PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8145196-B2
Application Number: US-96916908-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Creation and management of voicemail greetings for mobile communication devices

Abstract:
Methods, graphical user interfaces and devices for creation and management of voicemail greetings are disclosed. A user of a mobile communication device can create and manage multiple voicemail greetings. In one aspect, a user of a mobile communication device can create customized voicemails. The customized voicemails can be assigned to specific contacts (or groups of contacts) known to the mobile communication device. The customized voicemail greetings can also have controlled expiration dates. In another aspect, customized voicemails can be assigned to incoming calls in real-time.

Claims:
1. A method operable on a wireless communication device for assigning a voicemail greeting to a contact, the wireless communication device having a memory configured to store contact data on a plurality of contacts, said method comprising:
 selecting a predetermined contact from the plurality of contacts having contact data stored in the memory; 
 displaying a list of a plurality of predetermined voicemail greetings; 
 receiving a selection one of the predetermined voicemail greetings to be utilized with respect to an incoming call from the selected predetermined contact; and 
 associating the selected one of the predetermined voicemail greetings to the selected predetermined contact so that the selected one of the predetermined voicemail greetings can be utilized with respect to one or more incoming calls from the selected predetermined contact, such that the selected one of the predetermined voicemail greetings is assigned to the selected predetermined contact. 
 
     
     
       2. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the predetermined voicemail greetings is personal to the selected predetermined contact and only made available as a voicemail greeting to the selected contact. 
     
     
       3. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the predetermined voicemail greetings is general and available to all of the predetermined contacts associated with the wireless communication device. 
     
     
       4. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises:
 creating a personal voicemail greeting for the selected predetermined contact. 
 
     
     
       5. A method as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the personal voicemail greeting that has been created is thereafter displayed in the list of the plurality of predetermined voicemail greetings. 
     
     
       6. A method as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the personal voicemail greeting that has been created is thereafter displayed in the list of the plurality of predetermined voicemail greetings only if the list of the plurality of predetermined voicemail greetings is being displayed for use with regard to the selected predetermined contact. 
     
     
       7. A method as recited in  claim 4 , wherein said creating of the voicemail greeting comprises setting an expiration date or time for expiration of the voicemail greeting. 
     
     
       8. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises:
 creating a voicemail greeting using the wireless communication device. 
 
     
     
       9. A method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said method further comprises:
 transmitting the created voicemail greeting to a wireless network provider for use as a voicemail greeting associated with the wireless communication device. 
 
     
     
       10. A method operable on a wireless communication device for configuring a voicemail greeting, said method comprising:
 displaying a list of a plurality of predetermined voicemail greetings; 
 receiving a selection of one of the predetermined voicemail greetings to be utilized with respect to an incoming call; and 
 notifying the wireless service provider of the selected one of the predetermined voicemail greetings. 
 
     
     
       11. A method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said method further comprises:
 creating a voicemail greeting using the wireless communication device. 
 
     
     
       12. A method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the personal voicemail greeting that has been created is thereafter displayed in the list of the plurality of predetermined voicemail greetings and available for selection. 
     
     
       13. A method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said creating comprises:
 configuring the voicemail greeting to automatically expire. 
 
     
     
       14. A method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said creating comprises:
 limiting the duration of the voicemail greeting being created. 
 
     
     
       15. A method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said method further comprises:
 playing the voicemail greeting for review on the wireless communication device. 
 
     
     
       16. A method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said method further comprises:
 playing any of the voicemail greetings for review on the wireless communication device. 
 
     
     
       17. A method for providing voicemail greetings to callers, said method comprising:
 receiving an incoming call by a caller and directed to a particular subscriber; 
 determining whether a particular one of a plurality of voicemail greetings associated with the particular subscriber has been assigned for use with the caller; and 
 playing the particular voicemail greeting for the caller if it is determined that the particular subscriber has assigned the particular voicemail greeting to be used with the caller, 
 wherein said determining comprises:
 determining whether the caller is one of a plurality of predetermined contacts for the particular subscriber; and 
 determining whether the particular subscriber has assigned a particular one of a plurality of voicemail greetings to be associated with the determined one of the predetermined contacts. 
 
 
     
     
       18. A method as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said method further comprises:
 determining a default voicemail greeting. 
 
     
     
       19. A method as recited in  claim 18 , wherein said method further comprises:
 playing the default voicemail greeting to the caller if it is determined that the particular subscriber has not assigned the particular voicemail greeting to be used with the caller. 
 
     
     
       20. A method as recited in  claim 18 , wherein said method further comprises:
 displaying a visual indication of the selected one of the predetermined voicemail greetings to be used as the default voicemail greeting. 
 
     
     
       21. A method as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said method further comprises:
 permitting the caller to record a voice message after playing of the particular voicemail greeting. 
 
     
     
       22. A method as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the caller is identified by a caller identifier. 
     
     
       23. A method for providing voicemail greetings to callers, said method comprising:
 receiving an incoming call by a caller and directed to a particular subscriber; 
 determining whether a particular one of a plurality of voicemail greetings associated with the particular subscriber has been assigned for use with the caller; and 
 playing the particular voicemail greeting for the caller if it is determined that the particular subscriber has assigned the particular voicemail greeting to be used with the caller, 
 wherein the caller is one of a plurality of predetermined contacts for the particular subscriber, 
 wherein the voicemail greetings includes a general voicemail greeting and a personal voicemail greeting, 
 wherein the general voicemail greeting is available for use with any of the predetermined contacts, and 
 wherein the personal voicemail greeting is available for use with only the predetermined contact for which the voicemail greeting was originally made. 
 
     
     
       24. A method for delivering a message to a recipient, said method comprising:
 scheduling a date and/or time for a message to be delivered to the recipient; 
 recording, by a user of mobile communication device, an audio and/or video message for the recipient; and 
 submitting the audio and/or video message for delivery at the scheduled date and/or time. 
 
     
     
       25. A graphical user interface for presentation on a display of a mobile communication device, said graphical user interface comprising:
 a greeting screen that presents a plurality of available greetings, said greeting screen including at least a create greeting control configured to assist a user of the mobile electronic device in creating a new greeting; 
 a visual designator configured to designate a selected one of the available greetings to be utilized; and 
 a greeting creation screen configured to create a new greeting, said greeting creation screen including at least one of (i) an expiration control configured to set an expiration for the new greeting, (ii) a group control configured to select a group of contacts to receive the new greeting, and (iii) a priority control configured to set a priority for the new greeting. 
 
     
     
       26. A graphical user interface as recited in  claim 25 , wherein a user input operates to select one of the available greetings to be utilized. 
     
     
       27. A graphical user interface as recited in  claim 26 , wherein the display is a touch screen, and wherein the user input is provided via the touch screen. 
     
     
       28. A graphical user interface as recited in  claim 25 , wherein when said create greeting control is selected by the user, said greeting creation screen is displayed on the display of the mobile communication device. 
     
