TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention generally relates to depiction of information about a user on cellular device. More particularly, the invention relates to depiction of profile information of a calling user on a cellular device of a called user and status information of a called user on a cellular device of calling user.

BACKGROUND
Generally, when a first user (hereinafter referred to as calling user) calls a second user (hereinafter referred to as called user), details of the calling user is displayed on a cellular device of the called user. However, such display of the details of the calling user is dependent upon details saved by the called user in a contact list. In such scenario, the details of the calling user include a mobile number and a name of the calling user. Further, the display is restricted only to a mobile number of the calling user if the details of the calling user are unavailable in the contact list of the called user. Thus, the call from the calling user may remain unanswered. Further, the called user may not be in a position to receive the call from the calling user at the time of the call. In such scenario, the called user manually informs the calling user either by sending messages such as short messaging service (SMS) messages or by rejecting the call. However, the use of messages increases dependency on cellular network operator and increases traffic on cellular network.
In addition, users opt for missed call alert service and voice mail service provided by the cellular network operator. Accordingly, the called user receives a missed call alert via SMS from the cellular network operator in event of a cellular device of the called user is unable to receive the call. Similarly, the cellular network operator directs the calling user to a voice mailbox of the called user when the call remains unanswered. However, both the services require a subscription fee payable by the called user. Moreover, the calling user also pays normal call charges upon directed to the voice mailbox. Additionally, both the services increase the traffic on the cellular network.
To address these deficiencies, various applications are available for providing details of the calling user. Generally, users download these applications from a server and install on their cellular devices. Some of the applications provide location of operator and location of cellular device. However, such applications do not provide information about the calling user. Another application such as True Caller provides a name of the calling user. The display of the name of the calling user is advantageous when the calling user is unavailable in the contact list of the called user. However, such application accesses contact lists of various users registered with the application and obtains names of all contacts in the contact list. Thus, the displayed name of the calling user is a name saved in a contact list of a third user and is not a name set by the calling user. Therefore, such a display of a name of the calling user may still be ambiguous to the called user, resulting in either rejecting or unaccepting the call from the calling user.
Yet other applications such as chat applications allow the calling user and the called user to set personalized profile name and status information such as busy, in a meeting, away, out of country, roaming, and available. Such applications further allow the calling user to call the called user. However, such applications do not provide flexibility for creation of specific profile information for specific users. The profile name set by the user is further visible to all users present in a contact list of the application. Similarly, the user manually updates the status information to inform a change in status information to all users. Further, such application requires availability of data connection on the cellular devices of both the calling user and the called user for either viewing the profile name and the status information, or making a call. In addition, the application does not provide the personalized profile name and the status set by the calling user and the called user when the calling user calls the called user through the cellular device without using the application.
Thus, the present solutions do not enable users to set and share personalized profile information and personalized status information. Further, the present solutions do not provide the personalized profile information and personalized status information of users as required such as prior to calling, subsequent to calling, and during calling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the purposes of the invention, the present invention as embodied and broadly described herein, provides for depiction of profile information and status information on cellular device.
Accordingly, a user can set profile information and save the profile information on a server. The profile information can be either general profile information set for all users or specific profile information set for a specific user. A cellular device can receive the profile information set by the user from the server and save the profile information in a memory. Upon detecting a receipt of a call from the user, the cellular device depicts the saved profile information and details of the user. Further, the cellular device receives the profile information through an application installed in the memory when a data connection is available between the cellular device and the server. The application can obtain the profile information of the user from the server when the user is available in a contact list of the cellular device. The application can also obtain the profile information of the user during the call when the user is unavailable in the contact list of the cellular device.
Furthermore, a user can set status information and save the status information on a server. The status information includes a time period for which the status information is valid. A cellular device can receive the status information set by the user from the server and save the status information in a memory. Upon detecting a placement of a call to the user, the cellular device either retrieves the status information from the memory or locally derives modified status information based on the time period. The cellular device then depicts either the saved status information or the modified status information, and details of the user. Further, the cellular device receives the status information through an application installed in the memory when a data connection is available between the cellular device and the server. The application can obtain the status information of the user when the user is available in a contact list of the cellular device. The application can also obtain the status information of the user during the call when the user is unavailable in the contact list of the cellular device.
The advantages of the invention include, but not limited to, minimal requirement of data connection for viewing profile information and status information set by a user, as the data connection is required once when the cellular device receives the profile information and the status information from the server. Further, the cellular device provides the saved profile information and either the saved status information or a modified status information without the data connection. This further reduces the dependency on the data connection provided by a cellular network operator.
Additionally, the user is able to set either general profile information for multiple users or specific profile information for specific users, thereby providing flexibility to the user to personalize the profile information as desired. Similarly, the user is able to set status information along with a time period, which indicates a time until which the status information is valid. As such upon expiry of the time period, the status information is automatically updated by the cellular device. This eliminates the need to update the status information manually by the user. Thus, the application installed on the cellular device receives and stores the profile information and the status information of users present in a contact list of the application. Moreover, the application installed on the cellular device receives and saves the profile information and the status information of the user irrespective of whether the user is present in a contact list of the cellular device or not.
Furthermore, traffic is reduced on the cellular network, as a calling user may refrain from further calling a called user upon viewing the status information of the called user as unavailable and the called user may refrain from sending messages. This further reduces the cost involved in sending messages to the calling user, and subscribing to the voice mail service and missed call alerts service by the called user. In addition, a considerable reduction on dependency on the cellular network operator is achieved. Furthermore, as the profile set by the calling user is visible to the called user, the called user is able to make conscious decisions of accepting the call and rejecting the call.
These and other aspects as well as advantages will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
To further clarify advantages and aspects of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings, which are listed below for quick reference.
