WO2004102977A2 - Communication device - Google Patents

Communication device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004102977A2
WO2004102977A2 PCT/GB2004/002125 GB2004002125W WO2004102977A2 WO 2004102977 A2 WO2004102977 A2 WO 2004102977A2 GB 2004002125 W GB2004002125 W GB 2004002125W WO 2004102977 A2 WO2004102977 A2 WO 2004102977A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
communication
type
ptt
notification mechanism
user
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2004/002125
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2004102977A3 (en
Inventor
Christophe Jean Bataillard
Original Assignee
Inquam (Uk) Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Inquam (Uk) Limited filed Critical Inquam (Uk) Limited
Publication of WO2004102977A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004102977A2/en
Publication of WO2004102977A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004102977A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
    • H04W88/02—Terminal devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H04B1/40—Circuits
    • H04B1/44—Transmit/receive switching
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/22—Illumination; Arrangements for improving the visibility of characters on dials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
    • H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
    • H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
    • H04M2250/02—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including a Bluetooth interface

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a communications device.
  • Preferred examples relate to a wireless communications device, for example a mobile telephone.
  • the term 'communications device' preferably refers to any device used for the purpose of voice or data communication, or other kinds of communication.
  • the term preferably refers to devices which provide communication functions for communicating over a communications network.
  • the term 'wireless communications device' preferably refers to devices providing means for communicating over a wireless communications network.
  • Such communications devices include mobile or handheld devices, such as wireless or mobile telephones, wireless modems, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other devices, for example, devices comprising a combination of features of a mobile telephone and a PDA.
  • PDAs personal digital assistants
  • Push To Talk (PTT) communications systems are commonly used by the emergency services (such as the police and ambulance service) and taxi companies to facilitate communication between users who are dispersed across a large geographical area.
  • the term 'Push To Talk' is particularly appropriate because users of such communications systems typically (but not always) transmit messages to other users by pushing a button, typically on a handset of a communications device, before speaking their message into a microphone. Users signal the end of their message by releasing this so-called Push To Talk button. The message is transmitted to other users via a communications network and is audibly reproduced by loudspeakers on these other users' communications devices. Users may then respond to the message by pushing the Push To Talk buttons on their own communications devices in a similar fashion.
  • PTT systems for example: one-to-one communication between two users; communication between a number of users, in which a transmitted message is received by all users; and communication between a number of users and a dispatcher in a control centre, in which each user may communicate with the dispatcher but not with other users.
  • a broad aspect of the invention provides a communications device enabled to effect two different communication types, the device including a notification mechanism, wherein the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of the first type of communication but not on detection of a second type of communication.
  • the device may include a further notification mechanism for a second communication type, or there might be no notification activated for the second type of communication.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a communications device enabled to effect two different communication types, the device including a notification mechanism and a user-activatable control for a first type of communication, wherein the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of the first type of communication but not on detection of a second type of communication, wherein the notification mechanism is associated with the user-activatable control.
  • the communication types may include, for example, telephony, cellular telephony, video telephony, PTT, voice mail, video conferencing, Short Message Service (SMS), Enhanced Message Service (EMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), electronic mail, facsimile and/or instant messaging. It will be appreciated that other appropriate communication types are also possible.
  • the communications device may be enabled to effect more than two different communications types.
  • the first communication type is PTT.
  • the user-activatable control is a PTT button.
  • PTT-enabled communications devices or to PTT-enabled communications devices comprising a PTT button that may be depressed.
  • aspects of this invention are applicable to PTT- enabled communications devices in which PTT communications are initiated by other means, for example a voice-operated control.
  • the user-activatable control comprises a button (such as a push button), a switch (such as a rotary switch, sliding switch or toggle switch), a touch-activated control (such as a touch screen or a touch pad), a joystick and/or a trackball, for example.
  • a button such as a push button
  • a switch such as a rotary switch, sliding switch or toggle switch
  • a touch-activated control such as a touch screen or a touch pad
  • a joystick and/or a trackball for example.
  • Activation of the user-activatable control preferably enables a communication of the first type to be sent and/or received by the communications device.
  • Activation of the user-activatable control preferably enables, for example, the sending of a communication of the first type from the device to a communications network, the receiving of a communication of the first type by the device from a communications network, the entry of alphanumeric data and/or the selection of an item from a menu.
  • the user-activatable control preferably does not enable communications of the second type to be sent and/or received by the communications device.
  • a user may be encouraged to form a mental connection between the user-activatable control and the first type of communication, and may not be encouraged to form a mental connection between the user-activatable control and the second type of communication, thus a user might readily identify that a communication of the first type has been identified when the notification mechanism is activated.
  • the user-activatable control is used solely in connection with the first type of communication, and has no functionality connected with the second type of communication.
  • the notification mechanism may be activated when an incoming PTT communication, sent by another user, is received by the communications device and/or when an outgoing PTT communication is sent to another user from the communications device.
  • the notification mechanism may be activated throughout the entire duration of an incoming or outgoing PTT communication or may be activated for a predefined time period after an incoming or outgoing PTT communication is detected.
  • the notification mechanism may even remain activated indefinitely after the end of a PTT communication, until a user performs an action to cancel the activation of the notification mechanism.
  • the device is preferably adapted to activate the notification immediately upon the detection of a communication of the first type. In other examples, the device is preferably adapted to activate the notification mechanism following a delay after a communication of the first type is detected.
  • the notification mechanism may be activated if a user does not acknowledge the detection of the communication within a predetermined time period, or if a user does not reply to a detected communication within a predetermined time period.
  • the notification mechanism may be activated when an incoming communication is not answered by a user, so that the user can see that he has "missed" the communication.
  • a user's attention can be drawn to the user-activatable control, by the use of which the user can (for example) reply to an incoming communication.
  • the communications device preferably includes means (such as a computer program or an electrical circuit) for receiving a signal from the user activatable control.
  • the signal is received in response to a user activating the user-activatable control.
  • the communications device preferably includes means (such as a computer program or an electrical circuit) for performing a communications function in dependence upon a signal received from the user-activatable control.
  • the communications function is preferably related to the first type of communication.
  • the communications function may include transmitting a communication of the first communication type or receiving a communication of the first communication type.
  • the communications function may include displaying a received communication (such as a message or an image) of the first communication type, editing a communication (such as a message) of the first communication type, selecting an item from a menu of options relating to the first communication type, selecting an entry from a list contacts who may be contacted via the first communication type, or diverting a communication of the first communication type to another communications device or answering service.
  • the only visual notification that is provided to a user on detection of a first type of communication is by a notification mechanism that is associated with a single user-activatable control.
  • a user is prompted to activate that user-activatable control (by depressing a switch, for example) in order to reply to the communication or to acknowledge the communication, for example.
  • a visual notification may be provided to the user by a notification mechanism that is associated with a plurality of user-activatable controls; activation of each of these controls may produce a different response to the communication (or, alternatively, each control may produce the same response to the communication).
  • a user may also be notified of an incoming communication by an audible tone, a vibrating alert and/or by the display of a message or an image on a display screen.
  • the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a communication of the first type is received.
  • the notification mechanism is of particular help in notifying the user that a PTT communication is being received.
