Apparatus, system, method and computer program product for creating shortcuts to functions in a personal communication device

An apparatus, system method, and computer program product for creating shortcuts to functions of a personal communication device that includes the use of an RF tag reader in personal communication device and RF tags placed different locations pertinent to a user. Upon receipt of the RF information, the personal communication device executes a preset shortcut stored in a memory, and prompts a user to select or create a new shortcut. The memory location for storing a shortcut can be the memory in the personal communication device, the memory in an RF tag or the memory in a network server. The shortcut includes at least a RF tag ID; a description of a command, macro or script and information defining the format and properties of the shortcut. Upon execution of the shortcut, and application program is selected for controlling a function of the personal communication device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to the integration of machine-readable tags and tag readers with a personal communication device to improve device functionality.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Personal communication devices have become ubiquitous in every day life not only for busy adults but for young people as well. Additionally, the demand for increased functions performed by such devices has also increased. Thus, it is not enough to just perform more functions quickly. It is equally important to perform functions that are more relevant to the user. The more personalized the functions, the more useful the personal communication device becomes.

One method of improving the efficiency of receiving information is by using RF tagging systems, more particularly RFID wireless systems. The RFID wireless systems use RFID labels known as tags or transponders that can contain varying amounts of information, and a controller unit usually referred to as a reader or interrogator. RFID interrogators communicate with the tags through the use of radio frequency (RF) energy. RFID wireless network principles are described in a publication entitled “Radio Frequency Identification: A Basic Primer,” published by the Automatic Identification Manufacturers (AIM) web site (http://www.aimglobal.org), Oct. 23, 2001 and fully incorporated herein by reference.

Most recently, the use of RFID systems in personal communication devices have been proposed for improving device functionality. However, none of the proposed systems adequately allow for personalizing functions in a personal communication device when an RFID tag is scanned by an RFID reader. More specifically, with the known systems it is not possible to select or create a shortcut to functions in a personal communication device when a signal from an RFID tag is received.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus, system, method and computer program product for creating shortcuts to functions in a personal communication device using RF tagging systems, such as, for example an RFID system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To overcome limitations in the prior art described above, and to overcome other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present application, an apparatus, system, method and computer program product for creating shortcuts to functions in a personal communication device are proposed.

The apparatus and system of the present invention include a personal communication device with an RFID tag reader, at least one RFID tag, a memory location, at least one shortcut stored in the memory location and a processor for processing the shortcut and prompting the selection or creation of a new shortcut. More specifically, the personal communication device is a cellular telephone, a satellite telephone, a personal digital assistant or a Bluetooth device. The RFID tags are active or passive and provide at least RFID information to the RIFD reader when the personal communication device is proximate to an RFID tag. Additionally, the RFID tags can be programmable and have the ability of being write-protected.

Shortcuts include RFID tag information, a command for selecting an application program and a wrapper that defines the format and properties of a shortcut (e.g., XML or SMIL). Additionally, the shortcuts when executed can be used to activate a personal command, macro or script when the personal communication device receives the tag information. The shortcut can be stored in a memory location in the personal communication, RFID tag or network server. The shortcuts can also be shared with other devices by sending a shortcut or part of it over a Bluetooth, cellular or other carrier, or by publishing the same on a public network for access by other devices.

It is also contemplated by the invention that the system includes a network connection for communication between the public network and the personal communication device. The network connection can be a wireless connection using a wireless protocol for transmitting data to and receiving data from the personal communication device. For example, the network connection may use GSM, WAP EDGE, UMTS or other similar wireless mobile telephone network protocol.

The method of the present invention includes receiving and decoding the RFID tag information using the RFID tag reader in the personal communication device. Upon receipt of the RFID information, the processor can execute a preset shortcut stored in a memory, or in the alternative prompt a user to select or create a new shortcut to be stored in the memory. Once executed, the shortcut initiates at least one function of the personal communication device identified by the shortcut. At least part of the shortcut can be determined by the user of a personal communication, therefore, the same RFID information can be used to control different functions in different personal communication devices. For example, RFID information from one tag can be used to send a text message from one device and take a photo in another device.

