(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2009/0170480 A1
`Lee
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jul. 2, 2009
`
`US 20090170480A1
`
`(54) SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
`INTELLIGENT AND CUSTOMIZABLE
`COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN DEVICES
`
`'
`(75) Invent“
`
`_
`1233a“ M- Lee> San Jose’ CA
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`(51) Int Cl
`H0LIM'3/4Z
`(200601)
`H04Q 7/20
`(2006.01)
`H04M 1/00
`(2006.01)
`(52) us. Cl. ..................... .. 455/414.1; 455/450; 455/566
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`Systems and methods for providing a communications sys
`_
`tem are provided. The communications system can provide
`Correspondence Address‘
`intelligent communications between devices, in Which the
`APPLE INC-IBSTZ
`BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN system can identify appropriate communication modes for
`LLP
`incoming communications requests based on a user’s prefer
`1279 OAKMEAD PARKWAY
`ences and availability. The communications system can deter
`SUNNYVALE, CA 94085_4040 (Us)
`rnine Whether a user is participating _in an activity. In response
`0 determmmg that a user 1s particlpatmg 1n an act1v1ty, the
`communications system can automatically identify one or
`more preferred communication modes that are available to
`the user. In some embodiments of the present invention, the
`communications system can con?gure a communications
`device to send a message back to a contact’s device if the
`communication mode of an incoming communications
`request is not preferred. The communications system can also
`alloW a user to customize information that is displayed to a
`subset of the user’s contacts.
`
`_
`(73) Asslgnee?
`
`_
`Apple Inc‘: Cupemno, CA (Us)
`
`(21) Appl. NO.I
`
`12/005,821
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 28, 2007
`
`f
`
`(:
`
`.|Ill carrier *5
`
`10:15 AM
`
`*lib
`
`Joe Smith
`Connected to mobile....
`
`No picture
`avallable
`
`1202
`
`Joe has logged 4 miles so far.
`His workout will end in approximately
`10 minutes.
`
`Please e-mail him or leave a
`voicernail.
`
`E-mail
`(
`( g Voicemail
`
`C [5 End Cali
`
`1
`
`Google Inc., Nest Labs, Inc., and Dropcam, Inc.
`GOOG 1010
`IPR of US Pat. No. 8,315,618
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 1 0f 17
`
`US 2009/0170480 A1
`
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 2 0f 17
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 3 0f 17
`
`US 2009/0170480 A1
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`30
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`Communications network
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`K 304
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`Device
`
`K 342
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`Device
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`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 4 0f 17
`
`US 2009/0170480 A1
`
`00
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`FIG. 4
`
`5
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 5 0f 17
`
`US 2009/0170480 A1
`
`Carrier
`0 O O
`Joe Smith
`
`0 Accounting
`
`Runn
`
`Collin
`O on the Phone
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`0 Help Desk
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`Jack
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`for coffee
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`Tyler
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`work
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`0 Zack
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`0 Ivan
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`Richard
`0 At the movies
`
`504
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`502
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`508
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`518
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`516
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`Jabber List
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`FIG. 5
`
`506
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`512
`
`514
`
`510
`
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`6
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`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 6 0f 17
`
`US 2009/0170480 A1
`
`60
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`10:15 AM
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`Settings
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`606
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`602
`604
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`FIG. 6
`
`7
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 7 0f 17
`
`US 2009/0170480 A1
`
`70
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`Running Errands >
`
`Communication Modes
`k
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`
`FIG. 7
`
`8
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 8 0f 17
`
`US 2009/0170480 A1
`
`00
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`Communication Modes @ 806
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`FIG. 8
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`9
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`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 9 0f 17
`
`US 2009/0170480 A1
`
`.-|ll carrier %‘
`10:15AM
`@ Automatic
`
`910
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`10
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`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 10 0f 17
`
`US 2009/0170480 A1
`
`1004
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`1008
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`10:15 AM
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`Available
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`Family
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`Joanne
`Away
`Project Team
`Tyler
`Will
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`Catherine
`Idle
`College Buddies
`Hockey Team
`
`/ Rest of Contacts
`1006
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`
`FIG._10
`
`11
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 11 0f 17
`
`US 2009/0170480 A1
`
`.-||I carrier i?
