as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2004/0203794 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Oct. 14, 2004
`
`Brownetal.
`
`US 20040203794A1
`
`(54)
`
`(76)
`
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING
`AN AUTOMATIC RESPONSE TO A
`TELEPHONE CALL
`
`Inventors: Barbara L. Brown, Seattle, WA (US);
`Umesh Amin, Redmond, WA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`PERKINS COIE LLP/AWS
`P.O. BOX 1247
`
`SEATTLE, WA 98111-1247 (US)
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`10/140,135
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`May6, 2002
`
`Publication Classification
`
`61)
`(52)
`
`Tint, CU? ecceccecccccsscssecsessessessessessessesseensenes H04Q 7/20
`ULS. Ch.
`iccccccccsscscecsscsesssesseenes 455/445; 455/567
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Disclosed embodiments include a system and method for
`providing an automatic response to a telephone call. The
`automatic response module may be integral to a wireless
`phone or may be added afterwards, such as with a plug-in
`module, or may be provided by a third party provider, such
`as on a network. In one embodiment, the user of a wireless
`phone mayselect one or more automatic responses in the
`form of pre-recorded messagesthat will be playedto a caller
`when an incoming telephone call is received. In another
`embodiment, the pre-recorded messages maybetext or other
`graphical messages. In an alternative embodiment, a selec-
`tion algorithm may be used that selects the appropriate
`automatic response based on pre-determinedcriteria, such as
`information in the user’s calendar, contact list, etc. Many
`other alternatives and alternative embodiments are also
`disclosed.
`
`ffS
`{
`Begin
`
`
`
`
`
`202
`
`204
`
`206
`
`208
`
`210
`
`212
`
`
`
`
`
`Receive incoming
`call
`
`Actuate a key or
`key sequenceto
`answerwith short
`message
`"
`
`Call connected
`
`Mute input devices
`andringer,if
`necessary
`
`Transmit message
`over the voicepath
`
`; D
`
`isconnect the cali
`
`End( VY
`
`APPLE 1005
`
`APPLE 1005
`
`1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 1 of 7
`
`US 2004/0203794 Al
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`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 2 of 7
`
`US 2004/0203794 Al
`
`202
`
`204
`
`206
`
`208
`
`210
`
`2412
`
`
`
`Receive incoming
`call
`
`oy
`
`Actuate a key or
`key sequenceto
`answerwith short
`message
`
`Call connected
`
`Mute input devices
`and ringer, if
`necessary
`
`Transmit message
`over the voicepath
`
`
`
`
`
`Disconnectthe call]
`
`Fig. 2
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 3 of 7
`
`US 2004/0203794 Al
`
`Request short
`message response|302
`to cails
`
`
`
`
`
`202
`
`206
`
`208
`
`210
`
`
`
`Recerve incoming
`call
`
`
`oy
`
`Call connected
`
`
`
`‘
`
`Mute input devices
`and ringer,if
`necessary
`
`a T
`
`ransmit message
`over the voicepath
`
`
`
`
`|
`
`Disconnectthe call 212
`
`
`
`|
`
`Log call that was
`responded to
`
`314
`
`End
`
`Fig. 3
`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14, 2004 Sheet 4 of 7
`
`US 2004/0203794 Al
`
`402
`
`Receive incoming
`call
`
`202
`
`Cali sent to voice
`
`mail or ignored
`
`406
`
`
`
`Transmit text
`
`message
`
`408
`
`Log call that was
`responded to
`
`Request text
`responseto calls
`
`314
`
`5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 5 of 7
`
`US 2004/0203794 Al
`
`Receive incoming
`call
`
`
`202
`
`_fy
`
`Actuate a key or
`key sequence to
`answerwith short|504
`message and
`select message
`
` ¥
`
`Callconnected|206
`
`4+
`
`Mute input devices
`andringer,if
`necessary
`
`208
`
`
`
`
`
`
` ¥ T
`
`ransmit selected
`message over the|510
`voicepath
`
`fo
`
`
`
`Disconnectthe call| 212
`
` v
`
`314
`
`Log call that was
`respondedto
`
`End
`
`Fig. 5
`
`6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 6 of 7
`
`US 2004/0203794 Al
`
`
`
`Request short
`message response|302
`to calls
`
`
`:
`
`
`
`604
`
`202
`
`608
`
`Select response
`algorithm (e.g.,
`calendar, web-
`based selection,
`etc.)
