SmartPhone Technologies LLC v. AT&T Inc. et al

Filing 1

COMPLAINT against AT&T Inc., AT&T Mobility LLC, HTC America, Inc., HTC Corporation ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number 0540-3297359.), filed by SmartPhone Technologies LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Civil Cover Sheet)(Ward, Thomas)

Exhibit "C"

111111

1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
US006928300B 1

United States Patent

(10)

Skinner et ai.

(12)

(45)

(54)

Inventors: Craig Skinner, Snohomish, WA (US);
William Shu-woon Wong, Issaquah,
WA (US); John Richard Brown,
Lynnwood, WA (US)

6,070,055
6,131,046
6,209,011
6,317,593
6,453,182
6,836,656

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
AUTOMATED FLEXIBLE CONFIGURING OF
NOTIFICATIONS AND ACTIVATION

(75)

Patent No.:
US 6,928,300 BI
Date of Patent:
Aug. 9,2005

A
A
B1
B1
B1
B2

*
*
*
*
*
*

5/2000
10/2000
3/2001
11/2001
9/2002
12/2004

Uchida ....................... 455/566
Sano et al. ................. 455/566
Vong et al. ................. 708/112
Vossler .................... 455/414.1
Sprigg et al. ............... 455/574
Nakae et al. ............... 455/418

* cited by examiner

(73)

Assignee: Palm Source, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA (US)

Primary Examiner-David Hudspeth
Assistant Examiner-Kamran Afshar
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm~erry & Associates P.c.

( *)

Notice:

(57)

Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.c. 154(b) by 768 days.

(21)

Appl. No.: 09/710,156

(22)

Filed:

(51)
(52)

Int. CI? ................................................. H04M 3/00
U.S. CI. ................. 455/556.2; 455/418; 455/422.1;
455/566; 340/825.26; 708/109
Field of Search .............................. 455/418,414.1,
455/422.1, 556.1, 556.2, 566, 567, 574;
340/7.27, 825.26, 7.39; 708/109, 112, 135;
345/156, 150, 155; 55/404.1, 410, 412.1,
412.3,414.1,418,421,461,459,466,
41.2, 66.1, 566, 556.2; 709/223, 206

(58)

Nov. 9, 2000

(56)

References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
5,889,852 A

ABSTRACT

A preferences option maintains preferences for enabling and
disabling notifications for device(s) of an electronic device.
The notifications are for any of e-mails, phone calls, or other
communications, or events (datebook alarms, for example).
One or more devices may produce notifications, and individual preferences for each device may be maintained, or a
single set of notifications preferences may direct the output
of notifications for each device. The notifications preferences includes a schedule option that allows a time period
where the notifications may be specifically enabled or disabled automatically. In one embodiment, the notifications
preferences control notifications only, and in other
embodiments, the notification preferences control notifications and whether or not the devices themselves are enabled
or operating (for example, turning a cell phone device off).
A confirmation screen is provided that positively identifies
whether the device(s) are RF enabled or not (and therefore
safe to enter an airport, hospital, or other no RF zone).

* 3/1999 Rosecrans et al. ..... 379/355.05

20 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets

This device is

AIRPLANE SAFE
( All RF devices are DISABLED)

0
0

0
0

000 00

us 6,928,30 0 1\1
Sheet 1 of 10

u.s. Patent

Aug. 9, 2005

fig. 1

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US 6,928,300 BI

Sheet 2 of 10

II

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~

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.

~255

240

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11
280

~

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223
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220

225
235

Fig. 2

200

u.s. Patent

Aug. 9,2005

325

320-~

340

US 6,928,300 BI

Sheet 3 of 10

335

330

Preferences
Notification:
Schedule

ON

350 ----+-

r

1

355

360

r

365

~

~380

CH~}P)

315

302

0

0
0

0
301 -----+)0

001 00
303

306

3C15

FIG. 3

300

u.s. Patent

Aug. 9,2005

US 6,928,300 BI

Sheet 4 of 10

325

320-~f)ooi

365

Notification:

340
405

".. Wireless

Preferences

-_-1

ON

OFF

G

Set Notification Times
400

)

Start Time:

r-s":"OO""am"""l
__._..._.....
.;

315

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-E---+-f-

420

-E---+-f'-

;, ..............