     
       29. A graphical user interface as recited in  claim 25 , wherein said greeting creation screen further comprises:
 a record user control configured to assist with receiving of an audio recording for the new greeting. 
 
     
     
       30. A graphical user interface as recited in  claim 25 , wherein said greeting creation screen further comprises:
 a play user control configured to assist with playing any of the available greetings at the mobile electronic device. 
 
     
     
       31. A graphical user interface as recited in  claim 25 , wherein said greeting creation screen further comprises:
 a playback control configured to allow a user of the mobile electronic device to control playback position on playback of a specified one of the available greetings. 
 
     
     
       32. A graphical user interface as recited in  claim 25 , wherein said greeting creation screen further comprises:
 an indication of a duration of a specified one of the available greetings. 
 
     
     
       33. A graphical user interface as recited in  claim 25 , wherein said graphical user interface further comprises:
 a decline call control configured to enable the user to decline an incoming call to the mobile communication device from a caller and thereby direct the incoming call to voicemail where the selected one of the available greetings is presented to the caller. 
 
     
     
       34. A graphical user interface as recited in  claim 33 , wherein said graphical user interface further comprises:
 an accept call control configured to enable the user to accept an incoming call to the mobile communication device from a caller and thereby not direct the incoming call to voicemail. 
 
     
     
       35. A graphical user interface as recited in  claim 25 , wherein said greeting screen is automatically displayed on the display when an incoming call is received at the mobile electronic device. 
     
     
       36. A graphical user interface as recited in  claim 25 , wherein said greeting screen is displayed on the display of the mobile communication device when an incoming call is received. 
     
     
       37. A graphical user interface for presentation on a display of a mobile communication device, said graphical user interface comprising:
 a greeting screen that presents a plurality of available greetings, said greeting screen including at least a create greeting control configured to assist a user of the mobile electronic device in creating a new greeting; 
 a visual designator configured to designate a selected one of the available greetings to be utilized; 
 a greeting creation screen configured to create a new greeting, said greeting creation screen including at least one of (i) an expiration control configured to set an expiration for the new greeting, (ii) a group control configured to select a group of contacts to receive the new greeting, and (iii) a priority control configured to set a priority for the new greeting; and 
 an outgoing message creation screen configured to record a custom message and schedule delivery of the custom message. 
 
     
     
       38. A graphical user interface as recited in  claim 37 , wherein said outgoing message creation screen comprises:
 a date and/or time selection control configured to enable selection of a date and/or time for the scheduled delivery of the custom message. 
 
     
     
       39. A graphical user interface as recited in  claim 37 , wherein said outgoing message creation screen comprises:
 a date and/or time selection control configured to enable selection of a future date and/or time for the scheduled delivery of the custom message, 
 whereby the custom message is thereafter delivered to at least one recipient at the date and/or time for the scheduled delivery. 
 
     
     
