Systems and methods for presenting conference call participant indentifier images on a display of a mobile device

The described embodiments relate generally to methods and systems for displaying on a handheld electronic device a plurality of participant images corresponding to a plurality of conference call participants. The device includes a display, a communications module configured for sending and receiving communication signals; and a display interface operatively coupled to the display and to the communications module, wherein the display interface is configured to respond to user input. The method comprises: establishing a conference call having a plurality of participants; displaying a participant screen on the display; for each participant, determining a participant identifier image; and displaying on the participant screen a dynamic carousel comprising a plurality of participant identifier images. The mobile device may include an image database comprising at least one stored image, and wherein at least one participant identifier image is selected from the at least one stored image.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to mobile device applications, and more specifically to phone-equipped mobile devices equipped to participate in conference calls having multiple conference call participants.

BACKGROUND

Mobile devices often provide multimedia functionality. In addition to providing various communication functionality, mobile devices are also typically equipped to display images or other multimedia information to a user. Phone-equipped mobile devices may be adapted to participate in conference calls having multiple participants.

It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or disadvantages associated with existing ways of displaying and/or managing conference call participant identifier information on a mobile device, or to at least provide a useful alternative to such ways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein are generally directed to systems and methods for providing conference call participant identifier information to a mobile device user.

In a broad aspect, there is provided a method for displaying on a handheld electronic device a plurality of participant images corresponding to a plurality of conference call participants, the device having a display, a communications module configured for sending and receiving communication signals; and a display interface operatively coupled to the display and to the communications module, wherein the display interface is configured to respond to user input. The method comprises: establishing a conference call having a plurality of participants; displaying a participant screen on the display; for each participant, determining a participant identifier image; and displaying on the participant screen a dynamic carousel comprising a plurality of participant identifier images. The mobile device may include an image database comprising at least one stored image, and wherein at least one participant identifier image is selected from the at least one stored image. Further, the display interface may include a user input component having at least one selected from the group consisting of: a keyboard, a thumbwheel, a trackball, a directional pad, a joystick and a touch screen.

An alternate aspect is directed towards a method of providing on a mobile device a user interface for identifying a plurality of participants on a conference call, the method comprising:(a) displaying a participant screen on a display of the mobile device;(b) for each participant, determining a participant identifier image; and(c) displaying on the participant screen a dynamic carousel comprising a plurality of participant identifier images.

The mobile device may include an image database comprising a plurality of stored images, and wherein at least one participant identifier image is selected from the stored images. As well, the mobile device may include a display interface operatively coupled to the display. The display interface may be configured to respond to user input and selectively modify the carousel of participant identifier images on the participant screen.

In some implementations, the mobile device also includes a communications module configured for sending and receiving communication signals. Such communications module may be configured to engage a plurality of communication modes.

The display interface may be configured to select a designated participant identifier image corresponding to a designated participant. In some such implementations, the display interface is configured to engage at least one communication mode corresponding to the designated participant.

The communication modes may include, for example, sending and receiving: a voice signal; a multimedia signal; an instant message; and an email message.

The display interface may include a user input component, and the user input component may include at least one selected from the group consisting of: a keyboard, a thumbwheel, a trackball, a directional pad, a joystick and a touch screen.

A computer-readable medium may also be provided comprising instructions executable on a processor of the mobile device for implementing the method(s).

Another broad aspect is directed to a mobile device comprising a processor, a display, and a communications module, wherein the processor is configured to execute an application programmed to perform the steps of:(d) displaying a participant screen on the display;(e) for each participant of a conference call, determining a participant identifier image; and(f) displaying on the participant screen a dynamic carousel comprising a plurality of participant identifier images.

In some embodiments, the mobile device includes an image database having a plurality of stored images, and at least one participant identifier image is selected from the stored images. The mobile device may also include a display interface operatively coupled to the display; the display interface is configured to respond to user input and selectively modify the carousel of participant identifier images on the participant screen. The communications module may be configured to engage a plurality of communication modes, which may include, for example, sending and receiving: a voice signal; a multimedia signal; an instant message; and/or an email message.

In certain variations, the display interface is configured to select a designated participant identifier image corresponding to a designated participant. In addition, the display interface may be configured to modify at least one communication mode corresponding to the designated participant. The display interface may also have a user input component, which may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of: a keyboard, a thumbwheel, a trackball, a directional pad, a joystick and a touch screen.