End Time:

435

410

430

( Cancel) +- 440

o
o
001 00
305

FIG. 4

302

u.s. Patent

Aug. 9,2005

US 6,928,300 BI

Sheet 5 of 10

This device is

AIRPLANE SAFE
( All RF devices are DISABLED)

o
o

o
o

000 00
Fig. SA

u.s. Patent

Aug. 9,2005

Sheet 6 of 10

o
o

US 6,928,300 BI

o
o

°°0°0
Fig. 58

u.s. Patent

Aug. 9,2005

US 6,928,300 BI

Sheet 7 of 10
600

/

Notifications

610
/

Display Main
Notifications Dialog

620
Notifications
Preferences Received
from inputs

/

630
/

Preferences saved &
Configure device for
Notifications

Fin

Fig. 6

u.s. Patent

Aug. 9,2005

Sheet 8 of 10

US 6,928,300 BI

700
Schedule Notifications
Initiated

/
710

Read Schedule·
Notifications Data

720
Display Schedule
Notifications Dialog

J740
~730
Save updated data &
Re-configure
Notifications

750

Fin

Fig. 7

u.s. Patent

Aug. 9,2005

User Sets Schedule

US 6,928,300 BI

Sheet 9 of 10

0(

800

820
810

yes

Tum RF device On

840
830

Tum RF device Off

Fig. 8

u.s. Patent

Aug. 9,2005

Event Occurs

Sheet 10 of 10

<

US 6,928,300 BI

900
950

/",910
no

(

Device is unaware of
event (Radio is off)

920

send event notification

Read User
Preferences

Prepare & send event
notification based on
User Preferences

(

(

930

940

Fig. 9

US 6,928,300 Bl
1

2

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
AUTOMATED FLEXIBLE CONFIGURING OF
NOTIFICATIONS AND ACTIVATION

telephone numbers and other functionality to help alleviate
the burdens associated with making calls and tracking phone
numbers. In addition, the modern cell phone also has options
for personalizing the style of various phone operations.
As one example, a common phone operation subject to
style is ringing. The modern cell phone often offers a user
the options of setting a specific ringer tone, music, or set the
ringer to vibrate mode, for example.
However, despite the great capabilities and conveniences
of the modern PDA, and the cell phone, many innovations
are needed for expanding the capabilities and for increasing
the convenience of using PDAs and cell phones.

5

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document
contains material which is subject to copyright protection.
The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile
reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent
disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office
patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright
rights whatsoever.

