Radiotelephone operating method with connected NPA dialing analysis

• US 6,453,178 B1
• Filed: 11/16/2000
• Issued: 09/17/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: GTE Wireless Service Corporation (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: GTE Wireless Service Corporation (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Inventors: Zicker, Robert G., Dion, John K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Urban, Edward F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Gesesse, Tilahun
• Application Number:
  US09/714,379
• Time in Patent Office: 670 Days
• Field of Search: 455/564, 455/33.1, 455/565, 455/33.2, 455/522, 455/550, 455/418, 455/419, 455/414, 379/63, 379/355.01, 379/354
• US Class Current: 455/564
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2745 using static electronic memories, e.g. chips
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/27463 Predictive input, predictive dialling by comparing the dialled sequence with the content of a telephone directory
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/27485 Appending a prefix to or inserting a pause into a dialling sequence
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724 User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/725 Cordless telephones user interfaces specially adapted therefor H04M1/724
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/00 Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42178 by downloading data to substation equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/28 Number portability ; Network address portability
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/14 WLL [Wireless Local Loop]; RLL [Radio Local Loop]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/021 adapted for Wireless Local Loop operation

Abstract

A radiotelephone (10) simulates the call origination process performed by land-line telephones. Dial tone is generated (78) in response to an off-hook condition and removed when a first digit (54) is dialed. A timer process (84, 110) and a number analysis process (100) simultaneously evaluate dialed digits to detect the completion of dialing. The number analysis process (100) identifies seven, ten, and eleven digit, and indeterminate length phone number formats (64, 66, 52, 68). The ten digit format is recognized in response to remotely programmed (42) connected NPA codes. For most calls, the number analysis process (100) instantly detects a phone number'"'"'s final digit (62). In a few cases the timer process (84, 110) detects the final digit through the absence of dialing activity for a predetermined duration. When the final digit (62) is detected, an origination message is transmitted to a cellular network.

Claims

1. A method of operating a radiotelephone device to originate a call, said radiotelephone device being authorized to operate with a radiotelephone system that provides radiotelephone services in a first geographical NPA area, said method comprising:

establishing a data communication path between said radiotelephone device and another device;

receiving, over said data communication path, data which define a connected NPA code;

identifying the entry of a first three dialed digits and a later dialed digit, said first three digits being dialed prior to said later digit;

determining, in response to said first three digits, whether said later digit is a final digit of a phone number by evaluating said first three digits to determine whether said first three digits define said connected NPA code, said connected NPA code corresponding to a geographical NPA area which overlaps or is adjacent to said first geographical NPA area; and

automatically transmitting an origination message to said radiotelephone system when said later digit is said final digit of said phone number, said origination message conveying said phone number.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising:

detecting manipulation of a key which signals an off-hook condition; and

generating, in response to detection of said off-hook condition, an audio tone at said radiotelephone, said audio tone having a tonal quality approximating precision dial tone.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2 additionally comprising attenuating said audio tone when a first digit is entered.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 additionally comprising:

detecting manipulation of a key which signals an instruction to delete one or more dialed digits; and

generating said audio tone in when a first dialed digit is deleted.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said identifying activity identifies the entry of each digit of said phone number, and said method additionally comprises:

initiating a wait period in response to the entry of at least one of said digits; and

performing said transmitting activity when said wait period expires.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5 wherein said initiating activity is configured so that entry of each digit following a first digit of said phone number reinitiates a wait period.

7. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said determining activity further comprises signifying, when said first three digits do not correspond to said connected NPA area, the final digit of said phone number as occurring upon entry of a seventh dialed digit to be conveyed to said radiotelephone system.

8. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

said earlier digit is a first digit of said phone number; and

said determining activity comprises signifying, when said first digit is a zero or a one, the final digit of said phone number as occurring after entry of an eleventh dialed digit to be conveyed to said radiotelephone system.

9. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said establishing activity establishes a wired data communication path.

10. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said establishing activity establishes a wireless data communication path.