Abstract: An exemplary system and method are directed to processing dial strings. A dial plan may be parsed into a plurality of expressions, each including at least one expression element. A rule associated the at least one expression element may be identified and added to an array of a finite state machine. Upon receiving a digit input, a match result indicating whether the digit input matched a corresponding expression element of each expression is determined based on the applicable rule. Expressions may be removed from consideration based on the match result. Digit inputs may continue to be received and match results may be determined based on successive expressions until either a match is determined or no further expressions are available for consideration. The match status may be reported based on the match result.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-tap keyboard user interface with auditory feedback. In one embodiment, there is provided a method for controlling operation of a mobile device having a plurality of input devices, comprising associating groups of one or more keys of the input devices to define at least one input region and in response to an input received from said input devices, performing an associated action for operating the device, responding equally to any input from a same input region. A repeated input (multi-tap) to a same input region cycles through a plurality of actions associated with the input region. Auditory feedback comprising a vocalized description of the action is provided. The multi-tap keyboard user interface with auditory feedback may adapt a mobile device (e.g. PDA or smart phone) for use by visually impaired users.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling hands free activation of a telephone includes a base, a telephone unit and a mechanical actuator via which a user can activate the telephone unit without using his or her hands. The telephone unit has an ON/OFF button that can be switched between an ON state and an OFF state. The mechanical actuator is operable by a user's chin and is mountable to the base. The actuator is disposed above the telephone unit and aligned with the ON/OFF switch so that pressing down on the actuator switches the ON/OFF button between its two states. This telephone unit, when used in conjunction with a voice recognition dialing service allows the user to place calls without the use of his or her hands. The telephone unit is coupled to the base and is activated by activation of the ON/OFF switch via the user's chin or other body part.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting from a plurality of data service options in a wireless communication network is presented. The system includes a terminal device for originating a call and for transmitting and receiving data in accordance with a selected data service option. The terminal device includes a dialing interface for inputting a sequence of one or more symbols representing a dial command string for originating the call. The input symbol sequence includes information indicating the selection of a data service option. The system also includes a communication device, coupled to the terminal device, for receiving the dial command string from the terminal device, for storing a plurality of pre-determined symbol sequences including standard telephone numbers and reserved telephone number sequences representing different data service options, and for comparing the contents of the dial command string with the stored pre-determined symbol sequences.

Abstract: A user interface, and an associated method, facilitates operation of a mobile station by a physically-disabled user. In one implementation, concave-shaped face covers are provided for the telephonic keypad of a mobile station to facilitate its usage by a physically-disabled user. In another implementation, the mobile station is provided with a TTY (telecommunications device), also to facilitate operation of the mobile station by a physically-disabled user. And, in another implementation, a location-request signal generator, carriable by a user, generated a location-request signal upon actuation by the user. The mobile station includes a local receiver for receiving the location-request signal and an annunciator for annunciating reception of the location-request signal. If the mobile station becomes misplaced, a user actuates the location-request signal generator, and the annunciation signal generated responsive to detection of such signal at the mobile station facilitates location of the mobile station.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting from a plurality of data service options in a wireless communication system having mobile data service support. The system comprises a terminal device includes a terminal device for originating a call and transmitting and receiving data in accordance with a selected data service option. The terminal device includes a communications interface for inputting a sequence of one or more alpha-numeric characters representing an AT dial command string in order to originate the call and for including information that indicates the selected data service option. The system also includes a communication device, coupled to the terminal device, for interfacing with the wireless communication system and for sending signaling messages to the terminal device. The communication device receives the AT dial command string from the terminal device and examines the contents of the received AT dial command string.

Abstract: A tray for automatic dial telephones has a construction that lots of specific telephone numbers are stored in its internal memory, and when a preselected switch is turned "ON" a dial tone of telephone number that we are dialing is outputted through the speaker. After one of button switches is turned "ON" to output a dial tone of telephone number stored in the internal memory, it is activated for a short period of time by being initialized through a return signal, thereby using the tray economically. In addition, an external telephone line and a telephone's telephone line are respectively connected to a telephone tray main body, so that when a telephone number is selected, the dial tone of telephone number stored in the memory is simultaneously outputted via the external telephone line and the telephone's telephone line, by telephone line's power value increasing/decreasing method.

Abstract: A mechanical automatic pushbutton dialing device for telephones includes a roller and a planar plate having a plurality of holes. The roller is capable of rolling along the planar plate in a linear direction and selectively entering one of said holes of the planar plate by means of the arrangement of a motor, springs, and a roller guiding mechanism. The downward force generated at the instant when the roller falls into the hole is utilized to achieve automatic pushbutton dialing. The numerals to be dialed and the number of times of dialing may be freely determined by means of a motor controller. The device utilizes movable clamps to adjust the pushbutton dialing positions so as to match the size of the telephone set and the shape of the pushbuttons. Hence, the device may match different telephone models.

Abstract: A reserved speech path forming method according to a first embodiment includes the steps of: determining whether or not another telephone within a parallel-connected telephone system is being used, enabling input of a reserved function key to reserve the speech path when another telephone within the parallel-connected telephone system is being used, providing a dial tone and enabling input of a reserved telephone number upon completion of use of the other telephone within the parallel-connected telephone system, dialing the reserved telephone number, and forming the reserved speech path.

Abstract: A locator aid for identifying and permitting the actuation of the number "9" and "1" keys of a rotary or touch telephone keyboard. Each locator includes a base which is fixedly positioned with respect to the telephone, an elongated guide strip, and an intermediate hinge connection between the base and the guide strip. Each base is positioned with respect to the telephone so its guide strip will lie in spaced relation to a finger hole of a rotary dial or in overlying relation to one of the keys of a keyboard. In a preferred construction the locator is constructed of a die cut plastic strip and includes multiple, bendable hinge joints and an adhesive fastener, which permits selective attachment of the locator to a phone body. In other constructions, the locator is integrally molded as an selectively attachable member or is molded as part of the keyboard.