Automatic area code dialing apparatus and methods particularly adapted for cellular or other types of telephone systems

I claim:

1. A method of user-transparently storing user-selectively retrieving, and automatically dialing area coders of long distance telephone numbers, in apparatus operatively associated with a communications system, said apparatus having a prescribed key, comprising the steps of:

(a) initiating a first telephone call, including entering digits indicative of a long distance telephone number having an area code;

(b) automatically storing the entered area code in sole response to step (a) in a manner transparent to the user;

(c) initiating a second or subsequent telephone call, including entering digits indicative of a subsequent telephone number;

(d) user-selectively retrieving the stored area code upon a prescribed actuation of said prescribed key; and

(e) automatically dialing the retrieved area code in correct sequence with respect to the entered digits of the subsequent telephone number to complete a long distance call.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the entering steps (a) and (c) are performed manually by manual actuation of keys representative of the digits on a keypad.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is voice-recognition capable, and wherein said prescribed key is a vocalization, and wherein said prescribed actuation comprises a particular word or words.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the automatic storing in step (b) is performed in response to the presence of a long distance access digit during the entering step (a).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the automatic storing in step (b) is performed in response to a certain number of subsequent digits having been entered after said long distance access digit.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein said certain number is three or ten.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the automatic storing in step (b) is performed in response to the presence of a particular sequence of leading digits.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the automatic storing in step (b) is performed in response to a certain number of digits having been entered.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein said certain number is ten or eleven.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein said prescribed key is a send key.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein said prescribed key is a line key.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein said prescribed key is a second or alternate send key.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein said prescribed key is a dedicated key.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein said prescribed actuation is or includes a second or subsequent press of said prescribed key.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein said prescribed actuation is or includes a hold-down of said prescribed key.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein said prescribed actuation is or includes actuation of said prescribed key when the number of digits entered in step (c) comprises less than a certain number.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said certain number is eight or nine.

18. An arrangement for use-transparently storing, user-selectively retrieving, and automatically dialing area codes of long distance telephone numbers in a communications system, comprising:

(a) entry means for entering digits;

(b) first determining means responsive to said entry means for recognizing long distance telephone numbers having an area code;

(c) storage means responsive to said first determining means for automatically storing the area code in a manner transparent to the user;

(d) second determining means responsive to said entry means for discriminating when digit input to said entry means is inconsistent with a complete local or long-distance number;

(e) a prescribed key;

(f) means responsive to said first and/or second determining means and said prescribed key for retrieving the stored area code upon the determination that said digits input comprises an incomplete long distance number; and

(g) means for automatically dialing the retrieved area code in correct sequence with respect to said digit input to complete and output the long distance number.

19. The arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the prescribed key is a manual key.

20. The arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the arrangement includes voice-recognition means, and wherein said prescribed key is a voice-recognizable word or words.

21. The arrangement according to claim 18, wherein said first and/or second determining means include means for detecting the presence of a long distance access digit.

22. The arrangement according to claim 21, wherein said means for detecting the presence of a long distance access digit detects whether the long distance access digit is the first digit entered.

23. The arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the determining means includes counter means for counting the number of digits entered.

24. The arrangement according to claim 18, further including means for detecting hold-down of said prescribed key.

25. The arrangement according to claim 18, further including means for detecting dual or multiple actuations of said prescribed key.

26. The arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the arrangement further includes a send key, and wherein said prescribed key is said send key.

27. The arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the arrangement further includes at least one line key, and wherein said prescribed key is said line key.

28. The arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the arrangement further includes two or more second keys, and wherein said prescribed key is a second or alternate send key.

29. The arrangement according to claim 18, wherein said prescribed key is a dedicated key.

30. The arrangement according to claim 18, further including means for independently displaying the stored area code visually.

31. The arrangement according to claim 18, further including means for annunciating the stored area code audibly.

32. The arrangement according to claim 18, further including second or further prescribed key means associated with second or further area code storage means.

33. The arrangement according to claim 32, wherein the contents of any said storage means is changeable.

34. The arrangement according to claim 32, wherein the contents of any said storage means is predetermined and fixed.

35. The arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the arrangement is part of a cellular station.

36. The arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the arrangement is part of a facsimile machine.

37. A telecommunications terminal, comprising:

(a) entry means for entering digits;

(b) store-and-forward dialing means for temporarily storing the entered digits, and for subsequently transmitting said temporarily stored over a telecommunications channel; and

(c) actuatable key means operative, in one mode of operation, for initiating the transmission of the temporarily stored digits over the telecommunications channel and, in another mode of operation, for performing a different local function at the terminal.

