Improved mobile communications terminal and a method for providing such a mobile communications terminal

Abstract

A mobile phone that is configured to establish a three-party call with an assisting smartphone during an ongoing call through a single key press.

Description

[0001] IMPROVED MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS TERMINAL AND A METHOD FOR

[0002] PROVIDING SUCH A MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS TERMINAL

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The teachings herein relate to mobile telecommunications devices, and in particular to smartphones having a touch display and a method for providing such a smartphone.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Unfortunately it has been a trend the last decades of continued praying on the technically inexperienced users, such as the elderly, trying to fraud or otherwise cheat them, and this trend is prominent in telephone scam, where an unconscious scammer contacts an elderly by telephone pretending to be an agent for a bank, a public authority or other trustworthy institution. The scammer - relying on the inexperience with modem society of the intended victim - pretends that an emergency has arisen and tries to lure important information out of the intended victim or for the intended victim to remotely authorize some action, such as a bank transfer. Many seniors, but also other members of society, especially those with some anxiety or trust issues, are unable to see through the lies and to differentiate a scammer from a truthful caller.

[0007] The problem above is accentuated by the diversity of mobile communication terminal users. Nowadays, users of mobile communication terminals are a very heterogeneous group in which there are considerable variations in terms of age, user experience, physiological motor ability, visual capacity, and general user preference.

[0008] Inexperienced users such as the elderly often have a strong bias against adapting to new technologies and as such require that a product is highly intuitive to use. This provides for many areas in which to provide solutions for simplifying existing user interface concepts so that they suit the technically inexperienced seniors. There is thus a need for a person, such as an inexperienced user, to get assistance during a telephone call in an easy manner. Particularly for inexperienced or otherwise impaired users, it is desired to improve how to get assistance in terms of reliability and user-friendliness.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] The teachings herein provide for a solution whereby a user simply has to request assistance (such as through pushing a (virtual) button, whereby a call is made to a third user, enabling the third user to join the telephone call in order to hear what requests are being made and to ascertain if these are genuine requests or part of a scam. Of course, the assistance of the third party may also be given in other situations, where the first user simply needs assistance during a call. The call may not be related to a potential fraud but could be any situation where the user needs assistance with a call.

[0011] The solution is provided through a mobile telephone system comprising a user personal mobile telecommunications device in turn comprising a controller configured to execute a first call-handling application module, and an assisting personal mobile telecommunications device in turn comprising a controller configured to execute a second call-handling application module, wherein the controller of the user personal mobile telecommunications device is configured through the first call-handling application module to receive an incoming call from a second phone, receive a command for requesting a call assist and in response thereto establish a communication link to the assisting personal mobile telecommunications device by transmitting a request to assist a call to the assisting personal mobile telecommunications device, whereby the controller of the assisting personal mobile telecommunications device is configured through the second call-handling application module to present an indication of a request to assist a call, receive an accept of the request to assist a call and in response thereto cause a three-party call to be established between the user personal mobile telecommunications device, the second phone and the assisting personal mobile telecommunications device as per the appended claims. In some embodiments at least one of the user mobile telecommunications device or the assisting mobile telecommunications device is a mobile telephone. In embodiments where both are mobile telephones, the solution is also or alternatively provided through a mobile telephone system comprising a user mobile phone in turn comprising a controller configured to execute a first call-handling application module, and an assisting mobile phone in turn comprising a controller configured to execute a second call-handling application module, wherein the controller of the user mobile phone is configured through the first call-handling application module to receive an incoming call from a second phone, receive a command for requesting a call assist and in response thereto establish a communication link to the assisting mobile phone by transmitting a request to assist a call to the assisting mobile phone, whereby the controller of the assisting mobile phone is configured through the second call-handling application module to present an indication of a request to assist a call, receive an accept of the request to assist a call and in response thereto cause a three-party call to be established between the user mobile phone, the second phone and the assisting mobile phone.

[0012] The solution is also or alternatively provided through a method for use in a mobile telephone system comprising a user personal mobile telecommunications device in turn comprising a controller configured to execute a first call-handling application module, and an assisting personal mobile telecommunications device in turn comprising a controller configured to execute a second call-handling application module, wherein the method comprises the user personal mobile telecommunications device receiving an incoming call from a second phone, receiving a command for requesting a call and in response thereto establishing a communication link to the assisting personal mobile telecommunications device by transmitting a request to assist a call to the assisting personal mobile telecommunications device, wherein the method comprises the assisting personal mobile telecommunications device presenting an indication of a request to assist a call, receiving an accept of the request to assist a call and in response thereto causing a three-party call to be established between the user personal mobile telecommunications device, the second phone and the assisting personal mobile telecommunications device as per the appended claims. In some embodiments at least one of the user mobile telecommunications device or the assisting mobile telecommunications device is a mobile telephone. In embodiments where both are mobile telephones, the solution is also or alternatively provided through a method for use in a mobile telephone system comprising a user mobile phone in turn comprising a controller configured to execute a first call-handling application module, and an assisting mobile phone in turn comprising a controller configured to execute a second call-handling application module, wherein the method comprises the user mobile phone receiving an incoming call from a second phone, receiving a command for requesting a call and in response thereto establishing a communication link to the assisting mobile phone by transmitting a request to assist a call to the assisting mobile phone, wherein the method comprises the assisting mobile phone presenting an indication of a request to assist a call, receiving an accept of the request to assist a call and in response thereto causing a three-party call to be established between the user mobile phone, the second phone and the assisting mobile phone as per the appended claims.