The computer program product of the present invention includes a computer readable medium with executable code for receiving and decoding the RFID tag information as well as for executing the preset shortcut based on the received RFID tag information. Executable program code is provided for the selection and creation of a new shortcut, and for selecting and executing a function in the personal communication device based on the shortcut. It is also contemplated by the invention that the computer program product further comprises program code for storing a shortcut in a memory location regardless of whether the memory is in the personal communication device, the RFID tag or the network server. The computer program product further includes program code for establishing and maintaining the network connection to a public network for communication between a network server and the personal communication device as well as communicating to other devices using a wireless protocol (e.g., MMS or Bluetooth) or connecting to the Internet.

It is contemplated by the invention that the selection and creation of shortcuts can also be prioritized for more efficient use of network resources. For example, upon receiving RF information, the personal communication device may first scan a memory in the RFID tag, then scan a memory in the personal communication device, and then scan a memory of a network server for a shortcut that corresponds to received RFID tag information.

Additionally, although the use of RFID systems has been disclosed herein, other types of RF tagging systems are believed to be compatible with the present invention as described above. Moreover, it is contemplated that RFID tags can also be replaced with other machine-readable data such as barcodes, which can be used to then program various functions of a personal communication device. Communication between a barcode and the personal communication device can be achieved by a camera function in the device that takes a picture of the barcode. The barcode can then be decoded and processed by the personal communication device for executing a function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.

FIG. 1illustrates a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 1, the system, for simplicity, includes two personal communication devices1in communication with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag2via a wireless communication channel5. It is contemplated by the invention that the RFID tag2is passive or active and emits a wireless RF signal. As illustrated inFIG. 1, both the personal communication devices1and the RFID tag2include several internal components that are essential to their operation.

The RFID tag2includes a central processor3, a memory7and an antenna6. Additionally, the RFID tag2can also include an optional power supply8depending on whether the tag2is active or passive. The central processor3enables the RFID tag2to execute instructions for the transmission, reception and storage of data. The memory7may comprise read-only (ROM), random access (RAM) and non-volatile programmable memory that can be write-protected depending on the type and sophistication of the RFID tag2. A simple RFID tag may be capable of storing data between 16 and 200 bits while a more complex RFID tag may be able to store at least tens of kilobytes of data. It is contemplated by the invention that the RFID tag2used could be, for example, the type manufactured by Innovision, Gemplus or Philips Mifare. One or more RFID tags2can be placed in locations and on objects that are pertinent to a user or a plurality of users of personal communication devices1. For example, it is possible that an RFID tag2is integrated with another personal communication device1for executing functions on two or more devices1as users come in contact with each other. The antenna6enables the RFID tag2to transmit and receive the wireless communications from the personal communication devices1. The range of transmission of an RFID tag2will vary depending on its sophistication and the application.

The personal communication device1can be a cellular telephone, a satellite telephone, a personal digital assistant or a Bluetooth device. The personal communication device1includes a tag reader module13, an internal memory9, a processor10, an operating system11, application programs12, a display14, a user interface15, a persistent memory16and a network interface18. The tag reader module13also includes an antenna and decoder (not shown). The antenna6enables RF wireless signals to be transmitted to and received from the personal communication device1. The decoder reads the data in the signal received from the tag2and forwards the information to the internal memory9. The internal memory9accommodates the processor10, operating system11and application programs12and the persistent memory16. The personal communication device1may further include an RFID tag (not shown), which allows other devices1to communicate with the device1through the RFID interface. It is also contemplated in one embodiment of the present invention that the RFID readers13can establish a direct communication interface between the devices1. According to yet another embodiment, the RFID reader module13may include a dedicated transponder logic (not shown) that enables the reader module13to act as an RFID tag2in a transponder operation mode, as described in PCT Application No. PCT/1B03/02900 “Reader Device For Radio Frequency Identification Transponder With Transponder Functionality” filed on Jul. 11, 2003 by the Applicant and fully incorporated herein by reference.