`ae
`——__¥
`
`Receive incoming
`call
`
`—a S
`
`earch calendar or
`other database to
`determine
`appropriate
`
`response
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`206
`
`Callconnected —
`
`
`
`
`
`Disconnectthe call| 212
`
`208|Mute inputdevices fo
`
`|
`Log call that was
`responded to
`
`314
`
`510
`
`Transmit selected
`message over
`voicepath
`
`7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 7 of 7
`
`US 2004/0203794 Al
`
`Auto-ResponseSelection
`
`700
`
`Activate/Deactivate
`
`Review Log
`
`Button D:
`
`Button E:
`Button F:
`
`Auto-Response Messages
`Button A:
`Recorded Message Change Message
`Button B:
`Record Message
`Button C:
`"Hi, this is John, | can't answer now,but !'Il be
`able to call you back at 3 pm"
`I'm
`"Hi, this is John with ABC Widgets.
`unavailable now, but | will be able to call you
`back shortly"
`"Honey,I'll be homelate tonight."
`"Please put this numberon your do notcall list."
`
`Use Button F
`
`Selection Algorithm
`Calendar-based
`Between 2-3 use button C
`Contact-based
`Spouse - use button E
`Work contacts - use Button D
`Personal Contacts - use Button C
`Unknown
`Use Button A
`Telemarketers
`
`Fig. 7
`
`8
`
`

`

`US 2004/0203794 Al
`
`Oct. 14, 2004
`
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN
`AUTOMATIC RESPONSE TO A TELEPHONE
`CALL
`
`FIG.2 is a flowchart depicting an auto-response of
`[0007]
`an incoming telephone call
`in one embodiment of the
`invention.
`
`FIG.3 is a flowchart depicting an auto-response of
`[0008]
`an incomingtelephonecall inafirst alternative embodiment
`[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to
`of the invention.
`devices for providing an automatic response to a telephone
`call, such as for a wireless device.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`{0002] Cellular mobile telephony, or wireless telephony,
`provides voice data links between users of mobile devices
`and fixed devices on a network.
`It gives users using a
`wireless phone or other wireless device mobility without
`regard to how they are actually connected to the network.
`This is done by providing access points or base station units
`that can hand off the connections of mobile devices without
`interruption of the service. 2G (second-generation) digital
`mobile phone service such as the Global System for Mobile
`Communications (GSM), EIA/TIA-136 Time Division Mul-
`tiple Access (TDMA), TIA-IS-95 Code Division Multiple
`Access (CDMA), and the AMPS (analog mobile phone
`service) are examples of such telephone networks.
`
`[0003] Wireless devices are continually increasing in
`popularity as their utility increases and as their disadvan-
`tages, such as cost and quality of the wireless connection,
`decrease. Wireless phones in particular have become very
`common, and owners of the wireless phones often carry
`these phones with them most of the time. Wireless phones
`typically have two states—on or off. When the phone is
`turned on, the wireless phone will ring or vibrate when an
`incoming call is received. When the phone is turnedoff,
`there is typically a voice mail capability that allows the
`caller to leave a voice mail message for the wireless phone
`owner.
`
`[0004] As wireless phones become more and more ubig-
`uitous, the backlash against them is increasing in intensity.
`Much of this backlash is based on the intrusiveness that
`wireless phones can cause. Wireless phones are especially
`intrusive when a ringer goes off in a public place, such as a
`theater, restaurant, bus, or other public facility. Moreover,
`many people become annoyed whenothers conduct conver-
`sations on their wireless phones in these public places, as
`these conversations often are loud and disruptive.
`
`[0005] Many people turn off their wireless phones whenin
`public places and rely on their voice mail to respondto calls
`in order to prevent interfering with others. However, this
`mayresult in the accumulation of a large number of voice
`mail messages. Moreover, many wireless phone plans do not
`include voice mail. Another option would be for a wireless
`phone user to change their outgoing message on their voice
`mail to inform callers that they are temporarily in a public
`place and cannot take the call. However, it is relatively
`complicated to change an outgoing message, and many users
`do not desire to change their outgoing message each time
`they go out to eat, go to a restaurant, etc. It would be
`desirable to be able to reduce the time and/or effort, and
`improving the experience, associated with responding to a
`call when users are in a public place or other location where
`answering the phone may be problematic.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0006] FIG. 1 showsa block diagram of a wireless phone
`with an auto-response module in a suitable environment in
`one embodimentof the invention.
