Method And System For Communication From Wearable Devices

Abstract: As enclosed 1/21 FORM 2 The Patent Act 1970 (39 of 1970) & The Patent Rules, 2005 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (SEE SECTION 10 AND RULE 13) TITLE OF THE INVENTION “Method and system for communication from wearable devices” APPLICANTS: Name Nationality Address SAMSUNG R&D Institute India - Bangalore Private Limited India # 2870, Orion Building, Bagmane Constellation Business Park, Outer Ring Road, Doddanekundi Circle, Marathahalli Post,Bangalore-560 037, India The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:- 2/21 FIELD OF INVENTION [001] The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications and more particularly to communications using wearable devices. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [002] Currently, for making calls using a typical phone, the user of 5 the phone needs to perform a plurality of steps such as unlocking the screen of the phone, access (scroll or search) the contact list or enter the number of the contact, find the number of the contact and call, retry last step if the first attempt was unsuccessful, and have a conversation and terminate the call. [003] Performing these steps may not be convenient for scenarios 10 where the time available to hold the conversation is less or the user can’t afford to give the required level of attention. For example when the user is driving, when the user is going for or in a meeting and so on. [004] Wearable devices are becoming popular in recent times. These wearable devices can function as standalone phones or can work in 15 conjunction with a mobile device (wherein the wearable device can be connected to the mobile device using a suitable wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, and so on). These wearable devices enable the user of the device to perform functionalities to view alerts (about incoming messages, missed calls and so on), perform a basic level of 20 interaction with the device using the screen (which is typically a touch screen). However, these devices are limited in the functionalities that can be performed by the user on these devices. Also, the user may not be comfortable performing operations on the wearable device due to its small screen size, availability of limited physical buttons, and so on. 25 3/21 OBJECT OF INVENTION [005] The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide systems and methods to enable a user of a wearable device to send a recorded voice message to at least one recipient. [006] Another object of the invention is to provide systems and 5 methods to enable a user of a wearable device to send a recorded voice message to at least one recipient, using a device connected to the wearable device. [007] Another object of the invention is to provide systems and methods to enable a user of a wearable device to send a recorded voice 10 message to at least one recipient, directly. [008] Another object of the invention is to provide systems and methods to enable a user of a wearable device to receive a response to a recorded voice message from at least one recipient. 15 SUMMARY [009] Accordingly the invention provides a method for communication using a wearable device, said method comprising recording a voice message from a user of said wearable device, on detecting a pre-defined action being performed by said user; and sending said recorded voice message to at least one recipient designated by said user. [0010] Accordingly the invention provides a wearable device, said wearable device configured for recording a voice message from a user of said wearable device, on detecting a pre-defined action being performed by said user; and sending said recorded voice message to at least one recipient designated by said user. [0011] Accordingly the invention provides a mobile device connected to at least one wearable device, said mobile device configured 4/21 for receiving a voice message from a wearable device connected to said mobile device, wherein said voice message is recorded by a user of said wearable device; and sending said voice message to at least one recipient designated by said user. [0012] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by 5 way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications. 10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES [0013] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which: 15 [0014] FIG. 1 depicts a wearable device connected to a mobile device using a wireless communication means, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; [0015] FIG. 2 depicts a wearable device configured for communicating with a recipient device, according to embodiments as 20 disclosed herein; [0016] FIG. 3 depicts a wearable device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; [0017] FIG. 4 depicts a mobile device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and 25 5/21 [0018] FIGs. 5a and 5b are flowcharts depicting the process of the wearable device sending a voice message to a recipient device using a mobile device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. 6/21 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION [0019] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-5 known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples 10 should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. [0020] The embodiments herein achieve a provide systems and methods to enable a user of a wearable device to send a recorded voice message to at least one recipient. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 5, where similar reference characters denote 15 corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments. [0021] Wearable device can refer to a device that can be present on the body of a user of the wearable device. The wearable device can be of a suitable form factor such as a watch, a jewelry piece, a wristband, an 20 armband, and so on. [0022] The mobile device can refer to a device connected to the wearable device using a suitable wireless connection means such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, and so on. The mobile device can be a smart phone, a tablet, a computer, a laptop, or any other device configured to make a 25 session using at least one of a wireless communication network, the Internet, a wired telephone network (such as PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), IP (Internet Protocol) telephone network, and so on), or any other equivalent means. 