`10:15 AM
`@ Family
`
`\1116
`
`1 102
`
`1104
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`1 106
`1 108
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`w State
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`Message
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`Communication Modes
`
`Available >
`
`>
`
`At the mall >
`
`(*1 “is >
`‘9 U
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`
`
`Members “my
`
`Jack
`
`Richard
`
`Sam
`
`
`
`1 1 1 1 14
`
`1 1 10
`
`FIG. 11
`
`12
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 12 0f 17
`
`US 2009/0170480 A1
`
`Joe Smith
`Connected to mobile...
`
`No picture
`ava||ab|e
`
`Joe has logged 4 miles so far.
`His workout will end in approximately
`10 minutes.
`
`Please e-mail him or leave a
`voicemail.
`
`1202
`
`y
`( g Voicemail )/
`C E] End Call
`)
`
`1204
`
`1206
`
`FIG. 12
`
`13
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 13 0f 17
`
`US 2009/0170480 A1
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`Receive instruction for K“ 1304
`settings change
`
`1306
`
`struction to chan - -
`asic information?
`
`customize
`' formation?
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`YES
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`i
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`
`Send information A
`
`,
`End
`
`1312
`
`K"
`
`FIG. 13A
`
`14
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 14 0f 17
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`US 2009/0170480 A1
`
`1314
`Receive instructions
`to change /_
`information
`
`_
`
`ctiontoc --v
`communication
`modes?
`
`1316
`
`YES
`
`1320
`
`NO
`
`/“1318
`
`Change information
`
`struction =
`manually change
`communication
`modes?
`
`YES
`J, /’-—1322
`Manually change
`[ D ]
`communication
`modes
`
`FIG. 13B
`
`15
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 15 0f 17
`
`US 2009/0170480 A1
`
`1324
`
`struction to turn 0
`SENSOR option
`
`‘I
`
`i!
`
`'
`
`9
`
`YES——+
`
`1328
`
`Receive
`sensor
`data
`
`I
`
`1326
`
`struction to turn 0
`“DEVICE” option?
`
`/’_ YES__> Receive device
`
`data
`
`NO
`
`1330 x l
`Identify preferred
`communication
`modes
`
`CE?
`
`FIG. 13C
`
`16
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 16 0f 17
`
`US 2009/0170480 A1
`
`? r1334
`
`Receive instruction
`to customize
`information
`
`1336
`
`1338
`
`communications
`- rofile of a subset 0
`contacts?
`
`YES
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`ls subset a contact
`group?
`
`NO
`
`YES
`i
`
`1340 '
`
`No
`
`Edit member
`configuration
`
`FIG. 13D
`
`17
`
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 2, 2009 Sheet 17 0f 17
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`US 2009/0170480 A1
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`14 0
`
`1402
`
`Start
`
`1404
`Receive incoming
`communications /_
`request
`
`/_ 1412
`
`incoming request a
`- referred mode‘?
`
`Do not notify user
`NO——>
`of incoming request
`
`1414
`
`Send information
`with preferred
`communication
`modes
`
`Notify user of
`incoming request
`
`L<~1410
`
`End ,
`
`1
`
`(
`
`FIG. 14
`
`18
`
`

`
`US 2009/0170480 A1
`
`Jul. 2, 2009
`
`SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
`INTELLIGENT AND CUSTOMIZABLE
`COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN DEVICES
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] This invention relates to systems and methods for
`intelligent and customizable communications betWeen
`devices.
`[0002] There are communications devices that alloW users
`to communicate With each other in one or more modes. For
`example, these devices can alloW users to communicate via
`voice communications (e.g., telephonic communications and
`voicemails), e-mails, and SMS text messaging. Some com
`munications devices can be loaded With instant messaging
`applications, such as iChatTM available by Apple Inc. of
`Cupertino, Calif. These applications can alloW users to send
`real-time communications requests (e.g., text, audio, and/or
`video) to each other.
