(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0036286 A1
`
`
` Champlin et al. (43) Pub. Date: Feb. 15, 2007
`
`US 20070036286A1
`
`(54) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ENABLING
`MESSAGE RESPONSES TO INCOMING
`
`Publication Classification
`
`PHONE CALLS
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: David Champlin, Menlo Park, CA
`(US); Srikiran Prasad, Cupertino, CA
`(US); Lang Chen, Oakland, CA (US);
`Rajan Ranga, Palo Alto; CA (US);
`Robert Haitani, Menlo Park, CA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`SHEMWELL MAHAMEDI LLP
`4880 STEVENS CREEK BOULEVARD
`SUITE 201
`SAN JOSE, CA 95129 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/200,511
`
`(22)
`
`Filed;
`
`Aug. 8, 2005
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`H04M 1/64
`(52) US. Cl.
`............................................................ 379/671
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`A computing deVice is configured to receive an incoming
`communication from another computing deVice. The incom-
`ing communication may be for purpose of initiating a
`voice-exchange session. In response to receiving the incom-
`ing call, the computing device may identify or determine a
`message identifier of the other computing device. The mes-
`sage identifier is determined based at least in part on data
`provided with the incoming communication. The computing
`device may programmatically address a message to the other
`computing device using the message identifier determined
`from the incoming communication.
`
`CALL
`DATA
`212
`
`I
`
`RESPONSE
`MODULE
`
`PHONE
`APPLICATION
`210
`
`INCOMING
`CALL
`
`204 MESSAGE
`250 MESSAGING
`MESSAGE COMPONENT
`
`MESS
`CREATION DATA
`222
`
`'
`
`CONTACT
`DATABASE
`
`230
`
`
`
`220
`
`'
`
`RESPONSE
`254
`
`,
`
`MESSAGE
`CONTENT
`242
`
`PROGRAMMATIC
`SOURCE
`244
`
`~
`
`USER
`202
`
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`Apple v. Qualcomm, |PR2018—01279
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Feb. 15, 2007 Sheet 1 0f 4
`
`US 2007/0036286 A1
`
`
`INCOMING
`
`CALL
`OUTGOING
`
`
`MESSAGE
`
`
`RESPONSE
`
`
`
`MOBILE COMPUTING
`DEVICE
`110
`
`FIG. 1
`
`MOBILE COMPUTING
`DEVICE
`12
`0
`
`
`
`
`PHONE
`INCOMING
`
`APPLICATION
`CALL
`
`
`
`
`210
`204
`
`MESSAGE
`RESPONSE
`MODULE
`
`
`
`
`
` MESSAGE
`MESSAGING
`
`
`RESPONSE
`COMPONENT
`
`
`
`254
`
`
`
`
`MESSAGE
`
`
`CONTACT _
`
`CONTENT
`
`DATABASE
`
`242
`
`230
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PROGRAMMATIC
`SOURCE
`244
`
`-
`
`
`
`
`
`USER
`202
`
`FIG. 2
`
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`Apple v. Qualcomm, |PR2018—01279
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`

`

` 354
`
`
`
`
`CONTACT INFO
`324
`
`PHONE!
`MESSAGE
`
`
`DATA
`
`
`
`DISPLAY
`
`332
`
`
`APPLICATION
`
`PROCESSOR(S)
`
`330
`31o
`INSTRUCT
`
`
`
`322
`
`MESSAGE
`
`INPUT
`
`Patent Application Publication Feb. 15, 2007 Sheet 2 0f 4
`
`US 2007/0036286 A1
`
`VOICE DATA
`362
`
`MESSAGE
`
` COMPUTING DEVICE
`
`
`COMMUNICATION
`300
`COMPONENTS
`
`
`318
`
`
`
`
`MEMORY
`320
`
`342
`
`INPUT MECHANISMS
`34o
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 3
`
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`Page 3
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 15, 2007 Sheet 3 0f 4
`
`US 2007/0036286 A1
`
`RECEIVE INCOMING CALL
`
`410
`
`IDENTIFY CALLER INFORMATION
`
`420
`
`PRESENT REPLY OPTIONS TO USER
`
`430
`
`440
` OTHER (IGNORE/
`
`REPLY)
`
`MESSAGE RESPONSE?
