Single wireless communication device with multiple, concurrent subscriber number capability

A wireless communication device, a method, and a computer program product that enable multiple subscriber numbers to be concurrently assigned to and supported within a single communication device, such as a wireless/cellular phone. The communication device is designed with circuit components and logic that allows two or more subscriber numbers to be concurrently programmed into the device. Each subscriber number is individually supported, with the logic also providing some overlapping functionality. A user selectively utilizes one of the subscriber numbers to originate a new call out and/or accept an incoming call to that subscriber number and may toggle between subscriber numbers to communicate on.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to wireless devices and more specifically to wireless telecommunications devices. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a wireless telecommunications device with multiple subscriber numbers and method for designing, configuring, and utilizing the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

Wireless communication is growing at a tremendous pace. Wireless (or cellular) phone use, in particular, has been escalating in most countries across the world. Having an individual cell phone is becoming almost a necessity in major cities. Having a cellular phone enables a person to be reachable/accessible for communication by clients, co-workers, family, and others with the device's phone number. A cellular phone also provides the user the flexibility of remaining in/initiating phone communication at all times, regardless of his/her geographic/physical location.

In today's business world, a cellular phone is becoming a required business tool, and many companies provide their employees or executives with a wireless phone for business use. Other employees may simply purchase the phone themselves having recognized the importance of having a business point of contact while out of the (oftentimes virtual) office. This is particularly true in the mobile business world where business people conduct business while out of the traditional office and thus have to carry around a business cellular phone (or other mobile devices, such as a PDA or Blackberry with cellular phone capabilities) to conduct business on the go. Occasionally, also, a business person may work for (or own) more than one business, thus requires a separate cellular phone for each business.

In addition to the escalating business use of cellular phones, an even larger segment of the global population utilizes cellular phones for personal use. Typically, most users of cellular phones purchase a personal cell phone that is used for personal calls. When these users are also business men/women, the user may purchase a separate phone device (or receive one form their business), which is a business cellular phone utilized solely/primarily for business. Thus, it is not uncommon for a business person to have two cellular phones, a first business phone dedicated to business calls and a second personal phone utilized for personal calls (or alternatively, a second business phone when the person works for (or owns) two businesses). Each phone has a different number and may be provided by different service providers (e.g., Sprint®, AT&T®, Cingular®, TMobile®). Having two phones is necessary when the business phone is dedicated solely for business use only, and the person desires to have a separate means of wireless communication with other non-business contacts (family, friends, etc.). For example, in some instances, when the cellular phone is owned or controlled by the business, the business promulgates specific rules and restrictions on the utilization of the business phone for anything other than business-related calls.

Additionally, certain business calls are required to be expensed to a client or the business unit. When a single phone (i.e., phone number) is utilized for both personal and business calls, the task of expensing calls become increasingly more difficult and involves tedious analysis of the calls made and received to separate out personal calls, average the cost of the calls across the ratios of personal to business calls and other calculations. For most business persons, the headaches of performing this monthly calculation leads them to obtain and carry around two phones, with one dedicated solely to business calls so that the monthly task of expensing calls becomes substantially easier.

Travelers to different countries, whether on business or pleasure, frequently desire to have a local phone number while away. Today, obtaining a local cellular number in another country requires either a purchase of a new cell phone configured with a local number for that country or purchase of a local number subscriber identity module (SIM) (interchangeably referred to hereinafter as both SIM and subscriber module) to insert into the user's cellular phone. For example, with (“unlocked”) Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) phones or phones that require an insertable/removable subscriber module to operate, the user may utilized his current cellular phone, but has to replace the subscriber module (with the home location's telephone number—“home module”) with a subscriber module obtained in that foreign country (“foreign module”). Because most countries outside of the United States operate a GSM-based cellular phone system, which requires insertion of a SIM in the cellular phone/wireless device, cell phone users are familiar with the use of relatively-inexpensive, local-number SIMs when traveling outside of the United States.

For users whose personal phone is a quad band or higher band GSM-configured device, obtaining the local number simply involves removing the home module and replacing it with the foreign module having the local foreign number. However, once the home module is removed, no calls being made to the cellular number of the person's home module can be received on the cellular phone. When the home module contains the business number, the user effectively shuts down/off his business number. For most business persons who wish to continue conducting business across national boundaries with the business number, but who also wants access to a local foreign number (perhaps to conduct local business transactions without incurring the substantial costs of inter-territorial cellular fees), this is not a desired outcome. Even more worrisome, however, is the ease at which the subscriber module may be lost or misplaced once removed from the cellular phone. Thus, removing the subscriber module of a business number (or personal number, for that matter) may lead to much angst and significant costs if the SIM card has to be replaced on return to the person's home country.

Thus, most business travelers opt to purchase (or rent) another cellular phone that is utilized for supporting the foreign local number, while keeping their separate personal/business phone. Notably, for persons with CDMA-configured devices in the United States (e.g., those persons using Sprint or other CDMA carriers), accessing wireless/cellular communication outside of the United States requires purchase of a new GSM-capable device in the foreign country.

Having to carry around and communicate over two separate cellular phones with two different numbers is cumbersome and may occasionally lead to confusion. For example, when the personal phone rings while on the business phone, there is no automatic way to mute the rings from the personal phone while completing the business call on the business phone. When the calls are received in the reverse (personal then business), the person may have to ask the personal caller to hold on while answering the business call on the business phone, risking the personal caller overhearing the business conversation. Measures to locate the other phone, mute or answer the other phone, and transition from one phone to another requires some ambidexterity, perhaps while conducting an important business conversation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed are a wireless communication device, a method, and a computer program product that enable multiple subscriber numbers to be concurrently assigned to and supported within a single communication device, such as a wireless/cellular phone. The communication device is designed with circuit components and logic that allows two or more subscriber numbers to be concurrently programmed into the device. Each subscriber number is individually supported, with the logic also providing some overlapping functionality. A user selectively utilizes one of the subscriber numbers to originate a new call out and/or accept an incoming call to that subscriber number and may toggle between subscriber numbers to communicate on.