38. The terminal according to claim 37, wherein the terminal is a cellular station, and wherein the multi-function key means includes a send key operative, in said one mode, for initiating said transmission, and, in said other mode, for retrieving a group of temporarily stored digits, which group is indicative of an area code or area code and long-distance access digit(s) for a long distance call.

39. The terminal according to claim 38, wherein the multi-function key means includes means for detecting a single actuation of the send key to signify said one mode, and second or further actuations of the send key to signify said other mode.

40. The terminal according to claim 38, wherein the multi-function key means includes means for detecting a single actuation of the send key to signify said one mode, and a hold-down actuation of the send key to signify said other mode.

41. The terminal according to claim 37, wherein the terminal is a line key station, and wherein the multi-function key means includes a line key operative, in said one mode, for initiating said transmission, and in said other mode, for retrieving a group of temporarily stored digits, which group is indicative to an area code or area code and long distance access digit(s) for a long distance call.

42. The terminal according to claim 41, wherein the multi-function key means includes means for detecting a single actuation of the line key to signify said one mode, and second or further actuations of the line key to signify said other mode.

43. The terminal according to claim 41, wherein the multi-function key means includes means for detecting a single actuation of the line key to signify said one mode, and a hold-down actuation of the line key to signify said other mode.

44. In a system adapted for the dialing of telephone numbers, a method of accommodating automatic area code dialing, user-selected once per call, comprising the steps of:

(a) initiating the placement of a telephone call;

(b) keying-in digits;

(c) determining that a long distance call is to be made; and

(d) filling in an area code when the number of digits keyed-in is less than those required for a long distance call.

45. The method according to claim 44, further including the step of storing an area code when the number of digits keyed-in conforms to the number of digits required in placing a long distance call.

46. The method according to claim 45, wherein the number of digits required in placing a long distance call is at least ten digits.

47. The method according to claim 44, wherein said step of determining that a long distance call is to be made includes detecting a firs key actuation to determine if it is indicative of a long distance call.

48. The method according to claim 44, wherein the step of filling in said area occurs when said keyed-in digits are at least seven.

49. In a system adapted for the dialing of telephone numbers, a method of accommodating automatic area code dialing, user-selected once per call, comprising the steps of:

(a) initiating the digits key-in mode of the system;

(b) keying-in of the digit "1", indicating that a long distance call is to be made;

(c) keying-in of digits comprising a telephone number;

(d) actuating a prescribed key;

(e) filling in a previously-stored area code when the number of digits keyed-in is less than those required for a long distance call; and

(f) outputting said filled-in and keyed-in digits.

50. In a system adapted for the dialing of telephone numbers comprised of multiple digit categories consisting of first, second and third digit categories, a method of accommodating automatic digit dialing by the system comprising the steps of:

(a) initiating the digits key-in mode of the system;

(b) keying-in of said first digit category indicative of a long distance call;

(c) keying-in said third digit category;

(d) actuating a prescribed key;

(e) system filling-in at least said second digit category upon the number of digits keyed-in being less than those required in placing a long distance call; and

(f) system output of at least said first, second and third digit categories in ascending order.

51. The method according to claim 50, wherein the step of keying-in said first digit category includes detecting a key actuation to determine if the call is indicative of a long distance call.

52. The method according to claim 50, wherein the step of filling in of at least said second digit category includes monitoring the number of digits keyed-in.

53. The method according to claim 50, wherein the system is associated with a cellular telephone network and includes a cellular subset.

54. The method according to claim 53, wherein said cellular subset includes a send key, and wherein said prescribed key is said send key.

55. The method according to claim 50, wherein said first, second and third digit categories are the long distance access digit "1", the area code digits and the local telephone number digits, respectively.

56. In a system adapted for dialing telephone numbers comprised of multiple digit categories consisting of first, second and third digit categories, a method of accommodating automatic digit dialing, user-selected once per call, comprising the steps of:

(a) initiating the digits key-in mode of the system;

(b) keying-in said third digit category;

(c) a prescribed key actuation in a prescribed manner;

(d) system filling-in of at least said and second digit categories; and

(e) system outputting of at least said first, second and third digit categories in ascending order.

57. The method according to claim 56, wherein the said first, second and third digit categories are the long distance access digit "1", the area code digits and the local telephone numbers digits, respectively.

58. A method of abbreviated dialing of digits, user-selected once per call, in an apparatus adapted to output telephone number digits to a communications network, said telephone numbers including a previously stored first group of digits and a second group of digits, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) initiating a digits key-in sequence of said apparatus;

(b) keying-in said second group of digits;

(c) a prescribed actuation of a prescribed key;

(d) outputting said previously stored first group of digits to said communications network; and

(e) outputting said second group of digits to said communications network.

59. Apparatus for dialing telephone numbers, keyed-in digits defining an outgoing call comprised of a first lead digits group followed by a second digit group, said apparatus comprising: first digit count means for counting the number of digits keyed-in, and digit store means, wherein upon the number of said keyed-in digits conforming to a predetermined total number of digits, said count means automatically and transparently effecting the storage of said lead digits in said digit store means.

60. Apparatus for automatic area code dialing, user-selected once per call, in the placement of calls, comprising:

(a) first storage means having a first stored area code stored therein; and

(b) means responsive to a prescribed actuation of a prescribed key for outputting said stored area code digits and a sequence of keyed-in digits in the placement of a long distance call, as combined, whereby said long distance call is completed.

61. Apparatus for automatic area code dialing, operatively associated with a cellular subset having a send key, said apparatus comprising:

(a) key actuation count means;

(b) first storage means having a first stored area code stored therein; and

(c) means responsive to a prescribed actuation of a prescribed key for outputting said stored area code digits and a sequence of keyed-in digits in the placement of a long distance call, as combined, whereby said long distance call is completed, wherein said prescribed key is the send key, wherein said prescribed actuation is comprised of a successive dual actuation of the send key following said key-in of said sequence of digits, and wherein said count means operates to detect said dual actuation of said send key.

62. Apparatus for automatic area code dialing, operatively associated with a cellular subset having a send key, said apparatus comprising:

(a) key actuation count means;

(b) first storage means having a first stored area code stored therein; and

(c) means responsive to a prescribed actuation of a prescribed key for outputting said stored area code digits and a sequence of keyed-in digits in the placemnt of a long distance call, as combined, whereby said long distance call is completed, wherein sid prescribed key is the send key, wherein said prescribed actuation said comprised of a key hold-down actuation of said send key following saidkey-in of said sequence of digits, and wherein said hold-down count means operates to detect said hold-down actuation of said send key.

63. Apparatus for automatic area code dialing, operatively associated with a key telephone subset having line keys, said apparatus comprising:

(a) key actuation count means;

(b) first storage means having a first stored area code stored therein; and

(c) means responsive to a prescribed actuation of a prescribed key for outputting said stored area code digits in the placement of a long distance call, wherein said prescribed key is a line key, wherein said prescribed actuation is comprised of a successive dual actuation of a line key in advance of said key-in, and wherein said count means operates to detect said dual actuation of said line key.

64. Apparatus for automatic area code dialing, operatively associated with a key telephone subset having line keys, said apparatus comprising:

(a) key hold-down means;

(b) first storage means having a first stored area code stored therein; and

(c) means responsive to a prescribed actuation of a prescribed key for outputting said stored area code digits in the placement of a long distance call, wherein said prescribed key is a line key, wherein said prescribed actuation is comprised of a key hold-down of a line key in advance of said key-in, and wherein said hold-down means operates to detect said hold-down actuation of said line key.

65. Apparatus according to claim 60, further comprising second storage means having a second area code stored therein, and further comprising means for detecting a key-in of the long distance access digit "1" as the first digit keyed-in, wherein upon key-in of said first digit "1" and upon prescribed actuation of a prescribed key, instead of said first stored area code, said second stored area code is outputted together with said sequence of keyed-in digits to complete said long distance call.

66. Apparatus according to claim 65, wherein said second stored area code is the "800" area code.

67. Apparatus for automatic area code dialing, said apparatus comprising:

(a) key hold-down means;

(b) first storage means having a first stored area code stored therein; and

(c) means responsive to a prescribed actuation of a prescribed key for outputting said stored area code digits in the placement of a long distance call, wherein said prescribed key is the key for the long distance access digit "1", wherein said prescribed actuation is comprised of a key hold-down actuation of said digit "1", and wherein said hold-down count means operates to detect said hold-down actuation of said digit "1".

