U.S. patent application number 14/686550 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-06 for system and method for alerting a user on an external device of notifications or alerts originating from a network-connected device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Pebble Technology Corp.. Invention is credited to Jonathan V. Bennett, Eric B. Migicovsky, Cory D. Snider.
Application Number | 20150223034 14/686550 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44065784 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150223034 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Migicovsky; Eric B. ; et
al. |
August 6, 2015 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALERTING A USER ON AN EXTERNAL DEVICE OF
NOTIFICATIONS OR ALERTS ORIGINATING FROM A NETWORK-CONNECTED
DEVICE
Abstract
Users are experiencing an increasing number of alerts and
notifications on their mobile devices. When it is inconvenient or
not possible to view the network-connected device, an accessory can
be used to save time and avoid missing notifications. A system
comprising a network-connected device and an accessory are provided
to address these problems. The accessory is capable of notifying
the user of alerts from the network-connected device, allowing the
user to quickly be advised of alerts without needing to first
interact with the network-connected device. The system includes a
method to selectively filter alerts so as to avoid unnecessarily
interrupting the user in cases where the network device is
inaccessible. The system is also capable of pushing new interface
designs and themes from the network device to the accessory to
alter the appearance and configuration of its display.
Inventors: |
Migicovsky; Eric B.;
(Vancouver, CA) ; Bennett; Jonathan V.; (Waterloo,
CA) ; Snider; Cory D.; (Richmond Hill, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pebble Technology Corp. |
Palo Alto |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44065784 |
Appl. No.: |
14/686550 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13511531 |
Oct 26, 2012 |
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PCT/CA2010/001870 |
Nov 25, 2010 |
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14686550 |
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61264540 |
Nov 25, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/412.2 ;
455/552.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/72597 20130101;
H04W 68/02 20130101; H04L 43/0811 20130101; H04L 63/123 20130101;
H04M 1/72552 20130101; H04M 1/7253 20130101; H04L 51/38 20130101;
H04M 1/575 20130101; H04L 67/04 20130101; H04L 67/26 20130101; H04L
67/322 20130101; H04W 4/80 20180201; H04W 8/183 20130101; H04W
88/06 20130101; H04L 51/24 20130101; H04M 2250/60 20130101; H04M
2250/02 20130101; H04L 41/06 20130101; H04L 12/189 20130101; H04M
1/72527 20130101; H04L 67/36 20130101; H04L 1/1867 20130101; H04L
12/1895 20130101; H04M 1/56 20130101; H04W 4/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/12 20060101
H04W004/12; H04M 1/725 20060101 H04M001/725; H04W 8/18 20060101
H04W008/18; H04W 4/00 20060101 H04W004/00; H04W 68/02 20060101
H04W068/02 |
Claims
1. An accessory device for receiving notifications from a mobile
end-user device, the accessory device comprising: a wireless
interface configured to receive at least one notification included
in a first data transmission directly from the mobile end-user
device via a short-range wireless protocol, the first data
transmission having been generated by the mobile end-user device
and addressed to the accessory device by the mobile end-user
device, wherein the contents of the notification are based on a
second data transmission received by the mobile end-user device
from a network, and where a final destination address of the second
data transmission is the address of the mobile end-user device;
memory coupled to the wireless receiver and configured to store the
notification; an output device to provide information to a user; an
input device for receiving a first user input indicating that the
user has seen the notification; and a processor coupled to the
wireless receiver, the memory, the output device and the input
device, wherein the processor is configured to review the
notification stored in the memory and notify a user of the
accessory device by using the output device that the notification
has been received, wherein the processor is further configured to
automatically delete the notification after the first user input is
received by the processor.
2. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the processor is
configured to automatically delete the notification after a
predetermined amount of time has passed since the first user input
has been received by the processor.
3. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the processor is
configured to automatically delete the notification after a
predetermined number of notifications have been received by the
accessory device since the notification was received by the
processor.
4. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the processor is
configured to automatically and immediately delete the notification
after the processor receives a second input indicating that the
user has finished reviewed the notification.
5. The accessory device of claim 4, wherein the input device
comprises a button, and the first and second inputs result from the
same button being pressed by the user.
6. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the processor is
configured to automatically delete the notification when available
space in the memory falls below a predetermined threshold.
7. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the accessory device is
a watch.
8. The accessory device of claim 7, wherein the mobile end-user
device is a cellular phone.
