Abstract: In an apparatus with a limited keypad (100, 300) several characters can be associated with each key. Characters associated with a key are determined on the basis of the language selected (200) as the operating language of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a memory element (302) which includes a certain part (302a) for storing information indicating which set of the possible characters entered as push-button commands is in use as well as character set tables (302b-n) for selectively associating certain characters with each key on the basis of the information in said part (302a).

Abstract: A hand telephone includes inside its cover a printed circuit board (4) with components, and a display (2) and an earpiece (3) as separate components. According to the invention, the printed circuit board (4) and at least part of the separate components (2, 3) are mounted on an installation mat (1) of an elastic material forming a continuous mounting and attachment base without any other attaching means. The installation mat (1) is at the same time an integrated part of the keypad (9) of the hand telephone. The installation mat packs (13) the components (2, 3) against the casing and at the same time serves as a shock absorber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a one button cellular phone that provides all basic phone functions using single button on the phone. The invention operates by the user pressing the single button to dial a service provider. The call then is answered by the service provider, thus connecting the single button cellular phone to the service provider. At this time, the user communicates a desired number to be called to the service provider. The service provider then connects the one button cellular phone to the desired number. The single button on the cellular phone can also be used to answer an incoming call and also to terminate a call in progress. The single button cellular phone of the present invention is easy to use and is especially advantageous for children, aged people and the disabled. By requiring only a single button and not the conventional 12 key keypad, the cellular phone of the present invention can be manufactured relatively small in size.

Abstract: A telephone is made up of a detachable key pad having a female connector, and a key pad receiving space formed to fit the key pad in the casing of the telephone with a male connector, wherein the female connector is connected with the male connector when the detachable key pad is inserted into the key pad receiving space.

Abstract: A reduced keypad entry method and apparatus provides a method and apparatus for entry of words using a small number of keypresses on a reduced keypad (210) having multiple symbols associated with at least one key. The method and apparatus uses validity rules (242) to rearrange the order of presentation of the multiple alphabet symbols associated with a single key on the keypad (210), automatically eliminates the presentation of invalid alphabet symbols, and allows the entry of additional information such as a tone markers. Additionally, the method and apparatus uses a dictionary (244) to convert phonetic syllables into Chinese characters.

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring and generating key pad status messages in a telecommunications network. A resistor ladder network is provided to generate distinct DC-level analog voltage signals in response to the pressing of any one of a plurality to keys of a key pad. A combiner circuit is employed to combine the DC-level analog voltage signals with an analog voice signal received from an audio transducer to form a composite analog signal, and a coder/decoder circuit is provided to convert the composite analog signal into a composite digital signal. A digital signal processing circuit executes a subtractive sample delta filtering algorithm to determine whether data indicative of a key press is included within the composite digital signal, and generates status messages indicative of a key press upon determining that a key has been pressed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of selecting characters from a group of characters assigned to a single key, in particular a key of a telephone dialling keypad. Actuation of a key (8; 16) invokes a cursor controlled display of the characters (2; 18). The cursor is held at a particular position (11) while a key is actuated within a predetermined time interval (t.sub.1 ; 6, 7). The character string corresponding to a particular key actuation is read (18) and is used for the retrieval of the closest matching data entry from memory means (19). If the key is not further actuated within this time interval (t.sub.1), the cursor is moved to a next position (22), provided the selected character string matches any of the data entries of the memory means (20, 21). The retrieved data entry may be used, inter alia, for automatic dialling purposes. The method is applied in a telephone set having memory means containing subscriber data.

Abstract: A radio telephone has an array of manually operable switches mounted on a respective support. A processing circuit processes signals received via said switches and said support supplies signals to said processing device over a single transmission line. The processing device is arranged to determine an analogue characteristic of a signal received from the support via said transmission line in order to determine which of said manually operable keys has been manually operated. An analogue-to-digital converter can be used to measure voltage values identifying key selection or a timer can be used to measure capacitor charging or discharging.

