PATENT
`
`[00051]---------The message presentation process 600 begins with a decision 602
`that determines-whether an incoming text message is present.—TypieaUyHhe
`incoming text message would be transmi-t-ted-to-the mobile communica-ton-dev-iee
`from another communication device. When the decision 602 determines that an
`incoming text message is not present, then the message presentation process 600
`awaits such message. Once the decision 602 determines that an incoming text
`message has been received, a decision 604 determines whether an audio or text
`presentation is to be utilized. The decision 604 can be performed in a variety of
`different ways. For example, the determination of whether to utilize an audio or
`text presen-tat-i&n-ea-n be based on user ie-pu-t-ar-ean be automatieally^etem-med
`through a use of configuration or preference information or hardware components
`(e.g., display, speaker, head-set).
`
`föO-052]---------When the decision 604-detepmffies-thaLan audio presentation is to
`be utilized, the incoming text message is converted 606 to an audio message. For
`e-xa^pteT-a-tex-t-te-speeeh-Genver-si-efi-e-an-be-per-fe-FmedT—Ifi-^fte-embodi-meRL-a
`us&p-ef-the electronic device can be permitted to choose speech characteristics,
`such as a voice, tone, pace, accent, or mood, for the resulting speech.—For
`example, a user could choose speech characteristics by preference settings. In
`another embodiment, the incoming text message can include or reference speech
`characteristics so that the initiator can control or influence speech characteristics.
`In still another embodiment, if the text to be converted contains condensed text
`(e.g., such as slang or chat language), the resulting speech can pertain to an
`uncondensed form of the text.—The ability to convert from condensed text to
`r-esu-lting^peech for uncondensed text can be facilitated by pattern matching. For
`example, in chat language “LOL” can be converted to an audio message for “lots
`ehteve.” In one implementation, a table can store audio messages corresponding
`to chat terms or phrases.—In another implementation, a first table would store
`uncompressed terms or phrases corresponding to chat terms or phrases, and a
`second table would store audio messages corresponding to the uncompressed
`tepms-ep-phrasesr
`
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`[ÖOOSSj---------Atter^-he^-aeemi-eg-te-xt-message-is-c-Griverted to the audio message,
`the audio message is played 608. Typically, the audio message is played 608 by
`the-mobife-eom-m-uni cation devic-e-for-the user. For example, the audio-message
`can be output to a speaker of the mobile communication device or a headset used
`therewith.—As a result, tbe-use-p-of-tbe-mebi-le wireless commw+eatien device
`receives an audio message even though the incoming message was a text
`message^
`
`[00054]---------Qn-the-ether hand-when-the-deGisien-604 determines that a text
`presentation is to be utilized, the incoming text message is displayed 610. Here,
`the4neeffimg4ext-Feessage^^eeld-be-displayed-64O-e«^a-€lisplay-esseeiated-w4h
`the mobile communioat-ieR-device. Follewing-t-he-blocks 608 and 610, the message
`presentation process 600 ends.
`
`[00055]---------As discussed above, text-to-speech conversion can be invoked and
`performed on an electronic device, which may be a mobile communication device­
`in one embodiment, text-to-speech conversion can be off-loaded from the mobile
`device. For example, a remote server computer can be provided the text message
`and produce the resulting audio message, and then supply the audio message to
`the mobile device.—The remote server computer-ean-be-a networked server
`coupled to a network to communicate with the mobile device. One example of a
`networked server is a gateway computer for a wireless electronic device, such as
`a mobile telephone.
`
`[00056]---------FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a reply message process 700 according
`to-one-embod+men-t of the invention. The reply message-preoess-7-00 is performed
`by an electronic device, such as a mobile communication device.
`
`[00057]---------The reply message process 700 begins with a decision 702 that
`determines whether a reply message is to be sent. Typically, the reply message
`process 700 follows the presentation of an incoming-texkmessage to a user of a
`mobile commwioatfon device. Hence, the reply message to be sent is-a-reply-te
`the incoming text message. However, in other embodiments, the reply message
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`to be sent can be merely an initial message as opposed to a response to an earlier
`message.