These and other aspects and features of various embodiments will be described in greater detail below.

Some embodiments described herein make use of a mobile station. A mobile station is a two-way communication device with advanced data communication capabilities having the capability to communicate with other computer systems, and is also referred to herein generally as a mobile device. A mobile device may also include the capability for voice communications. Depending on the functionality provided by a mobile device, it may be referred to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone with data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a data communication device (with or without telephony capabilities). A mobile device communicates with other devices through a network of transceiver stations.

To aid the reader in understanding the structure of a mobile device and how it communicates with other devices, reference is made toFIGS. 1 through 3.

Referring first toFIG. 1, a block diagram of a mobile device in one example implementation is shown generally as100. Mobile device100comprises a number of components, the controlling component being microprocessor102. Microprocessor102is typically programmed with an operating system103and controls the overall operation of mobile device100. In some embodiments, certain communication functions, including data and voice communications, are performed through a communications module also referred to herein as a communication subsystem104. Communication subsystem104receives communications signals90(also referred to herein as “messages”) from and sends messages to a wireless network200. By way of example only, such communication signals90may correspond to phone calls, email or other data messages. Such communications signals90typically include identification information (such as caller ID information or identifier data92) identifying the source of the message, as will be understood. In some instances, for example a conference call involving multiple third parties, the communications signals may include a plurality of caller IDs92.

In this example implementation of mobile device100, communication subsystem104is configured for cellular communication in accordance with the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) standards. The GSM/GPRS wireless network is used worldwide and it is expected that these standards will be superseded eventually by Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS).

New standards are still being defined, but it is believed that they will have similarities to the network behavior described herein, and it will also be understood by persons skilled in the art that the described embodiments are intended to use any other suitable standards that are developed in the future. The wireless link connecting communication subsystem104with network200represents one or more different Radio Frequency (RF) channels, operating according to defined protocols specified for GSM/GPRS communications. With newer network protocols, these channels are capable of supporting both circuit switched voice communications and packet switched data communications.

Although the wireless network associated with mobile device100is a GSM/GPRS wireless network in one example implementation of mobile device100, other wireless networks may also be associated with mobile device100in variant implementations. Different types of wireless networks that may be employed include, for example, data-centric wireless networks, voice-centric wireless networks, and dual-mode networks that can support both voice and data communications over the same physical base stations. Combined dual-mode networks include, but are not limited to, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or CDMA2000 networks, GSM/GPRS networks (as mentioned above), and third-generation (3G) networks like EDGE and UMTS. Some older examples of data-centric networks include the Mobitex™ Radio Network and the DataTAC™ Radio Network. Examples of older voice-centric data networks include Personal Communication Systems (PCS) networks like GSM and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems.

Some of the subsystems of mobile device100perform communication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide “resident” or on-device functions. By way of example, display110and keyboard116may be used for both communication-related functions, such as entering a text message for transmission over network200, and device-resident functions such as a calculator, media player or task list. Operating system software103code used by microprocessor102is typically stored in a persistent store such as flash memory108, which may alternatively be a read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operating system code103, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as RAM106.

In some embodiments, mobile device100may send and receive communication signals90over network200after required network registration or activation procedures have been completed. Network access is associated with a subscriber or user of a mobile device100. To identify a subscriber, mobile device100requires a Subscriber Identity Module or “SIM” card126to be inserted in a SIM interface128in order to communicate with a network. SIM126is one type of a conventional “smart card” used to identify a subscriber of mobile device100and to personalize the mobile device100, among other things. Without SIM126, mobile device100is not fully operational for communication with network200.

By inserting SIM126into SIM interface128, a subscriber can access all subscribed services. Services could include: web browsing media transfers, such as music and/or image downloading or streaming, and messaging, such as e-mail, voice mail, Short Message Service (SMS), and Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS). More advanced services may include: point of sale, field service and sales force automation. SIM126includes a processor and memory for storing information. Once SIM126is inserted in SIM interface128, it is coupled to microprocessor102. In order to identify the subscriber, SIM126contains some user parameters such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). An advantage of using SIM126is that a subscriber is not necessarily bound by any single physical mobile device. SIM126may store additional subscriber information for a mobile device as well, including datebook (or calendar) information and recent call information. In certain embodiments, SIM126may comprise a different type of user identifier and may be integral to mobile device100or not present at all.

