T-Mobile USA, Inc.

Bank of America Corporation

Georgiana Gormley

Valerie Lynn Goulart

Patrick Carney

Jeff Gough

Paulo S T Chow

Ming Ligh

Anthony J Giardini

Winston Wang

Robert Buck

Barb Brindle

Sinclair M Temple

Andrea Small

Timothy J Bendel

Maura Hoven

Scott A Weigman

Maura C Collins

Paulo Chow

Melanie Lynn Alexander

Manoj Govindan

Todd J Worrall

Deborah F Wire

Bryan Gough

Paulo St Chow

A messaging device allows a user to initiate communication to recipients via a graphical user interface. In some embodiments, messages are composed by a user via a touchscreen display. Pre-existing messages may also be retrieved by the user via the display. Icons representing potential message recipients are displayed, and the user may deliver a message to a recipient by associating the message with the icon that represents the desired recipient, such as by a drag-and-drop or pop-and-hop motion. In addition, the user may indicate to which of the recipient's various electronic devices or services the message is to be delivered. In some embodiments, the user may deliver the message to a group of recipients.

Messaging device having a graphical user interface for initiating communication to recipients

A system and method for providing context information along with a voice call is disclosed. In some examples, a calling device receives context information from a user and transmits the context information when establishing a voice call with the user. The context information may include various types of media, such as pictures or videos taken by a calling device. In some examples, a destination mobile device receives a voice call that does have context information and sends a request to a calling mobile device for information related to the voice call.

Providing context information during voice communications between mobile devices, such as providing visual media

A user can initiate the transmission of data on a mobile device by making physical contact with another device. The physical contact can be any type of physical touch that is referred to as a 'tap' or 'tapping.' When a tap is detected by a device, the device may initiate near field communication (NFC) with the other tapping device. NFC may be used to communicate data between the two devices, or NFC may be used to exchange sufficient information to allow the devices to establish a communication channel via another communication link. In some embodiments, an NFC-enabled mobile device can be used to gather group data relating to users having mobile devices that are within NFC range of one another and which initiate the aggregation of group data by the tapping of three or more devices.

Data exchange initiated by tapping devices

Goal insurance is provided as a purchasable option to users who wish to have a goal tracking system monitor and enforce their goals. The user may define the goal, a reward to be given upon successful completion of the goal and penalties to be applied if the goal is not met. To avoid penalties, the user may purchase goal insurance that may be used or apply under specified circumstances. Such circumstances may include death, illness, unemployment or the like. Goal information and progress may be monitored by the goal tracking system and may further be published to one or more sites. Other users may contribute to the user's reward or send encouraging remarks. If the user does not purchase goal insurance, the predefined penalties may be applied upon expiration of a goal time period if the user has not achieved their goal.

Goal insurance

A messaging device facilitates delivery of messages to recipients based on availability and preferences associated with recipients. In some embodiments, messages are composed by a user via a touchscreen display. Icons representing potential message recipients are displayed, and the user may deliver a message to a recipient by associating the message with the icon that represents the desired recipient. The facility uses availability information&#x2014;which reflects recipients' availability and willingness to communicate&#x2014;and system- and recipient-defined preferences to determine the best method(s) of delivery for a message and other features of message delivery. Recipients' availability and preferences may be displayed to users on an interface. Users may make decisions regarding delivery method, timing, and other details of message delivery based on the displayed availability and preference information.

Messaging device for delivering messages to recipients based on availability and preferences of recipients

Growing community of inventors

Durham, NC, United States of America

Georgiana Gormley