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Description  |
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is generally related to memory dialing features, and
more particularly to variable memory dialing features for cellular
telephones.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Telephones have included memory dialing features to limit the number of
digits required when placing a call. Previously, memory dialing features
in telephone devices were limited to dialing predetermined stored numbers
which were called frequently. By recalling the directory number which was
stored in memory, the number of "keystrokes" required could be
significantly reduced. For example, a long distance number comprising ten
digits could be dialed by selecting one or two keys on a telephone
keyboard.
However, conventional memory dialing has certain limitations. For example,
the length of a storing which could be stored in a single memory location,
or the amount of total memory space available to store selected numbers is
often limited. Further, the number of digits which may be required when
making a long distance call is also increasing. For example, when using a
credit card number for billing purposes, a large number of digits is
required to complete the call in particular, an access code is often
required before the director number can be dialed. This access code can
commonly include as many as 11 digits. Further, a personal identification
number (PIN) may be required to make a connection. Such PINs can also
include as many as 11 digits. Finally, control commands may be required
for automatic dialing. For example, pauses may be required to be inserted
in the sequence to enable automatic dialing.
Presently, some long distance credit card numbers may require as many as 44
digits to complete the call. Such dialing can often be tedious. The user
will have to start the dialing process over if an error in dialing has
occurred. Further, credit card dialing can be particularly dangerous when
a user dials from a cellular telephone while driving a vehicle.
While there have been efforts to reduce the number of digits required in
making a long distance call, such efforts have many shortcomings. For
example, one system will automatically place a call to the area code of
last called number to prevent the user from having to insert the area code
each time. However, plating a call to the last called area code will only
be beneficial if a single area code is frequently called, or a list of
directory numbers in a particular area code must be called. Further, this
improvement only reduces the number of digits by three for each call.
Also, in certain cellular telephones manufactured by Oki Electric Industry
Company, Ltd. of Japan, a long distance caller may select an automatic
credit card calling mode. When the phone is placed in this mode, any calls
will automatically be billed to the users credit card number. However, the
user is limited to a single credit card. Further, other stored memory
locations can only be linked with the credit card information if the
stored memory locations include ten digits or less. Finally, the user may
inadvertently be in the automatic credit card calling mode. Attempts to
make local calls when in the automatic credit card calling mode may result
in error and local calls may be billed to the credit card.
Accordingly, there is a need to effectively and conveniently reduce the
number of digits required when making calls having a large number of
digits. Further, in view of the number of different credit cards
available, and the unique calling formats for each of the cards, there is
a need to eliminate the requirements for entering credit card numbers with
each long distance call. Such a need is heightened by the increased use of
cellular telephones in vehicles where the requirement to dial a large
number of digits can be dangerous.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention encompasses a method for memory dialing for cellular
telephones including storing a recall sequence having a variable number in
a dedicated memory, and providing a number to complete the calling
sequence in place of the variable number in response to a prompt from the
cellular telephone when employing memory dialing. In particular, the
method comprises the steps of selecting a dedicated memory location in a
cellular telephone for designating a recall sequence; storing within the
memory location the recall sequence including at least one predetermined
number which is automatically dialed by the cellular telephone and at
least one variable number to be inserted by the user; accessing a memory
location for long distance dialing; replacing the variable number with a
number to complete a calling sequence in response to a prompt from the
cellular telephone; transmitting a portion of the predetermined number on
an access channel to establish a connection on the telephone network;
establishing a voice channel between the cellular phone and the telephone
network; and transmitting the remaining portion of the recall sequence on
the voice channel.
One example of a recall sequence could include a predetermined number
representing an access code and/or a personal identification number
assigned to the user's credit card and a variable number indicating the
location in the sequence for a directory number. Accordingly, the only
number which needs to be entered when making a credit card call is a
directory number at the location of the variable number when prompted by
the system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a conventional cellular telephone network coupled
to the telephone network;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a conventional cellular phone:
FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the steps of establishing memory locations
having recall sequences which incorporate variable numbers according to
the present invention;
FIG. 4A is an example of a sequence of digits including a location for a
variable number which could be stored in a memory location;
FIG. 4B is an example of a sequence of digits including a directory number
entered into the location for the variable number shown in FIG. 4A;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart for the method for memory dialing of the present
invention showing the steps of using a system having stored recall
sequences incorporating variable numbers; and
FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram of the transmission of the recall sequence
in the conventional telephone network shown in FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The method for memory dialing according to the present invention generally
includes an ordered linking of at least one predetermined number and at
least one variable number stored in memory for convenient transmission by
way of a cellular telephone. FIG. 1 generally shows a cellular network 10
coupled to the public system telephone network 12. In particular, cellular
network 10 includes mobile or portable cellular telephones 14 coupled to
cellular base stations 16. Each base station 16 is in communication with a
cellular switch 18. The cellular switch couples the communication signals
to the public system telephone network 12.
Turning now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of a conventional cellular telephone
14 is shown. Cellular telephone 14 generally includes a central processing
unit (CPU) 22. CPU 22 is coupled to memory devices including a RAM 24, a
ROM 26 and an EEPROM 28. CPU 22 is also coupled to a display 30 to display
dialing and other information on the cellular phone. Finally, the CPU is
coupled to various signal generators including a data generator 32, a
voice generator 34, and a dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) generator 36.
Each generator is adapted to be coupled to an RF generator 38 for
transmitting and receiving RF signals. The DTMF generator is also coupled
to a speaker 40 to output the DTMF signals.
The method for memory dialing for cellular telephones of the present
invention as applied to a cellular network will be described in detail in
reference to the remaining drawings. The predetermined number(s) and the
variable number(s) to be stored in RAM 24 of the cellular phone depend
upon the dialing sequence. It will be noted that the method of the present
invention could be used in a variety of applications where predetermined
numbers are dialed. For example, the method could be used when accessing a
credit card number for billing purposes. For credit card dialing, the
predetermined numbers could include an access code, a personal
identification number (PIN), and any command codes for the proper
interface with the public system telephone network (PSTN). Command codes
could include, for example, one or more pauses to allow time to make a
connection to the PSTN.
Preferably, the method of the present invention will be incorporated in a
cellular phone having a display to allow for interaction between the
cellular telephone and the user. For convenience, the following
description will include reference to function keys which are commonly
available on cellular phones. However, the reference to specific functions
on cellular phones in describing the present method is merely by way of
example. It will be understood that the method of the present invention
could be incorporated in other communication systems capable of
transmitting digital data within the scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 3, a flow chart shows the preferred steps for storing a
dialing sequence in a memory location according to the method for memory
dialing of the present invention. When entering the recall sequence to be
stored, the number keys will perform their normal function. Accordingly,
the user may enter a number at a step 42, if necessary. Such a number
could represent an access code or a personal identification number for
credit card dialing. By way of example, an access code "18008778000" which
has been entered is shown in the display at a step 44.
The user may then select a key sequence at a step 46 which will allow the
user to enter a special character menu. The special character menu will
include functions or system prompts which are required for automatic
dialing of the dialing sequence. The key sequence to enter the special
character menu could include a function (FCN) key and a send (SND) key
commonly incorporated in cellular phones. When the sequence (FCN and SND)
is entered, the telephone will preferably prompt the user with an "Insert"
message on the display at a step 48, and then display the first "special
character" available at a step 50.
The method of the present invention could use a variety of special
characters stored in the dialing sequence to accomplish memory dialing.
