Systems and Methods for Group Communication Using a Mobile Device With Mode Transition Based On Motion

• US 20130316686A1
• Filed: 05/23/2012
• Published: 11/28/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Subbaramoo, Shobha M., Lindner, Mark A.
• Granted Patent: US 9,674,694 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/418
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/605 involving control of the receiver volume to provide a dual operational mode at close or far distance from the user
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2207/18 wireless networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/12 including a sensor for measuring a physical value, e.g. temperature or motion telephones including GPS signal receivers H04M2250/10
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/56 Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities video conference systems H04N7/15
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/02 Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/67 Risk-dependent, e.g. selecting a security level depending on risk profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/68 Gesture-dependent or behaviour-dependent
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0254 detecting a user operation or a tactile contact or a motion of the device
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/20 Manipulation of established connections
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/45 for Push-to-Talk [PTT] or Push-to-Talk over cellular [PoC] services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/22 Processing or transfer of terminal data, e.g. status or physical capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

Methods and systems of communication using a mobile device that include detecting a movement of the mobile device associated with transitioning from speaker phone mode to earpiece mode, or vice versa, and in response to detecting such movement, automatically transitioning the device to a different mode of operation. The detected action may be the motion and/or positioning of the device handset, such as the movement of the handset towards or away from the user'"'"'s ear, and/or the placement of the handset on a surface in a face-up or face-down position. Further methods and systems for transitioning between communication pathways and security modes in response to a detected movement of the mobile device.

Claims

1. A method of group communication using a first mobile device, comprising:

communicating with at least one second mobile device in a public mode;

detecting a first motion corresponding to a user of the first mobile device moving the first mobile device from a first position to a second position;

transitioning from a public mode to a private mode in response to the detected first motion; and

sending a message to the at least one second mobile device indicating a transition from a public mode to a private mode.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first motion corresponds to the user moving the first mobile device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the transition from a public mode to a private mode comprises changing an audio path in the first mobile device from a speakerphone mode to an earpiece mode.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a message from the at least one second mobile device indicating that the second device has transitioned from public mode to private mode.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the transition from a public mode to a private mode comprises changing a security setting of the group communication.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein changing a security setting comprises transitioning from unencrypted to encrypted communication.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the transition from a public mode to a private mode comprises transitioning from half-duplex to full-duplex communication with the at least one second mobile device.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the transition from a public mode to a private mode comprises changing a communication pathway of the communication with the at least one second mobile device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein changing the communication pathway comprises transitioning from a server-mediated communication to a peer-to-peer communication with the at least one second mobile device.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the transition from a public mode to a private mode comprises changing a communication infrastructure used by the first mobile device.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein changing the communication infrastructure comprises reallocating resources used for transmission, reception and/or display of visual media content to higher-quality audio communication.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

detecting a second motion corresponding to the user of the first mobile device moving the first mobile device from the second position to a third position; and

transitioning from a private mode to a public mode in response to the detected second motion.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the second motion corresponds to the user moving the device away from his or her ear.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

sending a message to the at least one second mobile device indicating a transition from a private mode to a public mode.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

receiving a message from the at least one second mobile device indicating that the second device has transitioned to public mode.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

providing a feedback cue to the user of the first mobile device indicating that the second device has transitioned to public mode.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

suppressing communication at the first mobile device until an indication of user compliance with the transition to public mode is detected.

18. A method of group communication using a first mobile device, comprising:

communicating with at least one second mobile device in a public mode;

receiving a message from the at least one second mobile device indicating a transition from public mode to private mode; and

suppressing communication at the first mobile device until an indication of user compliance with the transition to private mode is detected.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein suppressing communication comprises suspending forced audio messages from the at least one second mobile device.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

while communication is suppressed at the first mobile device, buffering messages received from the at least one second mobile device for later playback.

21. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

providing an indication to a user of the first mobile device that the at least one second user device has transitioned to private mode.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein user compliance with the transition to private mode is detected when a first motion corresponding to a user of the first mobile device moving the first mobile device from a first position to a second position is detected.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first motion corresponds to the user moving the first mobile device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein user compliance with the transition to private mode is detected based on input received at a user interface of the first mobile device.

25. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

resuming communication when the indication of user compliance with the transition to private mode is detected.

26. A method of group communication using a first mobile device, comprising:

communicating with at least one second mobile device using a first security setting;

detecting a first motion of the first mobile device corresponding to a user moving the first mobile device from a first position to a second position;

transitioning to a second security setting in response to the detected first motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the second security setting.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the detected first motion corresponds to the user moving the first mobile device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein transitioning to a second security setting comprises transitioning from unencrypted to encrypted communication.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein transitioning to a second security setting comprises rerouting a communication pathway of the communication with the at least one second mobile device to a different network or a different portion of a network.

30. The method of claim 26, further comprising:

detecting a second motion of the device corresponding to the user moving the device from the second position to the first position;

transitioning to the first security setting based on the detected second motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the first security setting.

31. A method of group communication using a first mobile device, comprising:

communicating with at least one second mobile device over a first communication pathway;

detecting a first motion of the first mobile device corresponding to a user moving the first mobile device from a first position to a second position;

establishing a communication channel with the at least one second mobile device over a second communication pathway in response to the detected first motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device over the second communication pathway.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the detected first motion corresponds to the user moving the first mobile device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the first communication pathway comprises a server-mediated communication pathway and the second communication pathway comprises a peer-to-peer communication pathway.

34. The method of claim 31, wherein first communication pathway comprises a first network or portion of a network and the second communication pathway comprises a second network or portion of a network.

35. The method of claim 31, further comprising:

detecting a second motion of the device corresponding to the user moving the device from the second position to the first position;

establishing a communication channel with the at least one second mobile device over the first communication pathway based on the detected second motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device over the first communication pathway.

36. A method of group communication using a first mobile device, comprising:

communicating with at least one second mobile device using a first communication infrastructure;

detecting a first motion of the first mobile device corresponding to a user moving the first mobile device from a first position to a second position;

transitioning to a second communication infrastructure in response to the detected first motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the second communication infrastructure.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the detected first motion corresponds to the user moving the first mobile device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein the transitioning to a second communication infrastructure comprises at least one of transitioning to a different Quality of Service (QoS) for the communication, using a different codec for encoding voice signals, and using a noise cancellation feature.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein the transitioning to a second communication infrastructure comprises switching between a 3G and a 4G network infrastructure.

40. The method of claim 36, wherein the transitioning to a second communication infrastructure comprises reallocating resources used for transmission, reception and/or display of visual media content to higher-quality audio communication.

41. The method of claim 36, further comprising:

detecting a second motion of the device corresponding to the user moving the device from the second position to the first position;

transitioning the first communication infrastructure based on the detected second motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the first communication infrastructure.

42. A mobile communication device, comprising:

a transceiver; and

a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

communicating with at least one second mobile device in a public mode;

detecting a first motion corresponding to a user of the mobile communication device moving the mobile communication device from a first position to a second position;

transitioning from a public mode to a private mode in response to the detected first motion; and

sending a message to the at least one second mobile device indicating a transition from a public mode to a private mode.

43. The mobile communication device of claim 42, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that detecting a first motion comprises detecting a motion corresponding to the user moving the mobile communication device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

44. The mobile communication device of claim 42, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that transitioning from a public mode to a private mode comprises changing an audio path in the mobile communication device from a speakerphone mode to an earpiece mode.

45. The mobile communication device of claim 42, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions further comprising:

receiving a message from the at least one second mobile device indicating that the at least one second mobile device has transitioned from public mode to private mode.

46. The mobile communication device of claim 42, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that transitioning from a public mode to a private mode comprises changing a security setting of the communication.

47. The mobile communication device of claim 46, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that changing a security setting comprises transitioning from unencrypted to encrypted communication.

48. The mobile communication device of claim 42, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that transitioning from a public mode to a private mode comprises transitioning from half-duplex to full-duplex communication with the at least one second mobile device.