       40. A mobile electronic device, comprising:
 a display; 
 a memory configured to store computer program code and data on a plurality of contacts; and 
 a processor operatively connected to said memory and said display, said processor being configured to assign a voicemail greeting to at least one of the contacts, said processor operable to execute the computer program code to (i) select a predetermined contact; (ii) display a list of a plurality of predetermined voicemail greetings; (iii) receive a selection of one of the predetermined voicemail greetings to be utilized with respect to an incoming call from the selected predetermined contact; and (iv) associate the selected one of the predetermined voicemail greetings to the selected predetermined contact so that the selected one of the predetermined voicemail greetings can be utilized with respect to one or more incoming calls from the selected predetermined contact.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/014,644, filed Dec. 18, 2007, entitled “CREATION AND MANAGEMENT OF VOICEMAIL GREETINGS FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICES”, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to voicemail greetings and, more particularly, to creation and assignment of voicemail greetings for callers to communication devices. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Today, wireless service providers provide voicemail services to their wireless subscribers using mobile phones. When a caller to a mobile phone is directed to voicemail, the user receives whatever voicemail greeting has been configured for the particular mobile phone. The user of the mobile phone can record a new voicemail message, such as a vacation message when they will be away from their phone for some time. Unfortunately, however, neither mobile phones nor wireless service providers enable users of mobile phones to efficiently manage multiple voicemail greetings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to creation and management of voicemail greetings. A user of a mobile communication device can create and manage multiple voicemail greetings. In one aspect, a user of a mobile communication device can create customized voicemails. The customized voicemails can be assigned to specific contacts (or groups of contacts) known to the mobile communication device. The customized voicemail greetings can also have controlled expiration dates. In another aspect, customized voicemails can be assigned to incoming calls in real-time. 
     The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, apparatus (including graphical user interface or computer readable medium). Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     As a method operable on a wireless communication device for assigning 7  a voicemail greeting to a contact, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: selecting a predetermined contact; displaying a list of a plurality of predetermined voicemail greetings; receiving a selection of one of the predetermined voicemail greetings to be utilized with respect to an incoming call from the selected predetermined contact; and associating the selected of one of the predetermined voicemail greetings to the selected predetermined contact so that the selected one of the predetermined voicemail greetings can be utilized with respect to one or more incoming calls from the selected predetermined contact. 
     As a method operable on a wireless communication device for configuring a voicemail greeting, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: displaying a list of a plurality of predetermined voicemail greetings; receiving a selection of one of the predetermined voicemail greetings to be utilized with respect to an incoming call; and notifying the wireless service provider of the selected one of the predetermined voicemail greetings. 
     As a method for providing voicemail greetings to callers, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: receiving an incoming call by a caller and directed to a particular subscriber; determining whether a particular one of a plurality of voicemail greetings associated with the particular subscriber has been assigned for use with the caller; and playing the particular voicemail greeting for the caller if it is determined that the particular subscriber has assigned the particular voicemail greeting to be used with the caller. 
     As a graphical user interface for presentation on a display of a mobile electronic device, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least a greeting screen that presents a plurality of available greetings, and a visual designator configured to designate a selected one of the available greetings to be utilized. The graphical user interface can also include a greeting creation screen configured to create a new greeting. 
     As a graphical user interface for presentation on a display of a mobile electronic device, another embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least an outgoing message creation screen configured to record a custom message and schedule delivery of the custom message. 
     As a mobile electronic device, one embodiment of the invention includes at least: a display; a memory configured to store computer program code and data on a plurality of contacts; and a processor. The processor can be configured to assign a voicemail greeting to at least one of the contacts. The processor can execute computer program code to (i) select one or a group of the contacts, (ii) display a list of a plurality of predetermined voicemail greetings; (iii) receive a selection of one of the predetermined voicemail greetings to be utilized with respect to an incoming call from the selected one or the group of the contacts, and (iv) associate the selected of one of the predetermined voicemail greetings to the selected one or the group of the contacts so that the selected one of the predetermined voicemail greetings can be utilized with respect to incoming calls to the selected predetermined contact. 
     As a method for handling an incoming call, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: receiving an incoming call by a caller and directed to a particular subscriber; notifying the particular subscriber of the incoming call; receiving an indication from the particular subscriber whether the incoming call is to be answered or declined; and causing a selected audio message to be presented to the caller if the particular subscriber indicates that the incoming call is to be declined. 
     As a method for delivering a message to a recipient, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: scheduling a date and/or time for a message to be delivered to the recipient; recording, by a user of mobile communication device, an audio and/or video message for the recipient; and submitting the audio and/or video message for delivery at the scheduled date and/or time. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a voicemail system according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of a general greeting configuration process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are flow diagrams of a contact greeting configuration process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a greeting update process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a flow diagram of a server voicemail process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a flow diagram of a call handling process according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are exemplary greeting tables according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 7A-7L  are exemplary screens that can be presented on a display according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 8A-8E  are exemplary screens that can be presented on a display according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an exemplary incoming call screen according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 10A-10D  are exemplary screens that can be presented on a display according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10E  is a flow diagram of a message delivery process according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram of a mobile multi-function device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to creation and management of voicemail greetings. A user of a mobile communication device can create and manage multiple voicemail greetings. In one aspect, a user of a mobile communication device can create customized voicemails. The customized voicemails can be assigned to specific contacts (or groups of contacts) known to the mobile communication device. The customized voicemail greetings can also have controlled expiration dates. In another aspect, customized voicemails can be assigned to incoming calls in real-time. 
     A mobile communication device (or wireless communication device) is a mobile electronic device that supports wireless voice communications. Examples of mobile electronic devices are a mobile phone (e.g., cellular phone), personal digital assistant (PDA), media player (e.g., music, videos, games, images), media storage device, camera, remote control, and/or the like. The mobile electronic device may also be a multi-functional device that combines two or more of these device functionalities into a single device. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-11 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a voicemail system  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The voicemail system  100  includes a mobile communication device  102  that is associated with a subscriber of wireless network services. The subscriber is also a user of the mobile communication device  102 . The voicemail system  100  couples to a wireless network  104 . The voicemail system  100  can include a wireless carrier system  106  that is operatively connected to the wireless network  104 . 
     The wireless carrier system  106  can include a call manager  108 , a voicemail server  110  and voicemail data  112 . The call manager  108  operates to direct calls from a calling party (caller) to a receiving party (recipient via the wireless network  104 ). The wireless carrier system  106  also includes a voicemail server  110  and voicemail data  112 . The voicemail data  112  is utilized by the voicemail server  110 . The voicemail server  110  operatively connects to the call manager  108  and/or the voicemail data  112 . 
     The voicemail system  100  generally supports a large number of mobile communication devices. In one embodiment, a mobile communication device  114  is utilized by a caller to initiate an incoming call to the mobile communication device  102  of the recipient. The incoming call is from the mobile communication device  114  of the caller to the mobile communication device  102  of the recipient. 