`[0003] Some instant messaging applications can automati
`cally determine the state of a user and inform the user’s instant
`messaging contacts of that state. For example, When the user
`logs on to the instant messaging application, the application
`may automatically set the state of the user to the “available”
`state. Then, the instant messaging application may automati
`cally notify the user’s instant messaging contacts of this
`“available” state if and When the user’s contacts log onto the
`instant messaging netWork. HoWever, in some cases, the user
`may prefer to communicate With only a subset of his instant
`messaging contacts and may not Want to be bothered by the
`remaining contacts.
`[0004] In addition, When a contact sends the user a com
`munications request, some communications devices may
`notify the user of the incoming communications request,
`regardless of Whether it may be appropriate or desirable to
`disturb the user. For example, When the user is at a meeting
`and forgets to set the communications device to vibrate, an
`incoming communications request may disrupt the meeting.
`As another example, the user may be in a gym and may prefer
`not to be interrupted by anyone except his family. If the user’s
`boss calls, the communications device Would immediately
`notify the user of the call. As a result, the user has to look to
`see Who is calling, Which interrupts his Workout. In addition,
`if the user chooses to ignore the call, his boss is left Wondering
`Why the user is unable to ansWer the call.
`[0005] Accordingly, What is needed are systems and meth
`ods for intelligent communications betWeen devices, in
`Which the system can select appropriate communication
`modes for incoming communications requests based on a
`user’s preferences and availability. What is also needed are
`systems and methods for enabling a user to provide custom
`iZed information for his contacts.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0006] In accordance With the present invention, a commu
`nications device and method of operation are provided in
`Which the device can select appropriate communication
`modes for incoming communications requests based on a
`user’s preferences and availability. In addition, the commu
`nications device can determine the communication modes of
`a user based on the current activity and alloW the user to
`provide customiZed information to his contacts.
`[0007] In some embodiments of the invention, one or more
`categories of data can be collected to determine if a user is
`
`participating in an activity. For example, the communications
`device can be operative to receive sensor data, Which can
`include location data, environment data, and exercise data. As
`another example, the communications device can be opera
`tive to receive device data, Which can include usage data,
`calendar data, and neWs data. In some embodiments, the
`communications device can determine the preferred commu
`nication modes (e. g., telephonic communications, voicemail,
`text messaging, instant messaging, and e-mail) based on the
`collected data.
`[0008] In some embodiments, the communications device
`can resolve con?icting communication modes. For example,
`based on exercise data, the communications device may
`determine that the preferred communication mode is voice
`mail. HoWever, based on calendar data, the communications
`device may determine that the preferred communication
`modes are instant messaging and e-mail. In some embodi
`ments, the con?icts can be resolved by user selection. In some
`embodiments, the communications device can resolve con
`?icts based on a priority order established for the categories of
`data or the communication modes.
`[0009] In some embodiments, the user can provide custom
`iZed information (e.g., state, icon, message, and communica
`tion modes) for display to a subset of the user’s contacts. The
`subset of the user’s contact can include individual contacts
`and contact groups. For example, the user can choose to
`display an “Available” state to a family group and display an
`“AWay” state to a Work group. In some embodiments, the
`communications device can automatically create a rest-of
`contacts group that can include contacts that have not been
`con?gured to receive customiZed information.