7/21 [0023] The term ‘recipient device’ herein can refer to any device capable of receiving a phone call or a voice message using a means such as a VoIP (Voice over IP (Internet Protocol)), Instant Messaging (IM) and so on. The recipient device can enable a user to respond to the phone call or the voice message. The recipient device can be a PSTN device, a VoIP 5 based device, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a computer, a laptop, and so on. [0024] FIG. 1 depicts a wearable device connected to a mobile device using a wireless communication means. The wearable device 101 can enable a user to record a voice message, designate a recipient of the 10 voice message, and so on, using a User Interface (UI). The user can also configure at least one option related to the recorded voice message such as a preferred mode of communicating the voice message to the recipient, the time that the voice message should be communicated, whether a response from the recipient or an acknowledge should be provided. The wearable 15 device 101 is connected to the mobile device 102 using a wireless communication means such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, and so on. The wearable device 101 can communicate the recorded voice message to the mobile device 102 using the wireless communication means. The mobile device 102 can add at least one additional information to the voice message such 20 as the name of the user sending the voice message, and so on. Based on the option as set by the user and other factors such as availability of the network, the mobile device 102 can send the voice message to the recipient (recipient device 103). The mobile device 102 can send an acknowledgement to the wearable device 101, on delivering the voice 25 message to the recipient. The mobile device 102 can also receive a response from the recipient and communicate the response to the wearable device 101. 8/21 [0025] FIG. 2 depicts a wearable device configured for communicating with a recipient device. The wearable device 101 can enable a user to record a voice message, designate a recipient of the voice message, and so on, using a User Interface (UI). The user can also configure at least one option related to the recorded voice message such as 5 a preferred mode of communicating the voice message to the recipient, the time that the voice message should be communicated, whether a response from the recipient or an acknowledge should be provided. The wearable device 101 can add at least one additional information to the voice message such as the name of the user sending the voice message, and so on. Based 10 on the option as set by the user and other factors such as availability of the network, the wearable device 101 can send the voice message to the recipient (recipient device 103). The wearable device 101 can also receive a response from the recipient. [0026] FIG. 3 depicts a wearable device. The wearable device 101 15 comprises of a messaging controller 301, a User Interface (UI) 302, a communication interface 303, a memory 304, and a sound interface 305. The UI 302 can enable the user of the wearable device 101 to interact with the wearable device 101, in terms of viewing information on the UI 302, entering information on the UI 302, and so on. The UI 302 can comprise of 20 at least one of a touchscreen display, at least one physical button, an onscreen button, a non-touchscreen display and so on. The communication interface 303 comprises of at least one wireless communication interface such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, and so on. In an embodiment herein, the communication interface 303 is configured for enabling the wearable 25 device 101 to use a communication network to communicate directly with the recipient device 103. The communication interface 303 enables the wearable device 101 to communicate with at least one external device, such as the mobile device 102, the recipient device 103, and so on. The memory 9/21 304 can comprise of at least one of an internal memory module present in the wearable device 101, an expandable memory present in the wearable device, the cloud, a memory present on an external device such as the mobile device 102 and so on. The memory 304 can comprise of the contact list, the recently called list, a list of favourite contacts, speed dial contacts, 5 and so on. The sound interface 305 can comprise of at least one microphone, at least one speaker, and so on, which enables the user to record sounds and listen to sounds. [0027] The messaging controller 301 can enable the user of the wearable device 101 to define at least one pre-defined action to initiate 10 recording of a voice message using the UI 302. The pre-defined action can comprise of a movement of the wearable device 101 (for example, if the wearable device 101 is a watch, the movement can be a quick left-right wave of the hand wearing the wearable device 101), a gesture on the screen of the wearable device 101 (such as a swipe, a long press, a short press, a 15 double tap, and so on), pressing at least one physical button present on the wearable device 101, pressing a combination of two or more physical buttons and/or buttons on the screen with simultaneously or sequentially, an oral command, and so on. The messaging controller 301 can store the pre-defined action in the memory 304. In an embodiment herein, the messaging 20 controller 301 can enable the user to define at least one pre-defined action for recording a voice message to send to a pre-defined contact (similar to speed dial) using the UI 302. The messaging controller 301 can also enable the user to define at least one option related to the voice message, such as the maximum duration of the voice message, if a response is to be received, 25 and so on. [0028] On