Description Submit all comments and votes

DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT INFORMATION

Disclosure Document No. 119250 dated Aug. 15, 1988 and entitled "Long Distance Phone Number Dialing Enhancement" contains information pertinent to this invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to telephone dialing apparatus and more particularly to an automatic area code dialing apparatus which enables one to forego the dialing of an area code to achieve a rapid and enhanced dialing operation.

As one can ascertain, over the past years great strides have been made in implementing the rapid dialing of telephone numbers. Thus, as one will understand, present modern systems utilize the dialing keypad consisting of a series of momentary operated dialing switches or keys. In conjunction with the keypad, the telephone subset may incorporate either touch tone or pulse dialing to enable a rapid dialing sequence. Many telephone subsets also include memories whereby one can dial a telephone number by merely accessing separate memory keys or accessing a memory location on the keypad. Thus, the prior art is cognizant of various techniques to enable more rapid and accurate dialing by a subscriber. It is, of course, understood that any technique which enables faster dialing will further enhance the operation of the telephone system.

In regard to cellular phone systems the process of dialing is extremely hazardous. Many articles have been written which describe the hazards imposed by a cellular system in enabling a driver to dial a telephone while manipulating an automobile. As one can see, this presents a potential safety hazard that can result in accidents affecting the subscriber as well as others. As the number of cellular phones increase, the problems become more severe. In this manner it is obvious that any improvement or enhancement of the dialing procedure is particularly advantageous and a valuable improvement in connection with a cellular phone system as well as a conventional phone system.

As one can further understand a dialing method which improves or enhances the dialing procedure in a cellular phone provides a tremendous asset and benefit to the cellular system.

The apparatus and methods to be described enables one to forego the dialing of an area code by selecting a previously dialed area code in lieu of redialing the same area code. In this manner the telephone user in many instances will only have to dial 7 or 8 digits instead of dialing 11 digits indicative of a typical long distance call. Thus, the system and apparatus described herein eliminates the need to repeat and dial the same area code when placing a long distance call.

As can be ascertained, certain area codes are accessed many times during the day. For example, the area codes 212, 516, 914, and 718 are various area codes in the New York metropolitan area. Anyone conducting a business within that area will have need to access the other various area codes during the course of the day. Since the system stores any new area code dialed, much additional dialing is avoided.

In an auto cellular system, when a subscriber's vehicle is outside its cellular home base area (known as Roaming) the subscriber must dial the local area code along with the phone number in order to place local calls. For example, if the subscriber's cellular home base is in New Jersey, having a 201 area code and, he is presently driving in the New York area having a 212 area code, he must, nevertheless, repeatedly dial the 212 area code in order to place local calls, despite the fact that the call's origin is in the 212 area.

This, repeat dialing of the same area code, tends to be tedious and leads to numerous dialing errors. According to the system of the invention, the 212 area code, once dialed, will be stored, thus, avoiding the need to redial the same area code on repeated successive 212 area calls.

In addition, when one calls the long distance information operator to obtain a phone number in a foreign area code location, the area code dialed to access the operator will automatically be stored, so that the caller need not repeat dial that area code upon placing the call to the foreign location. For example, if one dials the long distance information operator for a phone number in Chicago, they would dial 1-(312)555-1212. Once furnished the number, the caller would again dial 1(312) and then the number for a total of 11 digits. In using the system of the invention, the caller would not dial the digits 1-(312) again, but only the phone number, for a total of 7 digits.

An additional enhancement of the invention is realized in the case of a misdialed long distance phone number. When redialing the number, the user does not have to redial the access digit 1 and the stored area code. He dials only the 7 digits of the phone number.

OBJECTIVES

It is the primary objective of this invention to provide an apparatus which eliminates the necessity to successively redial or repeat dial the same area code. The system and methods to be described will enable a user to cause the desired area code to be automatically dialed without having to manually dial the individual digits indicative of that area code.