The processor10executes instructions for the reception, transmission, storage and display of data. The operating system11enables the execution of the application programs12that control various functions of the personal communication device1. The persistent memory16provides storage protection for data that a user deems critical or sensitive. The user is able to communicate with the personal communication device1via the user interface15. The user interface15can be a keyboard, keypad, touch screen or similar user interface for inputting user instructions or otherwise communicating with the personal communication device1. Communication between the internal components of the personal communication device1is achieved via a bus17, which provides as a common point of electrical connection for all the internal components of the device1. The communication between the RFID tag2and the personal communication device1is achieved when the personal communication device1comes within the proper range of the RFID tag2, which, as stated previously, will vary depending on the sophistication of the RFID system.

The network interface18enables communication between the personal communication device1and a network or another wireless device. The network interface18may conform to Bluetooth standard protocols or other wireless LAN standard protocols such as, but in no way limited to, shared wireless access protocol (SWAP), Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) protocol, High Performance Radio Local Area Network (HIPERLAN) protocol, or Multimedia Mobile Access Communication (MMAC) protocol. The network interface18can also be used to connect with any ordinary mobile telephone connection such as e.g. GSM, WAP EDGE, UMTS, or any similar connection.

FIG. 2illustrates in more detail a shortcut in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It is contemplated by the invention that there are generally three types of shortcuts that will be used by the personal communication device to control functions: 1) personal shortcuts; 2) preset shortcuts; and 3) public shortcuts. These three types of shortcuts will be discussed in more detail in the figures that follow. For simplicity,FIG. 2will discuss shortcuts in general.

InFIG. 2, the shortcut19has three elements: 1) the tag registration or ID22; 2) a description or information regarding a personal command, macro or script23; and 3) a wrapper20that defines the format and properties of the data contained in the RFID tag2(e.g., XML/SMIL). Each shortcut19is related to an application12for controlling a particular function of the personal communication device1. A user can personalize the shortcuts19so that each RFID tag registration or ID22is associated with a different desired application12and function in the personal communication device1.

The following are examples of applications that can be initiated by a shortcut:1) A tag triggers a macro that makes a phone call. E.g. an RFID tag is placed in a picture frame. To this end, pictures of family members can perform a phone book function. The handicapped and elderly could use this application effectively.2) A tag triggers a macro that sends a predefined SMS to a company database. For example, a maintenance person indicates his appearance to the maintenance site by swiping the tag.3) A plurality of tags trigger macros for making calendar entries, differing based on the tag that is triggered. For example, one tag may represent “arrival” and another “departure” and so on. Thus, a user can keep track of his/her use of time.4) A tag triggers the opening of a WAP connection and access to an electronic newspaper. The tag may reside in a cafeteria or at a user's office, so that during a coffee break, the user may catch up on current events.5) A tag triggers a macro that changes settings or tools in a device, e.g. from changing from “Ring” mode to “Silent” mode. These tags could be very useful in meeting rooms for example.6) A tag triggers updates to “presence” information via SMS or SIP message. E.g. a tag represents “At Office.” Persons in a buddy list may then see this change. The change of presence is semi-automatic; the user is required to initiate the change, but everything else is carried out automatically without the need for a single key press.7) A tag triggers a macro that activates a call divert-mode “on”.8) A tag triggers a macro that sends a predefined/stored SMS message to some service, e.g. in order to retrieve phone account balance information or weather forecasts.9) A tag triggers a macro for displaying a common work project between coworkers, e.g. touching coworkers' personal communication devices1leads to triggering applications to open common work projects or documents, or the like. The RFID tag is placed on coworkers' personal communication devices.

The command or macro23included in the shortcut19may be written in Java Script, Perl, Visual Basic, Python or in some other scripting language. It can also be a binary program that is Operating System Independent (e.g. Java) or dependent on the microprocessor of the system (e.g. Binary executables for certain device using certain microprocessor running, e.g. Symbian OS).

The macro may also comprise an operating system dependent UID (user interface Identification Code) codes that the operating system uses to pass on information and commands in the system, e.g. Opening of certain menus, keyboard input, user selections etc. E.g. In Symbian Operating System, the Macro could include UID codes such as EeikCmdFileOpen or EeikCmdIrdaSend, which are used to carry out a specific function in the program or even to launch programs.

