Exhibit "C" Dockets.Justia.com

Transcription

1 SmartPhne Technlgies LLC v. AT&T Inc. et al Dc. 1 Att. 3 Exhibit "C" Dckets.Justia.cm

2 (12) United States Patent Skinner et ai US B 1 (10) Patent N.: US 6,928,300 BI (45) Date f Patent: Aug. 9,2005 (54) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED FLEXIBLE CONFIGURING OF NOTIFICATIONS AND ACTIVATION (75) Inventrs: Craig Skinner, Snhmish, WA (US); William Shu-wn Wng, Issaquah, WA (US); Jhn Richard Brwn, Lynnwd, WA (US) (73) Assignee: Palm Surce, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA (US) ( *) Ntice: Subject t any disclaimer, the term f this patent is extended r adjusted under 35 U.S.c. 154(b) by 768 days. (21) Appl. N.: 09/710,156 (22) Filed: Nv. 9, 2000 (51) Int. CI?... H04M 3/00 (52) U.S. CI /556.2; 455/418; 455/422.1; 455/566; 340/825.26; 708/109 (58) Field f Search /418,414.1, 455/422.1, 556.1, 556.2, 566, 567, 574; 340/7.27, , 7.39; 708/109, 112, 135; 345/156, 150, 155; 55/404.1, 410, 412.1, 412.3,414.1,418,421,461,459,466, 41.2, 66.1, 566, 556.2; 709/223, 206 (56) References Cited U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 5,889,852 A * 3/1999 Rsecrans et al / ,070,055 A * 5/2000 Uchida /566 6,131,046 A * 10/2000 San et al /566 6,209,011 B1 * 3/2001 Vng et al /112 6,317,593 B1 * 11/2001 Vssler / ,453,182 B1 * 9/2002 Sprigg et al /574 6,836,656 B2 * 12/2004 Nakae et al /418 * cited by examiner Primary Examiner-David Hudspeth Assistant Examiner-Kamran Afshar (74) Attrney, Agent, r Firm~erry & Assciates P.c. (57) ABSTRACT A preferences ptin maintains preferences fr enabling and disabling ntificatins fr device(s) f an electrnic device. The ntificatins are fr any f s, phne calls, r ther cmmunicatins, r events (datebk alarms, fr example). One r mre devices may prduce ntificatins, and individual preferences fr each device may be maintained, r a single set f ntificatins preferences may direct the utput f ntificatins fr each device. The ntificatins preferences includes a schedule ptin that allws a time perid where the ntificatins may be specifically enabled r disabled autmatically. In ne embdiment, the ntificatins preferences cntrl ntificatins nly, and in ther embdiments, the ntificatin preferences cntrl ntificatins and whether r nt the devices themselves are enabled r perating (fr example, turning a cell phne device ff). A cnfirmatin screen is prvided that psitively identifies whether the device(s) are RF enabled r nt (and therefre safe t enter an airprt, hspital, r ther n RF zne). 20 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets This device is AIRPLANE SAFE ( All RF devices are DISABLED)

3 u.s. Patent Aug. 9, 2005 Sheet 1 f 10 us 6,928,30 0 1\1 fig. 1

4 u.s. Patent Aug. 9,2005 Sheet 2 f 10 US 6,928,300 BI II ;0 ~.. ~ r ~ ji;"..,. ~ ,. 280 r ~ }, 210 n \ j Fig. 2

5 u.s. Patent Aug. 9,2005 Sheet 3 f 10 US 6,928,300 BI ~ Preferences 340 Ntificatin: ON Schedule r 1 r ~ 300 ~380 CH~}P) ) C FIG. 3

6 u.s. Patent Aug. 9,2005 Sheet 4 f 10 US 6,928,300 BI ~f)i Preferences ".. Wireless 340 Ntificatin: 405 -_ ) ON OFF Set Ntificatin Times Start Time: r-s":"oo""am"""l ;,...._..._...; G E---+-f- 420 End Time: -E---+-f' ~~ ( Cancel) FIG. 4

7 u.s. Patent Aug. 9,2005 Sheet 5 f 10 US 6,928,300 BI This device is AIRPLANE SAFE ( All RF devices are DISABLED) Fig. SA

8 u.s. Patent Aug. 9,2005 Sheet 6 f 10 US 6,928,300 BI 0 0 Fig. 58

9 u.s. Patent Aug. 9,2005 Sheet 7 f 10 US 6,928,300 BI Ntificatins / 600 Display Main Ntificatins Dialg 610 / Ntificatins Preferences Received frm inputs 620 / Preferences saved & Cnfigure device fr Ntificatins 630 / Fin Fig. 6