`
`435
`
`LAUNCH MESSAGING APPLICATION
`
`450
`
`ADDRESS MESSAGE TOCALLER USING
`CALLER INFORMATION
`
` _ 460
`
`ADDRESS MESSAGE BODY
`
`470
`
`'
`
`SEND MESSAGE
`
`480
`
`FIG. 4
`
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`Apple v. Qualcomm, |PR2018—01279
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`

`Patent Application Publication Feb. 15, 2007 Sheet 4 0f 4
`
`US 2007/0036286 A1
`
`IDENTIFY CALLER PHONE NUMBER
`
`510
`
`ACCESS CONTACT DATABASE TO DETERMINE IF
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CALLER NUMBER IS MESSAGE-ENABLED
`
`520
`
`
`NO MESSAGE
` MESSAGE ENABLED
`
`“:55"?
`OPTION
`
`
`
`
`I
`
`PROVIDE MESSAGE RESPONSE OPTION
`,
`54o
`
`RESPONSE
`
`
`
`530
`
`
`
`‘
`
`FIG. 5
`
`FIG. 6A
`
`CALL
`NOTIFICATION
`606
`
`CALL
`TERMINATION
`
`.
`
`610
`
`INCOMING
`CALL
`602
`
`sms;
`“Call Back Please”
`608
`
`CALL
`
`NOTIFICATION
`
`616
`
`-
`
`
`
`CALL
`PICK-UP
`
`
`s 5,
`'"COM'NG
`“Han orI-will
`CALL
`angwer"
`612
`618
`
`FIG. 63
`
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`Page 5
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`US 2007/0036286 A1
`
`Feb. 15, 2007
`
`METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ENABLING
`MESSAGE RESPONSES TO INCOMING PHONE
`CALLS
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the
`field of messaging, and more particularly, to a method and
`apparatus for enabling message responses to incoming calls.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] Communication devices have evolved to include
`numerous types of communication capabilities and function-
`ality. For example, handheld devices exist that operate as
`cellular phones, messaging terminals,
`Internet devices,
`while including personal information management (PIM)
`software and photo-management applications. Additionally,
`Internet Protocol services exist that can transform Intemet-
`
`enabled machines into telephony devices. Even stand-alone
`telephones that connect to traditional Public Switched Tele-
`phone Networks (PSTN) now carry software to assist the
`user in making and managing phone calls.
`
`[0003] Mobile phone networks have traditionally been
`limited to voice communications, but new technologies such
`as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) have
`enabled mobile phone networks to also include data com-
`munications. For example, SMS (Short Message Service)
`messaging provides a software-independent protocol to send
`short text messages composed of either: 160-7 bit charac-
`ters; 70-16 bit characters; or 140 octets of binary data.
`Individual SMS messages thus require a relatively small
`network bandwidth and devices can receive messages, even
`when connected to a voice call. The number of SMS
`
`messages a user receives has continually increased because
`many new types of network devices have joined mobile
`phone networks. These devices include, for example, PDAs,
`hybrid PDA/mobile phone devices, and other text messaging
`devices using GSM networks. Additionally, PSTN devices
`also exist that support messaging applications such as SMS.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0004] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a computing device
`issuing a message response to an incoming caller, according
`to one or more embodiments of the invention.
`
`[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates components for use in a comput-
`ing device configured according to an embodiment of the
`invention.
`
`[0006] FIG. 3 is a hardware diagram for use with one or
`more embodiments of the invention.
`
`[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates a message for handling incoming
`calls with message replies, under an embodiment of the
`invention.
`
`[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates an optional process that may be
`performed in order to determine or verify that a caller using
`a message-enabled device, under an embodiment of the
`invention.
`
`[0009] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate timelines for dif-
`ferent usage scenarios, under one or more embodiments of
`the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0010] Embodiments described herein enable message
`replies to be made to incoming callers. In an embodiment, a
`device that receives an incoming phone call, for example,
`may be used to transmit a message as a reply to the caller.
`For example, rather than pick up a phone call or forward the
`phone call to voicemail, the user may simply generate a text
`(or other form of) message to the caller.
