Google Inc. v. Rockstar Consortium US LP et al

Filing 1

COMPLAINT for Declaratory Judgment of Non-Infringement against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 400, receipt number 0971-8252154.). Filed byGoogle Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Civil Cover Sheet)(Warren, Matthew) (Filed on 12/23/2013)

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EXHIBIT E US006463131B1 (12> Ulllted States Patent (10) Patent N0.: French-St. George et al. (54) US 6,463,131 B1 (45) Date of Patent: Oct. 8, 2002 SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NOTIFYING A USER OF AN INCOMING COMMUNICATION 5,608,786 A 5,633,916 A 3/1997 Gordon ............... .. 379/100.01 5/1997 Goldhagen et al. .... .. 379/88.13 EVENT 5,737,395 A 4/1998 Irribarren ............... .. 379/88.13 5,742,905 A * (75) A_ Mahan, Kanata, an of (CA) Laura AI Brisebois, 4/1998 Pepe et al. 5,751,791 A Inventors: Marilyn French-St. George, Alcove; 5/1998 Chen 61 ‘IL - 379/211.01 379/88-13 5,825,854 A 5,822,404 10/1998 Larson . et. . al. . . Cave . . . . . . . . . . .. 379/88.13 5,832,221 11/1998 Jones . . . . .. A (73) Assigneez Nortel Networks Limited (CA) 5,946,386 A * (*) Notice: 6,061,570 A * 5,987,100 A Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379/88.13 8/1999 Rogers et al. ....... .. 379/265.09 * 11/1999 Fortman et al. ....... .. 379/88.14 5/2000 Janow ................... .. 455/458 patent is extended or adjusted under 35 6,181,928 B1 * 1/2001 U'S'C~ 154(k)) byo days~ 6,219,413 B1 * 4/2001 Burg ................... .. 379/215.01 (21) Appl. No.: 09/477,679 (22) Filed: Moon . . . . . . . . . . .. 379/88.12 * Cited by examiner Jan. 5, 2000 Primary Examiner—Fan Tsang Related US. Application Data Assistant Examiner—Ovidio Esalante (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Finnegan, Henderson, (62) Division of application No. 08/996,034, ?led on Dec. 22, 1997’ now Pat‘ NO‘ 671227348‘ FaraboW, Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P. (51) Int. c1.7 ............................................... .. H04M 1/64 (57) ABSTRACT (52) US. Cl. .............................. .. 379/88.23;337799/8§é1147; Asystem and method for providing multisensory Signaling (58) capabilities enables a user to manage the receipt of incoming communication events, after an initial noti?cation sequence, Field of Search ......................... .. 379/88.12, 88.13, 379/88.14, 88.15, 88.17, 88.19, 88.22, 88.23, 88.25, 100.01, 100.08, 211.01, 211.02, 212.01, 207.16, 201.07 (56) References Cited using multiple media options. Speci?cally, a remote device noti?es a user of incoming communication events and offers real-time coupling of the noti?cations With communication management options. The message is delivered or otherwise processed according to the option selected. US. PATENT DOCUMENTS 5,327,486 A * 7/1994 Wolff et al. .......... .. 379/142.01 f 105 129., I 8 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets 110 ’\.100 155 115 I / 1j5 / sERvER / COMPUTER I __ _ MEMORY w 12@\ SEE E 140 REGISTRATION SOFTWARE SUBSCRIBER l DATABASE 160 / 165 ,_/ COMMUNICATION E DATABASE E / 17° I K144 MEMORY 150 180 I / / ELECTRONIC MAII. SYSTEM 135 RECEIVER/ PORT ~145 175 142 K I/O / III E I % TRANSMITFER H PROCESSOR COMMUNICATION . 143 / TRANSDUCER 1;11 . SOFTWARE 13o / WEARABLE DEvICE KIOSK U.S. Patent Oct. 8,2002 Sheet 2 of3 US 6,463,131 B1 ALERT RECEIVING PARTY N200 OF COMMUNICATION EVENT 210 DOES THE PARTY WANT TO RESPOND? SELECT DEVICE FOR DELIVERY OF SUBSEQUENT 220 N INFORMING COMPONENT V ALLOW PARTY TO HEAR OR SEE MORE INFORMATION 230 ~ ABOUT COMMUNICATION EVENT 245 PRESENT COMMUNICATIONS ~24‘) MANAGEMENT OPTIONS TO PARTY IN SELECTED MEDIA FORMAT FIG. 2 SELECT V COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT OPTION FOR EXECUTION US 6,463,131 B1 1 2 SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NOTIFYING A USER OF AN INCOMING COMMUNICATION EVENT then reply. Other disposition options (e.g., forWard, copy, delete) can only be invoked after the user receives the communication. Currently, there are no products that alloW a user to intercept a communication during the noti?cation sequence and re-route it to another device or person, or CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION request the sender to alter the communication media. There are some third party service providers that integrate text-based and voice-based communications into a single “inbox” and then notify the subscriber of their presence. This is a division of application Ser. No. 08/996,034, ?led Dec. 22,1997, the contents of Which are hereby incorporated by reference (now US. Pat. No. 6,122,348 issued Sep. 19, 2000). 10 Often times the noti?cation is to a pager or a cell phone. In the latter case, media translation devices can recode a text ?le into speech. Although these services provide uni?ed BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION noti?cation of all messages, they do not currently respond to The present invention relates generally to communication management and more particularly, to a multisensory sig mation pertaining to the incoming communication to the device subscriber. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a multisensory sig naling structure that is applicable to a variety of receiving the real-time voice calls, and often restrict access to infor 15 naling structure that enables a user to manage the receipt of incoming communication events, after an initial noti?cation sequence, using multiple media options. Recent advancements in communication technology have made push media channels a reality. These channels typi cally “push” information to a designated receiving device (e.g., pager) Without requiring a user to speci?cally request devices to alloW a user to manage incoming communication events. 