`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0203768 A1
`Ylitalo et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Oct. 14, 2004
`
`US 2004O2O3768A1
`
`(54) SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR
`AUTOMATICALLY SELECTING MOBILE
`DEVICE PROFILES
`(76) Inventors: Tapio Ylitalo, Espoo (FI); Peter
`Schneider, Helsinki (FI)
`Correspondence Address:
`CRAWFORD PLLC
`1270 Northland Drive, Suite 390
`St. Paul, MN 55120 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`(22) Filed:
`
`10/222,188
`Aug. 16, 2002
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl. .................................................... H04Q 7/20
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. .................... 455/.435.1; 455/433; 455/4.56.1
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A System, apparatus, and method for automatically or inter
`actively updating a wireleSS/mobile device's active Settings
`or profile, based on the location of the mobile device. Profile
`point identifiers are Stored at the mobile device, where each
`of the Stored profile point identifiers is associated with at
`least one of the profiles available on the mobile device. A
`profile point identifier that is transmitted over-the-air (OTA)
`from a corresponding profile point is received at the mobile
`device when the mobile device is within the transmission
`range of that profile point. The profile associated with the
`Stored profile point identifier that matches the transmitted
`profile point is activated in response thereto.
`
`- 800
`REGISTER ONE ORMORE
`PROFILE POINTS
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`PROFILE POINTS VAWIRELESS
`TRANSMISSION
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`
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`
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`REGISTERED PROFILE
`POINT2
`
`
`
`YES
`
`806
`
`NITIATEACTIVATION OF PROFILE
`ASSOCIATED WITH REGISTERED
`PROFILE POINT THAT WAS FOUND
`
`Page 1 of 23
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`SAMSUNG EX-1018
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`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14, 2004 Sheet 4 of 9
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`US 2004/0203768A1
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`406
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`Page 5 of 23
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`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14, 2004 Sheet 5 of 9
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`US 2004/0203768A1
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`506
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`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14, 2004 Sheet 6 of 9
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`US 2004/0203768 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14, 2004 Sheet 8 of 9
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`US 2004/0203768 A1
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`- 800
`REGISTER ONE ORMORE
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`TRANSMISSION
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`ASSOCIATED WITH REGISTERED
`PROFILE POINT THAT WAS FOUND
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`FIG. 8
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`Page 9 of 23
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`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14, 2004 Sheet 9 of 9
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`US 2004/0203768A1
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`
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`USER-REGISTRATION OF
`ONE ORMORE PROFILE
`POINTS
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`Page 10 of 23
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`Oct. 14, 2004
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`SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR
`AUTOMATICALLY SELECTING MOBILE DEVICE
`PROFILES
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`0001. This invention relates in general to mobile com
`munications, and more particularly to a System, method and
`apparatus for automatically Selecting appropriate mobile
`device profiles based on the location of the mobile device.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0002 While mobile telephones were perhaps viewed by
`many as a luxury when first introduced into the marketplace,
`they are today viewed by Our Society as very important,
`useful, and convenient tools. A large Segment of Society now
`carries their mobile devices with them wherever they go.
`These mobile devices include, for example, mobile tele
`phones, Personal Digital ASSistants (PDAS), laptop/note
`book computers, and the like. The popularity of these
`devices and the ability to communicate “wirelessly' has
`Spawned a multitude of new wireleSS Systems, devices,
`protocols, etc. Consumer demand for advanced wireleSS
`functions and capabilities has also fueled a wide range of
`technological advances in the utility and capabilities of
`wireless devices. Wireless/mobile devices not only allow
`Voice communication, but also facilitate messaging, multi
`media communications, e-mail, Internet browsing, and
`access to a wide range of wireless applications and Services.
`0003. With the introduction of these new services also
`came the ability to configure the mobile device to accom
`modate the needs or the tastes of the user. For example,
`mobile devices now often include configurable and/or
`adjustable features, Such as ringing Volume, ringing tones,
`ringing modes (e.g., ring versus vibrate), business or per
`Sonal call Screening/filtering, alert/notification Volume or
`tone, alert/notification visual effects, and a variety of other
`variable features or Settings. Any number of these mobile
`device Settings may be grouped into different "profiles.”