[0013] The solution is also or alternatively provided through a personal mobile telecommunications device comprising a controller configured to execute a first call-handling application module, wherein the controller of the user personal mobile telecommunications device is configured through the first call-handling application module to receive an incoming call from a second phone, receive a command for requesting a call and in response thereto establish a communication link to an assisting personal mobile telecommunications device by transmitting a request to assist a call to the assisting personal mobile telecommunications device, thereby causing a three-party call to be established between the user personal mobile telecommunications device, the second phone and the assisting personal mobile telecommunications device as per the appended claims.

[0014] In some embodiments at least one of the user mobile telecommunications device or the assisting mobile telecommunications device is a mobile telephone. In embodiments where both are mobile telephones, the solution is also or alternatively provided through a mobile phone comprising a controller configured to execute a first call-handling application module, wherein the controller of the user mobile phone is configured through the first call-handling application module to receive an incoming call from a second phone, receive a command for requesting a call and in response thereto establish a communication link to an assisting mobile phone by transmitting a request to assist a call to the assisting mobile phone, thereby causing a three-party call to be established between the user mobile phone, the second phone and the assisting mobile phone as per the appended claims.

[0015] The solution is also or alternatively provided through a method for use in a personal mobile telecommunications device comprising a controller configured to execute a first call-handling application module, wherein the method comprises receiving an incoming call from a second phone, receiving a command for requesting a call and in response thereto establishing a communication link to an assisting personal mobile telecommunications device by transmitting a request to assist a call to the assisting personal mobile telecommunications device, thereby causing a three-party call to be established between the user personal mobile telecommunications device, the second phone and the assisting personal mobile telecommunications device as per the appended claims.

[0016] In some embodiments at least one of the user mobile telecommunications device or the assisting mobile telecommunications device is a mobile telephone. In embodiments where both are mobile telephones, the solution is also or alternatively provided through a method for use in a mobile phone comprising a controller configured to execute a first call-handling application module, wherein the method comprises receiving an incoming call from a second phone, receiving a command for requesting a call and in response thereto establishing a communication link to an assisting mobile phone by transmitting a request to assist a call to the assisting mobile phone, thereby causing a three-party call to be established between the user mobile phone, the second phone and the assisting mobile phone as per the appended claims.

[0017] The solution is also or alternatively provided through an assisting personal mobile telecommunications device comprising a controller configured to execute a second callhandling application module and to receive a request to assist a call from a user personal mobile telecommunications device, and in response thereto present an indication of the request to assist a call, receive an accept of the request to assist a call and in response thereto cause a three-party call to be established between the user personal mobile telecommunications device, a second phone and the assisting personal mobile telecommunications device as per the appended claims.

[0018] In some embodiments at least one of the user mobile telecommunications device or the assisting mobile telecommunications device is a mobile telephone. In embodiments where both are mobile telephones, the solution is also or alternatively provided through an assisting mobile phone comprising a controller configured to execute a second call-handling application module and to receive a request to assist a call from a user mobile phone, and in response thereto present an indication of the request to assist a call, receive an accept of the request to assist a call and in response thereto cause a three-party call to be established between the user mobile phone, a second phone and the assisting mobile phone as per the appended claims.

[0019] The solution is also or alternatively provided through a method for use in an assisting personal mobile telecommunications device comprising a controller configured to execute a second call-handling application module, wherein the method comprises receiving a request to assist a call from a user personal mobile telecommunications device, and in response thereto presenting an indication of the request to assist a call, receiving an accept of the request to assist a call and in response thereto causing a three-party call to be established between the user personal mobile telecommunications device, a second phone and the assisting personal mobile telecommunications device as per the appended claims.

[0020] In some embodiments at least one of the user mobile telecommunications device or the assisting mobile telecommunications device is a mobile telephone. In embodiments where both are mobile telephones, the solution is also or alternatively provided through a method for use in an assisting mobile phone comprising a controller configured to execute a second call-handling application module, wherein the method comprises receiving a request to assist a call from a user mobile phone, and in response thereto presenting an indication of the request to assist a call, receiving an accept of the request to assist a call and in response thereto causing a three-party call to be established between the user mobile phone, a second phone and the assisting mobile phone as per the appended claims. The solution is also or alternatively provided through a computer-readable medium carrying computer instructions that when loaded into and executed by a controller of a personal mobile telecommunications device enables the personal mobile telecommunications device to perform the method according to herein.

[0021] In some embodiments at least one of the user mobile telecommunications device or the assisting mobile telecommunications device is a mobile telephone. In embodiments where both are mobile telephones, the solution is also or alternatively provided through a computer- readable medium carrying computer instructions that when loaded into and executed by a controller of a mobile phone enables the mobile phone to perform the method according to herein.

[0022] For all solutions discussed herein, in some embodiments the mobile telecommunications device, is a personal mobile telecommunications device, and in some such embodiments a mobile telephone, a smart watch connected to a mobile telephone, a smart watch having standalone capabilities to establish a call, or a tablet computer having standalone capabilities to establish a call. In some embodiments the mobile telephone is a smart phone.

[0023] Further embodiments and benefits of the present teachings will be apparent from the following description.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] The solution will be disclosed with simultaneous reference to

[0026] Figure 1 showing a schematic view of various embodiments of a smartphone 100 according to herein,

[0027] Figures 2A - 2F, each showing a schematic view of various embodiments of a smartphone 100 handling an incoming call according to herein,

[0028] Figures 3A - 3C, each showing a schematic view of various embodiments of a smartphone handling an incoming call according to herein,

[0029] Figure 4 showing a flowchart for a general method according to the teachings herein, and Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a computer-readable medium 300 carrying computer instructions 310, such as a call-handling application 102 A, that when loaded into and executed by a controller of a mobile phone 100 enables the mobile phone to implement the teachings herein.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The teachings herein will be disclosed with simultaneous reference to figure 1 showing examples of embodiments of a smartphone, and figures 2A-2F and 3A-3C each showing examples of embodiments of a smartphone handling an incoming call. As will be discussed, a smartphone 100 is a mobile communications device, such as a cellular telephone or a mobile telephone, arranged with a touch sensitive display and for executing an operating system based on a graphical user interface, GUI.