Abstract: A multi-purpose keypad for an electronic apparatus includes a main panel formed of a moldable material and a plurality of functional operators formed integral with the main panel. The functional operators extend through openings in the apparatus housing and are selectively engageable with the apparatus printed circuit board (PCB). The integrated structure facilitates manufacturing and assembly of the keypad components and reduces manufacturing time and costs.

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus has a microphone module movable between an on-hook position adjacent to a main shell and a call position distanced from the main shell. The communication terminal apparatus also includes a transmitter/receiver circuit for modulating and transmitting an output signal from the microphone module, and demodulating and reproducing an input signal, a speaker unit for receiving the demodulated input signal and emitting it as an audible sound, a detector mechanism for detecting the position of the microphone module, and a controller device responsive to a detection signal from the detector mechanism for controlling the input and output of the voice signals. The controller device mutes the output signal of the microphone module upon the detector mechanism detecting that the microphone module is located at the on-hook position. Hence, the muting action is activated and deactivated by the movement of the microphone module.

Abstract: A numeric keypad configuration facilitates accurate keypresses by varying key heights to provide obvious tactile feedback to a user. A home key (160) in a keypad (100) has a lower height (265) than the other keys in the matrix. After locating the home key using touch, surrounding keys can be quickly and accurately located also without looking at the keypad. Additionally, instead of printing a number or letter on the surface of a small key, alphanumeric labels (120) are provided in the spacing area between the keys on the telephone front housing (180) and illuminated, thus improving visibility of the numbers and letters in dim lighting situations. This numeric keypad configuration can be used on cellular telephone keypads or any electronic device where a small numeric keypad is desirable.

Abstract: A touch pad assembly for portable communication devices has a dual entry user interface surface and is configured to overlay a touch pad surface. The touch-pad assembly can operate in both a key entry and graphical (written) input mode via the same input surface. In the key entry mode, the touch-pad assembly provides tactile feedback to the user affirming the selected key input.

Abstract: A telephone instrument with a 12-key keypad that has relegendable buttons. The telephone instrument is coupled to apparatus such as a personal computer, network server, or switch that is capable of performing telephony functions. The telephony apparatus responds to an input from the keypad by providing a new set of legends for the keys and/or performing a telephone function. In a preferred embodiment, the telephone instrument is connected both to a personal computer and to a POTS telephone circuit and includes a separate keypad for the POTS telephone circuit. The apparatus includes a component which detects a failure in the personal computer and automatically deactivates the keypad with the relegendable buttons, leaving the telephone instrument still available for use with the POTS circuit.

Abstract: A button which is removable from and insertable into a keypad from the exterior of a housing containing the keypad. The button fits within an opening of the keypad and is formed with resilient fingers in its side walls. The fingers have interfering flanges at their lower ends. The flanges are chamfered to provide a camming action to deflect the fingers when the button is removed or inserted.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) includes at least L keys (114) and a processor (506) having at least M inputs (600). Upon actuation, each one of the at least L keys (114) toggles a unique combination of N inputs of the at least M inputs (600), where each unique combination is taken from all possible combinations thereof. The at least M inputs (600) are read by the processor (506) and compared to a plurality of predetermined key patterns (806). Upon a match between the at least M inputs (600) and one of the plurality of predetermined key patterns (806), a key actuation is detected and a predetermined function may be processed in response thereto. The processor (506) may ignore simultaneous key actuations where combinations of inputs greater than N are toggled.

Abstract: In a keyboard arrangement and method for identifying a pressed key according to the present invention, conductor lines (4', 6') at each key (B), which may be connected together, are connected to a ground plane (24, 23, 27) as a response to a pressing (P) of a key. The pressed key (B) is identified by detecting the conductor lines that are connected to the ground plane. All the conductor lines may be connected as pulled-up inputs of a detector circuit, and any conductor line or combination of conductor lines may be used to identify a key. A noticeably greater number of keys may be simply identified with the same number of conductor lines than is possible in a solution according to the prior art. In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the means for connecting the conductor lines (4', 5', 6', 7') to the ground plane (27) is a conductive plate (23), which essentially covers the whole keyboard. This also provides a good shield against electrostatic discharges and other interference.