     When the caller uses the mobile communication device  114  to initiate an incoming call with the recipient by way of the mobile communication device  102 , the incoming call is directed from the mobile communication device  114  to the mobile communication device  102 . The call manager  108  can participate in directing of the incoming call to the mobile communication device  102  of the recipient via the wireless network  104 . When the recipient at the mobile communication device  102  does not answer the incoming call from the caller, the voicemail server  110  can receive the incoming call and provide voicemail services to the caller. In this regard, the voicemail services allow the caller to leave a voicemail message for the recipient. The voicemail server  110 , however, presents a voicemail greeting to the caller by way of the wireless network  104  and the mobile communication device  114 . The voicemail greeting can be one of a plurality of available voicemail greetings that can be stored in the voicemail data  112 . Any voicemails that are left by callers can also be stored in the voicemail data  112 . According to one embodiment of the invention, the particular voicemail greeting being presented to the caller can be dependent upon voicemail configurations that have been arranged by the recipient of the mobile communication device  102 . 
     As discussed below, the voicemail system  110  permits the recipient of the mobile communication device  102  to assign particular voicemail greetings to particular callers, groups of callers, or both. In addition, custom voicemail greetings can be created and used by the mobile communication device  102 , whereby created voicemail greetings can be transmitted to the voicemail server  110  and stored in the voicemail data  112 . 
       FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of a general greeting configuration process  200  according to one embodiment of the invention. The general greeting configuration process  200  can, for example, be preformed on a mobile communication device, such as the mobile communication device  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The general greeting configuration process  200  can display  202  a list of available greetings. The list of available greetings is a list of those greetings, namely, voicemail greetings, that are available to be used as greetings (e.g., introductory messages) for voicemail. These available greetings can pertain to greetings previously recorded on the mobile communication device, greetings provided with the mobile communication device, or greetings made available to the mobile communication device. The list of available greetings can be displayed  202  as a list of identifiers (e.g., names, images, or icons) for the available greetings. The list of identifiers can be formed from identification information for the available greetings. The mobile communication device can store the identification information for the available greetings. However, audio data for the available greetings need not be stored on the mobile communication device. 
     After the list of available greetings is displayed  202 , a decision  204  can determine whether a default greeting is to be set. When the decision  204  determines that a default greeting is to be set, a selected one of the available greetings can be set  206  as a default greeting. Following the block  206 , the general greeting configuration process  200  can return to repeat the block  202  so that an updated list of the available greetings can be displayed. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  204  determines that a default greeting is not to be set at this time, a decision  208  can determine whether a new greeting is to be created at this time. When the decision  208  determines that a new greeting is not to be created at this time, a decision  210  can determine whether the general greeting configuration process  200  should end. When the decision  210  determines that the general greeting configuration process  200  should end, then the general greeting configuration process  200  can end. When the decision  210  determines that the general greeting configuration process  200  is not to end, then the general greeting configuration process  200  can return to repeat the block  202 . 
     Alternatively, when the decision  208  determines that a new greeting is to be created, the general greeting configuration process  200  can support processing to allow the user of the mobile communication device to create a new greeting. In this regard, expiration criteria for the new greeting can be set  212 . The expiration criteria can control when the new greeting is to expire. Expiration of a greeting can eliminate the greeting from being available for usage or can simply de-select in the greeting from being in use. After expiration criteria, if any, is set  212  for the new greeting, a decision  214  can determine whether a record request has been received. A record request is a request by the user of the mobile communication device to begin recording the new greeting being created. When the decision  214  determines that a record request has been received, the new greeting can be recorded  216 . Here, the user of the mobile communication device can speak (or otherwise provide audio) for the new greeting that is to be recorded. The mobile communication device can include a microphone for which audio for the greeting (e.g., spoken greeting by the user) can be picked-up and recorded (and thus stored) at the mobile communication device. In doing so, the general greeting configuration process  200 , although not shown, can limit the duration permitted for the greeting. For example, greetings can be limited to thirty (30) seconds. After the greeting has been recorded  216 , a decision  218  can determine whether the user is done creating the new greeting. When the decision  218  determines that the user is not done creating the new greeting, the general greeting configuration process  200  can return to repeat the decision  214  and subsequent blocks. 
     Also, when the decision  214  determines that a record request has not been received, a decision  220  can determine whether a play request has been received. The play request allows the user of the mobile communication device to cause a previously created greeting (or other available greetings) to be played by the mobile communication device. Hence, when the decision  220  determines that a play request has been received, then the greeting being created can be played  222 . On the other hand, when the decision  220  determines that a play request has not been received, the block  222  can be bypassed. Following the block  222 , or its bypass, the decision  218  can be performed. When the decision  218  determines that creation of the new greeting is done, the general greeting configuration process  200  can return to repeat the block  202  so that the list of available greetings being displayed can be updated and thereafter utilized as discussed above with regard to the general greeting configuration process  200 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  are flow diagrams of a contact greeting configuration process  300  according to one embodiment of the invention. The contact greeting configuration process  300  can, for example, be preformed on a mobile communication device, such as the mobile communication device  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The contact greeting configuration process  300  allows a user of a mobile communication device to associate particular voicemail greetings to particular contacts. 
     The contact greeting configuration process  300  can display  302  a list of contacts. The contacts being displayed  302  are those contacts that are associated with the mobile communication device or its user. For example, the mobile communication device can store an address book that contains a plurality of contacts. After the list of contacts is displayed  302 , a decision  304  can determine whether a contact has been selected from the list of contacts. When the decision  304  determines that a contact has not been selected, a decision  306  can determine whether another input has been received. When the decision  306  determines that another input has been received, other processing  308  can be performed depending upon the type of other input. Alternatively, when the decision  306  determines that no other input has been received, the contact greeting configuration process  310  can return to repeat the block  302  and subsequent blocks. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  304  determines that a contact has been selected from the list of contacts, contact information pertaining to the selected content can be displayed  310 . A decision  312  can then determine whether a greeting change is requested for the selected contact. When the decision  312  determines that a greeting change is not requested, a decision  313  can determine whether the contact greeting configuration process  300  should end. When the decision  313  determines that the contact greeting configuration process should end, then the contact greeting configuration process  300  ends. Alternatively, when the decision  313  determines that the contact greeting configuration process  300  should not end, the contact greeting configuration process  310  returns to repeat the decision  312 . 
     Once the decision  312  determines that a greeting change is requested, a list of available greetings can be displayed  314 . The list of available greetings can be displayed  314  as a list of identifiers (e.g., names, images, or icons) for the available greetings. The list of identifiers can be obtained from the identification information for the available greetings. The mobile communication device can store the identification information for the available greetings. 
     Next, a decision  316  can determine whether a greeting has been selected from the list of available greetings. When the decision  316  determines that a selection has not been made, a decision  318  can determine whether a new greeting is to be created. When the decision  318  determines that a new greeting is not to be created, the contact greeting configuration process  300  can return to repeat the decision  316 . When the decision  316  determines that a selection has been made, the selected greeting can be associated  320  with the selected contact. Following the block  320 , the contact greeting configuration process  300  can end. 
