BACKGROUND

[0001] Phone usage continues to constantly evolve. Many modern business related phone calls (such as calling a bank or customer help center) involve not only calling a phone number but also navigating through a series of keypad or voice entries based on a menu of choices. These entries are typically manually entered and require the user to be attentive to the entries as they are time sensitive. There is a need for an improved "speed dial" or phone contact mechanism that includes more information than just the phone number. Speed dial systems can record and recall a series of entries. In some cases, a pause entry is included that puts a fixed delay between entries. However, this approach does not permit a variable delay for an entry, a requirement for an interactive menu system.

SUMMARY

[0002] An elapsed time based and time sequenced phone digit or voice entry recording system is provided with techniques of the present principles. The techniques allow recording and storage of a sequence of entries (keypad and/or voice) along with timing aspects of those entries that can then be recalled as a single entry (e.g., speed dial or phone contact). This results in a quicker and less cumbersome method of traversing through not only dialing a phone number but also navigating through a menu system presented after beginning the phone call.

[0003] The above presents a simplified summary of the subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of subject matter embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of the subject matter. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the embodiments or to delineate the scope of the subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0004] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of embodiments are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the subject matter can be employed, and the subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the subject matter can become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a typical communication device in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a typical communication device with a display and a keypad in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles.

[0007] FIG. 3 is an example of an event sequence in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles.

[0008] FIG. 4 is an example method of establishing communication with a communication device in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter. It can be evident, however, that subject matter embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a typical communication device

100. A very common handheld communication device or phone in use today is a smartphone. A smartphone typically includes the ability to send and receive phone calls and text messages, interfaces with a Wide Area Network (WAN) such as the Internet either through a cellular network or a local wireless network, takes pictures and videos, plays back audio and video content, and runs applications such as word processing, programs, or video games. Many smartphones include Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology and can also include a touchscreen panel as part of a user interface.

[0011] The communication device 100 includes a main processor 102 that is coupled to other major components. The main processor 102 routes information between the various components, such as the Bluetooth 104, Wi-Fi 106, and 3G/4G 108 interfaces and the like. The main processor 102 also processes audio and video content for play back either directly on a device or on an external device through the audio/video interface. Communication with the communication device 100 is controlled through a set of antennas (112-116) connected to Bluetooth interface 104, Wi-Fi interface 106, and 3G/4G interface 108. An additional antenna 118 is used for receiving GPS information through the GPS interface 110. A camera sensor 120 is coupled through a camera interface 122 to the main processor 102. The camera sensor 120 and interface 122 create video content in either photo and/or video operational modes. An inertial sensor 124, such as one or more accelerometers or gyroscopes, is often included for determining device orientation and movement.

[0012] A memory 126 and storage device 128 are coupled to the main processor 102. The memory 126 can be used for storing specific information related to an operation of the smartphone and needed by the main processor 102. The storage device 128 can be used for storing audio, video, photos, or other data stored and retrieved by the user. A battery 130 is included for powering the smartphone and is interfaced through a power control circuit 132 that can include a battery charging interface.

[0013] The user interface can include a speaker and/or microphone 140 for use with phone calls, audio recording and playback, and/or voice activation control (voice commands). The communication device 100 can include a touch screen 134 coupled to the main processor 102 through a touch screen controller 136. The touch screen 134 can be either a single touch or multi touch screen using one or more of a capacitive and resistive touch sensor. The touch screen 134 can also be used as a keypad for key entry of phone call information. The communication device 100 can also include additional user controls 138 such as, but not limited to, an on/off button, an activation button, volume controls, ringer controls, and a multi-button keypad or keyboard for key entry or typing.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows a typical communication device 200 with a display 202 and a keypad 204. A string of entries 206 is shown that were input via the keypad. This string can be stored and later recalled as a "speed dial" entry. Activating the entry (via a button or other mechanism) recalls the stored digits, effectively dialing the string of digits as a number by only pressing one button. The problem with this approach is that any further automation of the call is not possible if the phone call progresses to an automated service, such as a menu system (voice and/or phone activated).

[0015] To solve this problem for the case that only includes keypad entries, an embodiment of the present principles provides the ability to record not only the key selections but also the elapsed time between the key selections. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an event sequence 300. In the sequence 300, a key is selected 302 and then a time span 304 is recorded until the next key is selected 306. The phone records the key selection 302 and records the time span 304. It then calculates the time span 302 as the time between the key selections and stores this value. If a subsequent key is selected 308, the phone records the key selection 308 and records the time span 310. This continues until the recording ends.

