SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING AN IDENTIFICATION SIGNAL FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to personal electronic devices and more particularly to generating personalized ring tones for personal electronic devices such as cellular telephones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is desirable to personalize the presentation of portable electronic appliances to distinguish one appliance from other similar appliances where they may otherwise be confused or simply to conform the presentation of an appliance to its owner's personal preferences. Current mobile telephones, for example, provide options for customizing the ring tone sequence that give the user a choice of what sequence is pleasant to the user's ear, the user's style, and unique to the user's personality. The proliferation of affordable mobile handsets and services has created an enormous market opportunity for wireless entertainment and voice-based communication applications, a consumer base that is an order of magnitude larger than the personal computer user base.

Although pre-existing sequences of ring tones can be downloaded from a variety of Web sites, many users wish to create a unique ring tone sequence. The current applications for creating customized ring tone sequences are limited by the fact that people with musical expertise must create them and the users must have Internet access (in addition to the mobile handset).

The current methods for generating, sending, and receiving ring tone sequences involve four basic functions. The first function is the creation of the ring tone sequence. The second function is the formatting of the ring tone sequence for delivery. The third function is the delivery of the ring tone sequence to a particular handset. The fourth function is the playback of the ring tone sequence on the handset. Current methodologies are limited in the first step of the process by the lack of available options in the creation step. All methodologies must follow network protocols and standards for functions two and three for the successful completion of any custom ring tone system. Functions two and three could be collectively referred to as delivery but are distinctly different processes. The fourth function is dependent on the hardware capabilities specific to the handset from the manufacturer and country the handset is sold.

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

APPLICATION FOR LETTERS PATENT
(UTILITY PATENT)
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APPLICANTS:

John D. Puterbaugh
Eric J. Puterbaugh
Peter Velikonja
Robert A. Baxter

POST OFFICE ADDRESS:

c/o Nellymoser, Inc.
955 Massachusetts Ave., #272
Cambridge, MA 02139

INVENTION TITLE:

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING AN IDENTIFICATION SIGNAL FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES

For more information, email me or contact Nellymoser.