     On the other hand, when the decision  318  determines that a new greeting is to be created, the contact greeting configuration process  300  can facilitate the creation of a new greeting using the mobile communication device. In particular, expiration criteria for the new greeting can be set  322 . The expiration criteria can control when the new greeting is to expire. Expiration of a greeting can eliminate the greeting from being available for usage or can simply de-select in the greeting from being in use. After expiration criteria, if any, is set  322  for the new greeting, a decision  324  can determine whether a record request has been received. A record request is a request by the user of the mobile communication device to begin recording the new greeting being created. When the decision  324  determines that a record request has been received, the new greeting can be recorded  326 . Here, the user of the mobile communication device can speak (or otherwise provide audio) for the new greeting that is to be recorded. The mobile communication device can include a microphone for which audio for the greeting (e.g., spoken greeting by the user) can be picked-up and recorded (and thus stored) at the mobile communication device. In doing so, the contact greeting configuration process  300 , although not shown, can limit the duration permitted for the greeting. For example, greetings can be limited to thirty (30) seconds. After the greeting has been recorded  326 , a decision  328  can determine whether the user is done creating the new greeting. When the decision  328  determines that the user is not done creating the new greeting, the contact greeting configuration process  300  can return to repeat the decision  324  and subsequent blocks. 
     Also, when the decision  324  determines that a record request has not been received, a decision  330  can determine whether a play request has been received. The play request allows the user of the mobile communication device to cause a previously created greeting (or other available greetings) to be played by the mobile communication device. Hence, when the decision  330  determines that a play request has been received, then the greeting being created can be played  332 . On the other hand, when the decision  330  determines that a play request has not been received, the block  332  can be bypassed. Following the block  332 , or its bypass, the decision  328  can be performed. When the decision  328  determines that creation of the new greeting is done, the contact greeting configuration process  300  can return to repeat the block  314  so that the list of available greetings being displayed can be updated and thereafter utilized as discussed above with regard to the contact greeting configuration process  300 . 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of a greeting update process  400  according to one embodiment of the invention. The greeting update process  400  is, for example, performed on a mobile communication device. The greeting update process  400  operates to provide greeting information to a wireless carrier (wireless service provider) that supports wireless connectivity made available to the mobile communication device. 
     The greeting update process  400  can begin with a decision  402  that determines whether a new greeting has been recorded. When the decision  402  determines that a new greeting has been recorded, new greeting data associated with the new greeting that has been recorded can be transmitted  404  to the wireless carrier. 
     Following the block  404 , or directly following the decision  402  when a new greeting has not been recorded, a decision  406  can determine whether a new greeting assignment has been made. When the decision  406  determines that a new greeting assignment has been made, new greeting assignment data can be transmitted  408  from the mobile communication device to the wireless carrier. 
     Following the block  408 , or directly following the decision  406  when a new greeting has not been assigned, a decision  410  can determine whether a new default greeting selection has been made. When the decision  410  determines that a new default greeting selection has been made, new default greeting selection data can be transmitted  412  to the wireless carrier. Following the block  412 , or directly following the decision  410  when a new default greeting had not been selected, the greeting update process  400  can end. However, it should be recognized that the greeting update process  400  can periodically be performed or be performed any time there is a change in greeting configurations or data. For example, the greeting update process  400  can be activated following creation of a new greeting, following a change in greeting assignment, or following a change in default greeting selection. 
       FIG. 5A  is a flow diagram of a server voicemail process  500  according to one embodiment of the invention. The server voicemail process  500  is, for example, performed by a voicemail system provided on a remote server device, such as the voicemail server  110  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The server voicemail process  500  can begin with a decision  502  that determines whether there is an incoming call for a subscriber. When the decision  502  determines that there is no incoming call, the server voicemail process  500  can await the receipt of an incoming call. Here, in the incoming call is an incoming call for a particular subscriber that is being directed to the particular subscriber&#39;s voicemail. Once the decision  502  determines that there is an incoming call for a particular subscriber, a caller identifier for the caller is obtained  504 . For example, the caller identifier can be a phone number or a name associated with the caller. Next, the server voicemail process  500  determines  506  if a particular greeting has been assigned to the caller. Here, as discussed above, a user can interact with a mobile communication device to assign particular greetings to particular callers. Following the block  506 , a decision  508  can determine whether a particular greeting has been assigned to the caller. When the decision  508  determines that a particular greeting has been assigned to the caller, the particular greeting can be played  510  for the caller. Namely, the particular greeting is a voicemail greeting that is played  510  to the caller since the incoming call by the caller has not been accepted or answered by the subscriber. 
     Alternatively, when the decision  508  determines that a particular greeting has not been assigned to the caller, a default greeting can be determined  512 . After the default greeting has been determined  512 , the default greeting can be played  514  to the caller. After the particular greeting has been played  510  for the caller or the default greeting has been played  514  for the caller, the caller is permitted  516  to leave a voice message for the subscriber. Following the block  516 , the server voicemail process  500  can end. However, the server voicemail process  500  can be performed for each incoming call to a voicemail system. 
       FIG. 5B  is a flow diagram of a call handling process  550  according to another embodiment of the invention. The call handling process  550  is, for example, at least partially performed by a call manager provided on a remote server device, such as the call manager  108  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and/or (ii) an electronic device (e.g., mobile communication device) associated with a subscriber (user). 
     The call handling process  550  can begin with a decision  552  that determines whether there is an incoming call for a subscriber. When the decision  552  determines that there is no incoming call, the call handling process  550  can await the receipt of an incoming call. For example, the incoming call can be an incoming voice call for a particular subscriber. Once the decision  552  determines that there is an incoming call for a particular subscriber, the subscriber can be notified  554  of the call. For example, caller information (e.g., caller name, caller ID, etc.) can be presented for the subscriber. Typically, the subscriber is notified  554  of the call at an electronic device, such as a mobile communication device, associated with the subscriber. Next, a list of available custom greetings can be presented  556  (e.g., displayed), such as on or by the electronic device associated with the subscriber. 
     A decision  558  can then determine whether the call is to be answered. For example, the subscriber can interact with the electronic device associated with the subscriber to request that the incoming call be answered. When the decision  558  determines that the incoming call is to be answered, the incoming call is answered  560  and the subscriber can communicate with the caller. After the incoming call is answered, the call handling process  550  can end. On the other hand, when the decision  558  determines that the call is not (yet) to be answered, a decision  562  can determine whether one of the available custom greeting has been selected. For example, the subscriber can interact with the electronic device associated with the subscriber to select one of the available custom greetings being presented  556 . If the decision  562  determines that none of the available custom greetings has been selected, then the call handling process  550  can return to repeat the decision  558 . 
     Alternatively, when the decision  562  determines that one of the available custom greetings has been selected, a decision  564  can determine whether the incoming called is to be declined. When the decision  564  determines that the incoming call is not (yet) to be declined, the call handling process  550  can return to repeat the decision  558 . On the other hand, when the decision  564  determines that the incoming call is to be declined, the selected available greeting can be played  566  to the caller. After the selected available greeting has been played  566  for the caller, the caller can be permitted  568  to leave a voice message for the subscriber. Following the block  568 , the call handling process  550  can end. However, the call handling process  550  can be performed for each incoming call. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are exemplary greeting tables according to one embodiment of the invention. The exemplary greeting tables can be stored at a voicemail server (e.g., voicemail server  110 ) or a voicemail data (e.g., voicemail data  112 ) for use by a voicemail system in providing appropriate greeting to callers for a particular subscriber. Hence, the exemplary greeting tables are associated with a particular subscriber. However, since the voicemail system supports multiple subscribers, multiple exemplary greeting tables can be stored. As subscribers manage or create greetings, the exemplary greeting tables can be updated. 
       FIG. 6A  is an exemplary greeting assignment table  600  according to one embodiment of the invention. The exemplary greeting assignment table  600  associates caller identifiers to one of the plurality of greetings available to a particular subscriber. In other words, when an incoming call for the particular subscriber is received from a caller, the caller identifier associated with the caller can be looked-up in the exemplary greeting assignment table  600  to identify the appropriate greeting to be provided to the caller. 