20 It is further desirable to structure noti?cations of incom the information. This, in conjunction With development of integrated text and voice at the desktop and in mobile devices, creates an environment Where users are increas 25 ingly demanding service strategies that alloW them to pri noti?cation, they also need choices on hoW to respond to the 30 Finally, it is desirable to alloW a user to intercept a communication, during the noti?cation sequence and 35 re-route it to another device or person, or request the sender to alter the communication media. direct an incoming communication to a device or person of Additional desires, features and advantages of the inven tion Will be set forth in the folloWing description, and Will be apparent from description or may be learned by practic their choosing. On the service delivery side of the equation, service providers are looking for Ways of increasing their presence 40 to the end user. To facilitate this endeavor, there is a need for a noti?cation/signaling framework that enables service pro viders to con?gure their commercial appearance to the customer and tailor communication management options to maximiZe service availability. For example, With such a frameWork, a sports broadcaster can notify its subscribers of ing the invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Systems and methods consistent With the present inven tion meet these desires by alloWing a user to manage the 45 a particular neWsWorthy event via a multimedia banner. If receipt of incoming communication events, after an initial noti?cation sequence, using multiple media options. A system consistent With this invention for managing an incoming communication event comprises means for noti the event is on video, the user can then select to receive the broadcast at their desktop computer, or perhaps listen to the play-by-play via a personal audio device. in real-time. It is also desirable to employ personal, Wearable commu cations and information in a preselected format. or noti?cation sequence to provide more context about the options that are media independent, users may intercept and With communication management options. nication devices for receiving incoming multimedia noti? request in real-time. For example, by structuring an alerting nature of an interruption (i.e., the Who, What, When, and Why) and then integrating communication management ing communication events. In addition, it is desirable to couple real-time noti?cations It is further desirable to route an incoming communication event to a receiving device or person of the receiver’s choice oritiZe competing demands on their attention. Not only do busy people need a Way of recogniZing the context—the Who, What, When, and Why—of an incoming It is also desirable to provide the user With a number of call management options that may be invoked in real-time. fying a user of the incoming communication event; means 50 for providing a plurality of communication management Currently, real-time communication management options options to the user; means for receiving a selection of one of are limited (e.g., live voice calls can only be ignored or the communication management options; and means for ansWered). Calling Line Identi?cation (CLID) provides taking an action regarding the incoming communication some real-time information regarding the “Who” of the incoming-communication but more strictly re?ects the source device rather than the user of the device. Display of event consistent With the selected communication manage 55 A method consistent With this invention for managing an Second Call Waiting Identi?cation (DSCWID) provides incoming communication event comprises the steps of noti fying a user of the incoming communication event; provid ing a plurality of communication management options to the some real-time communication management by enabling users to put a second call on hold While they ?nish the ?rst. HoWever, the constraints of CLID limit this feature by 60 identifying the connection subscriber rather than the user. In the text domain, there is currently no possibility of the mailbox, select the communication, open it, read it, and user; receiving a selection of one of the communication management options; and taking an action regarding the incoming communication event consistent With the selected communication management option. Both the foregoing general description and the folloWing intercepting an e-mail on its Way to an in-box. Text mes saging services direct data, such as e-mail, to a user’s inbox and then notify the user of its arrival. If the user Wants to vieW the e-mail or call the sender back, they must ?rst enter ment option. 65 detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. US 6,463,131 B1 3 4 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS urgent return communication and thus, may choose not to The accompanying drawings, Which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the speci?cation, illustrate presently respond to any neW incoming communications. The user can communicate this information to server 115 When con?g uring a call. Alternatively, system 100 can determine preferred embodiments of the invention and, together With the preceding general description and the folloWing detailed description, eXplain the principles of the invention. In the draWings: Whether the call is a neW or return communication based on a prior communication betWeen the tWo parties. In this instance, the prior call information is stored in a memory of server 115 as a pro?le speci?c to the user or communication FIG. 1 illustrates a communications management system event. A communication event is any type of voice or data consistent With the present invention; 10 transfer betWeen tWo or more points. Thus, the communi cation event can be the transfer of video data or a voice FIG. 2 shoWs a ?oWchart