`
`[0009] FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting an auto-response of
`an incoming telephonecall in a second alternative embodi-
`ment of the invention.
`
`FIG.5 is a flowchart depicting an auto-response of
`[0010]
`an incomingtelephonecall in a third alternative embodiment
`of the invention.
`
`FIG.6 is a flowchart depicting an auto-response of
`[0011]
`an incoming telephone call in a fourth alternative embodi-
`ment of the invention.
`
`FIG.7 illustrates the auto-response selection page
`{0012]
`of the auto-response system in one embodiment.
`
`Inthe drawings, the same reference numbers iden-
`[0013]
`tify identical or substantially similar elements or acts. To
`easily identify the discussion of any particular element or
`act, the mostsignificant digit or digits in a reference number
`refer to the Figure number in which that elementis first
`introduced, e.g., element 102 is first introduced and dis-
`cussed with respect to FIG. 1.
`
`the headings provided herein are for
`[0014] Note that
`convenience and do not necessarily affect
`the scope or
`interpretation of the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0015] Asystem and method for automatically responding
`to an incoming telephonecall for a user on a wireless device
`is provided. In one embodiment, the system receives an
`incoming telephonecall and then receives a request from a
`user to automatically response the incomingcall. The system
`then connects the incoming telephone call and transmits a
`pre-recorded message over the voice path, the voice path
`being created when the incoming telephone call was con-
`nected. The system then disconnects the telephonecall after
`the pre-recorded message has been transmitted. In alterna-
`tive embodiments, the user may select from a plurality of
`pre-recorded messages. The system may also access a data-
`base, such as a schedule/calendar or a contact list, in order
`to determine the appropriate pre-recorded message to be
`transmitted.
`
`In another alternative embodiment, the user may
`{0016]
`activate the automatic response system so that all incoming
`telephone calls are automatically responded to.
`In yet
`another alternative embodiment, a text message may be
`transmitted instead of a voice message.
`
`[0017] The system and method for automatically respond-
`ing to an incomingtelephonecall provide numerousbenefits
`over other systems. For example, a user can easily and
`flexibly provide a response to incoming calls without receiv-
`ing too many voice mail messages and without disturbing
`nearby persons. Other benefits are described in more detail
`below. In addition, the need to change a user’s voice mail
`outgoing message to customize the response to individual
`telephone calls is lessened or eliminated.
`
`9
`
`

`

`US 2004/0203794 Al
`
`Oct. 14, 2004
`
`[0018] The following description provides specific details
`for a thorough understanding of, and an enabling description
`of, embodiments of the invention. However, one skilled in
`the art will understand that the invention may be practiced
`without these details. In other instances, well known struc-
`tures and functions have not been shown or described in
`
`detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the
`embodiments of the invention.
`
`[0019] Depicted embodimentsof the present invention are
`intended for use with any suitable wireless device, such as
`a wireless phone or wireless web access device. By way of
`example, the preferred embodiments will be described with
`reference to a wireless phone 100. One skilled in the art
`would recognize that other wireless devices are within the
`scope of the invention, such as a wireless web access
`telephone, wireless computer access device, Internet-en-
`abled PDA, automobile-based web access device, laptop or
`palmtop computer, mobile or vehicle-based location-deter-
`mining device (e.g., Global Positioning System-based
`device) or other portable or mobile communication devices.
`The wireless phone 100 may be any phone manufactured by,
`or substantially compatible with any phone manufactured
`by, companies such as Nokia, Ericsson, Motorola, etc.
`PDA’s may be manufactured by, or substantially compatible
`with any phone manufactured by, companies such as Palm,
`Handspring,etc., or a PDA using the WindowsCE,Palm,or
`other operating systems.