       FIG. 6B  is an exemplary greeting location table  650  according to one embodiment of the invention. The exemplary greeting table  600  specifies file locations for the electronic files storing the audio data for the available greetings. For example, the file locations could be within the voicemail data  112  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Once the appropriate greeting is identified by the exemplary greeting table  600 , the corresponding electronic file storing the corresponding audio data can be identified using the exemplary greeting location table  650 . The greeting location table  650  can also provide information on that particular one of the available greeting that is chosen as the default greeting. If a caller for the particular subscriber is not listed in the exemplary greeting location file  600 , the default greeting is used. 
       FIGS. 7A-7L  are exemplary screens that can be presented on a display according to one embodiment of the invention. The display can be associated with an electronic device, such as a mobile communication device. The exemplary screens are suitable for creating a new custom voicemail greeting. 
       FIG. 7A  is an exemplary voicemail screen  700  according to one embodiment of the invention. The voicemail screen  700  displays a list  702  of voicemails that have been received for the user of the mobile communication device. The user can select one of the voicemails in the list  702  to cause the voicemail to be played. The voicemail screen  700  also provides a user control  704  to initiate a call back to any calling party that has left a voicemail, and a user control  706  to delete a voicemail. Further, the voicemail screening  700  includes a greeting control  708  that allows the user to configure, associate, arrange, record, or modify greetings to be provided to callers. 
       FIG. 7B  is an exemplary greeting screen  710  according to one embodiment of the invention. The greeting screen  710  displays a list  712  of available greetings. A visual designator  714  indicates a particular one of the available greetings that is selected as a selected greeting (e.g., global default greeting). The list  712  illustrated in  FIG. 7B  includes available greetings labeled as follows: “Default”, “Vacation”, “Out of Office” or “Meeting”. In addition, the greeting screen  710  can include a user control  716  to initiate creation of a new greeting. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the user control  716  is provided as an entry in the list  712 . However, in other embodiments, the user control  716  can be provided in the greeting screen  710  outside of the list  712 . 
       FIG. 7C  is an exemplary greeting creation screen  720  according to one embodiment of the invention. The greeting creation screen  720  includes a title region  722  in which a title for the greeting can be entered. The greeting creation screen  720  also includes an expiration control  724  that allows a user to specify an expiration for the newly create greeting, if desired. Further, the greeting creation screen  720  can include a group control  726  that allows the user to specify one or more groups to be associated with the newly created greeting, if desired. Still further, the greeting creation screen  720  can include a priority control  728  that allows the user of the mobile communication device to set a priority for the newly create a greeting, if desired. The greeting creation screen  720  can also include a record user control  723  and a play user control  725 . On selection of the record user control  723 , the user can record an audio recording (e.g., greeting) to be used for the greeting being created. The selection of the play user control  725  can be selected to play back the audio recording (e.g., greeting) for the greeting. The greeting creation screen  720  can also include a playback control  727  that can allow a user to control playback position. The playback control  727  can also indicate a duration of the greeting. After the greeting creating screen  720  has been used to provided a title, expiration, grouping, priority and/or recording for the newly created greeting, a user control  729  can be activated to save the configuration for the newly create greeting. 
       FIG. 7D  is an exemplary text entry screen  730  according to one embodiment of the invention. When the user of the mobile communication device indicates that text entry is to be performed, the exemplary text entry screen  730  can be displayed. For example, the user can select the title region  722  to request entry of a title in the title region  722  of the greeting creation screen  720 . Here, the user can interact with a virtual keyboard (e.g., QWERTY keyboard) to enter the title for the newly create greeting. Once the title has been entered, the title region  722 ′ now contains the title. Thereafter, a user control  734  can be selected to end the text entry screen  730 . 
       FIG. 7E  is an exemplary greeting creation screen  720 ′ according to one embodiment of the invention. The exemplary greeting creation screen  720 ′ represents an updated version of the exemplary greeting creation screen  720  illustrated in  FIG. 7C . The exemplary greeting creation screen  720 ′ contains the title for the newly created greeting in the title region  722 ′ as provided using the text entry screen  730 . 
       FIG. 7F  is an exemplary diagram of an expiration screen  740  according to one embodiment of the invention. The expiration screen  740  assists the user in setting expiration data (e.g., expiration date and/or time) for the newly created greeting. The expiration screen  740  includes a date or time selection region  742 . The user can interact with the date or time selection region  742  to select a date or time for expiration of the newly created reading. A user control  744 , when selected, causes the date or time selection region  742  to display various dates for selection. A user control  746 , when selected, causes the date or time selection region  742  to display various times for selection. Once the expiration date and/or time are entered, the expiration data can be stored by selection of a save control  748 . 
       FIG. 7G  is an exemplary greeting creation screen  720 ″ according to one embodiment of the invention. The exemplary greeting creation screen  720 ″ represents an updated version of the exemplary greeting creation screen  720 ′ illustrated in  FIG. 7E  after entry of expiration data using the expiration screen  740  illustrated in  FIG. 7F . Here, the exemplary greeting creation screen  720 ″ now specifies a particular date and time for expiration in the expiration control  724 ′. In this embodiment, the expiration control  724 ′ can visually specify the expiration date and/or expiration time for the newly create greeting. 
       FIG. 7H  is an exemplary group assignment screen  750  according to one embodiment of the invention. The exemplary group assignment screen  750  displays a list  752  of available groups that can be selected. Here, one or more of the listed groups can be selected and thereby associated with the newly create greeting. For example, the list  752  illustrated in  FIG. 7H  includes groups entitled: “Everyone”, “Family”, “Friends”, “Work” and “Unknown Caller”. The “Everyone” group can be pre-selected as the initial default. As shown in  FIG. 7H , the user of the mobile communication device has selected the “Family” group as well as the “Friends” group. A cancel user control  754  can be selected to cancel the group assignment, and a save user control  756  can be selected to save the group assignment. 
       FIG. 7I  is an exemplary greeting creation screen  720 ′″ according to one embodiment of the invention. The exemplary greeting creation screen  720 ′″ represents an updated version of the exemplary greeting creation screen  720 ″ illustrated in  FIG. 7G . The exemplary greeting creation screen  720 ′″ now specifies one or groups that are associated to the greeting. In particular, the group control  726 ′ specifies that the newly created greeting it is to be utilized for family &amp; friends. The priority control  728  can specify an initial default priority as “normal” priority. However, the user can alter in the priority for the newly created greeting by selecting the priority control  728 . 
       FIG. 7J  is an exemplary priority assignment screen  760  according to one embodiment of the invention. The exemplary priority assignment screen  760  displays a list  762  of available priorities that can be selected. Here, one of the listed priorities can be selected and thereby associated with the newly created greeting. For example, the list  762  illustrated in  FIG. 7J  includes groups entitled: “Normal” and “High”. As shown in  FIG. 7J , a visual designator  764  can visually indicate the selected priority for the newly created reading. A cancel user control  766  can be selected to cancel the priority selected, and a save user control  768  can be selected to save the priority selection. 
     When the newly created greeting is set to normal priority, the hierarchy of greeting playback according to one embodiment can be as follows. If there is any customized greeting specified for the caller, such customized greeting is utilized as the voicemail greeting. If there is no customized greeting specified for the caller, the greeting to be utilized for the caller is a greeting assigned to a group, where the caller is part of the group. Still further, if there is no customized individual greeting and no customized group greeting for the caller, the greeting to be utilized for the caller is a globally assigned greeting. However, according to one embodiment, if the priority for a newly created greeting is high, such customized greeting can override any other greetings. 
       FIG. 7K  is an exemplary greeting creation screen  720 ″″ according to one embodiment of the invention. The exemplary greeting creation screen  720 ″″ represents an updated version of the exemplary greeting creation screen  720 ′″ illustrated in  FIG. 7I . The exemplary greeting creation screen  720 ″″ specifies a priority for the newly created greeting in the priority control  728 ′. In particular, the priority control  728 ′ specifies that the newly created greeting as normal priority, which was the initial default priority illustrated by the priority control  728  illustrated in  FIG. 7I . The newly created greeting can be saved using the user control  729 . 
