WO2004082307A2

WO2004082307A2 - Mobile telephone in-use indicator

Info

Publication number: WO2004082307A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/007421
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael M. Kornman
Original assignee: Indicator Technology, L.P.
Priority date: 2003-03-11
Filing date: 2004-03-11
Publication date: 2004-09-23
Also published as: WO2004082307A3

Abstract

A system for generating an in-use indication for a communications device, such as a mobile telephone, is provided. The system includes a handsfree attachment to the mobile telephone, such as an earpiece that has a microphone and an earphone that are connected to the mobile telephone by a cable. An indicator on the handsfree attachment generate an indication when the mobile telephone is in use. The indicator is placed on the mobile telephone at a suitable location, such as on the cable between the microphone and the mobile telephone, to provide an indication to persons in the vicinity of the user that the mobile telephone is in use, without creating a distraction to the user.

Description

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE U.S. RECEIVING OFFICE

SPECIFICATION accompanying

Application for Grant of Letters Patent

TITLE OF THE INVENTION:

MOBILE TELEPHONE IN-USE INDICATOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to the field of cellular communications devices. More speci ically, the invention relates to an in-use indicator for a mobile telephone with an earpiece or

"hands free" attachment that allows others to determine that the mobile telephone is in use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In-use indicators for telephones are known in the art. For example, an in-use indicator for a headset-type telephone for use in call centers has been implemented, where the indicator is on a boom microphone that is placed in front of the user. While such indicators have been used in call centers, their application in other environments has not been widespread.

[0003] One reason for this lack of success is that the placement of the in-use indicator on the boom microphone directly in front of the user creates a distraction to the user. Thus, when a person is using a headset but is also engaged in other activities, such as driving, the in-use indicator on the boom microphone can create a hazard, and could distract the user while they are driving and possibly cause an accident. [0004] While the use of mobile telephones is widespread, one of the primary problems with mobile telephones is the restricted battery life. As such, a primary design consideration for mobile telephones is the reduction of battery loads. Non-essential loads for the mobile telephone that do not improve the sound quality of the transmitted or received sound are generally not considered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In accordance with the present invention, an in-use indicator for a mobile telephone is provided that allows others to determine when a user is using the mobile telephone. [0006] In particular, a mobile telephone in-use indicator is provided that uses low-power LEDs to generate an indication that a mobile telephone is in use.

[0007] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a system for generating an in-use indication for a communications device, such as a mobile telephone, is provided. The system includes a handsfree attachment to the mobile telephone, such as an earpiece that has a microphone and an earphone that are connected to the mobile telephone by a cable. An indicator on the handsfree attachment generate an indication when the mobile telephone is in use. The indicator is placed on the mobile telephone at a suitable location, such as on the cable between the microphone and the mobile telephone, to provide an indication to persons in the vicinity of the user that the mobile telephone is in use, without creating a distraction to the user.

[0008] The present invention provides many important technical advantages . One important technical advantage of the present invention is a mobile telephone in-use indicator that can be located where it provides an indication to others but does not distract the user. In this manner, the user will not be distracted and the safety of the user and others is increased.

[0009] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the advantages and superior features of the invention together with other important aspects thereof on reading the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIGURE 1 is a diagram of a system for providing an indication that a mobile telephone is in use in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0011] FIGURE 2 is a diagram of a system for providing an indication of mobile telephone use in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIGURES 3A and 3B are diagrams of a system for generating a line-in-use indication in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIGURE 4 is a diagram of a mechanical indicator in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIGURE 5 is a flow chart of a method for providing an indication of mobile telephone use in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIGURE 6 is a flow chart of a method for providing an indication that a mobile telephone is in use in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIGURE 7 is a diagram of a method for configuring a mobile telephone to generate an indication of use in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0017] FIGURE 8 is a flow chart of a method for generating an in-use indication at a remote device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In the description that follows like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be shown in somewhat generalized or schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness .

[0019] FIGURE 1 is a diagram of a system 100 for providing an indication that a mobile telephone is in use in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. System 100 allows a user of a mobile telephone with a "hands free" or ear piece attachment to indicate to others that the mobile telephone is in use, such as to avoid situations where the user is approached by others during- a conversation on a mobile telephone. [0020] System 100 includes mobile telephone 102, which can be a GSM cellular telephone, a PCS cellular telephone, an analog cellular telephone, or other suitable mobile telephones. Mobile telephone 102 includes line-in-use detector 104, indicator system 106, strobing system 108, and sequence system 110, each of which can be implemented in hardware (such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) , a field programmable gate array

(FPGA) , or other suitable hardware) , software (such as one or more software systems operating on a digital signal processor or other suitable platforms) , or a suitable combination of hardware and software. As used herein, a software system can include one or more objects, agents, subroutines, lines of code, threads, two or more lines of code or other suitable software structures operating in two or more separate software applications, and can operate on two or more different processors, or other suitable configurations of processors. In one exemplary embodiment, a software system can include one or more lines of code or other software structures operating in a general purpose software application, such as an operating system of a digital signal processor, and one or more software structures operating in a specific purpose software application.

[0021] Mobile telephone 102 is coupled to microphone 112 and ear piece 114 by conductor 122. As used herein, the term "couple," and its cognate terms such as "couples" and "coupled," can include a physical connection (such as a copper conductor) , a virtual connection (such as through one or more randomly assigned data memory locations of a data memory device) , a logical connection (such as through one or more logical gates of a semiconducting device) , a wireless connection, other suitable connections, or a suitable combination of such connections. In one exemplary embodiment, systems and components are coupled to other systems and components through intervening systems and components, such as through an operating system of a general purpose processor platform. [0022] Microphone 112 also includes light emitting diode (LED) 116. Microphone 112 can be a condenser type mike installed on conductor 122, such that it hangs freely between ear piece 114 and mobile telephone 102. Thus, LED 116 is installed on microphone 112 such that it is visible to anyone who is able to view microphone 112. In this manner, LED 116 can provide an indication that the user of system 100 is engaged in conversation. The power circuit for LED 116 can included as one or more dedicated circuits in the circuits that comprise conductor 122, or other suitable circuits. [0023] Line-in-use detector 104 determines when mobile telephone 102 is in operation, such as when a user is placing a call, receiving a call, listening to stored data (such as in an MP3 player function) , storing data (such as dictation) , or otherwise listening to information through ear piece 114 or talking through microphone 112. Line-in-use detector 104 generates line-in-use data when such use is occurring. [0024] Indicator system 106 receives line-in-use data and generates indicator control data. In one exemplary embodiment, indicator system 106 can transmit a DC power signal to LED 116 that causes LED 116 to be illuminated. Likewise, indicator 106 can receive other suitable data, such as strobing data, sequence data, or other suitable data, and can generate a DC power signal for LED 116 that is modulated- or otherwise altered according to such other data.

[0025] Strobing system 108 generates strobing data for strobing LED 116 or other suitable light sources. In one exemplary embodiment, strobing system 108 generates a strobe rate that causes LED 116 to be more readily noticeable, such as a random strobe rate, a repeating pattern strobe rate, or other suitable strobe rates. In another exemplary embodiment, strobing system 108 can be used to strobe LED 116 to conserve energy, or for other suitable purposes.

[0026] Sequence system 110 generates sequence data for controlling an illumination sequence of one or more LEDs. In one exemplary embodiment, this sequence data can be used to turn a series of LED's 116 on and off, such as to create a sequence of flashing LED's that increases the visibility or noticeability of the indicators. Likewise, other suitable sequence data can be generated.