`
`[W058-]---------hA-a^ease^wheMhe-de€isieFiJ702-deteFm+Hes4lAa^Fep4y~message
`is not to be sent, then the reply message process 700 ends or simply awaits the
`need to send a reply message.—On the other hand, when the decision 702
`determines that a reply message is to be sent, then a decision 704 determines
`whether an audio or text message is to be formed.—The decision 704 can be
`performed in a variety of different way-s^Feaexample, the determination of whether
`to send an audio or text message can be based on user input or can be
`automatically determined through a use of configuration or preference information
`ar-hardware components (e.g.T-di&play-&peakeprhead-set-).
`
`---------When the decision 704 determines that an audio message is to be
`formed, then the reply message process 700 prompts 706 for an audio message.
`Here, the prompt 706 can be directed to the user of the mobile communication
`device. The prompt can be an audio or textual indication. Next, a decision 708
`cletenwptes-^zhathea-aPi-au^io-mesaa^e-Tias-beePi-tacefded^-WhetMha-deGf&ion
`7-Q8-detemiees4haVthe-aadk) message has not been recorded, then-the-reply
`message process 70-0—awaits the audio message.—Once the decision 708
`determines that the audio message has been recorded, then the audio message
`is converted 710 to a text message.—In one embodiment, if the audio message
`recorded is greater than a maximum text message size (e.g., 150 or 160
`eharaeteps), then the audio message can be shortened so that the resulting text
`message does not exceed the maximum text message size. One way to shorten
`the-texbmessage is to use abbreviations. For example, the words “For-exa-mple1’
`ean-be-ehanged to “e.g.”. Such-eanver-sian-c-aFi-be-agaiH-be-performed by-matahing
`entries in tables. Another way to shorten is to remove non-essential text.—Still
`another way to shorten is to clip off or truncate the text message at the maximum
`text message size.—In another embodiment, the resulting text message might
`provide an indication that it was converted from an audio message. Following the
`block 710, the text message is transmitted 712 over a wireless network.
`
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`[00060]---------Alternatively, when the decision 704 determines that a text message
`is to be formed, then a text entry screen is displayed 714. Next, a decision 716
`determines whethar-a-text message has been entered. When the decision 716
`determines that a text message has not yet been entered, then the reply message
`praeeas-706-a a-i-ts-aRrry-eHhe-text--FRea&afe^—GR-&e-the-tex4m-esaape-has-beei“i
`entered, the text message is transmitted 712 over the wireless network. Following
`the block 712, the reply message process 700 ends.
`
`[00064]---------Atth-ough-the reply message proeess-7-OQ-prevides for the use-Mo
`enter a custom text or audio message, it should be understood that the reply
`message—ean—alternatively—be—termed—th-reug-h—ase—ef—semi-eastern—er
`pmdetemw4e44aplymwssagee4rem-wte€tetbe-useeatehem4ebite-eemmanteattefi
`device can choose. The use of semi-custom or predetermined reply messages
`can be achieved as noted in a number of embodiments in U.S. Patent Applteatiea
`11/006,343 (incorporated by reference into this application), and can serve to
`simplify the conversion process.
`
`[00062^---------An-exemplary-seenarte-ef-haw message-presentation and reply
`message processes could work according to one implementation of the second
`aspect is as follower
`
`[00063]---------4------- From his mobile phone, Bill prepares and sends a text
`message to Tom’s mobile phone.
`
`[00064]---------2r.------- Tom is alerted by his mobile phone of an incoming text
`message, such as by displaying at least a portion of the text message and/or
`otherwise notifying Tom of the text message.
`
`[00065]---------&------- Tom’s mobile phone can decide whethep-te-presaab-the-taxt
`message on a display screen of Tom’s mobile phone, or to first convert the text
`ffieasag-a-te-aR--a-Hdte-ffi-e^ape<a4te4heR--pFesaRM4e-a-Hdte-R^e9&ape4a-ltem-4eTp77
`play the audio message). Of course, Tom can interact with Tom’s mobile phone
`to assist in making the determination on how to present the message.
`
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`[00066]---------4n------- Thereafter, if desired, Tom can prepare and send a reply
`messa§e-baok-te-Bi+f:—Thts-^eply-^aessage-eaa-be-pfepasad-in-itially-Tis-a-text
`message or an audie-meesage. Tom’s mobile phene-a-nd/or Tom can determine
`whether the reply message is initially prepared as a text message or as an audio
`message. If an audio message is initially created, such audio message must be
`converted to a text message prior to transmission. Eventually, the reply message
`is sent to Bill as a text message. Tom’s mobile phone can assist with the creation
`eL-the-r-eply-meesage-th-mugh-use of custom, semi-custom or-pr-edetermined reply
`message from which Tom and/or Tom’s mobile phone can choose.