10 u.s. Patent Aug. 9,2005 Sheet 8 f 10 US 6,928,300 BI Schedule Ntificatins Initiated / Read Schedule Ntificatins Data 720 Display Schedule Ntificatins Dialg J740 ~730 Save updated data & Re-cnfigure Ntificatins 750 Fin Fig. 7

11 u.s. Patent Aug. 9,2005 Sheet 9 f 10 US 6,928,300 BI User Sets Schedule 0( yes Tum RF device On Tum RF device Off Fig. 8

12 u.s. Patent Aug. 9,2005 Sheet 10 f 10 US 6,928,300 BI Event Occurs < 900 /", n Device is unaware f event (Radi is ff) send event ntificatin ( 920 Read User Preferences ( 930 Prepare & send event ntificatin based n ( 940 User Preferences Fig. 9

13 1 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED FLEXIBLE CONFIGURING OF NOTIFICATIONS AND ACTIVATION COPYRIGHT NOTICE A prtin f the disclsure f this patent dcument cntains material which is subject t cpyright prtectin. The cpyright wner has n bjectin t the facsimile reprductin by anyne f the patent dcument r the patent disclsure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file r recrds, but therwise reserves all cpyright rights whatsever. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION US 6,928,300 Bl 1. Field f Inventin This inventin relates generally t user interfaces. The inventin is mre particularly related t user interfaces fr phne and Persnal Digital Assistants (PDAs). And, the 20 inventin is yet mre particularly related t cmbining phne and PDA user interfaces n a single prcessing device. 2. Discussin f Backgrund Persnal cmputer systems and their applicatins have becme cmmn tls in mdern sciety. T rganize their lives, many persnal cmputer users use persnal infrmatin management applicatins such as an address bk and a daily rganizer n their persnal cmputers. Althugh such applicatins have prven useful fr persnal infrmatin management, their utility is limited by the fact that the persn must be sitting at their persnal cmputer system t access the infrmatin. T remedy this limitatin, palmtp cmputers, electrnic rganizers and ther handheld devices, cmmnly knwn as persnal digital assistants (PDA's), have been intrduced. The PDA is a cmputer that is small enugh t be handheld r placed in a pcket, and allws a user and run varius applicatins including persnal infrmatin management applicatins such as address bks, daily rganizers, etc. These applicatins make peple's lives easier. A ppular brand f PDA is the Palm. Hwever, the Palm is much mre than a simple PDA. A basic cnfiguratin f the Palm 100 is shwn in FIG. 1. This small, slim, device, abut the size f yur wallet, can hld 6000 addresses, 5 years f appintments, 1500 t-d items, 1500 mems, 200 messages, and can run many different sftware applicatins. The frnt f the Palm 100 is a large LCD screen 110 which is tuch-sensitive and allws a user t enter and manipulate data. A stylus (nt shwn) is prvided with the Palm t help in making tuch screen inputs. By using the stylus (r anther handheld pinter) t interact with a tuch-sensitive screen, a palmtp user can easily navigate thrugh a hst f built-in prgrams, sftware, and ther applicatins. Tday, the Palm, PDA and ther handheld cmputing devices (Palm tps) ffer Internet cnnectivity capabilities, as well as a vast array f hardware and sftware chices. Palmtps have evlved frm simple rganizers int a new kind f handheld that peple use t instantly manage all kinds f infrmatin, frm , t medical data, t stck reprts. Mbile telephnes (cell phnes, PCS, satellite phnes, etc) are als cmmn tls in tday's wrld. Many cell phnes include rudimentary functinality fr maintaining 2 telephne numbers and ther functinality t help alleviate the burdens assciated with making calls and tracking phne numbers. In additin, the mdern cell phne als has ptins fr persnalizing the style f varius phne peratins. 