KR20100054799A - Method for organizing communication records on an electronic communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for organizing communication records on an electronic communication device is useful for efficiently displaying and reviewing communication records. The method includes processing incoming communications received from a plurality of contacts (405), and processing outgoing communications transmitted to the plurality of contacts (410). A plurality of electronic folder names is then sorted according to predetermined parameters (415). Each folder name in the plurality of electronic folder names is associated with a contact in the plurality of contacts. The plurality of electronic folder names is then displayed (420). Finally, in response to a selection of a folder name in the plurality of electronic folder names, both incoming communication records of the incoming communications and outgoing communication records of the outgoing communications associated with a contact in the plurality of contacts are displayed (425).

Description

METHOD FOR ORGANIZING COMMUNICATION RECORDS ON AN ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to electronic communication devices, and more particularly, to organizing communication records using a plurality of electronic folder names.

Mobile phones are increasingly associated with digital music players, personal digital assistants, handheld recorders, notebook computers, and various other devices in addition to wireless telephone services. Are becoming multi-function devices that can include devices and applications. For example, mobile phones often include applications for electronic address books, media playback, calendaring, personal information management, internet browsing, and email processing. However, increased functionality often results in more complex devices that are more difficult to operate. For example, some multi-functional devices may navigate through a complex menu or press a number of keypad entries to activate certain functions and review stored information. need.

Organizing communication records on some mobile phones is inconvenient and inefficient. Descriptions of certain folders, such as the "Inbox" folder, the "Outbox" folder, and the "Sent Item" folder, can be displayed in a fixed order on the communication history menu screen. Incoming messages, such as short messaging service (SMS) messages, can be viewed by selecting the "Inbox" folder description and reviewing a list of all incoming messages arranged in occurrence order or alphabetically. Similarly, sent messages can be viewed by selecting the "Sent Items" folder description and reviewing the list of all sent messages arranged in occurrence order or alphabetically. Therefore, finding and displaying a particular message may require reviewing multiple communication lists. Also, reviewing the communication history sent to and received from one contact may require iterative switching between menu screens.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For the present invention to be readily understood and to have substantial effect, reference will be made to the exemplary embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or functionally similar elements in all the individual drawings. The drawings, together with the following description, are incorporated into and form a part of this specification, and will serve to specifically describe embodiments in accordance with the invention and to explain various principles and advantages.
1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic communication device in the form of a mobile telephone according to some embodiments of the present invention.
2 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of electronic folder names displayed on a display screen of a mobile phone according to some embodiments of the present invention.
3 is a diagram illustrating both incoming and outgoing communication records displayed on a display screen of a mobile telephone, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of organizing communication records, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
Those skilled in the art will understand that the components of the figures are shown simply and clearly, and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the components of the figures may be exaggerated relative to other components to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

Prior to describing detailed embodiments in accordance with the present invention, it should be understood that the present embodiments exist primarily in a combination of device components and method steps related to organizing communication records in an electronic communication device. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps only show specific details suitable for understanding embodiments of the present invention in order not to obscure the present specification with details that will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the technology herein. These are appropriately represented by the usual symbols in the text.

In this specification, related terms such as first and second, top and bottom, front and back, etc. refer to one entity or action as another entity or action, and any actual relationship or order between those entities or actions. It is not necessary or implied and can be used only for distinction. “Comprises”, “comprising” or any other variation of the terms, as well as any process, method, article or apparatus that includes a list of components, includes those components as well. Rather, it is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion such that such a process, method, article, or apparatus may be listed explicitly or include other components that are not unique thereto. A component preceding “includes” does not exclude the presence of additional identical components in a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the component, unless there is further limitation.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic communication device in the form of a mobile telephone 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The mobile phone 100 includes a radio frequency communication unit 102 coupled to communicate with the common data and address bus 117 of the processor 103. The mobile phone 100 also has a keypad 106 and a display screen 105, such as a touch screen, coupled to communicate with the processor 103.