The macro can also contain keycodes, such as EkeyOK, EaknSoftkeyBack, EkeyRightArrow and EkeyMenu (these are used in Symbian OS), which are generated and passed on in the system when a user interface (UI) is used. Thus, the macro mimics the actions of the user as if the user him/herself had used the UI. The most simplistic use of macro would be to store a program name and a parameter in the macro, e.g. webbrowser http:\\www.internet.com\http_parameters, which would launch a web-browser, feed it with stored URL as a parameter from where the desired content eventually is loaded.

FIG. 3illustrates a method of creating and using a personal shortcut in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step S1, RFID tag information is received by the RFID reader13of the personal communication device1via the RF channel5. The RFID tag information includes at least a tag registration or ID22. The RFID tag information (e.g. registration or ID) is decoded by the RFID reader13and is forwarded to the processor10. In this case, the personal shortcut19that corresponds to the RFID information is stored in the internal memory9of the personal communication device1. Accordingly, in step S2, the processor10determines if a shortcut19corresponding to the RFID tag information can be found in the internal memory9. If a shortcut19is found, then the processor10continues to step S6and executes the command, macro or script23in the shortcut19. On the other hand, if the processor10cannot find a shortcut19(step S3), then in step S4the processor10prompts the user to either select or create another shortcut19. The processor10, in step S5then saves the new shortcut19in the internal memory9for future use by the personal communication device1. In step S6, the processor10executes the command, macro or script23of the shortcut19.

The user can define a personal shortcut19for any particular RFID tag2. This means that a certain RFID tag2can correspond to different shortcuts19in different personal communication devices1. E.g. a first user can use an RFID tag to change a device to a “Silent” mode, while another user can use the same RFID tag to program his device to fetch a WAP-page containing today's lunch menu.

FIGS. 4 & 5provide systems for using and creating a personal shortcut in accordance with the method described inFIG. 3. InFIG. 4, the system illustrates how a personal shortcut19is used while inFIG. 5, the system illustrates how a new personal shortcut19is selected or created. InFIG. 4, the RFID tag2is sending RFID tag information to the personal communication device1and the information is received by the RFID reader13of the personal communication device1. The RFID reader13decodes the RF signal and sends the decoded RFID tag information to the processor10. In this embodiment, the RFID tag information includes an RFID tag registration or ID22that is used to identify a particular RFID tag2. However, the RFID tag2can also transmit more data if desired. The processor10searches the persistent memory16in the internal memory9of the personal communication device1for a corresponding command23. The command23is then retrieved from the persistent memory16and executed by the processor10. The command23is used to select and initiate application software or programs12in the personal communication device1to control a particular device function such as, but not limited to, displaying data, sending an e-mail, making a call, taking a photo, accessing the Internet or other similar functions.

InFIG. 5, it is contemplated that the processor10was unable to find a corresponding shortcut19for the RFID information received by the personal communication device1. In this case, the processor10prompts the user to either select a new command or create a command. Accordingly, the user can select a command23from any available shortcut23stored in the internal memory9or create a new shortcut19that can be subsequently stored in the internal memory9of the personal communication device1. In any case, the user communicates with the personal communication device1using the user interface15and display14. If a new shortcut is created, the processor10will store the shortcut in the persistent memory16.

FIGS. 6A & 6Billustrate in more detail the user interface for using a personal shortcut in a personal communication device consistent with the systems described inFIGS. 4 & 5. InFIG. 6A, the user25has a personal communication device1and initiates communication with an RFID tag2placed at a particular location. In this case, communication between the RFID tag2and the personal communication device1is initiated upon touching the personal communication device1to the RFID tag1. Shortly after initiation of the communication session, the user interface (UI)15in the display14of the personal communication device1indicates the existence of a shortcut19in the personal communication device1for the RFID tag2. The UI15indicates that the shortcut triggers a call to a friend named “Sandy” (i.e., “Calling Sandy”).

InFIG. 6B, upon initiation of the communication session between the personal communication device1and the RFID tag2, the device1confirms the RFID tag information received and prompts the user25to make a selection. Specifically, the user25is prompted to make a selection between two shortcuts19related to the RFID tag2: 1) one related to a phone call; and 2) the other related to a web page. Once a selection is made by the user25, the UI15of the personal communication device indicate the execution of the selected shortcut19. In this case, the selected shortcut is related to a phone call to a friend (i.e., Calling Sandy).

