U.S. patent application number 12/371902 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-18 for centralized display for mobile devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Chandrasekhar Narayanaswami, Claudio S. Pinhanez, Mandayam Thondanur Raghunath.
Application Number | 20090156267 12/371902 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35310472 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090156267 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Narayanaswami; Chandrasekhar ;
et al. |
June 18, 2009 |
CENTRALIZED DISPLAY FOR MOBILE DEVICES
Abstract
A method for alerting a user of an incoming communication
includes steps of: detecting a presence of the user; receiving,
from at least one of a plurality of mobile devices of the user,
information associated with the incoming communication; and
alerting the user of the incoming communication.
Inventors: |
Narayanaswami; Chandrasekhar;
(Wilton, CT) ; Raghunath; Mandayam Thondanur;
(Bangalore, IN) ; Pinhanez; Claudio S.; (New York,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BUCHENHORNER, P.A.
8540 SW 83 STREET, SUITE 100
MIAMI
FL
33143
US
|
Assignee: |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES
CORPORATION
Armonk
NY
|
Family ID: |
35310472 |
Appl. No.: |
12/371902 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10845795 |
May 14, 2004 |
7512402 |
|
|
12371902 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/567 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09G 2354/00 20130101;
G09G 2340/145 20130101; G06F 3/1454 20130101; G09G 2358/00
20130101; H04M 1/72415 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/567 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/00 20060101
H04M001/00 |
Claims
1. A method for alerting a user of an incoming communication, the
method comprising: detecting a presence of the user; receiving,
from at least one of a plurality of mobile devices of the user,
information associated with the incoming communication; and
alerting the user of the incoming communication.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of detecting further
comprises: receiving a wireless signal from one of the plurality of
mobile devices.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of detecting further
comprises: receiving a wireless radio-frequency signal from one of
the plurality of mobile devices.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of detecting further
comprises: receiving a wireless infrared signal from one of the
plurality of mobile devices.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of receiving comprises:
receiving, from at least one of the plurality of mobile devices of
the user, a wireless signal containing information associated with
the incoming communication.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of receiving further
comprises: receiving, from at least one of the plurality of mobile
devices of the user, a wireless signal indicating an origin of the
incoming communication.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of alerting further
comprises: displaying at least one of a video, audio or tactile
signal, so as to alert the user of the incoming communication.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of alerting further
comprises: displaying a graphical image representing a first of the
plurality of mobile devices so as to alert the user that the
incoming communication has been received by the first of the
plurality of mobile devices.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of alerting further
comprises: detecting information associated with an environment of
the user; alerting the user of the incoming communication; and
displaying reduced information associated with the incoming
communication in accordance with information associated with an
environment of the user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of, and claims priority
from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/845,795, filed on May 14,
2004, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth
herein.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] None.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0003] None.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention disclosed broadly relates to the field of
wireless communications and more particularly relates to the field
of user interfaces for wireless devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] With the popularity of mobile devices on the rise, people
are experiencing the freedom of mobility. Employees, students,
travelers and every-day individuals can communicate, send and
receive information and process data while on the road. This has
lead to the development of a variety of mobile devices for
performing various operations while in the field. As a result, many
individuals often tote a variety of mobile devices on their person,
such as a mobile telephone for voice communication, a messaging
device for email communication, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
for calendar events and other processing operations, an MP3 player
for hearing music and a mobile game console for playing games.
Having so many mobile devices to operate, however, does not come
without its drawbacks.
[0006] It can be a complex exercise to have a variety of mobile
devices. Email and voice mail, for example, can become difficult to
manage when a user has more than one mobile device for receiving
messages. For instance, if a user possesses a messaging device,
such as a Blackberry device, but does not have the device on his
person, he may miss an email message that arrives while he is
separated from the device. The user may not be reunited with the
device until a later time when it may be too late to reply to the
email. In another example, a user may turn off his mobile telephone
(or place it in silent mode) during a meeting, or other occasion
when silence is necessary, and he may miss a voice email message
that arrives while the device is silent. Again, the user may not
turn on the device (or activate its sound) until a later time when
it may be too late to reply to the voice mail. Even worse, the user
may forget to turn on the device (or activate its sound), also
resulting in missed calls and messages. Thus, there is an increased
burden on the user to check his mobile devices for messages on a
regular basis throughout the day. This problem is compounded when a
user possesses multiple mobile devices that receive messages of
varying kind.