10

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have realized a need for flexible
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
15 configuration of notifications, activations and other items
within electronic devices. The invention is best applied in a
1. Field of Invention
cell phone, or mobile PDA environment to improve the
This invention relates generally to user interfaces. The
performance, convenience, and usability of PDA and/or
invention is more particularly related to user interfaces for
phone and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). And, the 20 other electronic devices.
The present invention is a PDA or other electronic device
invention is yet more particularly related to combining
having that allows the user to control notification settings
phone and PDA user interfaces on a single processing
utilized by the device. The present invention provides a soft
device.
button method for affirmatively enabling or disabling RF
2. Discussion of Background
devices within and/or attached to a PDA or other electronic
25
Personal computer systems and their applications have
device. In addition, instead of simply changing a cell phone
become common tools in modern society. To organize their
from ringer to vibrate mode (when the user is at a meeting
lives, many personal computer users use personal informaor classroom, for example), the present invention includes a
tion management applications such as an address book and
device for programming the cell phone to be off for a
a daily organizer on their personal computers. Although such 30 selected time period (next hour, for example), or to autoapplications have proven useful for personal information
matically turn itself off on a regularly scheduled basis (from
management, their utility is limited by the fact that the
3-5PM on Wednesdays, during class or a regularly schedperson must be sitting at their personal computer system to
uled staff meeting, for example).
access the information.
Although the present invention may be described herein
To remedy this limitation, palmtop computers, electronic 35 as a cell phone or other telephone device, the present
organizers and other handheld devices, commonly known as
inventors have realized that the present invention is particupersonal digital assistants (PDA's), have been introduced.
1arly useful in both a cell phone, and a PDA environment,
The PDA is a computer that is small enough to be handheld
and that the combination of Cell Phone and PDA is also
or placed in a pocket, and allows a user and run various
ideally suited for practicing the invention. In addition, the
applications including personal information management 40 invention may be applied to any electronic device having
applications such as address books, daily organizers, etc.
any type of notification, but is particularly well suited to
These applications make people's lives easier.
mobile electronic devices having RF capabilities. The invenA popular brand of PDA is the Palm™. However, the
tion includes a confirmation display that positively identifies
Palm™ is much more than a simple PDA. A basic configuRF devices as being disabled and therefore safe for use in
ration of the Palm™ 100 is shown in FIG. 1. This small, 45 airplanes, hospitals, and other no-RF zones.
slim, device, about the size of your wallet, can hold 6000
The present invention is embodied as an electronic
addresses, 5 years of appointments, 1500 to-do items, 1500
device, comprising a display screen; at least one component
memos, 200 e-mail messages, and can run many different
configured to initiate a user notifications based on events; a
software applications.
processor unit configured to, retrieve and display current
The front of the Palm™ 100 is a large LCD screen 110 50 preferences that indicate whether the notifications of said
which is touch-sensitive and allows a user to enter and
component are enabled or disabled, save preferences input
manipulate data. A stylus (not shown) is provided with the
by a user, and configure the electronic device to implement
Palm™ to help in making touch screen inputs. By using the
the saved preferences.
stylus (or another handheld pointer) to interact with a
The present invention includes an electronic device,
touch-sensitive screen, a palmtop user can easily navigate 55 comprising, an RF check mechanism configured to, test at
through a host of built-in programs, software, and other
least one of internal and attached devices to determine if any
applications.
of the tested devices are RF enabled, and produce a signal
Today, the Palm™, PDA and other handheld computing
indicating an RF status of the tested devices, and a display
devices (Palm tops) offer Internet connectivity capabilities,
mechanism coupled to said RF check mechanism and conas well as a vast array of hardware and software choices. 60 figured to display the indication of RF status.
Palmtops have evolved from simple organizers into a new
The present invention includes a method of setting notikind of handheld that people use to instantly manage all
fications on an electronic device, comprising the steps of,
kinds of information, from email, to medical data, to stock
displaying user selectable notification options on a display
reports.
screen of the electronic device, receiving an identifier indiMobile telephones (cell phones, PCS, satellite phones, 65 cating a user selected notification, and configuring notificaetc) are also common tools in today's world. Many cell
tions of the electronic device according to the user selected
notification.
phones include rudimentary functionality for maintaining