`Thus, a mobile device profile generally refers to any number
`of Settings applied to the mobile device. For example,
`mobile devices Such as wireleSS telephones typically have
`configurable and/or adjustable features, Such as ringing
`Volume, ringing tones, ringing modes, busineSS or personal
`call Screening/filtering, and So forth. Depending on the
`particular situation of the mobile device, the mobile device
`user may want to change those Settings. Because the user
`may be frequently presented with certain situations, it may
`be desirable to change the Settings as a group-i.e., change
`the profile.
`0004 For example, the user may select a particular
`profile before entering a conference room, where the profile
`includes turning off an alert or ringing Volume, and/or
`turning on a vibration indicator. In this manner, the user can
`avoid disrupting a meeting from an incoming call or an
`audible alert. AS another example, a profile may be Selected
`by the user when arriving at home. This profile may filter out
`business calls, enable personal calls, Switch to a more
`personalized ring tone, etc.
`0005. However, the user is burdened with making these
`profile changes. If the user forgets to Switch profiles when
`the Situation changes, the exact event that the profile was
`intended to avoid will occur. For example, if the user forgets
`
`to change the profile when returning home, busineSS calls
`may ring at home, personal calls may fail to ring, etc. These
`may be precisely the conditions that the user did not want to
`occur when at home. AS another example, if the user forgets
`to change the profile before entering a meeting, the desired
`result of not disrupting the meeting with audible notifica
`tions and/or ring tones will occur. This places a burden on
`the user to continually remember to manually change pro
`files whenever the user's Situation changes. Further, even if
`the user remembers to make the profile change, the user is
`burdened with actually having to change the profile at each
`Situation change.
`0006 Accordingly, there is a need in the communications
`industry for a more efficient and convenient manner of
`Selecting the profile to be used at a given location. The
`present invention fulfills these and other needs, and offers
`other advantages over the prior art.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0007. The present invention is directed to a system,
`apparatus, and method for automatically or interactively
`updating a wireleSS/mobile device's active Settings or pro
`file, based on the location of the mobile device.
`0008. In accordance with one embodiment of the inven
`tion, a method is provided for activating profiles on a mobile
`device. The method includes facilitating Storage of profile
`point identifiers at the mobile device, where each of the
`Stored profile point identifiers is associated with at least one
`of the profiles available on the mobile device. The profiles
`represent, for example, a group of one or more mobile
`device features. A profile point identifier that is transmitted
`over-the-air (OTA) from a corresponding profile point is
`received at the mobile device when the mobile device is
`within the transmission range of that profile point. The
`profile associated with the stored profile point identifier that
`matches the transmitted profile point is then activated.
`0009. In accordance with more particular embodiments
`of Such a method, the transmitted profile point identifier is
`compared to the Stored profile point identifiers to determine
`whether the transmitted profile point identifier matches any
`of the stored profile point identifiers. If a stored profile point
`identifier matches the received profile point identifier, then
`the profile that was associated with that Stored profile point
`identifier is the profile that is activated.
`0010. In another particular embodiment, the method
`includes transmitting at least one profile query from the
`mobile device. The profile query is then received at a profile
`point, and the profile point transmits the corresponding
`profile point identifier in response to receiving the profile
`query. Profile queries may be transmitted in any number of
`different manners. Predefined query dispatch parameters
`may dictate how often and/or when the profile queries are
`transmitted from the mobile device. These parameters may
`include, for example, a time duration, Such that transmitting
`the profile queries includes periodically transmitting the
`profile queries upon each expiration of the time duration.
`0011. In another particular embodiment, the method may
`include repeatedly transmitting the profile point identifier
`from the corresponding profile point. The transmitted profile
`point identifier is received from the corresponding profile
`point when the mobile device is within the transmission
`
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`Oct. 14, 2004
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`range of the corresponding profile point. The transmitted
`profile point identifier is then compared to the Stored profile
`point identifiers to determine whether the transmitted profile
`point identifier matches any of the Stored profile point
`identifiers.