`[0010] In some embodiments, the communications device
`can be operative to receive an incoming communications
`request from a contact, and can determine the communication
`mode of the incoming communications request. If it is deter
`mined that the communication mode is one of the preferred
`modes for the contact, the communications device may notify
`the user of the incoming communications request. If it is
`determined that the communication mode is not one of the
`preferred modes for the contact, the communications device
`may not notify the user of the incoming communications
`request. In addition, the communications device can send the
`preferred communication modes to the contact’s device. In
`some embodiments, if the communications device detects
`that the user is currently participating in an activity, the com
`munications device can send a message to the contact’s
`device that includes information about the activity.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0011] The above and other objects and advantages of the
`invention Will be apparent upon consideration of the folloW
`ing detailed description, taken in conjunction With the accom
`panying draWings, in Which like reference characters refer to
`like parts throughout, and in Which:
`[0012] FIG. 1 shoWs a simpli?ed diagram ofa communi
`cations device Which may be used in accordance With one
`embodiment of the present invention;
`[0013] FIG. 2 shoWs a simpli?ed block diagram of a com
`munications device in accordance With an embodiment of the
`present invention;
`[0014] FIG. 3 shoWs a schematic vieW of a communications
`system in accordance With one embodiment of the invention;
`
`19
`
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`US 2009/0170480 A1
`
`Jul. 2, 2009
`
`[0015] FIG. 4 shows a schematic vieW of an illustrative
`home screen of a communications device in accordance With
`one embodiment of the invention;
`[0016] FIG. 5 shoWs a schematic vieW of an illustrative
`display screen of an instant messaging application in accor
`dance With one embodiment of the invention;
`[0017] FIG. 6 shoWs a schematic vieW of an illustrative
`display screen for changing settings in accordance With one
`embodiment of the invention;
`[0018] FIG. 7 shoWs a schematic vieW of an illustrative
`display screen for providing basic information in accordance
`With one embodiment of the invention;
`[0019] FIG. 8 shoWs a schematic vieW of an illustrative
`display screen for determining preferred communication
`modes in accordance With one embodiment of the invention;
`[0020] FIG. 9 shoWs a schematic vieW of an illustrative
`display screen for automatically determining preferred com
`munication modes in accordance With one embodiment of the
`invention;
`[0021] FIG. 10 shoWs a schematic vieW of an illustrative
`display screen for providing customiZed information in
`accordance With one embodiment of the invention;
`[0022] FIG. 11 shoWs a schematic vieW of an illustrative
`display screen for providing options for changing the com
`munications pro?le of a subset of the user’s contacts in accor
`dance With one embodiment of the invention;
`[0023] FIG. 12 shoWs a schematic vieW of an illustrative
`display screen for displaying a message With recommenda
`tions of preferred communication modes in accordance With
`one embodiment of the invention;
`[0024] FIGS. 13A-13D shoW ?oWcharts of an illustrative
`process for changing settings in accordance With one embodi
`ment of the invention; and
`[0025] FIG. 14 shoWs a ?owchart of an illustrative process
`for processing incoming communications requests in accor
`dance With one embodiment of the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0026] Conventional communications devices can provide
`users With one or more communication modes (e.g., voice
`communications, e-mails, SMS text messaging, and instant
`messaging applications). HoWever, these devices do not con
`sider a user’s preferences While handling communications
`requests. For example, a conventional communications
`device can be loaded With an instant messaging application,
`Which can display a user’s state to his instant messaging
`contacts. HoWever, the user may not Want all of his instant
`messaging contacts to see the same state, or even be able to
`communicate With him in the same Way.
`[0027] In addition, these conventional communications
`devices may notify the user of all incoming communications
`requests, regardless of Whether it may be appropriate or desir
`able to disturb the user.
`[0028] The present invention can include a communica
`tions system for providing intelligent communications
`betWeen devices. The communications system can select
`appropriate communication modes for incoming communi
`cations requests based on a user’s preferences and availabil
`ity. The communications system can determine if a user is
`participating in an activity, identify the communication
`modes that are available for the user based on the activity, and
`notify a contact’s device of the identi?ed communication
`
`modes. The system also can alloW the user to assign customi
`Zable information (e.g., communication modes) for display to
`his contacts.
`[0029] FIG. 1 shoWs a simpli?ed diagram of a communi
`cations device Which may be used in accordance With one
`embodiment of the present invention. Persons skilled in the
`art Will appreciate that one or more elements of the described
`embodiments can be interchanged and/or combined in the
`present invention. Communications device 100 can be, for
`example, a portable media player, cellular telephone, inter
`net-capable device, personal organiZer, any other communi
`cations device, or any combination thereof. In one embodi
`ment of the present invention, communications device 102
`can be an iPhoneTM sold by Apple Inc.
`[0030] Communications device 100 can incorporate user
`interface component 102. User interface component 102 is
`shoWn in FIG. 1 as a multi-touch screen that may function as
`both an integrated display screen and user input device. Some
`embodiments of multi-touch screens are discussed in more
`detail in commonly assigned Westerman et al., U.S. Pat. No.