  • the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a communication of the first type is sent.
  • the mechanism may also, or alternatively, be activated when a PTT communication is sent from the device.
  • the device may comprise a switch that is linked to the PTT button and the notification mechanism is adapted to be activated when the switch is activated.
  • Various mechanisms can be used to communicate to the user that a PTT communication is in progress, but preferably the notification mechanism is associated with the user controls of the device used in PTT communications.
  • the notification mechanism is adapted to direct a user's attention to the user-activatable control.
  • the notification mechanism is adapted to effect a visual notification.
  • a visual notification is preferably one that is capable of being seen by a user.
  • a visual notification preferably comprises, for example, a change in the level of illumination produced by a light source, or the display of text, an image or a series of images on a display screen.
  • the notification mechanism includes a light source which is arranged to be activated on detection of a communication of the first type.
  • a light can make it clear to the user which button is to be pressed to respond to the communication, and also has the advantage of making the device easier to use in low lighting levels.
  • the light may be emitted from the button itself, but in preferred arrangements, is emitted adjacent to the button, for example around the periphery of the button.
  • the light source is adapted to emit light in the region of the user-activatable control on detection of a communication of the first type.
  • the device includes a light source and a region of the device comprises a material which permits the transmission of light, the light source being mounted to emit light through the region of material.
  • This region of material may comprise transparent or translucent material and may, for example be the button or a part of the button itself, or may be located near or adjacent the button.
  • the region of material is located at the perimeter of the user-activatable control.
  • a region of translucent or transparent material extends, around all or part of the perimeter of the button.
  • the region may be around the perimeter of the button itself, or may be located as a part of the housing around the button.
  • the region may be shaped to draw a user's attention towards the button, for example, as an arrow pointing at the button.
  • the material that permits the transmission of light preferably comprises a plastics material.
  • the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
  • the light source may comprise a filament lamp.
  • an external surface of the user-activatable control includes a tactile feature.
  • At least one of the communication types is voice-based.
  • a voice-based type of communication is preferably understood to be a type of communication which involves the transmission of information representing an audible signal (such as speech or music, for example) from one party to the communication to another party to the communication.
  • voice-based types of communication include cellular telephony and PTT; other examples of voice-based communication, such as video-telephony and video-conferencing, additionally involve the transmission of information representing an image (or a sequence of images).
  • the communications device may preferably be enabled to effect a visual type of communication, and may preferably activate the notification mechanism on the detection of the visual type of communication.
  • a visual type of communication is preferably understood to be a type of communication which involves the transmission of information representing alphanumeric characters and/or an image from one party to the communication to another party to the communication. Examples of visual types of communication include SMS, EMS, MMS, email and facsimile.
  • the first and second types of communication are voice-based.
  • the first type of communication is PTT.
  • the user-activatable control comprises a PTT activation button.
  • the second type of communication is cellular telephony.
  • the device comprises a mobile telephone.
  • the device includes a first user-activatable control for the first communication type and a second user-activatable control for the second communication type, wherein the first and second controls are located separately on the device.
  • the first and second controls are located on different surfaces of the device; This can assist in reducing the confusion of the user between the different controls for the different communication types.
  • the device comprises a keypad and/or a display and a PTT button, wherein the PTT button is located on a different surface of the device from the keypad and/or display.
  • the PTT button is located on a surface substantially perpendicular to that of the keypad and/or the display.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a communications device enabled to effect Push To Talk communications, the device including a visual notification mechanism, wherein the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of a PTT communication.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a communications device in the form of a mobile telephone enabled to effect Push To Talk communications, the device including a notification mechanism, wherein the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of a PTT communication.
  • the notification mechanism is adapted to effect a visual notification.
  • the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a PTT communication is received.
  • the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a PTT communication is sent.
  • the device includes a PTT activation button, and the notification mechanism is adapted to direct a user's attention to the PTT button.
  • the notification mechanism is associated with the PTT button.
  • the PTT button is associated with the PTT button.
  • the user's attention can be drawn to the PTT button by use of which the user can reply to the incoming communication.
  • the notification mechanism includes a light source which is arranged to be activated on detection of a PTT communication.
  • the communications device is adapted to direct a user's attention to the PTT button by the emission of light from the communications device.
  • the light source is adapted to emit light in the region of the PTT button of the device on detection of a PTT communication.
  • the device includes a light source and a region of the device comprises a material which permits the transmission of light, the light source being mounted to emit light through the region of material.
  • the region of material is located at the perimeter of the PTT button.
  • the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
  • an external surface of the PTT button includes a tactile feature.
  • the PTT button may comprise, for example, a plurality of tactile features
  • the tactile feature may comprise, for example a feature of generally circular cross-section which extends outwards from the surface of the button, or inwards into the surface of the button.
  • the tactile features may be hemispherical. Such tactile features can assist users to locate and depress the PTT button.
  • the device comprises a mobile telephone.
  • the device is further enabled to effect a second type of communication.
  • the device may be adapted to carry out conventional voice and/or data communications.
  • the notification mechanism on receipt or sending of a PTT communication is of particular advantage because it assists in reducing confusion of the user by allowing PTT communications to be differentiated from conventional voice and/or data communications.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a control device for a communications device as herein described. This aspect of the invention is of particular importance and is provided independently.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a control device for a communications device, the communications device being enabled to effect two different communication types and including a user-activatable control for a first type of communication, the communications device further including a notification mechanism associated with the user-activatable control, wherein control device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of the first type of communication but not on detection of a second type of communication.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a PTT control device for a communications device, the PTT control device including a notification mechanism, wherein the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of a PTT communication.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a control device for a communications device enabled to effect Push To Talk communications, the control device including means (such as a computer program and/or an electrical circuit) for identifying the activation of a PTT communication and means (such as a computer program and/or an electrical circuit) for activating a notification mechanism on detection of a PTT communication.
  • control device is adapted to effect a visual notification.
  • control device includes means (such as a computer program and/or an electrical circuit) for activating a light source on identification of the activation of a PTT communication.
  • means such as a computer program and/or an electrical circuit
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a method of notifying a user of a first type of communication for a communications device enabled to effect two different types of communication, including the steps of detecting a first type of communication and activating a notification mechanism when the first type of communication is detected.
  • the notification mechanism is associated with a user-activatable control for the first type of communication.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a method of notifying a user of a PTT communication, including the steps of detecting a PTT communication and activating a notification mechanism when a PTT communication is detected.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a method of communication for a communications device enabled to effect two different types of communication, the method including the steps of detecting a first type of communication, activating a notification mechanism associated with a user-activatable control for the first type of communication, receiving a signal from the user-activatable control, and performing a communications function in relation to the first type of communication in dependence upon the signal.
  • the notification mechanism is activated when a PTT communication is received.
  • the notification mechanism is activated when a PTT communication is sent.
  • the notification mechanism is adapted to effect a visual notification.
  • the method further includes the step of illuminating a light source when the notification mechanism is activated.
  • the method further includes the step of detecting a second type of communication.
  • the method further includes the step of activating a second notification mechanism upon detecting the second type of communication.
  • a further aspect of the invention further provides an apparatus adapted to perform a method as herein described.