[0027] In operation, system 100 is used to provide an indication that a mobile telephone is in use. By providing an LED on microphone 112, persons in the vicinity of the user of mobile telephone 102 can receive an indication that the user is engaged in conversation on mobile telephone 102 or otherwise using the device, thus allowing them to avoid interrupting the user or otherwise being unaware that the user is engaged in a conversation. Likewise, system 118 can be used where LED 116 is installed in ear piece 114, or system 120 can be used where one or more LED's, such as LED's 116a and 116b are installed on conductor's 122. System 120 can implement sequence system 110 such as where LED's 116a and b are alternately flashed on and off. Likewise, other suitable configurations can be used, such as where LED's 116 includes two or more separate LED elements that are strobed in sequence, in series, simultaneously, or in other suitable manners .

[0028] FIGURE 2 is a diagram of a system 200 for providing an indication of use in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. System 200 includes mobile telephone 102, line-in-use detector 104, indicator ,system 106, strobing system 108, sequence system 110 and local transmission system 202, as well as wearable display 208, local receiver system 204 and LED display system 206. [0029] Local transmission system 202 can be implemented in hardware, software, or a suitable combination of hardware and software, and can be one or more software systems operating in conjunction with a Bluetooth transmitter system, or other suitable local transmission systems. Local transmission system 202 receives line-in-use data, indicator data, strobing data, sequence data, or other suitable data, and transmits the data to local receiver system 204. In one exemplary embodiment, local transmission system 202 can assemble a single radio packet that contains the line-in-use data, the indicator data, the strobing system data, and the sequence system data. Alternately, local transmission system 202 can transmit individual packets containing such information, can transmit strobing data that generates strobing effects when each packet is received, or can operate in other suitable manners.

[0030] Wearable display 208 includes LED display system 206. LED display system 206 receives line-in-use data, indicator data, strobing system data, sequence data, or other suitable data from local receiver system 204, and generates a suitable display that can be used to alert others that the operator of mobile telephone 102 is engaged in conversation or is otherwise using the mobile telephone. In one exemplary embodiment, wearable display 208 can be a button (such as on a shirt, a coat, a sleeve, or other suitable buttons) , a cuff link, a tie pin, a lapel pin, an earring or other pierced jewelry, a ring, a watch, a hat pin, a pen (such as on the pen case or pen clip) , a baseball cap, a necklace, a bracelet, a novelty display (such as bunny ears, antennae, or other novelty displays) , or other suitable wearable displays that allow others to readily determine that the user of mobile telephone 102 is engaged in conversation. LED display system 206 can spell out words, symbols, designs, or other suitable indicators, and can further include functionality that generates strobing data based on data received from strobing system 108, indicator data based on data received from indicator system 106, and sequence data based on information received from sequence system 110. Likewise, indicator 106, strobing system 108, and sequence system 110 can be implemented in LED display system 206, on wearable display 208 or in other suitable manners. [0031] Local receiver system 204 can be a Bluetooth receiver, and can also be a transceiver such that confirmation data can be transmitted to local transmission system 202. In one exemplary embodiment, local receiver system 204 transmits confirmation messages to allow indicator system 106 or other suitable systems to determine whether wearable display 208 has been turned on, has been turned off, is strobing, or is performing other suitable functions .

[0032] In operation, system 200 allows a user of a mobile telephone to place a wearable display 208 on the user's person to alert others of use of the mobile telephone 102. In one exemplary embodiment, the user can clip on a wearable display 208 in the form of a lapel pin, can place a baseball cap comprising wearable display 208 on their head, can wear an armband, wristband, necklace, or other suitable wearable displays 208. Such wearable displays 208 include an LED display system 206 that allows one or more LED's to be operated so as to generate a constant signal, a strobe signal, a sequence signal, or to otherwise generate a display that alerts others that the user of the mobile telephone is engaged in a conversation or otherwise using the mobile telephone.