`6,323,846, issued Nov. 27, 2001, entitled “Method andAppa
`ratus for Integrating Manual Input,” Which is incorporated by
`reference herein in its entirety.
`[0031] While FIG. 1 illustrates user interface component
`102 as being integrated into communications device 100, it
`also can be disposed external to communications device 100
`and coupled thereto. For example, user interface component
`102 can be a computer monitor, television screen, and/ or any
`other graphical user interface, textual user interface, or com
`bination thereof. User interface component 102 can enable
`communications device 100 to playback the video portion of
`video content, display command menus, and/or serve any
`other suitable display function.
`[0032] Communications device 100 can also include button
`104, Which can be used in conjunction With user interface
`component 102. Button 104 can be used, for example, to turn
`on user interface component 102 or return to a display screen
`on user interface component 102 (e.g., a home screen).
`[0033] FIG. 2 shoWs a simpli?ed block diagram of a com
`munications device in accordance With an embodiment of the
`present invention. Communications device 200 can include
`processor 202, memory 204, user interface 206, display 208,
`input/output circuitry 210, communications circuitry 212,
`detection module 214, and/or bus 216. In some embodiments,
`communications device 200 can include more than one of
`each component or circuitry, but for the sake of illustration,
`only one of each is shoWn in FIG. 2. In addition, persons
`skilled in the art Will appreciate that the functionality of
`certain components and circuitry can be combined or omitted
`and that additional components and circuitry, Which are not
`shoWn in FIG. 2, can be included in communications device
`200. Persons skilled in the art Will also appreciate that all of
`the components can be integrated into communications
`device 300, or one or more of the components canbe provided
`externally or remotely. Communications device 200 can be a
`computer, cellular phone, portable media device or other
`similar device Without departing from the spirit of the present
`invention.
`[0034] Processor 202 can include, for example, circuitry
`for and be con?gured to perform any function. Processor 202
`can be used to run operating system applications, instant
`messaging applications, phone applications, e-mail applica
`tions, text messaging applications, media playback applica
`tions, media editing applications, calendar applications, and/
`
`20
`
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`
`Jul. 2, 2009
`
`or any other applications. Processor 202 can drive display 208
`and can receive user inputs from user interface 206. In some
`embodiments, processor 202 can be operative to change cer-
`tain functions of the communications device when commu-
`
`nications device is coupled to external components. For
`example, ifNike+ sensors are installed on the user’s shoes, an
`external receiver or communications circuitry 212 can trans-
`mit information received from the sensors to processor 202.
`Processor 202 can be configured to run a Nike+ workout
`feature and send details of the workout as display signals to
`display 208. Ifprocessor 202 determines that a user is jogging
`with the Nike+ workout feature and using a media playback
`application (e.g., iPod application made available by Apple
`Inc.), processor 202 can generate a music playlist based on the
`time, pace, and distance of the workout.
`[0035] Memory 204 can include one or more different
`types of memory or storage mediums which can be used for
`performing device functions. For example, memory 210 can
`include cache, Flash, ROM, RAM, one or more different
`types of memory used for temporarily storing data, a hard-
`drive, tape drive, optical drive, permanent memory such as
`ROM, semi-permanent memory such as RAM, cache, any
`other suitable type of memory component, or any combina-
`tion thereof. Memory 204 can be specifically dedicated to
`storing firmware. For example, memory 204 can be provided
`for storing firmware for device applications (e.g., operating
`system, user interface functions, and processor functions).
`Memory 204 can be used to store any suitable user-specific or
`global
`information that can be used by communications
`device 200. Memory 204 can store, for example, media data
`(e.g., music and video files), application data (e.g., for imple-
`menting functions on device 200), preference information
`data (e.g., media playback preferences), lifestyle information
`data (e.g., food preferences), exercise information data (e.g.,
`information obtained by exercise monitoring equipment),
`transaction information data (e.g., information such as credit
`card information), wireless connection information data (e.g.,
`information that may enable device 200 to establish a wireless
`connection), subscription information data (e.g., information
`that keeps track of podcasts or television shows or other
`media a user subscribes to), contact information data (e.g.,
`telephone numbers and e-mail addresses), calendar informa-
`tion data, any other suitable data, or any combination thereof.
