PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10154131-B2
Application Number: US-201313770429-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Executing instructions in response to a communication

Abstract:
An instruction execution engine on a user device may be configured to receive an executable instruction assigned to one or more contacts or groups of contacts. A communication from the one or more contacts or groups may be detected. Upon detecting the communication, the engine may execute the executable instruction. This executing step may trigger a user reminder or data transfer to one or more third parties.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A computer program embodied on at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of a first device, the computer program comprising instructions executable to cause at least one processor to:
 detect receipt of a communication at a first device from one or more contacts over a communication path; 
 automatically execute a first program instruction to send the communication to one or more third parties associated with the one or more contacts over the communication path based on the detection; 
 determine, in response to the detection, a second program instruction is assigned to at least one of the one or more contacts; 
 automatically execute the second program instruction based, at least in part, on the determination; 
 automatically perform a user-specified action in response to the execution of the second program instruction, wherein the user-specified action is assigned to at least one of the one or more contacts and comprises providing a reminder; and 
 transfer data to at least one of the one or more contacts over the communication path, the transferred data having been selected using the first device and created prior to the detected communication. 
 
     
     
       2. The computer program of  claim 1 , further comprising instructions to cause the at least one processor to obtain the second program instruction from a user interface executing on the first device, the transferred data having further been stored remotely from the first device and transferred responsive to a selective input at the first device. 
     
     
       3. The computer program of  claim 2  wherein the instructions to cause at least one processor to determine comprise instructions to cause the at least one processor to determine an executable second program instruction is assigned to each of the one or more contacts. 
     
     
       4. The computer program of  claim 1 , the transferred data having further been derived from one or more of the following sources: a photo gallery, a video gallery, document files, social networking site, music player, and cloud. 
     
     
       5. A method for executing instructions on a first device, the method comprising:
 detecting, at a first device, by one or more processors, receipt of a communication from one or more contacts of the first device, over a communication path; 
 automatically executing, by the one or more processors, a first program instruction to send the communication to one or more third parties associated with the one or more contacts over the communication path based on the detection; 
 determining, by the one or more processors and in response to the detection, a second program instruction is assigned to at least one of the one or more contacts; 
 automatically executing, by the one or more processors, the second program instruction based, at least in part, on the determination; and 
 automatically performing a user-specified action in response to the execution of the second program instruction, wherein the user-specified action is assigned to the at least one of the one or more contacts and comprises providing a reminder actuable to cause data to be transferred to a second device corresponding to at least one of the one or more contacts, the data having been selected using the first device and created prior to the detected communication. 
 
     
     
       6. A first device comprising:
 a display; and 
 one or more processors operatively connected to the display, the one or more processors configured to:
 detect a communication from a first device to one or more contacts over a communication path; 
 automatically execute a first program instruction to send the communication to one or more third parties associated with the one or more contacts over the communication path, based on the detection; 
 determine, in response to the detection, a second program instruction is assigned to at least one of the one or more contacts; 
 automatically execute the second program instruction based, at least in part, on the determination; 
 automatically perform a user-specified action in response to the execution of the second program, wherein the user-specified action is assigned to at least one of the one or more contacts and comprises displaying a reminder relating thereto; and 
 transfer data to at least one of the one or more contacts, the data having been selected using the first device and created prior to the detected communication. 
 
 
     
     
       7. A computer program embodied on at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, the computer program comprising instructions to cause at least one processor to:
 detect, at a first device, receipt of a communication from one or more third parties over a communication path, the one or more third parties associated with one or more contacts; 
 automatically execute, responsive to the detection, a first program instruction to receive the communication from the one or more third parties; 
 determine, in response to the detection, a second program instruction is assigned to the one or more contacts; 
 automatically execute the second program instruction based, at least in part, on the determination; and 
 automatically perform a user-specified action in response to the execution of the second program instruction, wherein the user-specified action is assigned to at least one of the one or more contacts and comprises displaying a reminder, the reminder actuable at an interface of the first device to cause data to be transferred to a second device corresponding to at least one of the one or more contacts, the data to be transferred having been selected at the first device and created prior to receipt of the communication. 
 