`[0020] FIG. 1 showsa block diagram of a wireless phone
`with an auto-response module in a suitable environment in
`one embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1, the wireless
`phone 100 communicates with a base station 101 via an
`antenna 116. The base station 101 may be in communication
`with a publicly switched telephone network (PSTN) 103
`directly, via a mobile switching center (MSC), or via other
`facilities or methods. The antenna 116 allows wireless
`
`communications between the wireless phone 100 and a base
`station 101, access point, or other components of a wireless
`or cellular network. The wireless phone 100 typically has a
`display screen 110 and integral user input controls 106 that
`are suitably buttons such as membrane switches. The wire-
`less phone 100 also typically has an earpiece 112, such as a
`speaker, and voice input device 104, such as a microphone,
`for playing soundsto the user and receiving sounds from the
`user, respectively.
`[0021] The wireless phone of FIG. 1 may also have an
`integral auto-response module 108 or a plug-in auto-re-
`sponse module 114. The auto-response modules 108, 114
`mayinclude a digital signal processor (DSP) chip that may
`be adapted to store one or more voice or text messages to be
`sent in response to an incoming telephone call. One skilled
`in the art will recognize that many embodiments are pos-
`sible,
`including auto-response modules including a SIM
`card, modules that attached via a headset or other port, other
`storage or recordable media devices, a module that commu-
`nicates with the wireless phone 100 via a wireless protocol
`such as Bluetooth,utilization of the integral memory of the
`wireless phone 100 to store outgoing messages, etc. In
`another embodiment, much of the functionality could be
`provided on the network (e.g., intercepting and responding
`to calls before it even reaches the wireless phone), but this
`mayresult in undesirably high networktraffic.
`[0022] The wireless phone 100 mayalso have one or more
`integral auto-response selector buttons 118. As described in
`
`more detail below, the auto-response selector buttons 118
`may be used to turn on the auto-response function or to
`select a particular message to be used for the auto-response,
`or may even be used to choose a selection algorithm for
`customized auto-response selection.
`In an alternative
`embodiment, the auto-response selector buttons 118 may be
`located on the plug-in auto-response module 114 or in
`anotherlocation. In yet another alternative embodiment, the
`auto-response selector buttons 118 may haveother functions
`on the wireless phone 100 (such as may occur when pre-
`existing buttons are reprogrammedto also function as auto-
`response selectors).
`
`the auto-response modules
`In one embodiment,
`[0023]
`108, 114 maybe located within a housing or other structure.
`In this embodiment,
`the integral auto-response selector
`buttons 118 may be accessible to a user from outside the
`housing, such as via cut-outs or other methodologies.
`
`the wireless phone 100
`In another embodiment,
`[0024]
`may utilize ‘soft keys’ or soft buttons instead of auto-
`response selector buttons 118.
`In this embodiment, soft
`menus(e.g., menus created via software) are displayed on
`the display screen 110 and a user mayselect choices from
`these menus. This embodiment provides an easily change-
`able and customizable solution that does not require any
`hardware changes.
`
`[0025] Unless described otherwise below,the construction
`and operation of the various blocks shown in FIG.1 and the
`other Figures are of conventional design. As a result, such
`blocks need not be described in further detail beyond that
`provided herein, because they will be understood by those
`skilled in the relevant art. Such further detail is omitted for
`
`brevity and so as not to obscure the detailed description of
`the invention. Any modifications necessary to the blocks in
`FIG. 1 (or other Figures and embodiments) can be readily
`made by oneskilled in the relevant art based on the detailed
`description provided herein.
`
`FIG.2 is a flowchart depicting an auto-response of
`[0026]
`an incoming telephone call
`in one embodiment of the
`invention. The auto-response of FIG. 2 may be used when
`a user has a wireless phone 100 that is turned on and desires
`to ignore an incoming call and have the call automatically
`respondedto. In block 202, the wireless phone 100 receives
`an incoming telephone call. A user may recognize that an
`incomingcall is being received bythe activation of a ringer,
`vibration device, visual notification (such as a light, text
`message, etc.), etc. In block 204, a user actuates a key or key
`sequence to request an auto-response to the incoming phone
`call. For example, a user could select an auto-response
`button 118 on their wireless phone 100 when their phone
`starts ringing, which would stop the ringing of the phone and
`initiate the auto-response sequence. In this way, the disrup-
`tive noise of the wireless phone 100 would be minimized.
`
`In block 206, the incoming telephone call is con-
`[0027]
`In one embodiment,
`the incoming telephone is
`nected.