5 As ne example, a cmmn phne peratin subject t style is ringing. The mdern cell phne ften ffers a user the ptins f setting a specific ringer tne, music, r set the ringer t vibrate mde, fr example. Hwever, despite the great capabilities and cnveniences 10 f the mdern PDA, and the cell phne, many innvatins are needed fr expanding the capabilities and fr increasing the cnvenience f using PDAs and cell phnes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present inventrs have realized a need fr flexible 15 cnfiguratin f ntificatins, activatins and ther items within electrnic devices. The inventin is best applied in a cell phne, r mbile PDA envirnment t imprve the perfrmance, cnvenience, and usability f PDA and/r ther electrnic devices. The present inventin is a PDA r ther electrnic device having that allws the user t cntrl ntificatin settings utilized by the device. The present inventin prvides a sft buttn methd fr affirmatively enabling r disabling RF devices within and/r attached t a PDA r ther electrnic 25 device. In additin, instead f simply changing a cell phne frm ringer t vibrate mde (when the user is at a meeting r classrm, fr example), the present inventin includes a device fr prgramming the cell phne t be ff fr a 30 selected time perid (next hur, fr example), r t autmatically turn itself ff n a regularly scheduled basis (frm 3-5PM n Wednesdays, during class r a regularly scheduled staff meeting, fr example). Althugh the present inventin may be described herein 35 as a cell phne r ther telephne device, the present inventrs have realized that the present inventin is particu- 1arly useful in bth a cell phne, and a PDA envirnment, and that the cmbinatin f Cell Phne and PDA is als ideally suited fr practicing the inventin. In additin, the 40 inventin may be applied t any electrnic device having any type f ntificatin, but is particularly well suited t mbile electrnic devices having RF capabilities. The inventin includes a cnfirmatin display that psitively identifies RF devices as being disabled and therefre safe fr use in 45 airplanes, hspitals, and ther n-rf znes. The present inventin is embdied as an electrnic device, cmprising a display screen; at least ne cmpnent cnfigured t initiate a user ntificatins based n events; a prcessr unit cnfigured t, retrieve and display current 50 preferences that indicate whether the ntificatins f said cmpnent are enabled r disabled, save preferences input by a user, and cnfigure the electrnic device t implement the saved preferences. The present inventin includes an electrnic device, 55 cmprising, an RF check mechanism cnfigured t, test at least ne f internal and attached devices t determine if any f the tested devices are RF enabled, and prduce a signal indicating an RF status f the tested devices, and a display mechanism cupled t said RF check mechanism and cn- 60 figured t display the indicatin f RF status. The present inventin includes a methd f setting ntificatins n an electrnic device, cmprising the steps f, displaying user selectable ntificatin ptins n a display screen f the electrnic device, receiving an identifier indi- 65 cating a user selected ntificatin, and cnfiguring ntificatins f the electrnic device accrding t the user selected ntificatin.