     
     
       8. The computer program of  claim 7 , further comprising instructions to obtain the second program instruction from a user interface of the first device, the data to be transferred having further been stored remotely from the first device and the second device and accepted responsive to a selective input at the second device. 
     
     
       9. The computer program of  claim 7 , wherein the instructions to cause at least one processor to determine comprise instructions to cause the at least one processor to determine an executable second program instruction is assigned to at least one of the one or more third parties. 
     
     
       10. The computer program of  claim 7 , the data to be transferred having further been derived from one or more of the following sources: a photo gallery, a video gallery, document files, social networking site, music player, and cloud. 
     
     
       11. A method for executing instructions on a device, the method comprising:
 receiving, at a first device, a message to the first device from one or more third parties over a communication path, the one or more third parties associated with one or more contacts; 
 determining, in response to the receipt of the message, a program instruction assigned to at least one of the one or more contacts; 
 automatically executing the program instruction based, at least in part, on the determination; 
 providing, using an interface of the first device, a reminder based, at least in part, on the determination; and 
 automatically performing a user-specified action in response to the execution of the program instruction, wherein the user-specified action is assigned to the one or more contacts and causes a data transfer to at least one of the one or more third parties, the data of the transfer having been selected at the first device and created prior to the message. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 5 , wherein providing a reminder comprises displaying a reminder on a display of the first device. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the displayed reminder is displayed repeatedly at a predefined frequency. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the displayed reminder is accompanied by an audible tone. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the displayed reminder is a pre-defined default reminder. 
     
     
       16. The device of  claim 6 , wherein the user-specified action is assigned to the one or more contacts through an instant messaging channel. 
     
     
       17. The device of  claim 6 , wherein the user-specified action is created and assigned to the one or more contacts using a text messaging contacts interface of the first device. 
     
