a contemporaneous menu is immediately updated after the user selects one of the web page address and indicia of the plurality of web pages, thereby, allowing the user to confirm the organization of the menu before it is transmitted to the communication device.

47. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 44, wherein the step of detecting the selection of indicia comprises detecting the selection of indicia and adding the selected web page to a list of selected web pages.

48. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 44, wherein the step of detecting the selection of indicia comprises detecting the selection of indicia and deleting the selected web page from a list of selected web pages.

49. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 44, wherein the step of displaying a representation of a contemporaneous menu of a communication device comprises organizing the indicia into categories and displaying groupings of selected indicia in categories.

50. The method for customizing a menu on a communication device as defined in claim 47, wherein the categories of the indicia are defined by a user.

51. A communication device menu customization system to operate in cooperation with a computer network, the computer network comprising a plurality of interconnected computers, the plurality of interconnected computers capable of communicating with one another, the system comprising: a first computer processor comprising: means for providing a service page; means for communicating with the computer network; and means for storing and retrieving data; a second computer processor comprising: means for communicating with a computer network; and means for communicating with a user; and a communication device comprising: means for communicating with the computer network; and means for displaying a menu.

52. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 51, wherein the computer network is a global computer network.

53. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 51, wherein the computer network is a local computer network.

54. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 51, wherein the first computer processor is a computer network server.

55. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 51 , wherein the service page is a user interface.

56. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 55, wherein the user interface displays indicia of one or more web pages, the indicia being descriptive of web page content, the indicia being associated with a web page address, the indicia capable of being selected.

57. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 55, wherein the user interface comprises a search engine, the search engine capable of receiving search terms and providing indicia of one or more web pages in response to the search terms, the indicia being descriptive of web page content, the indicia being associated with a web page address, the indicia capable of being selected.

58. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 55, wherein the user interface comprises an address field capable of receiving a web page address and displaying indicia associated with the web page address, the indicia being descriptive of web page content, the indicia capable of being selected.

59. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 51, wherein the means for communicating with a computer network comprises a modem.

60. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 51, wherein the means for storing and retrieving data comprises a memory.

61. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 51, wherein the second computer processor comprises a personal computer.

62. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 51, wherein the means for communicating with a user comprises: a monitor, the monitor displaying the service page; and a means to input data.

63. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 62, wherein the monitor is a computer workstation.

64. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 62, wherein the means to input data is one of a: keyboard, keypad, scanner, digital camera, optical reader, joystick, mouse, trackball, light pen, wand, bar-code reader, digitizer, data tablet, touchscreen, and magnetic reader.

65. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 51, wherein the communication device is a telephone.

66. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 65, wherein the telephone is wireless.

67. The commumcation device menu customization system as defined in claim 65, wherein the telephone is one of: analog and digital.

68. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 51, wherein the means for communicating with the computer network is via a wireless connection.

69. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 51, wherein the means for displaying the menu is a liquid crystal display (LCD).

70. The communication device menu customization system as defined in claim 51, wherein the means for displaying the menu is an organic light emitting device display (OLED).

71. A computer program having a plurality of program steps to be executed on a first computer to customize a communication device menu, wherein a communication device, the first computer, and a second computer are capable of communicating via a computer network, the computer program comprising: means for displaying a service page; means for receiving data from the second computer; means for storing data; means for generating a menu; means for modifying the menu based, at least in part, on the data received from the second computer; means for receiving data from the communication device; means for generating a signal based, at least in part, on the menu; and means for sending the signal to the communication device.

72. A computer program executed on a user computer for customizing a menu of a communication device, the user computer capable of transmitting data, the communication device capable of receiving data, the computer program comprising: means for displaying indicia of one or more web pages; means for selecting indicia; means for storing selected indicia; means for generating a menu based, at least in part, on the selected indicia; and means for transmitting the menu to the communication device.

73. A computer program product stored on a computer readable medium for performing menu generation for use in a communication device, the program product comprising program code elements for performing the functions of:

providing a service page;

receiving a selected web page address, the web page having a web page address and indicia; and

transmitting the selected web page address and indicia to the communication device.

74. The computer program product of claim 73 wherein the service page is a user interface.

75. The computer program product as defined by claim 73, wherein the function of transmitting the selected web page address and indicia to the communication device comprises the functions of receiving a request from the communication device and transmitting the selected web page address and indicia to the communication device.

76. An article of manufacture comprising: a computer readable storage medium having a physical substrate configured to represent a computer program, the computer program comprising: means for displaying indicia of one or more web pages; means for selecting indicia; means for storing selected indicia; means for generating a menu based, at least in part, on the selected indicia; and means for transmitting the menu to the communication device.

77. An article of manufacture comprising:

a computer usable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for generating a menu for a communication device comprising:

computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to display a service page;

computer readable program code configured to detect selection of a web page, the web page having an address and an indicia;

computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to store a selected web page address and indicia in a memory;

computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to generate the menu based, at least in part, on the selected web page address and indicia; and computer readable program code configured to cause a computer to transmit the menu to the communication device.