FIG. 7illustrates in more detail the user interface for creating a personal shortcut in a personal communication device consistent with the system described inFIGS. 4 & 5.

Generally, when the user wants to create or program a new functionality, a recording macro-function is activated. The device1returns to a basic state (e.g. idle state). The user25uses the UI15as if it was a normal usage situation. The recorder records all the inputs the user25makes. The recording can be stopped for example by using a specific key or key combination. All the inputs by the user25are stored as being part of that macro23or activity shortcut19. Thus, when the macro23is run, it mimics the user inputs. Delays between user inputs can be shortened.

Alternatively, the macro recorder (not shown) can investigate the status of the operating system11while the user25is recording the macro23and instead of recording and later replaying key presses as such, it detects which applications12are being activated and what parameters are given to these applications12. The macro recorder can also investigate which menu commands are given and passed through the operating system11. Thus, in replay-phase, the macro replay system activates the same applications12with the same parameters as were running in the recording phase. Also, menu and other commands can be given in the same order as was given by the user during the recording phase.

The above macro23could for example first mimic the user input so that the device1is set up in some certain state, then the macro23activates an application12and gives menu commands to the application12(rather than user key inputs), which would clear the cache of the web browser. After a little pause, the macro23would, for example, answer to a system dialog window “Are you sure you want to clear cache” by mimicking user's key press for OK option. Pauses are needed in order for the system to be able to carry out activities, e.g. display option windows etc. The macro23can be stored in a memory16,27or in an RFID tag2. If the macro23is stored in the memory16,27, there needs to be a reference in an RFID-Macro table (not shown) in the memory16,27for RFID tag ID22to refer to a corresponding Macro/Script/binary executable location. However, the RFID information may optionally be part of the macro23as well.

With the above information in mind, inFIG. 7the user25of the personal communication device1initiates a communication session with an RFID tag2. The personal communication device1then determines that there is no shortcut created for the RFID tag2. Accordingly, the user25is prompted to create a shortcut19to correspond to the RFID tag2. The UI15of the device1, prompts the user25to select from various device functions that will be triggered in future communications with the RFID tag2. In this case, the user25selects a phone call function that will execute a phone call to a friend, e.g. “Sandy.” The new shortcut19is then saved in a memory location as indicated by the display14of the device1. Using the UI15, the user25can also specify format and protocol for a particular shortcut19as well as make changes to shortcut information. Once the new shortcut19is complete, the shortcut19can be executed upon future communications between the RFID tag2and the personal communication device1, which will be indicated by the display14of the device1.

FIG. 8illustrates a method of using and creating a preset shortcut that is stored in the RFID tag2.1. It is contemplated by the invention that the user has access to an RFID writer and the RFID tags2are programmable. Additionally, it is preferable that the user will have the option to set “programmed” tags as write-protected to ensure the integrity of the preset shortcuts19. A new shortcut19can also be selected or created in an RFID tag2. Selection and creation of a shortcut19in an RFID tag2will be discussed in detail in the figures that follow.

Similar to method discussed inFIG. 3, the method inFIG. 8starts with RFID tag information being received by the RFID reader13of the personal communication device1via the channel5(step S7). In this method, however, the RFID tag information received includes a preset shortcut19stored in the RFID tag memory7. The preset shortcut19includes a registration or ID22and at least one command23. Once the RFID tag information is decoded, the processor10in step S8prompts the user to either use the preset shortcut23stored in the RFID tag2or, select or create a new shortcut19. This preset shortcut19will be proposed to all users who touch or come in the range of the RFID tag2. Additionally, one RFID tag2may contain multiple preset shortcuts19so that after reading the RFID tag2, a user can select among several shortcuts19. In step S9, the user decides to use the preset shortcut19and in step S13, the processor executes the corresponding command23of the shortcut19.