US 6,928,300 Bl

3

4

A mobile radio device 240 provides connectlvity to a
cellular telephone network (not shown). Alternatively the
radio device may be a palm.net™ enabled radio device for
wireless web-clipping, email, and other wireless connectiv5 ity communications. The radio device may also be a wireless
Internet enabled radio device, such as Ricochet™, etc.,
pager, wireless e-mail device, Family Radio System (FRS),
or any of different mobile telephones, including cellular,
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
satellite, PCS, TDMA, GSM, etc. Although the radio device
10 is shown as an internal component to the computer 200, the
A more complete appreciation of the invention and many
radio device may be contained in sled or other configuration
of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained
that attaches to an exterior of the computer 200, or may be
as the same becomes better understood by reference to the
a separate device connected to the computer via a cable or
following detailed description when considered in connecother connection (wireless, IR, for example).
tion with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
15
A system bus 255 carries data and commands to/from the
FIG. 1 is a Palm™ handheld computer;
processing unit 210 from/to other devices within or attached
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of selected components of an
to the computer 200. For example, user applications running
embodiment of a PDA device with radio frequency (rf)
on the computer 200 send application screens and other data
capabilities according to the present invention;
outputs to display screen 230 for display via the system bus
FIG. 3 is a screen shot on a Palm™ of an embodiment of 20 255. User inputs (Graffiti™ area drawing, or tap selection,
a preferences notifications dialog according to the present
for example) are detected by the screen 230 and sent to the
invention;
processing unit 210 via the system bus 255.
FIG. 4 is a screen shot on a Palm™ of an embodiment of
In addition to the operating system and user selected
a preferences set notification times dialog according to the
applications, another application, a phone device
present invention;
25 (instructions stored in memory 220), executes on the processing unit 210. Phone calls from the network directed
FIG. 5A is a screen shot of an example confirmation
toward the mobile radio device 240 are detected by the
screen indicating that a PDA device having RF capability is
mobile radio device and sent, in the form of an incoming call
airplane safe;
notification, to the phone device executing on the processing
FIG. 5B is an example screen shot of a PDA having RF
30 unit 210. The phone device processes the incoming call
capability indicating the PDA is not airplane safe;
notification by notifying the user by an audio output such as
FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a set
ringing (not shown).
notifications ON/OFF process according to the present
The phone device also includes a method for the user to
invention;
35 answer the incoming call. For example, tapping on a phone
FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a set
icon, or pressing a hard button designated or preproscheduled notifications process according to the present
grammed for answering a call signals the phone device to
invention;
send instructions (via system bus 255) to the mobile radio
FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a
device 240 to answer the call.
schedule implementation process according to the present
Outgoing calls are placed by a user by entering digits of
40
invention; and
the number to be dialed and pressing a call icon, for
FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of an
example. The dialed digits are sent to the mobile radio
event notifications process according to the present invendevice 240 along with instructions needed to configure the
tions
mobile radio device 240 for an outgoing call. Similarly, if
45 the radio device is a web, palm.net, e-mail, or other rf
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
communication device, appropriate instructions are sent to
EMBODIMENTS
the radio device to instruct or otherwise administer the
communication. The administration may provide a commuReferring again to the drawings, wherein like reference
nication and a destination address to send the communicanumerals designate identical or corresponding parts, and
more particularly to FIG. 2 thereof, there is illustrated a 50 tion to the mobile radio device 240, or receiving an email
and storing it in memory (memory 220, for example) or
block diagram of selected components of a handheld comdisplaying it to a user.
puter 200 that includes cell phone technology. The handheld
Preferably, the computer 200 is a PDA device having
computer 200 includes a processing unit 210, for executing
applications and an operating system of the computer 200,
interactive hardware and software that perform functions
a memory device 220 for storing the operating system, data, 55 such as maintaining calendars, phone lists, and at least one
and the applications. A memory bus 225 is utilized to
voice or audio related functions integrated or attachably
transfer programs and data from memory to the processing
integrated (via a connector device, for example, not shown)
unit 210.
so as to be configured for use with cellular telephone
capabilities of the PDA. Several examples of a configuration
A display screen 230 is provided (preferably a touch
sensitive screen) for display of Operating System prompts, 60 and details of devices for connecting or integrating voice
function devices to a PDA are described in Maes et aI.,
buttons, icons, application screens, and other data, and for
application Ser. No. 09/675,872, entitled, "INTEGRATING
providing user inputs via tapping or touching (or drawing in
VOICE FUNCTION INTO APDA," filed Sep. 29, 2000, the
the Graffiti™ area 120) via a stylus or other touch mechacontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in
nism. Hardware interface 235 connects to physical hard
buttons and switches located on a body of the computer 200 65 their entirety.
The software, including the phone device, operating
and provides signals to applications running on the processsystem, and other applications (word processors,
ing unit 210.

Portions of the present invention may be conveniently
implemented on a general purpose computer, such as a
modern PDA, Palm™, cell phone, satellite phone, or networked computers, and the results may be displayed on an
output device connected to any of the general purpose, PDA,
Palm TM, networked computers, or transmitted to a remote
device for output or display.