9. A method for notifying a user of an accessory device of
notifications sent to a mobile end-user device, comprising the
steps of: receiving by the accessory device a first data
transmission containing a notification sent from the mobile
end-user device via a short-range wireless communication protocol,
the first data transmission having been generated by the mobile
end-user device and addressed to the accessory device by the mobile
end-user device, wherein the contents of the notification are based
on at least a second data transmission received by the mobile
end-user device from the network, and where a final destination
address of the second data transmission is the address of the
mobile end-user device; storing the notification in memory of the
accessory device; reviewing the notification stored in the memory;
notifying the user of the accessory device that the notification
has been received; and automatically deleting the notification
after a first user input indicating that the user has seen the
notification is received by a processor.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the notification is
automatically deleted after a predetermined amount of time has
passed since the first user input has been received by the
processor.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the notification is
automatically deleted after a predetermined number of notifications
have been received by the accessory device after the notification
was received.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the notification is immediately
deleted after a second user input is received by the processor
indicating that the user has finished reviewed the
notification.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the input device comprises a
button and where the first and second user inputs are generated by
the user pressing the same button.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the notification is
automatically deleted when available space in the memory falls
below a predetermined threshold.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the accessory device is a
watch.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the mobile end-user device is a
cellular phone.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to systems and methods for alerting a
user on an external device of notifications or alerts originating
from a network-connected device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Recently, users are turning to more sophisticated personal
digital assistants (PDAs) rather than more basic network-connected
devices such as cell phones. Mobile phones that have the capability
to send and receive data via data subscriptions to a network have
become more prevalent. The capabilities of these mobile phones,
often referred to as "smart phones", have led to them being viewed
more as mobile computers rather than simplistic communication
devices. Smart phones also often feature short range wireless
transmitters and protocols, such as Bluetooth, specifically
designed for communicating with other devices or accessories
nearby.
[0003] Bluetooth watches in the past have been provided which
support caller ID and text messages. However, the information it
displayed was brief as it was limited to a one-line display.
[0004] There exists a method for synchronizing data between a watch
and an external digital device as described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,977,868 to Brewer et al. This method requires the user to
initiate the synchronization by contacting the watch display, which
causes the microprocessor in the watch to activate and begin the
synchronization process. Consequently, the user is not able to
instantly check for new data by looking at the watch. The user must
wait for the microprocessor to activate and complete the
synchronization process prior to the information being displayed.
This also means that the user may not receive new data in a timely
manner, since this technology does not notify the user when there
are updates available. Furthermore, this solution can require an
"alignment device" to aid the wireless communication link between a
watch and PDA. In this case, a high level of user interaction is
required. Furthermore, the communication is a synchronization,
which lengthens the time the wireless communication is active and
negatively impacts battery life.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,714,486 to Biggs teaches a system and method
for customized time display. Biggs is concerned with displaying
time and other chronological data on a display of a portable
timepiece. However, the data is sent to the display as image
parameter data rather than raw text. The disadvantage of this is
that a more complex hardware design is needed to support the memory
required for storing and displaying image data.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,118,979 to Powell teaches a method of
indicating an incoming call through a remotely located receiving
device. This avoids situations where a cell phone would audibly
ring at the same time as the external device vibrates, as they both
indicate the same event of an incoming call. However, this solution
only concerns the signalling of incoming telephone calls by an
external device. There exists a switch for whether the incoming
call is connected or disconnected to the audible signalling system
of the transmitter.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,525,997 to Narayanaswami concerns a wearable
wristwatch that can connect wirelessly to another source to access
information, and it then uses software to display it in a specified
orientation. It can vary the size of the displayed objects (such as
the hour and minute hands of the clock) depending on the
orientation. It uses a touch screen as a method of input. One
disadvantage of this is that the watch display changes in size when
set in elliptical mode. That is, the minute and hour hands of the
watch face shorten and elongate depending on the angle. This could
cause readability issues for users because the hands are
continually changing sizes. Another disadvantage of the elliptical
mode is that screen real estate is wasted in that the watch display
is not using the majority of the screen. The ellipse shape
necessitates that the watch dial be smaller than the ideal circular
or square configuration.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,779 to Gaskill et al. deals with a
paging device that can receive messages and can display them while
also displaying icons. The icons can change to indicate which type
of message has been received by the device, and Gaskill discusses
how each message should be numbered and what the device should do
in the case that the user is looking at one message while another
is received. An icon is displayed if a message number indicates
that a message has been missed. A disadvantage with this solution
is that all messages are stored on the "pager" device itself, and
its storage can fill up if the user does not delete any previously
stored messages. Another disadvantage is that this is a paging
device, meaning that it links wirelessly to a network by itself.
For practical purposes, the user would need to carry a cell phone
or smart phone with a separate data and/or voice plan in order to
return a call or respond to a message.
[0009] It is therefore an object of the following to address at
least one of the above-noted disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A system and method are provided for alerting a user of
notifications or alerts originating from a network-connected device
by using an external device. In some embodiments, the system
detects and filters alerts on the network-connected device and
transmits and presents the alerts via a communication link to the
external device. The system also enables customization and
changeability of the external device interface.
[0011] In one aspect, there is provided a method of communicating
alerts or notifications originating from a network or a network
connected device to an external device to enable the external
device to provide the alerts or notifications, the method
comprising: detecting an alert or notification on the network
connected device; sending data from the network connected device
which is associated with the alert or notification; determining if
an acknowledgement of receipt of the data has been sent by the
external device; and if the acknowledgement is not received by the
network connected device, storing the data for subsequent
transmission.
[0012] In another aspect, there is provided a method of an external
device receiving alerts or notifications originating from a network
or a network connected device to enable the external device to
provide the alerts or notifications, the method comprising:
detecting a wireless signal using a wireless antenna; receiving
data from the network connected device, the data being associated
with a particular alert or notification; returning an
acknowledgement to the network connected device to confirm a
successful transfer of the data; and providing the data on the
external device.