Mobile device100is a battery-powered device and includes a battery interface132for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries130. Battery interface132is coupled to a regulator (not shown), which assists battery130in providing power V+ to mobile device100. Although current technology makes use of a battery, future technologies such as micro fuel cells may provide the power to mobile device100.

Microprocessor102, in addition to its operating system functions, enables execution of software applications on mobile device100. A set of applications that control basic device operations, including data and voice communication applications, will normally be installed on mobile device100during its manufacture.

Additional applications may also be loaded onto mobile device100through network200, auxiliary I/O subsystem112, serial port114, short-range communications subsystem122, or any other suitable subsystem124. This flexibility in application installation increases the functionality of mobile device100and may provide enhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions, or both. For example, secure communication applications may enable electronic commerce functions and other such financial transactions to be performed using mobile device100.

Serial port114enables a subscriber to set preferences through an external device or software application and extends the capabilities of mobile device100by providing for information or software downloads to mobile device100other than through a wireless communication network. The alternate download path may, for example, be used to load an encryption key onto mobile device100through a direct and thus reliable and trusted connection to provide secure device communication.

Short-range communications subsystem122provides for communication between mobile device100and different systems or devices, without the use of network200. For example, subsystem122may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components for short-range communication. Examples of short range communication would include standards developed by the Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Bluetooth, and the 802.11 family of standards developed by IEEE.

In use, a received signal such as a voice call, text message, an e-mail message, or web page download will be processed by communication subsystem104and input to microprocessor102. Microprocessor102will then process the received signal for output to display110or alternatively to auxiliary I/O subsystem112. A subscriber may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages, for example, using keyboard116in conjunction with display110and possibly auxiliary I/O subsystem112.

Auxiliary I/O subsystem112may include devices such as: a touch screen, mouse, track ball, infrared fingerprint detector, and one or more roller wheels with dynamic button pressing capability. Keyboard116comprises an alphanumeric keyboard and/or telephone-type keypad. A composed item may be transmitted over network200through communication subsystem104. User input components comprised in auxiliary I/O subsystem112may be used by the user to navigate and interact with a user interface of mobile device100.

For voice communications, the overall operation of mobile device100is substantially similar, except that the received signals would be output to speaker118, and signals for transmission would be generated by microphone120. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on mobile device100. Although voice or audio signal output is accomplished primarily through speaker118, display110may also be used to provide additional information such as the identity of a calling party, duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a block diagram of the communication subsystem component104ofFIG. 1is shown. Communication subsystem104comprises a receiver150, a transmitter152, one or more embedded or internal antenna elements154,156, Local Oscillators (LOs)158, and a processing module such as a Digital Signal Processor (DSP)160.

The particular design of communication subsystem104is dependent upon the network200in which mobile device100is intended to operate, thus it should be understood that the design illustrated inFIG. 2serves only as one example. Signals90received by antenna154through network200are input to receiver150, which may perform such common receiver functions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, and analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. A/D conversion of a received signal90allows more complex communication functions such as demodulation and decoding to be performed in DSP160. In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding, by DSP160. These DSP-processed signals are input to transmitter152for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission over network200via antenna156. DSP160not only processes communication signals, but also provides for receiver and transmitter control. For example, the gains applied to communication signals in receiver150and transmitter152may be adaptively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in DSP160.

The wireless link between mobile device100and a network200may contain one or more different channels, typically different RF channels, and associated protocols used between mobile device100and network200. A RF channel is a limited resource that must be conserved, typically due to limits in overall bandwidth and limited battery power of mobile device100.

When mobile device100is fully operational, transmitter152is typically keyed or turned on only when it is sending to network200and is otherwise turned off to conserve resources. Similarly, receiver150is periodically turned off to conserve power until it is needed to receive signals or information (if at all) during designated time periods.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a block diagram of a node of a wireless network is shown as202. In practice, network200comprises one or more nodes202. Mobile device100communicates with a node202within wireless network200. In the example implementation ofFIG. 3, node202is configured in accordance with General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Global Systems for Mobile (GSM) technologies. Node202includes a base station controller (BSC)204with an associated tower station206, a Packet Control Unit (PCU)208added for GPRS support in GSM, a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)210, a Home Location Register (HLR)212, a Visitor Location Registry (VLR)214, a Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)216, a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)218, and a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)220. This list of components is not meant to be an exhaustive list of the components of every node202within a GSM/GPRS network, but rather a list of components that are commonly used in communications through network200.