[0033] In another exemplary embodiment, sequence system 120 can receive sequence data from others, such as sequence data that causes predetermined words or images to be generated. In this exemplary embodiment, a caller can enter data that is to be transmitted to the user of system 200, such that the display generates the words or images being transmitted to the user of system 200. Such sequence data can be used to indicate that the call is important, such as a call from a court, a police station, a hospital, or other suitable calls where the user of system 200 is "on-call" to receive important information and desires to alert others in the vicinity that the call is not of a personal nature or otherwise one that could be terminated out of consideration for those nearby. [0034] FIGURE 3A and 3B are diagrams of a system 300 for generating a line-in-use indication in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. System 300 includes clamp-on indicator 302, which is disposed on conductor 304. Clamp-on indicator 302 can be assembled in parts, can be hinged, or can otherwise be provided so that a user can install indicator 302 on conductor 304 after acquiring the component separately. Likewise, clamp-on indicator 302 can be pre- constructed in a single piece such that conductor 304 has to be threaded through the opening in clamp-on conductor 302. An exaggerated space is shown between clamp-on indicator 302 and conductor 304, but the actual dimensions of the space between the conductor 304 and clamp-on indicator 302 can be such that a snug fit is provided.

[0035] As shown in FIGURE 3B, clamp-on indicator 302 can include one or more LED's 306a through 306d and a ferrite ring coil 308, both of which are contained within a housing 310. Housing 310 can include one or more lenses to focus the light from LEDs 306a through 306d in the direction of persons that are in the vicinity of the user. Ferrite ring coil 308 includes a ferrite ring, which conducts magnetic fields, as well as a plurality of turns of conductors around ferrite ring 308 (not explicitly shown) . In this manner, magnetic fields generated by signals being carried over conductor 304 can be converted into a rectified alternating current signal by the LED bridge formed by LED's 306a through 306d. Likewise, other suitable configurations can be used, such as a single LED and a half wave rectifier configuration. LED's 306a through 306d are selected to have voltage and current ratings commensurate with the voltage and current generated through ferrite ring winding 308. For example, the voltage induced on the winding around ring 308 will be a function of the change in flux as a function of time, whereas the current available will be a function of the EMF induced in the winding and the load impedance. Thus, the number of turns around ferrite ring 308 should be selected to provide a suitable operating voltage for LED's 306a through 306d, whereas the current provided should be selected to avoid under or over driving LED's 306a through 306d. Thus, it may be necessary to add additional impedance to the coils around ferrite ring 308 to limit the current, based on the RMS signal conducted through conductor 304. [0036] In operation, clamp-on indicator 300 can be used to generate an indication that a line is in use, and does not require a direct connection to the power source of a mobile telephone. In this manner, clamp-on indicator 300 can be provided to owners of mobile telephones for installation subsequent to the purchase of the mobile telephone. Likewise, clamp-on indicator 302 can be disposed such that it can be moved along conductor 304 and placed in a location where it provides the greatest visibility of indicator 302 and the least amount of distraction to the user. In this manner, clamp-on indicator 302 provides improved visibility for notification of use of a mobile telephone, but can be positioned such that the indicator does not distract the user of the mobile telephone. Likewise, clamp-on indicator 302 can include one or more diodes, such that the light emitting diodes generate a signal that varies as a function of the energy being transmitted over conductor 304. In this manner, the light emitting diodes will flicker or strobe based on the frequency of the signal being conducted over the mobile telephone microphone or ear piece.

[0037] FIGURE 4 is a diagram of mechanical indicators 400A through 400C in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Mechanical indicators 400A through 400C can be used to provide an indication that a mobile telephone is in use and do not require a power source .

