Abstract: An interruption-handling setting for a category of interactions of an application is determined via a programmatic interface. A set of user-generated input is obtained while presentation to a user of a set of output of the category is in progress. A response to the set of user-generated input is prepared based at least in part on the interruption-handling setting.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are example embodiments of systems and methods of braille transceiving. A braille input output transceiving device (BIOTD) comprises a transceiving module configured to receive braille codes, encode the braille codes into DTMF tones, and transmit the DTMF tones. The BIOTD enables transmission over various types of media, including audio DTMF tones and any networked communication device that can accept audio tones in the appropriate format.

Abstract: A social messaging hub provides communication services for a data enabled device having Internet network access capabilities. The social messaging hub communicates with the data enabled device over the Internet or cellular data networks, and interfaces with a message infrastructure including mobile carriers, message aggregators, message exchanges and various specialized social messaging services to enable bi-directional messaging communication. The user is given a registered phone number and unique IP addressable identification which serve as a source and destination identifier of the associated data enabled device. Messages may originate in or be delivered to other users' mobile telephones or in similarly equipped and provisioned IP data enabled devices. An application operating on the IP enabled device determines in conjunction with the social messaging hub a mode of transmission as a function of parameters including device location and destination of a message.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods concern improved input of radicals. Example apparatus and methods facilitate more efficiently inputting Chinese radicals using a touch screen. One example method includes displaying a labeled soft key on a touch screen device. The label may represent all or a portion of a radical. The example method includes accepting a touch input associated with the soft key and then taking an action based on the label and the touch input. The action may include inputting a radical or updating the display on the touch screen. Updating the display may facilitate iterative and intuitive progress through radical construction leading to radical selection and input.

Abstract: A tone advisor, a tone assisting system and a method of associating tones with callers. In one embodiment the method includes: (1) monitoring calls to and from a user, (2) obtaining information based on the calls and (3) categorizing a caller associated with at least one of the calls into a contact group according to the information and (4) assigning a genre of tones to the contact group.

Abstract: A half keyboard having a key input system with a set of keys, wherein the set of keys is arranged as a conventional keyboard, such as a Qwerty keyboard, approximately folded in half so that the key of the set of keys indicates more multiple characters, symbols and/or functions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for enabling DTMF signal processing in the core VoIP network. More specifically, the present invention enables a VoIP network to recognize and respond to special DTMF signals entered by a user and initiate the appropriate service logic response to satisfy the user's service request.

Abstract: A dual-tone generating telecommunication device comprising a frequency generating element that produces at least 9 individual tones, each having a distinct frequency between 300 Hz and 3,000 Hz, and at least 17 dial buttons, with each dial button representing at least one distinct character, and where each character directs the frequency generating element to produce a distinct dual tone, with each distinct dual tone being generated by the combination of two different individual tones.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for communicating on a telecommunications device, wherein a telephone number is received from a user via an interface of the telecommunications device. At least one character from the user is also received via the interface in response to key press options presented to the user. The telephone number and the character received from the user are automatically saved on a memory device. The character is automatically associated with the telephone number. Contextual information associated with the character is saved, wherein the contextual information indicates the time of day that the character is entered, the date that the character is entered, and/or the type of call where the character is entered. The character is presented to the user in a list of previously entered characters on a display of the telecommunications device during a subsequent telephone call to the saved telephone number.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing a custom ring tone in connection with a call. In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a communication system, an indication to provide a customized ring tone associated with a call to a callee device. The method further includes delivering at least a portion of the customized ring tone to the callee device from the communication system when the callee device is determined to be operable to output the customized ring tone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for exchanging data between a first and a second communication terminal device (EG1, EG2). The first (EG1) and the second (EG2) communication terminal devices are connected to a data network (DN). In a first step, acoustically coded address information is transmitted by the first to the second communication terminal device (EG2) during a communication connection between the first and the second communication terminal device (EG1, EG2) and, in a second step, the data are transmitted to the first communication terminal device (EG1) from the second communication terminal device (EG2) via the data network using the address information.