Figure 1a illustrates an exemplary method for depicting profile information on a called cellular device, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figures 1b and 1c illustrate an exemplary method for receiving the profile information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 1d illustrates an exemplary method for depicting the profile information on a display unit of the called cellular device, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 2a illustrates an exemplary method for depicting status information on a calling cellular device, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figures 2b and 2c illustrate an exemplary method for receiving the status information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 2d illustrates an exemplary method for depicting the status information on a display unit of the calling cellular device, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary cellular device for depicting profile information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary cellular device for depicting status information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary network environment that facilitates depiction of profile information and status information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for registering with a server to set profile information and status information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for depicting profile information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for depicting status information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the invention. Furthermore, the one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.
The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning “no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”
The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.
More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language “MUST comprise” or “NEEDS TO include.”
Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as “there NEEDS to be one or more . . . ” or “one or more element is REQUIRED.”
Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having an ordinary skill in the art.
Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility and non-obviousness.
Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should NOT be necessarily taken as limiting factors to the attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below.
Figure 1a illustrates an exemplary method (100) for depicting profile information on a called cellular device, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In said embodiment, the method (100) comprises: receiving (101), by a first receiving unit operating in a first communication mode, profile information from a server, the profile information being set by a first contact; storing (102) in a memory, by a processor, the profile information such that the profile information is mapped to the first contact; detecting (103), by the processor, receipt of a call from the first contact, the call being received by a second receiving unit operating in a second communication mode; and depicting (104) on a display unit by the processor: details of the first contact; the profile information thus stored; and optionally an action icon, the action icon being a call processing icon.
In a further embodiment, the first communication mode is a data communication mode and the second communication mode is a voice communication mode. The first communication mode transfers data independently of the second communication mode.
In a further embodiment, the profile information is general profile information set by the first contact through an application.
In a further embodiment, the profile information is specific profile information set by the first contact through an application. The specific profile information is set specifically for a user of the called cellular device.
In a further embodiment, the stored profile information is depicted when details of the first contact are accessed.
In a further embodiment, the depiction of the stored profile information on the display unit is independent of status of the first communication mode. The status of the first communication mode is either enabled or disabled.
Figure 1b illustrates an exemplary method for receiving (101) the profile information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In said embodiment, the receiving (101) comprises: obtaining (105), by the processor, one or more contacts from a contact list of the called cellular device, the one or more contacts including the first contact; querying (106) the server, by the processor, through an application operating in the first communication mode, for profile information of the first contact; and receiving (107) , by the first receiving unit, through the application, the profile information of the first contact from the server.
In a further embodiment, the application is preinstalled in the memory of the called cellular device.
Figure 1c illustrates an exemplary method for receiving (101) the profile information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In said embodiment, the profile information is received during receipt of a call from the first contact to the called cellular device when the first contact is unavailable in a contact list of the called cellular device. The receiving (101) comprises: querying (105) the server, by the processor, through an application operating in the first communication mode, for the profile information of the first contact; and receiving (106), by the first receiving unit, through the application, the profile information of the first contact from the server.
In a further embodiment, the method (100) comprises storing (107) in the memory, by the processor, the profile information for depiction for a predetermined time.
In a further embodiment, the application is preinstalled in the memory of the called cellular device.
Figure 1d illustrates an exemplary method for depicting (104) the profile information on a display unit of the called cellular device, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In said embodiment, the depicting (104) comprises: determining (108), by the processor, a vacant space on the display unit upon considering (i) a space occupied by the details of the first contact and (ii) a space occupied by the optional action icon; and populating (109), by the processor, the stored profile information in the vacant space.
Figure 2a illustrates an exemplary method (200) for depicting status information on a calling cellular device, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In said embodiment, the method (200) comprises: receiving (201), by a processor, a status information from a server, the status information being set by a first contact, wherein the status information includes a time period indicating a validity of the status information; storing (202) in a memory, by the processor, the status information such that the status information is mapped to the first contact; and detecting (203), by the processor, placing of a call to the first contact; and depicting on a display unit by the processor: details of the first contact; either of the status information thus stored or a modified status information as locally derived based on the time period; and optionally an action icon, the action icon being a call processing icon.
In further embodiment, the modified status information is locally derived by the processor by modifying the stored status information into a blank status information upon expiry of the time period.
In further embodiment, either the stored status information or the modified status information is depicted when details of the first contact are accessed.
In further embodiment, the status information is set by the first contact through an application.
Figure 2b illustrates an exemplary method for receiving (201) the status information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. The receiving (201) comprises: obtaining (205), by the processor, one or more contacts from a contact list of the calling cellular device, the one or more contacts including the first contact; querying (206) the server, by the processor, through an application, for status information of the first contact; and receiving (207), by the processor, through the application, the status information of the first contact from the server, wherein a time period in the status information is updated by the server based on a time of receiving the query.
Figure 2c illustrates an exemplary method for receiving (201) the status information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In said embodiment, the status information is received during placement of a call to the first contact when the first contact is unavailable in a contact list of the calling cellular device. The receiving (201) comprises: querying (205) the server, by the processor, through an application for status information of the first contact; and receiving (206) by the processor, through the application, the status information of the first contact from the server, wherein a time period in the status information is updated by the server based on a time of receiving the query.
In a further embodiment, the method (200) comprises storing (207) in the memory, by the processor, the status information for depiction for a predetermined time.
In a further embodiment, the application is preinstalled in the memory of the calling cellular device.
Figure 2d illustrates an exemplary method for depicting (204) the status information on a display unit of the calling cellular device, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. The depicting (204) comprises: determining (208), by the processor, a vacant space on the display unit upon considering (i) a space occupied by the details of the first contact and (ii) a space occupied by the optional action icon; and populating (209), by the processor, either the stored status information or the modified status information in the vacant space.
Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary cellular device (300) for depicting profile information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. As would be understood, the cellular device (300) is capable of implementing the methods as described with reference to preceding figures 1a to 1d.