[0038] Mechanical indicator 400A includes blocking component 402 and indicating component 404, both of which are disposed on conductor 304. As shown, blocking component 402 has been moved from indicating component 404, such as by sliding an external sleeve to display a colored internal sleeve indicator. In one exemplary embodiment, the colored indicator can be colored red, green, or other suitable colors that can be used to indicate to observers that the user is on a mobile telephone. In another exemplary embodiment, shown as mechanical indicator 400B, blocking component 402 can be rotated axially around mechanical indicator 404 to reveal strips of indicator. Strips can also be shown as in mechanical indicator 400C, where the strips are exposed when the outer sleeve is moved longitudinally over the inner sleeve. Likewise, a clamp can be used or other suitable mechanical devices can be used that have a blocking component 402 and an indicating component 404, such as a clip for conductor 304 that can be attached to the user's clothing to hold conductor 304 steady so as not to put a load on the ear piece, or other suitable devices. In this manner, a line-in-use indication can be provided for the user of a mobile telephone that does not require a power source. Likewise, with clip-on indicators or other suitable mechanical indicators, the indicator can be provided for mobile telephones after the purchase of the mobile telephone as a separate accessory, and does not need to be installed on conductor 304 or otherwise provided in a manner that does not allow retro-fitting.

[0039] FIGURE 5 is a flow chart of a method 500 for providing an indication of mobile telephone use in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Method 500 allows a user of a mobile telephone to provide an indication to others around the user that the user is engaged in conversation on the mobile telephone, so as to reduce the incidence of interruption, mistaken appearances that the user is talking to themselves or to others, or other situations. [0040] Method 500 begins at 502 where the mobile telephone is monitored for use. In one exemplary embodiment, a software system operating on a digital signal processer or other suitable processes can be used to monitor the mobile telephone for use. The method then proceeds to 504. [0041] At 504 it is determined whether the line is in use. If the line is not in use then the method returns to 502. If it is determined at 504 that the line is in use, the method proceeds to 506 where the indicator system is activated. The method then proceeds to 508. [0042] At 508 it is determined whether strobing is to be provided. In one exemplary embodiment, strobing can be selected based on power savings, ability to improve .notification, or other suitable factors. If it is determined at 508 that strobing is not to be provided the method proceeds to 512. Otherwise the method proceeds to 510 where a strobe rate is set, where strobing data is generated on an on-going basis, where strobing data is retrieved from a data memory, or other suitable strobing rate data is generated. The method then proceeds to 512. [0043] At 512 it is determined whether multiple indicators are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, two or more LED's can be provided in an indicator or other suitable light sources can be provided. If it is determined at 512 that multiple indicators are not being provided the method then proceeds to 516. Otherwise the method proceeds to 514 where sequence data is generated. In one exemplary embodiment, sequence data can be used to spell out words, create symbols, create illusions of motion, or otherwise to improve the visibility of an indicator. The sequence data can likewise be received from others where suitable. The method then proceeds to 516.

[0044] At 516, suitable data is transmitted to the indicator. In one exemplary embodiment, the data can include power signals for powering the indicator, strobe rate data, sequence data, or other suitable data. Likewise, power signals can be provided at a strobe rate, in a pre-determined sequence, or in other suitable manners. The method then proceeds to 518. [0045] At 518, the end of the call or other end of use is monitored for. In one exemplary embodiment, the line-in-use indicator can generate a first data value when the line is in use and a second data value when the line is no longer in use. Likewise, other suitable processes can be used. The method then proceeds to 520.

[0046] At 520, it is determined whether the call is over or the other use has ended. If it is determined that the call is not or that any other use has not ended, then the method returns to 518. Otherwise, the method proceeds to 522 and the display is terminated, such as by cutting off power to the LED's or in other suitable manners .

[0047] In operation, method 500 allows a display to be generated that indicates that a user is using a mobile telephone. In one exemplary embodiment, the display can be powered from the mobile telephone, via a conductor that runs adjacent to the mobile telephone microphone and ear piece signal conductors.

Likewise, method 500 can be used in other suitable manners.

[0048] FIGURE 6 is a flow chart of a method 600 for providing an indication that a mobile telephone is in use in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Method 600 begins at 602 where the mobile telephone is monitored for use. In one exemplary embodiment, it can be determined whether the mobile telephone user is engaged in a conversation using the mobile telephone, is listening to MP3 ' s or other data stored on the mobile telephone, is dictating, or whether other suitable uses are occurring. The method then proceeds to 604.