`
`[0011] Embodiments of the invention recognize that in
`some cases, a user answering or not answering a phone call
`is inconvenient, either to the recipient of the phone call, or
`the caller, As such, embodiments described herein provide
`an alternative of messaging the caller of an incoming phone
`call, rather answering the phone call or forwarding the phone
`call to voicemail.
`
`[0012] Embodiments described herein have particular
`application to mobile computing devices that offer voice and
`data capabilities on cellular networks.
`In this context,
`embodiments described herein allow the user of the device
`
`handling the incoming call to communicate with the caller
`without actually accepting the call. This can save both the
`caller and the recipient time, and “minutes” on their respec-
`tive cellular plans. Furthermore,
`if the recipient of the
`incoming call cannot accept the incoming call, the recipient
`is saved the trouble of having to respond to a voicemail
`message or having to find the time to return a call.
`
`[0013] While one or more embodiments of the invention
`are described for use with mobile, cellular devices, other
`telephony and computing devices are contemplated for use
`with embodiments of the invention. For example, some
`phones that connect to traditional wireline phone networks
`have capability to transmit and receive messages.
`
`In one embodiment, a computing device is config-
`[0014]
`ured to receive an incoming communication from another
`computing device. The incoming communication may be for
`purpose of initiating a voice-exchange session. In response
`to receiving the incoming call, the computing device may
`identify or determine a message identifier of the other
`computing device. The message identifier is determined
`based at least in part on data provided with the incoming
`communication. The computing device may programmati-
`cally address a message to the other computing device using
`the message identifier determined from the incoming com-
`munication.
`
`[0015] According to an embodiment, a computing device
`is configured to provide a message reply to an incoming
`phone call. In one embodiment, the computing device iden-
`tifies a phone number of a caller of the incoming call. The
`computing device may prompt the user of the computing
`device to generate a message reply to the incoming phone
`call. The computing device may then initiate the message
`reply by opening a message and addressing the message to
`the phone number of the caller of the incoming phone call.
`
`any data transfer
`[0016] A voice-exchange includes
`method in which a user’s speech or utterance is transmitted
`across a network to the location of another device or user in
`
`real-time (e.g. instantaneous) or near real-time (e.g. less than
`three seconds). Examples of voice-exchange includes stan-
`dard telephony practice. Another example of voice-ex-
`change is when a voice transmission is recorded and trans-
`mitted as an instant message or file to be received and played
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`US 2007/0036286 A1
`
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`
`back at the recipient. In the latter case, the recipient may not
`be able to interrupt the speaker, due to time delay, while in
`the former case, the recipient can interact with the speaker
`as if they were standing next to each other.
`
`the term “instant message” or
`[0017] As used herein,
`“instant messaging” means messages that when transmitted
`to a recipient, or rendered on a device of the recipient
`immediately, nearly immediately, or alternatively without
`user-action.
`
`[0018] Numerous types of computer telephony devices
`exist. One type of computer telephony device for use with an
`embodiment is a wireless, mobile computing device, some-
`times called the “smart phone”. Such devices are generally
`small to fit in one hand, and provide cellular telephony
`features in combination with other applications, such as
`contact applications for managing contact records, calendar
`applications for managing and scheduling events, task appli-
`cations for keeping lists, and camera applications for cap-
`turing images. Another type of computer telephony device
`contemplated with an embodiment is a desktop computer
`that is configured to include real-time voice data exchange
`(e.g. through use of Internet Protocol telephony). Still fur-
`ther, other types of computer telephony devices exist,
`including standalone devices that connect directly to a
`telephone network (whether Internet Protocol or Public
`Switch Telephony System) and provide software interfaces
`and applications.
`
`techniques
`[0019] Embodiments provide that methods,
`and actions performed by the communication device are
`performed programmatically, or as a computer-implemented
`method. Programmatically means through the use of code,
`or computer-executable instructions. A programmatically
`performed step may or may not be automatic.