In one embodiment, the cellular device (300) comprises: a memory (301); a first receiving unit (302) operating in a first communication mode to receive profile (303) information from a server, the profile information being set by a first contact; a second receiving unit (304) operating in a second communication mode to receive a call from the first contact; a processor (305) coupled to the memory (301), the first receiving unit (302), and the second receiving unit (304) to: store the profile information (303) received by the first receiving unit (302) in the memory (301) such that the profile information (303) is mapped to the first contact; detect a receipt of the call being received by the second receiving unit (304) from the first contact; and retrieve the profile information (303) from the memory (301) based on the detection; and a display unit (306) coupled to the processor (305) to depict: details of the first contact; the profile information (303) thus stored; and optionally an action icon, the action icon being a call processing icon.
In a further embodiment, the first communication mode is a data communication mode and the second communication mode is a voice communication mode. The first communication mode transfers data independently of the second communication mode.
In a further embodiment, the profile information is general profile information set by the first contact through an application.
In a further embodiment, the profile information is specific profile information set by the first contact through an application. The specific profile information is set specifically for a user of the cellular device.
In a further embodiment, the stored profile information is depicted when details of the first contact are accessed.
In further embodiment, the display unit (306) depicts the stored profile information independent of a status of the first communication mode. The status of the first communication mode is either enabled or disabled.
In a further embodiment. the processor (305) obtains one or more contacts from a contact list of the cellular device (300), the one or more contacts including the first contact; and transmits a query to the server, through an application (307) operating in the first communication mode, for profile information (303) of the first contact; and the first receiving unit (302): receives, through the application (307), the profile information (303) of the first contact from the server based on the query.
In a further embodiment, the profile information (303) is received during receipt of a call from the first contact when the first contact is unavailable in a contact list of the cellular device (300). In said embodiment, the processor (305) transmits a query to the server through an application (307) operating in the first communication mode, for the profile information (303) of the first contact; and the first receiving unit (302) receives, through the application (307), the profile information (303) of the first contact from the server based on the query. Further, in said embodiment, the processor (305) stores the profile information (303) in the memory (301) for depiction for a predetermined time.
In a further embodiment, the application (307) is preinstalled in the memory (301).
In a further embodiment, the processor (305) determines a vacant space on the display unit (306) upon considering (i) a space occupied by the details of the first contact and (ii) a space occupied by the optional action icon; and transmits the determined vacant space to the display unit (306) for depicting the stored profile information (303) in the vacant space.
Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary cellular device (400) for depicting status information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. As would be understood, the cellular device (400) is capable of implementing the methods as described with reference to preceding figures 2a to 2d.
In one embodiment, the cellular device comprises (400) comprises: a memory (401); a processor (402) coupled to the memory (401) to: receive status information (403) from a server, the status information (403) set by a first contact; wherein the status information (403) includes a time period indicating a validity of the status information (403); store the status information (403) in the memory (401) such that the status information (403) is mapped to the first contact; detect a placement of a call to the first contact; and upon detecting the receipt of the call, perform one of the following based on the time period: retrieve the status information (403) from the memory (401); and locally derive a modified status information; and a display unit (404) coupled to the processor (403) to depict: details of the first contact; either the stored status information (403) or the modified status information; and optionally an action icon, the action icon being a call processing icon.
In a further embodiment, the processor (402) locally derives the modified status information by modifying the stored status information (403) into a blank status information upon expiry of the time period.
In a further embodiment, either the stored status information or the modified status information is depicted when details of the first contact are accessed.
In a further embodiment, the status information (403) is set by the first contact through an application.
In a further embodiment, the processor (402): obtains one or more contacts from a contact list of the cellular device (400), the one or more contacts including the first contact; transmits a query to the server, through an application (405), for the status information (403) of the first contact; and receives, through the application (405), the status information (403) of the first contact from the server, wherein a time period in the status information (403) is updated by the server based on a time of receiving the query.
In a further embodiment, the status information (403) is received during a placement of the call to the first contact when the first contact is unavailable in a contact list of the cellular device (400). In said embodiment, the processor (402): transmits a query to the server, through an application (405) for the status information of the first contact; receives, through the application (405), the status information (403) of the first contact from the server, wherein a time period in the status information (403) is updated by the server based on a time of receiving the query; and stores in the memory (401), the status information (403) for depiction for a predetermined time.
In a further embodiment, the application (405) is preinstalled in the memory (401).
In a further embodiment, the processor (402): determines a vacant space on the display unit (404) upon considering (i) a space occupied by the details of the first contact and (ii) a space occupied by the optional action icon; and transmits the determined vacant space to the display unit (404) for depicting the stored status information (403) or the modified status information in the vacant space.
Although the above description states that the cellular device (300) implements the method described in Figures 1a to 1d, and the cellular device (400) implements the method described in Figures 2a to 2d, it is be understood that the cellular device (300) can also implement the method described in Figures 2a to 2d and the cellular device (400) can also implement the method described in Figures 1a to 1d.
Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary network environment that facilitates depiction of profile information and status information, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In such embodiment, a calling cellular device (501) and a called cellular device (502) communicate with each other over a voice communication network (503). The calling cellular device (501) and the called cellular device (502) further communicate with a server (504) over a data communication channel.
A user of the calling cellular device (501) may set profile information on the server (504). Thereafter, the called cellular device (502) receives the profile information of the user of the calling cellular device (501) from the server (504) and saves in a memory such that the profile information is mapped with the user. Upon detecting a receipt of call from the user of the calling cellular device (501), the called cellular device (502) retrieves the profile information from the memory and displays on a display unit of the called cellular device (502).
Similarly, a user of the called cellular device (502) may set status information on the server (504). The status information includes a time period indicating a validity of the status information. Thereafter, the calling cellular device (501) receives the status information of the user of the called cellular device (502) from the server (504) and saves the status information in a memory such that the status information is mapped with the user. Upon detection of a placement of a call to the user of the called cellular device (502), the calling cellular device (501) either retrieves the status information from the memory or locally derives modified status information from the saved status information based on the time period. The calling cellular device (501) then displays either retrieved status information or the modified status information of the user on a display unit of the calling cellular device (501).
Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram (600) for registering with a server for setting up profile information and status information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. At step 1, a user downloads the application (307, 405) from the server (504) and installs in the memory (301, 401) of the cellular device (300, 400). The downloading of the application (307, 405) registers a mobile number or Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) of the cellular device (300, 400) with the server.
At step 2, the server (504) stores the MSISDN of the cellular device (300, 400) and sends a one-time password (OTP) to the cellular device (300, 400) for authentication of the cellular device (300, 400). Upon authentication of the cellular device (300, 400), the application (307, 405) obtains a contact list of the cellular device (300, 400) and saves contacts present in the contact list at the server (504). This enables the server (504) to map profile information and status information saved by contacts who have installed the application (307, 405) in their respective cellular devices. Thereafter, the application (307, 405) receives profile information and status information of the contacts when a data connection is available between the cellular device (300, 400) and the server (504). At this stage, the registration of the cellular device (300, 400) with the server is completed.
Upon installation of the application (307, 405) on the cellular device (300, 400) and completion of the registration, the user of the cellular device (300, 400) is able to set up his/her profile information and status information.
Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram (700) for depicting profile information, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. For illustration purposes and description, a single caller party A having MSISDN A1 (hereinafter referred to as A1), and three called parties having MSISDN B1, B2, B3 (hereinafter referred to as B1, B2, B3, respectively) are depicted in the flow diagram (700). Further, a presence of data connection between cellular devices and a server is depicted by way of phrase ‘online’. Similarly, an absence of data connection between cellular devices and a server is depicted by way of phrase ‘offline’.
At step 701, a first user sets profile information for a second user through an application installed on a cellular device of the first user. As would be understood, the profile information is set for a mobile number of the second user.
Further, the profile information of a user can be single sentence providing additional details such as company name, designation, location, and relationship with a particular user. The profile information can be either specific profile information or general profile information. The specific profile information is set for a specific user. Example of specific profile information can be ‘Your Grand Father’. The general profile information is set for all users. Example of general profile information can be ‘Gaurav Goyal, Comviva, Gurgaon’, ‘James Peterson, VP, Sales’. In one embodiment, the user can set different profile information for different users. In another embodiment, the user can set general profile information for all users.
In the flow diagram (700), A1 sets specific profile information P1 for B1, specific profile information P2 for B2, and generic profile information P3 for all other users except for B1 and B2 through the application.
Further, the application transmits the profile information set by the first user to a server. The setting of the profile information and the transmission of the profile information to the server is performed when the data connection is available between the cellular device of the first user and the server.
In the flow diagram (700), upon setting of the profile information P1, P2, and P3 by A1, the application transmits the profile information to the server when the data connection is available between A1 and the server.
At step 702, the server receives the profile information set by the first user and stores in a database (not shown in the figure). The server stores the specific profile information along with the mobiles numbers of the users such that a unique record is maintained for a pair of calling mobile number and called mobile number.
In the flow diagram (700), the server receives and stores the profile information P1, P2, and P3 in a database such that profile information P1 is mapped to A1 as calling mobile number and B1 as called mobile number. Similarly, profile information P2 is mapped to A1 as calling mobile number and B2 as called mobile number. Likewise, profile information P3 is mapped to A1 as calling mobile number and a blank number, as the profile information P3 is a generic profile information.
Further, the server receives the profile information set by the first user when the data connection is available between the cellular device of the first user and the server.
In the flow diagram (700), the server receives the profile information P1, P2, and P3 set by A1 when the data connection is available between A1 and the server.
At step 703, a cellular device of the second user, for whom the profile information is set by the first user, receives the profile information from the server. The cellular device of the second user is able to receive the profile information if the first user is available in a contact list of the cellular device of the second user. The received profile information is then saved in a memory of the cellular device of the second user such that the profile information is mapped with the first user.
Further, the cellular device of the second user receives the profile information through an application installed on the cellular device of the second user. The profile information is received from the server when the data connection is available between the cellular device of the second user and the server. In one embodiment, the profile information is received periodically when the data connection is enabled at regular intervals. In another embodiment, the profile information is received when the data connection is enabled on-demand manually.
In the flow diagram (700), B1 receives the specific profile information P1 set by A1 for B1 from the server, as A1 is present in a contact list of B1. Similarly, B2 receives the specific profile information P2 set by A1 for B2 from the server, as A1 is present in a contact list of B2. However, B3 does not receive the profile information P3 set by A1 for users other than B1 and B2 from the server, as A1 is unavailable in a contact list of B1.
Further to receive the profile information of A1, the application, installed in B1 obtains the contact list of B1 and queries the server about profile information of each of contacts present in the contact list. Upon receiving the query, the server retrieves the profile information set for B1 by the contacts including A1 from the database and transmits the profile information to the application. Thereafter, the received profile information is saved in the memory of the B1 such that the profile information P1 is mapped with A1. In an example, the mapping of the profile information P1 with A1 is saved in a local database (db) of B1.
Similarly, the application, installed in B2, obtains the contact list of B2 and queries the server about profile information of each of contacts present in the contact list. Upon receiving the query, the server retrieves the profile information set for B2 by the contacts including A1 from the database and transmits the profile information to the application. Thereafter, the received profile information is saved in the memory of B2 such that the profile information P2 is mapped with A1. In an example, the mapping of the profile information P2 with A1 is saved in a local database (db) of B2.
In an embodiment, a first receiving unit in the cellular device receives the profile information through the application. The receiving unit is configured to operate when the data connection is available between the cellular device and the server.
At step 704, the first user places a call to the second user when the data connection between the cellular devices of the first user and the second user is available.
In the flow diagram (700), A1 places a call to B1, B2, and B3 when the data connection between A1, B1, B2, B3, and the server is available. For the sake of brevity, the placement of call by A1 to all three users is illustrated at same time. It should be understood, that A1 could place the call to the three uses separately and at different times. The scope of the invention, however, remains same in either of the cases.
At step 705, upon receipt of the call from the first user when the data connection is available, the cellular device of the second user displays the profile information of the first user stored in the memory on a display unit. Further, details of the first user such as mobile number are also displayed along with the profile information. Optionally, an action icon enabling the second user to either accept or reject the call is displayed on the display unit.
In the flow diagram (700), upon receipt of call from A1, the profile information P1 stored in the memory is displayed on a display unit of B1. Similarly, upon receipt of call from A1, the profile information P2 stored in the memory is displayed on a display unit of B2.
Further, if the first user is unavailable in a contact list of the cellular device of the second user, the cellular device of the second user receives the profile information from the server upon receipt of the call from the first user. Accordingly, the cellular device of the second user receives the profile information of the first user from the server during the receipt of the call from the first user when the data connection is available between the cellular device of the second user and the server. The profile information received can be either specific profile information or general profile information. The cellular device of the second user then displays the received profile information on the display unit along with the details of the first user.
