User Interface For A Communication Device

Abstract

A device for use in a communication system the device comprising processing means arranged to execute first and second applications, and first and second interface means, the first application for detecting a communication event, the second application comprising means for controlling the second interface to allow a user to use the second application; wherein the first application is arranged to control first interface means to indicate to a user of the device that the communication event has occurred, when the second application is running.

1 . A television comprising:
 a television screen;   an alternative user interface;   a network port arranged to connect the television to a network; and   a processor arranged to execute a client program configured to: allow an end-user to communicate in a call via the network, to receive notification of an incoming communication event signalled to the television via the network, to control the television screen to notify the user of the incoming communication event when the television screen is available, and to control the alternative user interface to indicate the incoming communication event when the television screen is unavailable due to displaying television broadcasts.   
     
     
         2 . The television of  claim 1 , wherein the incoming communication event comprises an incoming call. 
     
     
         3 . The television of  claim 1 , wherein the incoming communication event comprises an incoming voicemail. 
     
     
         4 . The television of  claim 1 , wherein the alternative interface comprises one of a speaker, headphones and a buzzer. 
     
     
         5 . The television of  claim 1 , wherein the alternative interface comprises an LED. 
     
     
         6 . The television of  claim 1 , wherein the alternative interface is provided on a remote control. 
     
     
         7 . The television of  claim 1 , alternative interface is detachable from one of the television and the remote control. 
     
     
         8 . The television of  claim 1 , wherein a separate alternative interface is used to indicate an incoming call, a voicemail and an SMS. 
     
     
         9 . The television of  claim 1 , wherein the network is the Internet. 
     
     
         10 . The television of  claim 1 , wherein the network is a peer-to-peer network. 
     
     
         11 . The television of  claim 1 , wherein the client program is a peer-to-peer client application. 
     
     
         12 . A television comprising:
 a network port for connecting the television to a network;   a remote control comprising a microphone; and   a processor arranged to execute a client program configured to allow an end-user to communicate in a call via the network, and arranged to communicate with the remote control on a wireless link,   wherein the television is arranged such that the end-user can conduct the call using the microphone in the remote control.   
     
     
         13 . The television of  claim 12 , wherein the network is the Internet. 
     
     
         14 . The television of  claim 12 , wherein the network is a peer-to-peer network. 
     
     
         15 . The television of  claim 12 , wherein the client program is a peer-to-peer client application. 
     
     
         16 . The television of  claim 12 , wherein the remote control further comprises a speaker, and wherein the television is arranged such that the end-user can conduct the call using the speaker in the remote control. 
     
     
         17 . The television of  claim 12 , wherein the remote control further comprises function buttons, and wherein the television is arranged such that the end-user can accept the call using the function buttons.