[0050] At 604, it is determined whether the line is in use. If the line is not in use the method returns to 602, otherwise the method proceeds to 606 where an indicator activation message is generated. In one exemplary embodiment, the indicator activation message can be a separate data message that is transmitted to a wearable display or other suitable devices, can be a data value in a data packet that is transmitted, or other suitable indicator activation messages can be generated. The method then proceeds to 608.

[0051] At 608, it is determined whether strobing is to be provided. If strobing is not to be provided the method then proceeds to 612. Otherwise, the method proceeds to 610 where strobe rate data is appended to the activation message or otherwise provided. Likewise, strobe rate data can be separately transmitted, can be transmitted to control strobing with each transmission, or can be otherwise provided. The method then proceeds to 612.

[0052] At 612, it is determined whether multiple indicators are provided. For example, multiple indicators can be provided in the form of LED's that spell out a word, create a design, or otherwise generate indicators that are used to improve the noticeability and function of an in-use indicator. If it is determined at 612 that multiple indicators are not used the method then proceeds to 616. Otherwise the method proceeds to 614 where sequence data is appended to the indicator activation message. Likewise, the sequence data can be independently provided in a separate data packet, a plurality of data packets, or in other suitable manners. The method then proceeds to 616. [0053] At 616, a packet is generated for transmission to a wearable display. In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of packets can be generated, such as where strobing data, sequence data, or other suitable data is transmitted to control strobing or sequencing of a display in an on-going manner. Otherwise, a single packet containing all required data can also be generated. Likewise, other suitable processes can be used. The method then proceeds to 618.

[0054] At 618, the packet data is transmitted to the remote display. In one exemplary embodiment, the packet data can be transmitted in a single packet, using a Bluetooth protocol, using other suitable local wireless formats, or other suitable transmission processes can be used. The method then proceeds to 620.

[0055] At 620, the end-of-call or end-of-use is monitored. The method then proceeds to 622 where it is determined whether the call is over or if the mobile telephone is otherwise no longer being used. If it is determined that the call is not over the method returns to 620, otherwise the method proceeds to 624. [0056] At 624, a display termination packet is generated. In one exemplary embodiment, the display termination packet can include instructions to turn the display off, to generate a display that indicates that the mobile telephone is not in-use, or other suitable displays. The method then proceeds to 626. [0057] At 626, the display termination packet is transmitted to the remote display. In one exemplary embodiment, the transmission can be accomplished using the Bluetooth protocol or other suitable processes or local transmission systems. The method then proceeds to 628.

[0058] At 628, it is determined whether confirmation of receipt of the display termination packet has been received. For example, the wearable display or other remote display can generate a confirmation message and transmit it back, so as to allow the status of the remote display to be determined. If it is determined at 628 that confirmation has been received or is not required the method proceeds to 632 and terminates. Otherwise, if it determined that confirmation has not been received and should have been received the method proceeds to 630 where the termination packet is retransmitted.

[0059] Furthermore, additional response data can be received where suitable, such as response data confirming the receipt of strobe rate data, sequence data, display activation data, or other suitable data. In this exemplary embodiment, when such additional confirmation data is received, the mobile telephone can verify whether the confirmation data matched the control data, and can retransmit the control data where the confirmation data does not match. Notification data can also be generated to alert the user or other suitable personnel that the display is not responding properly to command data . The method then returns to 628.

[0060] In operation, method 600 allows a wearable display or other remote displays ^"to receive indication data that is used to generate line-in-use indication, and further allows the line-in- use indication data to be terminated, such as when the mobile telephone call is over. In this manner, a user of a mobile telephone can wear a clip-on a badge, hat, necklace, armband, wristband, or other suitable indicators that alert persons in the vicinity of the user that the mobile telephone is in use. Using a local wireless transmission protocol such as the Bluetooth protocol or other suitable protocols, a wearable display can communicate with a mobile telephone or other similarly configured device and can generate a suitable indication.