In the flow diagram (700), upon receipt of call from A1 to B3, the profile information is received from the server, as A1 is unavailable in the contact list of B3. In addition, B3 receives profile information P3 as A1 has set profile information P3 for all other user except for B1 and B2. The profile information P3 is received when the data connection is available between B3 and the server during the receipt of the call.
Further, the cellular device of the second user receives the profile information of the first user, who is unavailable in the contact list, through an application installed on the cellular device of the second user. The profile information is received from the server when the data connection is available between the cellular device and the server. In one implementation, the received profile information the user unavailable in the contact list is stored for a predetermined time in the memory of the cellular device of the second user.
To receive the profile information of A1, the application installed in B3 queries the server about profile information of A1 upon receipt of the call from A1. Upon receiving the query, the server retrieves the profile information P3 from the database and transmits the profile information to the application. Thereafter, the received profile information is saved in the memory of B1 for a predetermined time such that the profile information P3 is mapped with A1.
At step 706, the first user places a call to the second user when the data connection between the cellular devices of the first user and the second user is unavailable.
In the flow diagram (700), A1 places a call to B1, B2, and B3 when the data connection between A1, B1, B2, B3, and the server is unavailable. For the sake of brevity, the placement of call by A1 to all three uses is illustrated at same time. It should be understood, that A1 could place the call to the three uses separately and at different times. The scope of the invention, however, remains same in either of the cases.
At step 707, upon receipt of the call from the first user when the data connection is unavailable, the cellular device of the second user retrieves the profile information of the first user stored in the memory and displays on a display unit. Further, details of the first user such as mobile number are also displayed along with the profile information. Optionally, an action icon enabling the second user to either accept or reject the call is displayed on the display unit.
In the flow diagram (700), upon receipt of call from A1, B1 displays the profile information P1 stored in the memory. Similarly, upon receipt of call from A1, B2 displays the profile information P2 stored in the memory.
Further, if the first user is unavailable in a contact list of the cellular device of the second user, the cellular device of second user does not receive the profile information from the server during the receipt of the call when the data connection is unavailable between the cellular device and the server.
In the flow diagram (700), upon receipt of call from A1 to B3, the profile information of A1 is not displayed on a display unit of B3, as A1 is unavailable in the contact list of B3 and data connection between B3 and server is unavailable.
At step 708, the first user modifies profile information for the second user through the application installed on a cellular device of the first user, in a manner as described with reference to step 701.
In the flow diagram (700), A1 sets a specific profile P11 for B1, specific profile P23 for B2, and a generic profile P33 for all other users except for B1 and B2 through the application.
Further, the application transmits the modified profile information to the server. The setting of the profile information and the transmission of the profile information to the server is performed when the data connection is present between the cellular device of the user and the server.
In the flow diagram (700), upon setting of the profile information P11, P22, and P33 by A1, the application transmits the profile information to the server when the data connection is present between A1 and the server.
At step 709, the server receives the modified profile information set by the first user and stores in the database, in a manner as described with reference to step 702.
In the flow diagram (700), the server receives and stores the profile information P11, P22, and P33 in the database such that profile information P11 is mapped to A1 as calling mobile number and B1 as called mobile number. Similarly, profile information P22 is mapped to A1 as calling mobile number and B2 as called mobile number. Likewise, profile information P33 is mapped to A1 as calling mobile number and a blank number, as the profile information P33 is a generic profile information.
Further, the server receives the profile information set by the first user when the data connection is available between the cellular device of the first user and the server.
In the flow diagram (700), the server receives the profile information P11, P22, and P23 set by when the data connection is present between A1 and the server.
At step 710, the cellular device of the second user receives the modified profile information from the server. As described with reference to step 704, the cellular device of the second user is able to receive the profile information if the first user is available in a contact list of the cellular device of the second user and when the data connection is available between the cellular device of the first user and the server. The received modified profile information is saved in the memory of the cellular device of the second user such that the profile information is mapped with the user.
In the flow diagram (700), B1 receives the specific profile information P11 set by A1 for B1 from the server, as A1 is available in a contact list of B11 and the data connection between B1 and server is available. However, though A1 is available in a contact list of B2, B2 does not receive the specific profile information P22 set by A1 for B2 from the server, as the data connection between B2 and server is unavailable. In addition, B3 does not receive the profile information P33 set by A1 from the server, as A1 is unavailable in a contact list of B3.
At step 711, the first user places a call to the second user when the data connection between the cellular devices of the first user and the second user is unavailable, as described in reference to step 706.
In the flow diagram (700), A1 places a call to B1, B2, and B3 when the data connection between the A1, B1, B2, B3, and the server is unavailable. For the sake of brevity, the placement of call by A1 to all three uses is illustrated at same time. It should be understood, that A1 could place the call to the three uses separately and at different times. The scope of the invention, however, remains same in either of the cases.
At step 712, upon receipt of the call from the first user when the data connection is unavailable, the cellular device of the second user displays the profile information of the first user stored in the memory, as described in reference to step 707.
Further, if the first user is unavailable in a contact list of the cellular device of the second user, upon receipt of the call from the first user, the cellular device of second user does not receive the profile information from the server when the data connection is unavailable between the cellular device of the second user and the server.
In the flow diagram (700), upon receipt of call from A1, B1 displays the modified profile information P11 stored in the memory. However, upon receipt of call from A1, B2 displays the profile information P2 stored in the memory as the profile information P22 was not received from the server earlier.
In addition, upon receipt of call from A1 to B3, the profile information P33 of A1 is not displayed by B3, as A1 is unavailable in the contact list of B3 and data connection between B3 and server is unavailable.
Further, upon detection of the call, the cellular device of the second user displays the saved profile information by considering available space on the display unit of the cellular device of the second user. Accordingly, the cellular device of the second user determines a vacant space on the display unit after displaying the details of the first user such as a mobile number and the call processing icon. The cellular device of the second user then displays r the saved profile information in the determined vacant space on the display unit.
Furthermore, upon accessing details of the first user on the cellular device of the second user, the cellular device of the second user displays the saved profile information of the first user. In one example, the saved profile information of the first user is displayed when details of the first user are accessed in the contact list. In another example, the saved profile information of the first user is displayed when details of the first user are accessed from call logs. In another example, the saved profile information of the first user is displayed when details of the first user are accessed through one or more applications installed in the cellular device of the second user.
Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram (800) for depicting status information, in accordance with an embodiment of available invention. For illustration purposes and description, a caller party A having MSISDN A1 (hereinafter referred to as A), and a called party B having MSISDN B1 (hereinafter referred to as B) are depicted in the flow diagram (800). Further, the flow diagrams are described using current local time of operation of server, A, and B.