`0012. In another embodiment of the aforementioned
`method, facilitating Storage of the profile point identifiers
`includes presenting a user interface to allow a user of the
`mobile device to register one or more of the profile points,
`asSociating at least one profile Selected by the user of the
`mobile device with each of the profile points to be registered
`by the user, and Storing the association of the Selected
`profiles and corresponding registered profile points. In Still
`another particular embodiment, the method further includes
`registering, by the user via the mobile device, one or more
`of the profile points. This registration includes activating a
`registration feature via the mobile device when the mobile
`device is within a transmission range of the profile point to
`be registered, and Selecting the profile to be associated with
`the registered profile point. In yet another particular embodi
`ment, facilitating Storage of profile point identifiers includes
`providing memory on which the one or more profile point
`identifiers and associated profiles are pre-stored.
`0013 Another particular embodiment of the aforemen
`tioned method includes transmitting the profile point iden
`tifier OTA from the corresponding profile point via a local
`positioning technology. Examples of Such a local position
`ing technology include Bluetooth technology and ultrawide
`band (UWB) radio technology, although any local position
`ing technology may be employed in connection with the
`present invention. In addition to using local positioning
`technologies, other profile point identifiers may be transmit
`ted OTA from its corresponding profile point via a Satellite
`based positioning System, telecommunications network
`based positioning System Such as a cellular network, or other
`non-local positioning technology. In yet another embodi
`ment, the method includes transmitting the profile point
`identifier OTA from the corresponding profile point directly
`via a Satellite-based positioning System, telecommunications
`network-based positioning System, or other non-local posi
`tioning technology.
`0.014.
`In another particular embodiment of this method,
`the method includes reverting to the predetermined or
`“default” one of the profiles when an OTA signal from the
`corresponding profile point falls below a certain Signal-level
`threshold. In another embodiment, the method includes
`reverting to the predetermined one of the profiles when one
`or more predetermined location identifiers available to the
`mobile device indicate a change of location. This can occur
`when, for example, one or more network-based identifiers
`provided over a wireless network to the mobile device
`change, thereby indicating a change of location of the
`mobile device.
`0.015. In accordance with another embodiment of the
`invention, a method is provided for activating profiles on a
`mobile device based on a location of the mobile device. The
`method includes Storing one or more location identifiers on
`the mobile device, where the location identifiers correspond
`to locations in which automatic profile activation is desired.
`If and when the mobile device is moved to one of the
`locations in which automatic profile activation is desired, the
`mobile device receives an OTA-transmitted location identi
`
`fier corresponding to the location in which the mobile device
`has been moved. The OTA-transmitted location identifier is
`compared with the stored location identifiers on the mobile
`device to identify the Stored location identifier matching the
`OTA-transmitted location identifier. The profile(s) that was
`pre-assigned to the Stored location identifier that matches the
`OTA-transmitted location identifier is automatically acti
`Vated in response thereto.
`0016. In accordance with more particular embodiments
`of Such a method, the method may include forwarding the
`OTA-transmitted location identifier from the mobile device
`to a wireleSS network in which the mobile device operates
`therein, for use in other location-based Services. In another
`embodiment, receiving the OTA-transmitted location iden
`tifier includes receiving a Bluetooth identifier transmitted
`Via Bluetooth technology, or other local positioning tech
`nology.
`0017. In accordance with another embodiment of the
`invention, a mobile device is provided that includes multiple
`features, and multiple profiles that include groups of one or
`more of those features. The mobile device includes a
`memory to Store location identifiers, and to Store an asso
`ciation between each of the Stored location identifiers and
`one of the plurality of profiles (although “one” of the profiles
`may be a combination of other profiles). The mobile device
`includes a receiver to receive location identifiers transmitted
`OTA from respective profile points. The mobile device
`further includes a processing System configured to determine
`whether the received location identifier matches any of the
`Stored location identifiers. If a match exists, the profile
`asSociated with the Stored location identifier that matches the
`received location identifier is activated. In this manner, the
`features associated with the activated profile are placed into
`effect.