Abstract: The invention relates to the activation and automatic inactivation of keys on a mobile telephone terminal keypad, wherein the terminal includes a display and key depression sensing means. A time parameter denotes the length of time that has passed since a key was last pressed and is set to zero by means adapted to this end, and counting-up of the value of the time parameter is commenced subsequent to setting the time parameter to zero. The time parameter is compared with a threshold value (Tlock) and automatic inactivation of the keys in the keypad is initiated immediately the time parameter exceeds the threshold value (Tlock). An appropriately selected key is kept activated for activation during that time in which the keypad is in an inactivated mode, and the terminal is set to a stand-by mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved scanning keyboard and diodes option is disclosed. Each of the pins is treated as one independent dimension so as to define a multi-dimensional configuration. The circuit includes a clock generation circuit, a keyboard I/O port device comprising a plurality of ports associated with the pins and a key detection register device. A key is arranged at the interconnection of any two ports. When the key is depressed, by maintaining the ports at a first level and applying a second level to each of the ports to check which port goes from the first level to the second level, the location of the key may be determined. The output of the ports are stored in the key detection register device for the determination of the key location.

Abstract: An interface device, such as a mouse input device, is used to provide input to a computer system or alternatively to a telephone system. The motion of the mouse input device over a first surface is detected. Selections made by a user on a mouse selection key are also detected. Numeric entry is received from numeric entry keys on a top surface of the mouse input device. In the preferred embodiment, the numeric keys are arranged as a dialpad for a telephone.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an interactive interface having selectable graphical elements that represent the numbers of a telephone keypad. The interface is selected by the user for a screen telephone. A user sends an interface request to an interface platform using a multimedia user interface on the user's screen phone. The interface platform retrieves interface data from a connected interface database and sends the requested interface to the screen phone. The screen phone stores the interface data on a connected screen phone database, and presents the interface to the user. The interface comprises at least one from the group of textual, graphic, animation, audio and video media. Visual elements of the interface are selected by the user when the user touches the visual element on the screen of the screen phone. The selectable features incorporate telecommunications, interface selection and editing, and information request features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent telephone system, operating methods related to the system are also disclosed. The intelligent telephone is capable of programming operating procedures as a shortcut for re-operating in the future. Furthermore, achieve the purpose of conveniently operating some complicated operating processes for a user, and being capable of automatically performing in a preset time limit. The intelligent telephone system includes storage means, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a telephone interface, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a user inputting interface. The user interface is used for receiving audio information and commands for controlling operations to shortcuts. In software structure, the intelligent system includes a system control module, a shortcut functional module, and lots of software modules. The system control module gives control rights and relative messages to the shortcut functional module.

Abstract: A portable telephone has external line reception keys which are depressed to capture an external line arranged on a first outer surface of the telephone body and dial keys for call generation arranged on the opposite outer surface of the telephone body. Key protection projections are provided for at least one of the external line keys and the dial keys.

Abstract: A keypad enlarger kit (10) including a front cover plate (22), a plurality of large pushbuttons (24), a cushion pad (26), and a backing plate (28). Keypad enlarger kit (10) is adapted to be mounted to a front panel (15) of a conventional pay telephone (12) in a manner so that large pushbuttons (24) overly telephone keypad (14) and provide larger pushbuttons for selection by a user.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) comprises a first plurality of keys (117), a second plurality of keys (119), and a processor (506) having a plurality of inputs (600) and an output (620). The output (620) is utilized to bias the plurality of inputs (600) at a first predetermined voltage during a first predetermined time period and at a second predetermined voltage during a second predetermined time period. An actuation of any one of the first plurality of keys (117) couples a unique combination of two inputs of the plurality of inputs (600) to the second predetermined voltage, and an actuation of any one of the second plurality of keys (119) couples a unique combination of two inputs of the plurality of inputs (600) to the first predetermined voltage. Thus, the processor (506) can detect actuations of the first plurality of keys (117) during the first predetermined time period and the second plurality of keys (119) during the second predetermined time period.

Abstract: Telephone station equipment consisting of a phone device interconnected with a personal computer. The phone device includes a conventional telephone handset and a keypad employing pushbutton display keys each of which has a writable keyface display for visually indicating the function of the key or other information to the user. The personal computer is connected to both the phone device and to one or more telephone communications channels and is programmed to display prompting information on the key displays and respond to keypress events to perform the functions indicated. The user can perform a variety of telephone system management tasks solely by viewing and manipulating the phone device keypad, including manual dialing, redialing, speed-dialing from a directory of commonly called numbers, making flash disconnections, forwaring calls, controlling call waiting and caller I.D.

Abstract: A key handling circuit for a switching matrix having row and column conductors includes bidirectional drives for the row conductors and the column conductors. The row drive and the column drive are in a low conductive condition except when a relevant key switch is activated. The row drive provides a current input for the column drive in one phase of operation and the column drive provides a current input for a row drive in a second phase of operation.

Abstract: Unwanted acoustic noise and environmental degradation associated with the use of a highly sensitive microphone in a telephone test set are eliminated by a microphone-integrated keypad laminate architecture, in which a microphone is snugly captured within a microphone holder molded into a pliable keypad unit and its leads sealed against the environment and case vibration. The keypad unit is supported by a keypad support structure adjacent to the test set's keypad face, so that the microphone holder is retained adjacent to an acoustic coupling port, and the keypad's keys are accessible by way of keypad apertures in the keypad face. A printed circuit board urges the keypad unit into engagement with the keypad support structure. The keypad unit and the printed circuit board have sealed aperture arrangements through which electrical leads of the microphone pass for connection to the circuit board.

Abstract: A method and system which provide for repertory dialing of a telephone. The repertory dialing system includes a repertory key, means for detecting when the repertory key is pressed and released, a memory having a first memory location and a second memory location, means for accessing or programming a first repertory number at the first memory location when the repertory key is pressed and released one time and means for accessing or programming a second repertory number at the second memory location when the repertory key is pressed and released twice. The system determines whether the memory locations are being programmed or accessed based on the timing of the presses and releases. The method includes the steps of pressing and releasing the repertory key one time to access or program a first repertory number, and pressing and releasing the repertory key two times to access or program a second repertory number.

Abstract: A reinforced pay phone casing structure includes an outer casing member having a plurality of openings formed thereon for movably receiving therein dial buttons and an inner reinforcement plate fixed to an inside surface of the casing member by means of welding. The inner reinforcement plate has an opening corresponding to and covering the plurality of dial button openings of the outer casing member. A circuit board shielding plate is fixed to the inner reinforcement plate and the outer casing member by means of bolts. A dial button bezel defining therethrough a plurality of passages for movably receiving therein the dial buttons is arranged between the inner reinforcement plate and the circuit board shielding plate with the bezel received within the opening of the inner reinforcement plate to have the dial button partially extending out of the outer casing member.

