Systems and methods for establishing communication links between computing devices

• US 6,928,305 B2
• Filed: 08/29/2001
• Issued: 08/09/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Christianson, Eric P., DeWald, Eric L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Corsaro, Nick
• Assistant Examiner(s): Miller, Brandon J.
• Application Number:
  US09/941,463
• Publication Number:
  US 20030045330A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,441 Days
• Field of Search: 455418-420, 455/564, 455/460, 455/461, 379/355.01, 379/355.05, 379/355.06, 379/356.01, 379/355.02
• US Class Current: 455/564
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2745 using static electronic memories, e.g. chips
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/44 Additional connecting arrangements for providing access to frequently-wanted subscribers, e.g. abbreviated dialling at the subscriber's set H04M1/27; automatic redialling H04M3/424
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32037 Automation of particular transmitter jobs, e.g. multi-address calling, auto-dialing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32058 Abbreviated dialing, e.g. one-touch dialing

Abstract

Communication systems for establishing communication links between first and second computing devices are provided. A representative system includes a second computing device that incorporates a speed-dial system, a first actuator and a menu. The speed-dial system is configured to receive a first user input corresponding to actuation of the first actuator, determine whether a phone number is associated with the first actuator, and enable the user to associate a first phone number with the first actuator without accessing the menu. So configured, after the user associates a phone number with the first actuator, the second computing device speed-dials the phone number in response to actuation of the first actuator to establish a communication link with the first computing device. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Claims

1. A system for establishing a communication link with a first computing device, the first computing device having a phone number associated therewith, said system comprising:

a second computing device having a speed-dial system, a first actuator and a menu, said computing device being configured to transmit image data, said menu being configured to enable programming of said second computing device, said speed-dial system being configured to;

receive a first user input corresponding to actuation of said first actuator;

in response to the actuation of said first actuator, determine whether a phone number is associated with said first actuator; and

if a phone number is not associated with said first actuator, enable the user to associate a first phone number with said first actuator without accessing said menu such that, after the user associates a phone number with the first actuator, said second computing device speed-dials the phone number in response to actuation of said first actuator to establish a communication link with the first computing device;

wherein said computing device includes number keys; and

wherein, if a phone number is not associated with said first actuator, said speed-dial system enables the user to associate the phone number with said first actuator by only using said number keys.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said first actuator is a button.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said second computing device is configured to provide a graphical user interface;

and

wherein said first actuator is a component of said graphical user interface.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said computing device includes a display screen;

and

wherein, in response to receiving an input corresponding to actuation of said first actuator and determining that a phone number is not associated with said first actuator, said computing device is configured to inform the user, via said display device, that a phone number can be associated with said first actuator by entering the phone number with said number keys.