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Mobile Phone Patent Abstract
There is provided a speed dialing method in a mobile phone where
a plurality of phone numbers are stored at a designated address
in a memory. The plurality of phone numbers at the designated address
are displayed to a user upon input of a speed dialing key corresponding
to the designated address, and if the user selects one of the displayed
phone numbers, the selected phone number is speedily dialed.
Mobile Phone Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A speed dialing method in a mobile phone where a plurality of
phone numbers are stored at a designated address in a memory, comprising
the steps of: displaying the plurality of phone numbers at the designated
address to a user upon input of a speed dialing key corresponding
to the designated address; selecting one of the displayed plurality
of phone numbers; determining whether a transmission key corresponding
to the selected phone number has been pressed before speed dialing
of the selected phone number; waiting a predetermined time before
speed dialing the selected phone number; and speedily dialing the
selected phone number or, if the user replaces the selected phone
number with a new phone number in the predetermined time, speedily
dialing the new phone number.
2. The speed dialing method of claim 1, further comprising the
steps of: determining whether the user has requested a phone number
list arrangement and storage mode to be set for the phone numbers
stored at the designated address before the speed dialing key is
input; requesting the user to select one of a communication frequency
order arrangement and storage sub-mode, a latest call order arrangement
and storage sub-mode, and an alphabetical order arrangement and
storage sub-mode in the phone number list arrangement and storage
mode upon request of setting of the phone number list arrangement
and storage mode; and arranging and storing the phone numbers at
the designated address according to a selected phone number list
arrangement and storage sub-mode if the user selects one of the
phone number list arrangement and storage sub-modes.
3. The speed dialing method of claim 1, further comprising the
steps of: checking a phone number list arrangement and storage mode
set by the user upon termination of a call service after speed dialing
of the selected phone number; and arranging and storing the serviced
phone number with the other telephone numbers at the designated
address according to the phone number list arrangement and storage
mode.
4. A speed dialing method in a mobile phone where at least one
phone number is stored at a designated address in a memory, comprising
the steps of: determining whether only one phone number or a plurality
of phone numbers is stored at the designated address upon input
of a speed dialing key corresponding to the designated address;
displaying, if it is determined that a plurality of phone numbers
is stored at the designated address, the plurality of phone numbers
to a user upon input of a speed dialing key corresponding to the
designated address; selecting a phone number from among the displayed
plurality of phone numbers; waiting a predetermined time the allow
a user to select a new phone number; speedily dialing the finally
selected phone number; and displaying, if it is determined that
only the at least one phone number is stored at the designated address,
the at least one phone number and speedily dialing the at least
one phone number, wherein each called party is assigned a designated
address at which the plurality of phone numbers are stored.
5. The speed dialing method of claim 4, further comprising the
steps of: checking a phone number list arrangement and storage mode
set by the user upon termination of a call service after speed dialing
of the selected phone number; and arranging and storing the serviced
phone number at the designated address according to the phone number
list arrangement and storage mode.
6. A speed dialing method in a mobile phone where at least one
phone number is stored at a designated address in a memory, comprising
the steps of: determining whether a plurality of phone numbers or
only one phone number is stored at the designated address; displaying,
if it is determined that a plurality of phone numbers is stored
at the designated address, the plurality of phone numbers in a call
service frequency order, updated after termination of a last service
call; displaying, if it is determined that only the at least one
phone number is stored at the designated address, the at least one
phone number to a user upon input of a speed dialing key corresponding
to the designated address; selecting by the user the at least one
phone number or one of the displayed plurality of phone numbers;
waiting a predetermined time to allow a user the select another
number; and speedily dialing the selected phone number after the
predetermined time has elapsed, wherein each called party is assigned
a designated address at which the plurality of phone numbers are
stored.
7. The speed dialing method of claim 6, further comprising the
steps of: checking a phone number list arrangement and storage mode
set by the user upon termination of a call service after speed dialing
of the selected phone number; and arranging and storing the serviced
phone number at the designated address according to the phone number
list arrangement and storage mode.
8. A speed dialing method in a mobile phone where a plurality of
phone numbers are stored at a designated address in a memory, comprising
the steps of: determining whether there is a phone number stored
at the designated address upon input of a speed dialing key corresponding
to the designated address; counting the phone numbers stored at
the designated address; displaying the phone numbers to a user if
the number of phone numbers is at least two; selecting one of the
displayed phone numbers by the user; determining whether a transmission
key corresponding to the selected phone number has been received;
speedily dialing the selected phone number upon input of the transmission
key; performing a phone number edit mode upon input of a phone number
edit key for the selected phone number within a predetermined time;
and displaying an edited phone number list on a display, wherein
each called party is assigned a designated address at which the
plurality of phone numbers are stored.