14 US 6,928,300 Bl 3 4 Prtins f the present inventin may be cnveniently implemented n a general purpse cmputer, such as a mdern PDA, Palm, cell phne, satellite phne, r netwrked cmputers, and the results may be displayed n an utput device cnnected t any f the general purpse, PDA, 5 Palm TM, netwrked cmputers, r transmitted t a remte device fr utput r display. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A mre cmplete appreciatin f the inventin and many f the attendant advantages theref will be readily btained as the same becmes better understd by reference t the fllwing detailed descriptin when cnsidered in cnnectin with the accmpanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a Palm handheld cmputer; FIG. 2 is a blck diagram f selected cmpnents f an embdiment f a PDA device with radi frequency (rf) capabilities accrding t the present inventin; FIG. 3 is a screen sht n a Palm f an embdiment f a preferences ntificatins dialg accrding t the present inventin; FIG. 4 is a screen sht n a Palm f an embdiment f a preferences set ntificatin times dialg accrding t the present inventin; FIG. 5A is a screen sht f an example cnfirmatin screen indicating that a PDA device having RF capability is airplane safe; FIG. 5B is an example screen sht f a PDA having RF capability indicating the PDA is nt airplane safe; FIG. 6 is a flw chart illustrating an embdiment f a set ntificatins ON/OFF prcess accrding t the present inventin; FIG. 7 is a flw chart illustrating an embdiment f a set scheduled ntificatins prcess accrding t the present inventin; FIG. 8 is a flw chart illustrating an embdiment f a schedule implementatin prcess accrding t the present inventin; and FIG. 9 is a flw chart illustrating an embdiment f an event ntificatins prcess accrding t the present inventins DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring again t the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical r crrespnding parts, and mre particularly t FIG. 2 theref, there is illustrated a blck diagram f selected cmpnents f a handheld cmputer 200 that includes cell phne technlgy. The handheld cmputer 200 includes a prcessing unit 210, fr executing applicatins and an perating system f the cmputer 200, a memry device 220 fr string the perating system, data, and the applicatins. A memry bus 225 is utilized t transfer prgrams and data frm memry t the prcessing unit 210. A display screen 230 is prvided (preferably a tuch sensitive screen) fr display f Operating System prmpts, buttns, icns, applicatin screens, and ther data, and fr prviding user inputs via tapping r tuching (r drawing in the Graffiti area 120) via a stylus r ther tuch mechanism. Hardware interface 235 cnnects t physical hard buttns and switches lcated n a bdy f the cmputer 200 and prvides signals t applicatins running n the prcessing unit 210. A mbile radi device 240 prvides cnnectlvity t a cellular telephne netwrk (nt shwn). Alternatively the radi device may be a palm.net enabled radi device fr wireless web-clipping, , and ther wireless cnnectivity cmmunicatins. The radi device may als be a wireless Internet enabled radi device, such as Ricchet, etc., pager, wireless device, Family Radi System (FRS), r any f different mbile telephnes, including cellular, satellite, PCS, TDMA, GSM, etc. Althugh the radi device 10 is shwn as an internal cmpnent t the cmputer 200, the radi device may be cntained in sled r ther cnfiguratin that attaches t an exterir f the cmputer 200, r may be a separate device cnnected t the cmputer via a cable r 15 ther cnnectin (wireless, IR, fr example). A system bus 255 carries data and cmmands t/frm the prcessing unit 210 frm/t ther devices within r attached t the cmputer 200. Fr example, user applicatins running n the cmputer 200 send applicatin screens and ther data utputs t display screen 230 fr display via the system bus User inputs (Graffiti area drawing, r tap selectin, fr example) are detected by the screen 230 and sent t the prcessing unit 210 via the system bus 255. In additin t the perating system and user selected applicatins, anther applicatin, a phne device 25 (instructins stred in memry 220), executes n the prcessing unit 210. Phne calls frm the netwrk directed tward the mbile radi device 240 are detected by the mbile radi device and sent, in the frm f an incming call ntificatin, t the phne device executing n the prcessing 30 unit 210. The phne device prcesses the incming call ntificatin by ntifying the user by an audi utput such as ringing (nt shwn). The phne device als includes a methd fr the user t 35 answer the incming call. Fr example, tapping n a phne icn, r pressing a hard buttn designated r preprgrammed fr answering a call signals the phne device t send instructins (via system bus 255) t the mbile radi device 240 t answer the call. 40 Outging calls are placed by a user by entering digits f the number t be dialed and pressing a call icn, fr example. The dialed digits are sent t the mbile radi device 240 alng with instructins needed t cnfigure the mbile radi device 240 fr an utging call. Similarly, if 45 the radi device is a web, palm.net, , r ther rf cmmunicatin device, apprpriate instructins are sent t the radi device t instruct r therwise administer the cmmunicatin. The administratin may prvide a cmmunicatin and a destinatin address t send the cmmunica- 50 tin t the mbile radi device 240, r receiving an and string it in memry (memry 220, fr example) r displaying it t a user. Preferably, the cmputer 200 is a PDA device having interactive hardware and sftware that perfrm functins 55 such as maintaining calendars, phne lists, and at least ne vice r audi related functins integrated r attachably integrated (via a cnnectr device, fr example, nt shwn) s as t be cnfigured fr use with cellular telephne capabilities f the PDA. Several examples f a cnfiguratin 60 and details f devices fr cnnecting r integrating vice functin devices t a PDA are described in Maes et ai., applicatin Ser. N. 09/675,872, entitled, "INTEGRATING VOICE FUNCTION INTO APDA," filed Sep. 29, 2000, the cntents f which are incrprated herein by reference in 65 their entirety. The sftware, including the phne device, perating system, and ther applicatins (wrd prcessrs,