  • a further aspect of the invention further provides a computer program product (for example a computer program) adapted to perform a method as herein described.
  • a computer program product may preferably comprise one or more computer programs.
  • This aspect of the invention is of particular importance and is provided independently.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a computer program product for notifying a user of a first type of communication for a communications device enabled to effect two different types of communication, including means (such as code) for detecting a first type of communication and means (such as code) for activating a notification mechanism when the first type of communication is detected.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a computer program product for a communications device enabled to effect two different types of communication, including means (such as code) for detecting a first type of communication, means (such as code) for activating a notification mechanism associated with a user- activatable control for the first type of communication, means (such as code) for receiving a signal from the user-activatable control, and means (such as code) for performing a communications function in relation to the first type of communication in dependence upon the signal.
  • the invention also provides a computer program and a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.
  • the invention also provides a signal embodying a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, a method of transmitting such a signal, and a computer product having an operating system which supports a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides an accessory for a communications device, wherein the accessory includes a notification mechanism and means (such as a computer program and/or an electrical circuit) for activating the notification mechanism on detection of a control signal from the communications device.
  • a notification mechanism such as a computer program and/or an electrical circuit
  • the accessory may be a headset comprising an earphone and a microphone to allow "hands-free" operation of the communications device.
  • the accessory may be detachably attachable to the communications device, for example, by means of wires and corresponding connectors on the accessory and communications device.
  • the accessory may communicate with the communications device by any suitable wireless communications method, such as Bluetooth, for example.
  • the communications device may transmit a control signal to the communications device upon receipt of a voice and/or data communication, for example a telephone call or a PTT communication.
  • the communications device may also, or alternatively, transmit a control signal when a voice and/or data communication is sent.
  • the accessory includes a PTT activation button.
  • a PTT button on an accessory allows PTT communications to be conveniently sent and received, without requiring the user to manipulate a button located directly on the communications device.
  • the notification mechanism is adapted to effect a visual notification.
  • the notification mechanism includes a light source and means (such as a computer program and/or an electrical circuit) for activating the light source on detection of a control signal from the communications device.
  • means such as a computer program and/or an electrical circuit
  • the light source is adapted to emit light in the region of the PTT button of the accessory on detection of a control signal from the communications device.
  • the accessory includes a light source and a region of the accessory comprises a material which permits the transmission of light, the light source being mounted to emit light through the region of material.
  • the region of material is located at the perimeter of the PTT button.
  • the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
  • an external surface of the PTT button includes a tactile feature.
  • control signal is received by the accessory on detection of a communication by the communications device.
  • the accessory is adapted for use with a communications device enabled to effect two different types of communication.
  • control signal is received by the accessory on detection of a communication of a first type by the communications device, but not on detection of a communication of a second type by the communications device.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a communications device adapted for use with an accessory as herein described.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides an apparatus being substantially as herein described having reference to any of the accompanying, drawings.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a method being substantially as herein described having reference to any of the accompanying drawings.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides any feature or component being substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.
  • Figure 1 A is a right side elevation of a mobile telephone
  • Figure IB is a front elevation of the mobile telephone shown in Figure 1 A
  • Figure 1C is a left side elevation of the mobile telephone shown in Figure 1 A
  • Figure ID is a rear elevation of the mobile telephone shown in Figure 1 A
  • Figure 2 is a schematic cross-section of the mobile telephone shown in Figure
  • FIG. 1 in which light is transmitted through the casing of the telephone when a PTT message is received;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section of the mobile telephone shown in Figure
  • Figure 4 is a schematic cross-section of a further example of a mobile telephone and PTT button, in which light is transmitted through the PTT button when a PTT message is received
  • Figure 5 is a schematic cross-section of a further example of a mobile telephone and PTT button, in which light is transmitted through the PTT button when the PTT button is pressed
  • Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an example of a notification mechanism for a communications device.
  • a mobile telephone is described with reference to Figures 1A to ID, which respectively show right side, front, left side and rear elevations of a mobile telephone.
  • the mobile telephone 1 comprises a front casing 3 and a rear casing 5, which together define the exterior profile of the mobile telephone.
  • the front casing 3 and rear casing 5 are rigidly connected to each other by screw or clasp fittings.
  • the front casing 3 of the mobile telephone 1 comprises a display 14 and akeypad 10, in which the keypad 10 comprises several buttons 12.
  • the keypad 8 allows data, particularly alphanumeric characters, to be manually entered into the telephone.
  • the display 14 provides visual information to a user of the telephone and comprises, for example, an array of liquid crystal or light-emitting diode elements.
  • the mobile telephone 1 comprises several electronic components (not shown) located within the internal volume defined by the front casing 3 and rear casing 5 including, for example: an antenna; a modulator; a demodulator; an amplifier; a central processing unit, such as a microprocessor or microcontroller, programmed with appropriate software; memory; and a power source, such as a battery. These electronic components cooperate to allow the mobile telephone to transmit and receive data (including data representing voice communications) with a telecommunications network in a known way. Communication between the mobile telephone 1 and the telecommunications network may be achieved by, for example, Global System for
  • GSM Global System for Mobile Communication
  • CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
  • GSM Global System for Mobile Communication
  • CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
  • GPRS Packet Radio Service
  • UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
  • CDMA2000 Code Division Multiple Access 2000
  • QChatTM Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA)
  • TETRA Terrestrial Trunked Radio
  • GIRTM Rendezvous
  • iDENTM Integrated Digital Enhanced Network
  • a PTT assembly 9 is provided on the right side of the mobile telephone 1.
  • the PTT assembly 9 comprises a hand grip 2, a PTT button 4 and a ring 6.
  • the hand grip 2 is located between the front casing 3 and rear casing 5, and extends outwards from the surface of the telephone in an ergonomic manner that facilitates use of the PTT button 4.
  • the hand grip 2 is opaque.
  • the hand grip 2 comprises an elliptical aperture, in which an elliptical ring 6 is situated.
  • the ring 6 is transparent or translucent.
  • An elliptical PTT button 4 is situated at the centre of the ring 6.
  • the PTT button 4 is opaque and comprises several tactile features 8, such as hemispherical protrusions or depressions, that assist the user to locate and manipulate the PTT button.
  • FIGS 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams showing examples of cross-sections through the PTT assembly 9.
  • the PTT button 4 is linked to a switch 50, such that depression of the PTT button activates the switch and initiates the transmission of a PTT message.
  • a light source 54 is located within the mobile telephone 1 and is oriented so that light 52 emitted by the light source is directed towards the vicinity of the PTT button 4 and particularly towards the ring 6. Thus, light 52 emitted by the light source 54 is transmitted through the transparent/translucent material of the ring 6, and the light 52 is visible by a user looking at the exterior of the mobile telephone 1.
  • the light source 54 comprises a light-emitting diode that is mounted upon the main circuit board of the mobile telephone 1.
  • the light source 54 comprises a filament lamp.
  • the light source 54 is linked to a PTT control device 56, such as a microprocessor executing appropriate software.
  • the PTT control device 56 produces a control signal that results in the emission of light 52 from the light source 54.
  • the light source 54 is connected to the switch 50, such that the light source emits light 52 when the switch 50 is activated by depression of the PTT button 4.
