SmartPhone Technologies LLC v. Apple, Inc. et al

Filing 1

COMPLAINT against AT&T Mobility LLC, AT&T, Inc., Apple, Inc. ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number 0540-3314474.), filed by SmartPhone Technologies LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Civil Cover Sheet)(Ward, Thomas)

EXHIBIT B

111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
US006928300Bl

United States Patent

(10)

Skinner et al.

(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)

US 6,928,300 BI
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 9,2005
A • 5/2000 Uchida ............. .. ........ 455/566
A • 10/2000 Sano et al. ................. 455/566
B1 * 3/2001 Vong et al. ................. 708/112
B1 • 11/2001 Vossler .................... 455/414.1
Bl' 9/2002 Sprigg et al. ............... 455/574
B2 • 12/2004 Nakae et al. ............... 455/418

* cited by examiner

(73)

Assignee: PalmSource, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA (US)

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

(*)

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)
(58)

Nov. 9,2000
7

Int. CJ. ................................................. H04M 3/00
U.S. Cl .................. 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

(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 devict: 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 oft).
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).
20 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets

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

This device is

AIRPLANE SAFE
( All RF devices are DISABLED)

0
0

0
0

00

00

0

US 6,928,30 0 H1

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Sheet 2 of 10

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US 6,928,300 BI

Sheet 3 of 10

Aug. 9,2005

330

335

Preferences

340 ----t+ Notification:
350

--+

Schedule

ON

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360

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365

~

~380

(HelP)
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305

FIG. 3

300

U.S. Patent

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US 6,928,300 BI

Sheet 4 of 10

325

320---1~Di==~I1======~~~~~
Notification:

340

ON

365

OFF

405-~

410

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End Time:

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305

FIG. 4

302

u.s. Patent

Aug. 9,2005

Sheet 5 of 10

This device is

AIRPLANE SAFE
( All RF devices are DISABLED)

o
o
o
000 00

o

Fig. 5A

US 6,928,300 HI

u.s. Patent

Aug. 9, 2005

Sheet 6 of 10

US 6,928,300 Bl

o
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000 00

o
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Fig. 58

u.s. Patent

Aug. 9,2005

US 6,928,300 BI

Sheet 7 of 10
600

Notifications
Preferences Initiated

/
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 Bl

700
Schedule Notifications
Initiated

/
710

Read Schedule·
Notifications Data

720
Display Schedule
Notifications Dialog

f

740

~730
Save updated data &
Re-configure
Notifications

750

Fin

Fig. 7

u.s. Patent

Aug. 9,2005

User Sets Schedul.e

Sheet 9 of 10

(

800

820

Tum RF device On

840

Tum RF device Off

Fig. 8

u.s. Patent

Aug. 9,2005

Event Occurs

Sheet 10 of 10

<

US 6,928,300 Bl

900
950

no

send event notification

Read User
Preferences

Prepare & send event
notification based on
User Preferences

<

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Device is unaware of
event (Radio is off)

920

930

940

Fin

Fig. 9

US 6,928,300 Bl
1

2

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
5
style is ringing. The modem cell phone often offers a user
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
the options of setting a specific ringer tone, music, or set the
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document
ringer to vibrate mode, for example.
contains material which is subject to cnpyright protection .
However, despite the great capabilities and conveniences
The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile 10 of the modern PDA, and the cell phone, many innovations
reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent
are needed for expanding the capabilities and for increasing
disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office
the convenience of using PDAs and cell phones.
patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright
SUMMARY OF TIlE INVENTION
rights whatsoever.
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 RIl
2. Discussion of Background
25 devices within and/or attached to a PDAor other electronic
Personal computer systems and their applications have
device. In addition, instead of simply changing a cell phone
become common tools in modem society. To organize their
from ringer to vibrate mode (when the user is at a mceting
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 tum 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, pal mtop computers electronic 35 as a cell phone or other telephone device, the present
organizers and other handheld devices, commonly kllown as
inventors have realized that the present invention is particupersonal digital assistants (PDA's). have been introduced.
larly 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 anel 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 emhodied 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 lL~er 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 Palrn™, 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, satellile phones, 65 cating a user selected notificalion, and configuring notifications of the electronic device according to the user selected
etc) are also common tools in today's world. Many cell
phones include rudimentary functionality for maintaining
notification.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
AUTOMATED FLEXffiLE CONFIGURING OF
NOTIFICATIONS AND ACTIVATION

