Patent Application
20090061833
The disclosed embodiments relate to operations of a computer. More specifically, embodiments described herein relate to a system, method and device to use messaging to implement programmatic actions.
Computing devices, particularly handheld and portable devices, have evolved to include numerous types of communication capabilities and functionality. For example, handheld devices exist that operate as cellular phones, messaging terminals, Internet devices, while including personal information management (PIM) software and photo-management applications. Additionally, Internet Protocol services exist that can transform Internet-enabled machines into telephony devices. Even stand-alone telephones that connect to traditional Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) are including more software to enhance the telephone's functionality.
In enhancing communication capabilities and functionality, effort has been made to enhance and assist the user in using such devices. For example, software features exist to facilitate the ease in which the user can act on a phone number in an email message. A sequence of phone numbers can be presented to a user for selection, and upon such selection being made, a telephony application uses the phone number in making a phone call. Small form-factor computing devices, such as devices that provide cellular phone functionality, have particular use for such short-cut functionality, in order to reduce the manual involvement of the user. These devices have smaller keyboards that may be harder to operate, and/or use in mobile or dynamic environments, where the user cannot readily retrieve a desired number.
Telephony devices are just one type of communication device. There are now many types of communication types, and multi-functional devices exist to accommodate the different communication types. Examples of communication types other than telephony include email, instant message (including SMS protocol messages and Multimedia Message Service (MMS) protocol messages), and video conferencing. Many computing devices, particularly smart phones, are enabled to support communications using multiple communication mediums.
Embodiments described herein provide for messages, communicated amongst persons, to include programmatic triggers that cause a device or machine on either the sending or receiving end to perform a function. Under one or more embodiments, the triggers are provided as part of a header or body of a message, and are in the form of one or more characters, so as to comprise text data.
Among numerous applications, embodiments enable a device to respond to an incoming call by message replying the caller. The message reply may include a trigger that causes either the sending or receiving device to perform a function, such as a call back. On a cellular mobile computing device, the incoming call may be received by way of cellular telephony, such as over a voice channel. The user may reply with a message over, for example, Short Message Service (SMS) transport. The communicated SMS message may contain a trigger that initiates an action on either the device that received the call/sent the message or the device that placed the call/received the message. As described with other embodiments provided below, however, one or more embodiments may be incorporated with other forms of telephony, including Voice Over IP (VOIP) or proprietary protocols such as provided by SKYPE.
According to an embodiment, a mobile computing device includes processing resources, a memory that stores instructions and data, and a wireless communication sub-system. The processing resources use the instructions and data stored in the memory to enable a messaging application to be operable on the mobile computing device. The messaging application handles incoming messages received by the wireless communication sub-system and communicates outgoing messages over the wireless communication sub-system. A trigger detect component is configured to inspect an incoming message for presence of one or more triggers. One or more action components initiate or automatically perform an action responsive to the trigger detect component detecting a corresponding trigger.
In still another embodiment, a mobile computing device may be configured to process a message that may be either incoming into or outgoing from the mobile computing device. A trigger is detected in association with the message. The device associates the trigger with an operation. The mobile computing device may automatically perform or initiate the operation in response to detecting the trigger.
As a variation, the operation may be performed using data contained in the message, or data otherwise identified by the trigger.
Still further, a message may be stored in a computer-readable medium. The message may include a body of the message having a text content, and a data element included in a header or in the body of the message. The data element is structured to be recognizable, by a device that handles the message, as a trigger to initiate or automatically perform a function identified or associated with the trigger. In one implementation, the computer-readable medium may correspond to a cache, or other memory element where a message may be stored temporarily or before more permanent storage.
One or more embodiments described herein provide that methods, techniques and actions performed by a computing device are performed programmatically, or as a computer-implemented method. Programmatically means through the use of code, or computer-executable instructions. A programmatically performed step may or may not be automatic.
One or more embodiments described herein may be implemented using modules. A module may include a program, a subroutine, a portion of a program, or a software component or a hardware component capable of performing one or more stated tasks or functions. As used herein, a module can exist on a hardware component independently of other modules, or a module can be a shared element or process of other modules, programs or machines.