[0061] FIGURE 7 is a diagram of a method 700 for configuring a mobile telephone to generate an indication of use in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Method 700 begins at 702 where a profile is initialized. In one exemplary embodiment, the profile can be initiated when the mobile telephone is used the first time, a user can edit or modify their profile as desired, or other suitable profile set-up selections can be performed. The method then proceeds to 704.

[0062] At 704, it is determined whether an in-use display has been selected. If an in-use display has not been selected the method proceeds to 708. Otherwise, the method proceeds to 706 where a flag is set for the in-use display. In one exemplary embodiment, the flag can be a binary value that indicates whether an in-use display should be generated when the mobile telephone is in use. Likewise, other suitable processes can be implemented. The method then proceeds to 708. [0063] At 708, a mobile telephone signal is received or other suitable signals are generated that indicate that the phone is in use. The method then proceeds to 710.

[0064] At 710, it is determined whether the in-use display has been selected for the user's profile. If the in-use display has been selected, such as by setting a flag for the in-use display to a suitable value, the method proceeds to 712 where the in-use display is generated. In one exemplary embodiment, generation of the in-use display can include selection of a strobe rate, generation of sequence data, controlling power sources for one or more LED's to generate the display, or other suitable processes. Likewise, generation of the in-use display can include transmission of control data to a remote device, such as a wearable display, that causes the remote device to generate an in-use display, or other suitable processes can be used. The method then proceeds to 720 and terminates. [0065] If it is determined at 710 that the in-use display flag has not been selected, the method proceeds to 714 where a prompt is generated to determine whether the user wishes to activate the in-use display. For example, when the mobile telephone is ringing, the user can be prompted, such as to select "1" to generate the in-use display, "2" to deactivate the in-use display, or to make other suitable selections. In this manner, a user can elect to generate the display o^'r to avoid generating the display, such as where generating the display would create a disturbance or otherwise be a distraction. The method then proceeds to 716.

[0066] At 716, it determined whether the in-use display has been selected in response to the prompt. If no selection has been made or if a negative selection has been made, the method proceeds to 720 and terminates. If no selection is made or a negative selection has been made, the method can proceed to 718 and the in-use display can be generated. Likewise, if no selection is made the method can also return to 714 where the prompt continues to be generated until a selection is made or the call is terminated. [0067] In operation, method 700 allows a mobile telephone to be configured to generate an in-use display, or to allow the prompt for generation of an in-use display to be generated each time the phone is put in use, a call is received, or in other suitable configurations. Method 700 thus allows a mobile telephone to be controlled to allow flexibility in generation of the in-use indicator. [0068] FIGURE 8 is a flow chart of a method for generating an in-use indicator at a remote device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Method 800 begins at 802 where a data packet is received that includes control data for a display. In one exemplary embodiment, the data packet can be received in accordance with the Bluetooth protocol or other suitable local wireless protocols. The method then proceeds to 804 where the control data is extracted, such as by identifying predetermined data fields in a data frame structure. The method then proceeds to 806.

[0070] At 806, it is determined whether the control data requires activation of the in-use display. For example, the control data for activation of the in-use display can be transmitted separately from other control data, a default control display can be activated prior to setting other parameters of the display, or other suitable processes can be implemented. If in- use display activation data is not received, the method proceeds to 810. Otherwise, the method proceeds to 808 where the in-use display is activated, and the method then proceeds to 810.

[0071] At 810, it is determined whether the control data requires strobing of the in-use display. For example, the control data for strobing the in-use display can be transmitted separately from other control data, in combination with the activation data, with each strobe cycle, or other suitable processes can be implemented. If strobing data is not received, the method proceeds to 814. Otherwise, the method proceeds to 812 where the strobe rate for the display is set or the display is strobed, and the method then proceeds to 810. [0072] At 814, it is determined whether the control data requires sequencing of the in-use display. In one exemplary embodiment, the in-use display can generate words or images, the sequence data can be transmitted separately or in combination with other control data, or other suitable processes can be implemented. If in-use display sequence data is not received, the method proceeds to 818. Otherwise, the method proceeds to 816 where the in-use display sequence data is used to set the lighting sequence for the display, and the method then proceeds to 818. [0073] At 818, it is determined whether the control data requires deactivation of the in-use display. If in-use display deactivation data is not received, the method proceeds to 822.