[0032] Figure 1 A shows a schematic view of a personal mobile telecommunications device, for example of a mobile or cellular telephone, an internet tablet, a smart watch, or any other device capable of receiving a call (telephone call or telecommunications call such as in voice over internet). Figure 1 shows one example of such a personal mobile telecommunications device, namely a smartphone 100, according to the teachings herein.

[0033] Figure IB shows a schematic view of a mobile telephone 100, possibly being smartphone, according to the teachings herein. Reference will be made to mobile phones, but it should be noted that - as will discussed below - the teachings may be applied to both keypad-based mobile phones and to smartphones, although some of the teachings will only be applicable to smartphones which and a skilled person would understand that some embodiments would not be possible for a mobile phone not having a touchpad and would disregard such embodiments when seeking to implement a non-touchbased mobile phone. It should also be noted that the smartphone may be an alternative example of a personal mobile telecommunications device, where a tablet computer and a smart watch are also examples of such a personal mobile telecommunications device. For the purpose of the teachings herein a computer tablet and a smart watch are considered to be equal to a smartphone 100 and the teachings apply accordingly, possibly after some adaptations of for example the user interface as a skilled person would understand. In some embodiments, a smart watch is considered as comprised in a mobile phone if connected to the mobile phone. In some embodiments a smart watch is capable of establishing (or receiving) a call on its own, and in such embodiments need not be connected to a mobile phone.

[0034] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the mobile telephone 100 is for personal use (especially the user mobile telephone as will be discussed below). The invention herein thus provides an expanded telecommunications service for providing assistance also in a personal (private) mobile telephone, and in some embodiments possibly even without access to servers and implemented simply through a pre-installed or downloadable application (an app).

[0035] The mobile telephone 100 comprises a controller 101, such as one or more processors and / or Programmable Logic Circuits (or other circuitry) for controlling the operation of the mobile telephone 100, and a memory 102 for storing computer-readable instructions that when loaded into and executed by the controller 101 enables the controller 101 to control the operation of the mobile telephone 100 according to the teachings herein. In some embodiments the memory 102 may also be arranged to store image data and / or contact data.

[0036] In some embodiments, the memory 102 is specifically configured to store and the controller 101 is specifically configured to execute and run an operating system based on a graphical user interface, GUI. Examples of such operating systems are Android™ operating systems and iOS operating systems. As a skilled person would understand there are many variations available for such operating systems, and a general reference is made herein to these as examples of operating system based on a graphical user interface for receiving control commands primarily through touch input.

[0037] The mobile telephone 100 also comprises one or more than one communication interface 103. The communication interface 103 may include both wired and wireless components but is primarily arranged to communicate according to a 3G, 4G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), 5G or even 6G cellular / mobile communication protocol. The communication interface 103 is arranged to enable communication between the mobile telephone 100 and another communications device, such as another telephone or another smartphone 100. In some embodiments the communication interface 103 enables for a connection to be established through a telecommunications network. A telecommunications network is a group of nodes interconnected by telecommunications (wireless or wired) links that are used to exchange messages between the nodes. In some embodiments, one example of such a connection is an internet call, for example a VoIP (Voice over IP, Internet Protocol) or an application-specific connection, utilizing a communication application such as FaceTime®, WhatsApp™, Line™, Messenger™ to mention a few examples of an internet call.

[0038] In some embodiments the communication interface 103 enables for a connection to be established through a telephone network. A telephone network is a telecommunications network that connects telephones, which allows telephone calls between two or more parties, utilizing for example the Public Switched Telephone Network, PSTN, or cellular networks. A cellular network or mobile network is a telecommunications network where the link to and from end nodes (such as smartphones) is wireless and the network is distributed over land areas called cells, each served by at least one base station. These base stations provide the cell with the network coverage which can be used for transmission of voice, data, and other types of content. As is known a telephone network comprises a mix of PSTN and cellular networks enabling a landline (PSTN) phone to call a smartphone or vice-versa.

[0039] The mobile telephone 100 further comprises a display 105. In some embodiments, the display is a touch-sensitive display 105 arranged to be used with a graphical user interface, GUI. Specifically, the touch-sensitive display 105 is arranged to display graphical labels or icons and to receive touch input related to these labels or icons for providing the smartphone 100 with commands or input data. In figure 1, the labels or icons are represented by a virtual key 110.

[0040] The smart phone 100 may also comprise physical control buttons 115, such as an ON / OFF button, and / or Volume UP / DOWN buttons.

[0041] The mobile telecommunications device 100 shown in figure 1A is a smartphone relying on a touch-based graphical interface. Figure IB shows an alternative mobile telephone 100 having most if not all components as the smartphone 100 of figure 1 A, but also having a physical keypad 120, such as an ITU-T keypad (or similar depending on the locality for the smart phone 100). In some embodiments the physical keypad is a QWERTY -style keypad (or similar depending on the locality for the smart phone 100, such as AZERTY to mention one example). In some embodiments the telephone 100 shown in figure IB is a smartphone relying on a touch-based graphical interface, wherein the display is a touch display. In some embodiments the telephone 100 shown in figure IB is a telephone relying on a keypad interface.