`0018. In more particular embodiments of such a mobile
`device, a transmitter is provided to transmit profile point
`queries to Search for the profile points. The receiver thus
`receives the location identifiers OTA from the respective
`profile points in response to the respective profile point
`receiving at least one of the profile point queries. In another
`particular embodiment, the memory also stores a profile
`agent, and the processing System executes the profile agent
`to determine whether the received location identifier
`matches any of the Stored location identifiers, and to activate
`the profile associated with the stored location identifier that
`matches the received location identifier. In yet another
`particular embodiment of Such a mobile device, a user
`interface is provided to facilitate registration of profile
`points, where the processing System is further configured to
`Store the location identifiers resulting from the registration
`of the profile points into the memory.
`0019. In accordance with another embodiment of the
`invention, a System for activating profiles on a mobile device
`based on a location of the mobile device is provided. The
`System includes one or more profile points positioned at
`different locations in which automatic profile activation is
`desired, where each of the profile points is associated with
`a profile point identifier that is transmitted OTA from the
`respective profile point. The System further includes a
`mobile device having multiple features, and having multiple
`profiles each asSociated with one or more of the features.
`The mobile device includes a memory to Store one or more
`
`Page 12 of 23
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`profile point identifiers, and to Store an association between
`each of the stored profile point identifiers and one of the
`profiles. The mobile device includes a receiver to receive the
`profile point identifier transmitted from a respective one of
`the profile points when the mobile device is within a
`transmission range of the respective one of the profile points.
`The mobile device further includes a processing System
`configured to determine whether the received profile point
`identifier matches any of the Stored profile point identifiers,
`and to activate the profile associated with the Stored profile
`point identifier that matches the received profile point iden
`tifier.
`0020. In accordance with more particular embodiments
`of Such a System, the mobile device further includes a
`transmitter to transmit profile point queries to Search for the
`profile points, where the receiver receives the profile point
`identifiers OTA from the respective profile points in
`response to the respective profile point receiving at least one
`of the profile point queries. One embodiment of a profile
`point includes a profile point receiver to receive the profile
`point queries when the profile point queries are perceivable
`at the profile point, and a transmitter to transmit the respec
`tive profile point identifier OTA in response. In a more
`particular embodiment of Such a profile point, the profile
`point includes a wake-up circuit to receive the transmitted
`profile point queries and to exit a Stand-by mode in response
`thereto. Such a profile point may also include a profile point
`receiver to receive the profile point queries when the Stand
`by mode has been exited, and a transmitter to transmit the
`respective profile point identifier OTA.
`0021. The above summary of the present invention is not
`intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or imple
`mentation of the present invention. This is the purpose of the
`figures and the associated discussion which follows.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0022. The invention is described in connection with the
`embodiments illustrated in the following diagrams.
`0023 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the
`automatic profile Selection in accordance with the present
`invention;
`0024 FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of a commu
`nication between a profile agent within a mobile device and
`a profile point in accordance with the present invention;
`0.025
`FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a representative
`mobile device computing System capable of carrying out
`operations in accordance with the invention;
`0.026
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary profile
`point in accordance with the present invention;
`0.027
`FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary progression of auto
`matic profile Selections based on the location of a mobile
`device, where a general/default profile is used in addition to
`profile points to automatically Select the appropriate profile;
`0028 FIG. 6, including FIGS. 6A-6E, illustrates an
`example of a representative registration process effected via
`a representative user interface;
`0029 FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the invention
`where the profile is automatically Selected based on the
`
`location of the mobile device, and where the profile may be
`changed or altered based on Secondary parameters,
`0030 FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a
`manner in which mobile device profiles are automatically
`updated, based on at least the location of the mobile device,
`in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
`and
`0031 FIG. 9 illustrates another representative embodi
`ment of a method for automatically updating mobile device
`profiles in accordance with the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`0032. In the following description of the exemplary
`embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying draw
`ings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way
`of illustration the specific embodiment in which the inven
`tion may be practiced. It is to be understood that other
`embodiments may be utilized, as Structural and operational
`changes may be made without departing from the Scope of
`the present invention.