Furthermore, one or more embodiments described herein may be implemented through the use of instructions that are executable by one or more processors. These instructions may be carried on a computer-readable medium. Machines shown in figures below provide examples of processing resources and computer-readable mediums on which instructions for implementing embodiments of the invention can be carried and/or executed. In particular, the numerous machines shown with embodiments of the invention include processor(s) and various forms of memory for holding data and instructions. Examples of computer-readable mediums include permanent memory storage devices, such as hard drives on personal computers or servers. Other examples of computer storage mediums include portable storage units, such as CD or DVD units, flash memory (such as carried on many cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs)), and magnetic memory. Computers, terminals, network enabled devices (e.g. mobile devices such as cell phones) are all examples of machines and devices that utilize processors, memory, and instructions stored on computer-readable mediums.
The message 125 communicated from the sending device 110 may include a body 126, having text or other content. Additionally, the message 125 includes a trigger 130, which may be detectable by one or both devices. In one embodiment, the trigger 130 is detected and used by sending device 110, which processes the message 125 for triggers as an outgoing message. In another embodiment, the trigger is detected by the receiving device 120, which processes the message 125 for triggers as incoming. Still, the message 125 may include one or more triggers 130 that are used by both devices.
In one embodiment, the trigger 130 is provided in a header of the message, and may be carried in the form of text or characters. Alternatively, such a trigger may be carried in the body of the message. When the trigger 130 is detected, the detecting device programmatically initiates and/or performs a corresponding action 140. In an embodiment, the programmatic action 140 may be performed using data that is identified by the trigger and/or carried by the message 125. The programmatic action 140 may be performed automatically or semi-automatically. In one embodiment, programmatic action 140 is performed automatically, so as to be initiated and performed without user-input in response to the trigger being detected.
In another embodiment, the programmatic action 140 is initiated, but may require user-input to be completed. For example, the programmatic action 140 may prompt the user to elect to have the identified action fully performed. Upon the user's input (e.g. the user entering selection input confirming to have the action performed), the action 140 is performed.
According to an embodiment, trigger 130 directly identifies in the message 125 the data 128 that is to be used to perform the programmatic action 140. For example, one of the devices may be configured to use the trigger 130 to also locate or identify application data 128 for performing the programmatic action 140. The data 128 may be positioned, for example, adjacent the trigger 130, so that detection of the trigger also results in detection of the data 128. Similarly, the data 128 and trigger 130 may be combined into one data structure.
Still further, message 125 may carry data 128 independent of the trigger 130. For example, in one embodiment, the data 128 may be carried in the message header (or in the body of the message). The trigger 130 may invoke action 140 on one of the two devices, in which the second mobile device 120 (as receiver of message 125 incoming) performs the action of telephoning the sending device 110 using a phone number carried in the header of the message 125.
One or more embodiments also provide that the programmatic action 140 is performed without data that is identified by trigger 130 or included as part of the message 125. As an example, the trigger 130 may direct both devices 110, 120 to check voicemail. As another example, in the event the receiving device 120 is performing an activity, process or routine when the message is received, the trigger 130 may invoke action 140 in which receiving device 120 opens a folder and/or application where message 125 is stored immediately after it completes its in-progress routine/activity/process. For example, if receiving device 120 is on a phone call when message 125 is received, the receiving device may be configured to perform the action 140 of rendering the message 125 immediately after the phone call is over. Thus, the sending device 110 may include the trigger 130 that causes the message to be rendered as soon as the receiving device is available.
Numerous implementation examples may be provided with use of a system such as described in
Still further, the programmatic action 140 may correspond to an application, or a process that controls the application or initiates use of the application. In such an embodiment, trigger 130 may initiate use and/or control an application. Depending on implementation, either the sending device 110 or receiving device 120 may use trigger 130 in such context. In such embodiments, the detecting device may be configured to detect trigger 130 and use data 128 carried in the message 125 and/or identified by trigger 130. The programmatic action 140 caused by the trigger may include processes that launch the application and/or execution of the application using the data 128.
According to one or more embodiments, the trigger 130 and/or programmatic action 140 may be relevant or otherwise associated with a content of the message 125. In one embodiment, the body 126 includes a text message that is pre-formulated. The trigger 130 may be associated with the pre-formulated message, such that when the pre-formulated text message is selected by the sender 110, the associated trigger 130 is inserted to identify and trigger an associated action.
A body 226 of message 210 may include a text content 222. In one implementation, the text content 222 is a pre-formulated or “canned” message, meaning it is selectable and insertable as a whole into the message. The user may be able to select from a menu or list of pre-formulated text messages. With selection input, an entire message comprising several words or a phrase may be inserted into the body 226 of the message.