     
       18. The device of  claim 6 , wherein the communication path comprises at least one of a telephone communication channel, a text message channel, an email channel, or an instant messaging channel.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present application relates generally to executing instructions in response to a communication. More particularly, the present application relates to displaying user reminders or executing data transfers on an electronic device when the device communicates with a specific contact or group of contacts. 
     Millions of people rely on electronic devices to manage their daily lives. These devices include computers, mobile phones, personal music players, tablet computers, or other similar electronic devices. Often, these devices are relied upon to notify their users of upcoming events (e.g., a doctor&#39;s appointment, a meeting, a flight, etc.). A notification may be provided to the user in response to a user-configured trigger, such as a specific time or location. For example, the user can configure their device to trigger an event notification one hour before the event starts. Alternatively, the user can configure their device to trigger the notification when the device is within a certain distance of the event&#39;s physical location. 
     Thus, existing devices can be configured to trigger notifications at a user-specified time or near a user-specified location. But they cannot be configured to trigger notifications in response to a communication between the device&#39;s user and one or more third parties. For example, a user may wish to receive a reminder after establishing communication with a certain contact or group of contacts. Alternatively, the user may wish to execute a data transfer in response to communicating with the contact(s). Thus, there is need in the art for systems and methods that can execute a user-configured instruction in response to a communication from or to a device. 
     SUMMARY 
     A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It&#39;s understood that this section is presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain embodiments and that these descriptions are not intended to limit this application&#39;s scope. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of embodiments that may not be set forth herein. 
     In one embodiment, a method executes one or more user-defined instructions in response to a communication between the user and one or more of the user&#39;s contacts or groups of contacts. The method may receive from the user, on a device, one or more instructions assigned to one or more contacts or groups of contacts. When the user communicates with the one or more contacts or groups the method executes the instruction. The method may be embodied in program code and stored on a non-transitory medium. The stored program code may be executed by one or more processors that are part of or controls the device. 
     In another embodiment, executing the one or more instructions may cause the device to display to the user a user-defined reminder. In yet another embodiment, executing the one or more instructions may cause the device to transfer data to one or more third parties. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustration only, there is shown in the drawings certain embodiments. It&#39;s understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the figures. 
         FIG. 1  is a flow chart showing a method for executing instructions in response to a communication between a user and a third party, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  shows components of an instruction execution engine, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  shows a plurality of screens that may be displayed to access an instruction&#39;s interface and create instructions, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 4A-4D  show a plurality of screens that may be displayed to create and receive a user reminder, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 5A-5D  show a plurality of screens that may be displayed to create and confirm a data transfer, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  shows a model electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure is generally directed to systems, methods, and computer readable media for executing user-defined instructions in response to a communication. In general, the application discloses techniques to receive executable instructions on an electronic device that may then be assigned to one or more specific contacts or groups of contacts. The instructions execute when the device communicates with the one or more specified contacts or groups. In one embodiment, executing the instructions may cause the device to display a user reminder. In another embodiment, executing the instructions may cause the device to transfer data to a third party. 
     Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it&#39;s understood that the invention set forth herein is not limited in its application to the construction details or component arrangements set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it&#39;s understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are merely for descriptive purposes and are not considered limiting. 
     It&#39;s also understood that any one of the described features may be used separately or in combination with other features. Other invented systems, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examining the drawings and the detailed description herein. It&#39;s intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a method for executing instructions  100  is carried out in a device. In one embodiment, the method can be carried out in an instruction execution engine, which may function as a stand-alone application or may be integrated with the device&#39;s operating system. Furthermore, the device can be any type, including but not limited to workstation and desk-top computer systems, mobile phones, personal music players, tablet computer systems, or other similar electronic devices. 