In a GSM network, MSC210is coupled to BSC204and to a landline network, such as a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)222to satisfy circuit switched requirements. The connection through PCU208, SGSN216and GGSN218to the public or private network (Internet)224(also referred to herein generally as a shared network infrastructure) represents the data path for GPRS capable mobile devices. In a GSM network extended with GPRS capabilities, BSC204also contains a Packet Control Unit (PCU)208that connects to SGSN216to control segmentation, radio channel allocation and to satisfy packet switched requirements. To track mobile device location and availability for both circuit switched and packet switched management, HLR212is shared between MSC210and SGSN216. Access to VLR214is controlled by MSC210.

Station206is a fixed transceiver station. Station206and BSC204together form the fixed transceiver equipment. The fixed transceiver equipment provides wireless network coverage for a particular coverage area commonly referred to as a “cell”. The fixed transceiver equipment transmits communication signals to and receives communication signals from mobile devices within its cell via station206. The fixed transceiver equipment normally performs such functions as modulation and possibly encoding and/or encryption of signals to be transmitted to the mobile device in accordance with particular, usually predetermined, communication protocols and parameters, under control of its controller. The fixed transceiver equipment similarly demodulates and possibly decodes and decrypts, if necessary, any communication signals received from mobile device100within its cell. Communication protocols and parameters may vary between different nodes. For example, one node may employ a different modulation scheme and operate at different frequencies than other nodes.

For all mobile devices100registered with a specific network, permanent configuration data such as a user profile is stored in HLR212. HLR212also contains location information for each registered mobile device and can be queried to determine the current location of a mobile device. MSC210is responsible for a group of location areas and stores the data of the mobile devices currently in its area of responsibility in VLR214. Further VLR214also contains information on mobile devices that are visiting other networks. The information in VLR214includes part of the permanent mobile device data transmitted from HLR212to VLR214for faster access. By moving additional information from a remote HLR212node to VLR214, the amount of traffic between these nodes can be reduced so that voice and data services can be provided with faster response times and at the same time requiring less use of computing resources.

SGSN216and GGSN218are elements added for GPRS support; namely packet switched data support, within GSM. SGSN216and MSC210have similar responsibilities within wireless network200by keeping track of the location of each mobile device100. SGSN216also performs security functions and access control for data traffic on network200. GGSN218provides internetworking connections with external packet switched networks and connects to one or more SGSN's216via an Internet Protocol (IP) backbone network operated within the network200. During normal operations, a given mobile device100must perform a “GPRS Attach” to acquire an IP address and to access data services. This requirement is not present in circuit switched voice channels as Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) addresses are used for routing incoming and outgoing calls. Currently, all GPRS capable networks use private, dynamically assigned IP addresses, thus requiring a DHCP server220connected to the GGSN218.

There are many mechanisms for dynamic IP assignment, including using a combination of a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server and DHCP server. Once the GPRS Attach is complete, a logical connection is established from a mobile device100, through PCU208, and SGSN216to an Access Point Node (APN) within GGSN218. The APN represents a logical end of an IP tunnel that can either access direct Internet compatible services or private network connections. The APN also represents a security mechanism for network200, insofar as each mobile device100must be assigned to one or more APNs and mobile devices100cannot exchange data without first performing a GPRS Attach to an APN that it has been authorized to use. The APN may be considered to be similar to an Internet domain name such as “myconnection.wireless.com”.

Once the GPRS Attach is complete, a tunnel is created and all traffic is exchanged within standard IP packets using any protocol that can be supported in IP packets. This includes tunneling methods such as IP over IP as in the case with some IPSecurity (IPsec) connections used with Virtual Private Networks (VPN). These tunnels are also referred to as Packet Data Protocol (PDP) Contexts and there are a limited number of these available in the network200. To maximize use of the PDP Contexts, network200will run an idle timer for each PDP Context to determine if there is a lack of activity. When a mobile device100is not using its PDP Context, the PDP Context can be deallocated and the IP address returned to the IP address pool managed by DHCP server220.