`0033 Generally, the present invention provides a manner
`for automatically updating a wireleSS/mobile devices active
`settings or “profile” based on the location of the mobile
`device. A Software module (generally referred to herein as a
`profile agent) available to the mobile device automatically
`Switches between a plurality of profiles depending on the
`location of the mobile device. One or more profile points are
`implemented to provide location indications via wireleSS/
`over-the-air (OTA) technologies to allow the mobile device
`to determine which profile area the mobile device is cur
`rently within. Based on this location information, the profile
`agent can automatically (or via reasonably limited user
`interaction) change the profile to one that is appropriate for
`the location in which the mobile device is currently oper
`ating.
`0034. A mobile device “profile” refers to any number of
`Settings applied to mobile devices, and/or agents, applica
`tions, or other software operable on mobile devices. For
`example, mobile devices Such as wireleSS telephones typi
`cally have configurable and/or adjustable features, Such as
`ringing Volume, ringing tones, ringing modes (e.g., ring
`versus vibrate), business or personal call Screening/filtering,
`and So forth. Depending on the particular situation or
`location of the mobile device, the mobile device user may
`want to change those Settings. For example, while in a
`meeting, the user may want to turn off the mobile device,
`turn down/off the ringing Volume, or change the ringing
`mode to vibrate rather than produce an audible Sound. AS
`another example, the user may want to increase the Volume
`while in a noisy environment, like Some outdoor situations,
`or while driving an automobile, or while listening to a Stereo,
`television, etc. Yet another example is where the user wants
`to filter certain calls at a given time. The user may want to
`Send non-urgent business calls (e.g., calls from certain
`business associates) when the user is not at work or is
`otherwise on personal time. On the other hand, the user may
`want to filter certain personal calls while at the office. These
`and a multitude of other situations may cause the user to
`modify the Settings on the mobile device to accommodate
`those situations.
`
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`0035. These settings adjustments can be collectively
`changed based on the Situation by creating “profiles.” One
`profile may be, for example, a private profile for receiving
`only private calls or those from very important perSons
`while at home or otherwise on personal time. Another profile
`can be an outdoor profile that increases the ringing Volume
`and/or changes the ringing tone So that it can be better heard
`outdoors, in an automobile, or in other more noisy environ
`ments. In other words, Selection of a profile can change one,
`or multiple mobile device Settings to accommodate the
`particular situation/location in which the mobile device is
`being used.
`0.036 While the use of profiles may provide additional
`efficiency for users, the problem remains that the user is
`expected to change the profile each time the Situation or
`location changes that would prompt a profile change. The
`present invention Solves this problem, by facilitating auto
`matic profile changes based at least in part on the user's (and
`consequently the mobile devices) whereabouts.
`0037 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a representative
`environment in which the principles of the present invention
`may be employed. The example of FIG. 1 depicts a pro
`gression of automatic profile Selections based on the location
`of a mobile device. It should be recognized that while only
`a single mobile device is depicted in FIG. 1 for purposes of
`explanation, the invention is applicable to a plurality of
`mobile devices which each employ the principles of the
`present invention.
`0038. The mobile device shown in FIG. 1 is depicted as
`a mobile telephone, although the following description is
`applicable to any number of wireleSS devices. In accordance
`with the present invention, the mobile telephone profile will
`be automatically changed when a certain predetermined
`location is entered, if the device has been Set to do so. For
`example, the mobile phone 100A may be automatically set
`to a first profile P-A102 when the mobile phone 100A is
`located at a first location Such as the user's home 104. In
`accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
`the appropriate home 104 profile is automatically Selected
`when the mobile device 100A is within range of a signal
`generator 106 that transmits information that is used by the
`mobile device 100A to trigger a profile change to the
`appropriate profile for use in the home 104. In one embodi
`ment, the Signal generator 106, referred to herein as a profile
`point, is a device that generates a wireleSS Signal recogniz
`able by the mobile device 100A. Any appropriate wireless
`Signal technology may be employed, Such as Bluetooth or
`other local positioning or short-range wireleSS communica
`tion technology. Wider range wireleSS communication tech
`nologies may be used for larger areas where appropriate,
`including any telecommunication network-based position
`ing System. This can include, for example, a cellular network
`itself, whereby a cell-ID, Location Area Code (LAC), or
`other location identifier can be used to update the mobile
`device profile.
