Communication between devices using tactile or visual inputs, such as devices associated with mobile devices

Abstract

A method and system for communication between users is described. In some examples, the system provides two or more dedicated communication devices that communicate with one another without voice-based or written communications. In some cases, the devices provide single input/out capabilities. In some cases, the devices provide multiple input/output capabilities.

1 . A communication system containing two or more communication devices, the system, comprising:
 a first communication device, wherein the first communication device includes:   a first input component, wherein the first input component is configured to only receive a single, tactile input from a first user;   a first message transmission component, wherein the message transmission component is configured to only send a first pre-defined message to a first pre-defined address associated with a second communication device in response to receiving the single input from the first user via the first input component,   wherein the first pre-defined address is selected from one of multiple available addresses;   a first output component, wherein the first output component is configured to only perform a single action in response to receiving a second pre-defined message from the second communication device;   a first housing for at least partially enclosing the first input component, the first message transmission component, and the first output component, wherein the housing does not carry an audio input device or an audio output device; and   a second communication device paired to the first communication device, wherein the second communication device includes:   a second input component, wherein the second input component is configured to only receive a single, tactile input from a second user;   a second message transmission component, wherein the second message transmission component is configured to only send the second pre-defined message to the first pre-defined address associated with the first communication device in response to receiving the single input from the second user via the second input component;   a second output component, wherein the second output component is configured to only perform a single action in response to receiving a pre-defined message from the first communication device; and   a second housing for at least partially enclosing the second input component, the second message transmission component, and the second output component, wherein the second housing does not carry an audio input device or an audio output device.   
     
     
         2 . The communication system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second communication devices are sold as a set with the first and second pre-defined addresses, and wherein no additional monthly wireless service charges need be paid for the first and second communication devices to communicate with one another. 
     
     
         3 . The communication system of  claim 1 , wherein the first message transmission component of the first communication device causes a mobile device, in communication with the first communication device, to send the first pre-defined message to a pre-defined address for a mobile device associated with the second communication device. 
     
     
         4 . The communication system of  claim 1 , wherein the first communication device performs a first action in response to receiving the second pre-defined message from the second communication device and the second communication device performs a second, different action in response to receiving the first pre-defined message from the first communication device. 
     
     
         5 . The communication system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second communication devices are pieces of jewelry or garments. 
     
     
         6 . The communication system of  claim 1 , wherein the second communication device is a lamp, vase, sculptural element, digital picture frame, or desk accessory. 
     
     
         7 . A system of two communication devices for use with a wireless cellular telecommunications network, the system consisting essentially of:
 a first wireless communication device, wherein the first wireless communication device includes:   a first input component that receives input from a user of the first wireless communication device;   a first output component that provides a single human-perceptible output for a user of the first wireless communication device,
 wherein the single human-perceptible output is a tactile output or a non-text output, 
   a first data storage, processing and communication component that is configured to at least:
 store a single electronic address, 
 receive transmitted information from the second wireless communication device, 
 process a received input at the first input component, and in response to the received input at the first input component, transmit information from the first wireless communication device to a second wireless communication device directly or indirectly via the wireless cellular telecommunications network, 
 wherein the single electronic address is associated with the second wireless communication device; 
   a first power component to supply power to the first wireless communication device;   a first housing for at least partially enclosing the first input component, the first output component, the first data storage, processing and communication component, and the first power component;   the second wireless communication device, wherein the second wireless communication device includes:   a second input component,   a second data storage, processing and communication component that is configured to at least:
 store a single electronic address associated with the first wireless communication device, 
 process a received input at the second input component, in response to the received input at the second input component, transmit information from the second wireless communication device to the first wireless communication device directly or indirectly via the wireless cellular telecommunications network, 
 receive the transmitted information from the first wireless communication device; 
   a second power component to supply power to the second wireless communication device; and   a second output component that provides a single human-perceptible output for a user of the second wireless communication device in response to any received information,
 wherein the single human-perceptible output is a tactile output or a non-text output, and 
   a housing for at least partially enclosing the second input component, the second output component, the second data storage, processing and communication component, and the second power component.   
     
     
         8 . An apparatus associated with a mobile device, the apparatus comprising:
 a housing, wherein the housing facilitates viewing of one of multiple colors of light, and contains:   a communications device, wherein the communications device wirelessly receives information from an associated wireless mobile device, wherein the housing is separate from the associated wireless mobile device;   a control device, wherein the control device selects one of the multiple colors of light based on the received information; and   an output device, wherein the output device outputs only the selected color viewable via the housing, and   wherein the housing lacks any microphone, speaker, or other audio input/output device.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the housing is approximately spherical, and wherein the communication and control devices are monolithically formed on a single semiconductor substrate. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the apparatus is a desk accessory that performs typical functions of the accessory. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the communications device receives information from the associated wireless mobile device via the Bluetooth wireless protocol. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the communications device receives the information from the associated wireless mobile device via a local area network that includes the associated wireless mobile device and the apparatus. 
     
     
         13 - 31 . (canceled)