The multiple subscriber numbers co-exist on a single wireless communication device. Specific multiple number single device (MNSD) hardware and firmware and software are provided to bridge communications between the circuit components that enable wireless communications by respective subscriber numbers. An MNSD utility controls which circuit components are utilized for connecting a cellular phone communication, where specific, different circuit components are assigned to support communication by the specific subscriber number.

The communication device has an external casing with a display screen and alphanumeric keypad. In one embodiment, the circuit components of the various numbers are fabricated/coupled to a single chassis, while in another embodiment, one or more each of the different sets of circuit components (for the different subscriber numbers) is fabricated on a different chassis within the device with both chasses coupled to a central processing module. In each case, the chassis or chasses are placed within the exterior casing that provides the interface mechanism for a user to access the communication features of the device. The interface mechanism comprises a graphical user interface and a numeric keypad.

When each subscriber number has a different set of circuit components, both sets may comprise a different antenna, such that multiple antennae exist within (or extrude from) the exterior casing. A first wireless circuit provides a first subscriber (cellular) number, and a second (or subsequent) circuit(s) provides a second, third, or higher-number cellular phone number(s). With the above configuration of multiple (i.e., two or more) wireless circuits, the user of the single device is provided multiple subscriber numbers for independent utilization, rather than having two or more conventional (single-number) cell phones.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the communication device has one or more buttons that enable a user to physically switch on (or off) or toggle between which one of the wireless circuits (and/or associated number) the user desires to use. In one embodiment, the button(s) are located on the side of the phone and provide a visual indication (on the device's display screen) to the user which number is currently active (and/or inactive). In another embodiment, selection of the phone numbers and switching on and off are controlled by a menu selection enabled by the MNSD utility.

The MNSD utility includes the software logic (e.g., in the form of instruction code) that enables all of the functionality of a MNSD phone. Several of these functionality are provided by selectively displaying a menu function that, when selected by the user, provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for: (1) enabling set-up of the various numbers on the cellular phone; (2) enabling set-up/selection of a primary number from among the available numbers; (3) enabling/disabling particular ones of the numbers (useful when traveling outside of usage area for a number to avoid roaming and other charges or interference with different frequency signals when in another country, for example); and (4) setting up call waiting; voicemail; and other phone options for each number individually and/or relative to each other. In one embodiment, the displayed menu option may be for the subscriber number that is currently active.

The MNSD utility also allows the user to program different rings for each number so that the rings are distinguishable to the user, who can easily make an association of whether a call is business or personal based on the audible ring. The user does not have to physically pick up and view the phone (or run to the phone if located at a distance away) to know if the call being received is a business call or a personal call or a call to a first business or a second business. The user may thus elect not to answer a particular type (business or personal) call based on the type of ring.

The MNSD utility also displays via the (GUI on the) display device an indication of which particular phone number is currently being utilized or is set as a primary number. The MNSD utility also enables a call waiting functionality, whereby an incoming call on a first/primary (or second/secondary) number is indicated on the display device along with a specific notification to which subscriber number the incoming call is being received for. In this way, an incoming call on the same subscriber number would be distinguished from an incoming call on the other subscriber number. This enables the user to selectively determine whether to answer the incoming call.

For simplicity, the description of the invention shall focus on a single device with two numbers, i.e., a dual number single device (DNSD) cellular phone, although the functionality provided by the invention is applicable to (any number) multiple number single device (MNSD) cellular phone. When the cellular phone supports two different numbers, one number is considered a primary number and the other number a secondary number. The primary number designation allows that number to be given priority when access to both numbers is being arbitrated for.

In one embodiment also, each subscriber number of the DNSD cellular phone is Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)-based, leading to a nomenclature that identifies the type of cellular system supported by the subscriber numbers, (e.g., DNSD-G2 cellular phones). With a DNSD-G2 phone, the first subscriber number (which may be associated with a first GSM-based circuit or circuit components, where multiple circuits are provided) is programmed within a first subscriber module that is inserted into a corresponding card slot on the circuit board. The second subscriber number, likewise associated with a second GSM-based circuit is programmed on a second subscriber module that is placed in a second card slot on the circuit board.

One embodiment of the invention also provides a single combined-circuit in which a single enhanced GSM-based circuit provides two card slots for individual plug-in of the first and second subscriber modules. Notably, with either implementation, the cellular device does not have to contain both subscriber modules (or programmed with both subscriber numbers), as the device is fully functional as a single subscriber number device (as with conventional devices). The user may, however, choose to provide the second subscriber number on the same device by simply activating a second service and inserting a second subscriber module into the next card slot.

In yet another embodiment, a single, multiple-number subscriber module that is itself programmed to provide support multiple numbers concurrently may be inserted within the cellular device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

Disclosed are a wireless communication device, a method, and a computer program product that enable multiple subscriber numbers to be concurrently assigned to and supported within a single communication device, such as a wireless/cellular phone. For simplicity of description, the communication device shall be hereinafter described as a cellular phone. However, those skilled in the art appreciate that the described features of the invention and equivalents thereof are applicable to other types of wireless/cellular communication devices. That is, various types of wireless devices are currently utilized to provide wireless communication and these devices may be referred to by a different name (other than a cell phone). For example, wireless device may be a Blackberry®, PDA, mobile computer, smart-phone, and the like.