`0039. When the mobile device 100A enters the home 104
`and within the range of the profile point 106, the mobile
`device 100A profile P-A102 designated for the home 104 is
`selected. This profile P-A102 may include, for example, a
`“private” profile for receiving only private calls or those
`from very important perSons. The private profile could also
`include a different ring tone or ring Volume, or other
`
`designated parameter. In this manner, when the mobile
`device 100A enters the home 104 served by the profile point
`106, the profile will be automatically changed to the pre
`defined profile for that location.
`0040. In accordance with the invention, the user may
`identify locations frequently visited by the user, Such as the
`user's home 102, in which a profile point may be utilized. In
`Such a case, the user himself/herself can provide a profile
`point at the desired location, and configure the mobile device
`to react to that profile point by changing the current profile
`upon entering the range of the profile point. The user may
`also provide profile points in other frequently-visited loca
`tions, such as the user's automobile(s) 108, office(s) and/or
`conference rooms 110, etc.
`0041
`Furthermore, profile points may be implemented in
`other establishments or public places 112. For example, a
`theatre may implement a profile point, So that theatre patrons
`who frequent that theatre may register a profile for that
`location. In this manner, each time the user enters the
`theatre, the user's mobile device will automatically Select
`the appropriate profile to, for example, reduce or turn off the
`ringing Volume, change the ringing mode from a ring tone
`to a vibration, etc. This could also be used for example, on
`airlines where wireleSS device use is prohibited on airplanes
`at certain times. The user would simply need to register their
`wireleSS device So that a particular profile is Selected when
`within the range of the profile point. Profile points can be
`used in physicians offices, Stores, restaurants, conference
`centers, etc. AS can be seen, a multitude of various potential
`locations, identified by either the user or establishments,
`may implement profile points in accordance with the inven
`tion.
`0042. The automatic selection of the appropriate profile is
`illustrated using the example shown in FIG. 1. When the
`user leaves the home 104 and enters his/her automobile 108,
`the profile point 114 provides a wireleSS Signal recognizable
`by the mobile device 100B, thereby causing the profile to
`automatically change to another profile identified as P-B
`116. This predefined profile may, for example, increase the
`Volume of the ringing tone to account for the greater noise
`level present while driving the automobile 108. This profile
`may also allow both personal and business calls to be
`received, or may otherwise filter some calls whether they be
`personal, business, etc.
`0043. In the illustrated example, the user may then leave
`the automobile 108 when arriving at the office 110. One or
`more other profile points 118 provides a wireleSS Signal
`recognizable by the mobile device 100C, causing the profile
`to automatically change to yet another profile identified as
`P-C 120. Additional profile points may be available in the
`office environment, Such as in conference rooms, a cafeteria,
`etc. to continually Select the appropriate profile for that
`particular location. The extent of the “location” can be set by
`the Strength, and therefore the range, of the wireleSS Signal
`generated by the profile point.
`0044) The mobile device user may then walk to an
`establishment 112 (e.g., theatre) after leaving the office 110.
`Again, a profile point 122 will cause the profile of the user's
`mobile device 100D to change to a profile P-D 124 suitable
`for that location. When the user again enters the automobile
`108, the profile P-B 116 is again selected, and the profile P-A
`102 is again selected when the user returns to home 104. As
`
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`US 2004/0203768 A1
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`Oct. 14, 2004
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`can be seen, once the mobile device has been registered for
`the various locations, the mobile device profile continually
`changes as the user moves from location to location, without
`requiring the user to manually Select new profiles.
`0.045. In accordance with one embodiment of the inven
`tion, the profile agent within the mobile device will not only
`match the profile point identifier to a particular profile, but
`will also make use of network location identifiers. For
`example, in the context of Global System for Mobile Com
`munication (GSM) networks, these network location iden
`tifiers may include the current cell identifier (cell-ID) and
`location area c