     The device receives one or more contact-assigned instructions  105  from a user. In one embodiment, an instruction may be a user-defined action set to execute when the user communicates with one or more contacts or groups of contacts, or vice versa. As will be discussed in greater detail below, a user may directly input the instructions into the device. For example, the user may input the instructions through a stand-alone application, or through any communication channel, including but not limited to telephone, text messaging, email, instant messaging, social networking applications, etc. Also, the user may input the instructions via any mode of input, including but not limited to voice command, text input, menu selection, etc. 
     In an embodiment, the one or more instructions comprise any user-definable action disclosed herein, including but not limited to reminders or data transfers. For example, in one embodiment, the user can create a reminder instruction that, when executed, triggers a reminder to discuss a certain topic, ask a particular question, make an affirmative statement, perform a task, attend an event, etc. It&#39;s understood that the reminder can comprise any notification type desired by the user, including but not limited to any notification relevant to a communication between the user and any third party. In yet another embodiment, the user can create a data transfer instruction that, when executed, triggers a data transfer to one or more contacts. It&#39;s understood that the data can comprise any transferable data, including but not limited to images, videos, contacts, documents, music files, etc. It&#39;s also understood that the data can come from any source, including but not limited to a photo gallery, video gallery, music player, documents file, social networking media, cloud, etc. A photo gallery and video gallery may include any system that can store any types of digital photographs and videos, respectively. A music player can be any music player that can store and play any type of digital music file. A documents file may include any system that can store any type of document. Social networking media may include any system where users can interact and create, share, or exchange information. A cloud may include any type of online storage system. 
     In another embodiment, transferable data can be stored in a source outside the device (e.g., cloud). If data is stored outside of the device, the device can download the data from the outside source either when the instruction is created or when the instruction is executed. The device can then transfer the downloaded data when the data transfer instruction is executed. Alternatively, when a data transfer instruction is executed, the device can cause the outside source to transfer the data from the outside source to the one or more contacts. 
     Furthermore, the user may assign the one or more instructions to one or more of its contacts or groups of contacts so that the instruction only executes when the user communicates with those one or more contacts or those one or more groups. For example, a user can assign a reminder instruction to a certain contact. When the user sends a communication to that contact or receives a communication from that contact, the device executes the instruction to trigger the reminder. Alternatively, the user can assign the reminder instruction to a group communication (e.g., co-workers). When the user sends the communication to that entire group, the device can execute the instruction to trigger the reminder. But the reminder may not be triggered if the communication is only sent to a single member of the group. In yet another embodiment, the user can assign the reminder instruction to one or more contacts, or one or more members of a group. When the user sends the communication to any of the one or more contacts or group members, or receives a communication from any of the one or more contacts or group members, the device can execute the instruction to trigger the reminder. 
     A person of ordinary skill in the art understands that there are numerous ways that a user can create an instruction and assign it to one or more contacts within the spirit and scope of this application. In one embodiment, a user can create and assign an instruction through many communication channels, including but not limited to telephone, text messaging, email, instant messaging, social networking application, etc. For example, the user can create an instruction and assign it to a contact through the user&#39;s text messaging contacts interface. Alternatively, the user can create and assign instructions in a stand-alone application that has access to all of the user&#39;s contacts. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the user can create instructions through a voice recognition system (e.g., Siri®) (SIRI is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.). 
     After receiving the one or more contact- or group-assigned instructions, the device can detect communications between the user and a third party or group of third parties  110 . For example, in one embodiment, the device may detect an incoming communication sent by a third party to the user. In another embodiment, the device may detect an outgoing communication sent by the user to a third party or group. The device can detect incoming and outgoing communications from all of the device&#39;s communication channels, including but not limited to telephone, text messaging, email, instant messaging, or any social networking. 
     When the device detects a communication between the user and a third party or group  110  it compares the third party&#39;s or group&#39;s identification to the one or more contacts or groups of contacts assigned to instructions  115 , if any. In one embodiment, for group communications, the individual group member identifications may be compared. In an alternative embodiment, the group identity may be compared (e.g., parents, favorites, etc.). The device can then determine whether or not the third party is an assigned contact or group  120 . For example, if the third party&#39;s or group&#39;s identification does not match any of the contacts or groups assigned to instructions, then the device takes no further action. However, if the third party&#39;s or group&#39;s identification matches one of the contacts or groups assigned to the instructions, then the device may then execute the instruction  125 . 