The processor 103 also includes an encoder having an associated code read only memory (ROM) 112 that stores data for encoding and decoding voice or other signals that may be transmitted or received by the mobile phone 100. / Decoder 111 is included. In addition, the processor 103 uses an encoder / decoder 111, a character ROM 114, a random access memory 104, a programmable memory 116 and a common data and address bus 117. It includes a microprocessor 113 coupled to a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) interface 118. Programmable memory 116 and SIM operatively coupled to SIM interface 118 are, among other things, electronic address books and, for example, telephone calls, short messaging service (SMS) messages. Various stored incoming and outgoing communication records regarding e-mails, multimedia messaging service (MMS) messages and instant messaging (IM) service messages.

The radio frequency communication unit 102 is a receiver and transmitter combined with an antenna 107. The radio frequency communication unit 102 has a transceiver 108 coupled to the antenna 107 via a radio frequency amplifier 109. Transceiver 108 is also coupled to modulator / demodulator 110 coupled to encoder / decoder 111.

Microprocessor 113 has ports for coupling to keypad 106 and display screen 105. In addition, the microprocessor 113 typically has ports for coupling to the alarm module 115, the microphone 120, and the communication speaker 122 including alarm speakers, vibrator motors and associated drivers. The character ROM 114 stores code for encoding or decoding data, such as an e-mail message, that may be sent or received by the radio frequency communication unit 102. Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, character ROM 114, programmable memory 116, or SIM may include an operating code (OC) for microprocessor 113, mobile phone 100, You can store code to perform the associated functions. For example, programmable memory 116 may include record organization computer readable program code components 125 that are configured to cause execution of a method of organizing a communication record. .

Thus, according to one aspect, embodiments of the present invention include a method of organizing communication records in an electronic communication device, such as mobile phone 100. The method includes processing incoming communication received from a plurality of contacts and processing outgoing communication sent to the plurality of contacts. Next, the plurality of electronic folder names are sorted according to predetermined parameters. Each folder name of the plurality of electronic folder names is associated with one of the plurality of contacts. Next, a plurality of electronic folder names are displayed. Finally, in response to the selection of the folder name of one of the plurality of electronic folder names, both the incoming communication records of the incoming communication and the outgoing communication records of the outgoing communication, which are associated with one of the plurality of contacts, are displayed. .

Thus, users of an electronic communication device, such as mobile phone 100 or personal digital assistant, may conveniently select one folder to display both incoming and outgoing communication records for a given contact. In addition, communication records may include a number of communication types, such as telephone calls, SMS messages, emails, MMS messages and IM service messages.

Referring to FIG. 2, the figure shows a plurality of electronic folder names 200 displayed on the display screen 105 of the mobile phone 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The new folder name of the plurality of electronic folder names 200 may be automatically generated and displayed when the communication is sent to or received from a new contact. For example, the folder name of one of the plurality of electronic folder names 200 may be automatically generated from the identification of the sender of the incoming communication, or automatically from the ID of the recipient of the outgoing communication.

The record count field 205 adjacent to each folder name identifies the total number of communication records associated with the particular folder name. For example, the record count field 205 adjacent to the folder name "Robert" indicates that twelve communication records for Robert, which are individually named, are stored. New messages for a particular entity identified in the plurality of electronic folder names 200 may be generated by selecting the "compose" button 210. In addition, all communication records associated with one folder of the plurality of electronic folder names 200 may be deleted using the “delete” button 215. In addition, other folder names, such as the name of the "My sent" folder 220 and the name of the "Personal" folder 225, including the transmitted communication records, may also be displayed with the plurality of electronic folder names 200. .

The plurality of electronic folder names 200 may be classified according to various predetermined parameters. For example, a list of folder names associated with unread incoming communication records and a list of folder names sorted alphabetically may be displayed simultaneously. Thus, the folder name "Judy" appears at the top of the plurality of electronic folder names 200, and the associated record count field 205 indicates that one of the 23 communication records stored in that folder remains unread. The remaining folder names, "Andy", "Father", "James" and "Robert" of the plurality of electronic folder names 200 are associated with previously read communication records and are thus sorted alphabetically.