Abstract: Tools and techniques are described for storage and expedited retrieval of messages and responses in multi-tasking environments. Methods provided by these tools may establish active communications with a first contact, and then received indications of secondary communications involving a second contact. These methods may then present user interfaces (UIs) that include representations of at least the secondary communications. Through the UIs, the methods may receive a selection of one of the secondary communications for an expedited response, and may receive input from the user that provides the expedited response to the secondary communication, while maintaining the active communication in an active state. These methods may provide the expedited response to the secondary communication, based upon the input received from the user.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for facilitating a custom ring in connection with a call. A ring tone delivery system may include an interface operable to receive a calling signal that indicates a request to place a call from a calling party to a communication device of a called party. The system may also include a network node communicatively coupled to the interface. The network node may be operable to determine whether the calling party is able to use a calling party selected ring tone. The network node may also be operable to determine whether the communication device will accept the calling party selected ring tone. The network node sends the calling party selected ring tone to the communication device when the calling party is able to use the calling party selected ring tone and when the communication device will accept the calling party selected ring tone.

Abstract: A system and method of selecting a character for display in a communication device having a display and a reduced-key keyboard is provided. One of the plurality of keys on the reduced-key keyboard is selected and a default letter associated with the selected key is displayed. A backspace key is selected to display a cursor in the position of the character on the display. The key associated with the default character is selected again and an alternate character associated with the selected key is displayed in place of the default letter.

Abstract: Systems, methods, protocols and apparatus for information exchange and synchronization using DTMF signaling over telephone communication channels are provided. Information is packetized and converted from one format, e.g., ASCII formatted data, to another format, e.g., BCD formatted data. The information is wrapped in one or more packets by a sending apparatus, each packet including one or more headers, such as a Name and Length field that identify the information being exchanged and the amount of data included in the packet payload/value field. The data in the packets are converted from BCD to DTMF signals and are transmitted over a telephone communication line to a receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus converts the DTMF signals back to BCD formatted data and processes the packets to obtain the information contained therein.

Abstract: A keyboard for a mobile device 400 having a processor 618 for interpreting signals comprises a plurality of keys 410-424 and corresponding indicia including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to an array of letters A-Z. The keys 410-419 that are associated with alphabetic characters number fewer than twenty-six and correspond to one of a QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, or DVORAK key arrangement. Each of the plurality of keys 410-424 have multiple input surfaces and are arranged in an array of rows and columns that include a first outer column, at least one middle column, and a last outer column. The first and last columns of keys are operable to input at least three different signals to a processor 618 of a mobile device 400 depending upon what input surface of the key 410-424 is pressed. A middle column of keys is operable to input at least five different signals to a processor 618 depending on what input surface of the key 410-424 is pressed.

Abstract: A tone transmission part transmits a tone signal. A tone signal detection part detects data representing an echo signal of the tone signal transmitted by the tone transmission part, and detects data representing a predetermined tone signal targeted to be detected. The tone signal detection part also detects data representing tone signals of all of input signals. A tone judgment part excludes the data representing the echo signal from the data representing the tone signals of all of the input signals so as to judge a detection of the predetermined tone signal.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to methods, systems, and storage mediums for providing self-provisioning telephony services. The method includes receiving a request for the self-provisioning telephony services from a caller of a telecommunications service provider. The method also includes prompting the caller to provide information for facilitating implementation of the self-provisioning telephony services. The method further includes implementing the self-provisioning telephony services, without human intervention from a telecommunications service provider, in response to information received as a result of the prompting. The self-provisioning telephony services include activating an account for a new telephone number, modifying an account for an existing telephone number, retrieving a forgotten personal identification number, and canceling an account for an existing telephone number.

Abstract: A system and method to obtain a nickname for records, particularly records having number fields. A set of triplets is identified in a record 401. Criteria, at least at a strict level, is set to establish that used triplets are many, and hard to avoid 403. Using this criteria, triplets may be processed in order 405. Each triplet is checked against the criteria 407. Avoidance of the used criteria, i.e. that the current triplet is not used, enables the triplet to be associated with the record 413. Failure to avoid the used criteria enables a loop to continue if the exit criteria 409 is not met. A next triplet is obtained 410 if the inner loop continues. Otherwise, a check to get a more relaxed used triplet criteria is made 411. If a relaxed used triplet criteria is available 411, the relaxed used triplet criteria (having fewer used triplets) is used 415, and an outer loop continues with processing of the list of triplets 405 again. Otherwise, a triplet may manually be associated with the record 417.

Abstract: In an Automatic Response System (ARS) automatic processing apparatus and method, a keypad enters an event for an ARS access, and a memory stores information on sequentially transmitted sequences. A Dial Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) generator outputs a DTMF signal corresponding to each of the sequences, and a controller controls the DTMF generator so as to output the DTMF signal corresponding to the sequence at predetermined times, upon detecting the event entry.