US 6,928,300 Bl
5

6

spreadsheets, games, databases, etc.) 223 are stored in
In one embodiment, the application button 306, when
memory device 220 along with program data, graphics, and
pressed by a user brings up a user application preprogrammed by the operating system to be booted when appliother data and executed on the processing unit 210.
cation button 306 is pressed (a memo pad function, for
Processing unit 210 executes the software, including the
operating system (OS, including a User Interface (UI) of the 5 example). However, if the application button 306 is held
down for a 1st time period of approximately 1-2 seconds, a
OS), and other user applications as directed by user inputs.
wireless preferences subprogram is launched and the display
The user applications display outputs on the display screen
screen shown on display 302 in FIG. 3 is presented to the
230 and receive inputs from taps, tap & hold, and writing
user. The time period that application button 306 is required
operations on the display screen and from programmed hard
10 to be held down to invoke the wireless preferences subprobuttons attached to the hardware interface 235.
gram is selected by the developer. Any time period may be
Memory device 220 is constructed of RAM memory or
used.
ROM memory, or a combination of both ROM and RAM,
and may include flash memory components. An operating
User selectable options 350 include ON 355, OFF 360 and
system 222 resides on a ROM portion of the memory 220
Schedule 365. Each of these are selectable options 350 are
and provides executable instructions to perform operating 15 buttons displayed on the touch sensitive screen 302.
system functions of the handheld computer 200. User appliHowever, any of the touch sensitive areas 315 or hard
cations 223 generally reside in a RAM portion of the
buttons 302 may also be programmed to perform the same
memory 220. The present invention is contained in a profunctions (using the display screen 302 to advise the user on
gram stored on ROM. However, the invention may also be
which buttons perform these functions, for example). If the
programmed within the operating system 222, or may be a
20 ON button 355 is pressed, wireless capabilities of the
separate program contained in RAM or any other storage
handheld computer 300 and the devices wireless notificadevice (program 280, for example). When the present inventions is immediately turned on. Any LEDs or other indicattion is invoked, computer instructions from the operating
ing lights associated with an ON status of either the radio
system 222 or program 280 are executed on processing unit
devices (wireless devices) or the notifications are also turned
210 which issue commands that control the radio device 240
(enable/disable), or save a schedule for enabling/disabling 25 on as confirmation. After the ON button 355 is pressed, the
devices wireless notifications will start immediately if
the radio device.
messages, e-mails, telephone calls, etc. are received on any
The above describes a basic environment (a cell phone or
one or more wireless channels of the handheld computer
a PDA with RF capabilities) in which the present invention
300.
is practiced. However, it should be understood that many
If the OFF button 360 is pressed, the handheld computer
different electronic devices, including cell phones, PDA's of 30
300 wireless notification and radio device(s) are immedidifferent configurations and various integrated or attached
ately turned off. Again, any LEDs confirming notifications
devices and/or RF capabilities are also suitable environor the status of the radio device(s) are also turned off as
ments in which the present invention may also be practiced.
confirmation. When the user presses off, the handheld comFIG. 3 is a screen shot of a handheld computer device 300
executing an embodiment of the present invention and 35 puter 300 is no longer RF enabled and the radio is absolutely
turned off, making the wireless device safe for entering no
illustrating a notifications preference screen according to the
RF enabled device zones (such as airplanes and certain
present invention. The handheld computer includes a series
hospital areas, or when the user goes to bed or is in another
of hard buttons 301 that are programmable or hardwired to
area where the wireless device should not be used
activate/deactivate various functions of the handheld
computer, including, for example, turning the computer on 40 (classrooms, etc.)).
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a
or off, activating operating system functions, activating
mechanism to assure the user or other personnel in no RF
programs, etc. (power button 303, rocker switch 305, and
zones that the device is not RF enabled (Airplane Safe, for
application button 306, for example). Touch sensitive areas
example). In this embodiment, the application button 306 is
315 on the display screen 302 are also programmable to
invoke various functions of the operating system or user 45 programmed to sense when it is held down for a 2nd time
period of 2-3 seconds at which time the RF device is
applications of the handheld computer. A status bar 320
checked to assure that it is not RF enabled and a confirmaincludes a general screen identifier 325 (preferences in this
tion is displayed on the display screen 302. The airplane safe
example), a preference panels list trigger (icon) 330, and a
confirmation can be a message displayed in large letters) on
subcategory identification 335 (wireless in this example).
The preference panels list trigger (icon) 330, when tabbed, 50 the screen 302 stating "this device is airplane safe (all RF
devices are shut down),'. See FIG. 5A, for example.
brings a pull down menu that allows the user the option of
Alternatively, a graphic icon (airplane, for example) may be
switching to other preference screens (setting the time and
displayed. Conversely, after holding the applications button
date, entering user information, and other preferences, for
306 down for the 2nd time period, and, if the device is RF
example). A wireless preferences function 340 (notification
in this example) is displayed along with various options 350 55 enabled, the confirmation message would state, for example,
"the device is RF enabled, please turn off RF device if on an
for setting wireless notification preferences for the wireless
airplane or in a hospital zone". And alternatively, a graphic
device. In this example, the preferences are being set for a
icon such as that displayed on display screen 302 in FIG. 5B
general wireless device, however the preferences may be set
may be displayed. Again, the length of the 2nd time period
for a palm.net type wireless device, or a cell phone, GSM
phone, or other wireless communications or accessories that 60 is selected by the developer. As with all the time periods
discussed herein, any time period may be utilized, so long as
may be included with or attached to the handheld computer
conflicts between different time periods do not occur or are
300. Individual preference screens may be provided for each
otherwise resolved.
of multiple wireless devices. Alternatively, notification prefA feature of the present invention is to allow a user a quick
erences for all the wireless devices may be combined and
administered from a single screen simplifying the wireless 65 method for checking a current status of the RF device. The
preferences notifications selections that are required from
process is to have a button pre-programmed to launch a
the user.
check routine that tests the RF device and then displays a

