Method for modifying notifications in an electronic device

• US 20050187896A1
• Filed: 02/25/2004
• Published: 08/25/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Malikie Innovations Limited (Key Patent Innovations Limited)
• Original Assignee: Blackberry Limited
• Inventors: Mousseau, Gary P.
• Granted Patent: US 7,873,646 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/542 Event management; Broadcasting; Multicasting; Notifications
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72436 for text messaging, e.g. short messaging services [SMS] or e-mails
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72451 according to schedules, e.g. using calendar applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 19/04 the ringing-current being generated at the substations
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 68/00 User notification, e.g. alerting and paging, for incoming communication, change of service or the like

Abstract

An embodiment relates to a novel apparatus and method for changing modes of notification in an electronic device. An electronic device includes a calendar application and a variety of other applications such as the message reader application or the daily alarm application. The device is configured to use the calendar application to track whether and how the user is notified of the receipt of an electronic. In one embodiment, the user specifically associates a profile behavior to the calendar entry when the calendar entry is first created.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising:

at least one output device for emitting a plurality of different signals; and

,

a microcomputer for processing a first event and a second event such that when said second event occurs during said first event said microcomputer derives a notification mode based on at least one criterion associated with at least one of said events and instructs said output device to emit one of said signals according to said notification mode.

2. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein said device is selected from the group consisting of a wireless personal digital assistant, a personal computer, a cell telephone, and a smart telephone.

3. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein said signals are selected from the group consisting of audible, mechanical and visual signals.

4. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein said first event is an appointment associated with said notification mode.

5. The electronic device of claim 4 wherein said second event is a receipt of an electronic message and said signal identifies said receipt.

6. The electronic device of claim 4 wherein said second event is a daily alarm and said signal identifies said alarm.

7. The electronic device of claim 4 wherein said electronic device includes functionality of a telephone and said second event is a receipt of a telephone call.

8. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein said notification mode is automatically selected based on a predefined string of characters included in said first event.

9. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein said events occur in different applications stored on said device and wherein said notification mode is based on a plurality of profiles configurable for each said application.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein said output devices include a flashing LED output device for emitting a visual signal and a speaker for emitting an audible signal.

11. An electronic device comprising:

at least one output device for emitting a plurality of different signals; and

,

a microcomputer operable to maintain a calendar appointment and operable to receive an electronic message such that when said electronic message is received during said calendar appointment said microcomputer derives a notification mode associated with said calendar appointment and instructs said output device to emit one of said signals according to said notification mode.

12. A method for modifying notifications in an electronic device comprising the steps of:

performing a first event;

performing a second event during said first event;

deriving a notification mode based on at least one criterion associated with at least one of said events; and

,

generating a signal according to said notification mode.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said device is selected from the group consisting of a wireless personal digital assistant, a personal computer, a cell telephone, and a smart telephone.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein said signals are selected from the group consisting of audible, mechanical and visual signals.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein said first event is an appointment associated with said notification mode.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said second event is a receipt of an electronic message and said signal identifies said receipt.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein said second event is a daily alarm and said signal identifies said alarm.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein said electronic device includes functionality of a telephone and said second event is a receipt of a telephone call.

19. The method of claim 12 wherein said notification mode is automatically selected based on a predefined string of characters included with said first event.

20. A computer-readable storage medium containing a set of instructions for an electronic device, said set of instructions comprising:

performing a first event;

performing a second event during said first event;

deriving a notification mode based on at least one criterion associated with at least one of said events; and

,

generating a signal according to said notification mode.