[0013] In yet another aspect, there is provided a method of
determining whether data associated with an alert or notification
detected on a network connected device should be delivered to an
external device, the method comprising: providing a filtering
application on the network connected device; enabling one or more
parameters to be set to dictate within the filtering application,
how to determine a priority of alerts or notifications at the time
the alerts or notifications are received; if the filtering
application determines it is acceptable to provide data associated
with the alert or notification to the external device, the network
connected device sending data for the external device to receive;
determining if an acknowledgement of receipt of the data has been
sent by the external device; and if an acknowledgement has not been
detected, storing the alert or notification for subsequent
transmission.
[0014] In yet another aspect, there is provided a method of an
external device obtaining a new interface from a network connected
device to enable the external device to utilize the new interface,
the method comprising: the external device receiving new data from
the network connected device, the new data comprising any one or
more of an new interface display, and a setting that has changed
from a present setting to a new setting; the external device
storing the new data in a memory; and the external device updating
a display to reflect the new interface, the new setting, or
both.
[0015] In yet another aspect, there is provided a method of an
external device obtaining a new operating system (OS) from a
network connected device to enable the external device to install
the new OS, the method comprising: the external device receiving
new data from the network connected device, the new data comprising
data for obtaining or directly installing the new OS; the external
device storing the new data in a memory; and the external device
installing the new OS using the new data.
[0016] In yet another aspect, there is provided a method for
conserving power in an external device configured to receive data
from a network connected device, the method comprising: sampling
the wireless spectrum periodically using a wireless module within
the external device to receive any wireless transmissions that may
have originated from the network device since a previous sample was
taken; if the sampled data is not already stored in a memory of the
external device from the previous sample, updating the memory of
the external device to include new data from the network device;
and providing a data transmission to the network connected device
to confirm data was received.
[0017] In yet another aspect, there is provided a method for
transmitting data from a network connected device to an external
device without visibly notifying a user of the external device, the
data being associated with an alert or notification determined by
the network connected device, the method comprising; initiating a
wireless transmission of the data by the network connected device,
wherein the external device is configured to sample the wireless
spectrum periodically using a wireless module to receive any
wireless transmissions originating from the network connected
device since a previous sample was taken; if a new communication
cannot be sent to the external device, storing the new
communication in memory on the network connected device; upon a
successful reconnection attempt between the network connected
device and the external device, transmitting the new communication
to the external device to enable the new communication to be stored
directly in memory by the external device without displaying the
new communication.
[0018] In yet another aspect, there is provided a method for
enabling navigation between a plurality of interfaces or messages
on an external device, the external device configured to obtain
data from a network connected device, the data comprising any one
or more of an alert, a notification, and a message associated with
a data communication, the method comprising: providing a single
input mechanism on the external device; enabling a first use of the
single input mechanism to navigate within a particular user
interface provided on a display of the external device; and
enabling a second use of the single input mechanism to navigate
between a plurality of user interfaces.
[0019] In yet another aspect, there is provided a computer readable
medium comprising computer executable instructions that when
executed by a computing device perform the methods above.
[0020] In yet another aspect, there is provided a system comprising
one or more of a network connected device and an external device,
the system being configured to perform the methods above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only
with reference to the appended drawings wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 is an example of a system framework comprising a
network-connected device and an external device.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a software
configuration for connecting the network-connected and external
devices of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows an example graphical user interface (GUI) for
presenting a code to connect the external device to the
network-connected device.
[0025] FIG. 4A is an example GUI for the external device.
[0026] FIG. 4B is another example GUI for the external device.
[0027] FIG. 4C is a GUI illustrating text of a new message from the
network connected device being displayed on the external
device.
[0028] FIG. 4D is an example GUI illustrating the display of caller
identification information from the network connected device on the
external device.
[0029] FIG. 4E is an example GUI illustrating the display of all
recently received messages from the network connected device on the
external device.
[0030] FIG. 4F is an example GUI illustrating the display of the
text of a message previously received by the network connected
device on the external device.
[0031] FIG. 5 is an example GUI illustrating settings that may be
displayed on the network connected device in order to customize
what is displayed on the external device.
[0032] FIG. 6 is an example GUI illustrating filter settings that
can be adjusted on the network connected device.
[0033] FIG. 7 is an example external device comprising a single
input mechanism
[0034] FIG. 8 is an example flow diagram illustrating a single
input mechanism interface design.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example set of
computer executable instructions for sending alerts from a network
connected device to an external device.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example set of
computer executable instructions for enabling settings and
parameters of a user interface on an external device to be updated
on a network device.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an example set of
computer executable instructions for filtering alerts on a network
connected device.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating an example set of
computer executable instructions for enabling an operating system
for an external device to be updated using a network connected
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] Problems currently faced by users of network-connected
devices include the frequency of notifications that are received,
which can be very distracting. Depending on where the
network-connected device is kept, it may be difficult or impossible
to pull it out each time it rings or vibrates and the user may not
even realize that an alert or message is being missed.
[0040] The following provides a system comprising a
network-connected device and an accompanying external device or
accessory. The system is capable of alerting and synchronizing
notifications or alerts between a network-connected device and an
external device or accessory to the network-connected device.