Further, time stamp field 230 or date stamp field 235 may be used to indicate the time or date at which the most recent communication record stored in a particular folder was sent or received, respectively. Thus, alternatively, the plurality of electronic folder names 200 may be classified according to the date and time of the communication record associated with the electronic folder name.

In addition, various other features known in the art may be displayed simultaneously with the plurality of electronic folder names 200 on the display screen 105. For example, scroll bar 240 can be used to scroll down and display additional folder names, and back button 245 can be used to navigate to the previous menu screen.

Referring to FIG. 3, the diagram illustrates both incoming communication records 305 and outgoing communication records 310 displayed on display screen 105 of mobile phone 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Represents all. For example, the components shown in FIG. 3 may be displayed in response to selecting the folder name “Andy” from the plurality of electronic folder names 200 shown in FIG. 2. The selection may include, for example, a voice command comprising a user clicking on the name "Andy" with a pointer or using the speech recognition software stored in programmable memory 116 to pronounce the word "Andy". Can be implemented in a variety of ways, such as receiving and processing at the microphone 120.

The answer button 315 allows the user of the mobile phone 100 to compose a response message for the selected incoming communication record. Delete button 320 allows certain selected incoming communication records 305 or outgoing communication records 310 to be deleted from memory, such as programmable memory 116.

Incoming communication records 305 and outgoing communication records 310 are displayed in order of occurrence, so that both of the conversations appear. Incoming communication records 305 and outgoing communication records 310 each represent simple text messages, such as SMS messages. However, according to other embodiments of the present invention, the incoming communication records and the outgoing communication records may include different types of communications. For example, each of the incoming and outgoing communications may include one of the following: a telephone call, an SMS message, an email, an MMS message, and an IM service message. Thus, incoming communication records may include different types of records associated with different types of incoming communications employing different communication technologies and standards. For example, the first incoming communication record may include an email, the first outgoing communication record may include an IM service message, the second incoming communication record may include a link to a record of the telephone call, The second outgoing communication record may comprise an MMS message, all of which may be displayed simultaneously on the display screen 105.

Thus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, records of both incoming and outgoing communications for a contact are received and transmitted using a variety of different communication technologies and standards on one display screen of the electronic communication device. Can be reviewed simultaneously. To review the history of the occurrence of such different communications, the user does not need to navigate to multiple incoming mail folders and multiple outgoing mail folders, each folder associated with a particular communication technology. Rather, all communication records are organized automatically and in the order of occurrence according to the ID of a particular contact. For example, the ID of a particular contact can be automatically determined to be the recipient of the outgoing communication and can be automatically determined to be the sender of the incoming communication.

Although only two incoming communication records 305 and two outgoing communication records 310 are displayed on the display screen 105 as shown in FIG. 3, the folder name “Andy” as shown in FIG. 2. The record count field 205 adjacent to indicates that 42 communication records are accessible using the folder name "Andy". Thus, by moving the scroll bar 240 up and down, the remaining 38 communication records associated with the contact name “Andy” can be displayed.

4, a general flow diagram illustrates a method 400 for organizing communication records, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In step 405, incoming communications received from the plurality of contacts are processed. For example, a plurality of incoming email, SMS or MMS messages received from a plurality of contact names identified in the electronic address book of mobile phone 100 are processed by microprocessor 113.

In step 410, outgoing communications sent to the plurality of contacts are processed. For example, a plurality of incoming emails, SMS or MMS messages received from a plurality of contact names identified in the electronic address book of the mobile phone 100 are processed by the microprocessor 113.

In step 415, the plurality of electronic folder names are classified according to predetermined parameters, where each folder name of the plurality of electronic folder names is associated with one of the plurality of contacts. For example, each folder name of the plurality of electronic folder names 200 is automatically generated the first time a message is received from a new contact or first sent to a new contact, and then the plurality of electronic folder names 200. Are sorted using the order of occurrence, alphabetical order, or a combination of sorting algorithms, e.g., which folders are first sorted according to which folders are associated with unread incoming communications records, and then the remaining folders are sorted alphabetically. do.