detecting the user performing the at least one pre-defined action, the messaging controller 301 can initiate the sound interface 305 to record the voice message. The messaging controller 301 can record the 10/21 voice message for the pre-defined maximum duration of the message. The messaging controller 301 can enable the user to perform the same at least one pre-defined action or another action to indicate that the voice message is over. In an embodiment herein, the messaging controller 301 can use at least one sound processing means to improve the quality of the voice 5 message such as suppressing background and extraneous noise, amplifying the voice message, and so on, either in real time when the recording is occurring or after the recording is completed. [0029] If the user has not designated a recipient using the pre-defined action, the messaging controller 301 can request the user to 10 designate a recipient using the UI 302. The messaging controller 301 can present the user with at least one of a list of contacts, a speed dial list, and a searchable field for enabling the user to search for a contact. In an embodiment herein, the messaging controller 301 can enable the user to designate multiple recipients for the voice message. 15 [0030] The messaging controller 301 can enable the user to specify the mode of communication of the voice message to the recipient device 103. The mode of communication can be a voice call, an IM (Instant Messaging) call (using a suitable means such as Skype, Whatsapp, Viber, Google Talk, and so on), an IM message, and so on. The messaging 20 controller 301 can enable the user to specify an order for modes for attempting to communicate the voice message (in case of a first specified communication mode failing). The messaging controller 301 can enable the user to specify at least one factor (such as cost, availability of the mode) based on which the wearable device 101 or the mobile device 102 can 25 decide on which mode to use while communicating the voice message to the recipient device 103. [0031] The messaging controller 301 can determine a mode of communication of the voice message to the recipient device 103 11/21 automatically, based on a plurality of parameters such as cost, availability of the mode, time of the day, historical records of the user, and so on. The messaging controller 301 can further determine an order for modes for attempting to communicate the voice message (in case of a first specified communication mode failing). 5 [0032] The messaging controller 301 can enable the user to specify a time for delivering the voice message using UI 302. The user can specify a date and/or time at which the voice message has to delivered to the recipient. [0033] The messaging controller 301 can communicate the voice 10 message, the recipient, and related option(s) to the mobile device 102 using the communication interface 303. In an embodiment herein, the messaging controller 301 can communicate the voice message and related option(s) to the mobile device 102 in real-time. In an embodiment herein, the messaging controller 301 can communicate the voice message and related 15 option(s) to the mobile device 102 at the time specified by the user. [0034] The messaging controller 301 can also receive a response to the voice message from the mobile device 102, through the communication interface 303. The response can be in the form of an acknowledgement from the mobile device 102 that the voice message has been delivered to 20 the recipient and/or the recipient has listened to the voice message. The response can be in the form of a voice message reply from the recipient. The messaging controller 301 can enable the user to view the response using at least one of the sound interface 305 and the UI 302. If the voice message was unable to be delivered to the recipient, the messaging 25 controller 301 can show a notification to the user using the UI 302, wherein the notification is about failure to deliver the voice message to the recipient. [0035] In an embodiment herein, the messaging controller 301 can enable the user to configure a pre-defined action to initiate an emergency 12/21 mode. The pre-defined emergency mode initiation action can comprise of a movement of the wearable device 101 (for example, if the wearable device 101 is a watch, the movement can be a quick left-right wave of the hand wearing the wearable device 101), a gesture on the screen of the wearable device 101 (such as a swipe, a long press, a short press, a double tap, and so 5 on), pressing at least one physical button present on the wearable device 101, pressing a combination of two or more physical buttons and/or buttons on the screen with simultaneously or sequentially, an oral command, and so on. The messaging controller 301 can store the pre-defined emergency mode initiation action in the memory 304. The messaging controller 301 10 can enable the user to designate at least one emergency recipient. The messaging controller 301 can enable the user to define the mode of communication with which the emergency recipient is to be contacted, such as a voice call, an IM (Instant Messaging) call (using a suitable means such as Skype, Whatsapp, Viber, Google Talk, and so on), an IM message, and 15 so on. The messaging controller 301 can enable the user to specify an order for modes (in case of a first specified communication mode failing). The messaging controller 301 can specify at least one factor (such as cost, availability of the mode) based on which the wearable device 101 or the mobile device 102 can decide on which mode to use while communicating 20 to the emergency recipient(s). The messaging controller 301 can also enable the user to record an emergency voice message to be sent to the emergency recipient(s). [0036] On the user initiating the emergency mode using the pre-defined emergency mode initiation action, the messaging controller 301 can 25 send the prior recorded voice message to the emergency recipient(s), either directly or using the mobile device 102. The messaging controller 301 can also enable the user to record an emergency voice message to be sent to the emergency recipient(s). 