Telephone keypad matrix
First Claim
1. A method for the entry of numerical characters and alphabetical characters into a telephone system, the telephone system having a keypad, a speaker, a microphone, a receiving station, and memory, the method comprising:
- prearranging the characters of the alphabet on the keypad so that only one character is placed between any two adjacent keys of the keypad; and
defining at least one keypair for each alphabetical character by selecting at least one key adjacent to each character, the keypairs generating dual tone multifrequency signals corresponding to character codes stored within the memory of the telephone system, each keypair operated by two sequential keystrokes of the at least one adjacent key, in either sequence.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for entering alphanumerical characters into a push button telephone system having automatic response functions. Each alphabetic letter and character is assigned a keypair having a dual tone multifrequency signal which is stored in the memory of the telephone system. The code provides for the conversion of analog voice frequency signals to digital signals. The digital signals may be converted to analog signals to provide voice prompts to the caller. The letters and characters are sequentially arrayed on a matrix overlaying the telephone keypad. Characters are positioned above and between the push buttons so that each character may be separately accessed from adjacent keys. Entry of a keypair requires the sequential pressing of at least one key two times. Sequential operations that require the pressing of two different and adjacent keys may be performed in any sequence. The method and apparatus permits the autodialing storage of words and the entry of sets of characters having digits and letters. Digits may be entered by pressing the selected number key followed by a pause. Alternatively, each character may be placed on a separate key on a separate keyboard so that a selected character is entered by pressing a single key to generate the signal identifying the selected character.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for the entry of numerical characters and alphabetical characters into a telephone system, the telephone system having a keypad, a speaker, a microphone, a receiving station, and memory, the method comprising:
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prearranging the characters of the alphabet on the keypad so that only one character is placed between any two adjacent keys of the keypad; and defining at least one keypair for each alphabetical character by selecting at least one key adjacent to each character, the keypairs generating dual tone multifrequency signals corresponding to character codes stored within the memory of the telephone system, each keypair operated by two sequential keystrokes of the at least one adjacent key, in either sequence. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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- 9. A matrix for entering alphanumeric characters into a telephone system, the matrix comprising a pattern of characters prearranged on a telephone keypad, the pattern arrayed so that only one character is placed between any two adjacent keys of the keypad.
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12. A system for entering alphanumeric characters into a telephone station, the system comprising:
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at least one telephone set having a push-button keypad, the keypad preconfigured so that only one alphabetic character is placed between any two adjacent keys of the keypad, each alphabetic character having an assigned keypair for generating a dual tone multifrequency tone, each assigned keypair operated by two sequential keystrokes of at least one key adjacent to the alphabetic character, the keystrokes in either sequence for keypairs having two keys; a computer responsive to dual tone multifrequency tones, the computer having means for converting the dual tone multifrequency signal into digital signals; and means for storing codes corresponding to the dual tone multifrequency tones. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification