US 10841248

US Patent 10841248 Summary

• Title: Connection specific selection of automated response messages
• Assignee: CEDARWOOD VENTURES, INC.
• Inventors: Loralee Hajdu, Oliver Hajdu
• Filing Date: April 11, 2018
• Issue Date: November 17, 2020
• Abstract: The patent describes a software and computer processor implemented system and method for providing customized automated responses to various incoming electronic messages. The system, often in the form of an app on a smartphone or other computerized device, automatically connects to various peripherals (e.g., automobile Bluetooth devices, WiFi access points). It determines active peripheral connections and uses them to automatically select responses to incoming messages. The system allows for assigning different automated responses based on connected device identification codes or incoming message originators, and discusses prioritization schemes like "last active connection dominates" and interactions between contact-specific and device-specific automated responses. The invention is particularly useful for preventing distracted driving or distractions in other environments.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a method where a handheld computerized device (like a smartphone) uses its "reply software" and processor to assign automatic replies to identifiable peripheral devices. When a peripheral device connects, the software identifies it and retrieves the corresponding automatic reply. This selected reply is then used to respond to incoming messages received via the device's cellular network transceiver. A key aspect is that the peripheral device is distinct from the device sending the incoming message.

• Independent Claim 2 (dependent on Claim 1): This claim expands on Claim 1 by incorporating a list of datasets (e.g., contacts). It involves assigning automated replies and a reply priority to items within this dataset list, and also assigning a reply priority to the peripheral device. The system then determines a relative priority between the peripheral-linked replies and the contact-assigned replies to decide which should be used to manage an incoming message.

• Independent Claim 7 (dependent on Claim 1): This claim focuses on preventing distracted driving or the operation of other equipment. It specifies that the peripheral device is an "equipment associated peripheral device." When the handheld computerized device is near this peripheral, the reply software automatically detects it and configures the handheld device to respond to incoming messages with a response customized for the originator of the message.

• Independent Claim 9 (dependent on Claim 1): This claim describes using the peripheral connection status to reduce the risk of distracted operation of any equipment. The system manages auto-response replies to incoming information or communications while the user of the handheld computerized device is also using that equipment.

CAFC 2026 Dockets for Patent 10841248:

A search of CAFC 2026 dockets for patent number 10841248 did not return any specific cases filed in 2026 related to this patent. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) handles appeals in patent cases, and its online portal provides case information. However, no direct hits for this patent number in 2026 dockets were found.