`
`[00067]---------6.------- If Tom is using a head-set with his mobile phone, then an
`audio message may be more convenient, assuming that Tom wants to provide a
`particular (i.e., custemized)-message-to Bill. The head-set allows Tom to easily
`recerd-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.
`
`[00068]---------&------- 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.
`
`[00069]---------7-.------- Tom can also not provide a reply message and simply not
`respond te-the-iaeeming-text-message. AlternativelyT^en^arn-eenf-iguFe-his-mebi-le
`phone to automatically produce and send a reply message based on user settings
`or preferences, positten-eenfiguration, stat-na-eter
`[00070]---------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,
`
`[00071]-------- The—advantages of-the—invention exemplified by FIGs. 6-7 are
`numerous. Different embodiments or implementations may yield different
`advantages.—Qne-advantage is that communications for users of electronic
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`devices can-be-f!exibly provided. Another advantageAsThat-eammu-^
`changes can be performed at an electronic device to better suit the needs or
`condition of the electronic device or user prefer-eaces. Yet still another advantage
`is that the sender can get back a message in the same format as they sent the
`original message, though the recipient may use the message in a different format
`or mode (e.g., recipient hears the text message as an audio message).
`
`[00072]---------Moreover, it should be noted that with—regards to any of the
`embodiments in which a voice call or a text message is incoming to an electronic-
`device, not only can the user of the mobile device take an action (e.g., button press
`or voice-eammand) to decline the caHAnessage but-also-the-eleetfaai-e-devi-ee^toel-f
`eanaatemat-ieaHy-decline the call/messag-e-sueh-that the user is not di-stu-rbed^-Eor
`example, an electronic device-e-an-be-Genfigur-ed through-user—settings (e.g.,
`preferences) to decline calls/messages matching certain criteria. Also, an auto
`reply message can be configured to be automatically sent in response to the
`call/message.—For a known, undesired marketing caller/message sender, the
`eteetrea-iadeviGe-x^H^TiuteHaatiGalfy-sea^a^aplyaBessage-deaiaFKARgdhe-seadef
`sot to call or send messages anymore, and to remove-your information from their
`database.
`
`[00073]---------Text messages received or sent can optionally embed indications of
`speech characteristics to be used, should the text message be converted to an
`audio format. The speech characteristics can pertain to voice, tone, pace, accent,
`and/or mood. The speech characteristics for the resulting speech can be set in
`preference or configuration information, set on a per message basis by users, or
`set by evaluation of monitored data pertaining to the user.
`
`[00074}-------- Addi'ti-efi-al-lyT-tl^mes&a^ee-'beif^-AFa-AS-ffl+tt-ed'-ea-a-be-efleFypted-feF
`security purposes.
`
`[00075]---------A number of embodiments described herein can be considered an
`aL^rmated-aeaFeta^dörataeeraTafi^teGirmie-dwee^The-autömaiedaeaFetary
`can completely or partially respond to an incoming call/message so as to reduce
`djatarbanaes-te-the-uaea—The-Haea-Gaa-pe+ama+ee-y^e-^Hte-ffiat-ed-searet-a-ry
`
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`th-r-eegh-uoemse-ttiRgs (e.g., preferences), or the automated secretary-ea-R-leaffl
`©vertiffied^e 4e4Haud!e^i4fefeRt4neoRURg--Galte/messages^-Besides-h-aRdURg--er-
`asstot4Rg4iAeuseiMA4to4R6GminguG#&b4eGsagesT4heu:rfGfflatod-&e6fetepyuaR-a-feo
`assist with other activities, such as making calendar entries (e.g., meetings) in a
`eatoRdae^M:eGpeRdi'Rg--te--iRG&mi-R-g--Ga+lefs/mes&ag-e&-itou^etevart-aRfe-FRsad-en
`pertaining to the user’s schedule as maintained by the calendar (though the user
`ceufd-iostoGtosueh-aGGess-te-eeitoinuidoRmattoiuaGdtoitonquiRmg-parttos}:—For
`example, if an incoming text message asks “available for lunch today?”, the
`automated secretary can check the user’s availability for lunch by way of the user’s
`calendar, then if the user is not available the automated secretary can quickly
`informing the inquiring party of same or propose another date^Qn-the-ether-handy
`if the lunch time peried-i-s-available in the usees calendar, then the automated
`secretary can either directly respond to the inquiring party of acceptance or
`propose a response to the user for review, modification and/or transmission.
