GB2401751A

GB2401751A - Notification mechanism for a push to talk (PTT) enabled device

Info

Publication number: GB2401751A
Application number: GB0311345A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christophe Jean Bataillard
Original assignee: INQUAM
Current assignee: INQUAM
Priority date: 2003-05-16
Filing date: 2003-05-16
Publication date: 2004-11-17
Also published as: WO2004102977A3; GB0311345D0; WO2004102977A2

Abstract

A communications device 1 (for example, a mobile telephone) is enabled to effect Push To Talk (PTT) communications. To ease a user who is only familiar with operation of a conventional mobile telephone, the device includes a visual notification mechanism, for alerting the user to the presence of a PTT communication. In this way, an elliptical ring 6 on the PTT switch 2 is illuminated when it is detected that a PTT communication is being received. It is believed that this will help the user to realise a PTT communication is being received and to distinguish it from a conventional telephone call. Also, a preferred feature is to illuminate the ring 6 when a PTT transmission is being made. Various embodiments for the light source are disclosed including multiple LED's or bulbs of various colours to distinguish between incoming and outgoing calls.

Description

COMMUNICATION DEVICE

The present invention relates to a communications device. Preferred examples relate to a wireless communications device, for example a mobile telephone. s

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 forcommunicating over a wireless communications network.

Examples of such communication 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' communication 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. s

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided 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.

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 skilled reader will readily appreciate that the scope of this invention need not be restricted solely to PTT-enabled communication 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.

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 includes a visual notification mechanism.

Preferably the communications device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a PTT communication is received. - 3

The notification mechanism is of particular help in notifying the user that a PTT communication is being received.

Preferably the communications device is adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a PTT communication 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 communications 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.

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 communications 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 PTT button.

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 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 communications device comprises a mobile telephone.

Preferably the communications device is further enabled to effect a second type of - 5 - 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 S 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.

This feature is of particular importance and is provided independently. Thus 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.

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 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.

Preferably, the first communication type is PTT.

Preferably the communications device includes a first user-activatable control for the I 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 communications device comprises a keypad and/oradisplay and aPTT 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 PTT control device for a communications device as herein described.

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 inventions provides 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.

Preferably the control device includes means 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 PTT communication, including the steps of detecting a PTT communication and activating a notification mechanism when a PTT communication is detected.

Preferably the notification mechanism is activated when a PTT communication is received. 3 0 L

Preferably the notification mechanism is activated when a PTT communication is sent.

Preferably the method includes the step of illuminating a light source when the notification mechanism is activated.

A further aspect of the invention provides an apparatus adapted to perform a method as herein described. - 7

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.

The notification mechanism and the means for activating the notification mechanism may also be provided separately.

A further aspect of the invention provides 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.

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 includes a light source and means 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 light source comprises a light emitting diode.

Preferably an external surface of the PTT button includes a tactile feature.

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, - 9 - with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure IA is a right side elevation of a mobile telephone; Figure 1B is a front elevation of the mobile telephone shown in Figure 1A; Figure 1C is a left side elevation of the mobile telephone shown in Figure 1A; Figure 1D is a rear elevation of the mobile telephone shown in Figure IA; 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; and 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.

A mobile telephone is described with reference to Figures 1A to 1D, which I respectively show right side, front, left side and rear elevations of a mobile telephone.

The mobile telephone I comprises a front casing 3 and a rear casing S. which together define the exterior profile of the mobile telephone. The front casing 3 and rear casing are rigidly connected to each other by screw or clasp fittings.

Thefrontcasing30f the mobile telephone I comprises a display 14 end 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 - 10 network in a known way. Communication between the mobile telephone l 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'M, Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), Global Instant Rendezvous (GIR_), Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN_) or any other suitable communication system. t 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 I 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. I 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 l 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 lO 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 l 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 lightemitting 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 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. - 12

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.

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. - 13

Claims

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a PTT communication is received.

4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, adapted to activate the notification mechanism when a PTT communication is sent.

5. 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.

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 PTT communication.

7. A device according to claim 6, 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.

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 PTT button.

1 O. A device according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.

I 1. A device according to any of claims 5 to I O. wherein an external surface of the I PTT button includes a tactile feature.

12. A device according to claim 1 or any of claims 3 to 1O as dependent on claim 1, wherein the device comprises a mobile telephone.

13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is further enabled to effect a second type of communication.

14. A communications device enabled to effect two different communication types, the device including a notification mechanism and a useractivatable 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.

15. A device according to claim 13 or claim 14, 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.

16. 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.

17. A PTT control device for a communications device according to any preceding claim. I

18. 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.

19. A control device for a communications device enabled to effect Push To Talk communications, the control device including means for identifying the - 15 activation of a PTT communication and means for activating a notification mechanism on detection of a PTT communication.

20. A control device according to claim 19, including means for activating a light i source on identification of the activation of a PTT communication. ;

21. 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.

22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the notification mechanism is activated when a PTT communication is received.

22.

23. A method according to claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the notification mechanism is activated when a PTT communication is sent.

24. A method according to any of claims 21 to 23, further including the step of illuminating a light source when the notification mechanism is activated.

25. An apparatus adapted to perform a method according to any of claims 21 to 24.

26. A computer program product adapted to perform a method according to any of claims 21 to 24.

27. A computer readable medium having stored thereon a computer program product according to claim 26. ;

28. A signal tangibly embodying a computer program product according to claim 26.

29. A method of transmitting a signal according to claim 28.

30. An accessory for a communications device, wherein the accessory includes a notification mechanism and means for activating the notification mechanism I on detection of a control signal from the communications device.

31. An accessory according to claim 30, wherein the accessory includes a PTT I activation button.

32. An accessory according to claim 30 or 31, 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.

33. An accessory according to claim 32, 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.

34. An accessory according to any of claims 30 to 33, 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 I light through the region of material.

35. An accessory according to claim 34, wherein the region of material is located at the perimeter of the PTT button.

36. An accessory according to any of claims 32 to 35, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.

37. An accessory according to any of claims 31 to 36, wherein an external surface of the PTT button includes a tactile feature.

38. Apparatus being substantially as herein described having reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

39. A method being substantially as herein described having reference to any of the accompanying drawings.