US 6,928,300 Bl

3

4

A mobile radio device 240 provides connectivity to a
Portions of the present invention may be conveniently
cellular telephone network (not shown). Alternatively the
implemented on a general purpose computer, such as a
radio device may be a palm.net™ enabled radio device for
modern PDA, PalmTM, cell phone, satellite phone, or netwireless web-clipping, email, and other wireless connectivworked computers, and the results may be displayed on an
output device connected to any of the general purpose, PDA, 5 ity communications. The radio device may also be a wireless
Internet enabled radio device, such as Ricochet™, etc.,
Palm™, networked computers, or transmitted to a remote
pager, wireless e-mail device, Family Radio System (FRS),
device for output or display.
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, tbe
A more complete appreciation o[ 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 tbe
FIG. 1 is a Palm™ handheld computer;
processing unit 210 from/to other devices within or attacbed
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 hy an audio output such as
PIG. 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;
answer the incoming call. For example, tapping on a phone
FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a set 35 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, [or
FlG. 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 thc 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
interactive hardware and software that perform functions
applications and an operating system of the computer 200,
a memory device 220 for storing the operating system, data, 55 such as maintaining calendars, phone lists, and at least one
voice or audio related functions integrated or attachably
and the applications. A memory bus 225 is utilized to
integrated (via a connector device, for example, not shown)
transfer programs and data from memory to the processing
so as to be configured for use with cellular telephone
unit 210.
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 GralIiti™ 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.

US 6,928,300 Bl
5

6

spreadsheets, games, databases, etc.) 223 are stored in
In one embodiment, the application button 306, when
pressed by a user brings up a user application prepromemory device 220 along with program data, graphics, and
other data and executed on the processing unit 210.
grammed by the operating system to be booted when application button 306 is pressed (a memo pad function, for
Processing unit 210 executes the software, including tbe
example). However, if tbe application button 306 is held
operating system (OS, including a User Interface (UI) of the
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 tbe 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 tbe hardware interface 235.
gram is selected by tbe 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 bandheld computer 200. User appliHowever, any of the touch sensitive areas 315 or hard
cations 223 generally reside in a RAM portion of tbe
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 tbe
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 LEOs 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 whicb issue commands that control tbe radio device 240
(enable/disable), or save a schedule for enabling/disabling 25 on as confirmation. After tbe 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 POA 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, POA's of 30
300 wireless notification and radio device(s) are immedidifferent configurations and various integrated or attached
ately turned o II. Again, any LEOs confirming notifications
devices and/or RF capabilities are also suitable environor the status of the radio device(s) are also turned alI as
ments in which the present invention may also be practiced.
confirmation. When the user presses off, the handheld comFIG. 3 is a screen sbot 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). Toucb sensitive areas
example). In tbis embodiment, tbe application button 306 is
315 on tbe 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 tinle 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 bospital 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 preferences [or all the wireless devices may be combined and
A feature of the present invention is to allow a user a quick
administered from a single screen simplifying the wireless 65 metbod 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
embodiment, if the application button 306 is held down for
a third time period (more than 3 seconds, for example), the
check routine is invoked, and, if the RF device is not
enabled, the appropriate indication is made (FIG. 5A, for
example). If the RF device is enabled, a contrary indication
occurs (FIG. 5B, for example).
Continuing now with FIG. 3, help button 380 when
pressed will give the user specific directions on how to turn
on or off the wireless device or set a schedule using the
wirel ess preferences notification screen (FIG. 3, for
example).
If the user presses the schedule button 365, a second
dialog is displayed and the user can then confirm or set times
that the user wants the wireless device and its related
nutifications to be set on and off. Turning nuw to FIG. 4,
pressing the schedule button 365 brings up a set notificatiuns
times screen 400. The set notifications times screen 400
includes an identification bar 405 naming the screen. Information button ("i") 410, when pressed, provides specific
information about the set notifications times (including, for
example, information that might also be included in a help
screen explaining how to use any of various options within
the set notifications time screen). A start time area 420
provides the user an input area to indicate a start time when
the RF device and notifications thereof are to be enabled . An
end time area 430 provides the user an area where an end
time when the RF device and its related notifications are to
be disabled. In this embodiment, the start and end times
indicate a time period between which the RF device and its
associated notifications are to be enabled, and, in another
embodiment, the start and end times indicatt: a period of
time betwet:n which the RF device and its associated notifications are to be disabled.
Although the present invention has been described with
respect to enabling and disabling RF device(s) and associated notifications, the present invention may also be utilized
to enable and disable notifications, without necessarily
enabling or disabling the RF device(s).
Once the start and end time of the set notification times
screen dialog are set, the enabling and disabling of the RF
device(s) and the associated notifications will be handled
automatically by the programming and/or electronics of the
present invention. In one embodiment, the user must press
an OK button 435 before start and end times will be set. Start
and end times entered by the user may be cancelled by
pressing the cancel button 445 (so long as the cancelled
button is pressed before OK, previously existing start and
end times will not be changed).
Examples of notification times are likely to be scheduled
by a user include regular periods of sleep of the user,
scheduled classes or staff meetings, for example. In one
embodiment, the set notifications times screen includes a
date function that allows a user to select particular dates to
be associated with the on/off and/or enabled/disabled times
or to set recurring time intervals such as every Monday
between 3:00 and 5:00 or each weekday between 1:00 p.m .
and 2:00 p.m. for example. Thus the user is provided a
flexible way to ensure that the cell phone or other RF device
does not interrupt at times when it would be inconvenient or
improper to have a notification alarm or buzzer occur.
FIG. 6 is a !low chart illustrating a high kvel process
according to an embodiment of the present invention. At step
600 the user initiates the wirt:less notifications preferences
function, by pressing the application button 306 for between
1-2 seconds, for example. The users actions are recognized