Because the synchronization is automatic and the external device
listens for new broadcasted signals automatically, there is no user
interaction required before new alerts are delivered and displayed.
This is different than solutions such as that described by Brewer
et al. as outlined above. The present solution aims to feed users
with information even though they have not asked for it. It reduces
the delay between when an alert occurs on a network-connected
device and when the user reads or otherwise becomes aware of what
information the alert is intending to convey.
[0041] A problem that exists with the prior art is that messages
are stored on a device with a small display and limited input
functionality. The following system removes the restriction of
storage space on the devices such as pagers by only storing the
most recent messages that are received on the external device. The
original alerts (including older ones) are stored on the
network-connected device. In practical applications, a user may
find it to be timelier to search for an old message using the
larger screen and additional input buttons provided by a
network-connected device. Additionally, the prior art that includes
pager devices or PDAs suffers in practice when a user needs to
respond to a message. In these cases, a mobile phone that has its
own data and/or voice plan may be required to respond to a message.
With the following system, the only fees that are required to use
the system are related to the mobile phone data and/or voice
service. Unlike many previous solutions, the user does not need to
pay a network carrier for two separate device plans.
[0042] The following system also includes the software framework
for setting user preferences related to the system, and the
framework to push new interfaces from the network-connected device
to the external device. This is possible because the
network-connected device is used to set all parameters and
preferences relating to the accessory, whereas the accessory itself
does not have an input method that would make changing settings
convenient. Setting preferences on the network-connected device is
less cumbersome, and it provides the opportunity for greater
degrees of granularity and customizability of settings.
Furthermore, because the network-connected device may access the
internet, it may download new interface themes or designs for the
accessory. The network-connected device in turn can send the
selected theme to the accessory to replace what had previously been
displayed. This method also removes the need for excessive memory
storage on the accessory, because the network-connected device can
download and push new interfaces to it as desired.
[0043] The following system also includes a method for replacing or
updating the operating system of an external device by acquiring
the operating system files through the network-connected device
from a network location. Subsequently, the files can be transmitted
to the external device to replace the existing operating system.
This process is initiated by the network-connected device either
automatically or by the request of the user.
[0044] The following cases illustrate problem situations that may
be faced by users of network devices, and how they are addressed by
aspects of the present solution: [0045] 1. A woman stores her smart
phone in her purse, and frequently misses emails and phone calls
because she does not hear the ringing or does not feel the
vibrations. A bracelet can vibrate to alert the wearer that there
is an incoming message on their phone. The user can then pull out
their phone to check instead of discovering the alert hours later
because they did not hear the ringing. [0046] 2. A businessman in a
meeting can feel his phone vibrating, but does not want to pull it
out to avoid looking distracted or being rude. He wonders if the
call or email was important for the duration of his meeting. With
the following system incorporated into a wristwatch, he may quickly
and discreetly glance at the watch display to see who is trying to
contact him. With this knowledge, he may excuse himself from the
meeting if necessary. [0047] 3. An athlete is playing tennis and
stores his phone in his bag at the side of the court. He does not
want to be disturbed unless he receives an email or call from his
wife. While wearing the system incorporated into a wristwatch
accessory, the filtering functions of the system send an alert to
the accessory causing it to vibrate, and the display on the
accessory shows that a text message has just been received from his
wife. [0048] 4. A driver is on the road and hears a ringing phone,
but in order to stay focused on the road, the driver does not risk
the distraction of fumbling around to see who is messaging or
calling. The driver wonders if it is worth the time to stop to
check what the ringing was for. With the system, an accessory may
vibrate to indicate an incoming call, and a quick glance at the
display of the accessory can indicate who is calling. With this
knowledge, the driver may choose to stop and return the call or,
realizing that it is not important, may wait until the final
destination is reached to return the call.
[0049] The system proposed herein can be employed to detect alerts
including, but not limited to caller identification information,
received emails or text messages, calendar event notifications,
stock market, weather, social networking (e.g. Facebook, Twitter,
etc.), emergency notices, and news alerts that occur on a
network-connected device, such as a smart phone. The networked
device includes software that runs in the background of the
operating system, known as a daemon, intended to catch and process
alerts as they occur. The daemon and the configuration settings
application that controls the behaviour of the apparatus can be
installed on the networked device by visiting an external website
to download and install the proper files. Alternatively, an SMS
message or email may be sent by the user to an automated system
that returns a message containing either the installation files or
links to complete the software installation process. However, a
simple modification would be to integrate the software aspect of
the system within a mobile phone operating system, for example.
This modification would remove the need for the user to install the
software after purchasing the network-connected device and
accessory separately.
[0050] Utilizing the configuration settings of the user, the daemon
decides whether or not to transmit an alert from the networked
device to the external device and what functions of the external
device should be activated to notify the user of the presence of an
alert. In alerting the user, the daemon may instruct the external
device to utilize one or a combination of functions including
vibrating motions, blinking diodes, blinking displays and audible
noises.
[0051] The data transmission from the network device and external
device can occur via a short-range wireless protocol, such as
Bluetooth. A distinction between this system and previous solutions
is that prior art such as Brewer et al. uses two-way data transfers
to communicate or synchronize data between the two devices. The
proposed system involves a one-way transfer from the networked
device to the external device; however, as part of the wireless
protocol being used, an acknowledgement function is built into
Bluetooth devices to confirm a successful receipt of data.