[0042] The mobile telephone 1000 also comprises - or is configured to provide - a call assist button A. The call assist button is, in some embodiments, a virtual button as in figure 1 A. In such embodiments, the smartphone is configured to provide the call assist button by presenting it on the display. In some embodiments, especially in embodiments where the display is not a touchdisplay, the telephone 100 comprises a call assist button A (see figure IB), which is a physical, hardwired button that when pressed sends an electrical signal to the controller 101 (possibly via a keyboard controller seen as comprised in the controller 101) whereby the controller 101 interprets the electrical signal as a command to establish an assist call.

[0043] As is shown in figure IB, in some embodiments, both a physical call assist button and a virtual call assist button may be provided.

[0044] In some embodiments the physical call assist button is implemented through the call accept button (green phone button) present in many phone models. In such embodiments, the mobile telephone may be configured to receive a press on the call accept button during an ongoing phone call and in response thereto execute the call assist function as will be described below. In some embodiments, the mobile phone 100 also comprises a reject call button R for rejecting or cancelling a call (red phone button).

[0045] The mobile phone 100 is configured to execute a call-handling application, such as a software module comprising computer-readable instructions that when loaded into and executed by the controller 101 enables the mobile phone to handle calls (accept and / or reject / cancel). The call-handling application 102A is stored in the memory 102 and is executed by the controller 101. The call-handling application is configured to display call information (such as identity of caller, time for call, and so on).

[0046] The teachings herein will be disclosed with simultaneous reference to figures 1 A and IB each showing examples of embodiments of a mobile phone, figures 2A to 2F and 3 A-3C each showing how a call is handled according to the teachings herein and figure 4 showing a flowchart for a general method according to the teachings herein.

[0047] In figure 2A, showing a phone system 1 according to the teachings herein, there are three telephones 100-1, 100-2 and 100-3, a first (user) smartphone 100-1 for the user, a second (calling) phone 100-2 for a calling party and a third (assisting) smartphone 100-3 for an assisting user, being a user assisting the user, such as a relative, an assistant, nursing staff or other trusted person.

[0048] It should be noted that the phone system 1 only comprises the first and third phones, and the second phone is only calling in to the system 1. The user phone being a smartphone is only one example, and the user may have any personal mobile telecommunications device as discussed above with reference to figure 1A and figure IB. Similarly, the assisting phone being a smartphone is also only one example, and the assister may have any personal mobile telecommunications device as discussed above with reference to figure 1 A and figure IB.

[0049] It should be noted that even if only one assisting smartphone 100-3 is shown and discussed herein, the teachings herein also cover having more than one assisting smartphone 100-3.

[0050] In some such embodiments the (further) assisting smartphones may be prioritized so that the assisting smartphone are contacted or connected to in turn, where a lower prioritized assisting smartphone is communicated with if a higher prioritized assisting smartphone is unable to connect with (such as no response, unable to connect, or marked as busy / do not disturb).

[0051] The assisting phones may thus be pre-defined (and approved) assisters. In some such embodiments the (further) assisting smartphones are contacted or connected at the same time, where a first assisting phone to accept the assist, is connected. In some such embodiments a message is transmitted to the assisting phones that did not accept the assist in time informing that the assist has been handled. In some embodiments such a message is an audio message. In some alternative embodiments such a message is a text message.

[0052] In some embodiments the message is transmitted as a message within the assist application and is to be output through the user interface of the assisting phone, for example being displayed on the display 105 of the assisting phone. In some embodiments the message is transmitted as a text message for example a Short Messaging Service message (commonly referred to as an SMS or text) or other direct message depending on communication application used.

[0053] Either of the user phone 100-1 or the assisting phone 100-2, also referred to herein as a User Equipment for embodiments where the smartphone is a cellular device, such as a smartphone 100, is a mobile telephone as discussed in relation to figures 1 A and IB. And, they both execute a call-handling application 102 A or a pair of call-handling applications 102 A allowing for a third party call to be accepted.

[0054] In figure 1 A a caller has initiated a call to the user, or rather a calling phone 100-2 (as this may not be a smartphone but can be any device capable of placing a call, such as a telephone call or a voice over internet protocol call) has initiated a communication link (call) to the user smartphone 100-1, as is indicated by the dotted arrow. In some embodiments, an indication 106 of some caller information (such as CallerID) is provided on the display 105.

[0055] The information on the CallerID shown may be the CallerID, such as a telephone number, and / or contact information associated with the CallerID and stored in the memory 102.

[0056] Caller identification (Caller ID) is a telephone service, available in analog and digital telephone systems, including voice over IP (VoIP), that transmits a caller's telephone number to the called party's telephone equipment when the call is being set up. The caller ID service may include the transmission of a name associated with the calling telephone number, in a service called Calling Name Presentation (CNAM). The same service is available through most communication applications and will commonly be referred to as CallerID indicating both the service, and the information provided (and presented). Caller ID is also known by similar terms such as CID, calling line identification (CLI, CLID), calling number delivery (CND), calling number identification (CNID), calling line identification presentation (CLIP), and call display.

[0057] In some embodiments, a virtual call assist button A is provided on the display 105 as the call is initiated. In some embodiments, the virtual call assist button A is provided as highlighted or in otherwise marked version (such as with broader edges, different color and / or blinking) on the display 105 if the call is from an unknown caller. In some embodiments, a virtual call assist button A is provided on the display 105 as the call is initiated if the call is from an unknown caller, i.e. if the callerID does not correspond to contact information stored in the memory 102. In some embodiments, the virtual call assist button A is provided as highlighted on the display 105 if the call is from an unknown caller.

[0058] In some embodiments, the controller 101 is configured for analyzing the speech being spoken during the call and to extract words from the speech in order compare to stored high alert words (such as bank account, transfer, authenticate, password, and so on) and if a match is detected, the virtual call assist button A is provided or alternatively provided with highlighting on the display 105.