9. The speed dialing method of claim 8, further comprising the
steps of: determining whether a key indicating a phone number change
has been input before entering the phone number edit mode; and selecting
one of the stored phone numbers upon input of the phone number change
key.
10. A speed dialing method in a mobile phone where a plurality
of phone numbers are stored at a designated address in a memory,
comprising the steps of: determining whether there is a phone number
stored at the designated address upon input of a speed dialing key
corresponding to the designated address; counting the phone numbers
stored at the designated address; displaying the phone numbers to
a user if the number of phone numbers is at least two; selecting
one of the displayed phone numbers by the user; speedily dialing
the selected phone number a predetermined time later; performing
a phone number edit mode upon input of a phone number edit key for
the selected phone number within a predetermined time; and displaying
an edited phone number list on a display.
11. A speed dialing method in a mobile phone where a plurality
of phone numbers are stored at a designated address in a memory,
comprising the steps of: determining whether there is a phone number
stored at the designated address upon input of a speed dialing key
corresponding to the designated address; counting the phone numbers
stored at the designated address; displaying the phone numbers to
a user if the number of phone numbers is at least two; selecting
one of the displayed phone numbers by the user; speedily dialing
the selected phone number upon input of a transmission key or at
a predetermined time later; determining whether a phone number edit
key has been input for the selected phone number within a predetermined
time; selecting one of the phone numbers upon input of the phone
number edit key; performing a phone number edit mode upon input
of the phone number edit key for the selected phone number within
a predetermined time; and displaying an edited phone number list
on a display.
12. The speed dialing method of claim 11, further comprising the
steps of: checking a phone number list arrangement and storage mode
set by the user upon termination of a call service after speed dialing
of the selected phone number; and arranging and storing the serviced
phone number in the phone number list according the phone number
list arrangement and storage mode.
Mobile Phone Patent Description
PRIORITY
This application claims priority to an application entitled "Speed
Dialing Method in Mobile Phone" filed in the Korean Industrial
Property Office on Feb. 8, 2001 and assigned Serial No. 2001-6221,
the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a mobile phone, and
in particular, to a method for speed dialing in a mobile phone.
2. Description of the Related Art
A speed dialing function can be carried out with a mobile phone
in use with an increasing demand as well as with a wired/wireless
phone for home use. For speed dialing, one phone number is assigned
at each address in the mobile phone.
More specifically, at least one frequently used phone number is
stored at a designated address in the mobile phone. When a user
presses a hot key (generally a digit button) corresponding to the
address, the corresponding phone number is speedily dialed.
According to the above speed dialing function, however, even if
a plurality of phone numbers are stored at each address, only one
designated phone number is speedily dialed. Therefore, speed dialing
is not available for call origination to the other undesignated
phone numbers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide an
improved speed dialing method for a mobile phone that can store
a plurality of phone numbers as each address.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved
speed dialing method for a mobile phone that arranges a plurality
of phone numbers stored at each address as a user requests and displays
the plurality of phone numbers.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a method
of automatically transitioning to a phone number edit mode during
speed dialing in a mobile phone that can store a plurality of phone
numbers as each address.
The foregoing and other objects are achieved by a speed dialing
method in a mobile phone where a plurality of phone numbers are
stored at a designated address in a memory. The plurality of phone
numbers at the designated address are displayed to a user upon input
of a speed dialing key corresponding to the designated address,
and if the user selects one of the displayed phone numbers, the
selected phone number is speedily dialed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile phone to which the present
invention is applied;
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for speed
dialing according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates an address table having phone numbers stored
at a corresponding address in the mobile phone according to the
present invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates a display example of phone numbers stored at
a designated address, invoked by input of a speed dialing key according
to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for speed
dialing according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for speed
dialing according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.7 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for speed
dialing according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for speed
dialing according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for a phone
number edit mode shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for setting
a phone number list arrangement and storage mode according to the
present invention; and
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for a phone
number list arrangement and storage procedure in the speed dialing
operations of FIG. 2 and FIGS. 5 to 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described
hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the
following description, well-known functions or constructions are
not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in
unnecessary detail.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile phone to which the present
invention is applied.
Referring to FIG. 1, a controller 10 provides overall control to
the operation of the mobile phone by a control program stored in
a memory 14. In particular, the controller 10 recognizes input of
a speed dialing key, determines whether phone numbers exist at a
designated address in the memory 14, displays them if they do, and
controls selection of a phone number and call origination to the
phone number according to the present invention. The controller
10 also controls arrangement and storage of a phone number list
including serviced phone numbers in a phone number list arrangement
and storage mode (hereinafter, referred to as a list arrangement
and storage mode). Furthermore, the controller 10 controls editing
of phone numbers stored together with a phone number to be speedily
dialed at the same address.
Meanwhile, the memory 14 includes a program memory for storing
program data needed to control the operation of the mobile phone
and a data memory for storing data generated during a control operation
or user-generated data.