13/21 [0037] FIG. 4 depicts a mobile device. The mobile device 102, as depicted, comprises of a messaging service center 401, at least one communication interface 402, and at least one memory 403. The communication interface 202 comprises of at least one communication interface such as a wireless communication network, the Internet, a wired 5 telephone network (such as PSTN, IP telephone, and so on), or any other equivalent communication means. The communication interface 402 enables the mobile device 102 to communicate with at least one external device, such as the wearable device 101, the recipient device 103, and so on. The memory 403 can comprise of at least one of an internal memory 10 module present in the mobile device 102, an expandable memory present in the mobile device 102, the cloud, a memory present on an external device such as the mobile device 102 and so on. The memory 403 can comprise of the voice message (as communicated from the wearable device 101), at least one option related to the voice message (such as a pre-recorded 15 message to be played before starting the voice message, the available and preferred mode of communication of the voice message to the recipient, if a response can be send by the recipient, the format of the response, a time limit for the response, if an acknowledgement has to be sent to the wearable device 101 on delivering the voice message, and so on), and so on. 20 [0038] On receiving a voice message from the wearable device 101 through the communication interface 402, the messaging service center 401 can check if the user has specified a time for sending the voice message. If the user has specified a time for sending the voice message, the messaging service center 401 can store the voice message in the memory 403, till the 25 time for sending the voice message. If the user has not specified a time for sending the voice message or the time for sending the voice message has reached, the messaging service center 401 can append the pre-recorded message to the voice message. The pre-recorded message can indicate 14/21 information such as the message is a recorded voice message, the user sending the voice message, whether a response can be sent to the voice message, and so on. The messaging service center 401 can decide on the mode of communication that is to be used, based on a plurality of factors comprising of available of communication modes, costs, QoS (Quality of 5 Service) on the communication modes, user preferences, and so on. [0039] The messaging service center 401 can initiate a session with the recipient device 103 using the communication interface 402, wherein the session can be at least one of a voice call, an IM call, or any other equivalent means depending on the mode of communication being used. On 10 the session being established with the recipient device 103, the messaging service center 401 can play the voice message to the recipient on the recipient device 103. On playing the voice message to the recipient, the messaging service center 401 can send an acknowledgement to the wearable device 101. The messaging service center 401 can provide a pre-15 determined time period to enable the recipient to provide a response (such as in an answering machine). The messaging service center 401 can further communicate the response to the user of the wearable device 101. [0040] In an embodiment herein, if the first attempt to establish a session by the messaging service center 401 fails, the messaging service 20 center 401 can attempt using another mode of communication or the same mode of communication. The messaging service center 401 can make the attempt immediately or after a time interval. [0041] In an embodiment herein, the messaging service center 401 can send a failure notification to the wearable device 101, on failing to 25 deliver the voice message to the recipient. [0042] In an embodiment herein, the wearable device 101 can perform the functions as performed by the mobile device 102 also (as depicted in FIG. 2). 15/21 [0043] FIGs. 5a and 5b are flowcharts depicting the process of the wearable device sending a voice message to a recipient device using a mobile device. On the user performing (501) the pre-defined action, the wearable device 101 records (502) the voice message from the user, till the pre-defined maximum duration of the message (if defined) or at least one 5 pre-defined action or another action performed by the user indicating that the voice message is over. In an embodiment herein, the wearable device 101 uses at least one sound processing means to improve the quality of the voice message such as suppressing background and extraneous noise, amplifying the voice message, and so on, either in real time when the 10 recording is occurring or after the recording is completed. The user designates (503) at least one recipient using at least one of a list of contacts, a speed dial list, and a searchable field for enabling the user to search for a contact. The user specifies (504) at least one option related to the voice message such the mode of communication of the voice message to be used 15 to send to the recipient device 103, an order for modes for attempting to communicate the voice message (in case of a first specified communication mode failing), at least one factor (such as cost, availability of the mode) based on which the wearable device 101 or the mobile device 102 can decide on which mode to use while communicating the voice message to 20 the recipient device 103, a time for delivering the voice message, and so on. The wearable device 101 communicates (505) the voice message, the recipient, and related option(s) to the mobile device 102. In an embodiment herein, the wearable device 101 communicates the voice message and related option(s) to the mobile device 102 in real-time. In an embodiment 25 herein, the wearable device 101 communicates the voice message and related option(s) to the mobile device 102 at the time specified by the user. On receiving a voice message from the wearable device 101, the mobile device 102 checks (506) if the user has specified