49. The mobile communication device of claim 42, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that transitioning from a public mode to a private mode comprises changing a communication pathway of the communication with the at least one second mobile device.

50. The mobile communication device of claim 49, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that changing the communication pathway comprises transitioning from a server-mediated communication to a peer-to-peer communication with the at least one second mobile device.

51. The mobile communication device of claim 42, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that transitioning from a public mode to a private mode comprises changing a communication infrastructure used by the mobile communication device.

52. The mobile communication device of claim 51, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that changing a communication infrastructure comprises reallocating resources used for transmission, reception and/or display of visual media content to higher-quality audio communication.

53. The mobile communication device of claim 42, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

detecting a second motion corresponding to the user of the mobile communication device moving the mobile communication device from the second position to a third position; and

transitioning from a private mode to a public mode in response to the detected second motion.

54. The mobile communication device of claim 53, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that detecting a second motion comprises detecting a motion corresponding to the user moving the mobile communication device away from his or her ear.

55. The mobile communication device of claim 53, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

sending a message to the at least one second mobile device indicating a transition from a private mode to a public mode.

56. The mobile communication device of claim 55, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

receiving a message from the at least one second mobile device indicating that the second device has transitioned to public mode.

57. The mobile communication device of claim 56, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

providing a feedback cue to the user of the first mobile device indicating that the second device has transitioned to public mode.

58. The mobile communication device of claim 53, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

suppressing communication at the first mobile device until an indication of user compliance with the transition to public mode is detected.

59. A mobile communication device, comprising:

a transceiver; and

a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

communicating with at least one second mobile device in a public mode;

receiving a message from the at least one second mobile device indicating a transition from public mode to private mode; and

suppressing communication at the mobile communication device until an indication of user compliance with the transition to private mode is detected.

60. The mobile communication device of claim 59, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that suppressing communication comprises suspending forced audio messages from the at least one second mobile device.

61. The mobile communication device of claim 59, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

buffering messages received from the at least one second mobile device for later playback while communication at the mobile communication device is suppressed.

62. The mobile communication device of claim 59, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

providing an indication to a user of the mobile communication device that the at least one second user device has transitioned to private mode.

63. The mobile communication device of claim 59, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that user compliance with the transition to private mode is detected when a first motion corresponding to a user of the mobile communication device moving the mobile communication device from a first position to a second position is detected.

64. The mobile communication device of claim 63, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that the first motion corresponds to the user moving the mobile communication device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

65. The mobile communication device of claim 59, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that user compliance with the transition to private mode is detected based on input received at a user interface of the mobile communication device.

66. The mobile communication device of claim 59, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

resuming communication when the indication of user compliance with the transition to private mode is detected.

67. A mobile communication device, comprising:

a transceiver; and

a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

communicating with at least one second mobile device using a first security setting;

detecting a first motion of the mobile communication device corresponding to a user moving the mobile communication device from a first position to a second position;

transitioning to a second security setting in response to the detected first motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the second security setting.

68. The mobile communication device of claim 67, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that the detected first motion corresponds to the user moving the mobile communication device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

69. The mobile communication device of claim 67, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that transitioning to a second security setting comprises transitioning from unencrypted to encrypted communication.

70. The mobile communication device of claim 67, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that transitioning to a second security setting comprises rerouting a communication pathway of the communication with the at least one second mobile device to a different network or a different portion of a network.

71. The mobile communication device of claim 67, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

detecting a second motion of the mobile communication device corresponding to the user moving the mobile communication device from the second position to the first position;

transitioning to the first security setting based on the detected second motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the first security setting.

72. A mobile communication device, comprising:

a transceiver; and

a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

communicating with at least one second mobile device over a first communication pathway;

detecting a first motion of the mobile communication device corresponding to a user moving the mobile communication device from a first position to a second position;

establishing a communication channel with the at least one second mobile device over a second communication pathway in response to the detected first motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device over the second communication pathway.