According to the present invention, the memory 14 has storage areas
with addresses for storing a plurality of phone numbers to be speedily
dialed. If a user sets the list arrangement and storage mode, the
memory 14 arranges a plurality of phone numbers and stores them
in a storage area corresponding to a designated address in the list
arrangement and storage mode. If the user transitions from the list
arrangement and storage mode to a phone number edit mode, the memory
14 updates the phone numbers after amendment.
A keypad 12 includes a plurality of digit buttons and function
buttons to dial phone numbers and generates key data corresponding
to key input. A display 16, which can be an LCD (Liquid Crystal
Display), displays messages in association with the operational
status of the mobile phone under the control of the controller 10.
The display 16 includes an LED (Light mission Diode) (not shown)
to notify the user of reception and transmission of a radio communication
signal visibly. An RF (Radio Frequency) module 18 transmits data
received from the controller 10 as a radio signal through an antenna
ANT after modulation and frequency conversion, and separates a signal
from a radio signal received through the antenna ANT and feeds it
after frequency conversion and demodulation. A voice processor 20
digitizes voice received from a microphone MIC, demodulates voice
data received from the RF module 18, and outputs the demodulated
voice data via a speaker SPK, under the control of the controller
10.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for speed
dialing in the controller 10 according to an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation
for setting the list arrangement and storage mode by the user according
to the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating
a control operation for arranging and storing a phone number list
in the speed dialing operations shown in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 5 to 9.
Speed dialing in the above-constituted mobile phone according to
the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail
with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIGS. 10 and 11. In the embodiment
of the present invention, it is assumed that a plurality of phone
numbers to be speedily dialed are stored at corresponding addresses
in the memory 14.
The stored phone numbers are arranged in the memory 14 in the list
arrangement and storage mode in the procedure shown in FIG. 10.
Referring to FIG. 10, the controller 10 determines whether a user
has requested the list arrangement and storage mode to be set in
step 800. If he has, the controller 10 enters the list arrangement
and storage mode and displays the sub-modes of the list arrangement
and storage mode on the display 16 in step 802. The list arrangement
and storage sub-modes include a communication frequency order arrangement
and storage sub-mode, a latest call order arrangement and storage
sub-mode, and an alphabetical order arrangement and storage sub-mode.
While the three sub-modes are set for the list arrangement and storage
mode in the embodiment of the present invention, it is a mere exemplary
application. Phone numbers can be arranged and stored in diverse
ways, for example, in the order of mobile phone numbers, in the
order of the local number of wired phone numbers, or in a similarity
order. The user selects one of the list arrangement and storage
sub-modes and sets the selected sub-mode. In step 806, the controller
10 determines whether the user has selected one of the sub-modes.
If it does, the controller 10 arranges the stored phone numbers
according to the selected list arrangement and storage sub-mode
in step 808. Setting the list arrangement and storage mode advantageously
increases convenience with which speed dialing can be performed.
Storage of a plurality of phone numbers at each address in the memory
is well known in this field, the description of which will be omitted.
Referring to FIG. 2, the controller 10 determines whether a speed
dialing key has been input in step 100. Upon input of the speed
dialing key, the controller 10 goes to step 104. The speed dialing
key input can be implemented by pressing a digit key at an intended
address for a predetermined period of time, or sequentially pressing
a digit key and another specified key corresponding to the intended
address, for example. If the speed dialing key has not been input,
the controller 10 performs a normal operation in step 102.
In step 104, the controller 10 determines whether at least one
phone number exists at an address indicated by the speed dialing
key. If it does, the controller 10 goes to step 106. On the other
hand, if no phone number exists at the address, the controller 10
returns to step 100. In step 106, the controller 10 counts the phone
numbers at the address. If two or more phone numbers exist at the
address, the controller 10 displays the phone numbers arranged according
to the user-set list arrangement and storage mode on the display
16 in step 108. For example, if the user enters a digit key "1"
for speed dialing, a plurality of phone numbers at the address "1"
are displayed on the display 16 as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 3 illustrates
an address table listing one or more phone numbers stored at each
address in the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present
invention and FIG. 4 illustrates a display example with a plurality
of phone numbers at a designated address according to the embodiment
of the present invention. Here, it is to be appreciated that the
list arrangement and storage mode is not set nor applied to the
phone numbers shown in FIG. 4.
Among the phone numbers displayed on the display 16, the user selects
a desired phone number through the keypad 12. As shown in FIG. 4,
the user can select a desired phone number using a directional keys
or/and a digit key. In step 110, the controller 10 determines whether
the user has selected a phone number. If he has, the controller
10 speedily dials the selected phone number in step 112 and provides
a call service in step 116.