Abstract: A method of managing a user database in a mobile terminal includes, when communication using an arbitrary telephone number registered in a phone book occurs, updating a communication time of the telephone number to the time when the communication is terminated; searching for the communication time by a display request of phone book information including the telephone number; calculating a time interval from a present time to the communication time and searching for a connection period to which the calculated time interval belongs among a plurality of connection periods having different predetermined time intervals; and displaying a communication time mark corresponding to the searched connection period among a plurality of communication time marks corresponding to the plurality of connection periods with the requested phone book information.

Abstract: The text messaging system consists of mobile terminal (5) connected to mobile communication network (4), information terminal (3) connected to computer network (2), and server (1) connected to the mobile communication network and the computer network. The information terminal (3) has status detection means (22), (23), and (24), and detects an operational status including at least the connection status of the computer network and notifies the server (1) of it. The server (1) has status administration means (8) and (9) and decision means (10). The status administration means (8) and (9) retain the operational status of the information terminal (3) notified from status detection means (24) for each user. The decision means (10) determines a send mode according to the operational status of the information terminal such as whether to send a text message to an information terminal or to send a text message with a network application.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for sending data in-band over a telecommunications network during an active call. Some embodiments provide a telephone user with a way to send alphanumeric data from his or her phone to a receiving party's phone, when the user and the receiving party are engaged in an active telephone call.

Abstract: A system and method of selecting a letter for display in a communication device having a display and a reduced-key keyboard is provided. One of the plurality of keys on the reduced-key keyboard is selected and a default letter associated with the selected key is displayed. A backspace key is selected to display a cursor in the position of the default letter on the display. The key associated with the default letter is selected again and an alternate letter associated with the selected key is displayed in place of the default letter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for, in a browser equipped telephone, transmitting a URL together with a voice message when a called party is set to an answering mode, and allowing URL information to be extracted and passed to the browser when a recorded message is played or reproduced.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transmitting messages between communication devices via a communication channel allowing at least voice messages to be transmitted, the messages including data subdivided in a sequence of basic data units, the method including: a) encoding the basic data units as unique signals (usj) including a predetermined number of basic signals (bi), each basic signal having a unique fixed frequency (fi); b) transmitting a sequence of unique signals (usj) during a sequence of fixed time periods (t1, t2, t3, . . . ); c) receiving and decoding the sequence of unique signals (usj) into the sequence of basic data units; the data being transmitted in superposition over voice.

Abstract: A mobile telephone, or personal communication services subscriber who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who identifies a destination telephone number desired by the subscriber. As known in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the subscriber to the destination telephone number. In a preferred embodiment, the operator locates a desired destination telephone number in a computer database, and can select automatic dialing of the located number. Further, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the “*” button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g., providing further directory assistance).

Abstract: A browser for provision of web services to phone sets connected to PBXs or switches. The browser interfaces with the switches to provide content for the displays of the phone sets and to receive inputs from users for web sessions. Session support is provided in both the browser and the switches for coordination of web sessions along with telephony sessions on each of the phone sets.

Abstract: Systems, methods, protocols and apparatus for information exchange and synchronization using DTMF signaling over telephone communication channels are provided. Information is packetized and converted from one format, e.g., ASCII formatted data, to another format, e.g., BCD formatted data. The information is wrapped in one or more packets by a sending apparatus, each packet including one or more headers, such as a Name and Length field that identify the information being exchanged and the amount of data included in the packet payload/value field. The data in the packets are converted from BCD to DTMF signals and are transmitted over a telephone communication line to a receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus converts the DTMF signals back to BCD formatted data and processes the packets to obtain the information contained therein.

Abstract: A programmatic organisation method, or concept, for augmented use of a standardized keyboard, capable of detecting depression/touching of single keys as well as simultaneously depressed/touched combinations of keys. According to the invention, simultaneous depression/touching of two or more adjacently or non-adjacently located keys of said keyboard is decoded as a predetermined character, symbol, note, action etc., whereby the input capability of the keyboard is considerably enhanced. Advantageously are predetermined functions, e.g. a “shift” (“CAP”) or num lock function by predetermined single keys or predetermined key combinations, i.e. the input capability can thus be enhanced even further, each such function resulting in a new and independent input capability The keyboard may advantageously be a conventional numerical 3×4 keyboard.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for securely transferring information in a communications system. Signals are generated by a communications keypad. In response to receiving an input indicating activation of a secure data transfer mode, these signals are converted from the communications keypad into speech signals, and the speech signals are transmitted to a receiving party.