US 6,928,300 Bl
7

8

message, icon, or other indication of the RF status. In one
by a program (OS 222, for example) and the main wireless
notifications preferences dialog (see FIG. 3 for example) is
embodiment, if the application button 306 is held down for
displayed (step 610). User action such as selecting the ON
a third time period (more than 3 seconds, for example), the
button 355 or OFF button 360 are received (step 620) by the
check routine is invoked, and, if the RF device is not
enabled, the appropriate indication is made (FIG. 5A, for 5 program of the present invention. At step 630, the received
preferences are saved and the device (handheld computer
example). If the RF device is enabled, a contrary indication
300, for example) is immediately configured according to
occurs (FIG. 5B, for example).
those inputs.
Continuing now with FIG. 3, help button 380 when
FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of
pressed will give the user specific directions on how to turn
10 processing involved in setting scheduled notification times
on or off the wireless device or set a schedule using the
according to the present invention. At step 700, a user selects
wireless preferences notification screen (FIG. 3, for
to set scheduled notification times (pressing schedule button
example).
365, for example). At step 710, currently saved preferences
If the user presses the schedule button 365, a second
for the scheduled notification times, if any, are read (from
dialog is displayed and the user can then confirm or set times 15 RAM memory portion of memory 220, for example). Curthat the user wants the wireless device and its related
rent set notification times preferences are then displayed
notifications to be set on and off. Turning now to FIG. 4,
along with a set notification times dialog (set notification
pressing the schedule button 365 brings up a set notifications
times dialog 400, for example). Step 730 through 750 are a
times screen 400. The set notifications times screen 400
loop where a user updates the set notification times (with a
includes an identification bar 405 naming the screen. Infor- 20 new start time, and/or a new end time and then pressing OK
mation button ("i") 410, when pressed, provides specific
435, for example), at which point new start/end times are
information about the set notifications times (including, for
saved and the device is configured according to the new
example, information that might also be included in a help
times. In one embodiment, the set notification times dialog
screen explaining how to use any of various options within
is exited on reconfiguration of the device (upon pressing OK
the set notifications time screen). A start time area 420 25 for example). If the user makes an affirmative action to leave
provides the user an input area to indicate a start time when
the set notifications screen (pressing cancel, or initiating
the RF device and notifications thereof are to be enabled. An
another screen through one of the hard buttons or tapping
end time area 430 provides the user an area where an end
another area of the screen, for example) the set notification
time when the RF device and its related notifications are to
times dialog is exited to bring up another function for
be disabled. In this embodiment, the start and end times 30 example (without altering the previously set notification
indicate a time period between which the RF device and its
times). In another embodiment, as soon as the user enters a
associated notifications are to be enabled, and, in another
new start or stop time, it is saved and the PDA configures
embodiment, the start and end times indicate a period of
alarms to implement the new times.
time between which the RF device and its associated notiFIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of
fications are to be disabled.
35 internal processing formed in accordance with the set notiAlthough the present invention has been described with
fication times of the present dimension. When the device is
respect to enabling and disabling RF device(s) and associconfigured based on the set notifications times, and internal
ated notifications, the present invention may also be utilized
OS alarm is set for each of the start and end times set on the
to enable and disable notifications, without necessarily
set notifications times dialog. This is performed when the
enabling or disabling the RF device(s).
40 user sets the schedule (step 800) as described above. AssumOnce the start and end time of the set notification times
ing that the device is currently in an RF disabled state, at
screen dialog are set, the enabling and disabling of the RF
some point the start time alarm (an alarm set according to the
device(s) and the associated notifications will be handled
start time of the set notification times screen) occurs (step
automatically by the programming and/or electronics of the
710). When the start time alarm occurs, the RF device and
present invention. In one embodiment, the user must press 45 notifications are enabled (turn RF device on step 720). Now
an OK button 435 before start and end times will be set. Start
that the RF device and notifications are enabled, when the
and end times entered by the user may be cancelled by
end time (set on the set notifications times dialog) is reached
pressing the cancel button 445 (so long as the cancelled
a second internal OS alarm occurs (step 730), and the RF
button is pressed before OK, previously existing start and
device(s) and associated notifications are disabled (turn RF
end times will not be changed).
50 device off step 740).
Examples of notification times are likely to be scheduled
FIG. 9 is an example embodiment of processing that
by a user include regular periods of sleep of the user,
occurs when an event occurs (step 900) requiring the RF
scheduled classes or staff meetings, for example. In one
device and/or a notification. If the notifications are on (user
embodiment, the set notifications times screen includes a
had previously pressed ON button 355, for example), or the
date function that allows a user to select particular dates to 55 event occurs within a schedule (as prescribed by the set
be associated with the on/off and/or enabled/disabled times
notification times dialog 400, for example) (step 910), then,
or to set recurring time intervals such as every Monday
the event notification is initiated (step 920). After initiating
between 3:00 and 5:00 or each weekday between 1:00 p.m.
the event notification, the user preferences are read (step
and 2:00 p.m. for example. Thus the user is provided a
830), indicating the type of notification to be received
flexible way to ensure that the cell phone or other RF device 60 (ringer, vibrator, etc.), and, at step 840, the event notification
does not interrupt at times when it would be inconvenient or
is activated (ringing a bell, or vibrating the device, for
improper to have a notification alarm or buzzer occur.
example). If at the time the event occurs, the notifications are
off, or not within the schedule set by the user in the set
FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a high level process
notifications times dialog, the RF device is off and unaware
according to an embodiment of the present invention. At step
600 the user initiates the wireless notifications preferences 65 of the event and no action occurs (step 850).
Alternatively, in the embodiment where the notification
function, by pressing the application button 306 for between
1-2 seconds, for example. The users actions are recognized
preferences are only applied to the event notification, the RF

