Enhanced User Functionality from a Telephone Device to an IP Network

• US 20060029211A1
• Filed: 04/06/2005
• Published: 02/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/23/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: John Beck Mow
• Original Assignee: John Beck Mow
• Inventors: Mow, John Beck
• Granted Patent: US 7,627,110 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 379/386
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2535 adapted for voice communication over an Internet Protocol [IP] network Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network equipment and services H04M7/006; implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP] H04L69/16
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/50 by generating or selecting currents of predetermined frequencies or combinations of frequencies
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/006 Networks other than PSTN/ISDN providing telephone service, e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) , including next generation networks with a packet-switched transport layer H04L65/00 takes precedence; aspects not specific to the type of network H04M3/00; special services in those networks H04M3/42

Abstract

This invention encompasses the utilization of all of the 16 DTMF tone signals on telephone devices and their use for additional adjunct feature controls over IP networks that offer a plethora of new options from telephone devices. Calls on the PSTN only require the 0-9 digits to be used to complete a call following the North American Numbering Plan and International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standards. Conventional telephones electronically have the standard electronics for all 16 DTMF tone signals, but only 12 are utilized on conventional telephones by the typical 4 row and 3 column keypad matrix arrangement. In other words, 25% of the 16 DTMF tones are not being utilized in the public telephone networks. This invention lays the claims surrounding a 100% utilization methodology and possible expansion thereof when communicating to an IP network.

Claims

1. A method of providing enhanced user functionality from a telephone device using conventional DTMF electronics, when connected in a plurality of ways to an application of interest on an IP network, comprising the steps of connecting 1 to 4 new key assemblies to the 1 to 4 unused DTMF electronic controls that are supplied in the conventional standard 16 tone DTMF generator electronics, the unused signals generally referred to as 4^th column DTMF ABCD signals, that when depressed, generates said signals, optionally adding to the telephone device a plurality of additional keys and tone signal electronics beyond the current 16 tone DTMF standards, that when depressed, generates said additional signals, receiving said unused dialed tone signals in a processor connected to an IP network, converting the unused tone signals to digital IP signals, sending said digital IP signals to the IP network application of interest, providing a means for allowance of use of said digital IP signals in the application of interest.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein a plurality of key labels are dynamically electronically changeable in a plurality of ways.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein one method of connection to an IP network is by connectivity through the PSTN network.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein another method of connection to an IP network is through an Internet access device connected directly to the telephone device in an analog manner.

5. A method of enhanced keypad labeling of a telephone device with expanded key capacity from the conventional twelve (12) keys to some or all of sixteen (16) keys incorporating some or all of four additional key assemblies for 4^th column ABCD DTMF activation, for the purposes of sending enhanced command and control signals, used in communicating with an IP network, comprising a means of maintaining the conventional 12 key labels of 0-9, * and #, and spreading out the English alphabet characters among the keys in a plurality of ways.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein each vowel a, e, i, o, u is assigned a single key.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein each vowel a, e, i, o, u and the letter y is assigned a single key.

8. The method of claim 5 wherein certain function labels are assigned to the four additional ABCD keys comprising voice mail, email, fax, login, forward, back, or the like.

9. The method of claim 5 wherein a plurality of keys beyond the 16 DTMF keys are added to the keypad area and a means of maintaining the conventional 12 key labels of 0-9, * and #, and spreading out the English alphabet characters among the keys in a plurality of ways.

10. The method of claim 5 wherein a plurality of key labels are dynamically electronically changeable in a plurality of ways.