Systems and methods for selecting a calling card to be used in placing an outgoing call

A system and method for, on a mobile device having a plurality of communication lines on which outgoing calls may be made, providing a user interface for selecting a calling card to be used in making an outgoing call to a desired phone number. The method includes: associating each calling card in a set of at least one calling card with a communication line; and displaying on a display of the mobile device a line selection menu containing a plurality of card/line identifiers; wherein each card/line identifier is configured to uniquely identify a corresponding associated calling card and communication line combination.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to mobile device applications, and more specifically to phone-equipped mobile devices that allow outgoing calls to be made by a user on a communication line selected from a plurality of communication lines.

BACKGROUND

Many modern mobile devices are multi-functional. They may be configured to allow users to engage in both electronic mail (“e-mail”) communications and telephone communications, for example. Additionally, it is common for a user to utilize the mobile device for different purposes. For example, a user may operate a single mobile device to engage in communications relating to both business and personal uses.

Phone-equipped mobile devices may be adapted to accommodate an Alternate Line Service (ALS) or similar multi-line service. With respect to these mobile devices, two or more phone numbers may be associated with a mobile device, with each phone number being associated with a different communication line. A user may wish to place an outgoing call on a specific communication line so that when the call is received by a receiving party, the phone number associated with that communication line will be identified on the receiving party's phone where “call display” (or “Caller ID”) functionality has been enabled on that phone. Use of multiple communication lines may also be useful for line-specific tracking purposes (e.g. to facilitate separate billing for calls relating to business and personal uses).

Typically, in mobile device applications, only one communication line is deemed to be “active” at any given time (although in some instances it is possible to have a call on multiple lines at once, as will be understood). Outgoing calls are placed on the active line until an alternate communication line is selected. Outgoing calls are generally initiated by a user from a call screen provided by an application (e.g. a phone application) residing and executing on the mobile device.

A user may have one or more calling cards available to which phone charges, such as long distance charges, may be charged. Such calling card(s), for example, may be intended to assist in managing calling expenses. For example, a user may have one card for personal use and one or more cards for work purposes (eg. for different branches of a business).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Users may wish to manage calling activity by communication line, with certain phone charges being charged to a particular calling card. It should be understood that reference to a “calling card” herein is not intended to require the presence of a physical “card”, but to the information typically associated therewith.

Embodiments described herein are generally directed to a system and method and user interface for providing ALS and calling card information to mobile device users and for facilitating the selection of an outgoing line and calling card in placing a call.

In a broad aspect, there is provided a method of, on a mobile device having a plurality of communication lines on which outgoing calls may be made, providing a user interface for selecting a calling card to be used in making an outgoing call to a desired phone number. The method includes: associating each calling card in a set of at least one calling card with a communication line; and displaying on a display of the mobile device a line selection menu containing a plurality of card/line identifiers; wherein each card/line identifier is configured to uniquely identify a corresponding associated calling card and communication line combination.

The method may further include providing the set of at least one calling card. In some configurations, the method may also include: selecting one of the card/line identifiers; receiving the desired phone number; and initiating an outgoing call in connection with the selected line identifier.

The method may also include: storing calling card data corresponding to each calling card. Such calling card data may correspond to each calling card and may comprise: a calling card phone number; and authentication data. The process of initiating the outgoing call may involve placing a call (on the communication line corresponding to the selected card/line identifier) to the calling card phone number corresponding to the selected card/line identifier. The corresponding authentication data may then be communicated over the communication line corresponding to the selected card/line identifier; and the desired phone number may also be communicated over the communication line corresponding to the selected card/line identifier.

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

In another aspect, a mobile device may be configured to provide a user interface for selecting a calling card to be used in making an outgoing call to a desired phone number. Such mobile device provides access to a plurality of communication lines on which outgoing calls may be made and includes a processor, a display, and at least one input device. The processor is configured to execute an application programmed to perform the steps of the method(s).

Another aspect is directed towards a system for providing a user interface for selecting a calling card to be used in making an outgoing call to a desired phone number. The system includes: a plurality of communication lines on which outgoing calls may be made by a user, a processor, a display, and at least one input device. The processor is configured to execute an application programmed to perform the method(s).

In yet a further broad aspect, a mobile device is provided comprising a processor, a display, and at least one input device. The mobile device is configured to access a plurality of communication lines, and the processor is configured to perform the steps of: associating each calling card in a set of at least one calling card with a communication line; and displaying on the display a line selection menu containing a plurality of card/line identifiers. Each card/line identifier is configured to uniquely identify a corresponding associated calling card and communication line combination. The device may also include a calling card database configured to store calling card data corresponding to each calling card in the set.

