Integrated Pager and Calling Card

The present invention generally relates to paging devices and calling cards and, more particularly to the integration of the functions of a pager into a calling card.

Paging devices have been in use for a number of years. A person wishing to contact the user of a pager first calls a paging center using the number assigned to the user. The paging service then allows the person to enter a voice message or a telehone number using the multi-frequency dialing capabilities of a telephone set. In response, the paging center sends a radio frequency message to the pager alerting the user of the pager to the fact that there is a message waiting. In addition, the paging center may also transmit a telephone number entered by the caller. For users of pagers who are traveling, it is necessary then for the user to find a telephone and to dial the number of the caller to set up a telephone conversation. Normally, the user utilizes a pay telephone. The use of a pay telephone then requires money or the entering of the calling card number. The telephone may have the capability of automatically reading the calling card number from the calling card. Nevertheless, the user still must dial the number of the calling party. If the user has received a number of telephone calls which are displayed on the user pager, then the user must write these telephone numbers down and dial each of them individually. In addition, the prior art paging devices are rather large objects which occupy a fair of physical space on the user's body.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,729 discloses the technique for use with cellular telephones that eliminates the need for the user of the cellular telephone to have to dial a caller who had called and been transferred to a call coverage system. The user of the cellular telephone calls the call coverage system which downloads the number of the caller into the user's cellular telephone. The cellular telephone then automatically dials the caller and sets up a telephone call between the user and the original caller. U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,947 discloses a pager that is the approximate size of a credit card, and one half of which has a magnetic strip for use as a credit card.

There exists a need for users of paging devices for the capability of being able to automatically dial the received telephone number of the caller and to reduce the bulk of the paging device itself.

The foregoing needs are met in an illustrative embodiment wherein the functions of a paging device and the calling card or any other type of credit card are integrated into one unit which is referred to as a smartcard and has approximately the dimensions of a standard credit card. Advantageously, the smartcard not only receives the number of the caller but will automatically dial and establish billing information when inserted into a pay telephone. The user can through the use of switches on the smartcard return all of the calls that were received from the paging service. In addition, the smartcard allows for the storage of commonly-dialed numbers used by the user that can also be automatically dialed when the smartcard is inserted into a pay telephone. Also, if the name of the caller is transmitted rather than the telephone number, the smartcard searches the commonly-dialed numbers to find the telephone number associated with that name.

FIG. 1 illustrates a pictorial view of a smartcard which is the subject of this invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates, in block diagram form, the smartcard of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates, in block diagram form, a personal computer and an apparatus for reading and writing the smartcard of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates, in block diagram form, the RF circuit of the smartcard of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 5 through 8 illustrate, in flow chart form, the operations performed by the computer of the smartcard illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 illustrates a pictorial view of a second embodiment of a smartcard which is the subject of this invention.

FIG. 10 presents a block diagram of a telephone-smartcard reader adjunct as described in Appendix A;

FIG. 11 depicts the adjunct of FIG. 10 with an RF module connected thereto to create a wireless apparatus, as described in Appendix A;

FIG. 12 presents another embodiment of a telephone-smartcard reader adjunct in accordance with the principles of the invention, and described in Appendix A; and

FIG. 13 depicts an arrangement that connects the telephone and adjunct combination, through the telephone network to a service provider, as described in Appendix A.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of smartcard 100 which is the subject of this invention. Blocks 111 through 115 are illustrated in dash lines to represent the fact that these elements are buried within smartcard 100 itself. Buttons 101 through 108 are utilized to control the smartcard 100. Display 109 is used to display information to the user. FIG. 2 illustrates, in block diagram form, smartcard 100 of FIG. 1. The smartcard receives power via power interface 112 that is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2 and as set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,797,541 and 4,802,080 which are hereby incorporated by reference. Smartcard 100 communicates signals with outside devices via signal interface 111 using capacitively coupled mechanism as is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,898 which is also hereby incorporated by reference. RF circuit 116 provides the radio functions of a pager.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, computer 113 provides overall control for smartcard 100. Power for smartcard 100 is provided by battery 115 which is charged by an external device via power interface 112. The latter interface includes power transducer 202 and battery charger 203. An external device for reading smartcard 100 may be of the type set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,322 and that device is combined with a personal computer to allow the user to enter their private telephone directory into smartcard 100. A telephone set for use with smartcard 100 is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/065,847, filed on May 21, 1993, entitled, "Smartcard Telephone Adjunct", is owned by the same assignee as the present application, and is hereby incorporated by reference. The specification of this U.S. Patent Application is reproduced in Appendix A.

Consider first the pager functions of smartcard 100 illustrated in FIG. 2. When a message is transmitted from the paging center, RF circuit 116 receives this message and converts it to digital information which is then transferred to computer 113 via signal bus 121. Computer 113 is responsive to the digital information to determine if the paging message is intended for this pager. If the message is intended for the pager, computer 113 actuates sound transducer 110. Computer 113 deactivates sound transducer 110 upon the clear button 102 being activated. If the message from the paging center includes the calling telephone number, this information is stored in memory 114 and displayed on display 109. If the message is of a information type, i.e., "call home", this message is displayed on display 109 and stored in memory 114. A number of calling numbers can be stored in memory 114 by computer 113 as these calling numbers are received by RF circuit 116. Note, that the textual information messages are also stored in memory 114 so that the user can review these messages at a later point in time. The user of smartcard 100 can return the calls stored in memory 114 by inserting smartcard 100 into a telephone set having a unit capable of reading smartcard 100. The telephone then communicates with computer 113 via signal interface 111 utilizing the method set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,654. The user then utilizes buttons 105 and 106 to display the calling number in display 109. Once the desired calling number is displayed in display 109, the user activates the transmit button 108. Computer 113 is responsive to this actuation to set up a call to the calling party via the telephone set. If this telephone set is a pay telephone, computer 113 accesses from memory 114 the calling card number and utilizes the calling card number to pay for the telephone call. Once the telephone call has been successfully made and the user does not wish to call the calling party a second time, the calling party activates clear button 102 to clear the calling number from display 109 and most importantly to delete it from memory 114. Save button 104 is used in conjunction with buttons 105 and 106 to change the sequence in which calls are returned. Initially, computer 113 stores the calling numbers in memory 114 in the order in which the calls were received via RF circuit 116. In addition, computer 113 can utilize a credit card number stored in memory 114 to complete the call to the calling party.

