Still trying to squeeze more life back into their brand, RIM is trying for a patent that would telegraph all you're feeling to the recipient on the other end when you send out a text message.

The technique uses a myriad of sensors, like an accelerometer, front camera or pressure sensor, to gauge just how emotional a smartphone owner might be and convey that through livelier messaging styles. Will this work? Does this even make sense? How do you differentiate between angry and excited?

Whether or not the patent is granted, let alone used, is very much an unknown. There are still other bigger hurdles that RIM must go through first.

[USPTO]