`Memory 204 can store programs or applications that can be
`run on processor 202, can maintain files formatted to be read
`and edited by one or more of the applications, and can store
`any additional files that may aid the operation of one or more
`applications (e.g., files with metadata).
`[0036] With continuing reference to FIG. 2, communica-
`tions device 200 can include user interface 206 and display
`208 for providing a user with the ability to interact with
`communications device 200 (e.g., an application running on
`processor 202). User interface 206 can take a variety of forms,
`such as a keyboard/keypad, computer mouse, clickwheel/
`scrollwheel, button, or touchscreen. User interface 206 can
`also include an audio input device (e.g., a microphone) or a
`video input device (e.g., a camera or a web cam) for record-
`ing. Display 208 can include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or
`any other suitable display system for presenting information
`or media to a user. In some embodiments, display 208 can be
`controlled by graphics circuitry. The graphics circuitry can
`include a video card, such as a video card with 2D or 3D
`capabilities. In some embodiments, display 208 and user
`
`interface 206 can be combined into one component in, for
`example, a multi-touch interface or a touchscreen display.
`[0037]
`In some embodiments, display 208 can include a
`coder/decoder (CODEC) to convert digital media data into
`analog signals. Display 208 also can include display driver
`circuitry and/or circuitry for driving display driver(s). Pro-
`cessor 202 or display 208 can generate the display signals.
`The display signals can provide media information related to
`media data received from communications circuitry 212 and/
`or any other component of communications device 200. In
`some embodiments, display 208, like any other component
`discussed herein, can be integrated with and/or externally
`coupled to communications device 200.
`[0038]
`Input/output circuitry 210 can convert (and encode/
`decode, if necessary) data, analog signals and other signals
`(e.g., physical contact inputs, physical movements, analog
`audio signals, etc.) into digital data, and vice-versa. The digi-
`tal data can be provided to and received from processor 202,
`memory 204, or any other component of communications
`device 200. Although input/output circuitry 210 is illustrated
`in FIG. 2 as a single component of communications device
`200, a plurality of input/output circuitry may be included in
`communications device 200. Input/output circuitry 210 may
`be used to interface with any input or output component, such
`as those discussed in connection with FIG. 1. For example,
`communications device 200 can include specialized input
`circuitry associated with input devices such as, for example,
`proximity sensors, accelerometers, or ambient light detec-
`tors. Communications device 200 can also include special-
`ized output circuitry associated with output devices such as,
`for example, one or more speakers.
`[0039] Communications circuitry 212 can permit commu-
`nications device 200 to communicate with one or more serv-
`
`ers, components, or other devices using any suitable commu-
`nications protocol. For example, communications circuitry
`212 can support Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol), Ethernet,
`BluetoothTM (which is a trademark owned by Bluetooth Sig,
`Inc.), high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHZ, 2.4 GHZ, and
`5.6 GHZ communications systems), infrared, TCP/IP (e.g.,
`any ofthe protocols used in each ofthe TCP/IP layers), HTTP,
`BitTorrent, FTP, RTP, RTSP, SSH, any other communications
`protocol, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments,
`communications circuitry 212 may include a wired or wire-
`less network interface card (“NIC”) configured to connect to
`the Internet or any other public or private network. Commu-
`nications circuitry 212 can be used to initiate and conduct
`communications with other communications devices or
`
`media players or systems within a communications network.
`Communications networks will be discussed in more detail in
`FIG. 3.