[0016] The recording can be initiated by a user input at the onset of placing a call. A menu entry or a special key sequence such as "*xx," where is xx is a number such as, for example, 79 (for phones that only have a keypad, not a visual, the user can press the menu entry or *xx again. The menu entry can prompt for a storage name - like a contact name or a speed dial number— to store in a phonebook menu or text entry) can be used to start the recording. Once the recording is complete. One skilled in the art can appreciate that other methods to initiate and end a recording such as locking / unlocking the phone and/or setting the phone down / picking the phone up can also be used to start / stop the recording.

[0017] Alternatively, an initiated phone call can be recorded for key sequence and a user can be prompted at the end of a call to store the key sequence as a contact or speed dial entry. The prompt at the end can also occur if more than a certain number of digits (for example, 10) were entered during the call. The phone can also determine the phone number versus following a digit sequence by detecting when the call connection is made. For example, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phones using protocols such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) or Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP), will get feedback via SIP/MGCP messaging, to indicate that the session status has changed from dialing to "call connected." All key selections before this point are assumed to be part of the phone number, and all after are part of the additional dialing sequence. [0018] Another implementation is to store the recording of the entire sequence of key selections and timing, but allow a user to choose whether to just dial an associated telephone number, or to dial the telephone number and then send the recording of the additional sequence of key selections. There are a number of potential methods for the user to make this choice. On an analog phone with a menu system, the user can cycle through the previously dialed numbers, where the first number in the sequence shows just the phone number, and then the next number in the sequence shows the number plus either the extra digits, or an indicator such as "+" to let the user know it will be the full sequence.

[0019] Another example on a phone with a menu system or touchscreen, is to show just the number, but have two choices next to the number, where one choice would dial the number alone, and the other choice would dial the entire sequence. The choice of number versus full key selection sequence can also be applied to a re- dial button on a phone. One possibility is for the user to select the redial button for a short period of time to dial the number only, while holding down the re-dial button triggers the playback of the entire key selection sequence. Another option for triggering the full key selection sequence playback is for the user to press the re-dial button twice in a short period of time (double-tap). Alternatively, the user can hold the re-dial button and the number plus the sequence would continue to be played until the user releases the re-dial button. This feature might allow the user to proceed down the original menu system, but stop mid- way and choose a different path or option than was chosen originally.

[0020] In order to facilitate use, the phone can include a "type code" in the storage of the information to facilitate in delineating the different data types. Key presses are stored as "type code" = "digit." The elapsed time is stored as "type code" = "Time code." Note that a "digit" can include special keys (e.g., #, *, etc.) on a phone keypad. The system can also include a "type code" for an "enter" or "dial" to initiate the call. When the sequence is recalled (using the speed dial or contact entry saved above) the phone reads the "type code" to determine the processing. For example, if type code = digit, the processing will enter the key and if the type code = time code, the processing will wait the specified time before a next key entry. It is important to note that viewing the entry above as a structured code mechanism permits the entry information to be transferred to multiple devices. Thus, the information such as the type codes can be shared between phones so that a user can have the convenience of entering a sequence once but have it available on many devices. The sharing can be accomplished directly (e.g., phone to phone via storage device, wireless means and/or wired means and the like) and/or indirectly (e.g., via a cloud service, a server, and/or other means for disseminating information and the like).

[0021] An additional variant for the "tyP ^e code" is to add a "digit sequence."

A "digit sequence" can include the initial 7-10 digit phone number that is rapidly dialed without any time span in between. The recording mechanism can determine a "digit sequence" by determining that the elapsed time between digits is less than a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 5 milliseconds). Another variant for the "type code" would be to add a "URI" (uniform resource identifier). In the future, URIs could replace phone numbers as the system becomes more and more integrated with the Internet (e.g., wide area network). The URI can replace the 7-10 digit phone number with other interfaces remaining similar.

