Patent ID: 8060591
Filing Date: 2011-11-15
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
1. A method carried out by an alert device that detects and responds to alert events, the method comprising: storing, in a first data storage block within a data storage device of the alert device, a static media portion playable as part of an alert, wherein storing the static media portion in the first data storage block first occurs while the alert device is being manufactured; storing, in a second data storage block within the data storage device of the alert device, a first dynamic media portion playable as part of an alert, wherein the second data storage block is distinct from the first data storage block, and wherein storing the first dynamic media portion in the second data storage block first occurs after the alert device is manufactured; detecting a first alert event and responsively providing a first alert by concurrently playing out, from within the first data storage block, the static media portion and, from within the second data storage block that is distinct from the first data storage block, the first dynamic media portion; thereafter receiving into the alert device, from a network server, alert update data defining a second dynamic media portion, and storing the alert update data in the data storage device; prompting a user for approval to play out the second dynamic media portion instead of the first dynamic media portion, and conditioning playout of the second dynamic media portion on receipt of approval to play out the second dynamic media portion; and after storing the alert update data in the data storage device, detecting a second alert event and, if approval to play out the second dynamic media portion has been received, then responsively providing a second alert by playing out the static media portion and the second dynamic media portion, otherwise, if approval to play out the second dynamic media portion has not been received, then responsively providing the second alert by playing out the static media portion and the first dynamic media portion.