`
`[0040] Detection module 214 can include any suitable type
`of technology that may detect activities of a user. For
`example, an activity that may be detected in accordance with
`the invention can include, but is not limited to, any location-
`based activity (e.g., the device entering or exiting a specific
`geographical location, such as a country, or a specific type of
`location, such as a movie theater), any environment-based
`activity (e.g., the device being subjected to a specific physical
`orientation, movement, temperature, sound, and light), any
`Nike+ activity (e.g., the device receiving information that the
`user is working out using the Nike+ feature), any calendar-
`based activity (e.g., the device reaching a specific time of day,
`day of week, and date), any usage-based activity (e.g., the
`device being used for a specific function, for a specific period
`
`21
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`US 2009/0170480 A1
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`Jul. 2, 2009
`
`oftime, the device’s battery having less than half of its capac-
`ity remaining), any news-based activity (e.g.,
`the device
`receiving information about a particular worldly occurrence,
`such as a weather forecast, news report, or sport score), and
`combinations thereof. In some embodiments, certain activi-
`ties can be detected by one or more sensors, such as a location
`sensor (e.g., GPS and a RF triangulation sensor or detector),
`an environment sensor (e.g., temperature sensor, light sensor,
`motion sensor, orientation sensor, distance sensor, pressure
`sensor, or sound sensor), a Nike+ sensor, any other suitable
`sensors, or any combination thereof.
`[0041]
`In some embodiments, the detection module can
`compute one or more categories of data, which can include
`different types of data (e.g., location data, environment data,
`Nike+ data, calendar data, usage data, news-based data).
`Although detection module 214 can be implemented in soft-
`ware in some embodiments, detection module 214 can also be
`implemented in hardware, firmware, or any combination
`thereof. For example, detection module 214 can include an
`application process configured to compute the one or more
`categories of data with respect to communications device
`200. Detection modules are discussed in more detail in Lee,
`U.S. patent application Ser. No.
`(Attorney Docket
`No. 104677-0054), filed Oct. 10, 2007, entitled “Location-
`Based Modes for Portable Media Devices,” the entirety of
`which is incorporated herein by reference.
`[0042] Bus 216 can provide a data transfer path for trans-
`ferring data to, from, or between processor 202, memory 204,
`user interface 206, display 208, input/output circuitry 210,
`communications circuitry 212, and detection module 214.
`Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that components do
`not have to be directly connected to each other via bus 216.
`[0043] Communications device 200 can be implemented in
`or as any type of electronic device or devices, such as, for
`example a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or commu-
`nications device 102 (FIG. 1). For example, communications
`device 200 can include a user communications device, such as
`a desktop computer (e.g., an iMac available from Apple Inc)
`or a laptop computer (e.g., a PowerBook or MacBook avail-
`able from Apple Inc).
`[0044] As another example, communications device 200
`can be a portable device dedicated to providing media pro-
`cessing and telephone functionality in a single integrated unit
`(e.g., iPhoneTM available from Apple Inc). Communications
`device 200 can be battery-operated and highly portable so as
`to allow a user to listen to music, play games or video, record
`video or take pictures, place and take telephone calls, com-
`municate with other people or devices, control other devices,
`and any combination thereof. In addition, communications
`device 200 can be sized such that it fits relatively easily into a
`pocket or hand of the user. By being handheld, communica-
`tions device 200 is relatively small and easily handled and
`utilized by its user and thus can be taken practically anywhere
`the user travels.
`
`FIG. 3 shows a schematic view ofa communications
`[0045]
`system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
`Communications system 300 can include communications
`device 302 and communications network 310, which com-
`munications device 302 can use to perform communications
`with other devices within communications network 310 (e.g.,
`device 304). Although communications system 300 can
`include several communications devices 302, devices 304,
`and host devices 320, only one of each is shown in FIG. 3 to
`avoid overcomplicating the drawing.
`
`In some embodiments, communications device 302
`[0046]
`or device 304 can be coupled to host device 320 for data
`transfers, synching the communications device, software or
`firmware updates, or performing any other suitable operation
`that can require communications device 302 and host device
`320 to be coupled. In some embodiments, several communi-
`cations devices 302 can be coupled to host 320 to share data
`using host 320 as a server. In some embodiments, communi-
`cations device 302 can be coupled to several host devices 320
`(e.g., for each of the plurality of host devices 320 to serve as
`a backup for data stored in communications device 302).
`[0047] Communications device 302 can be coupled with
`host device 320 over communications link 340 using any
`suitable approach. For example, communications device 302
`can use any suitable wireless communications protocol to
`connect to host device 320 over