imioh
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`
`September 30, 2021
`
`THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT ANNEXED IS A TRUE COPY FROM THE
`RECORDS OF THIS OFFICE OF THE FILE WRAPPER AND CONTENTS
`
`APPLICATION NUMBER: 15/469,440
`FILING DATE: March 24, 2017
`PATENT NUMBER: 10142810
`ISSUE DATE: November 27, 2018
`
`Certified by
`
`Performing the Functions and Duties of the
`Under Secretary of Commerce
`for Intellectual Property
`and Director of the United States
`Patent and Trademark Office
`
`tnrwtnttnnmwnirtntutlfti'u
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`PTO/AIA/15 (03-13)
`Approved for use through 01/31/2014. 0MB 0651-0032
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`IPVMCP02C4
`Attorney Docket No.
`First Named Inventor CHEUNG et al.
`Title
`
`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`TRANSMITTAL
`
`A NETWORK-BASED PORTAL TO MANAGE COMMUNICATION
`
`(Only for new nonprovisional applications under 37 CFR 1.53(b))
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`See MPEP chapter 600 concerning utility patent appiication contents.
`
`1.1 | Fee Transmittal Form
`(PTO/SB/17 or equivalent)
`2. | | Applicant asserts small entity status.
`See 37 CFR 1.27
`3. | | Applicant certifies micro entity status. See 37 CFR 1.29
`Applicant must attach form PTO/SB/15A or B or equivalent.
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`[Total Sheets ]
`6. Inventor’s Oath or Declaration
`[Total Pages ]
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`serving as an oath or declaration under 37 CFR 1.63(e))
`a. | | Newly executed (original or copy)
`b. | ✓ | A copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63(d))
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`See 37 CFR 1.76 (PTO/AIA/14 or equivalent)
`CD-ROM or CD-R
`in duplicate, large table, or Computer Program (Appendix]
`] Landscape Table on CD
`9. Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
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`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PAPERS
`10. | | Assignment Papers
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`Name of Assignee___________________________
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`*Note: (1) Benefit claims under 37 CFR 1.78 and foreign priority claims under 1.55 must be included in an Application Data Sheet (ADS).
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`assignee, person to whom the inventor is under an obligation to assign, or person who otherwise shows sufficient proprietary
`_________ interest in the matter. See 37 CFR 1.46(b)._____________________________________________________________________
`19. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`
`✓J The address associated with Customer Number: 34071 OR | | Correspondence address below
`
`Name
`Address
`City
`Country
`/Peter P. Tong/
`Signature
`Name
`L (Print/Type) Peter P. Tong
`
`____ /
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`
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`A NETWORK-BASED PORTAL TO MANAGE
`COMMUNICATION
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No.
`14/922,344, filed October 26, 2015, which is hereby incorporated herein by
`reference, which application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No.
`14/272,632, filed May 8, 2014, now U.S. Patent No. 9,204,268, and entitled
`“SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES TO MANAGE MULTIPLE MODES OF
`COMMUNICATION,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, which
`application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 12/798,995, filed April
`14, 2010, now U.S. Patent No. 8,744,407, and entitled “SYSTEMS AND
`PROCESSES TO MANAGE MULTIPLE MODES OF COMMUNICATION,” which
`is hereby incorporated herein by reference, which application is a continuation of
`U.S. Patent Application 11/452,115, filed June 12, 2006, now U.S. Patent No.
`7,729,688, and entitled “SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES TO MANAGE MULTIPLE
`MODES OF COMMUNICATION”, which is hereby incorporated herein by
`reference, which application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent
`Application 11/006,343, filed December 7, 2004, now U.S. Patent No. 7,116,976,
`and entitled “ADAPTABLE COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES FOR
`ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, which
`claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/527,565, filed
`December 8, 2003, entitled “ADAPTABLE COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES
`FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” and which is hereby incorporated herein by
`reference.
`
`[0002] This application, by way of U.S. Patent Application No. 11/452,115,
`also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/689,686, filed
`June 10, 2005, entitled “SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES TO MANAGE MULTIPLE
`MODES OF COMMUNICATION,” and which is hereby incorporated herein by
`reference.
`
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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`[0003] For many years, other than mails from post offices, we typically only
`received information from afar through telephones. However, in the past few years,
`ways that others can send us information have increased significantly. Just to list
`a few different modes of communication, we can be reached from standard desk
`phones, fax, cell phones, electronic mails, and instant messages. In addition, we
`can have more than one phone number and multiple electronic mail addresses.
`There are people we like to communicate with, and there are those we prefer to
`avoid. Managing information from all such different modes can be quite time
`consuming.
`[0004] It should be apparent from the foregoing that there is still a need to help
`manage the numerous modes of communication.
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`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0005] Different embodiments of a computer-implemented system and
`method to manage the communication of a user are disclosed. A person tries to
`electronically convey a message to the user. In one embodiment, the status of the
`user is identified; the identity of the person is identified; the urgency of the message
`is identified; the access priority of the person is determined based on the person’s
`identity; and a process is set to manage the message using one or more rules, and
`in view of the status of the user, the access priority of the person and the urgency
`f the message.
`[0006] Based on different embodiments, the status of the user depends on
`the current activity or location of the user, or the current time. The status of the
`user can also be defined by the user. Similarly, the access priority of the person
`can be defined by the user, or is set depending on the user’s reaction towards a
`prior message from the person. Also, the urgency of the message is set by the
`person.
`[0007] The process can depend on the mode of communication of the
`message. For example, the mode of communication can include a mobile phone,
`an office phone, a home phone, a mobile SMS, a pager from a mobile phone or
`PDA, a home/office SMS, mobile online chat, home online chat, a voice mail
`with/without instant notification, an office fax, a home fax, a mobile email, and an
`email
`[0008] In one embodiment, the user receives the message through a
`handheld device, such as a cellular phone. In another embodiment, the message
`is electronically conveyed based on Internet protocol through a website.
`[0009] In one embodiment, though the process allows the user to receive
`the message, the person is not aware of the contact information of the user. For
`example, the person is not aware of the phone number of the cellular phone that
`the user used to talk to the person. This prevents the person from directly
`accessing the user without going through an intermediate control, such as a
`website. Similarly, the user does not have to be aware of the contact information
`of the person.
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`[00010] In another embodiment, the defined access priority of the person is
`stored at a website, allowing the website to access such information without asking
`for the user’s permission. In one embodiment, the defined access priority is stored
`in a private database under the user’s control.
`[00011] In one embodiment, text messages could be received in an audio
`manner, and audio messages could be sent as text messages.
`[00012] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become
`apparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction
`with the accompanying drawings, illustrates by way of example the principles of the
`invention.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`[00013] Figure 1 shows a number of intelligent communication modes
`according to one embodiment of the invention.
`[00014] Figure 2 shows a number of contact classes according to one
`embodiment of the invention.
`[00015] Figure 3 shows a number of urgency classes according to one
`embodiment of the invention.
`[00016] Figure 4 shows a number of statuses of a user according to one
`embodiment of the invention.
`[00017] Figure 5 shows one embodiment of an example of an Access Priority
`Database according to one embodiment of the invention.
`[00018] Figure 6 is a communication system according to one embodiment
`of the invention.
`[00019] Figure 7 is a flow diagram of a personal call response process
`according to one embodiment of the invention.
`[00020] Figure 8 is a flow diagram of an audio message response process
`according to one embodiment of the invention.
`[00021] Figure 9 is a flow diagram of a text message response process
`according to one embodiment of the invention.
`[00022] Figure 10 is a flow diagram of an automated call response process
`according to one embodiment of the invention.
`[00023] Figure 11 is a flow diagram of a message presentation process
`according to one embodiment of the invention.
`[00024] Figure 12 is a flow diagram of a message presentation process
`according to one embodiment of the invention.
`[00025] Same numerals in Figures 1 -12 are assigned to similar elements in all
`the figures. Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to
`Figures 1 -12. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed
`description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as
`the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`[00026] One embodiment of the invention can automatically remove
`unwanted communications. Certain communications are relatively easy to
`determine to be unwanted, such as marketing cold calls and wrong number calls.
`Other communications may be more difficult. They can depend not just on the
`sources of the communication, but also the conditions or status of the receiver (a
`user) of the communication. The status can be related to the user’s current activity
`and/or location. For example, when the user is on a train going to work, the user
`probably does not mind chatting with his grandchild. However, if the user is having
`his yearly review meeting with his boss, the user probably would prefer to avoid
`the call from his grandchild, unless it is an emergency. Based on the embodiment,
`communications from sources the user wants to postpone receiving can be
`automatically diverted.
`[00027] In one embodiment, the user can get appropriate notification on the
`source of the incoming communication request. The attributes of the notification
`can depend on the urgency of the communication and/or the status of the user.
`[00028] The user may receive information from different modes of
`communication. For example, the user can have mobile phones, fixed lines at
`home or office, emails, SMS, and faxes, with their different numbers and/or
`addresses. One embodiment can help the user efficiently manage information from
`the different modes. The user only has to remember one specific address from one
`mode of communication. Through that address, the user can receive
`communications from all modes of communication, independent of where the user
`is, or the type of hardware the user has. This allows the user to efficiently maintain
`his communication from the numerous modes even when he is traveling. For
`example, the user does not have to change phones (and the phone numbers)
`when he moves from areas covering 3G to areas that do not.
`[00029] A number of embodiments depend on the different modes of
`communication converging onto the internet protocol platform. A communication
`gateway or a portal is formed allowing the user to receive communications from
`numerous sources through different modes. This, in turn, could reduce the
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`numerous addresses the user has to remember, to one address. For example, an
`e-mail address for the user can serve as an access identifier for the different
`communication addresses from different communication modes. The access
`identifier can become the user’s digital identity. In one embodiment, the user’s
`other types of identification, such as the user’s driver licenser number, can be the
`user’s access identifier.
`[00030] One embodiment of the invention uses an open portal based on the
`web. Based on the portal, the user can securely determine who can reach him at
`what conditions. This can be done based on a status indicator. As an example, this
`indicator is determined according to the status of the user, the access priorities of
`the person trying to reach the user (or the relationship or the lack of relationship
`between the user and the person), and/or the urgency of the message from the
`person. The status of the user can be dynamically determined, based on the
`current condition(s) of the user. The portal can allow the user and the person to
`select different options, which can be modified as desired. For example, the
`relationship can be preset by the user and stored in a database, while the urgency
`of the message can be set by the person.
`[00031] Thus, in one embodiment, the portal can be used to control the
`selection and setting of different intelligent communication modes for the user.
`These intelligent communication modes allow priorities of various kinds of
`communication options to be set by the user. The portal allows worldwide access
`to the user, and can dynamically determine, for example, whether a call initiated at
`different time by different callers should be accepted by the user in real-time or
`handled by other mechanisms. From this information, communication requests can
`be classified, for example, into different degrees of undesirability. Some requests
`can be automatically blocked from the user. Others can be diverted and handled
`by other mechanism, such as diverting a phone call to an email or voice mail.
`[00032] In one embodiment, the portal or gateway also includes a database
`to keep track of the user’s different contacts or acquaintances, and the access
`priorities of each contact. The user can modify information in the database, such
`as assigning and/or changing the priorities of the contacts. Based on the
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`information (or lack of information) in the database of the contact trying to access
`the user, and based on the status of the user, the gateway can automatically select
`an intelligent mode of communication for the user. This selection can be done
`dynamically.
`[00033] In one embodiment, the portal can dynamically change the access
`priorities of a caller trying to reach the user. For example, previously the caller is
`of high priority to the user, and the user has set her access priorities accordingly.
`Lately, every time the caller trying to reach the user, the request was denied. After
`a preset number of rejections, the portal can automatically send a message to the
`user, asking the user if the user would like to lower the access priority of the caller.
`If the response is affirmative, the caller’s priority is automatically reduced.
`[00034] In another embodiment, the user does not have to set priorities of
`each contact. The system monitors every call, and provides the contact’s identity
`to the user. Based on the user’s reaction to the call (e.g. accepting or rejecting it),
`the system automatically sets the contact’s priorities. In one embodiment, the
`system can then query the user for approval on the setting, and allow the user to
`adjust it as necessary. In another embodiment, the system can continue to modify
`the caller’s priorities based on the user’s reaction to the caller’s subsequent calls.
`[00035] In one embodiment, the user could keep information he believes to
`be sensitive local in a different database. Such information can be stored securely
`under the user’s direct control. The portal can retrieve information from the different
`database when required. In another embodiment, the user can restrict or limit such
`retrieval process.
`[00036] Additional confidentiality can be provided. In one embodiment, using
`phone calls as an example, the user can be aware of the identity of the caller even
`without being informed of the number of the caller. Similarly, the caller can reach
`the user without being aware of the number of the phone the user is using to
`receive the call. The user can keep his location and/or status confidential but still
`can receive the communication. This can be useful because there are situations,
`for example, when the user does not want to disclose his contact information but
`the user needs to receive services provided by the caller.
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`[00037] One approach to maintain such confidentiality while maintaining real­
`time communication is based on a system that digitally identifies the identities of
`the caller and the receiver. Note that the term caller is used in general. It is not just
`limited to phone calls, but they can be any person or entity requesting to
`communicate with the user, such as trying to send a message to the user. As a
`separate note, the caller can also be a user of different embodiments of the
`invention.
`[00038] After determining the identities, the system can establish
`connections between the caller and the user in real time. Though contacts are
`established, the system only needs to ensure the identities of the caller and the
`user to each other. However, the system does not have to disclose the phone
`numbers, electronic addresses, physical locations and/or other attributes of the
`caller and the user to each other. In one embodiment, real time implies that the
`time required for the identification is similar to the typical time required to set up,
`for example, a telephone call. The system can be a portal based on the web.
`[00039] In one embodiment, a portal also holds the user’s electronic calendar.
`The calendar can be programmable, with entries set by the user. The portal can
`automatically and securely set appointments for the user since the portal knows
`the identity of the caller, and the status and schedule of the user. For example, the
`appointment can be for a conference call.
`[00040] To illustrate, in one embodiment, a portal provides a number of
`intelligent communication modes (ICM) for the user to select as shown in Figure 1.
`There are three columns in the table. If the communication mode selected in the
`second column does not work, the portal automatically defaults to the
`corresponding approach in the third column. For example, under ICM 1, if the
`mobile phone is busy, default to voice mail. Some of the selections do not have
`any default because it may not be necessary to default. For example, under ICM
`8, the incoming message goes directly to voice mail with instant notification to
`mobile devices of the user. The incoming message can usually go to voice mail.
`There is no need to default.
`[00041] As a receiver of communication, the user can define a number of
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`contact classes, as shown in Figure 2. The user can set up a number of urgency
`classes, as shown in Figure 3. The user can define a number of status, as shown
`in Figure 4. Then, based on tables in Figures 1-4, the user can set up an Access
`Priority Database for different Contactclasses, as shown in Figure 5.
`[00042] As another example, the user can categorize the following contacts
`into the corresponding Contactclasses:
`
`Alice (Wife)
`Peter (Close Friend)
`Colina (Close Friend’s
`
`ContactClassl
`ContactClass2
`ContactClass2
`
`wife)
`
`[00043] Peter wants to make a mobile phone call to the user. In one
`embodiment, Peter calls a portal. As an example, the portal can be the user’s ISP.
`The portal first verifies the caller’s identity to be Peter. This can be done, for
`example, by a public key challenge based on Peter having a public key digital
`certificate. In another example, Peter is also a registered user of the portal. Then,
`Peter’s identity can be more readily identified or verified.
`[00044] In one embodiment, after verification, a virtual address/number for
`the communication session is created allowing Peter to reach the user, which can
`be by phone. The user’s phone number does not have to be disclosed to Peter.
`Similarly, Peter’s mobile phone number does not have to be disclosed to the user.
`The portal can assure the user that the person calling is Peter based on an
`identification verification process, such as ones described above.
`[00045] In establishing contact, the portal can access the user’s database
`and determine that Peter belongs to ContactClass2. The database can, for
`example, be in the portal.
`
`[00046] In another embodiment, the database is in a personal
`communication device of the user. The portal accesses the personal
`communication device to determine Peter’s ContactClass.
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`[00047] Based on the ContactClass information, the status of the user and
`Peter’s urgency setting, the user may receive Peter’s call directly. As another
`example, Peter may be asked to leave a voice mail to the user, while the user is
`notified by a mobile short message regarding an incoming call from Peter.
`[00048] As additional examples, in one embodiment, location information of
`the user could be determined based on GPS information from, for example, the
`user’s cell phone.
`[00049] In one embodiment, the user receives messages through a handheld
`device, such as a phone, and the phone has a switch. The switch can be a physical
`button or a software setting, such as a pull-down menu. The user could set his
`status dynamically by changing the physical or logical position of the switch. For
`example, one position can indicate that the user is very busy, and should only be
`interrupted by an urgent message from the user’s closest contacts, such as his
`wife or parents. Another position can indicate that the user’s status allows the user
`to receive any messages from anyone.
`[00050] As explained above, based on an embodiment, a message is
`electronically conveyed by a central network server, such as a web server based
`n Internet protocol. A portal or gateway approach could provide general Internet
`access to one or more embodiments of the communication management systems
`so that users can configure the system behavior they desire. The portal or gateway
`can then facilitate download of a database or update thereto to a communication
`device, such as a phone.
`[00051] Also, as explained above, based on an embodiment, a user could
`efficiently maintain his communication, and does not even have to change phones
`when he moves from areas covering 3G to areas that do not. These phones could
`be based on different communication mechanisms, such as GSM, CDMA, 3G and
`4G systems. Also as explained above, the user could keep information in local
`databases, such as in such a phone. For example, the intelligent communication
`modes shown in Figure 1 for the user to select are in the phone. The user could
`define the contact classes, such as the ones shown in Figure 2; set up the urgency
`classes, such as the ones shown in Figure 3; define the statuses, such as the ones
`
`IPVMCP02C4
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`11
`
`Patent Application
`
`Epic Games Ex. 1002
`Page 14
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`shown in Figure 4; set up the Access Priority Database, such as the one shown in
`Figure 5; and categorize a number of the user’s contacts into the corresponding
`Contactclasses, all in the phone. When a caller places a call to the phone, based
`n information previously set in the phone and based on the urgency class
`selected by the caller, the phone could automatically manage the communication.
`Note that the phone does not have to be a cellular phone. In one embodiment, the
`phone is a desk top phone.
`[00052] Again as explained above, the person or the caller trying to contact
`the user could select different options. For example, the urgency of the message
`can be set by the caller. This selection is typically in the call setup phase. In one
`embodiment, the caller has pre-selected the urgency class before making the call.
`In another embodiment, if the caller has not selected the urgency class, the system
`could prompt the caller to input an urgency class or status before the call or
`message is routed to the user. In yet another embodiment, different urgency
`classes could be defined by the caller.
`[00053] Different embodiments or implementations may yield different
`advantages. One advantage is that communications for users of electronic
`devices can be flexibly provided. Another advantage is that communication
`mode changes can be performed at an electronic device to better suit the needs
`r condition of the electronic device or user preferences. In still another
`advantage, a user can provide feedback to a caller without answering a voice call
`from the caller.
`
`[00054] Another aspect of the invention pertains to improved approaches to
`respond to an incoming text message. The improved approaches enable a
`recipient to provide a reply message to an initiator. The incoming text message
`can be presented to the recipient with an audio or textual presentation.
`Thereafter, a reply text message can be sent back to the initiator. The recipient
`can form the reply text message by recording a brief audio message or entering
`a text