     In one embodiment, executing the one or more instructions  125  may cause the device to display a user-defined reminder. By way of example only, a communication with a contact or group may trigger display of a reminder to discuss a certain topic with the contact or group. In addition, in yet another embodiment, the device may generate a notification (e.g., an audible tone) to alert the user to the displayed reminder. After displaying the reminder, the device may repeat the notification according to a predefined frequency (e.g., every two minutes or until a specified time-limit is reached) until the user clears the reminder from the display, or from the device&#39;s notifications history. 
     In an alternative embodiment, executing the one or more instructions  125  may cause the device to transfer data. As an example, communication with a contact or group may trigger the device to transfer data from the device to the contact, group, or any other third party. In one embodiment, when the data transfer instruction is executed  125  the device may automatically transfer the data. In another embodiment, when the data transfer instruction is executed  125  the device can prompt the user to permit or decline the transfer. Furthermore, in any embodiments disclosed herein, the device may transfer the data to a third party through any communication channels, including but not limited to telephone, text messaging, email, instant messaging, social networking, etc. In still another embodiment, the device may confirm the data transfer by displaying a confirmation prompt. As with displayed reminders, the device may generate a notification (e.g., an audible tone) to alert the user of the confirmation prompt. The device may repeat the notification according to a predefined frequency (e.g., every two minutes up to, for example, a specified time-limit) until the user clears the confirmation from the display, or from the device&#39;s notifications history. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of the aforementioned instruction execution engine  200 . The instruction execution engine  200  may be designed to carry out the methods described in  FIG. 1 , and any other methods derived therefrom or within the spirit and scope of this application. 
     Instruction execution engine  200  may be a stand-alone application or may integrate with a device&#39;s  600  operating system and hardware. The device  600  can be any type, including but not limited to workstation and desktop computer systems, mobile phones, personal music players, tablet computer systems, or other similar electronic devices. 
     The instruction execution engine  200  can receive one or more executable instructions that are input into the device  600  by the device&#39;s user ( 225 ). As already explained above for  FIG. 1 , the one or more instructions can comprise any user-defined instruction, including but not limited to a reminder or data transfer. Furthermore, the one or more instructions may be assigned by the user to one or more contacts or groups. 
     A storing engine  205  can receive and store the assigned instructions. The storing engine may communicate with a matching engine  215  ( 230 ), which may also communicate with a detecting engine  210  ( 240 ). 
     The detecting engine  210  can detect communication events ( 235 ). For example, it can detect incoming and outgoing communications between a user and a third party or group of third parties. In one embodiment, the detecting engine can detect communications from any communication channel, including but not limited to telephone, text messaging, instant messaging, email, social networking, etc. When the detecting engine  210  detects a communication event  235  between a user and a third party or group, it may pass to the matching engine  215  the third party&#39;s identity ( 240 ). 
     The matching engine  215  can compare the third party&#39;s or group&#39;s identification to the assigned instructions, which are obtained from the storing engine  205  ( 230 ). If the third party&#39;s or group&#39;s identification does not match any of the contacts or groups assigned to instructions, the instruction execution engine  200  may take no further action. However, if the third party&#39;s or group&#39;s identification matches at least one of the contacts or groups assigned to the instructions, the matching engine  215  can pass the relevant instruction(s) to the execution engine  220  ( 245 ). 
     In one embodiment, for group communications, the matching engine  215  compares the individual group member identifications. In an alternative embodiment, the matching engine  215  may compare the group identity (e.g., parents, favorites, etc.). 
     Finally, the execution engine  220  can execute any instructions the matching engine  215  passes to it. As explained in detail above for  FIG. 1 , executing the instruction may cause the device to display a user-defined reminder. Alternatively, executing the instruction may cause the device to transfer data from the device to any third party or group. In one embodiment, the execution engine  220  could confirm data transfer by displaying a prompt. In another embodiment, the reminder or confirmation may be audibly delivered to the user (e.g., Siri). In yet another embodiment, executing the instruction may display one or more of a selectable set of pre-defined default reminders (e.g., phone wife, send data, etc.) 