of a communications manage message. The user can de?ne the type of communication ment method consistent With the present invention; and link used to transfer the selected information based on the FIG. 3 shoWs a communications management options available communication netWork. For eXample, if the user diagram available to a user of the communications manage 15 Wishes to send a photograph, then the information Would be ment system of FIG. 1. transferred over a data communication link such as an ATM DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION netWork. HoWever, to transfer voice information in real time, the PSTN is the more appropriate selection. Reference Will noW be made in detail to the construction Based on the type of information transferred, the user can and operation of preferred embodiments consistent With the select communication management options for the receiving present invention that are illustrated in the accompanying party. For eXample, if the user Wishes to transfer a voice message to a receiving party concerning a relative’s Wed ding but also has a video of the Wedding, both a voice message option and a video option can be transferred to the draWings. In those draWings, like elements and operations are designated With the same reference numbers. FIG. 1 illustrates a communications management system 100 including a plurality of source devices 105, terminal 25 receiving party. Any data (e.g., video, text) or voice format devices 110, and at least one server 115 that controls the transfer of information betWeen source devices 105 and can be selected by the user as a communications manage terminal devices 110. System 100, as illustrated in FIG. 1, provides a framework for implementing communications management functions consistent With the present invention. Other components such as a public sWitched telephone limited by the format of the information for transfer. ment option for the receiving party. This selection is only Preferably, system 100 is capable of automatically choosing certain communication management options based on the type of information being transferred and information pre netWork (PSTN) or asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) netWork (not shoWn) are necessary to facilitate the transfer viously provided by the user. of information signals betWeen multiple source and desti nation points. These netWorks consist of a series of netWork gateWays that mediate communications betWeen Wireline, ferring the voice or data information (e.g., facsimile, audio, Finally, the user chooses a source device 105 for trans 35 etc.). The communication device can be any device capable of transferring information. One feature of the invention is to signal the user (e.g., using a ringback function) When system 100 noti?es the receiving party of the communica Wireless, and computer netWorks. Source devices 105 include a variety of media devices tion event. The signal may be sent back to the selected source device or a secondary device. For eXample, if the available to a user of system 100. These source devices may include a computer 120, telephone 125, faX machine 130, source device is a computer, the user can select to receive the video device 135 or any other media source. The user or caller may use one or more of the above devices to transfer information to one or more parties over system 100. ringback signal on a cellular telephone or pager by selecting this feature When con?guring a communication event trans Before attempting to contact a party, the user selects the 45 fer With server 115. Preferably, system 100 can automati cally choose the source device based on the type of infor information for transfer, de?nes Whether the call is a neW or mation transferred and information previously provided by return communication, chooses the type of communication link (i.e., voice or data), determines any additional receiver the user. communication management options, and selects a source Terminal devices 110 may include a Wearable device 140, device 105. Preferably, system 100 automatically performs computer 145, kiosk 150, or any other device capable of communicating voice/data signals to a receiving party. these functions based on the type of information being transferred and information previously provided by the user. In this instance, the user only needs to provide the infor These devices include a transceiver for bidirectional mation for transfer to system 100. The type of information for transfer over system 100 can data in real-time over a selected communication link. communication, and receive and transmit voice and/or teXt 55 be in any form such as a document or audio message. The format of the information dictates the source device to be used to transfer the information. For eXample, if the user chooses to relay the information verbally or using a prere Preferably, terminal device 110 is a personal Wearable device 140, such as SoundBeamTM manufactured by Nortel, that incorporates “Personal Space Audio” Where the audio signal is not broadcast to the entire surrounding environ ment. corded voice message, then telephone 125 Would be the Wearable device 140 includes a receiver/transmitter 141, preferred device. Nevertheless, the user may Wish to send a document or e-mail a ?le to one or more parties, Which processor 142, transducer 143, memory 144, and input/ output (I/O) port 146. Receiver/transmitter 141 receives and Would require a faX machine 130 or computer 120, respec transmits voice and data signals betWeen Wearable device tively. The user further has the option of de?ning Whether the 140 and a remote device such as server 115. Receiver/ 65 transmitter 141 alloWs Wearable device 140 to receive call is a neW or return communication. This feature is personal multimedia noti?cations at any time and anyWhere important