[0007] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the
prior art as discussed above, and particularly for a way to
simplify the task of managing messages and calls on multiple mobile
devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Briefly, according to an embodiment of the present
invention, a method for emulating a mobile device on a computer is
disclosed. The method includes storing an emulator program on the
computer, wherein the emulator program imitates the functions and
display of the mobile device. The method further includes
establishing a connection between the mobile device and the
computer and executing the emulator program on the computer,
wherein an interface of the computer serves to interface with the
emulator program. The method further includes synchronizing the
emulator program and the mobile device such that the emulator
program imitates in real time the functions and display of the
mobile device. The method further allows the user to control and
interact with the mobile devices from a centralized console on
another device, such as a personal computer.
[0009] Also disclosed is an information processing system for
emulating a mobile device. The information processing system
includes a memory for storing an emulator program, wherein the
emulator program imitates the functions and display of the mobile
device. The information processing system further includes an
interface for establishing a connection with the mobile device. The
information processing system further includes a processor
configured for executing the emulator program such that an
interface of the information processing system serves to interface
with the mobile device and for synchronizing the emulator program
and the mobile device such that the emulator program imitates in
real time the functions and display of the mobile device. The
information processing system also includes software emulators to
emulate mobile devices. The emulators could be supplied by the
manufacturer of the mobile device or by third party vendors. A
control protocol that relays messages between the mobile devices
and the central console is also defined.
[0010] The method can also be implemented as machine executable
instructions executed by a programmable information processing
system or as hard coded logic in a specialized computing apparatus
such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Thus,
also disclosed is a computer readable medium including computer
instructions for emulating a mobile device on a computer. The
computer readable medium includes instructions for storing an
emulator program on the computer, wherein the emulator program
imitates the functions and display of the mobile device and
establishing a connection between the mobile device and the
computer. The computer readable medium further includes
instructions for executing the emulator program on the computer,
wherein an interface of the computer serves to interface with the
emulator program and synchronizing the emulator program and the
mobile device such that the emulator program imitates in real time
the functions and display of the mobile device.
[0011] Also disclosed is a method for alerting a user of a call or
message. The method includes detecting a presence of the user and
receiving, from at least one of a plurality of mobile devices of
the user, information associated with a call or message. The method
further includes alerting the user of the call or message.
[0012] The described embodiments of the present invention are
advantageous as they allow for the quick and easy detection and
response to incoming calls or messages. This results in a more
immediate and efficient process of handling incoming calls and
messages. Another advantage of the present invention is the
elimination of the need to carry all mobile devices on one's person
in order to be available to receive and respond to incoming
messages and calls. With one centralized display for all incoming
calls and messages, the user is free to be separated from his
mobile devices while still having access to incoming calls and
messages. This results in increased usability and user-friendliness
of messaging and call features of the mobile devices.
[0013] Yet another advantage of the present invention is the use of
a display, such as a monitor, to access the functions of a wireless
device. Because wireless devices are typically small in size, they
usually have small displays and interfaces which can be cumbersome
and difficult to use. The present invention allows a user to access
the functions of a wireless device on a conventional, larger
display with the option of using a mouse and other interface
devices to interact with the wireless device. This allows for
greater ease of use and speed in the utilization of the wireless
device.
[0014] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent from the following more
particular description of the preferred embodiments of the
invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] To describe the foregoing and other exemplary purposes,
aspects, and advantages, we use the following detailed description
of an exemplary embodiment of the invention with reference to the
drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless
communication system according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the wireless
communication system of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless device
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the
process of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a high level block diagram showing an information
processing system useful for implementing one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] While the invention as claimed can be modified into
alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of
example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It
should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed
description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the
particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to
cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling
within the scope of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless
communication system according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The exemplary wireless communication system of FIG. 1
includes a wireless service provider 102, a wireless network 104
and wireless devices 106 through 108. The wireless service provider
102 is a first-generation analog mobile phone service, a
second-generation digital mobile phone service or a
third-generation Internet-capable mobile phone service. The
exemplary wireless network 104 is a mobile phone network, a mobile
text messaging device network, a pager network, or the like.