At step 801, a first user sets status information through an application installed on a cellular device of the first user. The status information is common to all users calling the first user. Additionally, the first user can set only one status information for a current time. In one embodiment, the first user is unable to view prior status information set for earlier time. In another embodiment, the first user is able to view prior status information set for earlier time.
Further, the status information includes a time period indicating a validity of the status information. The status information can be a single sentence indicating a status of a user along with a time period for which the status is valid. Examples of the status information include, but not limited to, ‘Busy for 2 hours’, ‘In a meeting for 2 hours’, ‘Away for lunch for 1 hour’, and ‘On vacation for 3 days’.
Furthermore, the application transmits the status information set by the first user to a server. The setting of the status information and the transmission of the status information to the server is performed when the data connection is available between the cellular device of the first user and the server.
In the flow diagram (800), at current local time 1000 hours, B sets status information for next 2 hours through the application. Thus, the status information of B is valid for 2 hours from current local time 1000 hours to local time 1200 hours. The application transmits the status information to the server when the data connection is available between B and the server.
Furthermore, the first user can prevent the transmission of status information to the server. In one embodiment, the first user can set a status flag OFF to prevent the transmission of status information. It should be understood that when the transmission of status information to the server is prevented, a user calling the first user would not be able to view the status information set by the first user.
At step 802, the server receives the status information set by the first user and stores in a database (not shown in the figure). Upon receiving the status information, the server updates the time period in accordance with local time of the server. Further, the server receives the status information set by the first user when the data connection is available between the cellular device of the first user and the server.
In the flow diagram (800), at current local time 1100 hours, the server receives the status information from B when the data connection is available between B and the server. The server stores the status information in a database such that the status information is valid for next 2 hours from current local time 1100 hours to local time 1300 hours.
At step 803, a cellular device of a second user sends a request to the server for receiving status information of contacts available in a contact list of the cellular device of the second user. The request is sent to the server through an application installed on the cellular device of the second user when the data connection between the server and the cellular device of the second user is available. Accordingly, the application obtains the contact list and requests the server for status information of all contacts in the contact list. In one embodiment, the request is sent periodically when the data connection is enabled at regular intervals. In another embodiment, the request is sent when the data connection is enabled on-demand manually.
In the flow diagram (800), at current local time 0930 hours, A sends a request for status information of contacts including B to the server through the application.
At step 804, the server receives the request for status information from the cellular device of the second user. Upon receiving the request, the server updates the time period of the status information in accordance with the time of receiving the query. Upon updating the time period in the status information, the server then transmits the request to the cellular device of the second user when the data connection is available between the server and the cellular device of the second user. The cellular device of the second user then receives the status information along with the time period through the application and stores in a memory.
In the flow diagram (800), at current local time 1130 hours, the server receives the request for status information of B. The server updates time period in the status information such that the status information is valid for next 1 hour and 30 minutes, i.e., from current local time 1130 hours to local time 1300 hours since half an hour has already elapsed between reception of the status information from B and reception of the request for the status information of B from A.
Accordingly, to receive the status information of B, the application obtains a contact list of A and queries the server about status information of all contacts including B available in the contact list. Upon receiving the query, the server retrieves the status information set by the contact including B, updates the time period in the status information based on a time of receiving the request, and transmits the status information with updated time period to the application. Thereafter, the received status information is saved such that the status information is mapped with B.
At step 805, the cellular device of the second user displays the stored status information of the first user upon detection of a placement of call to the first user by the second user, if the first user is available in the contact list of the second user. Based on the time period of the status information, the cellular device of the second user displays the status information saved in the memory, or locally derives modified status information from the saved status information, and displays the modified status information. The cellular device of the second user locally derives the modified status information by modifying the status information into blank status information upon expiry of the time period in the saved status information.
In the flow diagram (800), when A places a call to B until local time 1100 hours, the saved status information of B will be displayed. However, when A places a call to B after local time 1100 hours, the modified status information as locally derived will be displayed.
On the other hand, when B updates the status information before B’s current local time 1200 hours, A receives the updated status information from the server when the data connection is available between the A and the server.
Further, the cellular device of the second user receives the status information of the first user from the server upon detection of a placement of call to the first user, if the first user is unavailable in the contact list of the second user. The cellular device of the second user receives the status information through the application when the data connection between the cellular device of the second user and the server is available. Accordingly, upon detecting a placement of call to the first user, the application sends a request for status information of the first user to the server. Upon receipt of the request, the server updates the status information set by the first user based on a time of receiving the request.
In one embodiment, the server modifies the time period of the status information based on the time of the request. With respect to the flow diagram (800), the server modifies the status information of B to be valid for 1 hour and 30 minutes when a call is received from A at current local time 0930 hours.
In another embodiment, the server derives modified status information from the saved status information based on the time of request. With respect to the flow diagram (800), the server modifies the status information of B to blank status information minutes when a call is received from A after current local time 1100 hours.
Thereafter, the server transmits either the saved status information or the modified status information to the cellular device of the second user. Upon receipt of either the saved status information or the modified status information, the cellular device of the second user can save such status information for a predetermined time in the memory.
Further, upon detection of the call, the cellular device of the second user displays either the saved status information, or the modified status information, or the received status information of the first user by considering available space on a display unit of the cellular device. Accordingly, the cellular device of the second user determines a vacant space on the display unit after displaying the details of the first user such as a mobile number and the call processing icon. The cellular device of the second user then displays either the saved status information, or the modified status information, or the received status information in the determined vacant space on the display unit.
Furthermore, upon accessing details of the first user on the cellular device of the second user, the cellular device of the second user displays the saved status information or the modified status information of the first user. In one example, the status information of the first user is displayed, when details of the first user are accessed in the contact list. In another example, the status information of the first user is displayed, when details of the first user are accessed from call logs. In another example, the status information of the first user is displayed, when details of the first user are accessed through one or more applications.
While certain present preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Clearly, the invention may be otherwise variously embodied, and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