Abstract: A keyboard (1) for use on an electronic device allowing input of both alphabetic and numerical information adapted for use with a minimal number of keys (2-73) and space. The keyboard includes numerical keys (39-41, 51-53, 63-65) arranged in the format used in telephones and a qwerty arrangement of alphabetic keys (32-42, 44-54, 56-65). Multiple function keys (67-69, 71) allow use to create all functions of a computer keyboard for use in a small device.

Abstract: A keypad for entering letters includes an array of keys with each key being assigned to at least one letter of an alphabetical system based on the frequency of occurrence of the least one letter in a typical body of written work. Thealphabetical system comprises at least one most-frequently-occurring letter that is entered by activation of the same key twice and at least one less-frequently-occurring letter that is entered by activation of two different keys.

Abstract: A mobile information gateway comprises a mobile communications device, preferably a phone, which includes a first communications link with a remote data source, typically the Internet, and a second communications link to a separated display, so that data output is conveniently presented for ready use.

Abstract: A method or apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention allows for entry of multi-stroke characters via a natural drawing interface and without requiring an expensive stylus-drawing surface combination.

Abstract: A system configured to deliver wireline messages to terminating stations, such as telephones, using a conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN). The wireline messages may be composed of text, ring tones, or other items. The wireline messages may be created using modified conventional telephones, mobile telephones, personal computers and the like. The wireline messages are stored within a wireline message database associated with a conventional service control point (SCP) contained in an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). The wireline messages are delivered to a terminating station, such as a wireline telephone, after a trigger has been actuated. Wireline messages composed of text are displayed on a display screen incorporated within the terminating station or electrically coupled to the terminating station. Wireline messages composed of ring tones are played to alert a called party that an incoming call has been placed from a particular directory number.

Abstract: Systems, methods, protocols and apparatus for information exchange and synchronization using DTMF signaling over telephone communication channels are provided. Information is packetized and converted from one format, e.g., ASCII formatted data, to another format, e.g., BCD formatted data. The information is wrapped in one or more packets by a sending apparatus, each packet including one or more headers, such as a Name and Length field that identify the information being exchanged and the amount of data included in the packet payload/value field. The data in the packets are converted from BCD to DTMF signals and are transmitted over a telephone communication line to a receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus converts the DTMF signals back to BCD formatted data and processes the packets to obtain the information contained therein.

Abstract: Letters (more generally, language symbols) are entered electronically by selecting, in sequential fashion, two keys on a standard phone layout. In preferred embodiments, the two keys in the sequence are located in the same row. The first key selected is that key on which the desired letter is displayed, and the second key is given by the spatial position of the desired letter within its group of letters on the key. The letters and keys may be color-coded to aid the user when inputting the two-key sequences. Letters may be selected to spell out words on a screen and then sent electronically to a remote device or recipient.

Abstract: A multifrequency tone generator sends data over a telephone voice channel. An alphanumeric character generator sequentially generates alphanumeric characters. Preferably, the character generator may be a keypad or keyboard. A plurality of tone generators have a summed output for transmitting a tone signal selectably including a combination of standard DTMF frequency tones, but not restricted to always having both frequency tones usually paired together by standard DTMF tones. A translation circuit is responsive to an alphanumeric character from the character generator to activate the plurality of tone generators to produce a predetermined combination of the DTMF frequency tones corresponding to the alphanumeric character wherein each bit of the binary ASCII code is represented by a respective one of the individual DTMF frequencies.

Abstract: A method and device for decoding a sequence of signals in which information is derived, in part, from a duration of (a) one of the signals and/or (b) an inter-signal pause between two of the signals. The method and device may also be used to decode a signal to form decoded information, derived, in part, from a duration of the signal.