Further, the communications standard of the wireless network 104 of
FIG. 1 is Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division
Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications
(GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Frequency Division
Multiple Access (FDMA) or the like. The wireless network 104
supports any number of wireless devices 106 through 108, which are
mobile phones, push-to-talk mobile radios, text messaging devices,
email messaging devices (such as a Black berry device) handheld
computers, pagers, beepers, or the like.
[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wireless
network 104 provides a variety of functions including two-way
digital radio, digital wireless phone service, alphanumeric
messaging and data/fax capabilities leveraging Internet access
technology. The wireless devices 106-108 can further include a
variety of features, including speakerphone, voice command, phone
book, voice mail, digital two-way radio, mobile Internet and
e-mail, wireless modems, voice activation, and voice
recordings.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the wireless
communication system of FIG. 1. The wireless communication system
of FIG. 2 includes wireless service provider 102 coupled to the
wireless network 104, which is represented in FIG. 2 by base
stations 202, 203, 204. The aforementioned base stations support
any of the communication standards cited above. In addition, the
wireless communication system of FIG. 2 is interfaced to the Public
Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 206 and an Internet Protocol (IP)
network 208. The base stations 202, 203, 204 individually support
portions of a geographic coverage area containing subscriber units
or transceivers (i.e., mobile devices) 106 and 108 (see FIG. 1).
The mobile devices 106 and 108 interface with the base stations
202, 203, 204 using a communication protocol, such as CDMA, FDMA,
CDMA, GPRS or GSM.
[0026] The geographic coverage area of the wireless communication
system of FIG. 2 is divided into regions or cells, which are
individually serviced by the base stations 202, 203, 204 (also
referred to herein as cell servers). A mobile device operating
within the wireless communication system selects a particular cell
server as its primary interface for receive and transmit operations
within the system. For example, mobile device 106 has cell server
202 as its primary cell server, and mobile device 108 has cell
server 204 as its primary cell server. Preferably, a mobile device
selects a cell server that provides the best communication
interface into the wireless communication system. Ordinarily, this
will depend on the signal quality of communication signals between
a mobile device and a particular cell server.
[0027] As a mobile device moves between various geographic
locations in the coverage area, a hand-off or hand-over may be
necessary to another cell server, which will then function as the
primary cell server. A mobile device monitors communication signals
from base stations servicing neighboring cells to determine the
most appropriate new server for hand-off purposes. Besides
monitoring the quality of a transmitted signal from a neighboring
cell server, the mobile device also monitors the transmitted color
code information associated with the transmitted signal to quickly
identify which neighbor cell server is the source of the
transmitted signal.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the network 208
is a circuit switched network or a packet switched network such as
a wide area network (WAN) (i.e., the global Internet), a private
WAN, a telecommunications network or any combination of the
above-mentioned networks. In yet another embodiment, the network
208 is a wired network, a wireless network, a broadcast network or
a point-to-point network.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless device 300
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
3 shows a mobile telephone wireless device 300. In one embodiment
of the present invention, the wireless device 300 is a two-way
radio capable of receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals
over a communication channel under a communications protocol such
as CDMA, TDMA, GSM, GPRS, FDMA or the like.
[0030] Processor 302 in FIG. 3 performs various functions described
below. In various embodiments of the present invention, the
processor 302 in FIG. 3 comprises a single processor or more than
one processor for performing the tasks described below. The
wireless device 300 operates under the control of the processor
302, which switches the wireless device 300 between receive and
transmit modes. In receive mode, the controller 302 couples an
antenna 318 through a transmit/receive switch 320 to a receiver
316. The receiver 316 decodes the received signals and provides
those decoded signals to the processor 302. In transmit mode, the
processor 302 couples the antenna 318, through the switch 320, to a
transmitter 322. In one embodiment, the receiver 316 and
transmitter 322 support a short range wireless protocol such as
IEEE 802.11(a), IEEE 802.11(b), IEEE 802.11(g), IrDA (Infrared Data
Association) or Bluetooth.