WE CLAIMS:-
1. A method for depicting profile information on a called cellular device, the method comprising:
- receiving, by a first receiving unit operating in a first communication mode, profile information from a server, the profile information being set by a first contact;
- storing in a memory, by a processor, the profile information such that the profile information is mapped to the first contact;
- detecting, by the processor, receipt of a call from the first contact, the call being received by a second receiving unit operating in a second communication mode; and
- depicting on a display unit by the processor:
- details of the first contact;
- the profile information thus stored; and optionally
- an action icon, the action icon being a call processing icon.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first communication mode is independent of the second communication mode, the first communication mode being a data communication mode and the second communication mode being a voice communication mode.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the profile information is a general profile information set by the first contact through an application.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the profile information is a specific profile information set by the first contact through an application.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stored profile information is depicted when details of the first contact are accessed.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the depiction of the stored profile information on the display unit is independent of status of the first communication mode, the status of the first communication mode being one of enabled and disabled.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein receiving the profile information comprises:
- obtaining, by the processor, one or more contacts from a contact list of the called cellular device, the one or more contacts including the first contact;
- querying the server, by the processor, through an application operating in the first communication mode, for profile information of the first contact; and
- receiving, by the first receiving unit, through the application, the profile information of the first contact from the server.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the profile information is received during receipt of a call from the first contact when the first contact is unavailable in a contact list of the called cellular device, the receiving comprises:
- querying the server, by the processor, through an application operating in the first communication mode, for the profile information of the first contact; and
- receiving, by the first receiving unit, through the application, the profile information of the first contact from the server.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprises:
- storing in the memory, by the processor, the profile information for depiction for a predetermined time.