US 6,928,300 Bl

9

10

ules for implementing the teachings of the present invention,
device is aware of the event, and, for example, facilitates
recording of a voice mail notification or saving another
including, but not limited to, placing and receiving teleindicator that the event had occurred. However, since notiphone calls or other communication operations, setting
fications are off, no notification is sent to the user at this
notifications on or off based on user inputs, including
time. Once the scheduled notifications times do occur, or the 5 determining a scheduled time, setting alarms for waking
user sets notifications to on, then an additional step may be
processes for turning notification on/off and/or shutting
taken to determine if any messages were received by the RF
down/activating RF device(s), providing RF disabled or
enabled confirmations, and the display, storage, or commudevice during times when notifications were off and the user
nication of results according to the processes of the present
would then be notified.
In addition to turning notifications on and off, the pro- 10 invention.
Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the
cesses of the present invention may also be applied to the
manner in which notifications are received. For example,
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of
additional user options may be specified scheduled times
the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherand a type of notification. For example, setting notifications
off every day between llPM and 7AM, setting notifications 15 wise than as specifically described herein.
to ring between 7:01AM and 1O:59PM, and setting notifiWhat is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters
Patent of the United States is:
cations to vibrate mode every Tuesday and Thursday from
IPM to 3PM, and every Wednesday from 5PM to 8PM.
1. An electronic device, comprising:
a display screen;
In one embodiment, although the user sets the RF device
(s) off (by pressing OFF button 360, for example) other 20
at least one component configured to initiate user notififunctionality of the device 300 is still operable (PDA
cations based on events;
functions, games, applications, etc.).
a processor unit configured to,
Some RF devices connect to networks that save incoming
retrieve and display user modifiable
messages when the RF device is disabled. In this case, after
preferences that indicate whether the notifications of said
a period of RF device disablement, a user may receive one 25
component are enabled or disabled,
or more incoming communications (and notifications) upon
save preferences input by a user, and
enabling the RF device(s).
configure the electronic device to implement the saved
Portions of the present invention may be conveniently
preferences;
implemented using a conventional general purpose or a 30
wherein said component includes an RF device; and
specialized digital computer or microprocessor programmed
wherein said preferences include an indication of a RF
according to the teachings of the present disclosure, as will
status to display whether the RF device is enabled or
be apparent to those skilled in the computer art.
disabled to render the electronic device safe for no RF
Appropriate software coding can readily be prepared by
zones.
skilled programmers based on the teachings of the present 35
2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein
disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the
said component includes an RF device, and said preferences
software art. The invention may also be implemented by the
further indicate whether the RF device is enabled or dispreparation of application specific integrated circuits or by
abled.
interconnecting an appropriate network of conventional
3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein:
component circuits, as will be readily apparent to those 40
said preferences include a start time and a stop time; and
skilled in the art.
said processing unit is further configured to enable said
The present invention includes a computer program prodnotifications according to the start and stop times.
uct which is a storage medium (media) having instructions
4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein:
stored thereon/in which can be used to control, or cause, a
the electronic device further comprises a clock mechacomputer to perform any of the processes of the present 45
nism; and
invention. The storage medium can include, but is not
said processing unit is configured to,
limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, mini
disks (MD's), optical discs, DVD, CD-ROMS, micro-drive,
set alarm times based on said start and stop times, and