  • the light source is connected to both the PTT control device 56 and to the switch 50, such that the light source emits light when an incoming PTT communication 58 is received or when the PTT button 4 is depressed.
  • the light source 54 may be persistently illuminated or may flash to attract the attention of the user.
  • the light source may be persistently illuminated when the PTT button 4 is depressed and may flash when an incoming PTT communication 58 is received, or vice versa.
  • the same light source 54 may be used to indicate both incoming and outgoing PTT communications.
  • more than one light source may be used in which, for example, the light sources have different colours to allow incoming and outgoing PTT communications to be differentiated.
  • a PTT assembly 109 comprises an opaque hand grip 102 and a transparent or translucent PTT button 104.
  • the ring 6 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is not present.
  • the light source 54 is located and oriented such emitted light 52 is directed towards the PTT button 104.
  • light 52 emitted by the light source 54 is transmitted through the transparent/translucent material of the PTT button 4, and the light 52 is visible by a user looking at the exterior of the mobile telephone 1.
  • Illumination of the PTT button 104 may be initiated by the receipt of an incoming PTT communication 58, as shown in Figure 4, and/or by depression of the PTT button 104, as shown in Figure 5.
  • the PTT assembly 9 comprises both a transparent/translucent ring 6 and a transparent/translucent PTT button 4.
  • light 52 emitted by the light source 54 is transmitted through both the ring 6 and the PTT button 4.
  • the light source 54 comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes of different colours, such that the colour of the light emitted by the plurality of light- emitting diodes changes over time to attract the attention of the user.
  • the behaviour of the light source 54 is configurable by a user.
  • the user may disable illumination of the light source 54 when a PTT communication is received and/or the PTT button is depressed, or may choose between persistent illumination of the light source or flashing behaviour.
  • Different behaviour can be set for, for example, incoming and outgoing PTT communications, or for communications from or to different users.
  • Configuration of the behaviour of the light source 54 can be selected from a menu option in the mobile telephone' s user interface.
  • the light source 54 is illustrated in the figures as including a single LED or bulb, it will be understood that the light source 54 could comprise a plurality of individual light units, for example LEDs or bulbs.
  • the notification mechanism 68 includes a light source 54, a PTT button 4 and a switch 50, such as those described with reference to Figure 2, for example.
  • the notification mechanism also includes a control device 66 which comprises, for example, a microprocessor executing appropriate software and/or an electrical circuit.
  • the control device 66 produces a control signal 62 that results in the emission of light 52 from the light source 54.
  • the light source 54 is arranged to emit light in the vicinity of the PTT button 4
  • the emission of light may prompt a user to depress the PTT button 4 causing the switch 50 to be activated.
  • a signal 64 is sent to the control device which causes the control device 66 to perform an communications function appropriate to the PTT communication 58.
  • activation of the switch may cause the control device to reproduce the PTT communication 58 by means of a loudspeaker, or may initiate an outgoing PTT communication to be transmitted to the sender of an incoming PTT communication.
  • control device 66 also includes means (for example a receiver circuit) for receiving a further type of communication, other than a PTT communication, and means (for example an electrical circuit or a computer program) for distinguishing that further type of communication from a PTT communication.
  • control device 66 produces an appropriate control signal to activate a different notification mechanism (such as an audible tone, a motor for generating a vibrating alert and/or a visual indication produced by a different light source to that used to notify a user of a PTT communication).
  • a different notification mechanism such as an audible tone, a motor for generating a vibrating alert and/or a visual indication produced by a different light source to that used to notify a user of a PTT communication.

Abstract

A communications device (1) enabled to effect two different communication types. The device (1) includes a notification mechanism and a user-activatable control (4) for a first type of communication, and the communications device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of the first type of communication (58) but not on detection of a second type of communication. The notification mechanism is associated with the user-activatable control (4). This can notify a user of the type of communication being received and can draw a user's attention to the user-activatable control.

Description

COMMUNICATION DEVICE
The present invention relates to a communications device. Preferred examples relate to a wireless communications device, for example a mobile telephone.
The term 'communications device' preferably refers to any device used for the purpose of voice or data communication, or other kinds of communication. The term preferably refers to devices which provide communication functions for communicating over a communications network. The term 'wireless communications device' preferably refers to devices providing means for communicating over a wireless communications network.
Examples of such communications devices include mobile or handheld devices, such as wireless or mobile telephones, wireless modems, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other devices, for example, devices comprising a combination of features of a mobile telephone and a PDA.
Push To Talk (PTT) communications systems are commonly used by the emergency services (such as the police and ambulance service) and taxi companies to facilitate communication between users who are dispersed across a large geographical area. The term 'Push To Talk' is particularly appropriate because users of such communications systems typically (but not always) transmit messages to other users by pushing a button, typically on a handset of a communications device, before speaking their message into a microphone. Users signal the end of their message by releasing this so-called Push To Talk button. The message is transmitted to other users via a communications network and is audibly reproduced by loudspeakers on these other users' communications devices. Users may then respond to the message by pushing the Push To Talk buttons on their own communications devices in a similar fashion.
A wide variety of communication modes are possible with PTT systems, for example: one-to-one communication between two users; communication between a number of users, in which a transmitted message is received by all users; and communication between a number of users and a dispatcher in a control centre, in which each user may communicate with the dispatcher but not with other users.
It is becoming increasingly common for cellular telephone networks to provide PTT communications facilities. With such networks, it is convenient to use a single handset that combines standard mobile telephone functionality with PTT functionality. However, these handsets may be confusing for some users, particularly those who are familiar with the operation of standard mobile telephones but are relatively unfamiliar with PTT communications. For example, a user may be unable to distinguish between incoming PTT and telephone calls, or may be unsure how to reply to incoming PTT messages.
A broad aspect of the invention provides a communications device enabled to effect two different communication types, the device including a notification mechanism, wherein the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of the first type of communication but not on detection of a second type of communication.
In this way, the user can be notified of the type of communication being sent or received. The device may include a further notification mechanism for a second communication type, or there might be no notification activated for the second type of communication.
A further aspect of the invention provides a communications device enabled to effect two different communication types, the device including a notification mechanism and a user-activatable control for a first type of communication, wherein the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of the first type of communication but not on detection of a second type of communication, wherein the notification mechanism is associated with the user-activatable control.
In this way, the user of the device is alerted to the communication.
The communication types may include, for example, telephony, cellular telephony, video telephony, PTT, voice mail, video conferencing, Short Message Service (SMS), Enhanced Message Service (EMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), electronic mail, facsimile and/or instant messaging. It will be appreciated that other appropriate communication types are also possible. In some examples, the communications device may be enabled to effect more than two different communications types.
Preferably, the first communication type is PTT. Preferably the user-activatable control is a PTT button. However, the skilled reader will readily appreciate that the scope of this invention need not be restricted solely to PTT-enabled communications devices, or to PTT-enabled communications devices comprising a PTT button that may be depressed. For example, aspects of this invention are applicable to PTT- enabled communications devices in which PTT communications are initiated by other means, for example a voice-operated control.