Furthermore, the proposed system adds support for message queuing
to allow the delayed transmission of data. Thus, a wireless chip of
the external device can automatically send an acknowledgement back
to the network device after receiving data. In the event that the
network device does not receive an acknowledgement, a
retransmission will automatically begin.
[0052] Components of the system that may be utilized in an
implementation are shown by way of example only in FIG. 1. A
network connection 1 to a cellular network via a wireless radio is
shown in FIG. 1. The wireless radio (not shown) is contained within
a network-connected device 2 as is well known in the art. An inbox
3 for messages contains a stream of information that is received by
the wireless radio from the network. The inbox 3 may or may not be
a single inbox, it may in fact be comprised of several individual
data feeds of the same or different types. A typical
network-connected device would have a graphical display 4 in order
to directly display the contents of messages. In embodiments where
there is an external device 9 present, a filtering application 5
can be installed on the network connected device 2. The filtering
application 5 has the capability of halting a message from being
passed from the message inbox 3 stream through to the message
stream for the external device 9. The filtering settings can be
customized by changing settings in a configuration application 6.
The configuration application 6 allows the user to customize
parameters that are used by the filtering application 5 to
determine which messages should be halted and which should be
allowed to continue. Messages from the network device 2 that are to
be passed on to the external device 9 can have a separate message
stream 7 that may be different than the main message inbox 3.
Messages or alerts that pass through the filtering application 5
appear in the message stream 7. The network device 2 and external
device 9 communicate via a wireless interface 8, such as Bluetooth.
The external device 9 comprises a microcontroller 10, which in this
example is used for implementing the present system as well as
performing other tasks such as for a watch or other accessory. The
microcontroller 10 is connected to a battery 11, which powers the
external device 9 and the memory 12. The memory 12 stores operating
system software and any received alerts. A vibrating motor 13 can
be activated by the microcontroller 10 when a new message is
received, as this acts an active alarm to tell the user there is a
new message. Alerts are shown to the user via a graphic display 14.
In order to conserve power, the microcontroller 10 may disconnect
the graphic display 14 from battery power when a message is not
being displayed. Actions taken by the microcontroller 10, software
stored in the memory 12, and the appearance of the graphic display
14 may be controlled by the configuration application 6 from the
network device 2.
[0053] It will be appreciated that any module or component
exemplified herein that executes instructions may include or
otherwise have access to computer readable media such as storage
media, computer storage media, or data storage devices (removable
and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical
disks, or tape. Computer storage media may include volatile and
non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any
method or technology for storage of information, such as computer
readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other
data. Examples of computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM,
flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile
disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic
tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or
any other medium which can be used to store the desired information
and which can be accessed by an application, module, or both. Any
such computer storage media may be part of the external device 9 or
network connected device 2 themselves, or accessible or connectable
thereto. Any application or module herein described may be
implemented using computer readable/executable instructions that
may be stored or otherwise held by such computer readable
media.
[0054] An example will now be provided according to the example
configuration in FIG. 1. A transmission from a wireless network
(such as a phone call, SMS, email, news feed, etc.) is received by
the network-connected device 2 and processed by the alert filtering
application 5. If the filtering application 5 deems the alert
should be sent to the external device 9, the network-connected
device 2 processes the alert information into a message format 7
and broadcasts this information over a wireless antenna, e.g.
Bluetooth connection 8. The microcontroller 10, which in this
example is or comprises a wireless module, receives the alert and
displays it on its graphic display 14 while optionally activating a
vibrating motor 13 or other alert (e.g. flashing light, audible
tone, etc.).
[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a software configuration that may be used
to setup the system, based on the example configuration shown in
FIG. 1. The network-connected device 2 is capable of retrieving
software from a remotely located server 20. The network device 2
downloads network device software 24 and installs and/or stores
this software 24 to memory 26. The network device 2 also downloads
external device software 22 from the server 20, i.e. software
intended for the external device 9, which is passed directly to the
external device memory 12 for storage and/or installation.
[0056] FIG. 3 shows how the external device 9 may be connected to
the network device 2 over the short-range connection 8 via a user
interface 30. The user interface 30, which is provided on a display
of the external device 9, presents the user with a code 32, which
is entered manually to the network connected device 2 to establish
a connection between the two devices.
[0057] The system also includes a software framework (e.g. computer
executable instructions residing on the network connected device 2)
for setting user preferences and pushing new interfaces to the
external device 9. Examples of customized interface displays 34, 36
are shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B respectively. Any aesthetic design
or layout of interface displays (e.g. interfaces 34, 36) may be
used to create a new display output for the external device 9. The
external device hardware comprises a display 14, as shown in FIG.
1, which can display different user interfaces and themes. Through
a configuration setting on the network device 2, the user can
choose to have new interface designs or themes pushed to the
external device 9. This functionality can completely change the
appearance and style of the accessory to suit the user's desires
and/or needs.