[0031] FIG. 3 also includes a storage module 310 for storing
information that may be used during the overall processes of the
present invention. Further, the processor 302 operates the
transmitter 322 and receiver 316 according to instructions stored
in memory 308. These instructions include a neighbor cell
measurement-scheduling algorithm. In preferred embodiments of the
present invention, memory 308 comprises any one or any combination
of non-volatile memory, flash memory or Random Access Memory. A
timer module 306 provides timing information to the processor 302
to keep track of timed events. Further, the processor 302 utilizes
the time information from the timer module 306 to keep track of
scheduling for neighbor cell server transmissions and transmitted
color code information.
[0032] When a neighbor cell measurement is scheduled, the receiver
316, under the control of the processor 302, monitors neighbor cell
servers and receives a "received signal quality indicator" (RSQI).
An RSQI circuit 314 generates RSQI signals representing the signal
quality of the signals transmitted by each monitored cell server.
Each RSQI signal is converted to digital information by an
analog-to-digital converter 312 and provided as input to the
processor 302. Using the color code information and the associated
received signal quality indicator, the wireless device 300
determines the most appropriate neighbor cell server to use as a
primary cell server when hand-off is necessary.
[0033] In one embodiment, the wireless device 300 is a wireless
telephone. For this embodiment, the wireless device 300 of FIG. 3
further includes an audio input/output module 324 for allowing the
input of audio into the wireless device 300 and the output of audio
for listening by a user. Also included is a user interface 326 for
allowing the user to interact with the wireless device 300, such as
modifying address book information, interacting with call data
information and making/answering calls. Wireless device 300 further
includes a display 328 for displaying information to the user of
the mobile telephone.
[0034] FIG. 3 also shows an optional Global Positioning System
(GPS) module 330 for determining location and/or velocity
information of the wireless device 300. This module 330 uses the
GPS satellite system to determine the location and/or velocity of
the wireless device 300. Alternative to the GPS module 330, the
wireless device 300 may include alternative modules for determining
the location and/or velocity of wireless device 300, such as using
cell tower triangulation and assisted GPS.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 4 shows a desktop computer 402 including a
CPU, a monitor 404, speakers 406 and 408 and a receiving antenna
410. Although a desktop-type computer is shown, the computer 402
can be any type of information processing system, such as a laptop
computer, a handheld computer, a palm-top computer, a mobile
telephone, a messaging device, or the like. Also shown is a
wireless device 106, e.g., a mobile telephone. Note that although
only one wireless device is shown, the present invention supports
any number of wireless devices.
[0036] Monitor 404 serves to provide a graphical interface for the
user. Alternatively, the computer 402 may utilize a projector-type
unit to provide a graphical interface for the user. Speakers 406
and 408 serve to provide audio output to a user. A microphone (not
shown) can be embedded in the speakers 406-408 for providing audio
input capabilities to a user. Receiver/transmitter 410 is utilized
for reception, transmission and processing of wireless signals. In
another embodiment, the receiver/transmitter 410 supports a short
range wireless protocol such as IEEE 802.11(a), IEEE 802.11(b),
IEEE 802.11(g), IrDA or Bluetooth. A more detailed description of a
computer 402 is provided below with reference to FIG. 6.
[0037] FIG. 4 further shows that computer 402 includes a connection
412, comprising a wire-line connection to a network 208, such as a
LAN, a WAN or the Internet, as described in greater detail above
with reference to FIG. 2 above. In another embodiment, the
connection 412 can be a wireless connection using a wireless
protocol such as those described for receiver/transmitter 410. This
connection would connect to a wireless port, such as a wireless
router. FIG. 4 also shows a wireless device 106, e.g., a mobile
telephone, that is connected to the wireless network 104
wirelessly, as described in greater detail above with reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 above.