Generally, the communication device is designed with circuit components and logic that allows two or more subscriber numbers to be concurrently programmed into the device. Each subscriber number is individually supported, with the logic also providing some overlapping functionality. A user selectively utilizes one of the subscriber numbers to originate a new call out and/or accept an incoming call to that subscriber number and may toggle between subscriber numbers to communicate on.

The multiple subscriber numbers co-exist on a single wireless communication device. Specific multiple number single device (MNSD) hardware and firmware and software are provided to bridge communications between the circuit components that enable wireless communications by respective subscriber numbers. An MNSD utility controls which circuit components are utilized for connecting a cellular phone communication, where specific, different circuit components are assigned to support communication by the specific subscriber number.

Within the description below, like elements are provided like numbers, while similar elements that are unique within a later figure are provided a different leading numeral (e.g., 1xx, 2xx). The specific illustrations and descriptions thereof are however meant solely for illustration and are not meant to imply any limitations on the invention, which is applicable to the disclosed embodiments and any/all equivalents thereof. Sectional headings are provided to delineate sections within the overall flow of the description. These headings are not meant to be limiting on the invention and do not restrict the description in the particular section to solely those features associated with or suggested by the specific headings.

With reference now to the Figures, and in particular with reference toFIGS. 1A-1B, which illustrate a front and side exterior view of an example MNSD cellular phone according to embodiments of the invention. As stated above, MNSD wireless communication devices are illustrated and described as cellular phones (particularly DNSD cell phones100).

For simplicity, the description of the invention shall focus on a single device with two numbers, i.e., a dual number single device (DNSD) cellular phone, although the functionality provided by the invention is applicable to (any number) multiple number single device (MNSD) cellular phone. When the cellular phone supports two different numbers, one number is considered a primary number and the other number a secondary number. The primary number designation allows that number to be given priority when access to both numbers is being arbitrated for.

Further, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)-based cell phones (i.e., phones operating under/via GSM communication standards). However, the described features of the invention are not limited to these specific embodiments. The transmission system may be CDMA or TDMA, for example, other than GSM, and besides cell phones, mobile terminals supporting voice communication may be used. Additionally, the following described embodiments are suitable for mobile phones compatible with both a voice communication mode, in which a relatively small amount of data is used, and a data communication mode, in which the amount of data is likely to be large.

FIG. 1Aillustrates the exterior view of DNSD cell phone100, which comprises similar components as several conventional cell phones. For example, DNSD cell phone100comprises external casing105, display screen110, alphanumeric keypad115, function buttons120, select buttons125, side control buttons130, and others. DNSD cell phone100also comprises speaker135, microphone140, and camera lens145. Additionally, in the illustrative embodiment, DNSD cell phone100comprises subscriber number select (SNS) button150that enables a user to physically toggle between the various subscriber numbers available. SNS button150may be utilize to switch on (or off) or disable one of the wireless circuits (and associated subscriber number) via a sequence of steps illustrated atFIG. 3and described below. In the illustrative embodiment, SNS button150is located on the side of the phone.

This side location is more clearly illustrated byFIG. 1B, which shows a side view of MNSD cell phone100with antennae111/113extended. While antennae111/113are illustrated as external antennae, the invention is equally applicable to configurations/designs that provide internal antennae and/or a single antenna that supports both subscriber numbers. SNS button150is illustrated at the middle, right side of the top portion of MNSD cell phone100, however, it is understood that the location of SNS button150may vary from device to device. For example, one embodiment provides SNS button150as one of the select buttons125, which doubles as “number select/switch” button when provided in that configuration.FIG. 1Cillustrates an example embodiment of this configuration.FIG. 1Calso illustrates a display screen110displaying both subscriber number1160and subscriber number2162, according to one embodiment.FIG. 1Calso illustrates SNS button150may be replaced by a selectable menu item, where the functionality of an SNS button is provided virtually.

FIG. 3illustrates the process by which SNS button150or functionality associated with such a feature is completed. As shown byFIG. 3, when the user selects (or depresses) SNS button150(block302), an internal function is activated to provide a visual indication on the display screen110(block304) to the user which number is currently active (defaulted for further user action). Any user activity detected (at determination block306) is conducted/carried out on the subscriber number that is currently active (and displayed), as shown at block308.

Following a determination is made at block310, whether an incoming call is received on the next number. When a call is received, the user is able to toggle to the next call as shown at block312and then toggle back to the original call, as indicated at block314using one of the toggle functions provided. Specific DNSD hardware/firmware/software is provided to bridge communications between the two circuits and control which one of the wireless circuits is being utilized for connecting a cellular phone transmission, etc.

A user select input causes selection logic to select between first subscriber number (represented by SIM1250) and second subscriber number (SIM2252), selectively turning one number on and the other number off. Of course, other embodiments are contemplated wherein both numbers are simultaneously “on” where the selection merely selects which one to enable the user to access.

Returning toFIG. 3, the next detected user functions are monitored for specific last-call related functions, as shown at block316. If the user selects/depresses the SNS button150again (as determined at block318), the next available number is displayed on display screen (block304). In one embodiment, selection of the subscriber phone numbers and switching on and off and other available features are controlled by an internal MNSD/DNSD utility, described below.