`
`[0020] One or more embodiments described herein may be
`implemented using modules. A module may include a pro-
`gram, a subroutine, a portion of a program, or a software
`component or a hardware component capable of performing
`one or more stated tasks or functions. As used herein, a
`module can exist on a hardware component independently of
`other modules, or a module can be a shared element or
`process of other modules, programs or machines. A module
`may reside on one machine, such as on a client or on a
`server, or a module may be distributed amongst multiple
`machines, such as on multiple clients or server machines.
`
`[0021] Furthermore, one or more embodiments described
`herein may be implemented through the use of instructions
`that are executable by one or more processors. These
`instructions may be carried on a computer-readable medium.
`Machines shown in figures below provide examples of
`processing resources and computer-readable mediums on
`which instructions for implementing embodiments of the
`invention can be carried and/or executed. In particular, the
`numerous machines shown with embodiments of the inven-
`
`tion include processor(s) and various forms of memory for
`holding data and instructions. Examples of computer-read-
`able mediums include permanent memory storage devices,
`such as hard drives on personal computers or servers. Other
`examples of computer storage mediums include portable
`storage units, such as CD or DVD units, flash memory (such
`as carried on many cell phones and personal digital assis-
`tants (PDAs)), and magnetic memory. Computers, terminals,
`network enabled devices (e.g. mobile devices such as cell
`
`phones) are all examples of machines and devices that
`utilize processors, memory, and instructions stored on com-
`puter-readable mediums.
`
`FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a computing device
`[0022]
`issuing a message response to an incoming caller, according
`to one or more embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 1, an
`initiating computing device 120 (“calling device”) places a
`call 112 to a recipient computing device 110. Rather than
`answer the call or perform some other action like forwarding
`the call to voicemail, one or more embodiments described
`herein provide that
`the recipient computing device 110
`issues a message response 122 to the calling device 120. In
`one embodiment, the message response 122 is an alternative
`to the user of the recipient device 110 having to decline or
`not answer the incoming call 112.
`
`In an embodiment, the message response 122 is an
`[0023]
`instant message, meaning that the contents of the message
`are rendered immediately when received on the calling
`device 110. One implementation provides that a content of
`the message response is text. For example, the user of the
`receiving device 110 may insert or compose a text message
`(e.g. “Call me later”). A text message response may be
`provided using a Short Message Service (SMS) format and
`application. Other embodiments provide for other types of
`content data to be included in the message, including MMS
`(Multimedia Messaging Service), EMS (Enhanced Messag-
`ing Service), or any data protocol capable of encapsulating
`messages for transport between networked devices. Thus,
`one alternative implementation provides that the user may
`send an image that communicates information. For example,
`the user may send an image of a clock showing a particular
`time,
`indicating that user’s desire to be called back at a
`particular time. Still further, the user may include audio in
`the message response 122. For example, the user may send
`a voice blurb or a chime to indicate a message to the user of
`the caller device 120.
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates implementation of embodiments
`[0024]
`of the invention with cellular telephony devices, since such
`devices normally handle both message transmissions and/or
`receptions over cellular networks. However, there are tele-
`phones VoIP (voice-over IP) phones and phones that connect
`to Public Switched Telephony Networks (PSTN) that can
`handle messaging. For example, some PSTN phones may
`support SMS message handling. Thus, embodiments of the
`invention may extend to devices and networks other than
`those that are used on cellular networks.
`
`[0025] Furthermore, telephone calls are just one example
`of a voice-exchange session. Embodiments of the invention
`may be implemented in the context of other types of
`voice-exchange sessions. For example, caller device 120
`may initially communicate a walkie-talkie communication
`to the recipient device 110, for which recipient device 110
`sends back, for example, a text message response.
`
`[0026] Component Overview
`
`FIG. 2 illustrates components for use in a comput-
`[0027]
`ing device configured according to an embodiment of the
`invention. In FIG. 2, a computing device 200 includes a
`phone application 210 and a messaging component 220. A
`message response module 250 may be incorporated to
`operate in connection with both the phone application 210
`and the messaging component 220. According to an embodi-
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`Page 7
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`
`ment, the message response module 250 triggers initiation of
`a message response 254 to the incoming call 204. In one
`implementation, computing device 200 corresponds to a
`hybrid mobile device having telephonic and messaging
`capability over cellular networks (sometimes called a “smart
`phone”). The phone application 210 may correspond to a
`software element that manages voice data exchanged over
`one or more wireless communication components 318 (see
`FIG. 3). In one embodiment, messaging component 220 is
`an instant messaging application.