`connected in the same fashion as any incoming call would
`be connected. In block 208, the voice input device 104 and
`any output devices, such as a ringer, may be disabled so as
`to prevent unnecessary sounds and to prevent the user from
`being heard by the initiator of the incoming telephonecall.
`The function continues in block 210, where an auto-re-
`sponse messageis transmitted over the voicepath. Typically,
`the auto-response messageis recorded earlier by the user for
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`US 2004/0203794 Al
`
`Oct. 14, 2004
`
`later use. For example, a user could record an auto-response
`message that said “Sorry, I can’t answer the phone now as
`I’m at dinner, but I’ll call you back after 7 p.m.” before
`going to dinner. In this fashion, a user could easily customize
`the auto-response message,if desired. In block 212, the call
`is disconnected. From the point of view of the person
`making the incoming telephonecall, the line will be picked-
`up, the auto-response message will play, and then the line
`will be disconnected. This eliminates the need for the person
`to leave a voicemail or other message. Ilowever, information
`identifying the caller or the phone number of the caller
`(perhaps gathered from caller identification (ID)/automatic
`numberidentification (ANI) information) may be recorded
`so that the user will know the identity of the caller for any
`calls that are automatically respondedto.
`
`In one alternative embodiment, auto-response mes-
`[0028]
`sages or other items may beelectronically transferred to the
`wireless phone 100 via a network, e-mail, infrared, or other
`electronic transfer method. For example, a user could down-
`load default messages, customized (and perhaps copy-
`righted) content, etc.
`
`response function. For example, wireless phones 100 with
`integral auto-response modules 108 mayalso include one or
`more auto-response buttons 118 that would start the auto-
`response function until further notice. In block 406, the
`incomingcall is either sent to voice mail or ignored. Because
`the message will be respondedto via a text message, the call
`need not be connected. The function continues in block 408,
`where the text message is transmitted to the initiator of the
`incoming phone call. The text message may be transmitted
`using any suitable protocol, such as Short Message Service
`(SMS)or other protocols. In this embodiment, a user could
`turn “on” the auto-response function for two hours while at
`dinner, receive three separate incoming phonecalls, have the
`auto-response function respond to each with a text message
`and send each call to voice mail, and see a log of the calls
`that were automatically responded to in order to determine
`which, if any, to which he or she should ultimately respond.
`
`FIG.5 is a flowchart depicting an auto-response of
`[0031]
`an incomingtelephonecall in a third alternative embodiment
`of the invention. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 5 is
`another modification of the embodiment of FIG. 2. The
`auto-response of FIG.5, like that of FIG. 2, may be used
`FIG.3 is a flowchart depicting an auto-response of
`[0029]
`when a user has a wireless phone 100 that is turned on and
`an incomingtelephonecall inafirst alternative embodiment
`desires to ignore the call and have the call automatically
`of the invention. The embodimentdepicted in FIG. 3 is a
`responded to. In block 504, a user actuates a key or key
`modification of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
`In general,
`sequence to request a particular pre-programmed auto-re-
`alternatives and alternative embodiments described herein
`sponse to an incoming phonecall. For example, a user could
`are substantially similar to previously described embodi-
`select one of multiple auto-response buttons 118 on their
`ments, and common elements and functionsare identified by
`wireless phone 100 when their phonestarts ringing, which
`the same reference numbers. Only significant differences in
`would stop the ringing of the phone andinitiate the appro-
`construction or operation are described in detail. In block
`priate auto-response sequence. In this embodiment, the user
`302 of FIG. 3, the user requests that incoming telephone
`may choose from multiple options for the pre-programmed
`calls be automatically responded to before an incoming call
`auto-response. For example, a user could have different
`is received. As in block 204,
`the user may request this
`pre-programmed messages for family members, friends,
`function by actuating a key or key sequence that is pre-
`businessassociates,his or her boss, etc., and could select the
`programmed to start
`the
`auto-response function. For
`appropriate response based on caller ID and/or ANI infor-
`example, wireless phones 100 with integral auto-response
`mation. In this fashion, the auto-response could be custom-
`modules 108 may also include one or more auto-response
`ized for a variety of situations. In yet another embodiment,
`buttons 118 that would start the auto-response function until
`the user could pre-program messagesfordifferent situations,
`further notice or user input. In block 314, any call that was
`such as telling the caller that the user is at dinner, at a movie,
`automatically respondedto is logged so that the user may see
`is indisposed, etc. In another embodiment, the user could
`which calls were “missed,” assuming caller ID/ANI infor-
`indicate when they will respond (e.g., tell caller that will
`mation was available. For example, a user could turn “on”
`respond within an hourfor their boss but the next day for an
`the auto-response function for two hours while at dinner,
`in-law), whoelse to contact, to press a key (e.g., ‘#’ symbol)
`receive three separate incoming phonecalls, have the auto-
`to leave a message, etc. The user may choose from the
`response function respond to each, andlater see a log of the
`multiple options by selecting one of the auto-response
`calls that were automatically responded to in order to
`buttons 118 that corresponds to the desired auto-response.
`determine which,if any, to which he or she should ultimately
`respond. One skilled in the art will recognize that many
`options exist for creating a log of calls received andall are
`within the scope of the invention. This embodiment allows
`a user to auto-response any received calls without any
`real-time action by the user, which also prevents the wireless
`phone 100 from ringing and disturbing any other persons, in
`addition to preventing the unnecessary accumulation of
`voice mails.
`
`In block 510, the selected auto-response message
`[0032]
`will play and be transmitted over the voicepath, and in block
`212 the telephone call will be disconnected. In block 314,
`the call that was automatically respondedto is logged sothat
`the user may see which calls were “missed,” assuming caller
`ID/ANI information was available. Additionally,
`the par-
`ticular auto-response that was used to respond may also be
`logged.
`
`[0030] FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting an auto-response of
`an incoming telephone call in a second alternative embodi-
`mentof the invention. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 4
`is a modification of the embodimentof FIG.3. In block 402
`
`of FIG.4, the user requests that incoming telephonecalls be
`automatically responded to with a text response. As in block
`302, the user may request this function by actuating a keyor
`key sequence that
`is pre-programmed to start
`the auto-
`
`FIG.6 is a flowchart depicting an auto-response of
`[0033]
`an incoming telephone call in a fourth alternative embodi-
`ment of the invention. The embodiment depicted in FIG.6
`is a modification and combination of some of the previous
`embodiments. The auto-response function of FIG. 6 may be
`used when a user has a wireless phone 100 and desires to
`turn on the auto-response function for a period of time. In
`block 604, the user may select a response algorithm. The
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`intervals, on a device connected to the wireless phone 100
`via a wireless protocol such as Bluetooth, etc. One skilled in
`the art will recognize that many alternative designs, con-
`nections, and configurations of the auto-response selection
`page 700 are possible and within the scope of the invention.
`
`response algorithm is the methodology that will be used to
`determine which ofa plurality of auto-response will be used
`to respond to a particular telephone call. One response
`algorithm could involve searching a calendar or other data-
`base to compare the current time with the planned event and
`choosing an appropriate auto-response. For example, a user
`could have a calendar on their phone (available on many
`phones as well as wireless phones with personal data assis-
`tant (PDA) functionality) and have the response algorithm
`query the calendar to determine where the user may be when
`a call is received. In this embodiment, if a user is scheduled
`to be in a meeting, an auto-responsetells the caller that the
`user is in a meeting, and will respond after the meeting. In
`another case, if a user was at dinner (and that engagement
`was in the calendar), a different and equally appropriate
`message could be used. A default message could be used in
`cases where no engagement wasin the calendar. Time could
`also be a factor in the response algorithm—after reviewing
`the calendar,
`it could be determined that
`less than five
`minutes were left in a meeting and a messageto that effect
`could be used (e.g., “I’m currently in a meeting, but should
`be able to call you within five minutes or so”).
`
`[0038] The auto-response selection page 700 includes
`activation fields, a log field, auto-response message fields
`and selection algorithm fields. The activation fields allow a
`userto activate and deactivate the auto-response system. The
`log field allows a user to see a log of messages that were
`automatically responded to so that
`the user can decide
`whether to call the initiators of the call back. The auto-
`response messagefields allow a user to input either a verbal
`message or a text message for each button. The buttons of
`the auto-response message fields may correspond to auto-
`response selection buttons 118 of the wireless phone 100.