The calling card data corresponding to each calling card may include: a calling card phone number; and authentication data. In some configurations, upon receiving input corresponding to a selection of one of the line identifiers and upon receiving a desired phone number, the processor may be further configured to place a call to the calling card phone number corresponding to the selected card/line identifier. Such call is placed on the communication line corresponding to the selected card/line identifier. The processor may also be configured to: communicate the corresponding authentication data over the communication line corresponding to the selected card/line identifier; and communicate the desired phone number over the communication line corresponding to the selected card/line identifier.

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. Microprocessor102controls the overall operation of mobile device100. Communication functions, including data and voice communications, are performed through communication subsystem104. Communication subsystem104receives messages from and sends messages to a wireless network200. In this example implementation of mobile device100, communication subsystem104is configured 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 behaviour described herein, and it will also be understood by persons skilled in the art that the invention is 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. Alternatively, the network and device100might employ WiFi/WiMax radios utilizing SIP (session initialization protocols) and VoIP (voice over internet protocols). 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 future 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 or task list. Operating system software 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, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as RAM106.

Mobile device100may send and receive communication signals over 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 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.

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. Another application that may be loaded onto mobile device100would be a personal information manager (PIM). A PIM has functionality to organize and manage data items of interest to a subscriber, such as, but not limited to, e-mail, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. A PIM application has the ability to send and receive data items via wireless network200. PIM data items may be seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via wireless network200with the mobile device subscriber's corresponding data items stored and/or associated with a host computer system. This functionality creates a mirrored host computer on mobile device100with respect to such items. This can be particularly advantageous where the host computer system is the mobile device subscriber's office computer system.

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 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 subsystem112may include devices such as: a touch screen, mouse, track ball, infrared fingerprint detector, or a roller wheel with dynamic button pressing capability. Keyboard116is an alphanumeric keyboard and/or telephone-type keypad, and may comprise physical buttons or keys and/or soft keys displayed on the display110. A composed item may be transmitted over network200through communication subsystem104.

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. Signals received 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 signal allows 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 SGSNs216via 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 de-allocated and the IP address returned to the IP address pool managed by DHCP server220.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a block diagram illustrating further aspects of mobile device100ofFIG. 1is shown generally as300. As noted earlier with reference toFIG. 1, 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. Operating system software and other software applications are typically stored in a persistent store (e.g. flash memory108) or other store, on mobile device100or on a device coupled thereto. It will be understood that the operating system, software applications or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded in a volatile store such as RAM106. Other instructions and/or data received by the mobile device100and subject to processing may also be temporarily stored in RAM106.

Software applications that are loaded or stored on mobile device100may be implemented as functional components or modules310. Modules310interact with various components of mobile device100. For instance, as shown by way of example inFIG. 4, modules310may interact with communication subsystem104, RAM106, flash memory108, display110, auxiliary I/O device(s)112, and keyboard116. Modules310may comprise, for example, an address book module312, a messaging module314(e.g. for e-mail and/or SMS or MMS messaging), phone application module316, and a call log module317.

Address book module312is generally configured to allow contact information (e.g. individual contact and company names, telephone numbers, messaging addresses, and other information) to be stored and managed. Messaging module314facilitates the sending and receiving of electronic messages over a wireless network200and/or other network.

Phone application module316is generally configured to facilitate voice communication between the user and other parties, including the placement of outgoing calls by the user and the reception of incoming calls on the mobile device100. Call log module317is generally configured to store and manage calling activity data (for example, time and date of incoming or outgoing calls, and third party phone numbers involved in such calls).

Calls may be placed and received on a communication line specifically configured for voice communications. In certain embodiments, calls may alternatively or additionally be placed and received on other types of communication lines, including a communication line generally configured for data communications, or a communication line configured for both voice and data communications, for example. For example, mobile device100may be configured to provide Voice over IP (VoIP), Enterprise Voice, and/or video phone functionality.

Embodiments described herein are generally applicable to mobile devices that provide access to multiple (i.e. two or more) communication lines on which outgoing calls may be placed, as initiated by a mobile device user. Typically, these mobile devices will also be configured to allow incoming calls to be received by the user over the same communication lines.

