Abstract: A network-based personal dialing plan that allows a user to associate dialing strings of any length with easy-to-remember, user-selected aliases. A user may also define dialing rules, such as automatically adding digits to the directory number when the called number would be a long distance call from the calling location. A user may access the system to create or modify the user's personal dialing plan by voice telephone call (in a network having VXML capability), web interface, or other device, such as a wireless application protocol (WAP) phone or wireless personal digital assistant (PDA).

Abstract: A method for routing calls in a telecommunication system includes detecting data for a call from a calling party to a called party, providing a menu of options to the calling party and routing the call in accordance with information about the calling party, information about the called party or a menu selection.

Abstract: A dialing method with phone number retrieval using partial pattern matching. First, a partial number string is received. Then, phone number sources are searched to retrieve candidate numbers according to the partial number string. All of the candidate numbers contain the partial number string. Thereafter, a phone number is selected from the candidate numbers, and an outgoing call is placed according to the selected phone number.

Abstract: A system and method for quickly retrieving a telephone number is disclosed. The system includes an input device for inputting a dial string from a user, a storage device for storing a plurality of telephone numbers, a display device for displaying the dial string, and a processor for matching the dial string with telephone numbers stored in the storage device. The dial string includes one or more digits. The processor matches the one or more digits with telephone numbers stored in the storage device and retrieves the telephone numbers. Each of the retrieved telephone number includes all digits of the dial string. The retrieved telephone numbers are then displayed on the display device. After the user selects one of the displayed telephone numbers, the system performs an action with the telephone number. For example, the system can be configured to dial the selected telephone number.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically completing long distance, international and local telephone calls using a preselected discount telephone service. A R.A.T. sensor array monitors a telephone line for activity. When the dialing of an outgoing call is detected, a central processing unit, in conjunction with a DTMF decoder, determines whether the call being made is a discount call by detecting whether predetermined positioned digit(s) is a predetermined number or set of numbers. If the number dialed is a discount call, the DTMF generator dials a predetermined prefix and/or access code resulting in completion of the call at a discounted rate.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for updating directory entries within an electronic communication device upon receipt of an electronic notification. Electronic communication devices may include, but are not limited to telephones, facsimile machines and electronic organizers. The system and method as described herein allows a portion of a directory entry, which may be referred to as an entry content value, to be updated within a directory of an electronic communication device upon the receipt of an altered value. For example, if a user calls a telephone number of a person listed in a directory entry of the telephone and receives a message stating that the number has been changed, the new number may be electronically transmitted to the directory of the telephone. The transfer searches the directory of the telephone for the existing entry and updates the changed entry content value. Thus, the other entry content values within the directory are not changed.

Abstract: A repertory dialer for managing commonly used phone numbers. The system manages memorized phone numbers automatically without direct user intervention. It is particularly useful when the phone company changes area codes. The system can make area code changes transparent to phone users.

Abstract: A portable telephone terminal with toll number retrieval function which enable either corresponding name of municipalities or toll number to be retrieved to telephone number or to name of municipalities respectively. The portable telephone terminal is provided with a state discrimination means for discriminating whether an information inputted from an input means is a toll number or a name of municipalities in accordance with a mode which is set either a dialing mode or a character input mode, a storage section for storing therein data of name of municipalities and toll number, a retrieval means when the toll number is inputted, retrieving name of municipalities from the storage section, while when the name of municipalities is inputted, retrieving a toll number from the storage section, and a display means for displaying data which is retrieved.

Abstract: A method to store information in an address book (122) is provided. The method includes the steps of creating a record for each call placed by a subscriber, each record including one or more telephone numbers (404), determining if the telephone number(s) of the record matches one of a plurality of telephone numbers stored within the address book (406); and storing the telephone number(s) in the address book (412). A system and computer program are also disclosed to store information in the address book.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing abbreviated dialing functionality to a user's subscriber terminal or telephone by automatically adding a designated string of digits to any abbreviated extension dialed by the user. The subscriber terminal may include a processor, a memory (e.g., ROM, flash memory, non-volatile memory, hard disk, etc.), a “Send” button or the like, one or more sequences of digits stored in the memory, and a translation routine executable by the processor. The translation routine is executed when the processor determines that the digits entered by the user represent an abbreviated extension, for example, when a user dials fewer than seven digits and presses the “Send” button on a subscriber terminal. When executed, the translation routine automatically prepends or adds one of the stored sequences of digits to the abbreviated extension entered by the user, and then the subscriber terminal dials the resulting composite telephone number.

Abstract: A automated method of transferring calls can include, within an established call with a calling party, receiving from the calling party a request specifying a name. The name can be compared with a listing of names and associated directory numbers to determine if there is a match. A directory number associated with the matched name can be processed according to translation attributes to determine a dialable number. The dialable number can be sent to a telephony switch to transfer the call.