15 US 6,928,300 Bl 5 spreadsheets, games, databases, etc.) 223 are stred in memry device 220 alng with prgram data, graphics, and ther data and executed n the prcessing unit 210. Prcessing unit 210 executes the sftware, including the perating system (OS, including a User Interface (UI) f the 5 OS), and ther user applicatins as directed by user inputs. The user applicatins display utputs n the display screen 230 and receive inputs frm taps, tap & hld, and writing peratins n the display screen and frm prgrammed hard buttns attached t the hardware interface 235. Memry device 220 is cnstructed f RAM memry r ROM memry, r a cmbinatin f bth ROM and RAM, and may include flash memry cmpnents. An perating system 222 resides n a ROM prtin f the memry 220 and prvides executable instructins t perfrm perating system functins f the handheld cmputer 200. User applicatins 223 generally reside in a RAM prtin f the memry 220. The present inventin is cntained in a prgram stred n ROM. Hwever, the inventin may als be prgrammed within the perating system 222, r may be a separate prgram cntained in RAM r any ther strage device (prgram 280, fr example). When the present inventin is invked, cmputer instructins frm the perating system 222 r prgram 280 are executed n prcessing unit 210 which issue cmmands that cntrl the radi device 240 (enable/disable), r save a schedule fr enabling/disabling the radi device. The abve describes a basic envirnment (a cell phne r a PDA with RF capabilities) in which the present inventin is practiced. Hwever, it shuld be understd that many different electrnic devices, including cell phnes, PDA's f 30 different cnfiguratins and varius integrated r attached devices and/r RF capabilities are als suitable envirnments in which the present inventin may als be practiced. FIG. 3 is a screen sht f a handheld cmputer device 300 executing an embdiment f the present inventin and 35 illustrating a ntificatins preference screen accrding t the present inventin. The handheld cmputer includes a series f hard buttns 301 that are prgrammable r hardwired t activate/deactivate varius functins f the handheld cmputer, including, fr example, turning the cmputer n r ff, activating perating system functins, activating prgrams, etc. (pwer buttn 303, rcker switch 305, and applicatin buttn 306, fr example). Tuch sensitive areas 315 n the display screen 302 are als prgrammable t invke varius functins f the perating system r user applicatins f the handheld cmputer. A status bar 320 includes a general screen identifier 325 (preferences in this example), a preference panels list trigger (icn) 330, and a subcategry identificatin 335 (wireless in this example). The preference panels list trigger (icn) 330, when tabbed, brings a pull dwn menu that allws the user the ptin f switching t ther preference screens (setting the time and date, entering user infrmatin, and ther preferences, fr example). A wireless preferences functin 340 (ntificatin in this example) is displayed alng with varius ptins 350 fr setting wireless ntificatin preferences fr the wireless device. In this example, the preferences are being set fr a general wireless device, hwever the preferences may be set fr a palm.net type wireless device, r a cell phne, GSM phne, r ther wireless cmmunicatins r accessries that may be included with r attached t the handheld cmputer 300. Individual preference screens may be prvided fr each f multiple wireless devices. Alternatively, ntificatin preferences fr all the wireless devices may be cmbined and administered frm a single screen simplifying the wireless preferences ntificatins selectins that are required frm the user. 6 In ne embdiment, the applicatin buttn 306, when pressed by a user brings up a user applicatin preprgrammed by the perating system t be bted when applicatin buttn 306 is pressed (a mem pad functin, fr example). Hwever, if the applicatin buttn 306 is held dwn fr a 1st time perid f apprximately 1-2 secnds, a wireless preferences subprgram is launched and the display screen shwn n display 302 in FIG. 3 is presented t the user. The time perid that applicatin buttn 306 is required 10 t be held dwn t invke the wireless preferences subprgram is selected by the develper. Any time perid may be used. User selectable ptins 350 include ON 355, OFF 360 and Schedule 365. Each f these are selectable ptins 350 are 15 buttns displayed n the tuch sensitive screen 302. Hwever, any f the tuch sensitive areas 315 r hard buttns 302 may als be prgrammed t perfrm the same functins (using the display screen 302 t advise the user n which buttns perfrm these functins, fr example). If the 20 ON buttn 355 is pressed, wireless capabilities f the handheld cmputer 300 and the devices wireless ntificatins is immediately turned n. Any LEDs r ther indicating lights assciated with an ON status f either the radi devices (wireless devices) r the ntificatins are als turned 25 n as cnfirmatin. After the ON buttn 355 is pressed, the devices wireless ntificatins will start immediately if messages, s, telephne calls, etc. are received n any ne r mre wireless channels f the handheld cmputer 300. If the OFF buttn 360 is pressed, the handheld cmputer 300 wireless ntificatin and radi device(s) are immediately turned ff. Again, any LEDs cnfirming ntificatins r the status f the radi device(s) are als turned ff as cnfirmatin. When the user presses ff, the handheld cmputer 300 is n lnger RF enabled and the radi is abslutely turned ff, making the wireless device safe fr entering n RF enabled device znes (such as airplanes and certain hspital areas, r when the user ges t bed r is in anther area where the wireless device shuld nt be used 40 (classrms, etc.)). In ne embdiment, the present inventin includes a mechanism t assure the user r ther persnnel in n RF znes that the device is nt RF enabled (Airplane Safe, fr example). In this embdiment, the applicatin buttn 306 is 45 prgrammed t sense when it is held dwn fr a 2nd time perid f 2-3 secnds at which time the RF device is checked t assure that it is nt RF enabled and a cnfirmatin is displayed n the display screen 302. The airplane safe cnfirmatin can be a message displayed in large letters) n 50 the screen 302 stating "this device is airplane safe (all RF devices are shut dwn),'. See FIG. 5A, fr example. Alternatively, a graphic icn (airplane, fr example) may be displayed. Cnversely, after hlding the applicatins buttn 306 dwn fr the 2nd time perid, and, if the device is RF 55 enabled, the cnfirmatin message wuld state, fr example, "the device is RF enabled, please turn ff RF device if n an airplane r in a hspital zne". And alternatively, a graphic icn such as that displayed n display screen 302 in FIG. 5B may be displayed. Again, the length f the 2nd time perid 60 is selected by the develper. As with all the time perids discussed herein, any time perid may be utilized, s lng as cnflicts between different time perids d nt ccur r are therwise reslved. A feature f the present inventin is t allw a user a quick 65 methd fr checking a current status f the RF device. The prcess is t have a buttn pre-prgrammed t launch a check rutine that tests the RF device and then displays a