The special character could include a variety of system control commands
such as pause signals as required in a calling sequence for timing
purposes. Different pause signals may be used according to the present
invention. For example, pause signals of a predetermined duration could be
inserted in strategic location in the recall sequence to enable fully
automatic dialing. Alternatively, the pause signals may require a user
prompt for the user to continue the calling process. Finally, a certain
pause may be used as a prefix to data which is to be transmitted by one of
the particular signal generators. For example, one distinct pause may be
used as a prefix data to be sent by data generator 32, while a separate
distinct pause may be used as a prefix to data to be transmitted by DTMF
generator 36 as required for transmitting a call of the cellular network.
Another special character could be a variable number N shown at step 52.
Variable number N represents the directory number or a portion of a
directory number which is to be inserted to complete the call.
Preferably, the * and # buttons on the telephone could be used to scroll up
and down between steps 50 and 52, or any additional steps including other
special characters such as distinct pause characters. A single pause
character in step 50 is shown by way of example. Preferably, the store key
(STO) can be used to enter the current special character into the dialing
sequence. If the STO key is used to select the pause at step 50, the pause
is inserted into the sequence and the resulting display is shown at a step
54, where the pause is represented by "o". However, if a variable number
is to be inserted next in the sequence, the # key is used to locate the
special character for a variable number N shown at step 52. The special
character for a variable number is selected by entering STO, and the
resulting display is shown at a step 56. After one of the special
characters is selected, other numbers or special characters could be
entered as required to complete the recall sequence at step 58. If all
numbers and special characters required in the recall sequence are
entered, a user stores the recall sequence in a dedicated memory dial
location at a step 59 by entering STO.
The dialing sequences is stored as described above with predetermined
numbers and one or more variable numbers linkage in an order depending
upon the credit card requirements. Numbers can be entered at any time
during the sequence by using the number keys. Special characters can also
be entered at any time by accessing the special character menu (i.e.,
entering a predetermined access sequence, such as a FCN and SND key
sequence). Finally, the recall sequences can be stored in memory locations
which can require a security code to be entered to prevent any
unauthorized calls being billed to the credit card.
An example of a stored dialing sequence is shown in FIG. 4A. The dialing
sequence may include a number of packets A, B and C separated by pauses.
The packets may contain a variety of information such as an access code, a
predetermined area code, a prefix number, or a personal identification
number (PIN) required to make a long distance call. The recall sequence
shown in FIG. 4A includes by way of example an access code "18008778000"
in packet A, a zero (0) followed by a variable number "N" in packet B, and
a PIN number "1234567891234" in packet C. As stated earlier, distinct
pauses having specific operational functions could be inserted within the
sequence. It will be noted that the callers phone number (MIN), an
electronic serial number (ESN) or any other data required to make the call
from the cellular phone can be sent with a data packet.
A recall sequence which includes a directory number "7085551212" inserted
by the user during dialing operation in place of the variable number N is
shown in FIG. 4B. The dialing operation to insert the directory number
will be described in detail in reference to FIG. 5.
Finally, it will be noted that the present invention could accommodate
memory dialing in a number of other situations other than credit card
dialing. For example, the method for memory dialing could be used to dial
a pager in a paging system. The predetermined numbers stored in the recall
sequence could include the required access codes for the pager and any
command codes, while the variable number could represent the pager number.
Finally, the method could be used for dialing common area codes and/or
common prefixes associated with an area code. Accordingly, only an
extension would be required to complete the call.
Turning now to FIG. 5, a flow chart for the method for memory dialing of
the present invention shows the steps of using a system having stored
recall sequences incorporating variable numbers. In particular, the user
selects a dedicated memory location which contains a recall sequence at a
step 60. Preferably, the dedicated memory location can be accessed by
simply pressing a memory dial key and an associated number as is commonly
practiced in cellular telephones. The user will then select the send (SND)
function key to start the dialing of the sequence stored in the memory.