[0038] FIG. 4 may also include a mechanism for translating
protocols between the wireless network 104 and the computer network
208. Typically, a wireless network such as 104 operates under a
telephony protocol similar to that of the PSTN 206. A computer
network 208 supports a protocol such as the Voice over Internet
Protocol (VoIP) for exchanging telephony information. Thus, the
architecture of FIG. 4 may also include a VoIP/PSTN gateway (not
shown) between network 208 and network 104 for translating protocol
information between the two networks. The Session Initiation
Protocol (SIP) is used to control access to the networks 104, 208
and switching between these networks.
[0039] Wireless device 106 may also communicate with the computer
402 via a connection 418, which may be a wire-line connection or a
wireless connection. As a wire-line connection, a standard wire
connector, such as a USB connector, a FireWire connector, a serial
connector or the like, may be used for connection 418. As a
wireless connector, a short range wireless protocol, such as those
described for receiver/transmitter 410, may be used.
[0040] Lastly, the computer 402 shows an icon 414 presented on the
display 404. The display 404 presents the icon 414 in response to a
signal received, as described below. Briefly, a call or message is
received by the wireless device 106 via the wireless network 104. A
call comprises a telephone call, a two-way radio call or other type
of voice call. A message comprises a text message, an alphanumeric
message, an email message or other type of informational message.
Next, the call or message is routed to the computer 402. The call
or message may be routed to the computer 402 via the connection
412. Alternatively, the call or message may be routed to the
computer 402 from the wireless network 104 via the network 208 and
the connection 418. Upon reception of the call or message, the
computer 402 proceeds to present the icon 414 to indicate that a
call or message has been received. Note that the icon 414 resembles
the mobile device 106. The process of routing a call or message is
described in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 5.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the
process of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows
the process by which calls and messages for a user are routed to a
centralized location, i.e., the computer 402. The control flow of
FIG. 5 begins with step 502 and flows directly to step 504.
[0042] In optional step 504, the presence of a user is detected by
the computer 402. This may occur in a variety of ways. One way that
the presence of the user can be detected by the computer 402 is by
the user logging into a user account at the computer 402.
Alternatively, the computer 402 can detect the user by using a
sensor such as a heat sensor, a biometric sensor or the like. In
another alternative, the computer 402 can detect the user by
detecting a mobile device (using wireless signals) belonging to the
user. In yet another alternative, the wireless device 106 may use a
GPS module, such as module 330, to determine its location. This
location can then be communicated to the wireless network 104,
through the network 208 and connection 418 to computer 402.
[0043] In step 506, a call or message is received by the wireless
device 106 via the wireless network 104. Next, in step 508,
information associated with the call or message is routed from the
mobile device 106 to the computer 402 via the connection 412. To do
so, a module or routine residing on the mobile device 106 is
programmed to recognize when the mobile device 106 is within the
vicinity of the computer 402 and accordingly routes information
associated with the calls and messages to the computer 402.
Alternatively, the information associated with the call or message
may be routed to the computer 402 directly from the wireless
network 104 via the network 208 and the connection 412. To do so, a
module or routine residing on the wireless network 104 is
programmed to recognize when the mobile device 106 is within the
vicinity of the computer 402 and accordingly routes information
associated with the calls and messages to the computer 402. In one
embodiment, the wireless device 106 or the network 104 routes the
call or message itself (in its entirety) to the computer 402. This
is described in greater detail below.
[0044] The information that is routed to the computer 402 may
comprise a variety of information. For example, the mobile device
106, or the wireless network 104 (depending on which component
routes the information to the computer 402--see above) may send the
time the call or message was received or the time the call or
message was sent. The mobile device 106, or the wireless network
104, may also send a return address (such as a telephone number or
an email address) of a sender of the call or message or an
identifier (such as a name or handle) of a sender of the call or
message. The mobile device 106, or the wireless network 104, may
also send audio or video of the call or message, such as a voice
and/or audio clip of the call or the sender of the call.