16 7 message, icn, r ther indicatin f the RF status. In ne embdiment, if the applicatin buttn 306 is held dwn fr a third time perid (mre than 3 secnds, fr example), the check rutine is invked, and, if the RF device is nt enabled, the apprpriate indicatin is made (FIG. 5A, fr example). If the RF device is enabled, a cntrary indicatin ccurs (FIG. 5B, fr example). Cntinuing nw with FIG. 3, help buttn 380 when pressed will give the user specific directins n hw t turn n r ff the wireless device r set a schedule using the wireless preferences ntificatin screen (FIG. 3, fr example). If the user presses the schedule buttn 365, a secnd dialg is displayed and the user can then cnfirm r set times that the user wants the wireless device and its related ntificatins t be set n and ff. Turning nw t FIG. 4, pressing the schedule buttn 365 brings up a set ntificatins times screen 400. The set ntificatins times screen 400 includes an identificatin bar 405 naming the screen. Infrmatin buttn ("i") 410, when pressed, prvides specific infrmatin abut the set ntificatins times (including, fr example, infrmatin that might als be included in a help screen explaining hw t use any f varius ptins within the set ntificatins time screen). A start time area 420 prvides the user an input area t indicate a start time when the RF device and ntificatins theref are t be enabled. An end time area 430 prvides the user an area where an end time when the RF device and its related ntificatins are t be disabled. In this embdiment, the start and end times indicate a time perid between which the RF device and its assciated ntificatins are t be enabled, and, in anther embdiment, the start and end times indicate a perid f time between which the RF device and its assciated ntificatins are t be disabled. Althugh the present inventin has been described with respect t enabling and disabling RF device(s) and assciated ntificatins, the present inventin may als be utilized t enable and disable ntificatins, withut necessarily enabling r disabling the RF device(s). Once the start and end time f the set ntificatin times screen dialg are set, the enabling and disabling f the RF device(s) and the assciated ntificatins will be handled autmatically by the prgramming and/r electrnics f the present inventin. In ne embdiment, the user must press an OK buttn 435 befre start and end times will be set. Start and end times entered by the user may be cancelled by pressing the cancel buttn 445 (s lng as the cancelled buttn is pressed befre OK, previusly existing start and end times will nt be changed). Examples f ntificatin times are likely t be scheduled by a user include regular perids f sleep f the user, scheduled classes r staff meetings, fr example. In ne embdiment, the set ntificatins times screen includes a date functin that allws a user t select particular dates t be assciated with the n/ff and/r enabled/disabled times r t set recurring time intervals such as every Mnday between 3:00 and 5:00 r each weekday between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. fr example. Thus the user is prvided a flexible way t ensure that the cell phne r ther RF device des nt interrupt at times when it wuld be incnvenient r imprper t have a ntificatin alarm r buzzer ccur. FIG. 6 is a flw chart illustrating a high level prcess accrding t an embdiment f the present inventin. At step 600 the user initiates the wireless ntificatins preferences functin, by pressing the applicatin buttn 306 fr between 1-2 secnds, fr example. The users actins are recgnized US 6,928,300 Bl 8 by a prgram (OS 222, fr example) and the main wireless ntificatins preferences dialg (see FIG. 3 fr example) is displayed (step 610). User actin such as selecting the ON buttn 355 r OFF buttn 360 are received (step 620) by the 5 prgram f the present inventin. At step 630, the received preferences are saved and the device (handheld cmputer 300, fr example) is immediately cnfigured accrding t thse inputs. FIG. 7 is a flw chart illustrating an embdiment f 10 prcessing invlved in setting scheduled ntificatin times accrding t the present inventin. At step 700, a user selects t set scheduled ntificatin times (pressing schedule buttn 365, fr example). At step 710, currently saved preferences fr the scheduled ntificatin times, if any, are read (frm 15 RAM memry prtin f memry 220, fr example). Current set ntificatin times preferences are then displayed alng with a set ntificatin times dialg (set ntificatin times dialg 400, fr example). Step 730 thrugh 750 are a lp where a user updates the set ntificatin times (with a 20 new start time, and/r a new end time and then pressing OK 435, fr example), at which pint new start/end times are saved and the device is cnfigured accrding t the new times. In ne embdiment, the set ntificatin times dialg is exited n recnfiguratin f the device (upn pressing OK 25 fr example). If the user makes an affirmative actin t leave the set ntificatins screen (pressing cancel, r initiating anther screen thrugh ne f the hard buttns r tapping anther area f the screen, fr example) the set ntificatin times dialg is exited t bring up anther functin fr 30 example (withut altering the previusly set ntificatin times). In anther embdiment, as sn as the user enters a new start r stp time, it is saved and the PDA cnfigures alarms t implement the new times. FIG. 8 is a flw chart illustrating an embdiment f 35 internal prcessing frmed in accrdance with the set ntificatin times f the present dimensin. When the device is cnfigured based n the set ntificatins times, and internal OS alarm is set fr each f the start and end times set n the set ntificatins times dialg. This is perfrmed when the 40 user sets the schedule (step 800) as described abve. Assuming that the device is currently in an RF disabled state, at sme pint the start time alarm (an alarm set accrding t the start time f the set ntificatin times screen) ccurs (step 710). When the start time alarm ccurs, the RF device and 45 ntificatins are enabled (turn RF device n step 720). Nw that the RF device and ntificatins are enabled, when the end time (set n the set ntificatins times dialg) is reached a secnd internal OS alarm ccurs (step 730), and the RF device(s) and assciated ntificatins are disabled (turn RF 50 device ff step 740). FIG. 9 is an example embdiment f prcessing that ccurs when an event ccurs (step 900) requiring the RF device and/r a ntificatin. If the ntificatins are n (user had previusly pressed ON buttn 355, fr example), r the 55 event ccurs within a schedule (as prescribed by the set ntificatin times dialg 400, fr example) (step 910), then, the event ntificatin is initiated (step 920). After initiating the event ntificatin, the user preferences are read (step 830), indicating the type f ntificatin t be received 60 (ringer, vibratr, etc.), and, at step 840, the event ntificatin is activated (ringing a bell, r vibrating the device, fr example). If at the time the event ccurs, the ntificatins are ff, r nt within the schedule set by the user in the set ntificatins times dialg, the RF device is ff and unaware 65 f the event and n actin ccurs (step 850). Alternatively, in the embdiment where the ntificatin preferences are nly applied t the event ntificatin, the RF