In an embodiment, trigger 230 is provided within the body 226 of the message. As outgoing, trigger 230 may be inserted by the sending device 110 (
According to an embodiment, the trigger 230 may correspond to character data, such as special characters (e.g. “*/”), or alternatively a designated set of letters and/or numbers. In this form, the trigger 230 is text data and easily carried in any messaging transport, including SMS.
In an embodiment the trigger 230 is also associated with the pre-formulated text content 222. When the sending device 210 is to perform the action, the selection of the pre-formulated text content 222 may invoke a corresponding designated action on the sending device 110 (
The trigger 230 may also be identified or associated with other data that is actually used by the sending device 110 (
A body 256 of the message 250 may include text content 252 that also contains the trigger 260. The trigger 260 may be provided with a pre-formulated text content 252. The pre-formulated text content 252 may be relevant to the action that is performed. For example, the user of the sending device 110 (
The trigger 260 may identify or be associated with data that is to be used by the receiving device 120 (
Pre-Formulated Messages
In step 320, a trigger may be associated with the pre-formulated message. Each trigger may invoke a corresponding action. Furthermore, different pre-formulated messages may contain different triggers. As described with an embodiment of
In step 330, the trigger is detected when the message is communicated. In one embodiment, the trigger is detected and used by the sending device. For example, the trigger may invoke a delayed action (e.g. notification or application launch or use) on the sending device 110. In another embodiment, the trigger is detected and used by the receiving device 120. Still further, both devices may detect and use the trigger in one message exchange.
The process of detecting the trigger may be one where the body of the message (whether incoming or outgoing) is scanned for presence of characters that identify the trigger. Thus, the detecting device may include logic for scanning messages of the particular transport used to convey the trigger (such as SMS). As an alternative to special or designated characters, the detecting device may use pattern recognition of the text body. For example, a pre-formulated text message may be recognized from the words used, even if other words appear before or after the message.
Still further, the trigger may be event-based. The detecting device may include logic that detects a condition or device state, and infers the trigger based on the presence of the condition. For example, the receiving device may detect a trigger (i) if that device has just placed a call to a particular number, and (ii) an SMS message is received within a designated duration of time from the same phone number of the incoming caller. The presence of these two conditions may infer a “message ignore scenario” where one device may ignore an incoming message with a message reply (such as by way of SMS).In such instances, for example, the receiving device may scan the message for a field value that indicates a duration of time (“5 minutes”), and then may perform an action or notification in that time period.
Step 340 provides that the detecting device either initiates or performs automatically the action identified by the trigger. If the detecting device initiates performance of the action, it may display to the user a question or other prompt to confirm the device should perform the action. For example, the action may correspond to calling a number included in the “to” or “from” field (depending on whether the detecting device is the recipient or sender of the message). Upon receiving the confirmation input from user, the action (e.g. placing the call) may be performed. Alternatively, the action may be performed automatically. For example, the detecting device may place the call immediately, after a given duration designated by the trigger or action, or after an event (such as termination of a call in progress).
As an alternative or addition, the timing as to when the action is to be performed may be supplied as input by the user of the sending device. Under one embodiment, the pre-formulated message may present a field that the user can fill in with a numeric value. The action performed in association with the message may scan for the field value and delay (or otherwise configure or modify) performance of the action based on the field value.
Message 410d provides an example of a sender specifying a programmatic action on the recipient device. Message 410d may also be provided in context of a call-ignore event. However, message 410d may include a trigger that specifies the recipient device to perform the call back (or initiate the call back) after a given duration of time. As an alternative or addition, the user of the sending device may specify the value when the call back is to be performed. Thus, the pre-formulated message 410d may provide text content and trigger with an open field that can be supplied manually with user-input. Under one implementation, the value of the user-input may affect the trigger and/or action to be performed. For example, the timing of a delay notification may be affected by the user-input.
Numerous alternative actions may be associated with pre-formulated messages. Message 410e shows an example where the composition and/or transmission of the message causes both the sender and recipient device to perform an action. In message 410e, the user's selection of the pre-formulated text message “Here is my card” may cause one or both of the following: (i) the sender device to automatically attach the sender's contact information or v-card, and (ii) have the information or card stored in a contact application on the recipient device.
Message 410f shows another implementation where the sender may select a pre-formulated text message that invokes the recipient device to store the message as a task or memo. An actual task item may be entered manually by the user. Under one implementation, the text of the task item is carried into task or memo as part of the action performed (responsive to the trigger).
In any of the examples provided by
As an alternative or addition, the sending device 110 (
Location-Based Functions
One or more embodiments provide for use of messages to trigger performance of location-based functions. Location-based functions may correspond to functions that integrate location information, in any particular form, such as by way of coordinates (e.g. through use of GPS component) or street address.