73. The mobile communication device of claim 72, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that the detected first motion corresponds to the user moving the mobile communication device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

74. The mobile communication device of claim 72, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that the first communication pathway comprises a server-mediated communication pathway and the second communication pathway comprises a peer-to-peer communication pathway.

75. The mobile communication device of claim 72, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that the first communication pathway comprises a first network or portion of a network and the second communication pathway comprises a second network or portion of a network.

76. The mobile communication device of claim 72, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

detecting a second motion of the mobile communication device corresponding to the user moving the mobile communication device from the second position to the first position;

establishing a communication channel with the at least one second mobile device over the first communication pathway based on the detected second motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device over the first communication pathway.

77. A mobile communication device, comprising:

a transceiver; and

a processor coupled to the transceiver and configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising;

communicating with at least one second mobile device using a first communication infrastructure;

detecting a first motion of the mobile communication device corresponding to a user moving the mobile communication device from a first position to a second position;

transitioning to a second communication infrastructure in response to the detected first motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the second communication infrastructure.

78. The mobile communication device of claim 77, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that the detected first motion corresponds to the user moving the mobile communication device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

79. The mobile communication device of claim 77, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that the transitioning to a second communication infrastructure comprises at least one of transitioning to a different Quality of Service (QoS) for the communication, using a different codec for encoding voice signals, and using a noise cancellation feature.

80. The mobile communication device of claim 77, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that the transitioning to a second communication infrastructure comprises switching between a 3G and a 4G network infrastructure.

81. The mobile communication device of claim 77, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations such that the transitioning to a second communication infrastructure comprises reallocating resources used for transmission, reception and/or display of visual media content to higher-quality audio communication.

82. The mobile communication device of claim 77, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations further comprising:

detecting a second motion of the mobile communication device corresponding to the user moving the mobile communication device from the second position to the first position;

transitioning the first communication infrastructure based on the detected second motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the first communication infrastructure.

83. A mobile communication device, comprising:

means for communicating with at least one second mobile device in a public mode;

means for detecting a first motion corresponding to a user of the mobile communication device moving the mobile communication device from a first position to a second position;

means for transitioning from a public mode to a private mode in response to the detected first motion; and

means for sending a message to the at least one second mobile device indicating a transition from a public mode to a private mode.

84. The mobile communication device of claim 83, wherein the first motion corresponds to the user moving the mobile communication device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

85. The mobile communication device of claim 83, wherein means for transitioning from a public mode to a private mode comprises means for changing an audio path in the mobile communication device from a speakerphone mode to an earpiece mode.

86. The mobile communication device of claim 83, further comprising:

means for receiving a message from the at least one second mobile device indicating that the second device has transitioned from public mode to private mode.

87. The mobile communication device of claim 83, wherein means for transitioning from a public mode to a private mode comprises means for changing a security setting of the communication.

88. The mobile communication device of claim 87, wherein means for changing a security setting comprises means for transitioning from unencrypted to encrypted communication.

89. The mobile communication device of claim 83, wherein means for transitioning from a public mode to a private mode comprises means for transitioning from half-duplex to full-duplex communication with the at least one second mobile device.

90. The mobile communication device of claim 83, wherein means for transitioning from a public mode to a private mode comprises means for changing a communication pathway of the communication with the at least one second mobile device.

91. The mobile communication device of claim 90, wherein means for changing the communication pathway comprises means for transitioning from a server-mediated communication to a peer-to-peer communication with the at least one second mobile device.

92. The mobile communication device of claim 83, wherein means for transitioning from a public mode to a private mode comprises means for changing a communication infrastructure used by the first mobile device.

93. The mobile communication device of claim 92, wherein means for changing the communication infrastructure comprises means for reallocating resources used for transmission, reception and/or display of visual media content to higher-quality audio communication.

94. The mobile communication device of claim 83, further comprising:

means for detecting a second motion corresponding to the user of the mobile communication device moving the mobile communication device from the second position to a third position; and

means for transitioning from a private mode to a public mode in response to the detected second motion.