Preferably the user-activatable control comprises a button (such as a push button), a switch (such as a rotary switch, sliding switch or toggle switch), a touch-activated control (such as a touch screen or a touch pad), a joystick and/or a trackball, for example.
Activation of the user-activatable control preferably enables a communication of the first type to be sent and/or received by the communications device. Activation of the user-activatable control preferably enables, for example, the sending of a communication of the first type from the device to a communications network, the receiving of a communication of the first type by the device from a communications network, the entry of alphanumeric data and/or the selection of an item from a menu.
The user-activatable control preferably does not enable communications of the second type to be sent and/or received by the communications device. Thus, a user may be encouraged to form a mental connection between the user-activatable control and the first type of communication, and may not be encouraged to form a mental connection between the user-activatable control and the second type of communication, thus a user might readily identify that a communication of the first type has been identified when the notification mechanism is activated.
In some examples, the user-activatable control is used solely in connection with the first type of communication, and has no functionality connected with the second type of communication.
The notification mechanism may be activated when an incoming PTT communication, sent by another user, is received by the communications device and/or when an outgoing PTT communication is sent to another user from the communications device. The notification mechanism may be activated throughout the entire duration of an incoming or outgoing PTT communication or may be activated for a predefined time period after an incoming or outgoing PTT communication is detected. The notification mechanism may even remain activated indefinitely after the end of a PTT communication, until a user performs an action to cancel the activation of the notification mechanism. The device is preferably adapted to activate the notification immediately upon the detection of a communication of the first type. In other examples, the device is preferably adapted to activate the notification mechanism following a delay after a communication of the first type is detected. For example, the notification mechanism may be activated if a user does not acknowledge the detection of the communication within a predetermined time period, or if a user does not reply to a detected communication within a predetermined time period. In another example, the notification mechanism may be activated when an incoming communication is not answered by a user, so that the user can see that he has "missed" the communication.
By associating the notification mechanism with a user-activatable control, a user's attention can be drawn to the user-activatable control, by the use of which the user can (for example) reply to an incoming communication.
The communications device preferably includes means (such as a computer program or an electrical circuit) for receiving a signal from the user activatable control. Preferably the signal is received in response to a user activating the user-activatable control.
The communications device preferably includes means (such as a computer program or an electrical circuit) for performing a communications function in dependence upon a signal received from the user-activatable control. The communications function is preferably related to the first type of communication. In some examples, the communications function may include transmitting a communication of the first communication type or receiving a communication of the first communication type. In other examples, the communications function may include displaying a received communication (such as a message or an image) of the first communication type, editing a communication (such as a message) of the first communication type, selecting an item from a menu of options relating to the first communication type, selecting an entry from a list contacts who may be contacted via the first communication type, or diverting a communication of the first communication type to another communications device or answering service.
Preferably, the only visual notification that is provided to a user on detection of a first type of communication is by a notification mechanism that is associated with a single user-activatable control. Thus, a user is prompted to activate that user-activatable control (by depressing a switch, for example) in order to reply to the communication or to acknowledge the communication, for example. In another example, a visual notification may be provided to the user by a notification mechanism that is associated with a plurality of user-activatable controls; activation of each of these controls may produce a different response to the communication (or, alternatively, each control may produce the same response to the communication). In another example, a user may also be notified of an incoming communication by an audible tone, a vibrating alert and/or by the display of a message or an image on a display screen.
Preferably the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a communication of the first type is received.
The notification mechanism is of particular help in notifying the user that a PTT communication is being received.
Preferably the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a communication of the first type is sent.
The mechanism may also, or alternatively, be activated when a PTT communication is sent from the device. The device may comprise a switch that is linked to the PTT button and the notification mechanism is adapted to be activated when the switch is activated.
Various mechanisms can be used to communicate to the user that a PTT communication is in progress, but preferably the notification mechanism is associated with the user controls of the device used in PTT communications.
Preferably the notification mechanism is adapted to direct a user's attention to the user-activatable control.
Preferably the notification mechanism is adapted to effect a visual notification.
A visual notification is preferably one that is capable of being seen by a user. A visual notification preferably comprises, for example, a change in the level of illumination produced by a light source, or the display of text, an image or a series of images on a display screen.
Preferably the notification mechanism includes a light source which is arranged to be activated on detection of a communication of the first type. The use of a light can make it clear to the user which button is to be pressed to respond to the communication, and also has the advantage of making the device easier to use in low lighting levels.
The light may be emitted from the button itself, but in preferred arrangements, is emitted adjacent to the button, for example around the periphery of the button.
Preferably the light source is adapted to emit light in the region of the user-activatable control on detection of a communication of the first type.
Preferably the device includes a light source and a region of the device comprises a material which permits the transmission of light, the light source being mounted to emit light through the region of material.
This region of material may comprise transparent or translucent material and may, for example be the button or a part of the button itself, or may be located near or adjacent the button.
Preferably the region of material is located at the perimeter of the user-activatable control.
In a preferred arrangement, a region of translucent or transparent material extends, around all or part of the perimeter of the button. The region may be around the perimeter of the button itself, or may be located as a part of the housing around the button. The region may be shaped to draw a user's attention towards the button, for example, as an arrow pointing at the button.
The material that permits the transmission of light preferably comprises a plastics material.
Preferably the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
Other arrangements are possible, for example, the light source may comprise a filament lamp.
Preferably an external surface of the user-activatable control includes a tactile feature.
Preferably at least one of the communication types is voice-based. A voice-based type of communication is preferably understood to be a type of communication which involves the transmission of information representing an audible signal (such as speech or music, for example) from one party to the communication to another party to the communication. Examples of voice-based types of communication include cellular telephony and PTT; other examples of voice-based communication, such as video-telephony and video-conferencing, additionally involve the transmission of information representing an image (or a sequence of images).
In some examples, the communications device may preferably be enabled to effect a visual type of communication, and may preferably activate the notification mechanism on the detection of the visual type of communication. A visual type of communication is preferably understood to be a type of communication which involves the transmission of information representing alphanumeric characters and/or an image from one party to the communication to another party to the communication. Examples of visual types of communication include SMS, EMS, MMS, email and facsimile.
Preferably the first and second types of communication are voice-based.
Preferably the first type of communication is PTT.
Preferably the user-activatable control comprises a PTT activation button.
Preferably the second type of communication is cellular telephony.
Preferably the device comprises a mobile telephone.
Preferably the device includes a first user-activatable control for the first communication type and a second user-activatable control for the second communication type, wherein the first and second controls are located separately on the device.
Preferably the first and second controls are located on different surfaces of the device; This can assist in reducing the confusion of the user between the different controls for the different communication types.
Preferably the device comprises a keypad and/or a display and a PTT button, wherein the PTT button is located on a different surface of the device from the keypad and/or display.
Preferably the PTT button is located on a surface substantially perpendicular to that of the keypad and/or the display.
A further aspect of the invention provides a communications device enabled to effect Push To Talk communications, the device including a visual notification mechanism, wherein the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of a PTT communication.
In this way, the user of the device is alerted to the PTT communication.
A further aspect of the invention provides a communications device in the form of a mobile telephone enabled to effect Push To Talk communications, the device including a notification mechanism, wherein the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of a PTT communication.