`[0028] One example of a messaging application that is
`suitable for use with an embodiment is an SMS application,
`for sending and receiving text instant messages. Alternative
`instant text messaging applications may also be used. As
`another example, the messaging application 220 may cor-
`respond to a media-based messaging application, such as a
`Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) application,
`for
`sending and receiving image data.
`[0029] With reference to FIG. 2, computing device 200
`may receive an incoming call 204, which is handled by the
`phone application 210. At an initial time, the incoming call
`204 may include call data 212, which is identified by the
`phone application 210. In one embodiment, call data 212
`includes identification information of the caller (e.g. “Caller
`ID” information). As such, call data 212 may include (i) a
`name of the caller, and/or (ii) a phone number used by the
`caller. The phone application 210 may identify call data 212
`from the incoming call 204 while causing transmission of
`audio rings/chimes, rendering of image data containing the
`Caller ID information on a display of the device, and/or
`other incoming call notification (e.g. vibration).
`[0030] The act of sending message response 254 to incom-
`ing call 204 may involve the following operations:
`(i)
`opening a new message for message response 254,
`(ii)
`addressing the message, (iii) including a message content
`242 or body for the message, and (iv)
`instructing the
`messaging component 220 to send the message response.
`The message response module 230 may perform at least
`some of these operations by communicating message cre-
`ation data 222 to the messaging component 220. The mes-
`sage creation data 222 may be generated at one time, or
`submitted in spurts based on the occurrence of other events.
`As such, some or all of the steps of sending the message
`response 254 may be performed automatically.
`[0031] Alternatively, some or all of the steps of sending
`the message response 254 may be performed automatically,
`after input triggers are provided from the user 202. For
`example, in one case, the user may designate a setting on the
`computing device 200 to handle all incoming calls with a
`message response (e.g. “on vacation”).
`[0032] As another alternative, in one implementation, the
`message creation data 222 is generated in response to a
`trigger from a user 202. The phone application 210, message
`response module 230, or some other component may prompt
`the user to message respond to a caller in response to receipt
`of call data 202. The prompt may occur shortly after the
`incoming call 204 is received, such as with or before the first
`“ring” generated on the computing device 200 for the
`incoming call. For example, the user may be able to elect
`message response as one option along with other options of
`answering or declining the incoming call 204.
`[0033] The message creation data 222 may be based on
`call data 212. In one embodiment, the message creation data
`
`222 may include (i) control data to cause the messaging
`application 220 to open a new message, and (ii) an address
`along with other data/instructions for addressing the newly
`created message. The message content 242 may be provided
`by a programmatic source 244, and/or by the user 202. In
`one embodiment, user 202 provides all of the message
`content 244.
`In another embodiment,
`the programmatic
`source 244 generates the content, in response to a user-input
`or other trigger. For example, the programmatic source 244
`may generate a macro message in response to a user select-
`ing to have incoming call 202 handled by the message
`response 254. Alternatively, content 242 may be a combi-
`nation of content provided by the programmatic source 244
`and the user. For example, the programmatic source may
`provide a template content that the user fills in. To illustrate,
`a portion of the message content 244 may correspond to
`“please call me in
`minutes.” The portion of the
`message content 244 provided by user 202 may correspond
`to “5”.
`
`[0034] An embodiment provides that the address provided
`by the message creation data 222 is a phone number of the
`incoming caller. In one embodiment, no verification or
`check is performed to determine if the device used by the
`caller is message enabled. For example,
`the user may
`manually make this selection in response to seeing the
`number being used by the caller. If the user recognizes the
`number as belonging to a cell phone, for example, the user
`may be assured that the caller’s device is message-enabled.
`Otherwise, the message response 254 may be transmitted,
`but not received by the caller.
