Virtual Keypad Display for DTMF Code Entry on Mobile Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties when entering phone numbers with letters on non-ITU Standard E.161 phone keypads, such as QWERTY or reduced QWERTY formats, as they need to memorize or listen to DTMF codes for automated systems, and carrying reference cards is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device displays a help screen with a virtual representation of the ITU Standard E.161 phone key arrangement, allowing users to visually identify the corresponding key strokes for letters and DTMF codes, enabling easier entry of phone numbers and navigation through automated systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a non-ITU Standard E.161 phone keypad (QWERTY or reduced QWERTY) is used, then the device has modern keyboard functionality, but users cannot easily identify the corresponding DTMF codes for phone number entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual display dimension to represent the physical keypad layout and DTMF code mappings. The help screen displays a graphical representation of the keypad with letters and corresponding numbers shown on each key, allowing users to visually identify the correct key strokes without memorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a help screen as an intermediary between the user and the keypad. This intermediary provides a visual reference that maps the physical keys to their DTMF code values, eliminating the need for users to directly memorize or listen to code associations.
2Ease of operation
If users must memorize or listen to DTMF codes for automated systems, then phone number entry is possible, but it requires significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides DTMF code information in advance through the help screen, allowing users to see the correct key mappings before attempting to enter phone numbers. This preliminary visual guidance eliminates the need for time-consuming memorization or listening to automated prompts.
Solution Approach 2:
The help screen provides immediate visual feedback showing the correct DTMF codes for each key on the non-standard keypad. Users can verify the correct key strokes before dialing, reducing errors and the need to repeat the process.
3Measurement precision
If users carry reference cards to identify DTMF codes, then they can enter phone numbers accurately, but it reduces convenience and portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the reference card functionality within the device's display. The help screen reproduces the keypad layout and DTMF code mappings that would traditionally be on a physical reference card, eliminating the need to carry external materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions: the display serves as both the operational interface and the reference guide. The same screen used for normal device operation also displays the help screen with DTMF code mappings, eliminating the need for separate reference materials.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for informing a user of functions or characters associated with keys on a mobile communications device includes a keyboard operable to input dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) codes and a display screen operable to display information. The display screen is also operable to display a virtual representation of at least a portion of the keyboard. The virtual representation includes help information on one or more virtually represented keys of the keyboard. This help information informs a user of an associated telephone function or character of one or more keys that are virtually represented on the display.