[0058] The interfaces 34, 36 in FIGS. 4A and 4B can be configured
to show information including the date and time 35, battery life
37, the number of new messages of each type (not shown) and the
next event (e.g. using alert icons 38). FIG. 4B shows an analog
style watch face 40 along with small icons for additional
information regarding battery life 37 and alerts received 38. A
user may switch back and forth between such interfaces 34, 36, by
changing an interface setting on the network-connected device 2,
which in turn pushes the newly selected interface 34, 36 to the
external device memory 12 and replaces the output on the graphic
display 14.
[0059] FIG. 4C shows the text of a new message 42 being displayed
in a portion of the interface 34. Similarly, FIG. 4D shows caller
identification information 44 for an incoming phone call. FIG. 4E
illustrates yet another interface 46, which lists all recently
received messages 48 that were passed to the external device 9.
Using an input mechanism such as a touchpad or button (not shown),
this list 48 may be scrolled through, highlighted, selected, etc.
When an item in the list 48 is selected via an input mechanism on
the external device 9, the entire message 42 may be displayed to
the user (e.g. as shown in FIG. 4C). Another example, shown in FIG.
4F illustrates the text of another message 50 that was previously
received.
[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates a notifications user interface 52, which
is used to present a list of settings 52 to the user using the
display 4 of the network-connected device 2. Selectable options 56
for the respective settings 52 allow for the customization of how
the external device 9 is to alert the user when a new notification
of a particular type is received, whether it be through silent
mode, vibration, flashing, ringing, a combination of these, to name
a few possibilities.
[0061] The instructions stored on the network connected device 2
may include logic for determining which messages 42, 50 should be
sent from the network-connected device 2 (i.e. the transmitting
device) to the external device 9 (i.e. the receiving device). As
noted above, such messages include, without limitation: caller
identification information, received emails or text messages,
calendar event notifications, news alerts, social networking
updates, instant messages, weather, stock market information, etc.
Using the parameters associated with the original transmission and
using the knowledge of the current state of the user (what they are
doing based on the time of day, calendar events or location) and
any predefined settings (whether or not the user has set the
priority of communications from a particular contact), the logic
can determine whether or not an alert should be sent to the
external device 9. If it is determined that an alert is not
important or that it is an inappropriate time to disturb the user,
the alert is halted by the filtering application 5 at the network
connected device 2. If the alert is determined to be important and
it is worth notifying the user, the alert is transmitted to the
external device 9 and the user is notified.
[0062] A Set Filters user interface 58 shown in FIG. 6 can be used
to adjust filter settings 60 using the network-connected device 2.
The filter settings 60 typically vary according to what data is
available to be sent to the external device 9, and the type of
alerts being filtered. The filtering application 5 on the network
connected device 2 can therefore be used to avoid needlessly
alerting users to every notification received by the network
connected device 2, which can be very distracting and even illegal
in regions where cell phones have been banned while driving.
Moreover, business professionals may not wish to be notified of
routine or low-priority alerts, particularly if they are busy or in
a meeting, for example.
[0063] In order to simplify the interactive elements of the
external device 9, a one button interface 62 may be provided on the
external device 9 as shown in FIG. 7. In the example shown in FIG.
7, a single input mechanism 64 (e.g. a button, accelerometer,
touch-sensitive pad, etc.) is provided on the external device 9
along with the display 14. By providing inputs using the single
input mechanism 64, a convenient way to navigate among the various
interfaces and alerts discussed above may be achieved as shown in
FIG. 8. The user may also use the input mechanism 64 to navigate
between different types of alerts while only requiring one physical
element to be included in the design of the external device 9. This
is particularly advantageous when relying on existing input
mechanisms on external devices 9 being retrofitted with the present
system, or for new designs wherein the functionality described
herein is desired with minimal disruption to an overall look and
feel (e.g. a watch).
[0064] Turning now to FIG. 8, a state diagram is shown to
illustrate one example which enables navigation between user
interfaces and messages on the external device 9 using a single
input mechanism 64. At stage 1, a home screen 66 is shown, which
may display a minimum number of elements (e.g. only the time as
shown in FIG. 8) in order to minimize distractions and battery
usage. By clicking the input mechanism 64, the recently received
messages user interface 46 is immediately displayed to enable the
user to quickly access the latest alerts. If nothing is done, a
timeout occurs at stage 2 and the display returns to the home
screen 66. If, while the user interface 46 is being displayed, a
single click of the input mechanism 64 is detected at stage 3, the
focus on particular messages may be cycles through the list 48.
Upon detecting a click and hold (click-hold) of the input mechanism
64 at stage 4, the message from the list 48 currently highlighted
is displayed. A further click-hold can then be used at stage 5 to
return to the user interface 46 displaying the recently received
alerts. If instead a timeout is detected, the display returns to
the home screen 66 at stage 6. It can be appreciated that the
timeout in stage 6 may be configured to be longer than the timeout
in stage 2 in order to provide more time for the user to read the
message being displayed.