In step S8, the user decides instead to select or create a new shortcut19. However, in step S10, the user cannot find a suitable alternate shortcut19in the memory7, so in step S11the user is prompted to create a new shortcut19to be stored in the RFID memory7. In step S12, the processor10stores the newly created shortcut19in the memory of the RFID tag, and in step S13the new shortcut19is executed by the processor10. It is also contemplated by the present invention that the selection and creation of shortcuts19can be prioritized for more efficient use of network resources, which will be discussed in more detail inFIG. 14.

FIGS. 9 & 10provide a system for using and creating a preset shortcut in an RFID tag2in accordance with the method described inFIG. 8.FIG. 9illustrates a system for using the preset shortcut whileFIG. 10illustrates a system for creating the preset shortcut. InFIG. 9, the RFID tag2is sending RFID tag information that is received by the RFID reader13of the personal communication device1. The RFID reader13decodes the RF signal and sends the decoded RFID tag information to the processor10. In this case, the RFID tag information includes a preset shortcut19that includes at least an RFID ID22and a command23. The processor10prompts the user to select a preset shortcut19stored in the RFID tag2or create a new shortcut via the user interface15and display14. The processor10will then use the corresponding command23in the shortcut to select and initiate application software or programs12in the personal communication device1.

FIG. 10illustrates a similar system for creating a preset shortcut in accordance with the method described inFIG. 8. InFIG. 10, it is contemplated that the user chooses to create a new preset shortcut19when prompted by the processor10. Additionally, it is contemplated by the invention that the personal communication device1is equipped with an RFID tag writer (not shown) as well as an RFID reader13. The user creates a new preset shortcut19using the user interface15and display14. The processor10then forwards the information for the preset shortcut19to the RFID tag2via the RFID reader13. The new preset shortcut19is programmed and stored in the memory of the RFID tag2for future use by the personal communication device1.

FIG. 11illustrates a method of using and creating a public shortcut in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This description will discuss only the distinguishable features between this method and the methods already discussed inFIGS. 3 & 8.

In this case, after receiving the RFID information (steps S14& S15), the processor10searches the memory of the personal communication device1for a stored shortcut19that correspond to the received RFID tag information (steps S16& S25). In step S17, if no shortcut19can be found, the processor10in step S18, will send a query to an external memory or server27. The personal communication device1sends the RFID tag information to a predefined address. The RFID tag2may contain the information, or there could be a predefined address stored in the memory9of the personal communication device1. Additionally, an identification or ID for the personal communication device1may also be included in the information sent to the server27, which enables more personalized shortcuts19for different devices1. In step S19, if no command23corresponding to the RFID tag2can be found in the server27, the user is prompted to create a new shortcut19in step S21.

The personal communication device1or the server27may initiate the prompting to create the new shortcut19. For example, the server will prompt the personal communication device1to create a shortcut19, or provide the device1with shortcut information in order to perform the preferred action. After creating the new shortcut19, in step S22the processor10in the personal communication device1sends the shortcut19to the server27for registration and storage. Once the newly created shortcut is registered, in step S24the user receives a message from the server27regarding the registration. In the alternative, if a shortcut19is found (step S20), the shortcut corresponding to the RFID tag2is executed in step S25.

FIGS. 12 & 13provide systems for using and creating a public shortcut19that is stored in a server in accordance with the method described inFIG. 11.FIG. 12illustrates a system for using a public shortcut whileFIG. 13illustrates a system for creating a public shortcut. The main distinction between these systems and the systems inFIGS. 9 & 10is the communication between the personal communication device1and the server27. InFIG. 12, after receiving the RFID tag information, the processor10sends a query to the server27via a network interface18. For simplicity, the connection to the server27is via the Internet25. The query includes at least the RFID tag information. If a corresponding shortcut19is found, the shortcut19is returned to the personal communication device1via the same network connection18.

It is also contemplated by the invention that in addition to RFID tag information some ID information relating to the device or the user is added to the request allowing one additional way for creating personalized shortcuts. This type of approach may allow also directing shortcuts to certain devices, e.g. a user of device A wants to make a shortcut to devices B's user, which is possible if the ID of the request is somehow commonly recognized.

FIG. 13illustrates a system for creating a shortcut19that is stored and registered in the server27. InFIG. 13, the processor10is unable to find a corresponding shortcut19either in the server27or in the personal communication device1. Once prompted to create a new shortcut, the user sends the new shortcut19via the network connection to the server27. The server27stores and registers the shortcut19for use by any user having access to the network25.