Preferably the notification mechanism is adapted to effect a visual notification.
Preferably the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a PTT communication is received.
Preferably the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a PTT communication is sent.
Preferably the device includes a PTT activation button, and the notification mechanism is adapted to direct a user's attention to the PTT button.
Preferably the notification mechanism is associated with the PTT button. In this way, for example when a PTT communication is received, the user's attention can be drawn to the PTT button by use of which the user can reply to the incoming communication.
Preferably the notification mechanism includes a light source which is arranged to be activated on detection of a PTT communication.
Preferably the communications device is adapted to direct a user's attention to the PTT button by the emission of light from the communications device. Preferably the light source is adapted to emit light in the region of the PTT button of the device on detection of a PTT communication.
Preferably the device includes a light source and a region of the device comprises a material which permits the transmission of light, the light source being mounted to emit light through the region of material.
Preferably the region of material is located at the perimeter of the PTT button.
Preferably the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
Preferably an external surface of the PTT button includes a tactile feature.
The PTT button may comprise, for example, a plurality of tactile features, and the tactile feature may comprise, for example a feature of generally circular cross-section which extends outwards from the surface of the button, or inwards into the surface of the button. The tactile features may be hemispherical. Such tactile features can assist users to locate and depress the PTT button.
Preferably the device comprises a mobile telephone.
Preferably the device is further enabled to effect a second type of communication.
For example, in addition to PTT communications, the device may be adapted to carry out conventional voice and/or data communications. In this situation, the notification mechanism on receipt or sending of a PTT communication is of particular advantage because it assists in reducing confusion of the user by allowing PTT communications to be differentiated from conventional voice and/or data communications.
A further aspect of the invention provides a control device for a communications device as herein described. This aspect of the invention is of particular importance and is provided independently.
A further aspect of the invention provides a control device for a communications device, the communications device being enabled to effect two different communication types and including a user-activatable control for a first type of communication, the communications device further including a notification mechanism associated with the user-activatable control, wherein control device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of the first type of communication but not on detection of a second type of communication.
A further aspect of the invention provides a PTT control device for a communications device, the PTT control device including a notification mechanism, wherein the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of a PTT communication.
A further aspect of the invention provides a control device for a communications device enabled to effect Push To Talk communications, the control device including means (such as a computer program and/or an electrical circuit) for identifying the activation of a PTT communication and means (such as a computer program and/or an electrical circuit) for activating a notification mechanism on detection of a PTT communication.
Preferably the control device is adapted to effect a visual notification.
Preferably the control device includes means (such as a computer program and/or an electrical circuit) for activating a light source on identification of the activation of a PTT communication.
A further aspect of the invention provides a method of notifying a user of a first type of communication for a communications device enabled to effect two different types of communication, including the steps of detecting a first type of communication and activating a notification mechanism when the first type of communication is detected.
Preferably the notification mechanism is associated with a user-activatable control for the first type of communication.
A further aspect of the invention provides a method of notifying a user of a PTT communication, including the steps of detecting a PTT communication and activating a notification mechanism when a PTT communication is detected.
A further aspect of the invention provides a method of communication for a communications device enabled to effect two different types of communication, the method including the steps of detecting a first type of communication, activating a notification mechanism associated with a user-activatable control for the first type of communication, receiving a signal from the user-activatable control, and performing a communications function in relation to the first type of communication in dependence upon the signal.
Preferably the notification mechanism is activated when a PTT communication is received.
Preferably the notification mechanism is activated when a PTT communication is sent.
Preferably the notification mechanism is adapted to effect a visual notification.
Preferably the method further includes the step of illuminating a light source when the notification mechanism is activated.
Preferably the method further includes the step of detecting a second type of communication.
Preferably the method further includes the step of activating a second notification mechanism upon detecting the second type of communication.
A further aspect of the invention further provides an apparatus adapted to perform a method as herein described.
A further aspect of the invention further provides a computer program product (for example a computer program) adapted to perform a method as herein described. A computer program product may preferably comprise one or more computer programs.
This aspect of the invention is of particular importance and is provided independently.
A further aspect of the invention provides a computer program product for notifying a user of a first type of communication for a communications device enabled to effect two different types of communication, including means (such as code) for detecting a first type of communication and means (such as code) for activating a notification mechanism when the first type of communication is detected.
A further aspect of the invention provides a computer program product for a communications device enabled to effect two different types of communication, including means (such as code) for detecting a first type of communication, means (such as code) for activating a notification mechanism associated with a user- activatable control for the first type of communication, means (such as code) for receiving a signal from the user-activatable control, and means (such as code) for performing a communications function in relation to the first type of communication in dependence upon the signal.
The invention also provides a computer program and a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.
The invention also provides a signal embodying a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, a method of transmitting such a signal, and a computer product having an operating system which supports a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.
A further aspect of the invention provides an accessory for a communications device, wherein the accessory includes a notification mechanism and means (such as a computer program and/or an electrical circuit) for activating the notification mechanism on detection of a control signal from the communications device.
For example, the accessory may be a headset comprising an earphone and a microphone to allow "hands-free" operation of the communications device. The accessory may be detachably attachable to the communications device, for example, by means of wires and corresponding connectors on the accessory and communications device. Alternatively, the accessory may communicate with the communications device by any suitable wireless communications method, such as Bluetooth, for example.
The communications device may transmit a control signal to the communications device upon receipt of a voice and/or data communication, for example a telephone call or a PTT communication. The communications device may also, or alternatively, transmit a control signal when a voice and/or data communication is sent.
Preferably the accessory includes a PTT activation button. The provision of a PTT button on an accessory allows PTT communications to be conveniently sent and received, without requiring the user to manipulate a button located directly on the communications device.
Preferably the notification mechanism is adapted to effect a visual notification.
Preferably the notification mechanism includes a light source and means (such as a computer program and/or an electrical circuit) for activating the light source on detection of a control signal from the communications device.
Preferably the light source is adapted to emit light in the region of the PTT button of the accessory on detection of a control signal from the communications device.
Preferably the accessory includes a light source and a region of the accessory comprises a material which permits the transmission of light, the light source being mounted to emit light through the region of material.
Preferably the region of material is located at the perimeter of the PTT button.
Preferably the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
Preferably an external surface of the PTT button includes a tactile feature.
Preferably the control signal is received by the accessory on detection of a communication by the communications device. Preferably the accessory is adapted for use with a communications device enabled to effect two different types of communication. Preferably the control signal is received by the accessory on detection of a communication of a first type by the communications device, but not on detection of a communication of a second type by the communications device.
A further aspect of the invention provides a communications device adapted for use with an accessory as herein described.
A further aspect of the invention provides an apparatus being substantially as herein described having reference to any of the accompanying, drawings.
A further aspect of the invention provides a method being substantially as herein described having reference to any of the accompanying drawings. A further aspect of the invention provides any feature or component being substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.
Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.
Furthermore, features implemented in hardware may generally be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any reference to software and hardware features herein should be construed accordingly.