In step 420, a plurality of electronic folder names are displayed. For example, the plurality of electronic folder names 200 are displayed on the display screen 105 of the mobile phone 100, as shown in FIG.

In step 425, in response to selecting a folder name of one of the plurality of electronic folder names, both the incoming communication records of the incoming communications and the outgoing communication records of the outgoing communications are associated with the contact of one of the plurality of contacts. Is displayed. For example, in response to the selection of the folder name “Andy” on the display screen 105 shown in FIG. 2, the incoming communication records 305 and the outgoing communication records 310 are displayed as shown in FIG. 3. Displayed simultaneously on screen 105.

Thus, an advantage of some embodiments of the present invention includes that communication records stored on an electronic communication device can be effectively organized according to the names of individual contacts. The electronic folder name associated with an individual contact may be generated automatically each time a communication is sent to a new contact or whenever a communication is received from a new contact. Thus, records of all communications associated with a particular contact, such as e-mails, SMS messages, MMS messages, IM service messages and recorded telephone calls, even communications that employ different technologies and standards, Can be organized under one folder name. Thus, the user of the electronic communication device does not need to switch between different inbox folders and outbox folders to review the sequence of occurrences of communication with a particular contact. Rather, all communications associated with a particular contact can be associated with one electronic folder name.

Embodiments of the present invention described herein are, in part, most of one or more conventional processors and functions in which one or more processors, along with specific nonprocessor circuits, organize communication records on the electronic communication device described herein. Or uniquely stored program instructions that control execution of all of them. Non-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, a radio receiver, radio transmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits, power supply circuits, and user input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as steps of a method of organizing communication records in electronic communication devices. Alternatively, some or all of the functions may be state machines that do not have stored program instructions, or one or more application specific integrated circuits, in which each of the functions or some combination of specific functions are implemented as custom logic. It can be implemented by. Of course, a combination of the two methods may be used. Thus, methods and means for these functions have been described herein. In addition, those skilled in the art, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein, such software despite the considerable time available and many design choices that are motivated by, for example, the time available, current technical and economic considerations It will be appreciated that the instructions, programs and ICs may be easily generated with minimal experimentation.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. Benefits, benefits, and solutions to problems, and any component (s) that can make any advantages, benefits, or solutions more widely known, can be any or all of the claims. It is not to be construed as decisive, essential or essential features or components of the claims of. The invention is defined only by the accompanying claims and their equivalents, including any corrections made during the mooring of the present application.

Claims (9)

As a method of organizing communication records,
Processing incoming communications received from a plurality of contacts;
Processing outgoing communications sent from the plurality of contacts;
Sorting the plurality of electronic folder names according to predetermined parameters, each folder name of the plurality of electronic folder names being associated with one of the plurality of contacts;
Displaying names of the plurality of electronic folders;
In response to selecting a folder name of one of the plurality of electronic folder names, indicating both the incoming communication records of the incoming communications and the outgoing communication records of the outgoing communications associated with one of the plurality of contacts. Steps to
Communication record cleaning method comprising a. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the plurality of electronic folder names comprises simultaneously displaying a list of folder names associated with unread incoming communication records and a list of folder names sorted alphabetically. How to organize communication records. The method of claim 1, wherein classifying the plurality of electronic folder names according to the predetermined parameters comprises classifying the electronic folder names according to dates and times of communication records associated with the electronic folder names. How to organize records. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said incoming communications and said outgoing communications comprise both telephone calls and electronic messages. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the incoming communications and each of the outgoing communications comprises a telephone call, a short messaging service message, an email, a multimedia messaging service message and an instant messaging service message. communication history cleaning method comprising one of: (instant messaging service message). 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein each folder name of the plurality of electronic folder names is automatically generated from a name of one contact associated with one of the plurality of contacts. The method according to claim 1, wherein one folder name of the plurality of electronic folder names is automatically generated from an identification of a sender of an incoming communication. The method according to claim 1, wherein one folder name of the plurality of electronic folder names is automatically generated from an identification of a recipient of the dispatch communication. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electronic communication folder names are automatically displayed on a display screen of the electronic communication device.

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