by a program (OS 222, for example) and the main wireless
notifications preferences dialog (see FIG. 3 for example) is
displayed (step 610). User action such as selecting the ON
button 355 or OFF button 360 are received (step 620) by the
program of the present invention. At step 630, the received
preferences are saved and the device (handheld computer
300, for example) is immediately configured according to
those inputs.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of
processing involved in selting scheduled notification times
according to the present invention. At step 700, a user selects
to set scheduled notification times (pressing schedule button
365, for example). At step 710, currently saved preferences
for the scheduled notification times, if any, are read (from
RAM memory portion of memory 220, for example). Current set notification times preferences are then displayed
along with a set notification times dialog (set notification
times dialog 400, for example). Step 730 through 750 are a
loop where a user updates the set notification times (with a
new start time, and/or a new end time and then pressing OK
435, for example), at which point new start/end times are
saved and the device is configu red according to the new
times. In one embodiment, the set notification times dialog
is exited on reconfiguration of the device (upon pressing OK
for example). lIthe user makes an affirmative action to leave
the set notifications screen (pressing cancel, or initiating
another screen through one of the hard buttons or tapping
another area of the screen, for example) the set notification
times dialog is exited to bring up another function for
example (without altering the previously set notification
times). In another embodiment, as soon as the user enters a
new start or stop time, it is saved and the PDA configures
alarms to implement the new times.
FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of
internal processing formed in accordance with the set notification times of the present dimension. When the device is
configured based on the set notifications times, and internal
OS alarm is set for each of the start and end times set on the
set notifications times dialog. This is performed when the
user sets the schedule (step 8(0) as described above. Assuming that the device is currently in an RF disabled state, at
some point the start time alarm (an alarm set according to the
start time of the set notifica tion times screen) occurs (step
710). When the start time alarm occurs, the RF device and
notifications are enabled (turn RF device on step 720). Now
that the RF device and notifications are enabled, when the
end time (set on the set notifications times dialog) is reached
a second internal OS alarm occurs (step 730), and the RF
device(s) and associated notifications are disabled (tum RF
device orr step 740).
FIG. 9 is an example embodiment of processing that
occurs when an event occurs (step 900) requiring the RF
device and/or a notification. If the notifications are on (user
had previously pressed ON button 355, for example), or the
event occurs within a schedule (as prescribed by the set
notification times dialog 400, fur example) (step 910), then,
the event notification is initiated (step 920). After initiating
the event notification, the user preferences are read (step
830), indicating the type of notification to be received
(ringer, vibrator, etc.), and, at step 840, the event notification
is activated (ringing a bell, or vibrating the device, for
example). If at the time the event occurs, the notifications are
off, or not within the schedule set by the user in the set
notifications times dialog, the RF device is off and unaware
of the event and no action occurs (step 850).
Alternatively, in the embodiment where the notification
preferences are only applied to the event notificatioll, the RF

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US 6,928,300 Bl

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device is aware of the event, and, for example, facilitates
recording of a voicemail notification or saving anotber
indicator that the event had occurred. However, since notifications are off, no notification is sent to the user at this
time. Once the scheduled notifications times do occur, or tbe
user sets notifications to on, then an additional step may be
taken to determine if any messages were received by the RF
device during times when notifications w<:re off and the user
would then be notified.
In addition to turning notifications on and off, tbe processes of tbe present invention may also be applied to the
manner in which notillcations are received. For example,
additional user options may be specified scbeduled times
and a type of notification. For example, selling notifications
off every day between llPM and 7AM, setting notifications
to ring between 7:01AM and 10:59PM, and setting notifications to vibrate mode every Tuesday and Thursday from
1PM to 3PM, and every Wednesday from 5PM to 8PM .
In one embodiment, although tbe user sets thc RF device
(s) off (by pressing OFF button 360, for example) otber
functionality of tbe device 300 is still operable (PDA
functions, games, applications, etc.).
Some RF devices connect to networks tbat save incoming