Embodiments of mobile device100may be equipped and configured for communication over a cellular connection via communication subsystem104and with a wireless local area network (WLAN) using a communication form commonly termed “Wi-Fi”. Such Wi-Fi connections may employ a suitable WLAN-compatible communication technology, of which unlicensed mobile access (UMA) technology is one example. UMA technology provides access to GSM and GPRS mobile services over unlicensed spectrum technologies, including Bluetooth™ and 802.11 wireless connections. UMA enables cellular network subscribers to roam and hand over between cellular networks and public and private wireless networks using dual-mode mobile handsets. Mobile device100may also be configured for communication with local wireless devices, such as Bluetooth™ enabled devices and may be configured for communication in a global positioning system (GPS) context.

The configuration and operation of an example mobile device, such as mobile device100, in the context of displaying conference call participant identifier information is described in further detail in relation toFIGS. 4 to 8.

Referring now toFIG. 4, components of mobile device100are shown and described in further detail. The mobile device100may include an image database402which may be stored in memory105or other data storage. The image database402is configured to store a plurality of image data records404each containing data corresponding to an image450. Alternatively, the image database402may be stored remotely, and the image data404may be communicated to the device100.

The device100may include an address book database406which may be stored in memory105or other data storage. The address book database406is configured to store a plurality of address data records408each containing contact information data (such as a name, e.g. “Davey Jones”) and one or more corresponding address data (for example a phone number, mailing address, or email address). The image database402may comprise part of the address book database406, such that address data records408may store one or more corresponding images450/image data records404.

As will be discussed in greater detail, below, a display interface410is provided which includes computer program instructions stored within memory105(which may include flash memory108, or other computer readable medium) for execution by the CPU102. The display interface410is operatively coupled to the display110as well as to the communications module/communication subsystem104.

Referring briefly toFIG. 5A, illustrated therein is one example screenshot of a participant screen500as may be generated by the display interface410and displayed on the display110. Such a participant screen500may be used to manage a conference call. The participant screen500displays a plurality of participant identifier images502(in this example, three participant identifier images502are illustrated), each corresponding to a participant on a conference call. Typically, each participant identifier image502will comprise a photographic image of the corresponding participant.

The participant identifier images502are displayed in a “dynamic carousel”506, which reference herein is intended to comprise a plurality of whole and/or partial images displayed on the participant screen500, which can be scrolled or cycled through, as will be understood. For large numbers of participants, it may not be possible to display all or even part of all of the corresponding participant identifier images502simultaneously on the participant screen500. In some embodiments, such display might resemble or bring to mind a carousel. The display interface410is configured to enable a user to cycle through and select participant identifier images502on the participant screen500. A static selection field504or moveable ring may be provided on the participant screen500, which may be used to designate or select a particular participant identifier image502. Participant ID508, such as a participant's name and/or phone number, corresponding to each displayed participant identifier image502, is also displayed.

The display interface410includes or is operatively coupled to the keyboard116or one or more of the user input components in the auxiliary I/O subsystem112, such as a thumbwheel, trackball, directional pad, joystick, or touchscreen which enable the user to select or otherwise generate user input received by the CPU102and designating which participant identifier image502(and hence corresponding participant) the user wishes to select or otherwise manipulate, as will be discussed in greater detail, below.

A clock indicator510noting the time of day is displayed, shown centrally justified (horizontally) near the top of display110in this example. A call line indicator512, identifying which line is participating in the conference call (particularly for mobile devices100having multiple communication lines) is shown near the top left corner of the display110. A mail message icon514and battery charge status indicator516are also provided. A data transmission indicator518in the upper-right hand corner of display110is also displayed.

A conference call indicator520, indicating that the mobile device is engaged in a conference call, together with a conference call timer522, are also provided. An add caller “button”524, which may be used to add additional participants to the conference call as will be discussed further, below, an options “button”526for generating a pop-up menu listing application options, and an end call “button”528for terminating a conference call, are also illustrated. Other “buttons” and screen layouts are possible, as will be understood.

While “buttons”524,526,528are shown as virtual keys provided on the display110in this example, it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that some mobile devices may provide one or more of these keys as physical keys on the mobile device.

Referring again toFIG. 4, a caller identifier module414may also be provided which includes computer program instructions stored within memory105for execution by the CPU102for identifying incoming callers/participants. Memory105comprises various other program code, such as other software applications, although these are not specifically shown for purposes of simplicity of illustration. Data storage105accessible by the CPU102may also include high speed cache memory.

In implementations in which incoming calls may be permitted to join a conference call, the caller identifier module414may be configured to determine a participant identifier image502for display on the participant screen500by identifying an address book record408corresponding to a caller ID92received by the communications module104(if a match exists).

