Methods and communication devices configurable for silence mode and exceptions to the silence mode

The disclosed are methods and communication devices include a user interface configured receive input to place the device in silence mode and to make exceptions to the silence mode and an indicator to provide an announcement that there is data stored related to incoming communications so that even when the device in silence mode, the user may not miss important notifications. The exceptions to the silence mode include at least one of receipt of an identified communication signal, an identified application indication or an identified event notification. The disclosed methods and communication device may further include a sensor to that the processor will provide an indication whether there is data stored related to detect a user action with respect to the device so incoming communications since a silence mode commenced. The disclosed methods and devices may provide a user choice in how to control incoming communications of the mobile device.

FIELD

Disclosed are methods and communication devices configurable for silence mode and exceptions to the silence mode, and more particularly, for providing user control for indications of incoming communications.

BACKGROUND

Mobile communication devices are used for many different purposes including but not limited to voice communications, text messaging, Internet browsing, commerce such as banking, and social networking Mobile communication devices include memory that can store contact information, communication addresses and many applications. When a call comes in, the device will typically announce the incoming communication signal by a ring or vibration. The user can turn the device off, but then he/she may miss important notifications. When a device is in sleep, quiet or silence mode, incoming communications indications are not provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Incoming mobile device notifications, calls, messages, and other updates can be very disruptive to the user. Alerts, ringtones, and even vibrations can be too intrusive in certain situations. For example, at an important business meeting when all attention must be on the meeting or during class where intrusions are unacceptable, a user must turn off the device to avoid disruptions. By turning the device off, the user may miss important notifications. In addition, the sender of the message may become frustrated because the user is not responding, and may continue to send messages or call, further disturbing the user. The user has little choice in how to control incoming communications of the mobile device.

Disclosed are methods and communication devices including a user interface configured receive input to place the device in silence mode and to make exceptions to the silence mode, a processor to provide an indication whether there is data stored related to incoming communications since a silence mode commenced, and an indicator to provide an announcement that there is data stored related to incoming communications. For example, were a user to wish to know when a particular contact has sent any type of communication to the user of the communication device, the user may configure the device to provide such an indication. On the other hand, were a user to wish to know, more specifically, when a particular contact has sent an email to the user of the communication device, the user may configure the device to provide such an indication.

The disclosed methods and communication device may further include a sensor to detect a user action with respect to the device so that the processor will provide an indication whether there is data stored related to incoming communications since a silence mode commenced. For example, a motion sensor can detect a gestural motion that can provide an indication whether there is data stored related to incoming communications upon a user's command while the device is in silence mode. In this way, the user can control when he/she wishes to be notified about incoming communications.

The instant disclosure is provided to explain in an enabling fashion the best modes of making and using various embodiments in accordance with the present invention. The disclosure is further offered to enhance an understanding and appreciation for the invention principles and advantages thereof, rather than to limit in any manner the invention. While the preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described here, it is clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

It is understood that the use of relational terms, if any, such as first and second, up and down, and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

Much of the inventive functionality and many of the inventive principles are best implemented with or in software programs or instructions and integrated circuits (ICs) such as application specific ICs. In the interest of brevity and minimization of any risk of obscuring the principles and concepts according to the present invention, discussion of such software and ICs, if any, is limited to the essentials with respect to the principles and concepts within the preferred embodiments.

FIG. 1depicts an embodiment of a communication device102including a user interface104configured receive input to place the device102in silence mode106and to make exceptions to the silence mode108. The device102includes a display110which can annunciate the queries of the user interface104. Of course the user interface can be audio via a speaker112and microphone114or any other suitable user interface. User input can be provided via a keyboard116, a touch screen display104, as an audio command via a microphone114, or in any other suitable manner. Default settings may also be provided. It is understood that any manner in which to commence silence mode106, and to provide exceptions108is within the scope of this discussion.

The mobile communication device102may be implemented as a cellular telephone (also called a mobile phone). The mobile communication device102represents a wide variety of devices that have been developed for use within various networks. Such handheld communication devices include, for example, cellular telephones, messaging devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), notebook or laptop computers incorporating communication modems, mobile data terminals, application specific gaming devices, video gaming devices incorporating wireless modems, and the like. Any of these portable devices may be referred to as a mobile station or user equipment. Herein, wireless communication technologies may include, for example, voice communication, the capability of transferring digital data, SMS messaging, Internet access, multi-media content access and/or voice over internet protocol (VoIP).

The device102further includes a receiver122to receive incoming communications120, wirelessly or via a wired connection. The incoming communication120can include at least one of voice communications, voice mails, text messages, emails, SMS, pushed messages or social networking indications and any other type of incoming communication. For example, the communication device102can be a computer connected to the Internet, wirelessly or via wires, and an incoming message120can be an email.