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus having a speech input module arranged movable from a position adjacent to a main shell to a position distanced from the main shell for calling. The communication terminal apparatus includes a transmitter/receiver circuit for modulating and transmitting an output signal from the speech input module, and demodulating and reproducing an input signal, an input control mechanism composed of a plurality of operating keys, a detector mechanism for detecting the position of the speech input module; and a controller device responsive to a detection signal from the detector mechanism for controlling the action of the input control module as well as conducting the transmission and receiving actions of the transmitter/receiver circuit. The controller device is arranged to enable the action of the input control mechanism when a particular one of the operating keys of the input control mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: Light-emitting diodes are embedded, preferably by insert molding, directly into the translucent elastomeric material forming a keypad or surrounding structure adjacent the light guide of a liquid crystal display panel. The electrical contacts of the LEDs are maintained in bias contact with contact pads provided on the secondary surface of a printed circuit board. The bias contact is preferably provided by a cover assembly which provides a compressive force against the elastomeric keypad when assembled with the printed circuit board and keypad. The present invention enables the construction of a printed circuit board having all of the electrical components disposed on only the primary side of the board, thereby permitting a simpler layout of the electrical circuitry on the PCB and the construction of a thinner keyboard assembly.

Abstract: A data processing device and method for searching a database having a plurality of entries to locate entries which match a search string. Each entry within the database is arranged into one or more predetermined search fields which each contain a character string. In response to receipt of a search string, a determination is made whether the search string is a subset of a particular entry within the database. In response to the determination that the search string is a subset of a particular entry, the particular entry is recorded as a matching entry. However, in response to a determination that the search string is not a subset of a particular entry, a determination is made whether a modified search string formed by removing delimiters from the search string is a subset of a character string within a particular predetermined search field within the particular entry.

Abstract: A serial data generating circuit and a key input signal generating circuit are provided at a panel substrate side, and input key data are transmitted in series to a main substrate side of a telephone apparatus. The number of signal lines connected between the panel substrate and the main substrate are reduced. Further, on the main substrate side downstream of a selection circuit, a data converting and producing circuit which converts the serial input key data into parallel dial data is provided to permit switching of the signal source between a processor and the panel substrate to thereby enable a dial call origination even during a power failure condition.

Abstract: A cellular telephone which is compact, slim in shape and convenient for the one touch signal transmission is disclosed. On the right hand side of the front surface of a case, numeral keys of 0 through 9 are provided in a row while, on the left hand side, function keys are provided in a row. That is, keys are aligned in the double row layout. On the rear surface of the case a slide switch which allows to set the one touch transmission mode is provided. At the center between the two rows of the keys, a groove, which runs longitudinally over the case, is provided for the ease of grip. A speaker and a microphone are provided in the groove portion. Further, small protrusions are formed on the front surface of the case to enable built-touch operation of the numeral keys.

Abstract: An apparatus that provides for the dialing of telephone numbers utilizing a limited number of keys such as only two keys. The apparatus provides for the creation of an internal telephone directory that includes telephone numbers and names that is also generated by only two keys. In addition, telephone numbers can be rapidly accessed from the telephone directory by the utilization of the two keys. Once these telephone numbers and names are accessed from the telephone directory, the two keys can be utilized to place a call to the accessed telephone number or to delete the entry from the telephone directory.

Abstract: A dealing board has a dealing board main body having a box-like structure. The box-like structure includes a top plate, bottom plate, front face plate and rear face plate. The top plate is forwardly slanted relative to the top of a desk on which the main body is mounted and has a number of openings formed therein. The dealing board further has a plurality of panel units arranged in the opening. A receiving device secured to a bent portion of the top end of the front face plate or the rear face plate forms a gap. The dealing board further has a screen plate attached to a top end of the one of the rear face plate or the front face plate which is not bent, and a fixing device is provided on the screen plate so as to be removable by set screws. The dealing board further has a card insertion slot of a reader-writer for reading and writing information on memory cards, a card take-out button placed near the card insertion slot, and a cover covering the card slot and card take-out button.

Abstract: A key unit is provided with a first print substrate on which a contact portion and a LED capable to be mounted on flat surface are mounted, a conductive contact rubber, placed on the first print substrate, having a movable contact portion which can contact with the contact portion and an open portion in which the LED is accommodated, a key button placed on the conductive contact rubber, a LED lens, placed on the edge portion of the open portion of the conductive contact rubber, which leads the light beam generated from the LED in the open portion, and a key case having a through hole into which the key button is slidably inserted and a lens insertion hole into which the LED lens is inserted. The key unit may also be provided with a chip resistor to protect the LED, which is mounted on the first print substrate at a position below a lower end face of the key case.