With reference now toFIGS. 2A-2E, there are provided multiple different configurations of the internal circuitry (or circuit components) of an example DNSD cell phone100. InFIG. 2A, some basic circuit components are provided, whileFIGS. 2B-2Dillustrates the relative configuration (side-by-side/overlapping) of the circuits representing both subscriber numbers of a DNSD cell phone100. Within the figures, like elements are occasionally numbered alike, with the addition of a subscripted alpha character to differentiate duplicate elements of the second circuit, (i.e., element1XXain circuit A, element1XXb in circuit B).

The circuitry presented herein, particularly that illustrated byFIG. 2Ais merely for illustration and covers only one type of circuit configuration for a cell phone. The invention is equally applicable to other configurations of cell phone devices, including existing configurations and other configurations that may be developed. Key among the configuration is the overlapping of control and other functions via an MNSD utility executing within the central processor.

Referring now to the figure, internal circuit of DNSD cell phone100comprises two circuits, circuit A210and circuit B250coupled to a central processor145via a DNSD switching facility147controlled by central processor145. DNSD cell phone100comprises at its core a baseband digital signal processor (DSP)202for handling the cellular communication functions and an applications processor204on which the menu and other coded applications (e.g., an operating system) executes/runs.

Antennae111and113are respectively connected to communications module206A and206B, which in this embodiment, each support a respective subscriber number, as will be described further below. Example communications module206A comprises circuitry for completing wireless communication (transmit and receive digital—voice and data—signals) via antenna111, including for example, RF transceiver208and power amplifier module210. In the illustrative embodiment, communications modules206A/B are coupled to an MNSD switch circuit262that enables switching between one communications module or the next based on which subscriber number is currently active. DSP202is coupled to an interface ASIC214and an audio CODEC216, which provide interfaces to a speaker, a microphone, and other input/output devices provided in the cell phone100such as a numeric or alphanumeric keypad (not shown) for entering commands and information.

DSP202uses a flash memory218for code store, and flash memory is enhanced with code for MNSD utility260. In alternate embodiments, the code for MNSD utility260may be stored in (or distributed among) other storage modules within cell phone100. Cell phone200is powered by Li-Ion (lithium-ion) battery220, and a power management module222coupled to DSP202manages power consumption within cell phone100. In one embodiment, power management is utilized to effectively shut down power to the circuit components/elements of the subscriber number not currently being utilized. When active communication is occurring on one subscriber number, the power management shuts down or causes the elements of the other subscriber number to go into a low power hibernation state to avoid any cross talk or interference. The response may be triggered by the MNSD utility which controls all multi-number functionality of the MNSD cell phone100.

SDRAM224and flash memory226provide volatile and non-volatile memory, respectively, for applications processor204. This arrangement of memory holds the code for the operating system, the code for customizable features such as the phone directory, and the code for any embedded applications software in the cell phone (perhaps including MNSD utility, in an alternate embodiment).

All of the above-described components are packaged within an appropriately designed external housing/casing105. Other components may be present within cell phone100and alternatively, cell phone may comprise different configuration of components than those illustrated herein. For example, cell phone100may also include a visual display device (LCD display) with associated driver and a clock module. Interface mechanisms comprising a graphical user interface (via LCD display) and an alphanumeric keypad are appropriately designed to support the MNSD functionality.

As illustrated, rather than provide two separate circuits for each of the two subscriber numbers, the enhanced design of a MNSD phone utilizes a single element/component to support functional features that can be arbitrated for (i.e., selectively assigned to one or the other subscriber number. For example, a single battery, memory, flash memory, SDRAM, clock, and other elements may be provided to support both subscriber numbers. Overlapping elements reduces the size, power consumption, and efficiency of DNSD cell phone100. Of course, alternate embodiments may be provided that separates the major processing, power and other functions for each subscriber number.

Advanced designs provide a single circuit with interconnected circuit components that support two or more numbers within a single complete circuit configuration. Regardless of the configuration of the multiple circuit elements, the circuits are each controlled by a central processor that links to the SIM cards (for GSM circuits, for example) and execute the code provided by a DNSD utility, described below.

As illustrated byFIGS. 2B-2E, the internal circuits are arranged in any one of a number of configurations, preferably selected to enable the least amount of circuit-to-circuit interference (or noise attenuation) given the desire for smaller, more-compact cellular phone devices. Thus,FIG. 2Billustrates one embodiment where the first and second subscriber number circuits are located in a vertical configuration relative to each other (i.e., one vertically above the other on a single circuit board, with/without overlap of main circuit components).FIG. 2Cillustrates a second embodiment in which the circuits are arranged front and back of each other on separate circuit boards. With this configuration, a thin insulating barrier (or other method) may be provided to separate the main circuit components from each other and reduce cross-talk/noise effects as both circuits are operating.

As shown inFIG. 2B, in one embodiment, the circuit components are fabricated/coupled to a single chassis270, with two sub-circuits280/282each providing specific support for one of the subscriber numbers and a card slot246/248for inserting respective SIMs250/252. In another embodiment, as illustrated byFIG. 2C, a different set of circuit components are provided for each subscriber number and may be provided on separate chasses270/275within the cell phone100. In each case, the chassis or chasses are placed within an exterior casing105that provides access to each SIM slot for insertion of a corresponding SIM for the subscriber number.

As further shown byFIGS. 2A,2B and2C when each subscriber number has a different set of circuit components, both subscriber numbers may complete their communications via a different antenna, such that multiple antennae are provided within cell phone, each supporting a particular subscriber number circuit. However, as illustrated byFIGS. 2D and 2E, alternate embodiments may be provided in which a single antenna is utilized to support wireless transceiver functions for both circuits.