Preferred features of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 A is a right side elevation of a mobile telephone; Figure IB is a front elevation of the mobile telephone shown in Figure 1 A; Figure 1C is a left side elevation of the mobile telephone shown in Figure 1 A; Figure ID is a rear elevation of the mobile telephone shown in Figure 1 A; Figure 2 is a schematic cross-section of the mobile telephone shown in Figure
1, in which light is transmitted through the casing of the telephone when a PTT message is received; Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section of the mobile telephone shown in Figure
1, in which light is transmitted through the casing of the telephone when the PTT button is pressed;
Figure 4 is a schematic cross-section of a further example of a mobile telephone and PTT button, in which light is transmitted through the PTT button when a PTT message is received; Figure 5 is a schematic cross-section of a further example of a mobile telephone and PTT button, in which light is transmitted through the PTT button when the PTT button is pressed; and Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an example of a notification mechanism for a communications device.
A mobile telephone is described with reference to Figures 1A to ID, which respectively show right side, front, left side and rear elevations of a mobile telephone. The mobile telephone 1 comprises a front casing 3 and a rear casing 5, which together define the exterior profile of the mobile telephone. The front casing 3 and rear casing 5 are rigidly connected to each other by screw or clasp fittings.
The front casing 3 of the mobile telephone 1 comprises a display 14 and akeypad 10, in which the keypad 10 comprises several buttons 12. The keypad 8 allows data, particularly alphanumeric characters, to be manually entered into the telephone. The display 14 provides visual information to a user of the telephone and comprises, for example, an array of liquid crystal or light-emitting diode elements.
The mobile telephone 1 comprises several electronic components (not shown) located within the internal volume defined by the front casing 3 and rear casing 5 including, for example: an antenna; a modulator; a demodulator; an amplifier; a central processing unit, such as a microprocessor or microcontroller, programmed with appropriate software; memory; and a power source, such as a battery. These electronic components cooperate to allow the mobile telephone to transmit and receive data (including data representing voice communications) with a telecommunications network in a known way. Communication between the mobile telephone 1 and the telecommunications network may be achieved by, for example, Global System for
Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), CDMA2000, QChat™, Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), Global Instant
Rendezvous (GIR™), Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN™) or any other suitable communication system.
A PTT assembly 9 is provided on the right side of the mobile telephone 1. The PTT assembly 9 comprises a hand grip 2, a PTT button 4 and a ring 6. The hand grip 2 is located between the front casing 3 and rear casing 5, and extends outwards from the surface of the telephone in an ergonomic manner that facilitates use of the PTT button 4. The hand grip 2 is opaque. The hand grip 2 comprises an elliptical aperture, in which an elliptical ring 6 is situated. The ring 6 is transparent or translucent. An elliptical PTT button 4 is situated at the centre of the ring 6. The PTT button 4 is opaque and comprises several tactile features 8, such as hemispherical protrusions or depressions, that assist the user to locate and manipulate the PTT button.
Figures 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams showing examples of cross-sections through the PTT assembly 9. The PTT button 4 is linked to a switch 50, such that depression of the PTT button activates the switch and initiates the transmission of a PTT message. A light source 54 is located within the mobile telephone 1 and is oriented so that light 52 emitted by the light source is directed towards the vicinity of the PTT button 4 and particularly towards the ring 6. Thus, light 52 emitted by the light source 54 is transmitted through the transparent/translucent material of the ring 6, and the light 52 is visible by a user looking at the exterior of the mobile telephone 1. In a particular example, the light source 54 comprises a light-emitting diode that is mounted upon the main circuit board of the mobile telephone 1. In another example, the light source 54 comprises a filament lamp.
In the example shown in Figure 2, the light source 54 is linked to a PTT control device 56, such as a microprocessor executing appropriate software. When a PTT communication 58 is received, the PTT control device 56 produces a control signal that results in the emission of light 52 from the light source 54. In the example shown in Figure 3, the light source 54 is connected to the switch 50, such that the light source emits light 52 when the switch 50 is activated by depression of the PTT button 4. In another example, the light source is connected to both the PTT control device 56 and to the switch 50, such that the light source emits light when an incoming PTT communication 58 is received or when the PTT button 4 is depressed.
The light source 54 may be persistently illuminated or may flash to attract the attention of the user. For example, the light source may be persistently illuminated when the PTT button 4 is depressed and may flash when an incoming PTT communication 58 is received, or vice versa.
The same light source 54 may be used to indicate both incoming and outgoing PTT communications. Alternatively, more than one light source may be used in which, for example, the light sources have different colours to allow incoming and outgoing PTT communications to be differentiated.
An alternative example of a PTT assembly is shown in Figures 4 and 5, in which a PTT assembly 109 comprises an opaque hand grip 102 and a transparent or translucent PTT button 104. In this example, the ring 6 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is not present. The light source 54 is located and oriented such emitted light 52 is directed towards the PTT button 104. Thus, light 52 emitted by the light source 54 is transmitted through the transparent/translucent material of the PTT button 4, and the light 52 is visible by a user looking at the exterior of the mobile telephone 1. Illumination of the PTT button 104 may be initiated by the receipt of an incoming PTT communication 58, as shown in Figure 4, and/or by depression of the PTT button 104, as shown in Figure 5. In another example, the PTT assembly 9 comprises both a transparent/translucent ring 6 and a transparent/translucent PTT button 4. In this example, light 52 emitted by the light source 54 is transmitted through both the ring 6 and the PTT button 4.
In other examples, the light source 54 comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes of different colours, such that the colour of the light emitted by the plurality of light- emitting diodes changes over time to attract the attention of the user.
In a further example, the behaviour of the light source 54 is configurable by a user. For example, the user may disable illumination of the light source 54 when a PTT communication is received and/or the PTT button is depressed, or may choose between persistent illumination of the light source or flashing behaviour. Different behaviour can be set for, for example, incoming and outgoing PTT communications, or for communications from or to different users. Configuration of the behaviour of the light source 54 can be selected from a menu option in the mobile telephone' s user interface.
While the light source 54 is illustrated in the figures as including a single LED or bulb, it will be understood that the light source 54 could comprise a plurality of individual light units, for example LEDs or bulbs.
An example of a notification mechanism for a communications device will now be described with reference to Figure 6. The notification mechanism 68 includes a light source 54, a PTT button 4 and a switch 50, such as those described with reference to Figure 2, for example. The notification mechanism also includes a control device 66 which comprises, for example, a microprocessor executing appropriate software and/or an electrical circuit. When a PTT communication 58 is received, the control device 66 produces a control signal 62 that results in the emission of light 52 from the light source 54. In an example in which the light source 54 is arranged to emit light in the vicinity of the PTT button 4, the emission of light may prompt a user to depress the PTT button 4 causing the switch 50 to be activated. When the switch 50 is activated, a signal 64 is sent to the control device which causes the control device 66 to perform an communications function appropriate to the PTT communication 58. For example, activation of the switch may cause the control device to reproduce the PTT communication 58 by means of a loudspeaker, or may initiate an outgoing PTT communication to be transmitted to the sender of an incoming PTT communication.
In some examples, the control device 66 also includes means (for example a receiver circuit) for receiving a further type of communication, other than a PTT communication, and means (for example an electrical circuit or a computer program) for distinguishing that further type of communication from a PTT communication. In such an example, the control device 66 produces an appropriate control signal to activate a different notification mechanism (such as an audible tone, a motor for generating a vibrating alert and/or a visual indication produced by a different light source to that used to notify a user of a PTT communication).