10. The method as claimed in claims 7 or 8, wherein the application is preinstalled in the memory of the called cellular device.

11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the depiction on the display unit further comprises:
- determining, by the processor, a vacant space on the display unit upon considering (i) a space occupied by the details of the first contact and (ii) a space occupied by the optional action icon; and
- populating, by the processor, the stored profile information in the vacant space.

12. A method for depicting status information on a calling cellular device, the method comprising:
- receiving, by a processor, a status information from a server, the status information being set by a first contact, wherein the status information includes a time period indicating a validity of the status information;
- storing in a memory, by the processor, the status information such that the status information is mapped to the first contact;
- detecting, by the processor, placing of a call to the first contact; and
- depicting on a display unit by the processor:
- details of the first contact;
- either of the status information thus stored or a modified status information as locally derived based on the time period; and optionally
- an action icon, the action icon being a call processing icon.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the modified status information is locally derived by the processor by modifying the stored status information into a blank status information upon expiry of the time period.

14. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein either the stored status information or the modified status information is depicted when details of the first contact are accessed.

15. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the status information is set by the first contact through an application.

16. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein receiving the status information comprises:
- obtaining, by the processor, one or more contacts from a contact list of the calling cellular device, the one or more contacts including the first contact;
- querying the server, by the processor, through an application, for status information of the first contact; and
- receiving, by the processor, through the application, the status information of the first contact from the server, wherein a time period in the status information is updated by the server based on a time of receiving the query.

17. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the status information is received during placement of a call to the first contact when the first contact is unavailable in a contact list of the calling cellular device, the receiving further comprising:
- querying the server, by the processor, through an application for status information of the first contact; and
- receiving, by the processor, through the application, the status information of the first contact from the server, wherein a time period in the status information is updated by the server based on a time of receiving the query.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprises:
- storing in the memory, by the processor, the status information for depiction for a predetermined time.

19. The method as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the application is preinstalled in the memory of the calling cellular device.

20. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the depiction on the display unit further comprises:
- determining, by the processor, a vacant space on the display unit upon considering (i) a space occupied by the details of the first contact and (ii) a space occupied by the optional action icon; and
- populating, by the processor, either the stored status information or the modified status information in the vacant space.

21. A cellular device for depicting profile information, the cellular device comprising:
- a memory;
- a first receiving unit operating in a first communication mode to receive profile information from a server, the profile information being set by a first contact;
- a second receiving unit operating in a second communication mode to receive a call from the first contact;
- a processor coupled to the memory, the first receiving unit, and the second receiving unit to:
- store the profile information received by the fist receiving unit in the memory such that the profile information is mapped to the first contact;
- detect a receipt of the call being received by the second receiving unit from the first contact; and
- retrieve the profile information from the memory based on the detection; and
- a display unit coupled to the processor to depict:
- details of the first contact;
- the profile information thus stored; and optionally
- an action icon, the action icon being a call processing icon.

22. The cellular device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first communication mode is independent of the second communication mode, the first communication mode being a data communication mode and the second communication mode being a voice communication mode.

23. The cellular device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the profile information is a general profile information set by the first contact through an application.

24. The cellular device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the profile information is a specific profile information set by the first contact through an application.

25. The cellular device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the stored profile information is depicted when details of the first contact are accessed.

26. The cellular device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the display unit depicts the stored profile information independent of a status of the first communication mode, the status of the first communication mode being one of enabled and disabled.

27. The cellular device as claimed in claim 21, wherein:
- the processor further:
- obtains one or more contacts from a contact list of the cellular device, the one or more contacts including the first contact; and
- transmits a query to the server, through an application operating in the first communication mode, for profile information of the first contact; and
- the first receiving unit further:
- receives, through the application, the profile information of the first contact from the server based on the query.

28. The cellular device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the profile information is received during receipt of a call from the first contact when the first contact is unavailable in a contact list of the cellular device, and wherein:
- the processor further:
- transmits a query to the server through an application operating in the first communication mode, for the profile information of the first contact; and
- the first receiving unit further:
- receives, through the application, the profile information of the first contact from the server based on the query.

29. The cellular device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the processor further:
- stores the profile information in the memory for depiction for a predetermined time.

30. The cellular device as claimed in claim 27 or 28, wherein the application is preinstalled in the memory.

31. The cellular device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the processor further:
- determines a vacant space on the display unit upon considering (i) a space occupied by the details of the first contact and (ii) a space occupied by the optional action icon; and
- transmits the determined vacant space to the display unit for depicting the stored profile information in the vacant space.

32. A cellular device for depicting status information, the cellular device comprising:
- a memory;
- a processor coupled to the memory to:
- receive status information from a server, the status information set by a first contact; wherein the status information includes a time period indicating a validity of the status information;
- store the status information in the memory such that the status information is mapped to the first contact;
- detect a placement of a call to the first contact; and
- upon detecting the receipt of the call, perform one of the following based on the time period:
- retrieve the status information from the memory; and
- locally derive a modified status information; and
- a display unit coupled to the processor to depict:
- details of the first contact;
- either the stored status information or the modified status information; and optionally
- an action icon, the action icon being a call processing icon.

33. The cellular device as claimed in claim 32, wherein the processor locally derives the modified status information by modifying the stored status information into a blank status information upon expiry of the time period.

34. The cellular device as claimed in claim 32, wherein either the stored status information or the modified status information is depicted when details of the first contact are accessed.

35. The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the status information is set by the first contact through an application.

36. The cellular device as claimed in claim 32, the processor further:
- obtains one or more contacts from a contact list of the cellular device, the one or more contacts including the first contact;
- transmits a query to the server, through an application, for the status information of the first contact; and
- receives, through the application, the status information of the first contact from the server, wherein a time period in the status information is updated by the server based on a time of receiving the query.

37. The cellular device as claimed in claim 32, wherein the status information is received during a placement of the call to the first contact when the first contact is unavailable in a contact list of the cellular device, and wherein the processor further:
- transmits a query to the server, through an application for the status information of the first contact;
- receives, through the application, the status information of the first contact from the server, wherein a time period in the status information is updated by the server based on a time of receiving the query; and
- stores in the memory, the status information for depiction for a predetermined time.

38. The cellular device as claimed in claim 36 or 37, wherein the application is preinstalled in the memory.

39. The cellular device as claimed in claim 32, wherein the processor further:
- determines a vacant space on the display unit upon considering (i) a space occupied by the details of the first contact and (ii) a space occupied by the optional action icon; and
- transmits the determined vacant space to the display unit for depicting the stored status information or the modified status information in the vacant space.