The invention is applicable to both CDMA-configured and GSM-configured (or other wireless-configuration, e.g., TDMA) wireless devices, with different combinations of these types of wireless phone circuitry possible within each phone. Thus a DNSD wireless phone may comprise multiple CDMAs circuits (CDMA1-CDMA2), multiple GSM circuits (GSM1-GSM2) or some combination of CDMA and GSM wireless circuits (CDMA-GSM) or (GSM-CDMA), for example. Each type of circuit is programmed for subscriber numbers according to conventional programming methods. However, when both a CDMA and GSM circuit is provided within the DNSD phone, the GSM circuit receives its programming via a SIM, as described below. In one implementation, the CDMA-GSM DNSD cellular phone may only utilize one of the two transmission types at a time. Thus CDMA functionality is automatically placed in a hibernation-mode while a GSM connected call is in process, and vice versa. In another embodiment, exactly the converse may be implemented, whereby both a GSM-connected call and a CDMA-connected call are allowed simultaneously since both utilize different transmission medium.

For simplicity, certain embodiments of the invention are described with reference to a DNSD GSM1-GSM2cellular phone (hereinafter DNSD-G2, representing the type of device (DNSD), the type of wireless circuitry and transmission network protocol (GSM) and the number of subscriber numbers supported (2)); However, the majority of the functional features provided with the description of this configuration are also applicable to the other possible types of paired wireless circuit configurations.

With DNSD-G2, the first subscriber number (perhaps associated with the first GSM-based circuit, where multiple circuits are utilized) is provided via a first SIM250inserted into a corresponding SIM slot/port246/248. The second subscriber number, likewise associated with the second GSM-based circuit is provided by a second SIM252. The invention also provides a single combined circuit embodiment in which a single enhanced GSM circuit provides two SIM ports for individual plug-in of a first and second SIM card (seeFIG. 1). Notably, with either implementation, operation of one subscriber number on the cell phone does not require both subscriber numbers be activated within the phone, and the phone is fully functional as a single number device (as with conventional cell phones). A user of the DNSD phone may choose to provide a second subscriber number on the same phone by simply activating a second service and/or inserting a SIM with a different subscriber number in the second SIM port246/248.

Dual Number Single SIM (DNSS)

In yet another embodiment, a single subscriber module may be provided that is itself programmed to support/enable multiple subscriber numbers. Since the SIM card is a circuit that operates as the functional subscriber configuration logic for the particular phone in which it is inserted, a dual SIM function card provides two separate subscriber configuration functions as described below. As shown byFIG. 4B, Dual-number SIM (D-SIM)400includes programmable logic405for supporting a first subscriber number. Additionally, D-SIM400also comprises second programmable logic407for supporting a second subscriber number. Programmable logic405/405′ may be a single logic block with code required to support both subscriber numbers410/415. Thus, unlike the two SIMs ofFIG. 4Arequired for the above described DNSD phones, a single D-SIM400is placed within enhanced DSND-G2 phone405ofFIG. 4C, which is designed with a SIM slot446to receive a special subscriber module configured similarly to D-SIM400.

In one embodiment, D-SIM400is the same shape and size as a conventional SIM allowing D-SIM400to be utilized within a conventional cellular phone device. When D-SIM400is inserted into the cellular phone, however, the control logic of the cellular device may required additional software or software upgrade to a special dual number support control logic (MNSD D-SIM utility460) to enable the cellular phone to access one (or both) of the subscriber numbers (and associated dual number functionality) available on D-SIM400. In such circumstances, only a first number is initially activated on the cellular phone when D-SIM400is inserted into a SIM slot of a DNSD cellular phone without the associated D-SIM support software upgrade. Thus the D-SIM may be programmed with a first subscriber number when purchased but is later programmed for the second subscriber number post-purchase. This enables the user to decide which service to utilize for the second built in SIM at the time the user desires to activate the second number.

Primary Number Designation and Support

With the two circuits or single circuit supporting two different numbers, one subscriber number is considered a primary number and the other number a secondary number, in one embodiment. The primary number designation allows that number to be given priority when access to both numbers is being arbitrated for. That is the primary number functions are considered default functions and are displayed on the cellular phone display. These primary number functions may override those of the secondary number functions when calls are simultaneously received for both subscriber numbers. In such instances, the designated primary number rings while the voicemail option of the secondary number may be automatically triggered. Thus, the call being received by the secondary number is sent directly to voicemail when the primary number is being utilized to conduct a present communication or is receiving a call.

In one embodiment, a user designates which number is the primary number. For example, the user may designate a number at which business calls are received as the primary number with the number receiving personal calls designated as the secondary number. Further, the user receives an automatic signal of incoming calls on the primary number when the user is on a call using the secondary number. Conversely, calls received on the secondary number (e.g., personal calls) are routed directly to voicemail while the user is on a call with the primary number. In one embodiment, the number assigned to the first circuit is automatically marked as the primary number (also referred to herein as the “active” number). As later described, one embodiment allows the user to designate, by menu selection, which number is the primary number and which number is the secondary number, as well as set/establish other options in handling both numbers.

Functionality and Features

Notably, various features of the invention are provided as software code stored within memory or other storage and executed by processor(s) of the cell phone. For simplicity, the collective body of code that enables the MNSD features are referred to herein as MNSD/DNSD utility. As utilized herein, a utility may be a hardware utility or software utility or a combination of both hardware and software components. In actual implementation, the MNSD utility may be added to existing menu and functional code to provide the support and functions associated with having multiple subscriber numbers on a single device.

Although not required, certain features of the invention are described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a processor of the cell phone. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.