[0059] The call assist button A may thus be provided or be changed during an ongoing call in order to indicate to the user that perhaps assistance should be called for. As an alternative to or in addition to changing the look of the call assist button, a graphical indication 107 that assistance should be called for may be shown on the display, such as when the analysis shows that high alert words are being used. As an alternative to or in addition to showing the graphical indication, an audible indication 108 may be provided indicating that assistance should be called for. The audible indication 108 may be tonal (“beep beep”) or include spoken text (“call for assistance”). These alternatives are shown in figure 2B. In some embodiments the graphical indication 107 is displayed as part of the call assist button A. In some embodiments the graphical indication 107 is displayed in addition to the call assist button A.

[0060] If the user decides that assistance is needed, the user needs simply press the call assist button (virtual or physical) whereby a communication link is established to the assisting device 100- 3 directly, as is indicated in figure 2B.

[0061] As an alternative to (or in addition to) giving a command to request the assistance by pressing (actuating) the call assist button, the command may be given through a voice command. The user thus only need to utter a phrase in order to have the assist being requested, such as (as an example (“DORO assist call!”). Such embodiments are not exclusive and may be combined.

[0062] As the link from the user telephone 100-1 to the assisting telephone 100-3 is initiated, an indication 109 is shown to the assisting user on the display 105 of the assisting telephone 100-3 that assistance is needed. The indication 109 may include information on the user needing assistance, and possibly also information on the caller (user of telephone 100-2) that is calling the user.

[0063] The assisting user is also provided with means for accepting to assist. This may be provided through a softkey label indicating that a physical button can be used to accept the assisting call, or alternatively through a virtual button 110 for accept the assisting call. In some embodiments the indication 109 is part of the virtual button 110 (or the soft key label). In some embodiments, the assistance can be accepted by pressing a call accept button (such as the green phone key commonly found on mobile phones). In some embodiments, the assistance can be accepted by giving a voice commands. Such embodiments are not exclusive and may be combined.

[0064] If the assisting user accepts the call assist (by for example pressing the assist key 110 as indicated in figure 2C), a three-party call is established directly between the first mobile phone 100-3, the calling phone 100-2 and the assisting phone 100-3, as is indicated in figure 2C. In the three-party call the assisting user is able to hear firsthand what requests are being made and can determine whether these are genuine or not (or simply determine what they are about in less dramatic cases) and thereby directly assist the user in how to handle these requests.

[0065] The teachings thus provide for a very simple manner to quickly and easily include a third (assisting) party in a call and which is made outside the control of the caller, who may otherwise try to dissuade from inviting the assisting user.

[0066] Comparing to for example establishing a three-party call using prior art technique the user needing assistance would have to 1) press the R-key followed by the 3 -key, then either select a contact by finding the contact list, scrolling to a contact and selecting that contact, or input a telephone number, whereby the contact would be called, and upon acceptance of that call, the user would again have to press the R-key followed by the 3-key in order to establish the three-party call. While the call is established, the caller would find the line go dead and have to sit and wait. The caller would also be made aware of what is going on. Perhaps requiring fewer key (screen) presses, is how to add a call on a modern smartphone, which still requires the user to find the relevant option, often hidden in a menu that is difficult for some users to find, and then find the contact that should be called. As the third-party has been called, the third party will be informed that a three-party call is to be established-party call has been accepted by the third-party, whereby the user would connect the third party to the ongoing call, thereby establishing the three-party call. The call with the caller of the original call will be suspended until the three-party call has been established. During such suspension, the caller may believe that the call has been dropped and hang up. There are thus many problems also associated with modern solutions.

[0067] In contrast, the call-handling application 102 A enables (when executed by the controller) for all needed commands from the user to be done automatically and with as little delay as possible.

[0068] On the assisting side, the call-handling application would signal to the user phone 100-1 immediately (as acceptance is received) to establish the three-party call, thereby reducing any downtime for the caller. In some alternative embodiments, the call-handling application on the assisting device would establish the three-party call directly.

[0069] In some embodiments the call-handling application of the user device is the same as the callhandling application of the assisting user. And in some embodiments the call-handling application of the user device is a corresponding application to the call-handling application of the assisting user. The call-handling application (in either case) is a collection of software instructions that when loaded into and executed by a controller enables the controller to perform functionality as discussed herein. The call-handling application is also referred to as a call-handling application module.

[0070] As the assisting user is taking part of the call, the assisting user can of course, tell the user directly what to do, for example to hang up.

[0071] In order to simplify the assistance and to prevent dangerous situations from going on, in some embodiments, the assisting device is configured to provide an (one or more) option to assist the user. In one embodiment, the option is to reject the caller. The reject option is in some embodiments provided as a virtual button 111 for rejecting the call as in figure 2D. In some embodiments, the reject option is provided through the call reject button (red phone button). In some embodiments, the reject option is provided through a clear (CLR) button. In some embodiments, the reject option is provided through a softkey button. By pressing the reject button 111 the three-party call is ended and replaced with a two-party call between the user and the assisting user, as is shown in figure 2E. The controller 101 of the assisting mobile phone 100-3 is thus configured through the call-handling application module 102A to receive a call reject command and in response thereto cause the three-party call to be terminated while maintaining a call with the user mobile phone 100-1.