95. The mobile communication device of claim 94, wherein the second motion corresponds to the user moving the mobile communication device away from his or her ear.

96. The mobile communication device of claim 94, further comprising:

means for sending a message to the at least one second mobile device indicating a transition from a private mode to a public mode.

97. The mobile communication device of claim 96, further comprising:

means for receiving a message from the at least one second mobile device indicating that the second device has transitioned to public mode.

98. The mobile communication device of claim 97, further comprising:

means for providing a feedback cue to the user of the mobile communication device indicating that the second device has transitioned to public mode.

99. The mobile communication device of claim 94, further comprising:

means for suppressing communication at the mobile communication device until an indication of user compliance with the transition to public mode is detected.

100. A mobile communication device, comprising:

means for communicating with at least one second mobile device in a public mode;

means for receiving a message from the at least one second mobile device indicating a transition from public mode to private mode; and

means for suppressing communication at the mobile communication device until an indication of user compliance with the transition to private mode is detected.

101. The mobile communication device of claim 100, wherein means for suppressing communication comprises means for suspending forced audio messages from the at least one second mobile device.

102. The mobile communication device of claim 100, further comprising:

means for buffering messages received from the at least one second mobile device for later playback while communication is suppressed at the mobile communication device.

103. The mobile communication device of claim 100, further comprising:

means for providing an indication to a user of the mobile communication device that the at least one second user device has transitioned to private mode.

104. The mobile communication device of claim 100, further comprising:

means for detecting user compliance with the transition to private mode when a first motion corresponding to a user of the mobile communication device moving the mobile communication device from a first position to a second position is detected.

105. The mobile communication device of claim 104, wherein the first motion corresponds to the user moving the mobile communication device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

106. The mobile communication device of claim 100, further comprising:

means for detecting user compliance with the transition to private mode based on input received at a user interface of the mobile communication device.

107. The mobile communication device of claim 100, further comprising:

means for resuming communication when the indication of user compliance with the transition to private mode is detected.

108. A mobile communication device, comprising:

means for communicating with at least one second mobile device using a first security setting;

means for detecting a first motion of the mobile communication device corresponding to a user moving the mobile communication device from a first position to a second position;

means for transitioning to a second security setting in response to the detected first motion; and

means for communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the second security setting.

109. The mobile communication device of claim 108, wherein the detected first motion corresponds to the user moving the mobile communication device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

110. The mobile communication device of claim 108, wherein means for transitioning to a second security setting comprises means for transitioning from unencrypted to encrypted communication.

111. The mobile communication device of claim 108, wherein means for transitioning to a second security setting comprises means for rerouting a communication pathway of the communication with the at least one second mobile device to a different network or a different portion of a network.

112. The mobile communication device of claim 108, further comprising:

means for detecting a second motion of the mobile communication device corresponding to the user moving the device from the second position to the first position;

means for transitioning to the first security setting based on the detected second motion; and

means for communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the first security setting.

113. A mobile communication device, comprising:

means for communicating with at least one second mobile device over a first communication pathway;

means for detecting a first motion of the mobile communication device corresponding to a user moving the mobile communication device from a first position to a second position;

means for establishing a communication channel with the at least one second mobile device over a second communication pathway in response to the detected first motion; and

means for communicating with the at least one second mobile device over the second communication pathway.

114. The mobile communication device of claim 113, wherein the detected first motion corresponds to the user moving the mobile communication device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

115. The mobile communication device of claim 113, wherein:

means for communicating over a first communication pathway comprises means for communicating over a server-mediated communication pathway; and

means for communicating over a second communication pathway comprises means for communicating over a peer-to-peer communication pathway.

116. The mobile communication device of claim 113, wherein:

means for communicating over a first communication pathway comprises means for communicating over a first network or portion of a network; and

means for communicating over a second communication pathway comprises means for communicating over a second network or portion of a network.