       FIGS. 3, 4A, and 5A , by way of non-limiting examples, illustrate a plurality of screens that can be accessed by a user to input one or more executable instructions in accordance with the embodiments described herein. The screen features can be activated via buttons, which may include touch buttons, sliders, switches, control pads, keys, knobs, scroll wheels, keyboards, mice, touchpads, etc., or some combination thereof. In one embodiment, the buttons may allow a user to navigate a graphical user interface (GUI) display. Further, in certain embodiments, the buttons may include a touch screen mechanism. In such embodiments, a user may select or interact with displayed interface elements by simply touching those elements. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , by way of example only, a user can create an executable instruction through its stored contacts  300  on a device  600 . It&#39;s understood that the contacts list  300  can include any of the user&#39;s contacts lists, including but not limited to telephone contacts, text messaging contacts, email contacts, instant messaging contacts, social networking contacts, etc. Furthermore, contacts may include a group, such as but not limited to co-workers, favorites, etc. It&#39;s also understood that the device can be any type, including but not limited to workstation and desktop computer systems, mobile phones, personal music players, tablet computer systems, or other similar electronic devices. 
     To begin creating an instruction, the user can select any contact (e.g., Jane A) or group from the contact list  300  ( 310 ). Selecting a contact opens a contact options screen  305 . The user can then select an instructions button  315  ( 325 ). This opens the instructions interface  320  ( 325 ), which can include buttons for creating reminders  330  or data transfers  335 . Furthermore, in one embodiment, the instructions interface  320  may include an assign contacts button  350 . When selected, this button  350  allows the user to assign additional contacts to the instructions. 
     In one embodiment, the user may desire to create a reminder instruction. To do so, the user can select the reminders button  330  ( 340 ). This action opens up the reminders display  400 , illustrated in  FIG. 4A . Alternatively, the user may desire to create a data transfer instruction. To set up a future data transfer the user can select the data transfers button  335 . This action opens up the data transfers display  500 , illustrated in  FIG. 5A . Reminders and data transfers are discussed in further detail below. 
       FIG. 4A , by way of example only, illustrates a plurality of screens for creating a reminder instruction. The user can select the message button  405  to open the messaging screen  415  ( 410 ). This screen  415  comprises a text box  420 . The user can enter any type of reminder into the text box  410 . It&#39;s understood that the reminder can comprise any notification type a user desires, including but not limited to any notification relevant to a communication between the user and any third party or group. For example, in certain embodiments the user can input a reminder to discuss a certain topic, ask a particular question, make an affirmative statement, perform a task, attend an event, etc. The reminder can, for example, be input into the text box  420  via keyboard or voice text. 
     In one embodiment, the messaging screen  415  may further comprise an add messages button  425 . By selecting this button  425  the user can add multiple reminder messages to the instruction. 
     In addition, in yet another embodiment, the reminders display  400  may comprise an options button  430 . Selecting this button  430  opens an options menu  440  ( 435 ). A person of ordinary skill in the art understands that the options menu  440  can comprise any number of options that facilitate executing the reminder instruction. By way of example only, in the options menu  440  the user can set the reminder instruction to notify the user with a ring tone  445 , vibration  450 , or both. In one embodiment, the user can select from a number of ring tones in a drop down menu. Furthermore, the user can select the frequency of the notices  455  via a drop down menu  460 . For example, in one embodiment the ring tone can be set to go off every 2 minutes. The user may also select whether the reminder instruction is executed in response to an outgoing  465  or incoming  470  communication, or both. In still another embodiment, instead of inputting a message, the user can select from a list of pre-defined default reminders (e.g., phone spouse, send data, etc.). 
     In yet another embodiment, the user may choose to limit the instruction&#39;s execution to a group communication. For example, the user can set the instruction to execute only for a group communication by toggling an on/off switch  480 . In doing so, the instruction may only execute if the user communicates with the entire group. But it may not execute if the user only communicates with one member of the group. 
     After a user creates the reminder instruction, the device  600  can execute the instruction when the user communicates with the one or more assigned contacts or groups, or vice versa.  FIG. 4B , by way of example only, illustrates executing a reminder instruction. In this particular example, the user has previously created a reminder to ask Jenn A to feed the user&#39;s fish the next time the user and Jenn A communicate. At no particular time, the user accepts an incoming call  475  from Jenn A ( 480 ). After the call is established  485  the system executes the reminder instruction to display to the user the user-defined reminder message  487  (e.g., “Ask Jenn to feed my fish”) ( 486 ). As explained above, in one embodiment, this reminder message  487  can be accompanied by a notification (e.g., audible tone) at a preset frequency. 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates yet another example of executing a reminder instruction. In this particular example, the user has previously created a reminder to ask the user&#39;s parents to babysit the next time the user and the user&#39;s parents communicate. At no particular time, the user accesses a text message interface  488  and creates a new text message  490  to the user&#39;s mom and dad ( 489 ). After the text message is sent  491  to the user&#39;s parents the system executes the reminder instruction to display to the user the reminder message  492  (e.g., “Ask mom and dad to babysit!!!”). As explained above, in one embodiment, the reminder message  492  can be accompanied by a notification (e.g., audible tone) at a preset frequency. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the system can execute a reminder instruction before the user sends the communication to the contact. For example, referring to  FIG. 4D , the user has previously created a reminder to ask Jenn A to babysit the next time the user and Jenn A communicate. At no particular time, the user accesses a text message interface  488  to create a new text message  490  to Jenn A ( 489 ). When the user populates the “to:” field with Jenn A&#39;s contact information  493  the system executes the reminder instruction to display to the user the reminder message  492  (e.g, “Ask Jenn to babysit!!!”). In another embodiment, the system may execute the reminder instruction as the user presses the “Send” button but before the message is actually sent. At that time, the reminder may be displayed in such a manner as to allow the user to edit their initial message to include a request that Jenn A babysit or, if they had already done this, dismiss the reminder to let the message be sent. In this way, the user is immediately reminded to make the babysitting request with the first outgoing communication  494 . In yet another embodiment, executed reminders may be logged so that they may be reviewed at a later time. 
       FIG. 5A , by way of example only, illustrates a plurality of screens for creating a data transfer instruction. The user can select the choose data button  505  to open the choose data screen  515  ( 510 ). This screen  515  can comprise a number of links  520 . A user can select a link  520  to pull data from the link&#39;s source. It&#39;s understood that a user can access the data from any source on the device  600 , including but not limited to a photo gallery, video gallery, documents file, social media, cloud, music player, etc. Furthermore, it&#39;s understood that data can comprise any type of transferable data, including but not limited to images, videos, contacts, documents, music files, etc. 
     In one embodiment, the choose data screen  515  may further comprise an add data button  525 . By selecting this button  525  the user can add multiple data to the data transfer instruction. 
     In addition, in yet another embodiment, the data transfer display  500  may comprise an auto transfer option. If turned on, the system will automatically transfer data when the user and a third party communicate. If turned off, the system can alert the user that they have identified a data transfer for a contact and ask them whether they would like to proceed with the transfer or not. 
     In a further embodiment, the data transfer display  500  may comprise an options button  530 . Selecting this button  530  opens an options menu  540  ( 535 ). A person of ordinary skill in the art understands that the options menu  540  can comprise any number of options that facilitate executing the data transfer instruction. By way of example only, in the options menu  440  the user can set the data transfer instruction to notify the user of the transfer with a ring tone  545 , vibration  550 , or both. In one embodiment, the user can select from a number of ring tones in a drop down menu. Furthermore, the user can select the frequency of the notices  555  via a drop down menu  560 . For example, in one embodiment the ring tone confirmation can be set to go off every 2 minutes. In another embodiment, the user can select whether the data transfer instruction is executed in response to an outgoing  565  or incoming  570  communication, or both. Finally, in yet another embodiment, the user can select the communication channel  575  for transferring the data  580 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the user may choose to limit the instruction&#39;s execution to a group communication. For example, the user can set the instruction to execute only for a group communication by toggling an on/off switch  585 . In doing so, the instruction may only execute if the user communicates with the entire group. But it may not execute if the user only communicates with one member of the group. 
     In yet another embodiment, the data transfer display  500  may comprise a choose recipients button  501 . Selecting this button  501  opens the contacts display  300 . The user may then select one or more contacts or groups of contacts as recipients of the data transfer. Thus, when the system executes the data transfer the device transfers the data to each of the one or more assigned recipients or groups. 
     After a user creates the data transfer instruction, the device  600  can execute the instruction when the user communicates with the one or more assigned contacts or groups, or vice versa.  FIG. 5B , by way of example only, illustrates executing a data transfer instruction. In this particular example, the user has previously created an instruction to automatically transfer a video to the user&#39;s co-workers the next time the user and the user&#39;s co-workers communicate. At no particular time, the user accesses an email interface  585  and creates a new email message  586  to the user&#39;s co-workers ( 587 ). After the email is sent  588  to the user&#39;s co-workers the system automatically transfers the video from the user&#39;s device to the user&#39;s co-workers ( 589 ). Finally, the system displays to the user a data transfer confirmation  590 . In one embodiment, this confirmation  590  may include the transfer time and date. As explained above, in one embodiment, the confirmation can be accompanied by a notification (e.g., audible tone) at a preset frequency. In yet another embodiment, confirmation messages may be logged so that they may be reviewed at a later time. 