In example embodiments, each of the multiple communication lines has a different telephone number associated therewith. For example, a user may have a business phone number and a different personal phone number. When a user places an outgoing call on a specific communication line, the phone number associated with that communication line may be identified on a receiving party's phone that is equipped with “call display” functionality.

Referring again toFIG. 4, a line selection module (e.g. alternate line service (ALS) module)318is provided to facilitate selection of the communication line to be used by phone application module316for placing an outgoing call, for example. The line selection module318is configured to select a communication line to be used by phone application module316, based upon line selection data stored on mobile device100(e.g. configuration settings that define a default communication line), and/or based upon input received by the user. It will be understood that the functionality of line selection module318may be provided or otherwise integrated with phone application module316or with a different module on mobile device100.

The currently selected communication line on which an outgoing call may be placed at any given time is also referred to herein as the “active” line. Outgoing calls will be placed on the active line by phone application module316until an alternate communication line is selected.

When a user wishes to initiate an outgoing call, the user will typically be required to access a call screen provided by an application (e.g. phone application module316) on mobile device100. Data identifying the active line will be displayed to the user in a first display field (e.g. “My Number” field, or phone status field) of the call screen, allowing the user to quickly identify the communication line on which an outgoing call will be placed should the user choose to initiate such call. This display field may also be referred to as an active line data display field. The data identifying the active line typically comprises a telephone number, but may alternatively or additionally comprise some other communication line identifier(s), such as a line descriptor, alias and/or other identifier, for example.

Should the user wish to initiate an outgoing call to be placed on an alternate communication line, the user may need to change the current active line using a different application or in a separate screen, and then return to the call screen to place the call on the alternate communication line after the change is made.

A calling card management module320is also provided (which interacts with the line selection module318), to facilitate selection of a calling card to be used by phone application module316when placing an outgoing call, for example. A calling card database322is also provided, which is configured to store calling card data records324, each record324containing calling card data corresponding to one of the calling cards in a set of at least one calling card.

The calling card management module320is configured to associate each calling card to a communication line which may be used by the phone application module316(and particularly by the line selection module318) in placing an outgoing call. The selection of a particular calling card (if one is to be used in a particular call) may be based upon card/line selection data stored on mobile device100(e.g. configuration settings that define a default communication card/line combination), and/or based upon input received by the user. It will be understood that the functionality of line selection module318may be provided or otherwise integrated with phone application module316or with a different module on mobile device100.

It will also be understood that the calling card management module320may be configured to operate seamlessly with the line selection module318such that the selection of a calling card and a line to be used in making an outgoing call may be done in a single step (of selecting a card/line combination) at the time of placing a call (if the default card/line combination needs to be changed).

Referring toFIG. 5, illustrated therein is exemplary data as may be stored in calling card records324in the calling card database322. At least one calling card record324is created for each calling card506in the set of available calling cards506. Each record324may store line identifier data502identifying one of the outgoing lines managed by the line selection module318, together with a unique calling card/line identifier504to be used in identifying the card/line combination. Any suitable alias or other identifier may be input by the user and stored as the identifier—some identifiers504may expressly identify both the calling card and the communication line, but this may not be necessary (for example, if the calling card is the user's “work” calling card, which is assigned to the “work” line, and in such case identifying the “work” calling card may be sufficient). Each record324will also include a phone number506associated with the calling card, to be called when initiating the calling card service, and authentication data508(often in the form of a password, but which may also include account numbers, etc.) which may be required by (and hence, communicated to) the calling card service for authentication. In the exemplary data, two different calling cards506in the set are combined with the same outgoing line502(“Line No.1”). However, it should also be understood that a calling card506may be associated with more than one outgoing line502. For example, if the mobile device100is provided with multiple “work” related lines, the same “work” calling card may be used for all such “work” lines.

Referring toFIG. 7D, illustrated therein is a screenshot of a user interface screen760as may be presented to a user and showing the exemplary calling card records324data ofFIG. 5as may be stored in the calling card database322. The user may also cause a pop-up calling card modification menu770to be displayed. For example, the user may depress or otherwise select the menu key771while the calling card screen760is displayed, to cause the calling card modification menu770to be displayed and enable the user to “Add”772new calling card record324data or otherwise modify and “Save”774calling card record324data. As will be understood, the menu key771may be in the form of a physical button or keys or be a soft key displayed on the display110.