Further significant objectives of the inventions are to enhance driver safety during dial-out on a cellular phone while operating a motor vehicle,

to not to require the cellular phone subscriber to have to successively repeat dial the local area code when placing local calls in a cellular Roaming area,

to not have to repeat dial the Long Distance (L.D.) access digit 1 on successive long distance calls to the same area code, to not to have to dial the 800 access prefix when dialing an 800 number,

to not have to dial Hotel L.D. access prefix digits on initiation of each long distance call placed,

to not have to dial PBX L.D. access prefix digits on initiation of each L.D. call,

to not to require the caller, after procurement of a long distance (LD) phone number from the L.D. information operator, to have to repeat dial the area code before dialing the given L.D. phone number,

to not to have to redial the area code on a misdialed L.D. number,

to provide automatic Area code "SAVE" memory means enabling a Subscriber to repeatedly access any particular area code by only a one-touch single key actuation, and

to enable one-touch dialing of programmed digits by the use of a key hold-down method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Apparatus for automatic area code dialing in telephone systems of the type employing a telephone subset having a dialer apparatus associated therewith, comprising means coupled to said telephone subset for determining the start of a long distance call, means responsive to the start of a call to display an area code to enable a user to determine whether said displayed area code is to be employed prior to the dialing of a phone number sequence of digits, means responsive to said dialed digits being less than required for said long distance call for adding to said dialed digits additional digits indicative of said displayed area code for transmission of said added and dialed digits as combined to complete said long distance call dialing sequence.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a typical cellular telephone subset.

FIG. 1A is a diagram of a key telephone with associated dialer circuitry.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an automatic area code dialing apparatus according to this invention as it applies to cellular telephones.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 2A-1 is a flow chart depicting the operation of an automatic area code dialing apparatus according to the invention applicable to cellular phones and Fax machines.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a second alternate embodiment of this invention as it applies to key telephones.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram showing a third alternate embodiment as it applies to key telephones.

FIG. 3A-1 is a flow chart depicting the operation of an automatic area code dialing apparatus according to the invention applicable to key telephones.

FIG. 3B shows a form of execution of the invention as it relates to key telephones.

FIG. 3C also shows a form of execution of the invention but as it relates non-key type telephones.

FIG. 3D illustrates still another method of execution of the invention.

FIG. 4 is another block diagram showing a system for selecting popular area codes such as the 800 area code.

FIG. 4A-1 is a flow chart showing a slight modification on FIG. 2A-1 depicting an automatic (800) access logic sequence.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of the LAST AREA CODE DISPLAY.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of a fax machine dialing panel.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of a key phone dialing panel.

FIGS. 8A, 8B illustrate touch sensitive dual circuit line keys.

FIG. 9 is flow chart depicting the operation of an automatic area code dialing apparatus according to this invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart depicting the operation of an automatic area code dialing apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a Save Area Code feature of the invention.

FIG. 11A is a slightly modified version of FIG. 11.

______________________________________ DRAWING LEGEND ______________________________________ E Enable 3RE 3-Digits Retrieve Enable OE Output Enable 07 Output 7 Digits O Output 0711 Output 7 or 11 Digits D Disable 03 Output 3 Digits OD Output Disable 011 Output 11 Digits FE Forward Enable ______________________________________

DEFINITIONS OF TERMINOLOGY USED

In order to facilitate and simplify the drafting of the specification and the appended claims, certain descriptive language and terminology are used which it is felt defines in an understandable manner the various facets and features comprising the invention. Some of the language and terms used are not necessarily part of the industry vernacular and may not be totally conventional in their use. Accordingly, we will set forth a host of terms and define their meaning within the context of the invention.

The present system will be described in terms of conventional dialing codes utilized in the United States. It is understood that the system can be modified for various different international codes or for different telephone number sequences. In the United States, a local number is represented by 7 digits as one subscriber can access another subscriber within the local calling area by dialing in a 7 digit number. In order to dial or place a long distance call, one must first dial the digit 1 followed by a 3 digit area code and then the 7 digit number. Hence, as one can ascertain, the dialing of a long distance number involves the activation of 11 keys in a given sequence. The term dialing is synonymous with the term keying in, as both terms are used interchangeably to indicate that the subscriber keys in a digit by activating the key pad or dialer.

In the case of a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) or other type of advanced internal phone system such as used in large business establishments or in hotels, motels, etc. in addition to the Long Distance (L.D.) Access digit 1, a Line Access digit must first be keyed-in, such as, for example, a 9 for the placement of a Local outgoing call and an 8 for the placement of a L.D. call. Accordingly, it would be convenient to subdivide, in general terms, an L.D. phone number into Digit Groups and/or Digit Categories.

More specifically, the 1st Digit Group would include the L.D. access digit 1 and the three Area Code digits and, as the case may call for, in certain instances it may also include the Line Access digit or digits such as the digit 9. The 2nd Digit Group would include the 7 digits of the Local phone number following the Area Code.