[0065] When displaying the home screen 66, a click-hold can be
detected at stage 7 instead of a single click. Upon detecting a
click-hold of the input mechanism 64 the user interface 34 can be
displayed, which, as discussed above, may include additional
elements such as icons 38 corresponding to the message types. A
timeout detected at this point returns the display to the home
screen 66 at stage 8. A single click as shown in stage 9 can be
used to navigate within the user interface 34 to select a desired
message type. However, it can be appreciated that in the example
shown, the desired message type happens to be the one immediately
highlighted and thus stage 9 is shown only for symbolic purposes in
FIG. 8. Detecting a click-hold at stage 10 may then launch the
display of a user interface 68 for a particular category of
messages, in this example email messages that have been received by
the external device 9. If a timeout is detected at stage 11, the
display may return to the home screen 66. Instead, the user may
navigate down the email user interface 48 to a desired one by
performing one or more single clicks at stage 12. Upon detecting a
click-hold at stage 13, the particular email message that has been
highlighted is displayed. A further click-hold at stage 14 would
then return the display to the previous screen, namely the email
user interface 68 in this example. A timeout may again be sensed or
further single click or click-hold operations.
[0066] Stage 15 illustrates yet another scenario wherein a new
message is shown in a portion 42 of the display 34 (e.g. similar to
FIG. 4C). When a new message is displayed, if a click-hold is
detected at stage 16, the display may immediately display the
particular new message. If however a single click is detected at
stage 17, the display can return to the previous screen, in other
words effectively ignore the new message and return to what they
are doing. It can be appreciated that a timeout can also be
detected at stage 18 if the click-hold has been detected at stage
16.
[0067] It can therefore be appreciated that by providing a simple
and consistent logical mapping to multiple functions that can be
performed using the same input mechanism 64, a single input
mechanism 64 can be used to navigate between interfaces and between
messages in a simple and convenient manner without cluttering the
design of the external device.
[0068] Important aspects and advantages of the system include the
ability to filter alerts and transmit them one-way to an external
device 9, as well as the framework and logic for changing the
interface on an external device 9 through the use of a
network-connected device 2. The external device 9 can be configured
to listen for any broadcasted signal from the network connected
device 2 and to receive the new data automatically. Because the
data transfer is automatic and the external device 9 listens for
new broadcasted signals automatically, there is no user interaction
required before new alerts are delivered and displayed. This is
particularly advantageous when compared to solutions such as Brewer
et al., as it aims to feed users with information even though they
have not asked for it, which reduces the delay between when the
user receives an alert and when they read it. By enabling the user
to customize the user interfaces, in particular to filter certain
alert types or to limit the number of new alerts shown, the user
can balance the competing objectives of getting the information in
a timely manner and avoiding being overburdened with too much
information.
[0069] For clarity and to summarize the principles discussed above,
the following definitions may be used: [0070]
Alert/notification--may refer to, without limitation, a message,
reminder or news feed (either originating from the network or the
network device itself), including caller ID information, calendar
event reminders, emails, SMS, RSS feeds, social media updates (e.g.
Facebook, Twitter, etc.), sports score updates. [0071] Mobile or
network-connected device 2--may refer to, without limitation, an
electronic device that is connected to a telecommunications
network. Examples include, a cell phone, smart phone, pager,
laptop, tablet computer, desktop computers, portable gaming device,
and the like. These devices may have voice and/or data plan
subscriptions through a wireless network provider. [0072] External
device or accessory 9--A device that is wirelessly connected to the
network connected device 2. The external device 9 communicates with
the network connected device 2 to receive alerts occurring on the
network connected device 2 and to receive new interfaces to display
thereon. [0073] Downloadable interface--A device with an interface
displayed on a screen may have its interface display changed. This
may be done to reconfigure characteristics such as, but not limited
to, the layout, color, style, or size of fonts. In the case of this
system, new interfaces may be "pushed" to the external device 9 by
the network connected device 2 along with new images and
layouts.
[0074] Turning now to FIG. 9, an example set of computer executable
instructions is shown for communicating between a network connected
device 2 and an external device 9 to enable the external device 9
to provide alerts or notifications originating from the network or
the network connected device 2. At 100, an alert is initiated. This
may be done according to a trigger, whether it originated from the
network (such as a phone call) or the network connected device 2
(such as a calendar reminder or alarm). The network connected
device 2 wirelessly broadcasts or otherwise sends the new alert
data at 102. The external device 9, which in the above examples
periodically samples for a wireless signal from the network
connected device at 104, receives the new alert data at 106. The
external device 9 then returns an acknowledgement signal to the
network-connected device 2 at 108, to confirm a successful data
transfer. The network connected device 2 may check for such an
acknowledgement at 110. If an acknowledgement is not received by
the network connected device 2, the alert may be queued or a
retransmission of the alert initiated at 112. The external device 9
meanwhile notifies the user of newly received data at 114.
Providing the new data may be done, for example, through the use of
a vibrating motor located in the external device 9, by changing the
visible state of the external device 9 or its display 14 in some
manner such as by changing the colour of an LED status indicator or
by producing an auditory alert, etc.
[0075] FIG. 10 illustrates an example set of computer executable
instructions that may be performed by the system for pushing a new
interface from a network connected device 2 to an external device
9. At 120 the network connected device 2 provides configuration
settings or a configuration application to enable the user to make
changes to the user interface for the external device 9. At 122,
the network connected device 2 detects a change in a particular
setting from a current setting to a new setting, e.g. to load a new
interface, theme, or changes to fonts, sizes and colours of an
existing interface to name a few examples. The new interface
display, theme, or data comprising instructions for a setting
change is then sent by the network connected device 2 to the
external device 9 at 124.