MNSD utility includes the logic (perhaps in the form of instruction code) that enables all of the functionality of a MNSD phone, some of which are user accessible via alphanumeric keypad, other selection buttons. MNSD logic further provides a menu option/function that, when selected, provides a graphical user interface (GUI) on the display device of the cell phone, which further supports completion by the user of several other functions, including: (1) enabling set-up of the various numbers on the cellular phone; (2) enabling set-up/selection of a primary number from among the available numbers; (3) enabling/disabling particular ones of the numbers (useful when traveling outside of usage area for a number to avoid roaming and other charges or interference with different frequency signals when in another country, for example); (4) setting up call waiting; voicemail; and (5) other phone options for each number individually and/or relative to each other, as described herein. In one embodiment, the displayed menu option may provide selections for only the subscriber number that is currently active.

In one embodiment, DNSD utility also enables a user defined identification of each phone number for use when displaying a received call. For example, a user who has two businesses may utilize the single phone, with each number assigned to a separate one of the two businesses. The user then programs the first number as business1 (e.g., “realty business”) and the second number as business2 (e.g., “personal trainer”). Calls received on the number related to the business1 causes the utility to generate a display of “realty business” on the display screen, while calls received for business2 are appropriately signaled with a display of “personal training.”

The MNSD utility also allows the user to program different rings for each number so that the rings are distinguishable to the user, who can easily make an association of whether a call is business or personal based on the audible ring. The user does not have to physically pick up and view the phone (or run to the phone if located at a distance away) to know if the call being received is a business call or a personal call or a call to a first business or a second business. The user may thus elect not to answer a particular type (business or personal) call based on the type of ring.

In one embodiment, MNSD utility also displays via the (GUI on the) display device an indication of which particular phone number is currently being utilized or is set as a primary number. The MNSD utility also enables a call waiting functionality, whereby an incoming call on a first/primary (or second/secondary) number is indicated on the display device along with a specific notification to which subscriber number the incoming call is being received for. In this way, an incoming call on the same subscriber number would be distinguished from an incoming call on the other subscriber number. This enables the user to selectively determine whether to answer the incoming call.

In one implementation, the user selects which one of the numbers to utilized when placing a call from the cell phone. Once that number is selected, the dialed number indicates (via caller ID) the call is being made for that particular number (rather than the second number), and the user's cell phone also indicates to the user that the call is being made by that number. Similarly, when a call is received, the display indicates which one of the numbers is being called, so that the user is made aware whether the call is to the first subscriber number or to the second subscriber number.

Another functionality of the DNSD utility enables the user to place one of the phone numbers in a hibernation state so that all calls received for that number during a preset time period are instantly sent to the voicemail associated with that phone number. In this manner, a number that is a personal number may be placed in hibernation mode during business hours. Also, the functionality that allows for call waiting may be limited to permit call waiting while using the personal number if a subsequent business call is received on the business number. Call waiting is however disabled when on the business number if a call is received by the personal subscriber number.

Handling Incoming Calls

Referring now toFIGS. 5A and 5B, there are illustrated two flow charts of alternate methods by which DNSD utility responds to receipt of an incoming call on the second subscriber number, while conducting a first call on the first subscriber number. The method ofFIG. 5Abegins at block502at which a first call is received on the primary number. At block504, the subscriber accepts the call, which is relayed on the primary number's circuit. The phone's processor checks, at block506, whether the subsequent call is received while the communication of the first subscriber number is ongoing, and if not, the call is completed on the primary number, as indicated at block508.

When a subsequent call is received while the call on the primary number is ongoing, a check is made at block510whether the incoming call is for the secondary number. If not (i.e., the subsequent call was received on the primary number), the processor implements pre-programmed call waiting or call hold features, as shown at block512. However, assuming the incoming call is for the secondary number, a check is made at block514whether the dual number enabled features of the MNSD utility have been activated/pre-set. When the dual number enabled features have not been preset, the processor, executing the MNSD utility, initiates one or more of a series of actions that enables the ongoing call on the primary number to be un-interrupted by a call received on the secondary number. Among these actions/features, as indicated by block516, are the following: (1) send second call directly to voicemail of the secondary subscriber number; (2) prevent display/signal of incoming call on secondary subscriber number; and (3) provided incoming call with busy ring, or with a “presently-busy, will call back” type response.

These “presently-busy, will call back” responses enables the caller to be made aware that the recipient is on a business call and will return the call when the recipient completes the business call. This, more information is provided other than the conventional busy tone or voicemail. In one embodiment, a special selection feature (e.g., selection button652ofFIG. 6) enables the user to selectively issue the “presently-busy, will call back” response to the incoming call. In another embodiment, this feature is tied to pre-selected numbers stored in the phone book such that subsequent calls from that number is automatically given this “presently-busy, will call back” response when on a call using the primary number.

Returning toFIG. 5A, if it is determined at block514, however, that the dual number feature of MNSD utility is activated, then, at block518the processor initiates a different series of actions to enable seamless call hold and call waiting processes with the first call relative to the second call. In this scenario, the number of the incoming call is signaled to the user on the phone's display, as is shown withinFIG. 6, along with indication640(“S” for second number in the illustrative embodiment) that the subsequent incoming call is on the secondary number.

As further stated in block516, the MNSD utility enables an override of these settings when he reverse sequence of calls is received (as further illustrated byFIG. 5B, described below). That is, when a subsequent call is received on the primary number while a prior received call is ongoing on the secondary number, the MNSD utility dynamically provides a different set of responsive actions. This enables the call hierarchy assigned to the pre-selected (default or user-selected) primary number that is given preference in use of the phone resources. This allocation assumes, for example, that the primary number is a business number and thus receives business calls, while the secondary number is a personal number, which receives less important business calls.