As mentioned, the incoming communication120can be received from any suitable source, including a server124. The server124is depicted as a remote server that may be within a wireless communication network. The network of course may be any type of wireless network including an ad hoc or wireless personal area network, a WiFi or wireless local area network, and a cellular or wireless wide area network. Likewise, the server106may be of any suitable configuration. The server124may be implemented as a single server or as a plurality of servers in communication in any arrangement. The operations of the server124may be distributed among different servers or devices that may communicate in any manner. It is understood that the depiction inFIG. 1is for illustrative purposes.

The device102includes a memory126to store data related to the incoming communications120and a processor128to generate an action signal in accordance with an action signal module174to provide an indication in accordance with an announcement module178whether there is data stored in a memory122related to incoming communications120since a silence mode commenced. In other words, when an incoming communication120is received by the communication device102, the exception108to the silence mode106will be announced by an indicator (seeFIG. 2).

The exceptions108may relate to data stored in a contact directory128or any other data, such as an IP address. When a user is selecting one or more exceptions108, the user interface can provide choices in any suitable manner. The exceptions to the silence mode can include at least one of receipt of an identified communication signal, an identified application indication or an identified event notification. With respect to the receipt of an identified communication signal, the user interface can provide a list to the user, or the user may enter data to identify an incoming message. In this way, when an incoming communication120that is an exception108is received by the device120, the user can be notified of the incoming communication120.

As mentioned, an exception can include an identified application indication or an identified event notification. For example, a calendar may be an application of the device102. After silence mode has commenced, the device102may provide an indication relating to the calendar. An event may be an exception to the silence mode. For example, a low battery and/or a low signal strength may be an exception to the silence mode. It is understood that the exceptions to the silence mode may include any type of receipt of an identified communication signal, an identified application indication or an identified event notification.

The device can include modules130to provide the functionality of the device102described above. The modules130can carry out certain processes of the methods as described herein. The modules130can be implemented in software, such as in the form of one or more sets of prestored instructions, and/or hardware, which can facilitate the operation of the mobile station or electronic device as discussed below. The modules may be installed at the factory or can be installed after distribution by, for example, a downloading operation. The operations in accordance with the modules will be discussed in more detail below.

A user interface module160can be configured to receive input to place the device in silence mode and to make exceptions to the silence mode. An incoming communications module172can be configured for storing in a memory data related to the incoming communications. An action signal module174can be configured to process an action signal received so as to provide an indication that there is data stored related to incoming communications since a silence mode commenced. An announcement module178can be configured to provide an announcement by an indicator that there is data stored related to incoming communications when an action signal is received.

FIG. 2depicts an embodiment of a communication device202including an indicator232to provide an announcement that there is data stored related to incoming communications120(seeFIG. 1) when an action signal is received. As mentioned above, an action signal module178can be configured to process an action signal received so as to provide an indication232that there is data stored related to incoming communications120since a silence mode commenced.

The indication232can be in any suitable form. Since the device is in silence mode, the indication232may be a visual indication such as an announcement by at least one of one or more colors, particular timing characteristics, illumination density, numeric indicators, alpha indicators, icon indicators, indicia, images or patterns. The indicator232can be provided on a display204of the device202, and/or by an indicator232that is distinct from the display232(seeFIG. 4).

During the silence mode, the indicator232can provide, to the user, a sense of what is going on or the status or volume of messages or communications he or she is receiving, for example. In more detail, in a preferred embodiment, the indicator232with a “swarm” feature, as detailed herein, is particularly adapted to being able to monitor the volume of activity of one or more social networks, such as volume of communication activity the user has received or is receiving with respect to Twitter, My Space, Facebook, Linked In and the like. The indicator can provide less information or more information to the user. For example, the indicator232can provide to the user an indication as to which of the exceptions to the silence mode108(seeFIG. 1) has been processed. It is also understood that the user can configure the type of indication to be provided in the case of any type of exception. Moreover, ambient conditions may be taken into account in the type of indication, automatically, or by user input. For example, in high ambient light conditions, a different visual indicator may be provided than in low ambient light conditions.

FIG. 3depicts an embodiment of a communication device302that has a folding form factor and a user interface304of the display310providing that the exceptions to the silence mode have been configured. The folding form factor allows the top housing340to move in the direction of the arrow342to close over the lower housing344.

FIG. 4depicts an embodiment of a communication device402that has a folding form factor wherein the device402, in a closed arrangement400, can assume the silence mode when configured to do so. As should be understood, other form factors can be utilized. For example, a slider form factor similar to that shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, can be utilized, wherein one component such as back housing444can slide generally horizontally with respect to the other of housing440. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the quiet mode can be invoked with the physical action of closing the device, initiated by the user, rather than by a button, switch or voice command. The back housing444, for example, can have an exterior surface446which includes one or more indicators450,452,454,456and/or458that may be configured to be visible by way of the exterior surface446of the housing440. In this way, one or more indicators can be distinct from the display310(seeFIG. 3).