[0076] The external device 9, which samples for a wireless signal
from the network connected device 2 periodically at 126, receives
the new data at 128. It can be appreciated that an entirely new
user interface can be provided (e.g. new interface file) or a
configuration file that includes one or more settings that are to
be applied to the existing interface (e.g. including changes in
fonts, sizes, and colours), by simply transferring a configuration
file form the network connected device 2 to the external device 9.
The external device 9 then updates the user interface data at 130,
e.g. by replacing the data in its memory relating to its interface
display layout and appearance, with the new information by saving
it to memory. The new data may then be verified by performing an
integrity check at 132. If it is determined at 134 that the
integrity check is successful, the external device 9 updates its
display to reflect the new interface configuration setting at 136.
If the integrity check is not successful, an error can be generated
at 138, which may be displayed or otherwise provided on the
external device 9 or by communicating back to the network connected
device 2.
[0077] FIG. 11 illustrates an example set of computer executable
instructions for determining which alerts and messages to provide
to the external device, and which alerts and messages are important
enough to actively notify the user. At 150, the network connected
device 2 provides a filtering algorithm, e.g. an application 5
running on the network connected device 2 to perform the filtering
as new alerts and messages are detected. At 152, the network
connected device 2, e.g. through the filtering application 5,
enables parameters to be set in order to dictate within the
application 5 running on the network connected device 2, the
parameters that may be used by the filtering algorithm to determine
the priority of alerts or messages based on the status of the user
at the time they are received, the current location, the time of
day, or based on who the alert is related to (if applicable), etc.
A new message or alert received or detected at 154 may then cause
the filtering application 5 to refer to the filtering parameters at
156. If it is determined at 158 that the filtering algorithm deems
it acceptable to alert the user, the network connected device 2
broadcasts the appropriate alert for the external device 9 at 160.
The external device 9 may then receive and process an alert as
shown in FIG. 9. Otherwise, no data is broadcast and the state of
the external device 9 is unchanged. It can be appreciated that, as
shown in step 162, the network connected device 2 may be configured
to queue data for later. This may be done by waiting until it is
appropriate to send the alert or message or by simply sending the
alert or message along with the next alert or message so that the
external device 9 can store it directly into memory without visibly
alerting the user. This allows the alert or message to still get to
the external device 9 without necessarily having to actively notify
the user. The user would then be able to find the alert or message
when browsing through recently received data at some later
time.
[0078] FIG. 12 illustrates a set of computer executable operations
that may be performing in replacing the operating system of an
external device 9 using the network-connected device 2. The
operating system may be first acquired from a network source 20,
and in turn transmitted to the external device 9. This process may
be initiated on the network connected device 2 either automatically
or as a manually initiated software update. As shown in FIG. 12,
the operating system may be replaced by loading an updated
configuration application onto the network connected device 2 at
170. The network connected device 2 then queries the external
device 9 at 172, which is received by the external device 9 at 176,
and enables the network connected device 2 to determine if the
external device 9 can accept the updated operating system. The
external device 9, which samples for a wireless signal from the
network connected device 2 periodically at 174, receives the query
at 176. The external device 9 determines at 178 if it can accept.
If so, the new operating system is sent by the network connected
device 2 to the external device 9 at 180, e.g. as a stream of data.
If not, an error may be generated at 182, and can be provided on
the external device 9, to the network connected device 2, or both.
The external device 9, which samples for a wireless signal from the
network connected device 2 periodically at 174, receives the new
data at 184 and stores the new OS to memory, e.g. in a specific
block of memory outside of the existing operating system on the
external device 9. The new data undergoes an integrity check at 186
and, if the integrity check is deemed to be successful at 188, the
external device 9 updates its internal memory to the new operating
system at 192. Otherwise, an error may be generated at 182, and can
be provided on the external device 9, to the network connected
device 2, or both.
[0079] It can be appreciated that the methods above can be
configured such that the external device samples the wireless radio
frequency spectrum periodically and without user intervention to
receive new data from the network-connected device.
[0080] A system to conserve power is also provided, wherein the
majority of data transfer of the above methods is a one-way
communication. This may be accomplished by having a wireless
transmission of data be initiated by the network connected device
2. A wireless module within the external device 9 may then sample
the wireless spectrum periodically to receive any wireless
transmissions that may have originated from the network connected
device 2 since the last sample was taken. If the sampled data is
not already stored in the memory 12 of the external device 9 from a
previous data sample, the memory 12 within the external device 9 is
updated to include the new communication from the network connected
device 2. A transmission may then be made from the external device
9 back to the network connected device 2 to confirm data was
received. The transmission can be an acknowledgement only, with no
other data being transferred back to the network connected device
2. If no acknowledgement of a successful data transfer is received
by the network connected device 2, a retransmission may then be
initiated automatically.
[0081] The examples chosen and descriptions presented are intended
to best explain the system and applicable scenarios in which it may
be used. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list, nor should
it limit the system to a particular form in a provided example.
* * * * *