Abstract: A called telephone number substitution mechanism is incorporated into the call-routing software employed by the microcontroller of a customer premises-installed communication device, through which digitized voice and data services are supplied to a customer site. The number substitution mechanism automatically selectively modifies digits of an original (dialed) telephone number, as necessary, to conform with the connectivity requirements of the communication link serving the destination device, thereby enabling the call to reach the destination device.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a dialed digit unlock and edit feature for a digital telephone connected to an advanced intelligent network (AIN) wireline network is disclosed. The digital telephone sends at least one digit of a called party number to an originating ISDN switch. The originating ISDN switch determines whether a Q.931 CALL PROCEEDING call control message has been sent from the originating ISDN switch to the digital telephone. If so, then the dialed digit unlock and edit feature is disabled. However, if the Q.931 CALL PROCEEDING call control message has not been sent, then the originating ISDN switch determines whether a key to enable the dialed digit unlock and edit feature has been entered on the digital telephone. If the key has been entered, then the last digit(s) entered for the called party number are erased and the originating ISDN switch awaits a new digit(s) to be entered into the digital telephone.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a dialed digit unlock and edit feature for an analog telephone connected to an advanced intelligent network (AIN) wireline network is disclosed. The analog telephone sends at least one digit of a called party number to an originating central office. The originating central office determines whether an initial address message (IAM) has been sent from the originating central office to a destination central office. If so, then the dialed digit unlock and edit feature is disabled. However, if the IAM has not been sent, then the originating central office determines whether a key to enable the dialed digit unlock and edit feature has been entered on the analog telephone. If the key has been entered, then the last digit(s) entered for the called party number are erased and the originating central office awaits a new digit(s) to be entered into the analog telephone.

Abstract: A dialing method in a mobile phone in which frequently used telephone numbers are stored in a first memory of the phone and less frequently used telephone numbers are stored in a second memory. Upon reception of input data comprising one or more digits from the phone keypad, the method searches the first memory for a stored telephone number that has a portion matching the input data. If a matching telephone number is found, it is displayed on the telephone display. If no matches are found in the first memory, a search of the second memory is performed to determine if a matching telephone number is stored therein. Whenever a matching telephone number from the first or second memory is displayed, the displayed number is automatically dialed upon reception of a command from the user, e.g., upon detection of a SEND key input.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provides a method and system for 7-digit dialing in a 10-digit mandatory dialing area. Aspects of the invention may include collecting a dialed string of digits corresponding to a directory number for a dialed call and determining whether an area code should be pre-pended to the collected dialed string of digits. The area code may be transparently pre-pended to a 7-digit dialed directory number if it is determined that the call is for a local area in order to conform with mandatory 10-digit dialing. Otherwise, 10-digits may be collected and used to route the call.

Abstract: A telephonic apparatus that minimizes the number of keystrokes required to make a local phone call in an area code overlay region or geographically split area code region is provided. The telephonic apparatus comprises a function key, the operation of which will prompt the telephonic apparatus to automatically dial a preceding number (e.g., a single-digit or multi-digit long distance access number and an area code) stored within the telephonic apparatus. The stored preceding number may contain a frequently called area code, e.g., one that is found in a geographically split area code region. The telephonic apparatus can optionally dial the preceding number in response to entry of the local phone number into the telephonic apparatus. In this case, the stored preceding number may contain either the base area code or the overlaying area code within an area code overlay region.

Abstract: An automatic dialing method in a telephone terminal. In the method, digit keys are entered from a user, the call type and digit number requirement for a telephone number that the input digit keys represent are determined upon absence of input of a SEND key, and the telephone number is dialled if the input digit keys are complete, or after a predetermined standby time if the input digit keys are incomplete.

Abstract: A telephone terminal is connected to a line network and has an individual terminal number. The telephone terminal comprises a clock section for measuring date and hour. A memory section is for memorizing a call telephone number as a communication telephone number on call. The memory section is for memorizing a reception telephone number as the communication telephone number on reception. The memory section further memorizes communication information in correspondence to the communication telephone number. The communication information and the communication telephone number are displayed on a display section. A control section controls the memory section to make the memory section memorize the communication information in correspondence to the communication telephone number. The control section controls the display section to make the display section display the communication telephone number and the communication information.

Abstract: A shortcut dialing apparatus for a telephone set is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of ROMs for storing telephone numbers therein, a plurality of ROM cards including a corresponding ROM among the ROMs and electrically and detachably being engaged with a main body, a ROM card receiving unit formed in the main body for receiving the ROM card therein, a plurality of selection switches for selectively outputting the telephone number stored in the ROMs, a CPU for scanning the selection switch pushed by a user among the selection switches and outputting a data corresponding to the telephone number stored in the ROM, a DTMF signal generator for outputting a DTMF signal corresponding to the data, and a speaker for receiving the DTMF signal and outputting a sound for thereby detachably installing a ROM card with a ROM into a main body, storing a plurality of telephone numbers into the ROM, and transmitting a corresponding telephone number based on a one-touch operation of the button.

Abstract: A telephone system incorporating the present invention provides the capability for automated dialing of a telephone number stored in a caller ID log by determining the correct dialing procedure and then dialing the telephone number in accordance with the correct dialing procedure.