Abstract: A data entry and processing system providing for simple two stroke entry of numerous auxiliary alpha-numeric data in addition to the single stroke entry of numeric data, using conventional data entry keys. The key array includes a set of radial direction indicator keys that are used with the conventional keys to select and enter a given alpha-numeric data item. An LCD display, a pre-programed micro-processor and other electronic components are included to display the data entries, as well as to convert entered data signals to the necessary DTMF tones for telecommunication or ASCII codes for computer data entries. The system is simple for use by ordinary users, and all electronic components are standard, minuscule in size, small in number, low in power need and low in cost. It is particularly adaptable for miniaturized device application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a voice browser 110 and a method at a voice browser, the voice browser 110 being arranged at a server 120 connected to the Internet 130 and responsive to Dual Tone MultiFrequency (DTMF) tones received from a telecommunications network 150. The voice browser is responsive to different sets of predetermined DTMF tones, one set dedicated for voice browser functions and another set dedicated for HTML application functions. The voice browser 110 synchronises the possible DTMF tones that can be accepted for a certain browsed part of an HTML page.

Abstract: A data entry and processing system providing for simple two stroke entry of numerous auxiliary alpha-numeric data in addition to the single stroke entry of numeric data, using conventional data entry keys. The key array includes a set of radial direction indicator keys that are used with the conventional keys to select and enter a given alpha-numeric data item. An LCD display, a pre-programed micro-processor and other electronic components are included to display the data entries, as well as to convert entered data signals to the necessary DTMF tones for telecommunication or ASCII codes for computer data entries. The system is simple for use by ordinary users, and all electronic components are standard, miniscule in size, small in number, low in power need and low in cost. It is particularly adaptable for miniaturized device application.

Abstract: A keypad for entering letters includes an array of keys with each key being assigned to at least one letter of an alphabetical system based on the frequency of occurrence of the least one letter in a typical body of written work. The alphabetical system comprises at least one most-frequently-occurring letter that is entered by activation of the same key twice and at least one less-frequently-occurring letter that is entered by activation of two different keys.

Abstract: A telephone or computer keyboard is equipped with a twelve key keypad configured to correspond to a standard telephone keypad output when their input is based upon a financial keypad format.

Abstract: A method and system for intelligent text entry on a keypad. First, a user selects a key on a keypad. Then, an application predicts which character of those corresponding to that key is intended by the user. The predicted character is then presented to the user for confirmation. If the user confirms the selection, the character is stored. If the user rejects the character, the application presents a new character to the user until a character is finally confirmed. It is only when the predicted character is not the intended character that the user is required to iterate through character choices.

Abstract: A data entry and processing system providing for simple two stroke entry of numerous auxiliary alpha-numeric data in addition to the single stroke entry of numeric data, using conventional data entry keys. The key array includes a set of radial direction indicator keys that are used with the conventional keys to select and enter a given alpha-numeric data item. An LCD display, a pre-programed micro-processor and other electronic components are included to display the data entries, as well as to convert entered data signals to the necessary DTMF tones for telecommunication or ASCII codes for computer data entries. The system is simple for use by ordinary users, and all electronic components are standard, miniscule in size, small in number, low in power need and low in cost. It is particularly adaptable for miniaturized device application.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and interface for browsing the internet using a telephone circuit having keys for generating DTMF codes. The interface includes a memory and a processor and is coupled to the telephone circuit and display. The interface receives a first DTMF code requesting access to the internet and, in response to the first DTMF code, loads a Web browser in its memory. The interface then receives a second DTMF code from the telephone circuit and converts the second DTMF code into a Web browser command using an interpretation protocol. The Web browser command is then executed using the interface, thereby enabling a user to access the internet via manual operation of the keys of the telephone is circuit.

Abstract: A method of generation and detection of acoustic signals carrying alpha-numeric data for reducing the effects of noise and thereby improving signal transmission without the need to boost the power of the signal. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a special DTMF acoustic signal consisting of a combination of two frequencies will be generated for the representation of a particular alpha-numeric character that will be similar to the standard DTMF tone. The difference between the amplitudes of both frequencies varies during the time of generation of the DTMF tone in such a way that both signals will arrive at a final destination detector, i.e., an interactive voice response board, at least for a portion of the generation time, at a relatively similar amplitude, thereby substantially increasing the probabilities of being recognized as a DTMF signal.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes common hardware and software routines already present in most digital telephone devices, e.g., a DTMF detector; to download data over a telephone line to a digital telephone device. Each symbol of a numeric system, e.g., a hexadecimal system, used to represent the data is associated with a DTMF tone pair. The DTMF tone pair is downloaded from a data source such as a manufacturer of the digital telephone device, to the digital telephone device using a telephone line. Other tones may be used to provide control signals between the data source and the digital telephone device. Thus, using common and inexpensive routines in a typical digital telephone device, the expense of a modem or other conventional data communication device is not necessary to receive data.