       FIG. 5C  illustrates yet another example of executing a data transfer instruction. In this particular example, the user has previously created an instruction to transfer a document to Jenn A the next time the user and Jenn A communicate. At no particular time, the user accesses a social networking interface  591  and creates a message  593  to Jenn A ( 592 ). After the message is sent  594  to Jenn A the system displays a data transfer request  595 . The user can either permit or decline the data transfer. As explained above, in one embodiment, the request can be accompanied by a notification (e.g., audible tone) at a preset frequency. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, if the user accepts the data transfer the system displays to the user a data transfer confirmation. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the system can execute a data transfer instruction before the user sends the communication to the one or more contacts or groups. For example, referring to  FIG. 5D , the user has previously created an instruction to transfer a document the next time the user and Jenn A communicate. At no particular time, the user accesses a social networking interface  591  to create a message  593  to Jenn A ( 592 ). When the user populates the “to:” field  596  with Jenn A&#39;s contact information the system displays a data transfer request  595 . The user can either permit or decline the data transfer. In this way, the user is immediately prompted to transfer the data before the first outgoing communication  593 . In yet another embodiment, the system can make this determination at the time the user asserts the “SEND” button ( 597 ) in a manner similar to that discussed above with respect to sending a text message. 
       FIG. 6 , by way of non-limiting example, illustrates one embodiment of the electronic device  600 . The electronic device  600  may include a processor  605 , display  610 , user interface  615 , graphics hardware  620 , device sensors  625  (e.g., proximity sensor/ambient light sensor, accelerometer and/or gyroscope), microphone  630 , audio codec(s)  635 , speaker(s)  640 , communications circuitry  645 , digital image capture unit  650 , video codec(s)  655 , memory  660 , storage  665 , and communications bus  670 . The electronic device  600  may be, for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA), personal music player, mobile telephone, notebook, laptop, tablet computer, or any other similar device. Furthermore, the above described instruction execution engine  200  may be executed on a device that takes the form of device  600 . 
     The processor  605  may execute instructions necessary to carry out or control the operation of many functions performed by device  600 . The processor  605  may, for instance, drive display  610  and receive user input from user interface  615 . User interface  615  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, a click wheel, keyboard, display screen and/or a touch screen. Processor  605  may also, for example, be a system-on-chip such as those found in mobile devices and include a dedicated graphics processing unit (GPU). Processor  605  may be based on reduced instruction set computer (RISC) or complex instruction-set computer (CISC) architectures or any other suitable architecture, and may include one or more processing cores. Graphics hardware  620  may be special purpose computational hardware for processing graphics and/or assisting processor  605  to process graphics information. In one embodiment, graphics hardware  620  may include a programmable graphics processing unit (GPU). 
     Sensor and camera circuitry  650  may capture still and video images that may be processed, at least in part, by video codec(s)  655  and/or processor  605  and/or graphics hardware  620 , and/or a dedicated image processing unit incorporated within circuitry  650 . Images so captured may be stored in memory  660  and/or storage  665 . Memory  660  may include one or more different types of media used by processor  605  and graphics hardware  620  to perform device functions. For example, memory  660  may include memory cache, read-only memory (ROM), and/or random access memory (RAM). Storage  665  may store media (e.g., audio, image and video files), computer program instructions or software, preference information, device profile information, and any other suitable data. Storage  665  may include one or more non-transitory storage mediums including, for example, magnetic disks (fixed, floppy, and removable) and tape, optical media such as CD-ROMs and digital video disks (DVDs), and semiconductor memory devices such as Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM). Memory  660  and storage  665  may be used to tangibly retain computer program instructions or code organized into one or more modules and written in any desired computer programming language. When executed by processor  605  the computer program code may implement one or more of the methods described herein. 
     It&#39;s understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. The material has been presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the inventive concepts described herein, and is provided in the context of particular embodiments, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art (e.g., some of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with each other). Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention therefore should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130219
Publication Date: 20181211
Grant Date: 20181211
Priority Date: 20130219
Inventors: CILI, Gencer
VAROGLU, DEVRIM
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04M1/27453", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/27457", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/2745", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72597", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/2745", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72484", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72484", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/2745", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 51350871