17 US 6,928,300 Bl 9 10 device is aware f the event, and, fr example, facilitates recrding f a vice mail ntificatin r saving anther indicatr that the event had ccurred. Hwever, since ntificatins are ff, n ntificatin is sent t the user at this time. Once the scheduled ntificatins times d ccur, r the user sets ntificatins t n, then an additinal step may be taken t determine if any messages were received by the RF device during times when ntificatins were ff and the user wuld then be ntified. In additin t turning ntificatins n and ff, the prcesses f the present inventin may als be applied t the manner in which ntificatins are received. Fr example, additinal user ptins may be specified scheduled times and a type f ntificatin. Fr example, setting ntificatins ff every day between llpm and 7 AM, setting ntificatins t ring between 7:01AM and 1O:59PM, and setting ntificatins t vibrate mde every Tuesday and Thursday frm IPM t 3PM, and every Wednesday frm 5PM t 8PM. In ne embdiment, althugh the user sets the RF device (s) ff (by pressing OFF buttn 360, fr example) ther 20 functinality f the device 300 is still perable (PDA functins, games, applicatins, etc.). Sme RF devices cnnect t netwrks that save incming messages when the RF device is disabled. In this case, after a perid f RF device disablement, a user may receive ne 25 r mre incming cmmunicatins (and ntificatins) upn enabling the RF device(s). Prtins f the present inventin may be cnveniently implemented using a cnventinal general purpse r a 30 specialized digital cmputer r micrprcessr prgrammed accrding t the teachings f the present disclsure, as will be apparent t thse skilled in the cmputer art. Apprpriate sftware cding can readily be prepared by skilled prgrammers based n the teachings f the present 35 disclsure, as will be apparent t thse skilled in the sftware art. The inventin may als be implemented by the preparatin f applicatin specific integrated circuits r by intercnnecting an apprpriate netwrk f cnventinal cmpnent circuits, as will be readily apparent t thse 40 skilled in the art. The present inventin includes a cmputer prgram prduct which is a strage medium (media) having instructins stred theren/in which can be used t cntrl, r cause, a cmputer t perfrm any f the prcesses f the present 45 inventin. The strage medium can include, but is nt limited t, any type f disk including flppy disks, mini disks (MD's), ptical discs, DVD, CD-ROMS, micr-drive, and magnet-ptical disks, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, DRAMs, VRAMs, flash memry devices 50 (including flash cards), magnetic r ptical cards, nansystems (including mlecular memry ICs), RAID devices, remte data strage/archive/warehusing, r any type f media r device suitable fr string instructins and/r data. Stred n anyne f the cmputer readable medium 55 (media), the present inventin includes sftware fr cntrlling bth the hardware f the general purpse/specialized cmputer r micrprcessr, and fr enabling the cmputer r micrprcessr t interact with a human user r ther mechanism utilizing the results f the present inventin. 60 Such sftware may include, but is nt limited t, device drivers, perating systems, and user applicatins. Ultimately, such cmputer readable media further includes sftware fr perfrming the present inventin, as described abve. 65 Included in the prgramming (sftware) f the general! specialized cmputer r micrprcessr are sftware md- ules fr implementing the teachings f the present inventin, including, but nt limited t, placing and receiving telephne calls r ther cmmunicatin peratins, setting ntificatins n r ff based n user inputs, including 5 determining a scheduled time, setting alarms fr waking prcesses fr turning ntificatin n/ff and/r shutting dwn/activating RF device(s), prviding RF disabled r enabled cnfirmatins, and the display, strage, r cmmunicatin f results accrding t the prcesses f the present 10 inventin. Obviusly, numerus mdificatins and variatins f the present inventin are pssible in light f the abve teachings. It is therefre t be understd that within the scpe f the appended claims, the inventin may be practiced ther- 15 wise than as specifically described herein. What is claimed and desired t be secured by Letters Patent f the United States is: 1. An electrnic device, cmprising: a display screen; at least ne cmpnent cnfigured t initiate user ntificatins based n events; a prcessr unit cnfigured t, retrieve and display user mdifiable preferences that indicate whether the ntificatins f said cmpnent are enabled r disabled, save preferences input by a user, and cnfigure the electrnic device t implement the saved preferences; wherein said cmpnent includes an RF device; and wherein said preferences include an indicatin f a RF status t display whether the RF device is enabled r disabled t render the electrnic device safe fr n RF znes. 2. The electrnic device accrding t claim 1, wherein said cmpnent includes an RF device, and said preferences further indicate whether the RF device is enabled r disabled. 3. The electrnic device accrding t claim 1, wherein: said preferences include a start time and a stp time; and said prcessing unit is further cnfigured t enable said ntificatins accrding t the start and stp times. 4. The electrnic device accrding t claim 3, wherein: the electrnic device further cmprises a clck mechanism; and said prcessing unit is cnfigured t, set alarm times based n said start and stp times, and enable and disable said ntificatins accrding t the alarms. 5. The electrnic device accrding t claim 3, wherein said electrnic device includes an RF device, and enablement and disablement f said ntificatins als enables and disables said RF device. 6. The electrnic device accrding t claim 5, further cmprising: an RF enabled indicatr that psitively identifies if the electrnic device is RF enabled r disabled. 7. The electrnic device accrding t claim 1, wherein said preferences include start times, stp times, and a date identifier indicating a date and time perid when ntificatins are t be either enabled r disabled. 8. The electrnic device accrding t claim 7, wherein said date is a day f the week. 9. The electrnic device accrding t claim 1, wherein the electrnic device is a PDA centric device, and said cmpnent is a mbile telephne device.