       FIG. 7I  is an exemplary greeting screen  710 ′ according to one embodiment of the invention. The exemplary greeting screen  710 ′ can follow from the greeting creation screens once the newly created greeting is saved using the user control  729  or the user navigates back to the exemplary greeting screen  710 ′. The exemplary greeting screen  710 ′ represents an updated version of the exemplary greeting screen  710  illustrated in  FIG. 7B . The list  712 ′ of available greetings now includes the newly created greeting entitled “At the Movies”, which expires on Oct. 16, 2007 and is affiliated with the “Family” and “Friends” groups. Hence, while the “Out of Office” available greetings is set as the global default as indicated by the visual indicator  714 , if friends or family call, they will instead hear the custom greeting entitled “At the Movies” if they call before such custom greeting expires. 
       FIGS. 8A-8E  are exemplary screens that can be presented on a display according to another embodiment of the invention. The display can be associated with an electronic device, such as a mobile communication device. The exemplary screens are suitable for assigning a custom voicemail to a particular contact. 
       FIG. 8A  is an exemplary contacts screen  800  according to one embodiment of the invention. A “contacts” icon  802  is visually designated (e.g., highlighted) to indicated that a contact mode is active. When in the contact mode, a list  804  of contacts is displayed by the contacts screen  800 . When a particular contact is selected from the list  804 , contact information can be displayed for the selected contact. 
       FIG. 8B  is an exemplary contact information screen  820  according to one embodiment of the invention. The content information screen  820  displays content information  822 . The contact information  822  includes a contact name  824 , a content picture  826 , a work phone number  828 , a mobile phone number  830 , a ringtone selection  832 , and a greeting selection  834 . As shown in  FIG. 8B , the ringtone selection  832  specifies that a default ringtone is currently selected. The greeting selection  834  specifies that a default greeting is currently selected. The contact information screen  820  can also includes a user control  836  to navigate back to the contacts screen  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8A . 
       FIG. 8C  is an exemplary greeting screen  840  according to one embodiment of the invention. The greeting screen  840  displays a list  842  of available greetings. A visual designator  844  indicates a particular one of the available greetings that is selected as a selected greeting (e.g., global default greeting). The list  842  illustrated in  FIG. 8C  includes available greetings labeled as follows: “Default”, “Vacation”, “Out of Office”, “Meeting” or “Hi Mom”. In addition, the greeting screen  840  can include a user control  846  to initiate creation of a new greeting. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 8C , the user control  846  is provided as an entry in the list  842 . However, in other embodiments, the user control  846  can be provided in the greeting screen  840  outside of the list  842 . The greeting screen  840  can also include a record user control  848  and a play user control  850 . On selection of the record user control  848 , the user can record an audio recording (e.g., greeting) to be used for a greeting being created. The selection of the play user control  850  can be selected to play back the audio recording (e.g., greeting) for a selected one of the greetings. The greeting screen  840  can also include a playback control  852  that can allow a user to control playback position. The playback control  852  can also indicate a duration of the greeting. 
     If the user control  846  is selected, a new greeting is created. Creation of a new greeting for the selected contact creates a custom greeting for use for that contact only. In one embodiment, the created custom greeting for the selected contact is not made generally available as a default greeting. 
       FIG. 8D  is an exemplary greeting screen  840 ′ according to one embodiment of the invention. The greeting screen  840 ′ represents an updated version of the greeting screen  840  where the visual designator  844  selects the “Vacation” as a selected greeting (e.g., global default greeting) for the selected contact. 
       FIG. 8E  is an exemplary contacts screen  820 ′ according to one embodiment of the invention. The contacts screen  820 ′ represents an updated version of the contacts screen  820  where the greeting selection  834 ′ specifies that the selected greeting for the selected contact is the “Vacation” greeting. 
       FIG. 9  is an exemplary incoming call screen  900  according to one embodiment of the invention. The exemplary incoming call screen  900  can be presented on a display of a mobile communication device when a call is incoming. The exemplary incoming call screen  900  can display an answer control  902  and a decline control  904 . If the user selects the answer control  902 , the incoming call can be answered and taken by the user of the mobile communication device. Alternatively, if the user selects the decline control  904 , the incoming call can be declined in sent to voicemail where an appropriate greeting is presented to the caller. 
     The incoming call screen  900  can also display information concerning the caller, such as a name  906 , a picture  908  and a calling location  910  associated with the caller. Further, the incoming call screen  900  can display a list  912  of available greetings. In one embodiment, a visual designator  914  can specify a selected one of the available greetings to be utilized if the incoming call is declined by the user. This is the available greeting that has been previously determined to be used for the incoming call. However, when the incoming call is initially received, the incoming call screen  900  is displayed to advise the user of the incoming call and the caller information. By also displaying the list  912  of the available greetings, the user is provided with the opportunity to dynamically select one of the available greetings prior to directing the incoming call to voicemail. Hence, if the current default greeting (e.g., “Out of Office”) is not the most appropriate greeting for the incoming caller, the user can interact with the list  912  to select a more appropriate greeting (e.g., “Meeting”) prior to directing the incoming call to voicemail. Hence, in one embodiment, the user is able to assign an appropriate one of the available greetings in real-time. 
       FIGS. 10A-10D  are exemplary screens that can be presented on a display according to still another embodiment of the invention. The display can be associated with an electronic device, such as a mobile communication device. The exemplary screens are suitable for arranging for a custom audio message (e.g., custom voice message) to be sent. 
       FIG. 10A  is an exemplary contacts screen  1000  according to one embodiment of the invention. A “contacts” icon  1002  is visually designated (e.g., highlighted) to indicated that a contact mode is active. When in the contact mode, a list  1004  of contacts is displayed by the contacts screen  800 . When a particular contact is selected from the list  804 , contact information can be displayed for the selected contact. 
       FIG. 10B  is an exemplary contact information screen  1020  according to one embodiment of the invention. The content information screen  1020  displays content information  1022 . The contact information  1022  includes a contact name  1024 , a content picture  1026 , a work phone number  1028 , a mobile phone number  1030 , a ringtone selection  1032 , a greeting selection  1034 , and an outgoing message selector  1036 . As shown in  FIG. 10B , the ringtone selection  1032  specifies that a default ringtone is currently selected. The greeting selection  1034  specifies that a default greeting is currently selected. The outgoing message selector  1036  facilitates a user in arranging for one or more outgoing messages to be sent. The contact information screen  1020  can also includes a user control  1040  to navigate back to the contact screen  1000  illustrated in  FIG. 10A . 
       FIG. 10C  is an exemplary outgoing message screen  1040  according to one embodiment of the invention. The outgoing message screen  1040  can be displayed when the outgoing message selector  1036  shown in  FIG. 10B  is selected. The outgoing message screen  1040  displays a date selection  1042  and a time selection  1044 . By selecting the data selection  1042 , the user can set a date for when an outgoing message is to be sent. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10C , the date selection  1042  indicates that the default or currently selected date is “today”. By selecting the time selection  1044 , the user can set a time for when an outgoing message is to be sent on the selected date. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10C , the time selection  1044  indicates that the default or currently selected time is “immediate”. Hence, an outgoing message can be sent in accordance with the selected date and time. As a result, an outgoing message can be sent immediately or can be scheduled to be sent at a particular date and time in the future. 
     The outgoing message screen  1040  can also include a record user control  1046  and a play user control  1048 . On selection of the record user control  1046 , the user can record an audio recording (e.g., audio message) to be used for an outgoing message being created. The selection of the play user control  1048  can be selected to play back the audio recording (e.g., audio message) of the outgoing message that has been recorded. The outgoing message screen  1040  can also include a playback control  1050  that can allow a user to control playback position when playing back an outgoing message. The playback control  1050  can also indicate a duration of the outgoing message. As shown in  FIG. 10C , if no outgoing message has been recorded, a send message control  1052  is disabled since there is no outgoing message to be sent. 
       FIG. 10D  is an exemplary outgoing message screen  1040 ′ according to one embodiment of the invention. The outgoing message screen  1040 ′ represents an updated version of the outgoing message screen  1040  after an outgoing message has been recorded. Here, as shown in  FIG. 10D , the send message control  1052 ′ is enabled because an outgoing message has been recorded and the user is permitted to send the outgoing message. 
     Although the exemplary screens illustrated in  FIGS. 10A-10D  are suitable for arranging for a custom audio message (e.g., custom voice message) to be sent to a particular contact. It should be understood that in other embodiment, a custom audio message can be sent to multiple contacts or to other destinations that may not be contacts. 