Of course alternate embodiments are contemplated in which specific ones of the incoming personal numbers are given “priority” status. That is, when the number is stored to the phone book, a separate status entry is provided by which the user can indicate that the particular number (whether business or personal) has priority and should always be signaled to the user as an incoming call when received by the phone. That is a subsequent, priority number call received for the secondary number is not treated as provided in block516, but rather given the processing provided in block518or perhaps a more advanced processing, as is described below.

FIG. 5Billustrates the inverse process when a subsequent call is received on the primary number while a prior call is ongoing on the secondary number. Blocks532,534,536,538,540and542have similar descriptions as corresponding blocks502,504,506,508,510and512ofFIG. 5Aand are thus not described here. Beginning at decision block540, when the subsequent incoming call is for the primary number (or a priority number, as described above), a determination is made at block544whether the MNSD utility has been preset for dynamic response. When the utility has not been preset for automatic answer mode, the user is automatically prompted/signaled of the incoming call on the primary number, as shown at block546. Of course, with the inverse sequence of calls, the displayed number of the subsequent incoming call on display device ofFIG. 6would be tagged with a “P” (for primary—or perhaps “Pr” for priority, in some instances) indication640that the subsequent incoming call was being received on the primary number (applicable to some embodiments, where automatic switch over features are not activated by MNSD utility). The particular symbol utilized/provided may changed depending on implementation.

Returning toFIG. 5B, a check is then made at block548whether the user selects to answer the incoming call. When the user elects not to answer the incoming call, the call is ignored and routed to the voicemail of the primary number as indicated at block550. The calling number may later be signaled to the user as a missed call. Otherwise, the user selects to answer the incoming call and the processor implements the dual call processing features of call hold and call waiting, etc. as indicated within block552.

Returning now to decision block544, at which when the automatic response mode is preset by MNSD utility, the processor initiates a dynamic override function as indicated at block554. This function activates to seamlessly transition the phone resources and the user to the incoming subsequent call, while placing the prior call on hold or in a suspended state. This mode maybe applied to priority numbers as well as calls received on the primary number. Different embodiments may be provided for placing the prior call in a hold or suspended state including, those described in the section below.

Seamless Conference Calls on DNSD Phones

With conventional phones, when a user receives or makes a call on two different phone devices and then desires to link the two calls (i.e., communicate with both parties on the two numbers in a single conversation at the same time), the use has to first hang up one of the calls, activate a conference feature on the next phone and call back the other individual using the first phone. Since both phones are individual devices, there is no way of conducting a conference call originating on different phones (and phone numbers) with existing phones, whether wireless or wired (e.g., PSTN). With the MNSD phones, however, the MNSD utility includes logic for enabling seamless conferencing via both subscriber numbers connected to different parties. This feature enhances the ability of connecting parties who originated separate calls (or to whom separate calls were made) on the separate subscriber numbers without having to utilize a single number link/conference feature, as is conventionally required.

Bi-furcated Phone Book

According to one embodiment, each subscriber number in the DNSM phone comprises its separate phone book, stored within the corresponding SIM and/or the phone's memory. In a first implementation, the phone book of the currently active phone number is displayed when phone book option is selected within the menu. Similarly, in one embodiment, selecting the menu option for the list of last calls made and received displays the calls associated with the currently active number (rather than all calls generally across the different subscriber numbers).

Further in one embodiment, a navigational affordance is provided that enables the user to actually toggle between phone books from the menu. When the user selects the menu option to open a phone book, the first phone book associated with the currently active number opens up. The user may then scroll through or navigate through the phone book and make changes and or additions to that phone book. A menu option is presented, while in the display for the first phone book, to toggle/switch to the next subscriber number's phone book. The user selections are monitored to determine whether the user selects the option of toggling to the next subscriber number's phone book. If the user has selected that option, the MNSD utility loads up the next subscriber number's phone book for display to the user.

When the user selects a number from the displayed phoned book to dial, the MNSD utility initiates the dialing of the selected number from the subscriber number associated with the phone book in which the selected number is stored. In this way, the phone books default to initiating calls via their respective subscriber numbers. In one embodiment, also, when a number is manually entered by the user, the utility determines to which subscriber number's phone book (if any) the entered number is stored, displays the particulars associated with the number (name, etc.), and automatically initiates the call from the subscriber phone number corresponding to the phone book in which the entered number is stored.

When a call is completed to a number not yet stored within either subscriber number's phone books, the MNSD utility prompts for storage of the number and provides the user the option of storing the number in one of the phone books (e.g., on the SIM of a particular subscriber number) or in a general phone book accessible to both subscriber numbers. A default for such storage will be the subscriber number that is active or the subscriber number utilized to generate or receive the call to/from the number being stored. When numbers are stored in the general phone book, request for phone book information from either number will merge the phone book information from the general phone book with the specific numbers saved on the particular number's SIM. Also, with the embodiment that allows numbers to be generally stored and accessed by either phone book, the currently active number is utilized to initiate any calls made to the generally-stored number.

Priority Numbers and Override

One embodiment enables the user to select certain stored numbers (within the phone books) to assign a priority value to. The priority determines how calls originating from that number is treated relative to other calls received on the MNSD phone. During set up and storage of the number, one of the entry options provided is a priority entry. This entry may provide two or more selections. As an example, the priority entry may be selected from among “standard”, “elevated”, and “override”. The actual names may differ in other implementations. An entered phone number defaults to standard priority when initially entered, indicating that no special treatment is afforded the number. An elevated priority may enable calls from the number to be signaled during an ongoing call (when that feature is disabled for calls from numbers with standard priority, as when a call is received during an ongoing business call on the primary subscriber number), so that the user may elect to answer the call. An override priority enables the automatic override of an ongoing call by a call received from a number tagged with the override priority. The incoming call is connected and the prior ongoing call is placed on hold, with some indication that the user has left the call. In one embodiment, the override capability of calls originating from these numbers may depend on whether the override call is received while on a call using the primary number or the secondary number. In one embodiment, override only occurs during an ongoing call on the secondary number. In another embodiment, override maybe programmed to occur for any calls.