[0072] As an alternative or additional manner to simplify the assistance and to prevent dangerous situations from going on, in some embodiments, the assisting device is configured to provide an option to cancel a call. The option is in some embodiments provided as a virtual button 112 for cancelling the call as in figure 2D. In some embodiments, the option is provided through the call reject button (red phone button). In some embodiments, the option is provided through a clear (CLR) button. In some embodiments, the option is provided through a softkey button. By pressing the cancel button 112 the three-party call is ended for all parties, as is shown in figure 2F. The controller 101 of the assisting mobile phone (100-1) is thus configured through the call-handling application module 102 A to receive a call cancel command and in response thereto cause the three-party call to be terminated for all three parties.

[0073] One difference between rejecting a call (or rather the caller) and cancelling a call is that when rejecting (as used herein) the assisting user and the user are still in communication which enables the assisting user to explain why the caller was rejected.

[0074] As is mentioned above, when the user wants assistance, the user gives a command whereby a request is transmitted to the assisting phone 100-3.

[0075] In some embodiments the request to assist the call is transmitted to the assisting mobile phone 100-3 through an application server 3 for the call-handling application. In some embodiments the application server 3 is implemented as an internet service (possibly a cloud service) and accessible through an internet connection.

[0076] As an alternative (supplemental or replacing) the user mobile phone 100-1 is configured to transmit the request to assist the call to the assisting mobile phone 100-3 via a text message carrying a link comprising connection information for the request. The assisting mobile phone 100-3 then parses the link to retrieve the information and in response thereto displays the indication of a request to assist a call 109.

[0077] As an alternative (supplemental or replacing) the user mobile phone 100-1 is configured to transmit the request to assist the call to the assisting mobile phone 100-3 simply by placing a call to the assisting phone, possibly through the call-handling application. The call may be call-handling specific or through an alternative communication application. In such embodiments, the indication of the request to assist the call is simply the incoming call indication and the button to accept the call is the normal call accept button, which ever buttons or indications are used for the application used for making the call. Such embodiments are not exclusive and may be combined.

[0078] Figure 3 A shows a schematic view of a phone system 1 according to the teachings herein, and as discussed with reference to figures 2A-2F. In figure 3 A the call-handling application server 3 is also shown. The call-handling application server 3 may in some embodiments be the same server 140 as is discussed in relation to downloading the computer-readable instructions of the call -handling application as is discussed below with reference to figure 5.

[0079] As is shown the call from the calling phone 100-2 is established through a first communication link 11. The first communication link 11 may be established as a telephone communication link (cellular or a combination of cellular and PSTN). The first communication link 11 may also be established as an internet communication link. In the example shown, the first communication link is established over a telephone network and is routed through a base station (and also through other network components as a skilled person would understand)

[0080] In order to enable a three-way call to be established regardless of which telecommunications protocol the calling phone 100-2 is using, the call-handling application 102A of the user smartphone 100-1 is, in some embodiments, configured to establish the communication link with the assisting phone through an internet communication connection 12. In some embodiments the internet communication connection 12 is established through the callhandling application 102A. In some embodiments the internet communication connection 12 is established through another internet communication application. The internet communication connection 12 is thus handled through the internet and has two parts, one 12- 1 from the user phone 100-1 to the internet server handling the internet communication application and from the internet server 3 to the assisting phone 100-3. For the purpose of simplifying the references, the internet communication application will also be referenced 102A as it also is an application comprising computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 102 of the user smartphone 100. In some embodiments, and as is shown in figure 3B, the call-handling application is configured to receive incoming audio (or video) 13 received from the calling phone 100-2 via the first communication link 11 and to forward the incoming audio 13 to the assisting phone via the second communication link 12.

[0081] In some embodiments the call-handling application 102A is configured to record or at least buffer the incoming audio (at least temporarily) 13 in the memory 102 before transmitting the incoming audio 13 to the assisting phone (100-3).

[0082] In some embodiments the call-handling application 102A is configured to pipe the incoming audio 13 to an input of the second communication link, thereby directly forwarding all incoming audio from the first communication link 11 to the second communication link 12. The assisting phone 100-3 will thus receive forwarded incoming audio 13 A and the assisting user will be able to hear (or otherwise partake of) the incoming audio (or video).

[0083] Similarly, in some embodiments, and as is also shown in figure 3C, the call-handling application is configured to receive assisting audio (or video) 14 received from the assisting phone 100-3 via the second communication link 12 and to forward the assisting audio 14 to the calling phone 100-2 via the first communication link 11.

[0084] The assisting audio 14 may be shared in the same manner as the incoming audio 13 or in a different manner.

[0085] The microphone and the speaker of the user smartphone will thus be shared between the two communication links 11 and 12.

[0086] This allows for the caller and the assister to hear one another and to interact, while it also allows the user to hear and to interact with both the caller and the assister irrespective of which manner of contacting the user that the caller is using.

[0087] The arrangement of having two communication links also allows for the assisting phone to assist even when not having a specific call-handling application installed. In such embodiments, the call-handling application of the assisting phone is then simply the normal call-handling application used (for the internet communication call) However, in such a case, the assisting user will not be able to actively reject the call but must ask the user to do so.

[0088] Figure 4 shows a flowchart for a general method according to the teachings herein. The method is for use in a mobile phone 100 as discussed herein and in particular for use in a mobile telephone system 1 comprising a user mobile phone 100-1 in turn comprising a controller 101 configured to execute a first call-handling application module 102 A, and an assisting mobile phone 100-3 in turn comprising a controller 101 configured to execute a second call-handling application module 102A, wherein the method comprises the user mobile phone 100-1 receiving 410 an incoming call from a second phone 100-2, receiving 420 an activation of a call assist button A and in response thereto establishing 430 a communication link to the assisting mobile phone 100-3 and thereby requesting a call assist, wherein the method comprises the assisting mobile phone 100-3 presenting 440 an indication of a request to assist a call 109, receiving 450 an activation of an accept button 110, A and in response thereto causing a three-party call to be established 460 between the user mobile phone 100-1, the second phone 100-2 and the assisting mobile phone 100-3.