In step 510, the sending device 110 is operated to insert a trigger for location-based functionality into a message. The message may be of a kind used under any transport, such as SMS. The trigger may be operated by the user performing an action that is associated with insertion of the trigger. For example, the user may select a pre-formulated text that pertains to location-based functionality (e.g. “Where are you?”). Selection of the text may automatically insert a trigger into the header or body of the message. The trigger may be used by the recipient device 120. Under an embodiment, the trigger may also be used by the sending device 110.
In one embodiment, insertion of the trigger may occur responsive and/or in connection with insertion of location-based information, such as provided from GPS resources that may be resident on the device. For example, under one implementation, the user may select a pre-formulated text (e.g. “where are you”). The selection of the pre-formulated message, or the inclusion of a trigger associated with that message, may also trigger the sending device 110 to use the GPS resources to identify coordinates of the sending device for insertion into the header or body of the message. As will be described, the insertion of GPS coordinates of the sending device may be used to enable the receiving device 120 to (i) estimate a measure of separation between the two devices, or (ii) map the position of the sending device in preparing a response answer.
As another example, the user of the sending device may communicate the message: “Meet me here”. The inclusion of the message may include a trigger, or otherwise separately trigger the sending device to include coordinates from GPS resources, or information about the location of the user from a mapping service. Thus, the composition of the message may separately trigger the sending device 110 to include supplemental information from the GPS resources.
As an alternative, the user of the sending device may operate the GPS resources to direct the GPS resources to programmatically insert the information into the body of the message. As still another variation, the user of the sending device 110 may select the pre-formulated message and manually supplement the message with information about the location of the user into the message. For example, the user may operate a separate GPS device, operate the GPS application of the detecting device independently, or enter location information in the form of a steet address or zip-code. The information may be carried as entered by the user of the sending device. Alternatively, once the location information is entered and the communication of the message is initiated (e.g. the message is placed in the outbox), the trigger in the message causes the sending device 110 to access the GPS resources and programmatically convert the entered information into a form of data that can be used by the GPS resources of the receiving device.
In step 520, the receiving device 120 receives the message. The device may be configured to process the message for triggers. For example, the receiving device 120 may scan the header or body of the incoming message for a designated set of characters that are indicative of a trigger. As an alternative, the trigger may be combined by the presence of numbers and characters that match a form of coordinates from a GPS application. Still further, presence of other words or data element types may act as a trigger. For example, the presence of the word “address” or the detection of a string of characters that appear to be an address (e.g. string including 1-4 numbers at beginning, followed by words and ending with various words or abbreviation indicative of road, street etc.) may all be determined to be location information by the detecting device. Other variations are also possible. As mentioned, the trigger may be provided as a header or in the message body.
Step 530 provides that the receiving device 120 associates the detected trigger with a function. The receiving device 120 may also handle the message in a manner in which messages of the SMS (or other) transport are normally handled. For example, the message may be stored as a new message in an inbox folder.
Step 540 provides that the receiving device performs the identified function associated with the detected trigger. The identified function may be performed immediately or subsequently, after a duration of completion of an event. The trigger may cause the receiving device to either perform the action automatically, or to initiate the action. For example, the trigger may cause the receiving device 120 to prompt the user for confirmation input before completing the action.
According to an embodiment, the action that is performed requires identification of location information of the receiving device 120. As an alternative or addition, the action may require the receiving device to access its GPS resources. For example, the action may include the receiving device determining its coordinates to identify its location.
Still further, the action that is to be performed on the receiving device may include the use of data provided in the received message. For example, the action may use coordinates provided in the incoming message with a mapping application, so that the recipient device generates a map from information contained in the message. As another example described (in more detail with the following paragraph), the action may require use of location information of the sending device for purpose of determining a distance measurement between the two devices. The trigger may be provided to identify the location-information. Alternatively, the logic that performs the action on the receiving device 120 may detect the location information in the incoming message based on, for example, data format or pattern recognition.
Under one embodiment, the action performed by the receiving device may also include the receiving device 120 processing the GPS information from the sending device 110. Thus, for example, the receiving device 120 may determine a difference between the position of the sending and receiving devices 110, 120. This difference may correspond to distance and/or time measurement (e.g. “You are 8 minutes away at current speed.”).