Another subdivision is used by defining an L.D. number in terms of Categories as follows:

1st digit Category=Line Access digit/s--in the case of phone systems which require such initiation=L.D. Access digit e.g. 1.

2nd digit Category=Area Code digits

3rd digit Category=Local phone number (7 digits)

It should be noted here that the 7 digits of the Local phone number can be further subdivided into two sub-categories, i.e., the 1st three digits identifying the Local phone Company Central Office or Exchange, and the final 4 digits being a specific Subscriber's identification within that Exchange. But, for purposes of simplification, both of these sub-categories are combined and referred to as the 3rd digit category.

Another term used is "Lead digits" or "Leading digits" This refers in a general way to the Long Distance Access digit/s and/or the Area Code digits and, in certain instances if called for, also includes the Line Access digits.

In addition, in certain applications the 3 Local Exchange Prefix digits are referred to as the Lead digits or the 1st DIGIT Group. Another term used is "Trailing digits". This refers to the digits following the Area Code digits, i.e., the 3rd Digits Category, generally the Local phone number 7 digits.

Prescribed Key--This term refers to the specific key the User is instructed to actuate in order to effect the automatic fill-in function of the lst Digit Group or lst and 2nd Digit Categories for as many or for as few digits, as the case may be, that is entailed in each instance.

Prescribed Actuation--This term refers to a special mode of key actuation that is called for to be executed by a User, e.g., successive Dual Key Actuation, Hold-down Delayed Release Key Actuation, etc.

USE OF STATE OF THE ART ELEMENTS AND COMPONENTS

Many elements and modules of the system are well known in the state of the art and are therefore shown in block form without delving into the details of their design and construction. This approach is used in order to facilitate clarity and simplification of the specification and in order to avoid undue cluttering of the drawings where unnecessary.

Suitable discrete hardware elements can be employed to accomplish the multiple functions and features of the invention. Such discrete elements may include data storage units such as RAMS, ROMS, PROMS, as well as other type of components and circuits, such as Frequency Detection circuits, Counters, Flipflops, Registers, Comparators, Displays, all widely in use and well known in the state of the art.

Alternatively, the functions of the invention can be readily executed by the use of a suitable microprocessor chip or microcontroller I.C. and support hardware suitably programmed with software. Such microchips are readily available and are well known in the state of the art. Examples of such chips are the INTEL MCS 48 series or the NEC 7500 series.

A D.C. power supply is not shown since any suitable power supply well known in the state of the art can be used to power the various modules and the various parts of the circuitry. Phone line voltage also may be used to power the system directly as is well known in the state of the art.

The various digit detect, storing, counting and dialing modules contained in the system are in wide spread use and, as such, are well known in the state of the art. A brief descriptive outline of several of the modules used in the implementation of the invention will now follow.

MODULE 15A

Module 15A in FIG. 2 is a ROM which is preprogrammed with the digit 1 and upon actuation will direct the digit 1 to the Line Interface (I.F.) module 20: Module 15A will also effect actuation of the Last Area Code (LAC) Store module 15 to output the stored LAC to the Line I.F. module 20.

MODULE 15

Module 15, the Last Area Code Store Memory, in FIG. 2 is a RAM. Module 15 upon actuation serves to store the three Area Code digits keyed-in following the first keyed-in Long 1 Distance Access digit 1. Module 15 upon actuation by module 15A, will transmit the stored LAC to the phone line via I.F. 20.

MODULE 21

Module 21, the Detect 1 module, in FIG. 2 is comprised of tone frequency detection circuitry well known in the state of the art, which is designed to respond to the frequency characteristics corresponding to the DTMF digit 1 by developing an appropriate output actuating signal. Or alternatively, in the case of rotary/pulse dialing, Module 21 is designed to be a telephone line dialing pulse responsive circuit well known in the state of the art. Module 21 is designed to be operative only on the lst digit key-in.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1A, there is shown a telephone keypad 10A. The telephone keypad 10A is typical of existing tone dialing keypads which are presently provided on subsets. The keypad enables one to dial the digits 0-9 and further has a * and a # key. There may be many other keys located on the subset as shown for example as key 11. The telephone keypad 10A interfaces with telephone dialer or keypad circuitry 14. Such circuitry 14 exists in many different forms and is provided by many different manufacturers. The circuitry included in the telephone dialer circuitry may include memories, touch tone circuitry, etc., all of which are furnished by various manufacturers in integrated circuit form. The circuitry as shown in module 14 associated with a telephone keypad as 10A is conventional and widely known.