`
`In another embodiment, a programmatic verifica-
`[0035]
`tion step is performed to see if the caller’s device is enabled
`to receive the message response 254. In one embodiment,
`the message response module 250 (or other programmatic
`element) may match the number of the caller to a field of a
`given contact record stored with a contact database 230 on
`the computing device. If, for example, the contact record
`information identifies the number of the incoming call as
`belonging to a “mobile” number, the messaging response
`module 250 may do one or more of the following: (i) provide
`an indication that message response is available, (ii) enable
`the user to elect message response option, and/or (iii)
`programmatically initiate a new message addressed to the
`number of the caller.
`
`[0036] Conversely, if the number of the incoming call is
`not
`identifiable as being message-enabled, embodiments
`provide that (i) a message or other indication is provided to
`the user warning that the caller’s device is not message
`enabled, or (ii) the message response feature is disabled.
`One embodiment may distinguish between not knowing
`whether the device of the caller can receive messages, and
`knowing definitively that the caller’s device cannot receive
`incoming messages. For example, in the former case, no
`action may be taken so that the message response feature is
`enabled, or a warning may be provided to the user indicating
`that the caller’s device may not be message-enabled. In the
`latter case, message response may be disabled. Numerous
`other
`scenarios
`are possible and contemplated under
`embodiments of the invention.
`
`[0037] Hardware Diagram
`
`FIG. 3 is a hardware diagram for use with one or
`[0038]
`more embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 3, a computing
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`
`device 300 includes one or more processors 310, one or
`more memory components 320, and a display 330. One or
`more communication components 318 may enable receipt of
`call data 204 (FIG. 2), voice exchanges, and message
`responses 254 (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the communi-
`cation components 318 are for wireless communications,
`and cellular network communications in particular.
`
`[0039] The communication components 318 may config-
`ure computing device 300 to transmit and receive commu-
`nications on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) net-
`works, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)
`networks, and/or other types of cellular networks. The
`communication components 318 may include a Subscriber
`Identity Module (SIM) card, an input/output controller, a
`radio frequency transceiver, and an input/output controller.
`Combined, communication components 318 may enable
`voice-exchange, as well as text and other kinds of message
`data exchanges.
`
`[0040] The processors 310 may retrieve from the memory
`components 320 instructions
`(“application instructions
`322”) for executing operations such as described in FIG. 2.
`With reference to FIG. 2. the application instructions 322
`may correspond to execution of phone application 210,
`messaging application 220 and message response module
`230. Phone and/or message data 332 generated from execu-
`tion of these applications may be signaled to the display 330
`so that they can be viewed by the user.
`[0041]
`Input mechanisms 340 may enable the user to enter
`message input 342. The message input 342 may correspond
`to input triggers, corresponding to, for example: (i) decisions
`of the user to message reply to an incoming call, (ii) to
`include a specific pre-formulated message content 242,
`and/or (iii) to send the message response 254. As an alter-
`native or additional functionality, message input 342 gen-
`erated by the input mechanisms may include one or more
`manual entry items,
`including for example:
`(i) address
`and/or phone number of the recipient, and (ii) some or all of
`the message content 242 (FIG. 2).
`[0042] When used to compose message content 242 (FIG.
`2), input mechanisms 340 may have any one of a variety of
`forms. For example, input mechanisms 340 may correspond
`to a set of hard or soft keys (soft keys may be iconic in form
`and displayed through use of a contact-sensitive display)
`arranged in the form of a QWERTY keyboard or other
`layout. The message input 342 may correspond to alphanu-
`meric content, including phrases, keywords, or images that
`can be generated through use of keyboards (e. g. happy face).
`As another example, input mechanism 340 may correspond
`to a microphone, so that the message input is a voice file.
`Still further, the input mechanism 340 may correspond to a
`camera or other image capturing device, which captures an
`image for the message response 354.
`[0043] According to one embodiment, components 318
`receive call data 352 when a phone call or other voice-
`exchange session is initiated. Subsequently, such as in
`response to a call pick-up, voice data 362 may be received
`and transmitted. In one embodiment, a message 354 is
`transmitted as an alternative to the voice data 362 being
`exchanged. In another implementation, the message 354 is
`provided prior to the voice data exchange 362. For example,
`as described below, transmission of message 354 may result
`in an understanding between the caller and the recipient that
`the call pick-up will be delayed.