When the telephone detects the variable number "N" stored in the dialing
sequence at a step 62, the telephone prompts the user to insert a number
to replace the variable number N at a step 64. The user will insert at a
step 66 the desired number, such as a directory number or a pager number,
depending on the stored recall sequence. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B,
a directory number (708) 555-1212 could be inserted. It will be noted that
a directory number could be inserted in place of a variable number
by:recalling a directory number from another memory location. For example,
the number could be recalled by using common functions such as repertory
dialing, last number dialed or call back functions. The use of other
memory locations therefore further limits the number of digits to be
dialed. In a cellular telephone, the user will then select SND to continue
the dialing sequence.
The telephone will continue the dialing sequence and search for any
additional variable numbers at a step 68. If there are additional variable
numbers detected, the telephone will again prompt the user to replace the
variable number at step 64. If no additional variable numbers are detected
in the sequence, the telephone will complete the dialing of any remaining
predetermined numbers and start the call attempt at step 70. Preferably,
for convenience, the cellular telephone could log and display the amount
of calling time billed to each credit card number.
Turning now to FIG. 6, the transmission of the data packets of FIG. 4B in
the cellular system is described. In particular, FIG. 6 shows transfers of
signals between a cellular phone and another phone coupled a telephone
network (i.e. a cellular network or a landline network). Preferably the
user replaces the variable number with a directory number in packet B and
sends the data (as described above in reference to FIG. 5). The telephone
will then scan and set up the access channel at a step 80. The telephone
sends out the access digits in packet A on the access channel.
Additionally, the number replacing the variable number in packet B could
be sent on the access channel depending upon the recall sequence. The
network receives the mobile call request and send a voice channel
assignment to the telephone on the access channel at a step 82. Generally,
transmission of data on the access channel is completed by data generator
32. Accordingly, data packets are transmitted between the cellular
telephone and the telephone network to establish a voice channel.
Alternatively, the variable number can be replaced with a directory number
after the voice channel has been established.
After the cellular telephone receives the voice channel assignment, sets up
the voice channel and unmutes the voice path, the cellular telephone user
hears the landline ringing at a step 84. The landline number (or other
cellular number) called answers and provides an audio prompt at a step 86.
Generally, the audio prompt will be provided by the voice generator 34.
The cellular telephone then sends packet B as DTMF signals by way of the
DTMF generator 36 at a step 88. Any DTMF signals sent by the telephone
user can be heard over the external speaker 40. However, packet B could be
sent as digital data rather than DTMF. The landline number receives packet
B and provides the next audio prompt by way of an audio signal at a step
90.
After heading the next audio prompt, the user transmits packet C as DTMF
signals at a step 92 by selecting the SND function. Alteratively, packet C
could be transmitted as digital data. Assuming all the required
information has been received by at the landline or cellular number, the
voice channel is connected to the requested number at a step 94. The user
will hear a landline ringing and the call will be connected at a step 96.
In summary, the present invention substantially reduces the number of
digits to be dialed when making a long distance call. Such a reduction in
the number of digits to be dialed is extremely useful when using a credit
card number for dialing. For example, the user can access a variety of
different credit cards without having to commit to memory the access codes
or personal identification numbers associated with each credit card.
Further, a user of a credit card will not have to recall the unique
sequence of entering predetermined numbers associated with each credit
card. Therefore, the method for memory dialing of the present invention
provides flexibility for a user to select which credit card is charged for
a long distance call.
Further, the method of the present invention significantly reduces the
memory requirement and time for storing frequently called numbers in
memory. While it may be possible to store all combinations for all credit
cards numbers and all long distance numbers frequently called by the user,
such a task would be monumental and would require a large amount of
memory. By employing the present method, each credit card number will only
have to be stored once. Also, a stored credit card number could be
accessed and linked to a long distance number which is already stored in
memory to further reduce the number of digits for long distance calling.
Finally, the method of the present invention is adapted to accommodate
automatic dialing in a cellular network. Special functions can be stored
in the recall sequence to enable automatic dialing. For example, pauses
can be inserted at certain locations where required to allow access time
to the telephone network. Particularly, distinct pauses can be inserted to
accommodate transmission of different types of data, such as digital data
or DTMF data.
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