       FIG. 10E  is a flow diagram of a message delivery process  1060  according to one embodiment of the invention. The message delivery process  1060  can, for example, be at least partially performed by an electronic device (e.g., mobile communication device) associated with a subscriber (user). In one embodiment, the message delivery process  1060  can produce one or more of the exemplary screens illustrated in  FIGS. 10A-10D . 
     The message delivery process  1060  can begin by scheduling  1062  a date and/or a time for a custom message (e.g., custom audio and/or video message) to be delivered to a recipient. In one implementation, the recipient can be a particular contact associated with the user (e.g., see  FIG. 10A ). The custom message for the recipient can also be recorded  1064 . Thereafter, the custom message can be submitted  1066  for delivery to the recipient at the scheduled date and/or time. In one implementation, the delivery can be performed such that the custom message is delivered as a voicemail to the recipient. In such case, a wireless carrier system can deliver the custom message to a voicemail server associated with the recipient at the scheduled date and/or time. Alternatively, the wireless carrier system could deliver the custom message in advance and instruct the voicemail server to make it available to the recipient at the scheduled date and/or time. In another embodiment, the delivery of the custom message can be performed as an incoming call to the recipient, whereby the custom message is played for the recipient if the call is answered or saved as a voicemail message if the call is not answered. 
     One example of a custom message that can be delivered in a deferred manner by the message delivery process  1060  is a message that the user wishes to send to a recipient but wants the message delivered at a particular time. For example, if its Joe&#39; birthday in two days and Jane will be out of town then, Jane can record a custom “Happy Birthday” message for Joe and schedule the message to be delivery on Joe&#39;s birthday. 
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram of a mobile multi-function device  1100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The mobile multi-function device  1100  can include the circuitry of a mobile communication device that can perform some or all of the operations described with reference to  FIGS. 1-5  and  7 A- 10 D. The mobile multi-function device  1100  includes hardware and software components to provide at least two functions, namely, a media playback function and a wireless voice communications function. When providing media playback, the mobile multi-function device  1100  can operate as a media player capable of playing (including displaying) media items. The media items can, for example, pertain to audio items (e.g., audio files or songs), videos (e.g., movies) or images (e.g., photos). When providing wireless voice communications, the mobile multi-function device  1100  can operate a mobile telephone (e.g., cellular phone). 
     The mobile multi-function device  1100  includes a processor  1102  that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the mobile multi-function device  1100 . The mobile multi-function device  1100  stores media data pertaining to media items in a file system  1104  and a cache  1106 . In one embodiment, the file system  1104  is implemented by a storage disk or a plurality of disks. In another embodiment, the file system  1104  is implemented by EEPROM or Flash type memory. The file system  1104  typically provides high capacity storage capability for the mobile multi-function device  1100 . However, since the access time to the file system  1104  is relatively slow, the mobile multi-function device  1100  can also include a cache  1106 . The cache  1106  is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to the cache  1106  is substantially shorter than for the file system  1104 . However, the cache  1106  does not have the large storage capacity of the file system  1104 . Further, the file system  1104 , when active, consumes more power than does the cache  1106 . The power consumption is often a concern when the mobile multi-function device  1100  is a portable mobile multi-function device that is powered by a battery  1124 . The mobile multi-function device  1100  also includes a RAM  1120  and a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  1122 . The ROM  1122  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The ROM  1122  can be implemented by an EEPROM or Flash type memory so as to provide writable non-volatile data storage. The RAM  1120  provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache  1106 . 
     In one embodiment, to support wireless voice communications, the mobile multi-function device  1100  includes a transceiver  1126  and a SIM card  1128 . The transceiver  1126  supports wireless communication with a wireless network (such as a wireless cellular network). The SIM card  1128  includes an identifier (e.g., SIM identifier) can be used by the mobile multi-function device  1100  to gain access and utilize the wireless network. In other embodiments, a SIM card  1128  is not utilized. 
     The mobile multi-function device  1100  also includes a user input device  1108  that allows a user of the mobile multi-function device  1100  to interact with the mobile multi-function device  1100 . For example, the user input device  1108  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, etc. Still further, the mobile multi-function device  1100  includes a display  1110  (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor  1102  to display information to the user. The user input device  1108  can also be implemented as a touch-sensitive device apart or integral with the display  1110 . A data bus  1111  can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system  1104 , the cache  1106 , the processor  1102 , and the CODEC  1112 . 
     In one embodiment, the mobile multi-function device  1100  serves to store a plurality of media items (e.g., songs) in the file system  1104 . When a user desires to have the mobile multi-function device play a particular media item, a list of available media items is displayed on the display  1110 . Then, using the user input device  1108 , a user can select one of the available media items. The processor  1102 , upon receiving a selection of a particular media item, can supply the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media item to a coder/decoder (CODEC)  1112 . The CODEC  1112  can then produces analog output signals for a speaker  1114 . The speaker  1114  can be a speaker internal to the mobile multi-function device  1100  or external to the mobile multi-function device  1100 . For example, a headphone or earphone that connects to the mobile multi-function device  1100  would be considered an external speaker. 
     The mobile multi-function device  1100  can also includes a bus interface  1116  that couples to a data link  1118 . The data link  1118  can allow the mobile multi-function device  1100  to couple to a host device (e.g., host computer or power source). The data link  1118  can also provide power to the mobile multi-function device  1100 . 
     The mobile electronic device utilized herein can further be a hand-held electronic device. The term hand-held generally means that the electronic device has a form factor that is small enough to be comfortably held in one hand. A hand-held electronic device may be directed at one-handed operation or two-handed operation. In one-handed operation, a single hand is used to both support the device as well as to perform operations with the user interface during use. In two-handed operation, one hand is used to support the device while the other hand performs operations with a user interface during use or alternatively both hands support the device as well as perform operations during use. In some cases, the hand-held electronic device is sized for placement into a pocket of the user. By being pocket-sized, the user does not have to directly carry the device and therefore the device can be taken almost anywhere the user travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulky and often heavy device). 
     The messages (audio messages, custom greetings, etc.) discussed herein can be audio as noted above. These messages can also be video messages. 
     The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations. 
     The invention is preferably implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium generally include read-only memory and random-access memory. More specific examples of computer readable medium are tangible and include Flash memory, EEPROM memory, memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, hard drive, magnetic tape, and optical data storage device. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different aspects, embodiments or implementations may, but need not, yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of the invention is that voicemail greetings can be effectively managed from a mobile communication device. Another advantage is that voicemail greetings can be created using a mobile communication device. Still another advantage of the invention is that specific voicemail greetings can be assigned to specific contacts, groups or callers. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20080103
Publication Date: 20120327
Grant Date: 20120327
Priority Date: 20071218
Inventors: WOOD POLICARPO
CANNISTRARO ALAN
HICKS KOURTNY
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04M2207/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/663", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2207/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/6505", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/27453", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/2745", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/27453", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/575", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M3/42059", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2201/14", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M3/53391", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/663", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M3/42059", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M3/53391", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2203/2044", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/6505", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2203/2044", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/575", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2201/14", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72433", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72448", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72433", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72448", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/2745", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 40753284