`
`[00076]---------Also, a number of embodimea-ts-per-torm+Rg-GommuRi-eatrons using
`voice as-well as audio and/or text messages can be implemented using voice over
`Internet Protocol technologies, with signals delivered over the Web. For example,
`a calling party’s communication or mobile device can include an adapter to convert
`voice-signals to data packets before sending them over the Internet. A service
`provider can convert the packets back into voice signals before sending the voice
`signals to the called party’s communicatieR-deviee—Simi-lady, embodiments can
`be implemented using voice over wirele&s-pr-eteeels—such as Wi-Fi-ee-Wi-M-ax
`networks. Using—such—technologies,—computing—devices—can—become
`communication devices.
`
`[00078]---------Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled
`in the art from a consideration of this specification or practice of the invention
`disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be-ccRsidered
`asuxempfary-oalyy^rth-the-true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated
`by the following claims.
`
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`Please ADD paragraphs [00079] through [00153] after paragraph [00077] as
`follows:
`
`[00079] Different embodiments of the invention pertain 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, time or other criteria. In one
`embodiment, the communication between users is achieved by short audio or
`textual messages.
`
`[00080] 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.
`
`[00081 ] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to
`FIGs. 6-12. 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.
`
`[00082] FIG. 6 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
`f 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,
`ne 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
`
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`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 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.
`
`[00083] 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.
`
`[00084] One aspect of the invention pertains to improved approaches to
`respond to incoming voice calls. The improved approaches enable a called party
`(i.e., a party being called) 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.
`
`[00085] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a personal call response process 200
`according to one embodiment of the invention. The personal call response process
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`200 is performed by an electronic device, such as a mobile communication device
`(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.
`
`[00086] 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.
`
`[00087] 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).
`
`[00088] 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.
`
`[00089] 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
`whether the incoming voice call is to be directed to voice mail. When the decision
`
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`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.
`
`[00090] 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 of the calling party, 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. 7
`
`[00091] In still another embodiment, an automated decision process to
`decide whether to answer a call can be based on time (e.g., decision 204). For
`example, the called party can previously set a rule, such as that from midnight to
`6 am, the party does not want to answer voice calls. Then, during this time period,
`the electronic device can automatically decide not to answer incoming calls. In one
`implementation, when the electronic device decides not to answer incoming calls,
`no indication of incoming calls will be provided to the called party. For example,
`from midnight to 6 am, the device would not produce any ring tone. Additionally, if
`desired, the called party can also configure the electronic device to automatically
`provide an audio message or a text message to the calling party (e.g., I’m asleep
`call me tomorrow”).
`
`[00092] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an audio message response process 300
`according to one embodiment of the invention. The audio message response
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`process 300 is, for example, suitable for use as the processing carried out by block
`214 illustrated in FIG. 7.
`
`[00093] 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,
`neither the called party nor the calling party perceives that the voice calling has
`been answered.
`
`[00094] 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 associated with the mobile communication device for the called party or
`can be visual output (e.g., text) to a display of the mobile communication device
`for the called party (e.g., user of the mobile communication device).
`
`[00095] 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 of the called party 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
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`160 characters) so that the duration of time the voice channel is needed and/or the
`amount of network bandwidth consumed is minimal.
`
`[00096] On the other hand, when the decision 306 determines that none of
`the predetermined audio messages have 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 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 calling party (caller). Here, typically, the custom
`audio message would be output by the mobile communication device of the called
`party over the voice channel to the calling party. Typically, the mobile
`communication device of the called party 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.
`
`[00097] 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.
`
`[00098] 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
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`(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).
`
`[00099] The audio message response process 300 flexibly enables a user to
`either select one or more predetermined audio messages or provide a custom
`audio 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. 8 (e.g., before operations 308 and 314).
`
`[000100] FIG. 9 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. 7.
`
`[000101] 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.
`
`[000102] 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)
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`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 (i.e., the calling party).
`
`[000103] On the other hand, when the decision 406 determines that a
`predetermined t