Abstract: A software driven, timing dependant method for entering alphanumerical characters using a conventional push button telephone system having automatic response functions is based upon the position (first, second or third) of each alphabetic letter upon each key of the standardized telephone keypad matrix. DTMF signals are generated following the pressing of a key to identify the key pressed and thereby generate a sequential message menu for that particular key. The key is pressed a predetermined number of times (once, twice, or three times) to select the desired letter, and the letter signals are transmitted to conventional voice tone recognition apparatus and storage facilities. The first, second and third messages on each key each consist of a silence interval segment of known length followed by, respectively, a first, second and third letter interval segment of known length.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 12, 1992
Date of Patent:
February 21, 1995
Assignee:
Danish International, Inc.
Inventors:
Adel Danish, Sherif Danish, Kris W. Kimbrough
Abstract: A method and apparatus for the conversion of a standard push button telephone keypad into a data entry terminal permitting full alphanumeric DTMF entry through a telephone system to a file server for delivery to a service provider computer. The alphabetical letters are prearranged to enable single or adjacent keypairs to be defined for each alphabetical letter. DTMF signals are generated by the keypairs and are transmitted to conventional voice tone recognition apparatus and storage facilities of the central computer for later or simultaneous delivery to a service provider computer such as a facsimile machine, an E-mail system, a paging system, and/or any data base connected to a telephone line.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 26, 1992
Date of Patent:
August 16, 1994
Assignee:
Danish International, Inc.
Inventors:
Adel Danish, Sherif Danish, Kris W. Kimbrough
Abstract: A method and apparatus for entering alphanumerical characters into a push button telephone system having automatic response functions. Each alphabetic letter and character is assigned a keypair having a dual tone multifrequency signal which is stored in the memory of the telephone system. The code provides for the conversion of analog voice frequency signals to digital signals. The digital signals may be converted to analog signals to provide voice prompts to the caller. The letters and characters are sequentially arrayed on a matrix overlaying the telephone keypad. Characters are positioned above and between the push buttons so that each character may be separately accessed from adjacent keys. Entry of a keypair requires the sequential pressing of at least one key two times. Sequential operations that require the pressing of two different and adjacent keys may be performed in any sequence.