The override functionality enables certain numbers to receive immediate response from the MNSD phone user. For example, a mother may program her child's day care or her child's cell phone as an override number so that any calls received from those numbers are considered of highest importance, regardless of the present ongoing calls being conducted. To enable a seamless transition away from the initial/prior call when the override feature is triggered, one of several methods are provided y MNSD utility. Among these methods are the following:provide a pre-recorded message that the user has left the call (e.g., “I'm sorry, this call has been suspended (or terminated), Mr. ______ will resume the call (or call you back shortly)”);provide a “please wait/hold” recording repeated at some interval;provide a “musical interlude” to alert the person on the other end that the user is no longer on the call;
In one embodiment, the number of the last call is automatically recorded, while the call is placed on hold. If the person hangs up on the other end, the number is signaled on the display for the user to re-initiate the call as soon as the subsequent call is completed. If the person does not hang up, however, the original call is continued when the user selects to go back to that call or when the call on the subsequent number is completed.

Specific Voicemail Features

In order to handle voicemail features of both numbers, DNSD utility provides one of two voicemail handling functions. In the first embodiment, the DNSD utility displays voicemail for both numbers separately on the display device (seeFIG. 6). That is if both numbers have voicemail stored, DNSD utility displays two separate voicemail indicators660/662, one for each of the numbers. The user may then choose to enter and retrieve voicemail of one or both of the numbers.

Selection of which number to retrieve voicemail from is a MNSD utility function that enables the user to check voicemail for a specific subscriber number. As illustrated byFIG. 6, one embodiment provides two voicemail buttons, which may be separate buttons664/668or two of alphanumeric buttons (1 and 2, for example) pre-programmed to open a specific voice mailbox when depressed for a pre-set length of time. Of course, another embodiment could provide a single voicemail button (e.g.,664) that when depressed opens up a menu option to select which of the two voice mailboxes to enter.

FIG. 7illustrates one embodiment of the process by which access to voicemail in a DNSD phone is completed. The process begins at block702, which shows that a voicemail is recorded for one of the subscriber numbers. Once the voicemail is recorded, the particular voicemail icon (660/662) is displayed on the phone's display, a shown at block704. Then, the user later selects access to voicemail by selecting the voicemail button664on the phone, as shown at block706. The present embodiment assumes the MNSD phone has a single voicemail that displays a menu option to select which voicemail to access. Of course, direct access to a particular one of the voicemails may be completed via one of the various methods provided (as described above with reference toFIG. 6), in alternate embodiments.

Once the use selects the voicemail button664, the user is prompted (audibly or via display and by any method available for the particular phone or the cellular service) with a request to select which subscriber number to check voicemail for, as indicated at block708. This prompt assumes that the user may want to setup voicemail options for a subscriber number even when there is no voicemail available for the subscriber number. Otherwise, no prompt would be required since the MNDS utility would automatically route the user to the voice mailbox that has voicemail or messages therein.

Notably, in one embodiment, the user may bypass the request for selection of a voicemail to enter by first selecting the primary or secondary number on the display. Once a number is selected, access to the voicemail service for that number is provided when the user initiates a voicemail access (without any prompts from MNSD utility). Accordingly, an alternate method may display and provide voicemail selection function only for the number that is currently active on the display device. With this alternate embodiment, the voice mailbox of the active subscriber number is automatically opened, and the user then has to toggle to the next number (via any of multiple toggling methods described herein) to enter the mailbox of the other number. Any available/stored voicemail for the other number is only signaled on the display when the other number is selected as the active number.

Once the user selects the number in block708, the user is directed to the voicemail service (service provider) of that particular subscriber number, as depicted at block710. According to the illustrated embodiment, when the user completes interacting with the first subscriber number's voicemail, control returns to MNSD utility, which prompts the user whether he wishes to check/setup/change the next subscriber number's voicemail (if voicemail exists for that number). Thus, a determination is made at block712based on user activity within the first subscriber number's mailbox, whether the user selects the option to go to the voice mailbox of the next subscriber number. If the user selects to go to the next subscriber number's mailbox, then the voicemail service for that second subscriber number is accessed, as shown at block716. Otherwise, the voicemail access is terminated and the phone is returned to normal mode, as shown at block714.

Some of the benefits provided by the invention include: (1) business travelers no longer need a separate cell phone for personal calls and business calls; (2) multiple business numbers can be programmed into a single phone device so that a real estate agent who is also a personal trainer can have both business numbers within a single device; (3) user defined display for calls received to distinguish calls from each number; (4) easy programming menu functions to enable user-specific call waiting and other features; (5) With SIM card portability, a traveler may keeps his home phone activated while obtaining a different number for use, all without having to remove the original SIM for his home/primary number.

As a final matter, it is important that while an illustrative embodiment of the present invention has been, and will continue to be, described in the context of a fully functional cellular phone system/device with installed MNSD software, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the software aspects of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the present invention applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of signal bearing media include recordable type media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, and transmission type media such as digital and analogue communication links. An cell phone configured to provide MNSD service could be coupled to a computer system/device executing an MNSD install/download feature that enables download of relevant (or selected) MNSD code on to the cell phone.