Accordingly in a quiet or silence mode the user can chooses when he/she does not want to be disturbed. In a folding form factor such as a clam or book-like mobile device402, (e.g. device with a hinge), the user can close the device402to automatically invoke the “quiet” mode. In this mode, the device is still on, but processes incoming updates/notifications in a non-disruptive way. For example, all incoming calls or messages can be automatically responded to with an “away” message. When a call comes in, the device can provide an outgoing message that might say “so-and-so is unavailable. Please leave a message and he will get back to you.” When a message comes in, the device will automatically determine if there are any exceptions to the silence mode and if so, provide an indication of the incoming communication120(seeFIG. 1).

As mentioned, one or more indicators450,452,454,456and/or458that may be configured to be visible by way of the exterior surface446of the housing440. It is understood that one or more indicators450,452,454,456and/or458may be configured in any suitable manner. For example, the exterior housing440may include a design or motif that hides the indicators450,452,454,456and/or458until they are activated. For example, the exterior housing440may be configured to have wood-like panels on its surface. Lights may “swarm” across the face of the device402when a new update occurs. A wood stripe or panel may correspond to one type of update: email, messages (text), calls/voicemail, and upcoming calendar events. If there are no updates in a stripe, no lights appear on that screen. The “swarm” can for example, move from right to left, as if coming from inside the device. Alternately, the swarm could go left to right and disappear inside the device. When the user opens the folding form factor device402, the updates may be provided on the display310(seeFIG. 3). When updates are not “swarming” to provide an indication, an analog clock may be displayed. It is understood that the indicators may be specific as mentioned here, somewhat specific or non-specific.

The one or more indicators of the exterior surface446or any other surface of the housing may be configured so that it does not look like a normal display, and therefore the device does not initially read as a phone or technology device. For example, the device402may include a sensor to determine the proximity of the user to the device402. It may be determined that the user is far from the device. The one or more indicators can be configured to adapt to the situation so that a user may stay updated about new messages, news and other updates from any distance, such as “3-foot” distance. That is, the resolution of the updates may be variable. Were the device402to be buried in a purse or bag, low resolution may be required to see the indicators450,452,454,456and/or458as the device402is in darkness. It is understood that any adaptive feature of one or more indicators is within the scope of this discussion.

In another embodiment, varying levels of indication can be provided depending upon, for example, urgency. In the case of emergency or urgent incoming messages, events or notifications, the indications may provide such information. For example, in hidden or stealth indicators, urgent indicators may appear as though from inside of the device402they are projecting themselves through the device in order to be seen. The indicators allow the user to see updates and have minimal interaction with the displayed content (i.e. quick messaging). The user may be triggered to open the device402and dig into a richer experience when the indicators450,452,454,456and/or458provide information for such motivation.

As discussed above, one or more indicators can be configured in any suitable manner. They may also be silent or invisible until a user activates them. For example, the device402can include a sensor to452detect a user action with respect to the device402to provide to the processor128(seeFIG. 1) a sensor signal to generate an action signal to provide an indication whether there is data stored related to incoming communications since a silence mode commenced. In this way, an action such as a wave of the user's hand can activate one or more indicators. In another embodiment, a verbal command can be sensed by the microphone114to activate one or more indicators. While the indicators discussed herein are visual, an audio or other form of indicator can be provided as well. Such an audio indicator may be beneficial for visually impaired users. Even with an audio indicator, in an embodiment where the action of the user may activate one or more indicators, the indicators are utilized when the user wishes them to be activated. Accordingly, the non-disruptive manner in which to notify the user of the exceptions is provided.

FIG. 5is an embodiment of a method of a communication device102(seeFIG. 1) including configuring560the device102via a user interface104to place the device102in silence mode and to make exceptions562to the silence mode. Such can be in accordance with a user interface module160configured to receive input to place the device in silence mode and to make exceptions to the silence mode. In making exceptions to the silence mode562, queries can be presented for identified incoming communication, such as in accordance with the contact directory128or input from another source. Additional queries can include exceptions for identified applications566and for event notification568.

The depicted method can include commencing silence mode570in any suitable manner, including as described above. As incoming communication120(seeFIG. 1) is received, an incoming communication is stored in accordance with an incoming communication module572configured to store in a memory data related to the incoming communications. If it is determined574that there is an exception to the silence mode an action signal can be received by the processor128. Such may be in accordance with an action signal module174configured to process an action signal received so as to provide an indication that there is data stored related to incoming communications since a silence mode commenced. The method further includes providing an indication578by an indicator such as indicator232and/or one or more indicators450,452,454,456and/or458when there is an exception to the silence mode. Such may be in accordance with an announcement module178configured to provide an announcement by an indicator that there is data stored related to incoming communications when an action signal is received. If it is not determined that there is an exception to the silence mode, silence mode is maintained580.

The disclosed are methods and communication devices include a user interface configured receive input to place the device in silence mode and to make exceptions to the silence mode and an indicator to provide an announcement that there is data stored related to incoming communications. In this way, the disclosed methods and devices may provide a user choice in how to control incoming communications of the mobile device. Accordingly, even when the device is in silence mode, the user may not miss important notifications.