The action performed by the receiving device 120 in response to receiving the triggered message may also be multi-stepped. For example, the receiving device may also be configured to perform the action of sending a reply message back to the sending computer. Depending on the embodiment, the reply message may include the location information of the recipient device 120 (as determined by the GPS resources of the device 120) and/or evaluation of location information of the sending device 110 (if any present).
An embodiment such as recited with
System Architecture
In an embodiment, a device on which system 600 is provided may use wireless communication mediums, such as provided by cellular mediums, to send and receive messages. Alternatively, the device may use Wireless Fidelity (“WiFi”) as defined by, for example, the 802.11(b) or 802.11 (g) standards, or even WiMax networks that operate under the 802.16 standards. Land connections may also be used. While different messaging transports may be used with embodiments described herein, one or more embodiments provide for system 600 to be implemented for SMS transport, using a cellular network or other network that can handle SMS messaging.
With regard to an incoming message 606, system 600 may process the message by inspecting the message for a trigger. In one embodiment, the trigger detect 612 inspects the incoming message 606 by scanning the header and/or body of the message for the presence of the trigger. With SMS messages which carry text, the trigger detect 612 scans the message for text that is characteristic of a trigger. For example, the message may be scanned for a cluster of special characters that are indicative of a trigger. As an alternative or addition, trigger detect 612 may scan the message for text patterns that are indicative of a particular function, such as may be provided with a pre-formulated message. In one embodiment, trigger detect 612 scans the incoming message 606 for characters that are indicative of the trigger, and then removes the characters from the message before the messaging application 610 subsequently stores and/or renders the incoming message 606. In one embodiment, the messaging application 610 stores the incoming message 606 in the message store 615 (e.g. “inbox”), and sends an instruct 616 or other signal to one of the action components 620.
In one embodiment, the messaging application 610 also identifies data for performing the action identified by the trigger from the incoming message 606. The messaging application 610 may, for example, identify data from the header of the message, or data included with or identified by the trigger. The messaging application 610 may communicate the identified data to the action component 620.
The action components 620 may correspond to applications, plug-ins, or software and/or other logic that uses the instruct 616 and/or identified data to perform the function associated with the trigger. For example, the action component 620 may correspond to anyone of an application (or plug-in) corresponding to a phone application (for when the action is to place a call), a mapping application (for performing location-based functions in the form of mapping), a GPS application that interfaces with corresponding GPS hardware (for performing location-based functions), task manager, file manager, or notification manager for generating instant and delayed notifications.
As an alternative or addition, system 600 may also be configured to (i) insert triggers into an outgoing message, and optionally (ii) process triggers in outgoing messages. As mentioned, the outgoing message 608 may be one that is composed, placed in a folder (e.g. “outbox”) for transmission, or in a state of transmission. Trigger insert 614 may correspond to a component that places, for example, a character or set of characters that identify a particular function in the header or body of a message that is to be outgoing. The trigger insert 614 may be integrated with the messaging application 610, or provided separately from it.
In one implementation, for example, the trigger insert 614 is associated with a menu or list of pre-formulated messages. The selection of a message from the list results in the trigger insert 614 inserting a corresponding trigger for the selected message in the header or body of the outgoing message 608. As an alternative or addition, trigger insert 614 may be associated with a GPS application. The use of the GPS application in certain instances may generate data that may be inserted into the message as or with a separate identifiable trigger. Numerous other forms of trigger inserts may be used.
As mentioned, an embodiment provides that the system 600 is configured to detect and act on triggers in outgoing messages. Trigger detect 612 may thus scan the outgoing message 608, including the header and body for presence of the trigger. Alternatively, the trigger insert 614 may communicate with the messaging application 610 to signal the presence of a trigger. The trigger may then be acted on by one of the action components 620. For example, the messaging application 610 may provide an instruct 616 for the outgoing message 608, which may be handled and processed by, for example, a notification component (generate a delayed notification) or telephony application (place a call to recipient device at a later time).
Hardware Diagram
Processor 710 may be configured with software and/or other logic to perform one or more processes, steps and other functions described with embodiments. Processor 710 is configured, with instructions and data stored in memory resources 715, to execute messaging application 610 (see
While
While embodiments described herein provide for use of incorporating or embedding triggers with messages, other embodiments provide for coordinating performance of certain actions with communication of specific messages. One or more embodiments may be implemented in the context of providing message replies to incoming phone calls. More specifically, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/200,511 (hereby incorporated by reference) describes a device that enables a user to respond to an incoming phone call with a message reply to the caller. For example, the user may elect to ignore an incoming call by text messaging the caller to call back. In this context, one or more embodiments provide that a user of a mobile computing device can, with one or more short-cut actions, answer an incoming phone call and place it on hold, while messaging the caller back and informing him that is he or she is on hold. For example, in response to an incoming call, the user can select a pre-formulated message that states content to the effect of “You are on hold, Please wait.” When the pre-formulated message is selected, the answering device (where the message is composed) also performs, for example, actions of (i) answering the incoming call and (ii) placing it on hold. Thus, the act of selecting the particular “on hold” message may trigger the device to answer a call and place it on hold.