a time for sending the 16/21 voice message. If the user has specified a time for sending the voice message, the mobile device 102 stores (507) the voice message, till the time for sending (508) the voice message. If the user has not specified a time for sending the voice message or the time for sending the voice message has reached, the mobile device 102 appends (509) the pre-recorded message to 5 the voice message. The mobile device 102 initiates (510) a session with the recipient device 103 using the selected mode of communication. On the session being established with the recipient device 103, the mobile device 102 plays (511) the voice message to the recipient on the recipient device 103. On playing the voice message to the recipient, the mobile device 102 10 sends (512) an acknowledgement and/or response to the wearable device 101. The various actions in method 500 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIGs. 5a and 5b may be omitted. [0044] In an embodiment herein, the process as depicted in the 15 flowchart can be performed only by the wearable device 101, wherein the wearable device 101 incorporates the functionality of the mobile device 102 (as depicted in FIG. 2). [0045] Embodiments herein disclose methods and systems to deliver voice messages from a wearable device to any end device (recipient 20 device 103) using the existing communication technologies. [0046] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the elements. The elements shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 can be at least one of a 25 hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module. [0047] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, 17/21 by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or 5 terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. 10 18/21 STATEMENT OF CLAIMS We claim: 1. A method for communication using a wearable device, said method comprising recording a voice message from a user of said wearable device, on detecting a pre-defined action being performed by said user; and sending said recorded voice message to at least one recipient designated by said user. 2. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said recorded voice message is sent to said recipient by one of said wearable device directly; and a mobile device connected to said wearable device. 3. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said method further comprises of sending a response to said voice message to said user. 4. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said method further comprises of said user configuring at least one option related to sending of said voice message, said at least one option comprising at least one mode of communication to be used for communicating said voice message to said recipient; order of modes of communication to be used; and time that said voice message is to be communicated to said recipient. 5. A wearable device, said wearable device configured for recording a voice message from a user of said wearable device, on detecting a pre-defined action being performed by said user; and sending said recorded voice message to at least one recipient designated by said user. 6. The wearable device, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said wearable device is configured for sending said recorded voice message to said recipient by one of 19/21 said wearable device directly; and a mobile device connected to said wearable device. 7. The wearable device, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said wearable device is configured for enabling said user to specify at least one option related to sending of said voice message, said at least one option comprising at least one mode of communication to be used for communicating said voice message to said recipient; order of modes of communication to be used; and time that said voice message is to be communicated to said recipient. 8. A mobile device connected to at least one wearable device, said mobile device configured for receiving a voice message from a wearable device connected to said mobile device, wherein said voice message is recorded by a user of said wearable device; and sending said voice message to at least one recipient designated by said user. 9. The mobile device, as claimed in claim 8, wherein said mobile device is further configured for appending a pre-recorded message to said voice message, before sending said voice message to said at least one recipient. 10. The mobile device, as claimed in claim 8, wherein said mobile device is further configured for sending a response to said voice message to said user, on sending said voice message to said at least one recipient. 11. The mobile device, as claimed in claim 8, wherein said mobile device is further configured for considering at least one option related to sending of said voice message as configured by said user, said at least one option comprising at least one mode of communication to be used for communicating said voice message to said recipient; 20/21 order of modes of communication to be used; and time that said voice message is to be communicated to said recipient. Dated this 07th October 2015 Signature: Name: Kalyan Chakravarthy (Patent Agent) 21/21 ABSTRACT Method and system for communication from wearable devices. The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications and more particularly to communications using wearable devices. Embodiments herein disclose systems and methods to enable a user of a wearable device to send a recorded voice message to at least one recipient. Embodiments herein disclose systems and methods to enable a user of a wearable device to send a recorded voice message to at least one recipient, using a device connected to the wearable device. Embodiments herein disclose systems and methods to enable a user of a wearable device to send a recorded voice message to at least one recipient, directly. Embodiments herein disclose systems and methods to enable a user of a wearable device to receive a response to a recorded voice message from at least one recipient. FIG. 1

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