Referring now toFIG. 6, a flowchart illustrating steps of a method in accordance with at least one embodiment, is shown generally as600. The method is performed on a mobile device having a plurality of communication lines on which outgoing calls may be made, and provides a user interface for selecting an outgoing line on which outgoing calls may be made and a calling card to be used (if any) in making an outgoing call to a desired phone number. The set of at least one calling card is provided and the corresponding calling card data is stored in the calling card records324as discussed above in relation toFIG. 5. Additional details of some of the features described below in respect of the steps of method600may be described elsewhere in the present specification. Referring now also toFIGS. 7A to 7C, illustrated therein are screenshots of a user interface provided to a user in one example implementation of an embodiment of the method ofFIG. 6.

In one embodiment, the steps of method600are performed at the mobile device by an application (e.g. phone application module316ofFIG. 4) that typically executes and resides on the CPU of the mobile device (e.g. mobile device100ofFIG. 1). The application need not be a stand-alone application, and the functionality described herein may be implemented in one or more applications executing and residing on the mobile device100.

At Block610(shown inFIG. 6), a call screen (such as screen700illustrated inFIG. 7A) is displayed to the user on a display (e.g. display110ofFIG. 1) of the mobile device100. A user may access the call screen when the user wishes to initiate an outgoing call. This may require first activating a phone application or other application on the mobile device100, by selecting a corresponding item or icon from a menu or home screen, for example (such as phone button701). As noted previously, the mobile device100provides access to multiple communication lines on which outgoing calls may be placed.

InFIG. 7A, screenshot700illustrates a user interface displayed in a display110of a mobile device100(shown inFIG. 1), namely a call screen from which the user can place outgoing calls. Call screen700is displayed to the user, awaiting user input (e.g. a number to be dialed). A number entry field702is provided, and cursor704is settled within number entry field702, indicating that the user may provide a call number (e.g. using a keyboard or keypad). General indicators may be displayed on call screen700, including for example, time706, date (not shown), network indicator710, signal strength712, battery strength714, alarm indicator (not shown), service provider indicator (not shown), ringer indicator (not shown), and/or Bluetooth™ indicator (not shown).

A first line identifier740identifying a first of the multiple calling card/communication line combinations available on the mobile device100is displayed in a first display field742(“active calling card/line display field”) of the call screen700. The first display field742may be referred to as a “My Number” field or a “phone status” field, and data740displayed therein identifies the active line and calling card combination, allowing the user to quickly identify the line on which an outgoing call will be placed and a calling card which will be used should the user choose to initiate such a call.

The data740identifying the active calling card/outgoing line combination may comprise a telephone number associated with the active calling card/line, but may alternatively or additionally comprise some other calling card/line identifier(s), such as, for example, one or more aliases, identifiers and/or other descriptors (e.g. “Mobile Line”, “Work Line”, “Alternate Line”), which may be user-defined.

At Block612(shown inFIG. 6), the mobile device100may scan or wait for call screen interaction by the user. As will be understood, such scanning or writing may be active or passive.

Subsequently, an input or other call screen interaction by the user may be detected. For example, such call screen interaction may involve the movement of a selection element (e.g. a highlight bar, pointer, cursor704, or other means to identify and select menu or list items). The selection element may be re-positioned at the direction of the user, using an input device such as a thumb wheel, track ball, keyboard, mouse, touchpad or other input device. For example, the user may use a track ball on the mobile device100, where provided, to manipulate a highlight bar shown in the call screen600.

Alternatively, call screen interaction may be detected when a selection element (e.g. a highlight bar, pointer, cursor704, or other means to identify and select menu or list items) displayed on the call screen700has been moved into the first display field742. For example, by rotating the track ball, a highlight bar may be re-positioned to highlight the data740displayed in the first display field742(e.g. the telephone number associated with the active line) of the call screen700. Alternatively, the detected call screen interaction may involve movement of a selection element into the outgoing call input or number entry field702. Yet other call screen interaction which may be detected for example may involve the inputting of a telephone number in the number entry field702by the user in order to initiate an outgoing call.

At Block614(shown inFIG. 6), in some embodiments upon detection of call screen interaction, as illustrated inFIG. 7B, a line selection menu750is displayed on the display. The line selection menu750comprises a plurality of card/line identifiers740, each uniquely identifying a corresponding combination of a communication line on which the user may place or make an outgoing call (or receive an incoming call) and calling card324to be used in making any outgoing call. Card/line identifiers740identifying at least a subset of the multiple communication line/calling card combinations available on the mobile device100(including “combinations” in which no calling card is identified) are displayed on the line selection menu750. In the example illustrated inFIG. 7B, the line selection menu750identifies communication lines “Line1” and “Line2” which are not combined with a calling card (and hence, if selected, would not utilize a calling card for outgoing calls), together with various other exemplary calling card/line combinations discussed previously with respect to the calling card records324illustrated inFIG. 5available on the example embodiment of the mobile device100.