[0022] Finally, many systems that provide automated phone menu navigation operation in voice mode. For the "press or say" systems (verbal selections), the above description works well. For audio only systems, the recording mechanism might not only monitor the elapsed time between key selections, but also record the audio including the silence time as a sequence (generally, only from the phone transmit side, not for the phone receive side to avoid illegal recordings). The audio is maintained as a separate sequence. The audio file can be triggered by key selections to allow for use in a hybrid (e.g., some key selection, some audio input). In order to assist in the preparation and storage of these sequence files (particularly for audio files), an editing feature can be included and available for use. As an example, prior to storage of the sequence, the audio file can be played back with a "cut" feature as a menu entry or key pad entry (enter 7 to cut the audio file). Rewind and playback features can also be included.

[0023] One example that encompass the timed digit recording as well as the recording of sections of the outgoing audio would be that of joining a conference call. Users may need to perform the same set of actions frequently in order to attend a conference call that may occur weekly, daily, or possibly more often. When performing the conference call, the user may need to initiate an external, possibly long distance, call, using a business phone. To do this it may be necessary to enter a sequence of digits to indicate to the phone system that it will be an external, long distance call. Then, the users system passcode, usually a unique sequence of eight or more digits that are assigned to each system user, must be entered. Then, a slight pause may be needed as the phone system switches to perform the call. Afterwards, the main phone number to enter the conference call system would be entered. Next, the user may need to navigate a menu system to get to the right area to join a given conference call. This may require entering another unique passcode to a select the given phone conference. Finally, the user may be prompted to say their name for an announcement to be given to the other conference call attendees, followed by a special key, such as the pound (or hash) sign.

[0024] If the user needs to attend different conference calls within the same system, it is useful to allow them to edit the above recorded digit and audio sequences, and save it as a separate speed dial sequence. This allows the users to change the unique conference call passcode to attend different calls, without having to record a separate live session. They can also identify sections of the sequence, via a graphical interface representing the sequence, to identify areas such as passcodes, or user announcements. For example, in the case of the user audio announcement, it can be stored as a separate entry entirely, and applied to all saved sequences, so the user only needs to record it once.

[0025] Additionally, the stored sequences can be shared between users. This allows a sequence to be sent to colleagues. This might necessitate a method for sensitive information such as system long distance passcodes, or possibly audio announcements, to be removed. If the stored format can be recognized on multiple systems (e.g., Apple branded iPhones and different brands of Android phones), then it is possible to post the saved sequences on a website, allowing any users to download and edit, inserting their specific details. This allows users to post useful sequences, such as accessing an account and checking on specific details.

[0026] If the sections of the sequences are uniquely identified, such as phone number entry, menu navigation for detail "x," etc., then the saved sequences can be built upon, creating new, more complex sequences. For example, if a user wanted to check on details in a banking account, they can combine the sections for the details that are of interest to them, such as account balance and last bill payment date. [0027] As a further possible mechanism, the audio file can be converted to a text file (this would perhaps take less storage and also allow separate editing). The text file can be time triggered, so that the text entry can be included as a "type code" (e.g., "voice"). In this manner, the same time mechanism ("time code" can be used to span the time between voice entries. The playback would utilize a text to speech conversion.

[0028] In view of the exemplary systems shown and described above, methodologies that can be implemented in accordance with the embodiments will be better appreciated with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 4. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown and described as a series of blocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that the embodiments are not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks can, in accordance with an embodiment, occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from that shown and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methodologies in accordance with the embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method 400 of establishing

communication with a communication device. The method 400 begins by determining if a communication link is being established 402. One skilled in the art can appreciate that this can be done in many ways. Picking up a communication device can prompt a communication link as well as through voice commands and also traditional dialing methods such as entering digits, selecting contacts and/or speed dialing (using a quick selection process). Certain types of VOIP systems also use communication status messages that can be utilized. Once the determination is made, selections via the communication device can be recorded 404. The recording includes selections and also the time between selections 406. The selections themselves can be made via a keypad on the communication device and/or via through verbal means (selections and/or commands spoken instead of physically entering). Thus, the elapsed time between selections includes time between key selections and also time between verbal selections and the like.

[0030] The selection information along with the elapsed time information is stored in memory 408. A unique identifier can also be stored with the information to allow it to be easily recalled in a sequential order. The stored information can be retrieved in conjunction with an associated telephone number and/or retrieved/recalled separately from an associated telephone number. As noted previously, various means can be used to distinguish between the stored information for recall purposes such as using an extended press on a redial button, adding special characters after a speed dial digit, and/or verbal commands and the like. This allows the user to control when the stored sequence of selections and elapsed time between selections is used.

[0031] What has been described above includes examples of the

embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.