[0089] The teachings herein thus provide for automating three-party calls, and does so in a very simple manner that is very easy to understand.

[0090] As would be understood, the method may comprise any or some operations as discussed herein (above or below) with reference to the system 1 even though not shown explicitly in figures 2A - 2F 3 A - 3C, wherein such additional operations are included in the operations shown.

[0091] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a computer-readable medium 500 carrying computer instructions 510, such as a call-handling application 102 A, that when loaded into and executed by a controller of a mobile phone 100 enables the mobile phone to implement the teachings herein. The computer-readable medium 500 may be tangible such as a hard drive or a flash memory, for example a USB memory stick or a cloud server. Alternatively, the computer-readable medium 500 may be intangible such as a signal carrying the computer instructions enabling the computer instructions to be downloaded through a network connection, such as an internet connection. In the example of figure 5, a computer-readable medium 500 is shown as being a computer disc 500 carrying computer-readable computer instructions 510, being inserted in a computer disc reader 520. The computer disc reader 520 may be part of a cloud server 140 - or other server - or the computer disc reader may be connected to a cloud server 140 - or other server. The cloud server 140 may be part of the internet or at least connected to the internet. The cloud server 140 may alternatively be connected through a proprietary or dedicated connection. In one example embodiment, the computer instructions are stored at a remote server 140 and be downloaded to the memory 102 / 300 of the smartphone 100 for being executed by the controller 101. The computer disc reader 520 may also or alternatively be connected to (or possibly inserted into) a smartphone 100 for transferring the computer-readable computer instructions 510 to a controller of the smartphone via a memory of the smartphone. Figure 5 shows both the situation when a smartphone 100 receives the computer-readable computer instructions 510 via a server connection and the situation when another smartphone 100 receives the computer-readable computer instructions 510 through a wired interface. This enables for computer-readable computer instructions 510 being downloaded into a smartphone 100 thereby enabling the smartphone 100 to operate according to and implement the invention as disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mobile telephone system (1) comprising a user mobile phone (100-1) in turn comprising a controller (101) configured to execute a first call-handling application module (102 A), and an assisting mobile phone (100-3) in turn comprising a controller (101) configured to execute a second call-handling application module (102A), wherein the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is configured through the first call-handling application module (102A) to receive an incoming call from a second phone (100-2) over a first communication link (11), receive a command for requesting a call assist and in response thereto establish a second communication link (12) to the assisting mobile phone (100-3) by transmitting a request to assist a call to the assisting mobile phone (100-3), wherein the assisting mobile phone (100-3) is for a predefined assister, whereby the controller (101) of the assisting mobile phone (100-3) is configured through the second call-handling application module (102A) to present an indication of a request to assist a call (109), receive an accept of the request to assist a call and in response thereto cause a three-party call to be established between the user mobile phone (100-1), the second phone (100-2) and the assisting mobile phone (100-3), wherein the user mobile phone (100-1) comprises a call assist button (A) and wherein the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is configured through the first call-handling application module (102A) to receive the command for requesting a call assist by receiving an activation of the call assist button (A).

2. The phone system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (101) of the assisting mobile phone (100-3) is further configured through the second call-handling application module (102A) to cause the three-party call to be established between the user mobile phone (100-1), the second phone (100-2) and the assisting mobile phone (100-3) by transmitting a signal to the user mobile phone (100-1) whereby the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is further configured to receive the signal from the assisting mobile phone (100-3) and then establish the three-party call in response thereto wherein the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) isfurther configured through the first call-handling application module (102A) to receive incoming audio (13) from the calling phone (100-2) via the first communication link (11) and to forward the incoming audio (13, 13A) to the assisting phone (100-3) via the second communication link (12), and to receive assisting audio (14) received from the assisting phone (100-3) via the second communication link (12) and to forward the assisting audio (14, 14A) to the calling phone (100-2) via the first communication link (11).

3. The phone system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the assisting mobile phone (100-3) is not connected to the calling phone (100-2) other than through the user mobile phone (100-1).

4. The phone system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (101) of the assisting mobile phone (100-3) is further configured through the second call-handling application module (102A) to cause the three-party call to be established between the user mobile phone (100-1), the second phone (100-2) and the assisting mobile phone (100-3) by establishing the three-party call.

5. The phone system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is further configured through the first call-handling application module (102A) to transmit the request to assist the call to the assisting mobile phone (100-3) through an application server for the call-handling application.

6. The phone system (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is further configured through the first call-handling application module (102A) to transmit the request to assist the call to the assisting mobile phone (100-3) via a text message carrying a link comprising connection information for the request, whereby the controller (101) of the assisting mobile phone (100-3) is further configured through the second call-handling application module (102A) to parse the link to retrieve the information and in response thereto display the indication of a request to assist a call (109).

7. The phone system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is further configured through the first call-handling applicationmodule (102A) to establish the communication link to the assisting mobile phone (100-3) by transmitting a request to assist a call to more than one assisting mobile phone (100-3).

8. The phone system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the assisting mobile phone that the tree-party call is established with is the assisting mobile phone (100-3) is the first to accept.

9. The phone system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is configured through the first call-handling application module (102A) to provide the call assist button as a virtual button on a display (105) of the user mobile phone (100-1).

10. The phone system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is further configured through the first call-handling application module (102A) to provide the call assist button in a marked version if the callerid of the second phone is not stored in a memory (102) of the user mobile phone (100-1).

11. The phone system (1) according to any of claims 9-10, wherein the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is further configured through the first call-handling application module (102A) to provide the call assist button if the CallerID of the second phone is not stored in a memory (102) of the user mobile phone (100-1).