ules for implementing the teachings of the present invention,
including, but not limited to, placing and receiving telephone calls or other communication operations, setting
notifications on or off based on user inputs, including
determining a scheduled time, setting alarms for wakjng
processes for turning notification on/off and/or sbutting
down/activating RF device(s), providing RF disabled or
enabled confirmations, and the display, storage, or communication of results according to the processes of the present
invention.
Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within tbe scope of
the appended claims, the invention may be practi<.:ed otherwise than as specifically described herein.
What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters
Patent of the United States is:
1. An electronic device, comprising:
a display screen;
at least one component configured to initiate user notifications based on events;
a processor unit configured to,
retricve and display user modifiable
prc[crenccs t1J'al 'indicat\: whether tbe notifications of said
component ure enabled or disabled,
save preferences input by a user, and
configure Ihe elec tronic device to implement the saved
preferences;
wberein said component includes an RF device; and
wherein said preferences include an indication of a RF
status to display whether the RF device is enabled or
disab led to render the electronic device safe for no RF
zones.
2 . Tbe electronic device according to claim 1, wherein
said component includes an RF device, and said preferences
(mlher indicate whether tbe RF device is enabled or disabled.
3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein:
•aid preferences include a start time and a stop time; and
.said proceldng unit is (uJtiler conllguretl to enable said
notifications according to th e s tart and stop times.
4. -n,e electronic device according to clnim 3, wherein:
the electronic c1evice further compris 8 clock mecbanism; and
said processing unit is configured 10,
set alarm times based on said start and stop times, and
enable and disable said notifications according to the
alarms.
5. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein
said electronic device includes an RF device, and enablement and disablement of said notifications also enables and
disables said RF device.
6. The electronic device according to claim 5, further
comprising:
an RF enabled indicator tbat positively identifies if the
electronic device is RF enabled or disabled.
7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein
said preferences include start times, stop times, and a date
identifier indicating a date and time period wben notifications are to be either enabled or disabled.
8. The electronic device according Lo claim 7, wherein
said date is a dav of the week.
9. The electro~c device according to claim 1, wherein the
electronic device is a PDA centric device, and said component is a mobile telephone device.

~;:~;~so;~~ ~~~i~: ~::~~::e~~, ~b~~~/:l!~i~e~~i~ea~t:;

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or more incoming communication (and notifications) upon
enabling tbe RF device(s).
Portions of tbe present invention may be conveniently
implemented using a conventional general purpose or a 30
specialized digital computer or microproC(ksor programmed
according to the teachings of the present disclosure, as will
be apparent to those skilled in the computer nIl.
Appropriate software coding can readily be prepared by
skilled programmers based on the teachings of lhe present s
disclosure, as will be apparent to tbose skilled in tbe
software art. The invention may also be implemented by the
preparation of application specific integrated circujts or by
interconnecting an appropriate network of conveOlionnl
component circuits, as will be readily apparcnt to those 40
skilled in the art.
The present invention includes n computer program prodUCI which is n storage medium (media) having instruction
tored thereonfin which call be used to con trol, or cause, a
computer to perform nny of tbe processes of the present 45
invention. The storage medium can include, but is not
limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, mini
disks (MD's), optical discs, DVD, CD-ROMS, micro-drive,
and magneto-optical disks, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs,
EEPROMs, DRAMs, VRAMs, 11ash memory devices 50
(including flash cards), magnetic or optical cards, nanosysterns (including molecular memory les), RAID devices,
remote data storage/archive/warebousing, or any type of
media or device suitable for storing instnJctions and/or data.
Stored on anyone of the computer readable medium 55
(media), the present invention includes software for controlling both the hardware of the general purpose/specialized
computer or microprocessor, and for enabling the computer
or microprocessor to interact with a human user or otber
mechanism utilizing the results of the present invention. 60
Such software may include, but is not limited to, device
drivers, operating systems, and user applications.
Ultimately, such computer readable media further includes
software for performing the present invention, as described
above.
65
Included in the programming (software) of the general!
specialized computer or microprocessor are software mod-

US 6,928,300 Bl
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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
test at least one of internal and attached devices to
ON option and an OFF option.
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 mecbanism coupled to said Rfo 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 metbod 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.
tbe indication of RF SUI tu j an airplane graphic
17. The method according to claim 15, wherein said step
indicating Lho RF stalus.
15
of displaying incIudcs displaying n day of the week associ11. 1111l clcc.;tronic device according 10 claim 10, wherein
atilt.! with sait.! st.art. ami slop limes.
said graphic includes alleasl a text message indicaling the
18. The mel hod <lccording 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 compiled and loaded into a computer, cause the computer to
RF enabled status is indicated by the indicator light being
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 metbod according to claim 13, wherein:
receiving a user selected preferences option; and
said method is embodied in at least one of intt:rpretable
configuring notifications of the electronic device accordand executable software source code and stored on a
30
ing to the user selected preferences option;
computer readable media, thaI, 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 enahled or
disabled to render the electronic device safe for no RF
zones.
* * * * *