Referring toFIG. 6, illustrated therein is an example screenshot600having a pop-up window602, as may be generated by the display interface410upon initiating a conference call or clicking or otherwise triggering the add caller “button”524, after a call has been initiated. The add caller window602includes an entry field604, which is configured to receive as input, identifier information such as a name (or in the example illustrated, a phone number). Once input, the identifier information may then be matched by the interface410to an address book record408(if a match exists) to determine a corresponding participant identifier image502for display on the participant screen500. An initiate call “button”606, for inputting the identifier information and initiating the call to the proposed new participant is also provided, as well as an end call “button”608for terminating a call attempt to a proposed new participant. The communications module104will utilize the identifier information to directly call the intended new participant directly, or if the conference call is being managed by a conference call server will communicate the necessary phone number information to the conference call server for connecting the intended new participant. In alternate embodiments, a participant might be added by selecting a record408directly from the address book406database stored on the device100.

Referring now toFIG. 5B, illustrated therein is an example screenshot of the participant screen500as may be generated by the display interface410and displayed on the display110, after numerous additional participants and their corresponding participant identifier images502have been added to the carousel506. With this example, fourteen participant identifier images502(or parts thereof) are illustrated. The number of participant identifier images502displayed may be limited for reasons of sizing constraints, while other participants (not currently displayed) may also be participating in the conference call. In view of the larger number of participants502displayed, only the participant ID508corresponding to the participant identifier image502in the static selection field504, is displayed on the participant screen500.

Referring now toFIG. 5C, illustrated therein is an example screenshot of the participant screen500ofFIG. 5B, after the user has utilized the user input components112to cycle the participant identifier images502in the carousel506clockwise several positions. As can be seen, the participant identifier images502′ positioned in the top left hand position of the carousel506inFIG. 5Bhave disappeared, while new participant identifier images502″ (which were previously not illustrated because of space limitations) are now displayed inFIG. 5C. The participant ID508corresponding to the participant identifier image502now positioned in the static selection field504, is displayed on the participant screen500.

The user may then “click” or otherwise utilize the user input components112to select or designate the participant identifier image502/participant now positioned in the static selection field504, which in the present embodiment results in the generation and display of the example screenshot700ofFIG. 7. The screenshot700includes a pop-up options menu702, which contains the selected participant identifier image502/705, together with the corresponding selected participant ID508/704. The options provided by the options menu702may permit the user to engage or modify the various communications modes provided by the communications module104. Typically, although not exclusively, such menu options affecting communication modes will relate to the selected participant508/704.

The menu702may include an IM (“instant message”) Start Chat “button”706, which may be used to initiate a IM chat with the designated participant705and send and receive instant messages. A start email “button”708, to launch an email application and initiate the creation of an email message to be sent to the designated participant705, and a split call “button”710, to set up a sidebar, private voice call with the designated participant705or initiate a new conference call, may be provided. Other options may be reviewed by selection of a next “button”712. For example, the additional options may include the establishment of a data link between the user's mobile device and that of the designated participant705to send and/or receive a multimedia signal. An end participant “button”714, to terminate the participant's705participation in the conference call, may be provided.

Referring now toFIG. 8, there is shown a method800of providing on mobile device100a user interface for identifying a plurality of participants on a conference call.

In operation, the method800may be initiated by the establishment of a conference call (Block802). As noted previously, such a conference call may be coordinated through a conference call server, or through the mobile device100directly (if it has a sufficient number of communication lines available). The display interface410determines a participant identifier image502for each participant in the conference call (Block804). As discussed in greater detail previously, the participant identifier images502may be determined as a result of the user calling or adding participants to the conference call (with the corresponding images502selected via the address book406). As an alternative, the caller identifier module414may match caller ID92data to the address data (typically a phone number) stored in the address data records408, to determine corresponding participant identifier image(s)502. For participants not having a corresponding image450in the image database402, a “dummy” placeholder image might be selected or generated.

A participant screen500may be displayed on the display110of the mobile device100(Block806). The screen500displays the dynamic carousel506of participant identifier images502(Block808). As discussed previously, the user may then utilize the display interface to modify or manipulate the carousel506, typically to enable the selection of a designated participant identifier image (Block810). Having selected a designated participant, as noted above, the user may then engage or modify a communication mode with such designated participant (Block812).

While the above description provides example embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting.