`Approved tor use throughlo/3t/2002. 0MB 0651-0032
`U.S, Patent and Trademark Office; US. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
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`PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR PATENT COVER SHEET
`This is a request for filing a PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR PATENT under 37 CFR 1.53(c).
`Express Mail Label No.
`
`INVENTOR(S)
`
`<|
`
`,
`
`120803
`
`120803
`
`Residence
`(City and either State or Foreign Country)
`Campbell, CA USA
`Mountain View, CA USA o
`fcLO
`OTLO
`N
`. LO
`
`Given Name (first and middle [if any])
`C. Douglass
`Peter P.
`
`Family Name or Surname
`Thomas
`Tong
`
`□ Additional inventors are being named on the___ ___ separately numbered sheets attached hereto
`
`TITLE OF THE INVENTION (500 characters max)
`ADAPTABLE COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
`
`Direct all correspondence to.__________________ CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`34071
`|/| Customer Number
`------------ ►
`
`Type Customer Number here
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`' “I Firm or
`J—I individual Name
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`Address
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`State
`Telephone
`ENCLOSED APPLICATION PARTS (check all that apply)
`| /'I Specification Number of Pages
`I 35
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`LAJ Drawing(s) Number of Sheets
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`
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`- 34071• ~
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`PATENT TRADEMARK OFFICE
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`METHOD OF PAYMENT OF FILING FEES FOR THIS PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR PATENT
`Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27.
`A check or money order is enclosed to cover the filing fees
`The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge filing
`fees or credit any overpayment to Deposit Account Number
`Payment by credit card. Form PTO-2038 is attached.
`The invention was made by an agency of the United States Government or under a contract with an agency of the
`United States Government.
`El no
`□ Yes, the name of the U.S Government agency and the Government contract number are:
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`FILING FEE
`AMOUNT ($)
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`$80.00
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`Respectfully submitted,
`
`Date 12/03/2003
`
`SIGNATURE
`typed or printed name c- Douglass Thomas
`TELEPHONE 408-4463333----------------------------------
`USE ONLY FOR FILING A PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR PATENT
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.51 The information is used by the public to file (and by the PTO to process) a
`provisional application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 8 hours to
`complete, including gathering, preparing, and submitting the complete provisional application to the PTO. Time will vary depending upon
`the individual case Any comments on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden,
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`20231. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Box Provisional Application Assistant
`Commissioner for Patents, Washington, D.C. 20231.
`
`REGISTRATION NO.
`(if appropriate)
`Docket Number:
`
`32,947
`IPVMAP03P
`
`Epic Games Ex. 1005
`Page 1
`
`
`
`ADAPTABLE COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES
`FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The present invention relates to electronic devices and, more
`particularly, to communication techniques for electronic devices,
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`[0002] Typically, to participate in wireless communications, a user holds a
`mobile phone (e.g., wireless or a cellular phone) against his ear to hear an audio
`communication received in a wireless manner. The user usually also speaks
`towards a microphone embedded in the mobile phone to participate in the audio
`communication, again in a wireless manner. More recently, to facilitate hands-free
`operation of mobile phones, head-sets have been produced and utilized. Typically,
`a headset clips over or into an ear of the user to provide a speaker and a
`microphone in proximity to the ear and the mouth, respectively, of the user.
`Traditionally, the head-set was connected to the mobile phone by a cord (i.e., wire).
`In recent times, head-sets have been developed to operate in a wireless manner,
`without the need of a cord connected to the mobile phone. For example, one
`popular type of wireless head-set uses Bluetooth wireless transmissions to
`communicate between the head-set and the corresponding mobile phone.
`[0003] Mobile phones often support both voice calls and text messaging.
`When the user does not make use of a head-set, the user often holds the mobile
`phone against their ear when participating in a voice call. One problem this presents
`is that the user is not able to see the screen of the mobile phone. As a result, the
`user has difficultly interacting with the keypad or screen of the mobile phone when
`the mobile phone is held against the user's head. Alternatively, when the user of a
`mobile phone makes use of a head-set, the user can receive and participate in voice
`
`Patent Application
`
`Docket No.: 1PVMAP03
`
`Epic Games Ex. 1005
`Page 2
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`
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`calls in a hands-free manner. Unfortunately, however, the user would need to view
`a screen of the mobile phone to participate in text messaging.
`[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for improved wireless communication
`techniques for users of mobile communication devices.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0005] The invention pertains to improved approaches for users of electronic
`devices to communicate with one another. The electronic devices have audio and/or
`textual output capabilities. The improved approaches can enable users to
`communicate in different ways depending on device configuration, user preferences,
`prior history, etc. In one embodiment, the communication between users is
`achieved by short audio or textual messages.
`
`[0006] According to a first aspect, improved approaches to respond to
`incoming voice calls are disclosed. The improved approaches enable a called party
`to provide some information to a calling party without directly engaging in a voice call
`with the calling party. The called party can choose not to take the voice call from the
`calling party. Instead, the called party can provide the calling party with some limited
`information. The limited information can be provided in an audio or textual format.
`In one embodiment, the limited information provides the calling party with feedback
`as to why the voice call was not taken.
`
`[0007] According to a second aspect, improved approaches to respond to an
`incoming text message are disclosed. 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 message. In the
`case in which a brief audio message is used, the audio message can be
`automatically converted to a text message before being transmitted to the initiator.
`
`Patent Application
`
`2
`
`Docket No.: IPVMAP03
`
`Epic Games Ex. 1005
`Page 3
`
`
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`[0008] The electronic device can be a computing device, such as a personal
`computer, a personal digital assistant, or a communications device. One example of
`a communications device is a mobile telephone.
`[0009] The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a
`method, system, device, apparatus, and a computer readable medium. Several
`embodiments of the invention are discussed below.
`
`[0010] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent
`from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
`drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0011] The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed
`description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
`numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:
`
`[0012] FIG. 1 is a communication system according to one embodiment of the
`invention.
`
`[0013] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a personal call response process according
`to one embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0014] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an audio message response process
`according to one embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a text message response process
`according to one embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0016] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an automated call response process
`according to one embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0017] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a message presentation process according
`to one embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0018] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a reply message process according to one
`embodiment of the invention.
`
`Patent Application
`
`3
`
`Docket No.: IPVMAP03
`
`Epic Games Ex. 1005
`Page 4
`
`
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0019] The invention pertains to improved approaches for users of electronic
`devices to communicate with one another. The electronic devices have audio and/or
`textual output capabilities. The improved approaches can enable users to
`communicate in different ways depending on device configuration, user preferences,
`prior history, etc. In one embodiment, the communication between users is
`achieved by short audio or textual messages.
`
`[0020] The electronic device can be any computing device having
`communication capabilities. Such computing devices can be referred to as
`communication devices. Examples of electronic devices include personal
`computers, personal digital assistants, pagers or mobile telephones.
`
`[0021] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to
`FIGs. 1 - 7. 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.
`
`[0022] FIG. 1 is a communication system 100 according to one embodiment
`of the invention. The communication system 100 can support different
`communication devices, including mobile telephones 102, computers 104 (e.g.,
`personal computers) and/or wireless personal digital assistants (PDAs) 106. Users
`of the communication devices 102-106 can communicate with like or different
`communication devices. Each communication device 102-106 offers one or both of
`audio or textual communication capabilities. These communication devices 102-106
`can inter-communicate with one another through a network 108. The network 108
`can include one or more of voice networks and data networks. For example, one
`network is a data network providing a slow speed data channel for transmission of
`Short Message Service (SMS) messages (which are typically limited to 160 text
`characters) to a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) and then forwarded on to
`the destination. Besides short messages (e.g., SMS messages), the network 108
`can also support other messaging protocols for sending and receiving enhanced
`
`Patent Application
`
`4
`
`Docket No.: IPVMAP03
`
`Epic Games Ex. 1005
`Page 5
`
`
`
`messages (EMS), multimedia messages (MMS), email and fax messages. Other
`networks support faster data channels and voice channels, such as GPRS, UMTS,
`G4, GSM, CDMA and various protocols, such as UDP, TCP, WAP, PDP other
`protocols.
`
`[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, one of the
`communication devices 102-106 can send a short message to another of the
`communication devices 102-106. The short message can be text-based or audio
`based. The sending communication device allows its user to create the short
`message as the user desires and/or as the device permits. For example, the user
`might interact with a keypad or keyboard to enter the short message, or the user
`might record audio inputs (e.g., speech) for the short message. The short message
`can then be sent to the receiving communication device. The sending of the short
`message may involve converting the short message from an audio message to a
`text message, or vice versa. Also, the receiving communication device can further
`convert the short message from audio-to-text or from text-to-audio. In any case, the
`short message is presented (e.g., displayed or played) to the user of the receiving
`communication device. The presentation can vary as the user desires or as the
`device permits.
`
`[0024] A first aspect of the invention pertains to improved approaches to
`respond to incoming voice calls. The improved approaches enable a called party to
`provide some information to a calling party without directly engaging in a voice call
`with the calling party. The called party can choose not to take the voice call from the
`calling party. Instead, the called party can provide the calling party with some limited
`information. The limited information can be provided in an audio or textual format.
`In one embodiment, the limited information provides the calling party with feedback
`as to why the voice call was not taken.
`
`[0025] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a personal call response process 200
`according to one embodiment of the invention. The personal call response process
`200 is performed by an electronic device, such as a mobile communication device
`
`Patent Application
`
`5
`
`Docket No.: IPVMAP03
`
`Epic Games Ex. 1005
`Page 6
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`
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`(e.g., mobile telephone). The personal call response process 200 begins with a
`decision 202 that determines whether there is an incoming voice call. When the
`decision 202 determines that there is no incoming voice call, then the personal call
`response process 200 awaits such a call. Once the decision 202 determines that
`there is an incoming voice call, a decision 204 determines whether the incoming
`voice call is to be answered. Typically, the user of the electronic device would signal
`the electronic device as to whether or not to answer the incoming voice call.
`Alternatively, the electronic device could automatically decide whether to answer the
`call.
`
`[0026] When the decision 204 determines that the user desires the incoming
`voice call to be answered, the incoming voice call is answered 206 and the user
`engages 208 in a voice call with the calling party. A decision 210 then determines
`whether the call has ended. When the decision 210 determines that the call has not
`yet ended, then the personal call response process 200 can return to repeat the
`block 208 while the voice call continues. Once the decision 210 determines that the
`voice call has ended, then the personal call response process 200 ends.
`
`[0027] On the other hand, when the decision 204 determines that the user
`does not desire to answer the incoming voice call, a decision 212 determines
`whether the user desires to provide an audio message to the calling party. When
`the decision 212 determines that the user does desire to provide an audio message
`to the calling party, an audio message is obtained and sent 214 to the calling party
`(caller).
`
`[0028] Alternatively, when the decision 212 determines that the user does not
`desire to provide an audio message, a decision 216 determines whether the user
`desires to provide a text message to the calling party. When the decision 216
`determines that the user desires to provide a text message to the calling party, a text
`message is obtained and sent 218 to the calling party.
`
`[0029] Still further, when the decision 216 determines that the user does not
`desire to provide a text message to the calling party, a decision 220 determines
`
`Patent Application
`
`6
`
`Docket No.; IPVMAP03
`
`Epic Games Ex. 1005
`Page 7
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`
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`whether the incoming voice call is to be directed to voice mail. When the decision
`220 determines that the incoming voice call should be directed to voice mail, then
`the incoming voice call is directed 222 to voice mail. On the other hand, when the
`decision 220 determines that the incoming voice call is not to be directed to voice
`mail, the incoming voice call is dropped 224. Following the blocks 214, 218, 222
`and 224, the personal call response process 200 is complete and ends.
`
`[0030] In another embodiment, a personal call response process could
`announce the calling party to the called party (user). In announcing the calling party,
`the personal call response process would present the called party with information
`pertaining to the calling party (e.g., display or audio sound). Such information could,
`for example, help the called party to decide whether to answer the incoming voice
`call. The information can, for example, include one or more of name (individual or
`business), telephone number, or other caller identification. The information could
`also include status information, such as position, health, mood, etc. As an example,
`the information could be presented to the user prior to the decision 204 of the
`personal call response process 200 shown in FIG. 2,
`
`[0031] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an audio message response process 300
`according to one embodiment of the invention. The audio message response
`process 300 is, for example, suitable for use as the processing carried out by block
`214 illustrated in FIG. 2.
`
`[0032] The audio message response process 300 initially answers 302 the
`incoming voice call. In this operation, the incoming voice call is answered 302 but
`not in a traditional way. Instead, the electronic circuitry associated with a mobile
`communication device (e.g., mobile telephone) that receives the incoming voice call
`operates to answer the incoming voice call for purposes of an audio message
`response. For example, a voice channel is established between the calling party
`and the mobile communication device, but the speaker and microphone of the
`mobile communication device are disabled. In effect, in such an embodiment,
`
`Patent Application
`
`7
`
`Docket No.: IPVMAP0J
`
`Epic Games Ex. 1005
`Page 8
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`
`
`neither the called party nor the calling party perceives that the voice calling has been
`answered.
`
`[0033] Next, one or more predetermined audio messages can be presented
`304 by the mobile communication device. The presentation 304 of the one or more
`predetermined audio messages can, for example, be achieved by audio or visual
`means. For example, the predetermined audio messages can be audio output to a
`speaker for the called party or can be visual output (e.g., text) output to a display of
`the mobile communication device for the called party (e.g., user of the mobile
`communication device).
`
`[0034] A decision 306 then determines whether a predetermined audio
`message has been selected. Here, the decision 306 determines whether the user
`(i.e., called party) of the mobile communication device has selected one or more of
`the predetermined audio messages. When the decision 306 determines that a
`predetermined audio message has been selected, then the selected audio message
`is played 308 for the calling party. Here, the mobile communication device can
`output the selected audio message to the calling party over the voice channel.
`Typically, the mobile communication device would not produce an audible output at
`the mobile communication device, so that the called party would not be disturbed by
`the sending of the audio response. The predetermined audio messages are
`normally short messages (e.g., not more than 160 characters) so that the duration of
`time the voice channel is needed and/or the amount of network bandwidth
`consumed is minimal.
`
`[0035] On the other hand, when the decision 306 determines that none of the
`predetermined audio messages has been selected, then a decision 310 determines
`whether a custom audio message is requested. A custom audio message is an
`audio message that is specifically provided for the calling party. When the decision
`310 determines that a custom audio message is not being requested, then the audio
`message response process 300 returns to repeat the decision 306 and subsequent
`operations. Alternatively, when the decision 310 determines that a custom audio
`
`Patent Application
`
`8
`
`Docket No.: IPVMAP03
`
`Epic Games Ex. 1005
`Page 9
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`
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`message is requested, then a custom audio message is recorded 312. Thereafter,
`the custom audio message that has been recorded can be played 314 for the caller.
`Here, typically, the custom audio message would be output by the mobile
`communication device over the voice channel to the calling party. Typically, the
`mobile communication device would not produce an audible output at the mobile
`communication device, so that the called party would not be disturbed by the
`sending of the audio response. The custom audio messages are also normally short
`messages (e.g., not more than 160 characters) so that the duration of time the voice
`channel is needed and/or the amount of network bandwidth consumed is minimal.
`
`[0036] Following the operations 308 and 314, the incoming voice call is closed
`316. In other words, after the selected audio message or the custom audio
`message is played 308, 314, the incoming voice call can be closed 316. Following
`the block 316, the audio message response process 300 is complete and ends.
`
`[0037] The predetermined audio messages that are presented 304 to a called
`party can be determined in a static or dynamic manner. A static determination
`would, for example, be when the called party has previously set or recorded an
`audio message to be utilized. Typically, with static determination, the list of audio
`messages remains the same (i.e., static) until changed (e.g., by the called party). A
`dynamic determination would allow the audio messages in the list (or the ordering of
`the audio messages in the list) to change without specific action by the user or the
`called party. For example, the list or ordering of the audio messages can depend on
`preference settings, configuration information, or prior usage. Prior usage can
`include biasing the list of audio messages such that those messages being most
`often selected appear higher in the list. The list or ordering of the audio messages
`can also depend on the calling party, type of calling party, location of calling party or
`called party, and the like. The list of audio messages can be represented by text
`and/or graphics (e.g., icons).
`
`[0038] The audio message response process 300 flexibly enables a user to
`either select one or more predetermined audio messages or provide a custom audio
`
`Patent Application
`
`9
`
`Docket No.: IPVMAP03
`
`Epic Games Ex. 1005
`Page 10
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`
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`message to be used as an audio message response to a calling party. However, it
`should be recognized that, in other embodiments, an audio message response
`process can alternatively simply pertain to only providing a custom audio message,
`or only permitting selection of a predetermined audio message. Further, in still other
`embodiments, an audio message response process can first determine whether a
`custom audio message is to be provided before presenting predetermined audio
`messages. In yet other embodiments, an audio message response process can
`answer the incoming voice call later in the processing than operation 302 as shown
`in FIG. 3 (e.g., before operations 308 and 314).
`
`[0039] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a text message response process 400
`according to one embodiment of the invention. The text message response process
`400 is, for example, processing performed by the block 218 illustrated in FIG. 2.
`
`[0040] The text message response process 400 initially drops 402 the
`incoming voice call. Here, the information to be supplied to the calling party is a
`short text message; therefore, there is no need for a voice channel.
`
`[0041] Next, one or more predetermined text messages are displayed 404.
`Here, the one or more predetermined text messages would normally be displayed on
`a display screen associated with the mobile communication device being utilized by
`the called party. A decision 406 then determines whether one (or more) of the
`predetermined text messages has been selected. When the decision 406
`determines that a predetermined text message has been selected, then the selected
`text message is transmitted 408 to the caller.
`
`[0042] On the other hand, when the decision 406 determines that a
`predetermined text message has not been selected, then a decision 410 determines
`whether a custom text message is requested. When the decision 410 determines
`that a custom text message is not requested, then the text message response
`process 400 returns to repeat the decision 406 and subsequent operations.
`Alternatively, when the decision 410 determines that a custom text message is
`requested, then the custom text message is entered 412. Here, the called party
`
`Patent Application
`
`10
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`Epic Games Ex. 1005
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`
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`interacts with the mobile communication device to enter the custom text message.
`Then, the custom text message is transmitted 414 to the caller. In one embodiment,
`the transmission 408, 414 of the text message can be performed over a
`communication network, such as a network having a Short Message Service Center
`(SMSC) supporting Short Message Service (SMS) messages. Following the
`transmission 408 of the selected text message or the transmission 414 of the
`custom text message, the text message response process 400 is complete and
`ends.
`
`[0043] An alternative embodiment of a text message response process could
`operate to answer the incoming voice call and announce to the caller that a text
`message will be forthcoming. Then, the incoming voice call could be promptly
`dropped. This additional operation could, for example, be used with the text
`message response process 400 by providing an additional operation prior to the
`block 402 illustrated in FIG. 4.
`
`[0044] The predetermined text messages being displayed 404 to a called
`party can be determined in a static or dynamic manner. A static determination
`would, for example, be a text message the called party has previously set or
`entered. Typically, with static determination, the list of text messages remains the
`same (i.e., static) until changed (e.g., by the called party). A dynamic determination
`would allow the text messages in the list (or the ordering of the text messages in the
`list) to change automatically, and not by the user. For example, the list or ordering
`of the text messages can depend on preference settings, configuration information,
`or prior usage. To illustrate, prior usage can include biasing the list of text
`messages such that those messages being most often selected appear higher in the
`list. The list or ordering of the text messages can also depend on the calling party,
`type of calling party, location of calling party or called party, and the like. The list of
`text messages can identify each text message with text (e.g., at least a portion of the
`corresponding text message, or an abbreviation) and/or graphics (e.g., icons).
`
`Patent Application
`
`11
`
`Docket No.: IPVMAP03
`
`Epic Games Ex. 1005
`Page 12
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`
`
`[0045] The text message response process 400 flexibly enables a user to
`either select one or more predetermined text messages or provide a custom text
`message to be used as a text message response to a calling party. However, it
`should be recognized that, in other embodiments, a text message response process
`can alternatively simply pertain to only providing a custom text message, or only
`permitting selection of a predetermined text message. Further, in still other
`embodiments, a text message response process can first determine whether a
`custom text message is to be provided before presenting predetermined text
`messages.
`
`[0046] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an automated call response process 500
`according to one embodiment of the invention. The automatic call response process
`500 is substantially similar in many ways to the personal call response process 200
`illustrated in FIG. 2. However, the automated call response process 500 operates to
`reduce user input at the mobile communication device by making use of stored data
`pertaining to its hardware components, configuration or preferences. In this regard,
`the automatic call response process 500 includes a decision 502 that determines
`whether a head-set is active. When the decision 502 determines that a head-set is
`active, then the automatic call response process 500 can prefer, suggest or require
`the user to obtain and send 214 an audio message to the caller in response to an
`incoming voice call. Alternatively, when the decision 502 determines that a head-set
`is not active, then a decision 504 can determine whether a display is present. In
`other words, the decision 504 can determine whether the mobile communication
`device has a display. When the decision 504 determines that the mobile
`communication device does have a display, then the mobile communication device
`can operate to obtain and send 218 a text message to the caller. Of course, this
`assumes that the caller can support text messages even though they initially called
`with a voice call. Hence, in another embodiment, the automatic call response
`process could operate to query or obtain information regarding the caller’s
`communication device capabilities.
`
`Patent Application
`
`12
`
`Docket No.; IPVMAP03
`
`Epic Games Ex. 1005
`Page 13
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`
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`[0047] An exemplary scenario of how the previously described automatic call
`response process could work according to one implementation is as follows:
`
`[0048]
`
`1.
`
`From his mobile phone, Bill calls Tom's mobile phone.
`
`[0049]
`Tom is alerted by his mobile telephone of an incoming call.
`2.
`Optionally, caller information (i.e., pertaining to Bill) can be displayed or announced
`to Tom.
`
`3. Tom can choose to answer the incoming call or decline to
`[0050]
`answer the call.
`
`In the event that Tom declines to answer the call, Tom can have
`4,
`[0051]
`the opportunity to provide the caller with a brief audio or text message.
`
`If an audio message is to be provided, then Tom can either
`5.
`[0052]
`record a personalized message or select one of a plurality of predetermined audio
`messages. In this case, the incoming call is answered by Tom's mobile phone and
`then the audio message is played for the caller, thereafter the call is dropped. The
`audio messages are typically brief (i.e., short), and examples of audio messages
`are: (i) “Will call in 10 minutes," (ii) “Cannot talk now," (iii) "I'm in a meeting,” or (iv)
`"Please don't call anymore."
`
`6. On the other hand, if a text message is to be provided, then
`[0053]
`Tom can either enter a personalized text message or select from a plurality of
`predetermined text messages. In this case, the incoming call is dropped, and the
`entered text message or the selected one of the predetermined text messages is
`sent. Examples of text messages are: (i) "Will call in 10 minutes," (ii) "Cannot talk
`now," (iii) “I'm in a meeting,” or (iv) “Please don't call anymore." The text messages
`can be English (or other language) words or phrases, or can be condensed text
`strings (e.g., such as slang or chat language). In one embodiment, the
`predetermined text messages presented to Tom can be dependent on some criteria.
`Alternatively, it is possible that Tom might want to edit the predetermined text
`message, such can be permitted.
`
`Patent Application
`
`13
`
`Docket No.: IPVMAP03
`
`Epic Games Ex. 1005
`Page 14
`
`
`
`[0054]
`7. If hardware components, configuration or preferences are taken
`into consideration, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the above scenario can be modified. For
`example, if Tom is using a head-set with his mobile phone, then an audio message
`may be most convenient, assuming that Tom wants to provide a particular (i.e.,
`customized) message to Bill. The head-set allows Tom to record a brief audio
`message. Less conveniently, the head-set can be used to present a list of
`predetermined audio messages and allow Tom’s selection therefrom by a button or
`voice-command.
`
`[0055]
`8. If Tom is not using a head-set, then a text message response
`might be more suitable. This would typically require that Tom's mobile phone have a
`display and a keypad. Even so, without a head-set, Tom could still record an audio
`message, though such would likely be less convenient.
`
`[0056]
`9. Tom can also not provide an audio message or a text message
`and simply let the incoming call roll-over into voice mail.
`[0057] In this aspect of the invention, the calling party and the called party
`often use mobile communication devices, such as mobile phones. However, the
`parties can alternatively use other electronic devices, such as a PDA, a computer,
`etc. Further, the option to provide a text response could be prevented if the caller’s
`device