`
`[0044] Methodology
`
`FIG. 4 illustrates a message for handling incoming
`[0045]
`calls with message replies, under an embodiment of the
`invention. An embodiment such as described in FIG. 4 may
`be performed using components and elements such as
`described in FIG. 2 and other figures. Accordingly, reference
`may be made to elements of other figures for purpose of
`illustrating a suitable element or component for performing
`a step or sub-step being described.
`
`In step 410, an incoming call is received. The call
`[0046]
`may be transmitted over a cellular network, from one mobile
`device to another.
`
`Step provides that caller information is identified
`[0047]
`on the recipient device. This information may correspond to
`“Caller ID” information, which may include a name of the
`caller, and a phone number of the device being used to make
`the call.
`
`[0048] According to one embodiment, reply options are
`provided to the user in step 430. For example, the user may
`be provided the options of answering the call, declining the
`call, or message responding to the call. Under one imple-
`mentation, a graphic-user interface may be generated to
`enable the user to make the decision on how the call should
`
`be answered. The user may signal his or her decision by
`actuating, for example, a soft key that indicates one of the
`actions.
`
`[0049] A decision is made in step 435 as to whether the
`user has elected the message response. If the message
`response was not elected, step 440 provides an elected or
`default reply action is performed. This may correspond to
`the phone call being answered, or forwarding the phone call
`to another phone number or voicemail.
`
`If the user makes a decision in step 435 to message
`[0050]
`reply to the incoming call, then step 450 provides that a
`corresponding one of the messaging applications is opened,
`or otherwise presented in a state of use for the user.
`
`In step 460, a message reply is addressed to the
`[0051]
`incoming caller. This step may include a new message being
`created and then addressed. Alternatively, an existing mes-
`sage (such as one stored in a draft folder) may be addressed.
`In an embodiment such as shown by FIG. 2, the message
`response module 250 may signal control data to the message
`application 210 to cause the message creation, and to cause
`the message application to use the phone number of the
`incoming caller in the address field of the newly created
`message.
`
`the message body is
`Step 470 provides that
`[0052]
`inserted. Depending on the implementation, the message
`body may be created by (i) user-input, (ii) programmatically,
`or (iii) through a combination of user-input and program-
`matic creation. Programmatic content in the message body
`may be, for example, in the form of a template (text or
`image) or in the form of a macro. The macro may be
`triggered by user-input.
`
`In step 480, the message is transmitted to the caller.
`[0053]
`The message may be transmitted automatically in response
`to an event, such upon completion of the message. Altema-
`tively, the message may be transmitted through manual input
`from the user.
`
`Qualcomm Exhibit 2021
`Apple v. Qualcomm, |PR2018—01279
`Page 9
`
`Qualcomm Exhibit 2021
`Apple v. Qualcomm, IPR2018-01279
`Page 9
`
`

`

`US 2007/0036286 A1
`
`Feb. 15, 2007
`
`[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates an optional process that may be
`performed in order to determine or verify that a caller using
`a message-enabled device, under an embodiment of the
`invention. In step 510, the caller’s phone number is identi-
`fied. As mentioned, an embodiment provides that the Caller
`ID information may be used to identify the phone number
`used by the caller of the incoming call.
`
`In step 520, a database of contact records may be
`[0055]
`accessed to determine (i) a contact record that contains the
`phone number of the incoming call, and (ii) information
`provided in the contact record that indicates whether the
`device is message-enabled. With reference to FIG. 1, contact
`records stored in, for example, contact database 130 may be
`scanned for a contact record that contains the phone number
`of the incoming caller. The field assigned to the identified
`phone number may be the indicator of whether the device of
`the caller is message-enabled.
`
`the determination is made as to
`In step 525,
`[0056]
`whether the device of the caller is message-enabled. For
`example,
`if the phone number of the incoming call
`is
`matched to a contact record, and the number is listed in the
`contact record as belonging to a mobile, cellular device, the
`determination in step 525 may be that the caller’s device is
`message-enabled. Step 540 provides
`that
`a message
`response feature is provided as an option to the user if the
`determination in step 535 is that
`the caller’s device is
`message-enabled.
`
`[0057] One embodiment provides that if the determination
`in step 525 is negative,
`then step 530 provides that no
`message-response options are