12. The phone system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is configured through the first call-handling application module (102A) to receive the command for requesting a call assist by receiving a voice command.

13. The phone system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is further configured through the first call-handling application module (102A) to analyze speech being spoken and to extract words from the speech in order compare to stored high alert words and if a match is detected, indicate to the user that assistance should be called for.

14. The phone system (1) according to claim 13 and 9, wherein the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is further configured through the first call-handling application module (102A) to indicate to the user that assistance should be called for by providing the call assist button.

15. The phone system (1) according to claim 9 and any of claims 13 or 14, wherein the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is further configured through the first callhandling application module (102A) to indicate to the user that assistance should be called for by providing the call assist button in marked version.

16. The phone system (1) according to any preceding claim further comprising a further assisting mobile phone (100-3) and wherein the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is further configured through the first call-handling application module (102A) to transmit a further request to assist the call to the further assisting mobile phone (100-3) and cause the three-party call to be established between the user mobile phone (100-1), the second phone (100-2) and the further assisting mobile phone (100-3) when no response is received from the assisting mobile phone (100-3).

17. The phone system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the user mobile phone (100-1) comprises the call assist button, being a physical button, such as a call accept button.

18. The phone system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (101) of the assisting mobile phone (100-3) is configured through the second call-handling application module (102A) to receive a call reject command and in response thereto cause the three-party call to be terminated while maintaining a call with the user mobile phone (100-1).

19. The phone system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (101) of the assisting mobile phone (100-3) is configured through the second call-handling application module (102A) to receive a call cancel command and in response thereto cause the three- party call to be terminated for all three parties.

20. A method for use in a mobile telephone system (1) comprising a user mobile phone (100- 1) in turn comprising a call assist button (A) and a controller (101) configured to execute a first call-handling application module (102A), and an assisting mobile phone (100-3) in turn comprising a controller (101) configured to execute a second call-handling application module (102A), wherein the method comprises the user mobile phone (100-1) receiving an incoming call from a second phone (100-2) over a first communication link, receiving a command for requesting a call and in response thereto establishing a second communication link to the assisting mobile phone (100-3), wherein the assisting mobile phone (100-3) is for a predefined assister, by transmitting a request to assist a call to the assisting mobile phone (100-3), wherein the method comprises the assisting mobile phone (100-3) presenting an indication of a request to assist a call (109), receiving an accept of the request to assist a call and in response thereto causing a three-party call to be established between the user mobile phone (100-1), the second phone (100-2) and the assisting mobile phone (100-3), wherein the method further comprises the first call-handling application module (102A) receiving the command for requesting a call assist by receiving an activation of the call assist button (A).

21. A mobile phone (100-1) configured to be used by a user, the mobile phone (100-1) comprising a call assist button (A) and a controller (101) configured to execute a first callhandling application module (102A), wherein the controller (101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is configured through the first call-handling application module (102A) to receive an incoming call from a second phone (100-2) over a first communication link, receive a command for requesting a call and in response thereto establish a second communication link to an assisting mobile phone (100-3), wherein the assisting mobile phone (100-3) is for a predefined assister, by transmitting a request to assist a call to the assisting mobile phone (100-3), thereby causing a three-party call to be established between the user mobile phone (100-1), the second phone (100-2) and the assisting mobile phone (100-3), wherein the controller(101) of the user mobile phone (100-1) is configured through the first call-handling application module (102A) to receive the command for requesting a call assist by receiving an activation of the call assist button (A).

22. The mobile phone (100-1) according to claim 21, wherein the mobile phone (100-1) is a smartphone comprising a touch display (105), and wherein the controller (101) is configured to provide the call assist button (A) on the touch display (105).

23. A method for use in a mobile phone (100-1) configured to be used by a user, the mobile phone (100-1) comprising a call assist button (A) and a controller (101) configured to execute a first call-handling application module (102A), wherein the method comprises receiving an incoming call from a second phone (100-2) over a first communication link, receiving a command for requesting a call and in response thereto establishing a second communication link to an assisting mobile phone (100-3), wherein the assisting mobile phone (100-3) is for a predefined assister, by transmitting a request to assist a call to the assisting mobile phone (100-3), thereby causing a three-party call to be established between the user mobile phone (100-1), the second phone (100-2) and the assisting mobile phone (100-3), wherein the method further comprises the first call-handling application module (102A) receiving the command for requesting a call assist by receiving an activation of the call assist button (A).

24. An assisting mobile phone (100-3) comprising a controller (101) configured to execute a second call-handling application module (102 A) and to receive a request to assist a call from a user mobile phone (100-1), and in response thereto present an indication of the request to assist a call (109), receive an accept of the request to assist a call and in response thereto cause a three-party call to be established between the user mobile phone (100-1), a second phone (100-2) and the assisting mobile phone (100-3).

25. The mobile phone (100-1) according to claim 24, wherein the mobile phone is a smartphone comprising a touch display (105), and wherein the controller (101) is configured to provide an accept button (110, A) on the touch display (105).

26. A method for use in an assisting mobile phone (100-3) comprising a controller (101) configured to execute a second call-handling application module (102 A), wherein the method comprises receiving a request to assist a call from a user mobile phone (100-1), and in response thereto presenting an indication of the request to assist a call (109), receiving an accept of the request to assist a call and in response thereto causing a three-party call to be established between the user mobile phone (100-1), a second phone (100-2) and the assisting mobile phone (100-3).

27. A computer-readable medium (300) carrying computer instructions (310) that when loaded into and executed by a controller (101) of a mobile phone (100) enables the mobile phone (100) to perform the method according to claim 20, 23 or 26.

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