Meanwhile, if a single phone number exists at the designated address
in step 106, the controller 10 displays the stored phone number
on the display 16 and speedily dials the phone number in step 114
and then goes to step 116.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for arranging
the phone number serviced in step 116 together with other phone
numbers according to the preset list arrangement and storage mode
in the speed dialing operations shown in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 5 to 9
in the controller 10.
Referring to FIG. 11, the controller 10 determines whether the
call service has been terminated in step 118. Upon termination of
the call service, the controller 10 checks what is the preset list
arrangement and storage sub-mode in step 120 and arranges the serviced
phone number among other phone numbers according to the preset list
arrangement and storage sub-mode in one of steps 124, 126, and 128.
In step 130, the controller 10 stores the arranged phone number
list.
FIGS. 5 to 9 are flowcharts illustrating speed dialing according
to other embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments
are the same as that shown in FIG. 2 except steps 500, 502, and
504 of FIG. 5, step 600 of FIG. 6, step 700 of FIG. 7, and steps
900, 902, 904, and 990 of FIG. 8. Thus, a description of the same
steps is avoided. In addition, since FIG. 9 illustrates a detailed
procedure of a phone number edit mode of step 900 of FIG. 8, it
will be described later separately.
In addition to the steps shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 further includes
key inputting and waiting steps, FIG. 6 further includes the key
inputting step, FIG. 7 further includes the waiting step, FIG. 8
further includes the steps of key inputting, waiting, and a phone
number edit mode shown in detail in FIG. 9.
Referring to FIG. 5, phone numbers at a designated address are
displayed after being arranged and stored at the designated address
according to the preset list arrangement and storage mode in step
108. When the user selects one of them in step 110, the controller
10 determines whether the user has pressed a transmission key in
step 500. Upon input of the transmission key, the controller 10
speedily dials the selected phone number in step 112. Unless the
controller 10 receives the key input, it waits for a predetermined
time period to allow the user to change the selected number to another
one or confirm the selected number in step 502. The predetermined
time is preferably one to two seconds. In step 504, the controller
10 determines whether the selected phone number is changed to another
one. If it is, the controller 10 returns to step 110. On the other
hand, if the selected phone number is maintained, the controller
10 goes to step 112.
Referring to FIG. 6, the controller 10 determines whether the user
has selected a phone number in step 110. Upon receipt of the phone
number, the controller 10 determines whether the user has pressed
a transmission key in step 600. Upon input of the transmission key,
the controller 10 speedily dials the selected phone number in step
112.
Referring to FIG. 7, if the user has selected a phone number in
step 110, the controller 10 waits for a predetermined time, for
example, one or to seconds to allow the user to confirm the selected
phone number in step 700 and speedily dials the selected number
in step 112.
Referring to FIG. 8, phone numbers at a designated address are
displayed after being arranged and stored at the designated address
according to the preset list arrangement and storage mode in step
108. When the user selects one of them in step 110, the controller
10 determines whether the user has pressed a transmission key in
step 900. Upon input of the transmission key, the controller 10
speedily dials the selected phone number in step 112. Unless the
controller 10 receives the key input, it determines whether any
key input has been received three seconds later in step 902. If
there is no key input for three seconds, the controller 10 returns
to step 112. If there is key input, the controller 10 goes to step
904. The key input can be the input of a digit key in the keypad
12. According to this embodiment, the digit key is input to add
another phone number at an address where the selected phone number
is stored, or change the phone number including the selected one.
In step 904, upon input of an up/down directional key, the controller
10 returns to step 110 to allow the user to replace the selected
phone number with a new one. Meanwhile, the controller 10 goes to
step 990 upon input of a left/right directional key or a digit key
in step 904. The controller 10 edits the phone numbers at the address
corresponding to the selected phone number in a phone number edit
mode in step 990 and then returns to step 108.
Now a detailed description of the phone number edit mode of step
990 of FIG. 8 will be given with reference to FIG. 9.
Referring to FIG. 9, as the mobile phone is set to a phone number
edit mode upon input of a left/right directional key or a digit
key in step 904 of FIG. 8, the controller 10 displays a phone number
list including the selected phone number in step 906. In step 908,
the controller 10 waits for the user to change the phone numbers.
When the user changes the phone numbers, the controller 10 determines
whether the user has pressed a key indicating that the phone number
change is completed in step 910. Upon input of the change complete
key, the controller 10 stores changed phone numbers in step 912
and returns to step 108 of FIG. 8 so that the user can select an
intended phone number from the updated phone number list.
In accordance with the present invention as described above, one
of a plurality of phone numbers stored at an address can be selected
for speed dialing. Due to the arrangement and storage of the plurality
of phone numbers according to diverse list arrangement and storage
modes and simplicity in editing a phone number list, an intended
phone number is selected and speedily dialed more conveniently and
more rapidly.
While the invention has been shown and described with reference
to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood
by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details
may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims. |