Method, system and apparatus using a sensory cue to indicate subsequent action characteristics for data communications
US7404148B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L69/326
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A communications device provides a user with a sensory cue that informs the user of certain characteristics of a subsequent action that includes data communications. By informing the user of the data communication characteristics before the user initiates the data communication action, the invention appropriately sets user expectations regarding the data communication characteristics. For example, one embodiment of the invention is implemented in a portable communications device with a screen. For subsequent actions that include wireless communications, the portable communications device simultaneously displays a wireless link icon sensory cue next to a user interface graphic element. The user interface element is used to initiate the subsequent action. The user interface element can be an operating system object having an embedded link type icon. The wireless link icon informs the user that the subsequent action corresponding to the user interface element requires wireless communication and the expense and time associated therewith. A method, a system and an apparatus for indicating characteristics of a subsequent action to a user before the user begins the subsequent action are p…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.