In some embodiments, as an alternative to immediately displaying the line selection menu750upon detection of call screen interaction, at Block613(shown inFIG. 6), the call screen700might first prompt for a line change instruction. In order for the line selection menu750to be displayed at Block614(shown inFIG. 6), the user may then input a “change line” (or “change card/line”) command. For example, the user may depress the track wheel or track ball while a “Change Line” comment is displayed, to enter the “change line command” and cause the line selection menu650to be displayed.

At Block616(shown inFIG. 6), the user may select an alternate card/communication line combination. A selection element (e.g. a highlight bar, pointer, cursor, or other means to identify and select menu or list items) may be displayed within the line selection menu750and may be repositioned at the direction of the user, using an input device such as a thumb wheel, track ball, keyboard, mouse, touch pad, touch screen or other input device. For example, the user may use a track ball on mobile device100, where provided, to manipulate a highlight bar shown in the display110. In particular, by rotating the track ball in this example, the highlight bar may be re-positioned to highlight the line identifier740associated with a particular communication line/card combination displayed in the line selection menu750. Once the user highlights a desired communication line/card combination, by manipulating the track ball so that the highlight bar settles on the corresponding card/line identifier740, the user may then take further action. For example, the user may depress the track ball to select the desired calling card/communication line combination.

At Block618(shown inFIG. 6), upon selection of a different calling card/communication line combination, the first display field742is updated with data740identifying the user-selected calling card/communication line combination. Accordingly, the user-selected calling card/communication line combination is identified to the user as the current active “line” on which outgoing calls will be placed (and calling card to be used, if any). In the example illustrated inFIG. 7C, the “Personal Calling Card” calling card/line combination (as identified inFIG. 5) has been selected in Block616(shown inFIG. 6), which has become the currently active line on which outgoing calls will be placed (and calling card will be used as necessary).

At Block620(shown inFIG. 6), the telephone call is initiated on the active communication line (of the active calling card/line combination), via the appropriate calling card service. As previously noted, the user may input (or otherwise cause the mobile device100to receive) the desired telephone number of the party the user wishes to call (Block622), for example by manually entering the telephone number within the number entry field702or by selecting a previously stored number utilizing the address book module312.

At Block624, the phone application module316may place a call to the calling card service, if necessary, by placing a call to the calling card phone number506of the calling card504in the active calling card/line combination, on the corresponding outgoing line. The phone application module316may be programmed to determine if use of a calling card service is not required (eg. if the phone call is to a local exchange). At Block626, the phone application module316may then communicate any required authentication data508to the calling card service over the telephone call. At Block628, the phone application module316may also communicate the desired telephone number of the party the user wishes to call to the calling card service over the telephone call, so that the calling card service may establish the necessary communication link to the desired telephone number. As illustrated by the dotted line, in some embodiments or instances, the user may initiate a call as discussed in relation to Block620, without changing the previously-determined active calling card/line combination (discussed in relation to Blocks616-618).

In some embodiments, the calling card/line combination740and phone application module316/calling card management module320may be configured to enable other applications to transparently initiate outgoing long-distance phone calls on the active “line” (representing a card/line combination740) without such other applications needing to “know” that (or be configured to utilize) a calling card service will be used in making such a call. Accordingly, a call may be initiated from an address book, speed dial, voice activated dialing, document hyperlink or external car kit, and any such call will utilize the calling card/line combination740. As will be understood, the phone application module316/calling card management module320may be configured such that users may not be required to implement (and hence learn) a different calling procedure to implement a “calling card” call as contrasted with implementing a non-calling card call. Further a user is not required to access a separate or additional “calling card” application (in addition to a phone application) if a calling card is to be used.

It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that the features of the user interfaces illustrated with reference to the example screenshots described herein are provided by way of example only. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that variations are possible in variant implementations and embodiments.

The steps of a method of providing a user interface that facilitates user selection of a communication line for an outgoing call on a mobile device in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein may be provided as executable software instructions stored on computer-readable media, which may include transmission-type media.

The disclosure has been described with regard to a number of embodiments. However, it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims appended hereto.