It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.
Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.
Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communications device enabled to effect two different communication types, the device including a notification mechanism and a user-activatable control for a first type of communication, wherein the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of the first type of communication but not on detection of a second type of communication, wherein the notification mechanism is associated with the user-activatable control.
2. A device according to claim 1 , adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a communication of the first type is received.
3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a communication of the first type is sent.
4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the notification mechanism is adapted to direct a user's attention to the user-activatable control.
5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the notification mechanism is adapted to effect a visual notification.
6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the notification mechanism includes a light source which is arranged to be activated on detection of a communication of the first type.
7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the light source is adapted to emit light in the region of the user-activatable control on detection of a communication of the first type.
8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device includes a light source and a region of the device comprises a material which permits the transmission of light, the light source being mounted to emit light through the region of material.
9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the region of material is located at the perimeter of the user-activatable control.
10. A device according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
11. A device according to any preceding claims, wherein an external surface of the user-activatable control includes a tactile feature.
12. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second types of communication are voice-based.
13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first type of communication is PTT.
14. A device according to claim 13, wherein the user-activatable control comprises a PTT activation button.
15. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second type of communication is cellular telephony.
16. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a mobile telephone.
17. A device according to any preceding claim , wherein the device includes a first user-activatable control for the first communication type and a second user- activatable control for the second communication type, wherein the first and second controls are located separately on the device.
18. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a keypad and/or a display and a PTT button, wherein the PTT button is located on a different surface of the device from the keypad and/or display.
19. A communications device enabled to effect Push To Talk communications, the device including a visual notification mechanism, wherein the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of a PTT communication.
20. A communications device in the form of a mobile telephone enabled to effect Push To Talk communications, the device including a notification mechanism, wherein the device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of a PTT communication.
21. A device according to any preceding claim, adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a PTT communication is received.
22. A device according to any preceding claim, adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a PTT communication is sent.
23. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device includes a PTT activation button, and the notification mechanism is adapted to direct a user' s attention to the PTT button.
24. A device according to preceding claim, wherein the notification mechanism includes a light source which is arranged to be activated on detection of a PTT communication.
25. A device according to claim 24, wherein the light source is adapted to emit light in the region of the PTT button of the device on detection of a PTT communication.
26. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device includes a light source and a region of the device comprises a material which permits the transmission of light, the light source being mounted to emit light through the region of material. ■ •
27. A device according to claim 26, wherein the region of material is located at the perimeter of the PTT button.
28. A device according to any of claims 24 to 27, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
29. A device according to any of claims 14 to 18 or 23 to 28, wherein an external surface of the PTT button includes a tactile feature.
30. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a mobile telephone.
31. A device according to any of claims 19 to 30, wherein the device is further enabled to effect a second type of communication.
32. A control device for a communications device according to any preceding claim.
33. A control device for a communications device, the communications device being enabled to effect two different communication types and including a user-activatable control for a first type of communication, the communications device further including a notification mechanism associated with the user- activatable control, wherein control device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism on detection of the first type of communication but not on detection of a second type of communication.
34. A control device for a communications device enabled to effect Push To Talk communications, the control device including means for identifying the activation of a PTT communication and means for activating a notification mechanism on detection of a PTT communication.
35. A control device according to any of claims 32 to 34, wherein the control device is adapted to effect a visual notification.
36. A method of notifying a user of a first type of communication for a communications device enabled to effect two different types of communication, including the steps of detecting a first type of communication and activating a notification mechanism when the first type of communication is detected.
37. A method according to claim 36, wherein the notification mechanism is associated with a user-activatable control for the first type of communication.
38. A method of notifying a user of a PTT communication, including the steps of detecting a PTT communication and activating a notification mechanism when a PTT communication is detected.
39. A method of communication for a communications device enabled to effect two different types of communication, the method including the steps of detecting a first type of communication, activating a notification mechanism associated with a user-activatable control for the first type of communication, receiving a signal from the user-activatable control, and performing a communications function in relation to the first type of communication in dependence upon the signal.
40. A method according to any of claims 36 to 39, wherein the notification mechanism is activated when a PTT communication is received.
41. A method according to any of claims 36 to 40, wherein the notification mechanism is activated when a PTT communication is sent.
42. A method according to any of claims 36 to 41, wherein the notification mechanism is adapted to effect a visual notification.
43. A method according to any of claims 36 to 42, further including the step of illuminating a light source when the notification mechanism is activated.
44. A method according to any of claims 36 to 43, further including the step of detecting a second type of communication.
45. A method according to claim 44, further including the step of activating a second notification mechanism upon detecting the second type of communication.
46. An apparatus adapted to perform a method according to any of claims 36 to 45.
47. A computer program product adapted to perform a method according to any of claims 36 to 45.
48. A computer program product for notifying a user of a first type of communication for a communications device enabled to effect two different types of communication, including means for detecting a first type of communication and means for activating a notification mechanism when the first type of communication is detected.
49. A computer program product for a communications device enabled to effect two different types of communication, including means for detecting a first type of communication, means for activating a notification mechanism associated with a user-activatable control for the first type of communication, means for receiving a signal from the user-activatable control, and means for performing a communications function in relation to the first type of communication in dependence upon the signal.
50. A computer readable medium having stored thereon a computer program product according to any of claims 47 to 49.
51. A signal tangibly embodying a computer program product according to any of claims 47 to 49.
52. A method of transmitting a signal according to claim 51.
53. An accessory for a communications device, wherein the accessory includes a notification mechanism and means for activating the notification mechanism on detection of a control signal from the communications device.
54. An accessory according to claim 53, wherein the accessory includes a PTT activation button.
55. An accessory according to claim 53 or claim 54, wherein the notification mechanism is adapted to effect a visual notification.
56. An accessory according to any of claims 53 to 55, wherein the notification mechanism includes a light source and means for activating the light source on detection of a control signal from the communications device.
57. An accessory according to claim 56, wherein the light source is adapted to emit light in the region of the PTT button of the accessory on detection of a control signal from the communications device.
58. An accessory according to any of claims 53 to 57, wherein the accessory includes a light source and a region of the accessory comprises a material which permits the transmission of light, the light source being mounted to emit light through the region of material.
59. An accessory according to claim 58, wherein the region of material is located at the perimeter of the PTT button.
60. An accessory according to any of claims 56 to 59, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
61. An accessory according to any of claims 54 to 60, wherein an external surface of the PTT button includes a tactile feature.
62. A communications device adapted for use with an accessory according to any of claims 53 to 61.
63. Apparatus being substantially as herein described having reference to any of the accompanying drawings.
64. A method being substantially as herein described having reference to any of the accompanying drawings.
PCT/GB2004/002125 2003-05-16 2004-05-17 Communication device WO2004102977A2 (en)

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GB0311345A GB2401751A (en) 2003-05-16 2003-05-16 Notification mechanism for a push to talk (PTT) enabled device
GB0311345.3 2003-05-16

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WO2004102977A3 WO2004102977A3 (en) 2005-10-27

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