Telephone with dynamically programmable push buttons for access to advanced applications

• US 6,978,129 B1
• Filed: 03/28/2002
• Issued: 12/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: O'Neil, Douglas R., Peon, Roberto
• Primary Examiner(s): Gary, Erika A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): CAI, WAYNE HUU
• Application Number:
  US10/109,442
• Time in Patent Office: 1,363 Days
• Field of Search: 455/410, 455/411, 455/412.1, 455/413, 455/418, 455/419, 455/416, 455/569.2, 455/517, 455/461, 455/556.2, 455/414.1, 379/216.01, 379/355.01, 379/355.04, 379/355.06, 379/355.09, 379/355.03
• US Class Current: 455/419
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72448 with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72466 with selection means, e.g. keys, having functions defined by the mode or the status of the device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/382 using authorisation codes or passwords
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42144 by service provider
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42178 by downloading data to substation equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 Terminal devices

Abstract

A device and method for providing simple access to subscriber selected applications that reside in a telephone network. A programmable communication device that includes programmable push buttons operable for providing a user one button access to voice based and text based applications. A storage register is associated with each of the programmable push button and is operable for storing a directory number, such as a telephone number and a server address. The communication device includes a unique programming permission code for security purposes, such as restricting the use/reprogramming of the push buttons. A method of programming device push buttons including entering the programming permission code and selected advanced application information into the device. The method of programming may be done remotely or manually using various provisioning techniques.

Claims

1. In a telecommunications network, a method performed by a network carrier for customizing a subscriber unit having a dynamically programmable push button comprising the steps of:

receiving subscriber unit identification information, wherein the subscriber unit identification information corresponds to a subscriber account and a programming permission code associated with the subscriber unit having the dynamically programmable push button;

determining whether the subscriber unit identification information and the programming permission code are valid;

receiving a subscriber request for access to an advanced application located within the telecommunications network;

determining whether access to the advanced application is granted based upon the subscriber account; and

programming the dynamically programmable push button of the subscriber unit with a directory number if access is granted, wherein the directory number provides direct access to the advanced application.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the programming permission code cannot be changed and is operable for restricting the use of the dynamically programmable push button.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of programming the dynamically programmable push button comprises at least one of:

remote programming by a subscriber, programming in the network at a network switch, programming by an intelligent network, programming by a network operator, programming by a network carrier, and programming by a third party.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the advanced application has a unique network identification code.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the unique network identification code comprises at least one of:

telephone number, a directory number, and a server address.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the programmable push button comprises a storage register operable for storing the unique network identification code.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the advanced application comprises at least on of:

voice based application, a text based application, a third party application, an information service application, and a conference bridge application.

8. A method of programming a communication device that provides access to an advanced application in a telephone network, comprising:

providing the communication device to a subscriber, wherein the communication device comprises a unique programming permission code, identification information, at least one dynamically programmable push button, and a storage register associated with the at least one programmable push button, and wherein the unique programming permission code and identification information are entered into a system database;

providing a plurality of advanced applications comprising destination codes to the subscriber, wherein the subscriber chooses the advanced applications of interest;

contacting the communication device;

sending a programming message, the destination codes, and programming permission code to the communication device;

verifying the programming permission code; and

programming the at least one dynamically programmable push button.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one programmable push button may be programmed remotely.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one programmable push button may be programmed manually.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the plurality of advanced application comprise at least one of:

a voice based application, a text based application, a third party application, an information service application, and a conference bridge application.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of advanced applications may reside anywhere in the telephone network.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the subscriber may assign each of the at least one programmable push buttons to the selected advanced applications.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the destination codes comprise a directory number.

15. The method of claim 8, wherein the destination codes comprise a directory number.

16. The method of claim 8, wherein the communication device comprises at least one of:

a wireless telephone, a wireline telephone, a personal digital assistant, and a pager.