Abstract: An automated prefix dialing system is disclosed to allow a subscriber/user to automatically insert a predetermined prefix dialing code in certain outgoing telephone call situations. The system is electrically disposed between the telephone company's central office circuit and the subscriber's circuit. The system preferably comprises six sub-circuits: DC power path circuit (off-hook sensor circuit), shadow-ring detector circuit, isolation circuit, DTMF receiver circuit, DTMF generator circuit, and micro controller circuit. When not in use, no power is used by the system. The DC power path circuit, provides power received from the central office line to the various circuits and components of the system when the subscriber's phone is taken off-hook. Off-hook sensor circuitry detects when the telephone has been lifted either in response to an incoming call or to initiate an outgoing call.

Abstract: The invention is intended to allow a plurality of users to share a single apparatus while securing the privacy of each user. A terminal is made portable and detachable from a base. Data exchange by radio is made possible between the base and the terminal, and E-mail or facsimile data that is received by the base through a telephone circuit is stored in the terminal. A user can remove the terminal from the base and carry it to his room, and can display a stored E-mail message or facsimile data there.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus for practicing the method, for eliminating the necessity for manually dialing, on a wireless telephone, a local area code as a prefix to a call within the same area code in telephone systems in which such action is a requirement. Before a calling party institutes a call on a cellular telephone, the area code is semi-permanently stored in the cellular telephone. During the dialing process, after the seventh digit has been dialed and before an eighth digit has been dialed, a determination is made as to whether the “send” button has been actuated. If so, then the stored area code is prefixed to the seven dialed digits, and the resulting ten digit number is transmitted. If not, then the dialing continues until the “send” button is actuated at which time the fully dialed number is transmitted. Typically, the latter condition indicates that a long distance call is in process.

Abstract: An electronic programmer for the auto-dial functions of a telephone comprises an apparatus which electrically connects the rows and columns lines on the keyboard of a telephone so as to mimic the pressing the buttons on the telephone keypad.

Abstract: A telecommunications device able to automatically detect a pending change in an area code or numbering plan area (NPA) during the period when either the new area code or the existing area code may be used to dial a particular number. Such a telecommunications device is configured to read an ISDN connected party number or an H.323 connected party number during the permissive period and compare the connected party number with the called party number. If there is a mismatch of the area code and the numbers otherwise match, the telecommunications device knows that an area code update is pending and advises the user thereof accordingly. Alternatively, the telecommunications device may itself automatically update speed dialing lists, routing tables, and the like.

Abstract: An improved account access system and device in which a portable electronic card may be loaded into a combined programming and printing system to be programmed with predetermined signals and imprinted with associated variable data. The predetermined and programmed signals may be representative of telephone numbers, account authorization numbers, or other data. The associated variable information to be printed may be textual such as name, account number or telephone number data or graphical, such as graphic designs or barcode images. The variable information may be printed or affixed to the portable electronic system using a wide variety of processes adapted to the needs of the end user. An improved assembly design for the portable electronic system and improved programming and imprinting system are particularly adapted to accommodate high volume production of many devices with different programming and imprinting requirements. Additional new programming techniques are also described.

Abstract: The unique method for implementing icons in a radio communication device (103) which provides a plurality of radio communication services such as radiotelephone, facsimile and electronic mail services enables a more efficient user interface. The radio communication device preferably comprises a touch screen display (119) for displaying functional icons stored with directory numbers to simplify the retrieval of information and the transmission of messages. In particular, functional icons associated with one of the plurality of communications services can enable easier searching of directories or transmission of messages when stored in connection with directory numbers.

Abstract: A method for controlling a communications terminal in which control instructions can be called from an instruction memory wherein, the control instructions have, at least to a certain extent, individually callable control instruction components such that a freely selectable sequence of control instruction components can be stored under names, and held ready for a call.

Abstract: A simplified method of assigning a call address to a PTT key for speed dialing in radio mode. The existing call addresses stored in memory are reviewed by the user and one of the call addresses is chosen as the default call address. This default call address is associated with a particular hot key, such as the PTT key. Thereafter, when the hot key is pressed to initiate a call without another call address currently pending, the default call address is used to initiate the call in radio mode. In preferred embodiments, the user may assign the call address to be the default without having to move the call address information from one memory location to another. Likewise, the user may change the call address assigned to be the default without having to move the call address information from one memory location to another. Thus, the present invention provides a simpler and less error prone procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for secured redialing in a telephone is disclosed. The redial feature is made secure by establishing a prescribed time for storing in memory a last number dialed. Once the prescribed time has elapsed, the number is erased from the telephone memory. The apparatus and method can also prevent storing in memory the last dialed number.

Abstract: The invention relates to a credit card dialing apparatus for use in automatically dialing account numbers, security codes and phone numbers into telephones. The apparatus includes a credit card size device having a memory, encoder, speaker, microphone and switch embedded into a circuit board for inputting and outputting specific information depending on the use of the card. The circuit described accesses the account by tones or signals fed through the receiver or direct data input from a small databus. In another embodiment, a microprocessor unit having a keyboard, microprocessor memory, encoder, a speaker unit and microphone as well as an alphanumeric display is utilized. This system permits the user to input the desired numbers and provide serial dialing and identification for particular sources.