As indicated, an object of the present invention is to eliminate the need to repeat dial the same area code when one is making various long distance calls. Particularly, the system as will be described has great utility in regard to cellular systems due to the fact that any decrease in the amount of dialing is extremely advantageous in such systems.

The present system will be described in terms of conventional dialing codes utilized in the United States. It is understood that the system can be modified for various different international codes or for different telephone number sequences. In the United States a local number is represented by 7 digits as one subscriber can access another subscriber within the local calling area by dialing in a 7 digit number. In order to dial or place a long distance call, one must first dial the digit 1 followed by a 3 digit area code and then the 7 digit number. Hence, as one can ascertain, the dialing of a long distance

number involves the activation of 11 keys in a given sequence. The term dialing is synonymous with the term keying in as both terms are used interchangeably to indicate that the subscriber keys in a digit by activating the key pad or dialer. Although the keypad 10A shown is of the tone dialing type, it should be clearly understood that the invention is, as well, applicable to Rotary/Pulse type dialing phones and keypads.

In order to achieve the desired result of the invention, i.e., --automatic "fill-in" of the desired Area Code, --the system must be advised, by some technique, of two parameters as follows:

No. 1. Whether to "fill-in" the Last Area Code (LAC) on any one particular L.D. call,

No. 2. Once parameter No. 1 is in the affirmative, the system must be directed by some technique as to when to output the LAC digits on to the phone line.

The several exemplary methods to be described in the ensuing pages, illustrate a number of techniques that can be employed to satisfy these two prerequisites of the system.

Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a diagram of a typical cellular telephone subset. The telephone subset has a display 16 which can display a multiple digit telephone number including the 1, the area code and seven digits and is associated with a keypad 10. The cellular phone also has a SEND key 41, a CLEAR key 33, an END and a RECALL key and several other keys not shown.

As one can readily ascertain, it is an object of the system to eliminate the need to repeat dial the same area code on every long distance call. Essentially and as will be further explained, as indicated in FIG. 2, when a long distance phone number is keyed in via the keypad 10-2 the three digits indicative of the area code are separately retained in a memory or buffer 15. Hence, as indicated in FIG. 2, stored in the memory or buffer 15 is the area code. Upon initiation of a subsequent call, the system will display or announce the stored area code via the display area code module 16. This can be simply implemented by actuating the display 16 and the memory 15 when the phone is placed off-hook.

If the subscriber/user desires to utilize the same area code as displayed on the display 16, then he need only actuate the digit 1 key (lead digit or first digit category) and proceed to dial the seven digits of the phone number, (trailing digit or third digit category) thereby skipping or avoiding the dialing of the three-digit area code (lead digit or second digit category) stored in memory 15.

Now, since the subscriber/user keyed-in the long distance access digit 1 as the first digit entry, the Count module 38 in cooperation with the Detect 1 module 21, will recognize that a long distance call is being placed in spite of the fact that only 7 digits, exclusive of the digit 1, were keyed-in. Upon actuation of the SEND Key 41, Module 38 will then generate an output actuating signal to module 15A. In this manner, module 15A will then activate module 15 resulting in the transmission of the 1 and the stored area code followed by the transmission of the stored digits by module 18 to the phone line interface 20--which will pulse out the proper 11 digit phone number sequence to the phone line in a manner well known in the state of the art.

Again, referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a block diagram implementation of the above-described system for a cellular subscriber. In a cellular system when a user desires to transmit a keyed-in telephone number, he must press the SEND key 41. Thus, in a cellular system, all digits entered by the subscriber are stored and when the subscriber is finished dialing, he presses the SEND key to indicate to the system that dialing is complete.

LAC DISPLAY OPERATIONAL SEQUENCE

Upon removal of the telephone handset (not shown) to initiate a dialing sequence, the off-hook Sensing module 100 is enabled in a manner well known in the state of the art. In turn, the Module 100 enables the LAC Display 16 LAC Retrieve function which now retrieves the 3 LAC digits from the LAC Store module 15, for display and viewing by the user. By utilizing appropriate circuitry, the LAC digits may continue to be displayed for the entire duration of the call, until the handset is replaced on-hook or, alternatively, may be turned off after several seconds.

Alternatively, in the case of cellular phones, it would be desirable to initiate the LAC digits display upon actuation of the phone Power ON switch and continue to maintain the stored LAC displayed continuously until the phone's power is switched-O