Abstract: A keypad scanner for a keypad having a plurality of keys which may be pressed into a down state includes circuitry for detecting when no or any key is pressed down and thereupon generating a no or any key down signal, circuitry for detecting when more than one key is pressed down and thereupon generating a multiple key down signal, and an interrupt generator coupled to the aforementioned circuitry. The interrupt generator itself includes circuitry for detecting a change in no or any key down signal level, circuitry for detecting a change in multiple key down signal level, and circuitry for generating an interrupt signal when either the circuitry for detecting a change in no or any key down signal level or the circuitry for detecting a change in multiple key down signal level detects a change.

Abstract: A Mnemonic Number Dialing Plan is offered, having a telephone keyset which can be used in regions where the written language is based on a large number of characters or symbols. Selected phonetic characters of the known phonic character set are identified with the various numerical keys of the keypad in a relatively flexible association allowing adaptability to a number of different phonic character sets of varying size. The mnemonic to be translated into a telephone number preferably consists of a phrase, where the number of words corresponds with the number of digits in the telephone number, and only the first phonic sound of a word in the mnemonic phrase is used in mnemonic dialing.

Abstract: A communication instrument has a housing for containing various electrical or electronic circuits and, on an operator side, a push button paid with predetermined functions being associated with the buttons. To allow the instrument to be made with a narrow form factor, yet remain functional, the keypad includes at least two parallel rows of buttons. The buttons are arranged at the smallest possible distances apart from each other which still permit reliable actuation by depressing of a button. All buttons of one row have their upper button surfaces at a greater height than all of the buttons of another row so that in each case adjacent rows of buttons form a step. A user's finger will then activate only one button of the communication instrument.

Abstract: A radiotelephone (101) has a memory, a display (127) and a keypad (117) with at least one key (121) to produce at least a first function key signal and a second function key signal, and a plurality of data keys (119). First, a first function key creates a first function key signal, turning on the radiotelephone (209); second, a phone number is selected (215). Third, the first function key creates a second function key signal from said first function key, activating the radiotelephone to call the phone number (207). Fourth, a second function key creates a third function key signal disconnecting the radiotelephone from said call (211). Fifth, the second function key creates a fourth function key signal turning off the radiotelephone (213).

Abstract: A public telephone having an anti-theft front wall assembly is provided. The public telephone includes a housing having a front wall, a face plate fixedly attached to the front wall at the exterior thereof, a key pad attached to the front wall at the interior thereof, key pad actuators being behind the front wall and actuator stem portions extending through aligned stem holes in the face plate, the stem portions and holes having reduced diameters so that web portions between stem holes are wider and stronger.

Abstract: A dialing apparatus for transmitting a dial signal to a communication line comprises a numerical input key, a generator for generating an audible sound according to the depression of the numerical input key, a transmitter for transmitting a dial signal according to the depression of the numerical input key to the communication line at an independent timing from the generation of the audible sound, a memory to store the data according to the numerical value of the depressed key, an instruction key to instruct the transmitter to transmit the dial signal according to the data stored in the memory, and a second instruction key to instruct the generator to generate the audible sound according to the data stored in the memory. A double stage type switch may be used as a numerical input key. When the switch at the first stage of the double stage type numerical input key is turned on, the audible sound according to the numerical key is generated.

Abstract: A scanning method of keypad architectures utilizing power pin V.sub.DD and ground pin GND of an integrated circuit device is disclosed. The integrated circuit device has a number of row pins and column pins, a power pin and a ground pin, and a number of pins for other functions of the integrated circuit device. The row and column pins, power pin and ground pin of the integrated circuit device are connected to respective connections of a keyswitch matrix, which has a plurality of row connections and column connections. The keyswitch matrix of the scanning apparatus has a first one of the row connections connected to the power pin. The keyswitch matrix of the scanning apparatus has a second one of the row connection connected to the ground pin. Each of the other row pins is connected respectively to corresponding one of the row connections. Each of the column pins is connected respectively to corresponding one of the column connections.