[0045] In step 510, upon reception of the call or message, the
computer 402 proceeds to alert the user that a call or message has
been received. As noted above, the computer 402 includes a display
414 and audio speakers 406. Thus, the computer 402 can issue an
audio alert comprising a sound or series of sounds, a visual alert
such as a still image or a video or any combination of a video
alert and audio alert. The alert issued from the computer 402 may
include any information that is garnered from the call or message
in step 508. Note that in FIG. 4 the computer 402 presents an icon
414, resembling the mobile device 106, as an alert. If the user
carries a plurality of mobile devices, using an icon resembling the
mobile device receiving a call or message serves to indicate which
mobile device requires attending. For example, an icon resembling a
mobile telephone can be used to indicate that a call is being
received at the mobile telephone of the user, while an icon
resembling a pager can be used to indicate that a text message is
being received at the pager of the user.
[0046] In optional step 512, the user proceeds to open or view the
message or answer the call received. That is, if a telephone call
is received, the user may choose to accept the call via the
computer 402. In this embodiment, the wireless device 106 or the
network 104 routes the call or message itself (in its entirety) to
the computer 402, as described above. Thus, the user can open a
message on the computer 402 and access the messaging functions
provided on the computer 402 to read, process and respond to the
message. Likewise, the user can accept a call on the computer 402
and access the call functions provided on the computer 402 to
communicate during a call. The microphone and speakers of the
computer 402 can be utilized to participate in a telephone call. In
step 514, the control flow of FIG. 5 stops.
[0047] As explained above, the present invention allows a user to
access call and message functions of the mobile device 106 on the
computer 402. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
computer 402 allows a user to access all functions of the wireless
device 106. For example, for mobile telephone 106, the computer 402
allows the user to access all contact lists, ring tone functions,
call information and applications such as games. In another
example, for a wireless device comprising a messaging device, the
computer 402 allows the user to access all email address lists,
email messages, contact information and applications such as word
processors.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, an emulator of
the mobile device 106 resides on the computer 402. An emulator is
an application on the computer 402 that mimics or imitates the
functions and displays of the mobile device 106. The manufacturer
of the mobile device 106 or a third party may provide the emulator
for use on a computer 402. Any actions or tasks that can be
executed by the mobile device 106 can also be executed by the
emulator on the computer 402. The emulator on the computer 402 also
includes a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the monitor
414 such that the GUI is identical to the physical interface of the
mobile device 106. Thus, the emulator includes a GUI having the
same buttons, display and other input/output mechanisms as the
mobile device 106, in addition to the same functions and actions.
In addition to imitating the display, buttons and I/O mechanisms of
the mobile device 106, the emulator generally imitates the look and
feel of the mobile device 106, including the colors used, the
styling of the fonts and interface and the textures of the
device.
[0049] Moreover, the emulator on the computer 402 is linked with
the mobile device 106 (via connection 418) so as to emulate in
real-time the actions and functions of wireless device 106.
Emulation in real-time refers to the near-immediate presence of
identical information in both the mobile device 106 and the monitor
of the computer 402. Thus, as information is input into the mobile
device 106 via an interface such as a keyboard, the information is
immediately sent to the computer 402 for viewing on the monitor
404. Likewise, as information is input into the computer 402 via an
interface such as a keyboard, the information is immediately sent
to the mobile device 106 for viewing on its display.
[0050] Thus, pressing a button on the mobile device 106 is
equivalent to pressing the same button on the emulator, and vice
versa. In another example, entering information into the GUI of the
emulator on the computer 402 is equivalent to entering information
into the mobile device 106. That is, as the mobile device 106
executes tasks and displays information, the emulator on the
computer 402 reflects the functions and displays of mobile device
106. Thus, the emulator and the mobile device 106 work in harmony.
In this fashion, the emulator on the computer 402 acts as a mirror
of the mobile device 106.
[0051] Using an emulation of the mobile device 106 on the monitor
404 of the computer 402, the user may interact with the emulation
of the mobile device 106 in lieu of the mobile device itself. For
example, the user of a mobile messaging device (that receives
email) can access email on the emulation of the messaging device on
the monitor 404 of the computer 402 in lieu of accessing the email
on the messaging device itself. In another example, the user of a
mobile telephone can access his telephone number list on the
emulation of the mobile telephone on the monitor 404 of the
computer 402 in lieu of accessing the telephone number list on the
mobile telephone itself.