117. The mobile communication device of claim 113, further comprising:

means for detecting a second motion of the mobile communication device corresponding to the user moving the mobile communication device from the second position to the first position;

means for establishing a communication channel with the at least one second mobile device over the first communication pathway based on the detected second motion; and

means for communicating with the at least one second mobile device over the first communication pathway.

118. A mobile communication device, comprising:

means for communicating with at least one second mobile device using a first communication infrastructure;

means for detecting a first motion of the mobile communication device corresponding to a user moving the mobile communication device from a first position to a second position;

means for transitioning to a second communication infrastructure in response to the detected first motion; and

means for communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the second communication infrastructure.

119. The mobile communication device of claim 118, wherein the detected first motion corresponds to the user moving the mobile communication device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

120. The mobile communication device of claim 118, wherein means for transitioning to a second communication infrastructure comprises at least one of means for transitioning to a different Quality of Service (QoS) for the communication, means for using a different codec for encoding voice signals, and means for using a noise cancellation feature.

121. The mobile communication device of claim 118, wherein means for transitioning to a second communication infrastructure comprises means for switching between a 3G and a 4G network infrastructure.

122. The mobile communication device of claim 118, wherein means for transitioning to a second communication infrastructure comprises means for reallocating resources used for transmission, reception and/or display of visual media content to higher-quality audio communication.

123. The mobile communication device of claim 118, further comprising:

means for detecting a second motion of the mobile communication device corresponding to the user moving the mobile communication device from the second position to the first position;

means for transitioning the first communication infrastructure based on the detected second motion; and

means for communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the first communication infrastructure.

124. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon processor executable instructions configured to cause a processor of a first mobile communication device to perform operations comprising:

communicating with at least one second mobile device in a public mode;

detecting a first motion corresponding to a user of the first mobile communication device moving the first mobile communication device from a first position to a second position;

transitioning from a public mode to a private mode in response to the detected first motion; and

sending a message to the at least one second mobile device indicating a transition from a public mode to a private mode.

125. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 124, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that detecting the first motion comprises detecting a motion corresponding to the user moving the first mobile communication device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

126. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 124, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that the transition from a public mode to a private mode comprises changing an audio path in the first mobile device from a speakerphone mode to an earpiece mode.

127. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 124, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations further comprising:

receiving a message from the at least one second mobile device indicating that the second device has transitioned from public mode to private mode.

128. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 124, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that the transition from a public mode to a private mode comprises changing a security setting of the communication.

129. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 128, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that changing a security setting comprises transitioning from unencrypted to encrypted communication.

130. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 124, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that the transition from a public mode to a private mode comprises transitioning from half-duplex to full-duplex communication with the at least one second mobile device.

131. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 124, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that the transition from a public mode to a private mode comprises changing a communication pathway of the communication with the at least one second mobile device.

132. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 131, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that changing the communication pathway comprises transitioning from a server-mediated communication to a peer-to-peer communication with the at least one second mobile device.

133. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 124, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that the transition from a public mode to a private mode comprises changing a communication infrastructure used by the first mobile communication device.

134. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 133, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that changing the communication infrastructure comprises reallocating resources used for transmission, reception and/or display of visual media content to higher-quality audio communication.

135. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 124, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations further comprising:

detecting a second motion corresponding to the user of the first mobile communication device moving the first mobile communication device from the second position to a third position; and

transitioning from a private mode to a public mode in response to the detected second motion.

136. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 135, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that the second motion corresponds to the user moving the device away from his or her ear.

137. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 135, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations further comprising:

sending a message to the at least one second mobile device indicating a transition from a private mode to a public mode.

138. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 137, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations further comprising:

receiving a message from the at least one second mobile device indicating that the second device has transitioned to public mode.

139. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 138, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations further comprising:

providing a feedback cue to the user of the first mobile device indicating that the second device has transitioned to public mode.

140. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 135, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations further comprising:

suppressing communication at the first mobile device until an indication of user compliance with the transition to public mode is detected.

141. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon processor executable instructions configured to cause a processor of a first mobile communication device to perform operations comprising:

communicating with at least one second mobile device in a public mode;

receiving a message from the at least one second mobile device indicating a transition from public mode to private mode; and

suppressing communication at the first mobile communication device until an indication of user compliance with the transition to private mode is detected.

142. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 141, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that suppressing communication comprises suspending forced audio messages from the at least one second mobile device.

143. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 141, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations further comprising:

while communication is suppressed at the first mobile device, buffering messages received from the at least one second mobile device for later playback.

144. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 141, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations further comprising:

providing an indication to a user of the first mobile device that the at least one second user device has transitioned to private mode.

145. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 141, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that user compliance with the transition to private mode is detected when a first motion corresponding to a user of the first mobile device moving the first mobile device from a first position to a second position is detected.

146. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 145, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that the first motion corresponds to the user moving the first mobile device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

147. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 141, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that user compliance with the transition to private mode is detected based on input received at a user interface of the first mobile device.

148. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 141, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations further comprising:

resuming communication when the indication of user compliance with the transition to private mode is detected.

149. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon processor executable instructions configured to cause a processor of a first mobile communication device to perform operations comprising:

communicating with at least one second mobile device using a first security setting;

detecting a first motion of the first mobile communication device corresponding to a user moving the first mobile device from a first position to a second position;

transitioning to a second security setting in response to the detected first motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the second security setting.

150. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 149, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that the detected first motion corresponds to the user moving the first mobile communication device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

151. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 149, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that transitioning to a second security setting comprises transitioning from unencrypted to encrypted communication.

152. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 149, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that transitioning to a second security setting comprises rerouting a communication pathway of the communication with the at least one second mobile device to a different network or a different portion of a network.

153. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 149, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations further comprising:

detecting a second motion of the first mobile communication device corresponding to the user moving the device from the second position to the first position;

transitioning to the first security setting based on the detected second motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the first security setting.

154. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon processor executable instructions configured to cause a processor of a first mobile communication device to perform operations comprising:

communicating with at least one second mobile device over a first communication pathway;

detecting a first motion of the first mobile communication device corresponding to a user moving the first mobile communication device from a first position to a second position;

establishing a communication channel with the at least one second mobile device over a second communication pathway in response to the detected first motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device over the second communication pathway.

155. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 154, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that the detected first motion corresponds to the user moving the first mobile communication device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

156. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 154, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that the first communication pathway comprises a server-mediated communication pathway and the second communication pathway comprises a peer-to-peer communication pathway.

157. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 154, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that first communication pathway comprises a first network or portion of a network and the second communication pathway comprises a second network or portion of a network.

158. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 154, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations further comprising:

detecting a second motion of the first mobile communication device corresponding to the user moving the device from the second position to the first position;

establishing a communication channel with the at least one second mobile device over the first communication pathway based on the detected second motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device over the first communication pathway.

159. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon processor executable instructions configured to cause a processor of a first mobile communication device to perform operations comprising:

communicating with at least one second mobile device using a first communication infrastructure;

detecting a first motion of the first mobile communication device corresponding to a user moving the first mobile communication device from a first position to a second position;

transitioning to a second communication infrastructure in response to the detected first motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the second communication infrastructure.

160. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 159, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that the detected first motion corresponds to the user moving the first mobile communication device to a position proximate the user'"'"'s ear.

161. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 159, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that the transitioning to a second communication infrastructure comprises at least one of transitioning to a different Quality of Service (QoS) for the communication, using a different codec for encoding voice signals, and using a noise cancellation feature.

162. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 159, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that the transitioning to a second communication infrastructure comprises switching between a 3G and a 4G network infrastructure.

163. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 159, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations such that the transitioning to a second communication infrastructure comprises reallocating resources used for transmission, reception and/or display of visual media content to higher-quality audio communication.

164. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 159, wherein the stored processor executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the first mobile communication device to perform operations further comprising:

detecting a second motion of the first mobile communication device corresponding to the user moving the device from the second position to the first position;

transitioning the first communication infrastructure based on the detected second motion; and

communicating with the at least one second mobile device using the first communication infrastructure.