since the receiving party may be expecting an over a Wireless communication link. Processor 142 can be US 6,463,131 B1 6 5 any processor capable of controlling the operation of Wear able device 140 by interfacing With components of the device. For example, processor 142 processes incoming Server 115 also establishes a user-centric relational data base. As communication relationships develop betWeen par ties using system 100, categories for each registered user may be formed (e.g., home support services, of?ce, recreational, family) and stored in subscriber database 165. This high level categoriZation is encoded into the alerting sequence of system 100, thus alloWing receivers to differ entiate betWeen “cold” incoming communications and those signals received through receiver/transmitter 142. Processor 142 then routes the signal to transducer 143 to output the signal in an audio, tactile, or visual format (e.g., beeping sound, silent vibration, or text messaging), or memory 144 (e.g., random access memory) for storage. In addition, processor 142 can route the signal to I/O port 146 Which is con?gured to interface With other terminal devices 110 such as computer 145 or kiosk 150 to output the signal. These terminal devices 110 also include the components of Wear able device 140 to perform functions consistent With the present invention as described herein. Server 115 is a processor-based system that is customiZed to control the information transfer operation of system 100. from individuals or organiZations that have established a 10 relationship With the receiver. As described above, system 100 facilitates the transfer of information from a user to a receiving party using various communication options and media formats. The folloWing description provides the method for managing the communication events transferred 15 Preferably, server 115 has high speed processing capability over system 100. FIG. 2 is a ?oWchart illustrating a communication man agement method consistent With the present invention. Speci?cally, the ?oWchart of FIG. 2 illustrates a signaling sequence received at terminal device 110 of the receiving party. The signaling sequence includes an alerting compo in order to service a large number of users and includes a memory 155 that stores a variety of softWare and informa tion. Speci?cally, memory 155 stores registration softWare 160, subscriber database 165, communication softWare 170, system 100 devices. Registration softWare associates the nent and informing component. Before transferring information, system 100 alerts a selected receiving party of the incoming communication base 165 and communicates With system 100 devices using communication softWare 170. Communication softWare 170 includes softWare capable of transferring voice and data signals over any type of communication link. Server 115 stores information (e.g., the communication event) for trans and multisensory, consisting of tactile, auditory, and visual components. System 100 bases the timing of the alerting component on current telephony ring signaling. HoWever, in system 100, only the ?rst “ring” sounds automatically With subsequent audio and visual output being mediated by the fer betWeen source devices 105 and terminal devices 110 in communication database 175. Server 115 performs a number of automatic functions the alert signal based on the audio or visual information sent and communication database 175. Server 115 executes registration softWare 160 to register registered devices With one or more subscribers. Server 115 25 event (step 200). The alerting component is brief (typically the duration of a single ring sequence of a traditional phone) stores information about the subscribers in subscriber data including user/device recognition, caller recognition, com munication status, and communication management options. receiving party. The receiving party may choose to respond to or ignore 35 during the alerting component (step 210). Server 115 encodes categorical variables (e.g., urgency and synchro nous communication requests) via the tactile channel, and categorical or continuous variables (e.g., relationship cat In addition, server 115 provides integrated electronic mail box functions for system 100 subscribers via electronic mail system 180. Electronic mail system 180 can be any elec tronic mail system capable of storing voice, text, or video egory or name of caller) via the audio and visual channels. For example, server 115 can encode the distinction betWeen mail. Server 115 automatically supports user and device recog nition. Preferably, all user devices are registered With the an incoming message (Where the sender is not requesting synchronous interaction), and an incoming request for dia logue (e.g., a voice call, or video conference) in the tactile server using registration softWare 160. This registration channel. In addition, server 115 can transmit the relationship device is automatically registered. This assumes that termi nal device 110 has a characteristic signature that de?nes such things as the media channels, the communication protocols, and the bandWidth that it can support. If these display during the alerting component of the signaling may select a device for delivery of an associated incoming signatures are not de?ned or if a device is not supported by system 100, then server 115 automatically sWitches to a using a designated input function. For example, Wearable process is benign such that When a registered user commu 45 category (e.g., business, home, recreational) in the audio channel, While the caller name and topic is shoWn on a small nicates With someone via a neW terminal device 110, the sequence. At the termination of the alerting component, the party communication event (step 220). The party selects a device default setting that enables a standard