As an alternative or addition to embodiments described herein, a user may perform an action that triggers both the selection of text content (e.g. through the selection of a pre-formulated text message) and concurrent programmatic actions. For example, rather than the user selecting a pre-formulated message to trigger an incoming call to be placed on hold, the user may provide a single input that (i) composes and sends the pre-formulated message (e.g. “hang on, placing you on hold”), then (ii) answers the call and (iii) places it on hold. For example, the user may be prompted with a message in response to an incoming call. The message may ask the user as to whether he or she wishes to place the call on hold and message reply the user. If the user selects the action of the prompt, the message is sent and the call is answered and placed on hold.
In still another embodiment, a pre-formulated text message may be provided without triggers or associated functionality, but as a form, with one or more fields that the user can fill in. Such a pre-formulated message may be used, for example, to message response incoming calls. Such forms may be incorporated into SMS or MMS messaging applications.
Still further, embodiments described herein provide for a mobile computing device that is configured to incorporate triggers for use in message replying responses to incoming phone calls. In one embodiment, a mobile computing device may be configured to enable the user of a mobile computing device to message reply a caller. The mobile computing device may further be configured to programmatically detect a trigger in association with the message. In response to detecting the trigger, the device automatically performs the operation that is associated with the trigger.
Under one variation, and as mentioned with one or more other embodiments, the message reply may invoke or trigger an operation that requires use of data contained in the body of the message.
Usage Scenarios and Alternatives
One or more embodiments provide for message replies to incoming telephony calls. On a cellular mobile computing device, for example, an incoming cellular telephony call to a first device may result in an application executing on the receiving device to prompt the user to message-reply the caller. If the user elects to message-reply the caller, a particular messaging application may partially compose a new outgoing message. For example, the SMS application or plug-in open a new message and insert the phone number of the caller into the address field, and have the message ready to receive text content for its body. The user may then be prompted with a list of possible message replies, of which some (or all) may include triggers. The list of possible message replies may, for example, be represented by an embodiment of
As an alternative to conventional cellular telephony, the devices may communicate using “Voice Over IP” (VOIP) communications. Thus, one device may place a VOIP call to another device, and the device receiving the incoming call may message reply the caller back with a message that is structured in accordance with embodiments described herein. The devices using VOIP may be connected devices, in communication with the Internet or other public networks through the use of high-speed network connections. However, an embodiment such as described may also apply to mobile computing devices that use cellular data channels to perform VOIP Telephony. With VOIP telephony, one or more embodiments provide that message replies (with triggers) are carried over transports such as e-mail or Instant messaging.
As mentioned elsewhere, embodiments described herein may also be implemented outside of the content of message-replies to incoming calls. In one embodiment, an initiating computing device (e.g. mobile cellular telephony device) may send messages to multiple participants who operate other devices, using, for example, an SMS message transport. The messages may be sent independent of any call that the sender is on. Each message may include a common trigger that identifies a time, date and a phone number for a conference call to take place. Additional information, such as the subject of the meeting, or the conference code, may be included in a body of the message. The receiving devices process the incoming messages programmatically. At or before the given time and date, each receiving device (and the sending device) may perform one or more of the following: (i) provide a reminder notification of a scheduled conference call; (ii) provide a notification as to when the conference call is to initiate; (iii) prompt the user into initiating programmatic steps for placing the device on the call, including dialing the number or using the conference code; and (iv) perform some or all of the actions needed to place the user on the conference call (including dialing the number and the conference code). Under one implementation, all of the recited steps are performed automatically. Moreover, while the usage scenario recites a cellular device, other embodiments contemplate use of desktop or laptop machines, which may use VOIP and/or other forms of messaging transports (such as email or instant messaging).
Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments. As such, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it is contemplated that a particular feature described either individually or as part of an embodiment can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments, even if the other features and embodiments make no mentioned of the particular feature. This, the absence of describing combinations should not preclude the inventor from claiming rights to such combinations.