`Button A indicates that a recorded verbal messageis already
`saved in the system, and provides a way of allowing a user
`to change the messageif desired. Button B indicates that no
`messageis recordedfor that button, but an option for a user
`to record a message is provided. Buttons C, D, E, and F all
`indicate that a text message has been entered and saved, but
`verbal messages could also be recorded and saved for each
`In another alternative embodiment, the user does
`[0034]
`button. The selection algorithm fields provide the user with
`not select the response algorithm, but instead the response
`the option of selecting a selection algorithm to be used in
`algorithm is automatically chosen (which can also occurif
`determining which auto-response message will be played to
`there is only one response algorithm). In one example, a
`the caller associated with an incoming telephone call. For
`calendar could be used during the workday andacaller-
`example, a user could choose a calendar-based selection
`based algorithm could be used at other times. Oneskilled in
`algorithm that would cause the auto-response system to
`the art will recognize that many alternatives are possible and
`review the user’s calendar (being stored on the phone, on a
`within the scope of the invention, including different data-
`Website, or anywhere) and choose the auto-response mes-
`bases (such as a Web-based calendar accessed by the wire-
`sage that was appropriate. In another depicted example, the
`less phone 100, a calendar on a Bluetooth or other wireless-
`algorithm would choose the auto-response message based on
`protocol linked PDA, a database of response based on the
`contacts. The user could, for instance, set up the algorithm
`caller that could be linked to entries in an address book),
`to use one button (or message) for family, friends, work
`different algorithms (based on caller identification, time of
`contacts, unknowncallers, telemarketers, etc.
`day, scheduled activity, number of times that the user has
`called, combinations of factors, etc.), etc.
`
`In block 608, the function searches the appropriate
`[0035]
`database to determine the desired response. As noted above,
`the appropriate database could involve an integral calendar,
`appointment book, or address book, a Web-based database,
`a database attached to the wireless phone 100 via a module,
`a database in communication with the wireless phone 100
`via Bluetooth or another local wireless protocol,etc.
`
`[0036] One skilled in the art will recognize that any
`combination of the above embodiments, as well as other
`embodiments, are possible and within the scope of the
`invention. For example, text messaging maybeutilized with
`the embodimentdescribing selecting an auto-response mes-
`sage from a group of auto-response messages, perhaps by
`using a calendar or contact list.
`
`FIG.7 illustrates an auto-response selection page
`[0037]
`that may be used with some of the above auto-response
`system embodiments. The auto-response selection page 700
`allows a user to select the style and content of one or more
`auto-response messages that may be used to respond to
`incomingtelephonecalls, and also allowsa user to configure
`the auto-response system. The auto-response selection page
`700 may be located on a display screen 110 of the wireless
`phone 100, on a plug-in module 114, on a web page accessed
`from the wireless phone 100, on a web page that may be
`used to synchronize with a wireless phone 100 at occasional
`
`[0039] The auto-response system provides a number of
`potential benefits. For example, users may utilize the system
`to prevent their wireless phone from ringing in appropriate
`circumstances, such as when they are in a public place. The
`auto-response system improveson the traditional method of
`simply turning off the phone, as voice mail messagesare not
`accumulated. Moreover, selections algorithms may be used
`to customize the auto-response depending onthe activity of
`the user, the identity of the caller, etc., providing a more
`flexible and useful solution than voice mail systems. The
`auto-response system also eliminates the need for users to
`constantly change their outgoing message on their voice-
`mail.
`
`Thoseskilled in the relevant art will appreciate that
`[0040]
`the invention can be practiced with various telecommuni-
`cations or computer system configurations, including Inter-
`net appliances, hand-held devices, wearable computers,
`palm-top computers, cellular or mobile phones, multi-pro-
`cessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable
`consumer electronics, set-top boxes, network PCs, mini-
`computers, mainframe computers, and the like. Aspects of
`the invention can be embodied in a special purpose com-
`puter or data processor that is specifically programmed,
`configured, or constructed to perform one or more of the
`computer-executable instructions explained in detail herein.
`Indeed, the term “computer,” as used generally herein,refers
`to any of the above devices, as well as to any data processor.
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`Data structures and transmission ofdata particular to aspects
`of the invention are also encompassed within the scope of
`the invention. In general, wh