[0052] In another embodiment of the present invention, the emulator
of the mobile device 106 on the computer 402 includes additional
features that are not supported by the mobile device 106. For
example, if a call is received for a mobile device 106, the
emulator on the computer 402 may display a photo of the person
initiating the call on the monitor 404. In another example, if a
call is received for the mobile device 106, the emulator on the
computer 402 may display on the monitor 404 the last time the
caller made a call to the mobile device, the last time the user
spoke with the caller, etc.
[0053] The use of a display 404, such as a monitor, to access the
functions of the mobile device 106 is beneficial because wireless
devices are typically small in size and they usually have small
displays and interfaces. This can be cumbersome and difficult to
use. Allowing the user to access all of the functions of the mobile
device 106 on a conventional, larger display 404 with the option of
using a mouse and other interface devices to interact with the
mobile device 106 is desirable. This allows for greater ease of use
and speed in the utilization of the mobile device 106.
[0054] For example, larger (and therefore easier to read) fonts are
used on the emulator on the computer 402 than on the mobile device
106, since the mobile device is smaller in size. In another
example, the typical spelling convention on a mobile device 106
(wherein a user presses a key a certain number of times to specify
a letter corresponding to the key; for example, pressing the "2"
key three times to specify the letter "C") is no longer necessary
since a keyboard or other input device on the computer 402 (which
is easier to use) can be utilized. In yet another example, text
characters can be displayed using a higher number of pixels on the
monitor 404 of the computer 402, thereby increasing the resolution
and the readability of the characters.
[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, a security
feature can be integrated into the call/message presentation
capabilities of the computer 402. As explained above, the present
invention allows a call or message to be presented and or routed to
the computer 402. At times, the user of the computer 402 may not
desire to have a message displayed on the monitor 404 or a call
output to speakers 406-408. For example, the subject matter of a
call or message may be personal, confidential or sensitive and the
user may not want to have the subject matter of the call or message
displayed on the monitor or output to the speakers.
[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the computer 402
can detect people other than the user by using a sensor such as a
heat sensor, a biometric sensor or the like. If a person other than
the user is detected, the computer 402 will not display a message
on the monitor 404 or output a call to the speakers 406-408. In
this case, the computer 402 may simply indicate that a call or
message has been received by showing an icon or other visual
device, without disclosing the subject matter of the call or
message. In another embodiment of the present invention, the
computer 402 can detect information associated with the environment
of the user (such as whether the user's office door is closed,
whether the user is located outdoors or whether the user is located
in any location lacking privacy) by using a sensor. If it is
detected that the user is located in a location lacking privacy,
the computer 402 can display on the monitor 404 reduced information
associated with the call or message, or the computer can output
reduced information about the call to the speakers 406-408. In this
case, the computer 402 may simply indicate that a call or message
has been received by showing an icon or other visual device, or
disclosing reduced information regarding the subject matter of the
call or message. The user may predefine the information that may be
disclosed in situations where he is lacking privacy.
[0057] The present invention can be realized in hardware, software,
or a combination of hardware and software. A system according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention can be realized in a
centralized fashion in one computer system, or in a distributed
fashion where different elements are spread across several
interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system--or
other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described
herein--is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software
could be a general-purpose computer system with a computer program
that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system
such that it carries out the methods described herein.
[0058] An embodiment of the present invention can also be embedded
in a computer program product, which comprises all the features
enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and
which--when loaded in a computer system--is able to carry out these
methods. Computer program means or computer program in the present
context mean any expression, in any language, code or notation, of
a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an
information processing capability to perform a particular function
either directly or after either or both of the following: a)
conversion to another language, code or, notation; and b)
reproduction in a different material form.