signaling procedure device 140 may include a voice recognition response system (e.g., text messaging for pagers). Where the receiving party speaks a predetermined command Preferably, unregistered users can subscribe to server 115 55 into the device to make a selection. This selection may include any terminal device registered With server 115. using terminal device 110. In this instance, server 115 ?rst registers the neW subscriber using registration softWare 160 The selected device alloWs the party to see or hear more and then stores information about the subscriber in sub scriber database 165. Subscriber information is stored in all formats speci?ed by the user and may include name, address and one or more telephone numbers. These formats might information about an incoming communication event (step 230). Based on its media format, the incoming communi include photos, videos, text, or audio introduction scripts communication event to a large display device, such as a computer, the user Will see detailed information about the cation event routes either to the audio channel or visual channel of terminal device 110. If the party directs the that subscribers use via server 115 to con?gure appropriate header information appearing in the receiving party’s alert ing sequence. The header information, stored in subscriber database 165, alloWs the receiving party to hear or see the name of the calling party. 65 nature of the incoming communication. In this instance, the selected terminal device dictates the con?guration of audio and visual channels for incoming communication event output. For example, a user might be seated at their com US 6,463,131 B1 8 7 puter When an incoming alert is detected. The computer recognizes that the incoming communication is a return Requesting the transmission later 340 prompts server 115 to save the message in communication database 175 for later retrieval. Preferably, server 115 can mediate a later time to send the transmission. In this instance, server 115 initiates video message. The tactile channel presents a distinct cadence that the user recogniZes as a message. The audio channel presents a signal that is recogniZed as a reply, While the name of the caller is displayed in a small Wearable the later transmission at the mediated time. For eXample, When the receiving party selects this communication man screen, together With a topic line (e.g., “video that you requested”). At this point, the user touches a predetermined button on the computer to select the computer or other terminal device on Which to vieW further information regarding the incoming communication event. agement option, server 115 can request a more appropriate time to send the communication event and initiate a subse quent transmission at that time. Alternatively, the receiving 10 If the selected device is not properly con?gured to receive the incoming communication event, system 100 informs the caller through the ringback sequence. For eXample, the caller Would be noti?ed during the ringback sequence if the receiving party selected a communication device that Was party may dial into the server using a passWord or other security function to access and retrieve the message at a later time. Listen to voice message 350 alloWs a receiver to auto matically request that the caller leave a message rather than 15 complete the requested synchronous dialogue. Server 115 receiving party then, for eXample, touches a predetermined informs the caller through the ringback sequence if the receiver selects this option. Once the voice message is recorded, server 115 then alerts the receiver of the recorded voice message. ForWard communication event to third party 360 alloWs button on the computer, preferably located on a mouse, to the receiver to re-route the communication to other people or not matched to the media con?gurations of the incoming request. If the selected device con?guration is proper, server 115 transmits further information about the communication event to the selected computer, as used in this eXample. The vieW the additional information on the computer display. The subsequent information may include a distribution list for the communication or return communication paths pre ferred by the caller for responding to the video message. If the receiving party had decided to listen to the video 25 message, they could have responded to the initial alert by touching a button associated With a personal audio device (e. g., Wearable device 140). At that point, server 115 informs mail system preferably includes electronic mail, video mail the receiving party that a distribution list and return call paths are available. In addition to the subsequent information, server 115 or voice mail capabilities. System 100 presents one or more of these mail options to the receiving party in the commu nications management options menu. System 100 also presents the receiving party With communication manage ment options (step 240). These options are described beloW With respect to FIG. 3. Server 115 then prompts the receiving party to select a communication management option for devices. The other people may be part of a group registered With system 100, such as a “business partners” category. In this eXample, the receiving party requests server 115 to route the call to the predetermined “business partners” category so that everyone Within that registered group receives the communication. The communication event may also be forWarded to other devices including mail system 180. The alloWs the receiving party to request receipt of any replies to the forWarded message. 