FIG. 14illustrates a method of prioritizing the selection and creation of shortcuts in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step S24, the personal communication device1receives RF information from an RFID tag2. In step S25, the personal communication device1reads the tag ID22and searches for a corresponding preset shortcut19. If a preset shortcut19exists, then in step S26the user is prompted to execute the preset shortcut19. If the user selects the preset shortcut19, then in step S27, the preset shortcut19is executed. However, in step S26, if the user decides to select or create a new shortcut19, then in step S33a new short cut19is created. In steps S34, the newly created shortcut19is stored in the RFID tag2for future execution in step S27.

In S25, if no shortcut is found in the RFID tag2, then in step S29the personal communication device1checks for a corresponding personal shortcut19in the memory16of the device1. If a personal short19exists in the memory16, then in step S30the user is prompted to select the personal shortcut19for execution. If the personal shortcut19is selected, then in step S27, the shortcut19is executed. In step S30, if the user decides instead to select or create a new shortcut, then in steps S33and S34the new shortcut is created and stored in the memory16for future execution in step S27.

In step S29, if no personal shortcut19exists, then in step S31the personal communication device1checks for a corresponding public shortcut19in the external memory27. If a public shortcut19is found, then in step S32the user is prompted to select the public shortcut19for execution in step S27. In step S32, if the user decides instead to select or create a new shortcut, then in steps S33and S34, the new shortcut is created and stored in the external memory27for future execution in step S27. The prioritization discussed above ensures that no unnecessary network resources are utilized in connection with reading machine-readable tags, such as RIFD tags.

It also contemplated in an alternative embodiment that step S29is performed before step S25. In other words, it is first determined if a corresponding shortcut19is stored in the device1memory16before searching the memory7in the RFID tag2for a corresponding shortcut19. However, in either case, steps S25and S29are performed before S31.

It is also contemplated that although the use of RFID systems have been disclosed, other types of RF tagging systems are compatible with the present invention as described above.

In another embodiment it is contemplated that the present invention as described above can be used in a barcode environment. For example, RFID tags can be replaced with a barcode tag, which can be used to “program” various functions of a personal communication device. Communication between the barcode and the personal communication device can be achieved, in addition to integrating the personal communication device with a conventional barcode reader, by the use of a camera in the device that takes a picture of the barcode. The barcode can then be decoded and processed by the personal communication device.FIGS. 15 and 16illustrate the barcode environment as described above.

InFIG. 15, the user of the personal communication device1uses an interface15to take an image of a bar cod. The image is taken using an imaging device (not shown) such as a digital camera in the device1. The barcode35is place on an item or at a location pertinent to a user or plurality of users. The image of the barcode is shown in the display14of the device1.

FIG. 16, illustrates a method of selecting or creating a shortcut using machine-readable code such as barcode. In step S35, the imaging device in the personal communication device1either reads or takes an image of the barcode35. In step S37, the processor of the personal communication device1decodes the barcode data and searches the memory16in the personal communication device1. If no corresponding shortcut19is found in the memory16, then in step S38the user is prompted to select or create a new shortcut19, which can be executed in step S39. On the other hand, in step S37if a corresponding shortcut19is found, then in step S39, the stored shortcut is selected and executed. It should be noted that reprogramming a barcode35itself by “rewriting” is not contemplated, only the aspects of programming the device memory16, and network location updates are contemplated by the present invention. It is also contemplated that the barcode aspect includes the use of optical codes or “2D barcodes” that can vary in color, shape and size.

In yet another embodiment it is contemplated that “local hot spots” can be implemented with the present invention as described above. For example, local hot spots transmit wireless shortcuts to proximate personal communication devices. The user of the device can then re-program the shortcuts in the device using any of the techniques herein.

Although illustrative embodiments have been described herein in detail, it should be noted and understood that the descriptions and drawings have been provided for purposes of illustration only and that other variations both in form and detail can be added thereupon without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The terms and expressions have been used as terms of description and not terms of limitation. There is no limitation to use the terms or expressions to exclude any equivalents of features shown and described or portions thereof.