[0059] A computer system may include, inter alia, one or more
computers and at least a computer readable medium, allowing a
computer system, to read data, instructions, messages or message
packets, and other computer readable information from the computer
readable medium. The computer readable medium may include
non-volatile memory, such as ROM, flash memory, disk drive memory,
CD-ROM, and other permanent storage. Additionally, a computer
readable medium may include, for example, volatile storage such as
RAM, buffers, cache memory, and network circuits. Furthermore, the
computer readable medium may comprise computer readable information
in a transitory state medium such as a network link and/or a
network interface, including a wired network or a wireless network,
that allow a computer system to read such computer readable
information.
[0060] FIG. 6 is a high level block diagram showing an information
processing system useful for implementing one embodiment of the
present invention. The computer system of FIG. 6 is one embodiment
of the computer 402 of FIG. 4. The computer system includes one or
more processors, such as processor 604. The processor 604 is
connected to a communication infrastructure 602 (e.g., a
communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). Various software
embodiments are described in terms of this exemplary computer
system. After reading this description, it will become apparent to
a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) how to implement
the invention using other computer systems and/or computer
architectures.
[0061] The computer system can include a display interface 608 that
forwards graphics, text, and other data from the communication
infrastructure 602 (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display
on the display unit 610. The computer system also includes a main
memory 606, preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also
include a secondary memory 612. The secondary memory 612 may
include, for example, a hard disk drive 614 and/or a removable
storage drive 616, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic
tape drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The removable storage drive
616 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit 618 in a
manner well known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
Removable storage unit 618, represents a floppy disk, a compact
disc, magnetic tape, optical disk, etc. which is read by and
written to by removable storage drive 616. As will be appreciated,
the removable storage unit 618 includes a computer readable medium
having stored therein computer software and/or data.
[0062] In alternative embodiments, the secondary memory 612 may
include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other
instructions to be loaded into the computer system. Such means may
include, for example, a removable storage unit 622 and an interface
620. Examples of such may include a program cartridge and cartridge
interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable
memory chip (such as an EPROM, or PROM) and associated socket, and
other removable storage units 622 and interfaces 620 which allow
software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit
622 to the computer system.
[0063] The computer system may also include a communications
interface 624. Communications interface 624 allows software and
data to be transferred between the computer system and external
devices. Examples of communications interface 624 may include a
modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a
communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, etc. Software and data
transferred via communications interface 624 are in the form of
signals which may be, for example, electronic, electromagnetic,
optical, or other signals capable of being received by
communications interface 624. These signals are provided to
communications interface 624 via a communications path (i.e.,
channel) 626. This channel 626 carries signals and may be
implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a
cellular phone link, an RF link, and/or other communications
channels.
[0064] In this document, the terms "computer program medium,"
"computer usable medium," and "computer readable medium" are used
to generally refer to media such as main memory 606 and secondary
memory 612, removable storage drive 616, a hard disk installed in
hard disk drive 614, and signals. These computer program products
are means for providing software to the computer system. The
computer readable medium allows the computer system to read data,
instructions, messages or message packets, and other computer
readable information from the computer readable medium. The
computer readable medium, for example, may include non-volatile
memory, such as a floppy disk, ROM, flash memory, disk drive
memory, a CD-ROM, and other permanent storage. It is useful, for
example, for transporting information, such as data and computer
instructions, between computer systems. Furthermore, the computer
readable medium may comprise computer readable information in a
transitory state medium such as a network link and/or a network
interface, including a wired network or a wireless network, that
allow a computer to read such computer readable information.
[0065] Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are
stored in main memory 606 and/or secondary memory 612. Computer
programs may also be received via communications interface 624.
Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system
to perform the features of the present invention as discussed
herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable
the processor 604 to perform the features of the computer system.
Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the
computer system.
[0066] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been
disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand
that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of
the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific
embodiments. Furthermore, it is intended that the appended claims
cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments
within the scope of the present invention.
[0067] Therefore, while there has been described what is presently
considered to be the preferred embodiment, it will understood by
those skilled in the art that other modifications can be made
within the spirit of the invention. The above descriptions of
embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting in scope.
The embodiments, as described, were chosen in order to explain the
principles of the invention, show its practical application, and
enable those with ordinary skill in the art to understand how to
make and use the invention. It should be understood that the
invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but
rather should be interpreted within the full meaning and scope of
the appended claims.
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