Automating actions of a mobile device during calls with an automated phone system

#The present invention relates generally to controlling a mobile device, and more specifically, to automatically performing actions on a mobile device based on a determination that the mobile device is placing a call to an automated phone system.

#Automated phone systems have become increasingly popular. Individuals often use automated phone systems to check bank or credit card balances, to pay utility bills, to participate in teleconferences and for a wide variety of other activities. In many cases, the input that the user provides to the automated phone system is always the same. For example, a user calling into an automated phone system of their bank may always have to input their account number.

#An embodiment of a computer implemented method for automating actions of a mobile device during a call with an automated phone system is provided. The method includes determining that a phone call is being made to the automated phone system from the mobile device. The method also includes obtaining automation information for the phone call. Based at least in part on the automation information, the method includes automatically performing at least one of providing data to the automated phone system and executing an action on the mobile device.

#The subject matter which is regarded as embodiments is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the embodiments are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment;

#FIG. 2 depicts a flow diagram of a method for determining whether a phone call involves an automated phone system in accordance with an embodiment;

#Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for automating actions of a mobile device during a call with an automated phone system. In exemplary embodiments, the actions taken by a user during phone calls with an automated phone system are analyzed and during subsequent calls with the automated phone system one or more actions performed by the user are automatically performed by the mobile device. In one embodiment, the automated action includes providing data in response to a prompt from the automated phone system. For example, if the automated phone system is a conference call line that the user regularly dials and enters the same passcode, the automated action includes transmitting the passcode to the automated phone system. In another example, the automated action includes launching an application on the mobile device to obtain data from the application and optionally providing that data to the automated phone system. In yet another example, the automated action includes changing the display screen of the mobile device to a data input screen. For example, if the automated phone system is a conference call line that the user regularly dials into but which the user enters different passcodes, the automated action includes changing the display of the mobile device to be the data input screen for inputting the passcode.

#In exemplary embodiments, a mobile device is configured to record the audio incoming during a phone call. When the same phone number is called again, the mobile device will record the audio again and compare it to the previous call. If the same audio data always comes through (same pitch, tone, voice, and information) then the mobile device will store an indication that the phone number is associated with an automated phone system. Using natural language recognition and machine learning, the mobile device will learn how the user interacts with the mobile device during the call with the automated phone system and determine if the interactions are repetitive. The mobile device creates automation information based on identified repetitive interactions. The automation information is used by the mobile device during subsequent calls to the phone number associated with the automated phone system.

#FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a mobile device 10 that can be used to perform various actions, including receiving and processing user inputs and performing various processing actions as described herein, including storing and processing data, executing programs and displaying information. The mobile device 10 may be configured to receive or gather communications (e.g., data, text, spoken words, emails, authentication information, etc.) from other locations, such as a network (e.g., Internet) and/or another processor (e.g., server, computer or mobile device). The mobile device 10 may be any device capable of receiving user input, performing processing actions and displaying text and other information to a user, such as a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone), a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch and/or fitness tracker), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a mainframe a server and others.