Otherwise, the method proceeds to 820 where the in-use display is deactivated, and the method then proceeds to 822.

[0074] At 822, it is determined whether response data is required. For example, the control data for deactivation of the in-use display can be transmitted repeatedly until a response is received that indicates that the display has been deactivated, control data for other processes can be repeated until a confirmation message is received that indicates that the process has been implemented, or other suitable processes can be implemented. If response data does not need to be transmitted, the method proceeds to 826 and terminates. Otherwise, the method proceeds to 824 where the response data is transmitted, and the method then proceeds to 826 and terminates. [0075] In operation, method 800 allows a remote device to receive phone-in-use notification data and generate a display indicating that the phone is in use. Likewise, method 800 provides for confirmation of receipt of data, such as to confirm that controls or other suitable data has been received. [0076] Although exemplary embodiments of the system and method of the present invention have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will also recognize that various substitutions and modifications can be made to the systems and methods without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims .

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for generating an in-use indication for a communications device comprising: a mobile telephone; a handsfree attachment coupled to the mobile telephone, the handsfree attachment further comprising: a microphone; an earphone; and a cable connecting the microphone and the earphone to the mobile telephone; and an indicator generating an indication when the mobile telephone is in use; and wherein the indicator can be positioned to provide an indication to persons in the vicinity of the user without creating a distraction to the user.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the indicator is movable along the handsfree attachment.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the indicator is disposed on the cable between the cell phone and the microphone.

4. "The system of claim 1 wherein the indicator is magnetically coupled to the cable.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the mobile telephone further comprises an indicator system generating a signal that illuminates the indicator when the mobile telephone is in use.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the mobile telephone further comprises a strobe system causing the indicator to strobe when the mobile telephone is in use.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the mobile telephone further comprises a sequence system causing the indicator to light in a sequence when the mobile telephone is in use.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the mobile telephone further comprises a line in use detector detecting when the mobile telephone is in use and generating line in use data.

9. A system for generating an in-use indication for a communications device comprising: a mobile telephone generating a local wireless signal; and an indicator receiving the local wireless signal and generating an indication that the mobile telephone is in use.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the indicator further comprises a wearable indicator.

11. The system of claim 9 wherein the indicator further comprises a wearable badge.

12. The system of claim 9 wherein the indicator further comprises a wearable hat.

13. The system of claim 9 wherein the indicator further comprises a wearable indicator.

14. The system of claim 9 wherein the indicator further generates text messages.

15. The system of claim 9 wherein the indicator further generates images.

16. The system of claim 9 wherein the mobile telephone transmits a data packet containing control data.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein the control data further comprises one or more of indicator activation data, strobe data, sequence data, and indicator deactivation data.

18. The system of claim 9 wherein the indicator transmits packet data in response to the packet data received from the mobile telephone.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein the packet data comprises indicator activation completion data, indicator strobe rate confirmation data, indicator sequence confirmation data, and indicator deactivation completion data.

20. A passive system for generating an in-use indication for a communications device comprising: a first surface having a neutral design; a second surface having a design that indicates that a mobile telephone is in use; and wherein the first surface and the second surface are configurable to allow the second surface to be displayed or concealed.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein the first surface is an outer sleeve and the second surface is an inner sleeve, and the outer sleeve can be slid over the inner sleeve.

22. The system of claim 20 wherein the first surface is an outer sleeve and the second surface is an inner sleeve, and the outer sleeve can be rotated around the inner sleeve.

23. The system of claim 20 wherein the first surface and the second surface are disposed on either side of a clip that is used to hold a component of the mobile telephone to the user's clothing, where the clip can be installed in a first position to expose the indicator and in a second position to conceal the indicator.