Methods and systems for a communications and information resource manager

Abstract

Methods and systems are disclosed for managing the communications and information resources of a user. Identity information relating to the user is received. The user's preference for withholding an incoming communication is obtained. An entry is created in a message log for the withheld communication. The user is not notified of receipt of the withheld communication, yet receipt of the withheld communication is logged in the message log.

1 . A processor-implemented method for managing communications and data relating to the communications of a user, the method comprising: 
 receiving identity information relating to the user;    obtaining the user's preference for withholding an incoming communication; and    creating an entry in a message log for the withheld communication,    wherein the user is not notified of receipt of the withheld communication, yet receipt of the withheld communication is logged in the message log.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the message log tracks each communication sent by the user and each communication received by the user.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising ignoring an incoming communication and yet adding a corresponding entry for the incoming communication in the message log.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising i) ignoring an incoming call such that the call is not terminated, and ii) adding a corresponding entry for the incoming call in the message log.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising presenting an indicator of the incoming call.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising presenting a map box that maps locations of a sender and a recipient of the communication.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein obtaining the user's preference comprises withholding an incoming call, and further comprising presenting a map box that maps locations of a caller number and a called number.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising sending an automatic response to a sender of the communication.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising obtaining information correlated to the communication, the correlated information comprising a history of communications between a sender and a recipient.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising configuring a “Do Not Disturb” mode of operation in which notifications of incoming communications are withheld from the user, yet the message log creates entries for the incoming communications.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising accessing the message log and presenting a list of withheld communications that were received while operating in the “Do Not Disturb” mode.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising accessing the message log and presenting a list of withheld communications that were attempted while operating in the “Do Not Disturb” mode.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising accessing the message log and presenting a list of withheld communications that have taken place in a chat room while operating in the “Do Not Disturb” mode.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein obtaining the user's preference comprises providing a notification of a specific type of communication, such that the notifications of the incoming communications are withheld from the user, unless an incoming communication is of the specific type selected by the user for notification.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein providing the notification of the specific type of communication comprises providing the notification for priority emails.  
   
   
       16 . A method for managing communications and data relating to the communications of a user, the method comprising: 
 maintaining information about the user;    periodically accessing a service provider's records for other information about the user;    if the other information about the user is available, then retrieving the other information; and    storing the other information with the information about the user.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising accessing the service provider's records that list new wireless customers, obtaining data related to the user's new wireless service, and updating the information about the user with the data related to the user's new wireless service.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the data related to the user's new wireless service comprises a new mobile phone number.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein when the data related to the user's new wireless service involves a charge, then prompting the user before obtaining the data.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising presenting a log of wireless calls that were