35 Reject caller 370 alloWs the receiver to deny further execution (step 245). These communication management options alloW the receiving party to control receipt (i.e., hoW access from one or more callers. This feature is useful to prevent unWanted calls or messages from one or more and When) of the communication event. Upon executing the selected option, system 100 completes the communication callers. The receiving party may modify the account at a later time to permit subsequent communication With that caller. functions available to the receiving party. FIG. 3 is a diagram of communications management System 100 offers versatile communication management options 300 available to the receiving party in a menu format. These options include ansWering or requesting trans mission of the communications event 310, retrieving and listening to a voice message 350, forWarding or “bouncing” 45 variety of receiving devices, but also a tool for coupling real-time noti?cations With communication management options. These communication management options alloW a party to control hoW, When and Where to receive incoming the call to one or more parties 360, and rejecting the call 370. AnsWering or requesting transmission of the communi cation event 310 includes the suboptions of requesting the transmission noW 320, requesting a change of communica tions media format 330, and requesting transmission later communications events. The party may receive these events in a variety of media formats adding further versatility to the system. Moreover, users of system 100 may receive incom ing communication events on any device capable of receiv 340. Requesting the transmission noW 320 provides a real time coupling of the communication event (e.g., video message) With the terminal device selected by the receiving party. Requesting a change of communications media format 55 audio or visual format. The format used by the sender and present considered to be preferred embodiments and meth ods of the present invention, those skilled in the art Will understand that various changes and modi?cations may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, Without departing from the true scope of the inven tion. In addition, many modi?cations may be made to adapt a the capabilities of the terminal device may preclude changes informs the sender that a teXt message should be sent since it is inconvenient to talk right now. ing and transmitting voice or data signals. Thus, system 100 does not require “special” equipment to provide effective communication betWeen tWo or more parties. While there has been illustrated and described What are at 330 alloWs the caller to select the communication event in an in media format. HoWever, audio and visual components may be separated for the convenience of the receiving party. For eXample, a party may receive a personal multimedia alert during a meeting indicating that a colleague Wants to talk immediately. Since it is inconvenient to leave the meeting, the party can take advantage of an ansWer option that alloWs for a request to change media. This request techniques that provide a loW-intrusive solution to modem personal communication needs. System 100 is not only a multisensory signaling structure that can be applied to a 65 particular element, technique, or implementation to the teachings of the present invention Without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, this invention should US 6,463,131 B1 10 4. The system of claim 2 Wherein the characteristic includes a nonsynchronous communication and the selected not be limited to the particular embodiments and methods disclosed herein, but should include all embodiments falling Within the scope of the appended claims. What is claimed is: 1. A system for notifying a user of an incoming commu noti?cation includes a nontactile alert. 5. A method of notifying a user of an incoming commu 5 nication event, comprising: determining a characteristic of the communication event; selecting a noti?cation based on the characteristic; means for determining a characteristic of the communi cation event; sending the user the selected noti?cation; means for selecting a noti?cation based on the character istic; 1O means for receiving a selection from the user indicating a communication event to be sent to the user in the selected format. 2. The system of claim 1 Wherein the means for selecting includes a choice betWeen at least a tactile alert and a nontactile alert. 3. The system of claim 2 Wherein the characteristic includes synchronous communication and the selected noti ?cation includes a tactile alert. receiving a selection from the user indicating a format for delivery of further information regarding the commu nication event; and means for sending the user the selected noti?cation; format for delivery of further information regarding the communication event; and means for alloWing the further information regarding the nication event, comprising: alloWing the further information regarding the communi cation event to be sent to the user in the selected format. 15 6. The method of claim 5 Wherein the selecting includes a choice betWeen at least a tactile alert and a nontactile alert. 7. The method of claim 6 Wherein the characteristic includes synchronous communication and the selected noti ?cation includes a tactile alert. 8. The method of claim 6 Wherein the characteristic includes a nonsynchronous communication and the selected noti?cation includes a nontactile alert. UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. DATED : 6,463,131 B1 : October 8, 2002 Page 1 of 1 INVENTOR(S) : Marilyn French-St. George et al. It is certified that error appears in the above-identi?ed patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below: Column 9 Lines 14 and 16, after “further” insert -- notification Column 10 Lines 11 and 13, after “further” insert -- notification Signed and Sealed this Thirtieth Day of September, 2003 JAMES E. ROGAN Director ofthe United States Patent and Trademark O?‘i'ce

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