18 US 6,928,300 Bl An electrnic device, cmprising: an RF check mechanism cnfigured t, test at least ne f internal and attached devices t determine if any f the tested devices are RF enabled, and 5 prduce a signal indicating an RF status f the tested devices; and a display mechanism cupled t said RF check mechanism and cnfigured t display the indicatin f RF 10 status; wherein: said display mechanism is a screen; and the indicatin f RF status is an airplane graphic indicating the RF status The electrnic device accrding t claim 10, wherein said graphic includes at least a text message indicating the RF status. 12. The electrnic device accrding t claim 10, wherein: said display mechanism cmprises an indicatr light; and 20 RF enabled status is indicated by the indicatr light being set n. 13. A methd f setting ntificatins n an electrnic device, cmprising the steps f: 25 displaying user selectable ntificatin ptins n a display screen f the electrnic device; receiving a user selected preferences ptin; and cnfiguring ntificatins f the electrnic device accrding t the user selected preferences ptin; 30 wherein said preferences include an indicatin f a RF status t display whether the RF device is enabled r disabled t render the electrnic device safe fr n RF znes The methd accrding t claim 13, wherein: said step f displaying cmprises at least displaying an ON ptin and an OFF ptin. 15. The methd accrding t claim 13, wherein said step f displaying includes displaying a start time, and a stp time; and said step f cnfiguring includes enabling user ntificatins and said start time, and disabling user ntificatins a said stp time. 16. The methd accrding t claim 15, wherein said step f displaying includes displaying a start date assciated with said start time, and a stp date assciated with said stp time. 17. The methd accrding t claim 15, wherein said step f displaying includes displaying a day f the week assciated with said start and stp times. 18. The methd accrding t claim 13, wherein: said methd is embdied in cmpilable surce cde and stred n a cmputer readable media, that, when cmpiled and laded int a cmputer, cause the cmputer t perfrm the steps f the methd. 19. The methd accrding t claim 18, wherein said electrnic device is a PDA centric device, said cmputer readable media is a memry device inside the PDA. 20. The methd accrding t claim 13, wherein: said methd is embdied in at least ne f interpretable and executable sftware surce cde and stred n a cmputer readable media, that, when laded int a cmputer, cause the cmputer t perfrm the steps f the methd. * * * * *