Abstract: A keypad apparatus (100) with integral display indicator bars (102-104) provides input to a device while displaying the status of the device on the display indicator bars (102-104). The apparatus is comprised of a matrix of data input keys (101). The indicator bars (102-104) are coupled to the matrix of keys (101), the apparatus (100) being manufactured as a single unit. Both the data input keys (101) and the indicator bars (102-104) are comprised of substantially the same material; a flexible and translucent silicone material. This material enables the keypad apparatus, that is backlit by the device, to diffuse the light, thereby lighting the data keys. Each indicator bar (102-104) has an individual backlight (108) from the device, allowing a particular indicator bar to be lit individually.

Abstract: A telephone having a plurality of key tops and a small number of light sources for illuminating the key tops with a thin construction. A switch panel formed of a transparent material is mounted on a case of the telephone. The switch panel has a plurality of holes through which the key tops of a key top sheet are respectively inserted. An opaque film is formed on an outer surface of the switch panel. A plurality of conductive contracts are formed on a lower surface of the key top sheet at positions corresponding to the respective key tops. A plurality of switch patterns are formed on a printed circuit board so as to respectively face the conductive contacts. With this construction, the switch panel functions as a light guiding board, thereby efficiently illuminating the plurality of key tops by means of the small number of light sources such as LEDs.

Abstract: A keyboard scanning circuit for detecting additional user selected functions on a keyboard while the keyboard is being "debounced". The scanning circuit permits the scanning for additional functions without the need for additional scanning ports by detecting whether a row port of the scanning circuit is connected to a source voltage via a resistor, a ground via a resistor, or is floating. The user or the manufacturer using the circuit can set the switches which establish the status of these additional functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the added functions of a telephone dialer by adding diodes to the IC circuit and using as part of the input pins such that the need for total number of input pins and thus the manufacturing costs of the IC are reduced. The method is executed by using the available keyboard input/output boards without increasing the need for extra input pins in order to detect whether there is any diode in existence that is connected among the input/output ports.

Abstract: A keypad scanner mechanism which may be incorporated with an integrated circuit including a microcontroller. The keypad scanner mechanism includes a keypad with more than one key. The keypad scanner mechanism has an activity detect mode and a normal mode. In the activity detect mode, the keypad scanner mechanism wakes up the integrated circuit and triggers the normal mode. In the normal mode, the keypad scanner mechanism identifies and reports to the microcontroller the depression of keys on the keypad. The keypad scanner mechanism also includes a means for debouncing, a multiple keys down code, and a no keys down code. The keypad scanner mechanism is suitable for any keypad application, however, it has been found that the keypad scanner mechanism is especially suitable for incorporation into the base and handset units of a cordless telephone that integrates the speech, control channels, and microcontroller portions of a modem, and the man-machine interface functions of a cordless telephone.

Abstract: A telephone is secured against vandalism by a double layer face plate or assemblage of tough materials. The assemblage consists of an outer plate covering most of the front of a telephone upper housing or casing, and a second layer covering the housing casing in areas not covered by the outer layer. Two such areas are those which involve openings in the outer or first layer for mounting the standard information pads above and below the dial push buttons. The second layer is open in the area of the push buttons, but the outer layer is provided with a grid thereat for preventing the housing or casing pushbutton grid from being pried out. The outer plate may be provided with wings to also secure the sides and top of the housing or casing against drilling and the insertion of a wire to pin the coin switch vane or to ground the coin switch relay to hold up deposited coins. The outer plate may also be provided with depending portions to cover the telephone coin box and coin return bucket.