and magneto-optical disks, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs,
enable and disable said notifications according to the
EEPROMs, DRAMs, VRAMs, flash memory devices 50
alarms.
(including flash cards), magnetic or optical cards, nanosys5. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein
tems (including molecular memory ICs), RAID devices,
said electronic device includes an RF device, and enableremote data storage/archive/warehousing, or any type of
ment and disablement of said notifications also enables and
media or device suitable for storing instructions and/or data.
disables said RF device.
Stored on anyone of the computer readable medium 55
6. The electronic device according to claim 5, further
(media), the present invention includes software for controlcomprising:
ling both the hardware of the general purpose/specialized
an RF enabled indicator that positively identifies if the
computer or microprocessor, and for enabling the computer
electronic device is RF enabled or disabled.
or microprocessor to interact with a human user or other
7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein
mechanism utilizing the results of the present invention. 60 said preferences include start times, stop times, and a date
Such software may include, but is not limited to, device
identifier indicating a date and time period when notificadrivers, operating systems, and user applications.
tions are to be either enabled or disabled.
Ultimately, such computer readable media further includes
8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein
software for performing the present invention, as described
said date is a day of the week.
65
above.
9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the
Included in the programming (software) of the general!
electronic device is a PDA centric device, and said compospecialized computer or microprocessor are software modnent is a mobile telephone device.

US 6,928,300 Bl
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12

10. An electronic device, comprising:
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein:
an RF check mechanism configured to,
said step of displaying comprises at least displaying an
ON option and an OFF option.
test at least one of internal and attached devices to
determine if any of the tested devices are RF enabled,
15. The method according to claim 13, wherein said step
5 of displaying includes displaying a start time, and a stop
and
produce a signal indicating an RF status of the tested
time; and
devices; and
said step of configuring includes enabling user notificaa display mechanism coupled to said RF check mechations and said start time, and disabling user notificanism and configured to display the indication of RF 10
tions a said stop time.
status;
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said step
wherein:
of displaying includes displaying a start date associated with
said display mechanism is a screen; and
said start time, and a stop date associated with said stop time.
the indication of RF status is an airplane graphic
17. The method according to claim 15, wherein said step
15
indicating the RF status.
of displaying includes displaying a day of the week associ11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein
ated with said start and stop times.
said graphic includes at least a text message indicating the
18. The method according to claim 13, wherein:
RF status.
12. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein:
said method is embodied in compilable source code and
said display mechanism comprises an indicator light; and 20
stored on a computer readable media, that, when comRF enabled status is indicated by the indicator light being
piled and loaded into a computer, cause the computer to
set on.
perform the steps of the method.
13. A method of setting notifications on an electronic
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein said
device, comprising the steps of:
electronic device is a PDA centric device, said computer
25
displaying user selectable notification options on a disreadable media is a memory device inside the PDA.
play screen of the electronic device;
20. The method according to claim 13, wherein:
receiving a user selected preferences option; and
said method is embodied in at least one of interpretable
and executable software source code and stored on a
configuring notifications of the electronic device accord30
ing to the user selected preferences option;
computer readable media, that, when loaded into a
computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of
wherein said preferences include an indication of a RF
the method.
status to display whether the RF device is enabled or
disabled to render the electronic device safe for no RF
zones.
* * * * *