Using the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3, the user of smartcard 100 can also load into memory 114 via computer 113 and signal interface 111 a personal directory of telephone numbers that the user frequently calls. The numbers can be entered with a name plus a telephone number or simply a telephone number. If the information is transmitted to computer 113 as a name plus a telephone number, only the name will be displayed on 109 when the user is accessing the personal telephone directory. To activate the personal telephone directory, the user activates call directory button 101. The user then utilizes previous button 105 and next button 106 to display the desired party in display 109. After this party has been displayed, the user actuates transmit button 108 while the smartcard is being read by a telephone set. Computer 113 then establishes the call to the person or telephone number presently being displayed in display 109. To switch back to the calling numbers received via RF circuit 116, the user actuates call directory 101 a second time.

An additional paging function of smartcard 100 is that when a calling number is received by computer 113 from RF circuit 116, computer 113 examines the personal telephone directory stored in memory 114 to determine if the calling number is in the telephone directory. If the calling number is found in the personal telephone directory, computer 113 stores the textual name from the telephone directory and the calling number in the calling list in memory 114. Thus, when the user of smartcard 100 accesses the calling numbers received by RF circuit 116, smartcard 100 displays the name of the caller rather than just the calling number. In addition, if the textual name is received by RF circuit 116, computer 113 examines the personal telephone directory stored in memory 114 looking for this textual name. If the textual name is found in the personal telephone directory, computer 113 stores the textual name and the calling number in memory 114 for later accessing when the user is responding to calls received via the paging center. Also, computer 113 maintains a time of day clock, and includes the time of day information for each call received from the paging center via RF circuit 116. This time of day is displayed when the user displays the calling party's name or the calling number.

FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus for writing and reading information to/from smartcard 100. The elements illustrated in FIG. 3 with the exception of personal computer 340 are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,322. The latter patent shows that an application station rather than the personal computer communicating user data with microcomputer 310 and also shows a plurality of individual connectors for the communication of the information between application station 340 and microcomputer 310. In FIG. 3, personal computer 340 utilizes duplex link 341 which is a serial link to communicate information with microcomputer 310 and personal computer 340. Personal computer 340 is programmed to provide a user interface for the storage of the personal telephone directory and also for making modifications to this personal telephone directory stored on smartcard 100. In addition, personal computer 340 can also have computer 113 store credit card numbers and calling card numbers into memory 114 for use in making calls or for the purchasing of merchandise in the traditional manner that credit cards have routinely been used. One skilled in the art readily sees how to program personal computer 340 to perform these tasks.

FIG. 4 illustrates in block diagram form additional details of RF circuit 116. RF circuit controller 404 operates under control of computer 113 via bus 120. Together, computer 113 and RF circuit controller 404 perform the standard pager functions that are well known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,570 discloses these standard functions for a pager controller. The functions of elements 401, 402, and 403 are well known in the art.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate, in flow chart form, the operations performed by computer 113. With respect to FIG. 5, decision block 501 determines if the data is from the signal interface i.e., data from personal computer 340. If the answer is yes, control is transferred to decision block 502 which determines if the data is information that is to be used for updating the personal telephone directory stored in memory 114. If the answer is yes, the data is stored in the directory list in memory 114 by block 504. If the answer is no, control is transferred to block 503 which processes the data in a normal manner.

Returning to decision block 501, if the answer is no, control is transferred to decision block 506 which determines if one of the buttons 101-108 was actuated. If the answer is yes, control is transferred to FIG. 6 by connector A.

If the answer is no in decision block 506, control is transferred to decision block 507 which determines if the data is from RF circuit controller 404 of FIG. 4. If the answer is no, control is transferred back to decision block 501. If the answer is yes, control is transferred to decision block 508 which determines if the incoming message defines the fact that a calling party has left a page message for this particular pager at the page center. If the answer is no, control is transferred to block 509 which processes the message in a normal manner. If the answer is yes, control is transferred to block 511 which determines if the message contains a calling number or textual information defining the name of the individual who left the message at the paging center. If the answer is that telephone number is received, control is transferred to decision block 512 which examines the personal directory to determine if the calling number is found within the directory. This is done in order to obtain the name of the caller. If the answer in decision block 512 is no, control is transferred to block 514 which stores the calling number and the time stamp in the calling list maintained in memory 114. If the answer is yes, the accessed calling number, the caller's name, and the time list are stored in the calling list. After the operations of blocks 513 and 514, control is transferred back to decision block 501.

Returning to decision block 511, if the answer is no, control is transferred to decision block 516 which accesses the personal directory stored in memory 114 to find the caller's name. If the name is found, control is transferred to block 518 which stores the calling number, the person's name, and the time stamp in the calling list stored in memory 114. If the answer is no, control is transferred to block 517 which stores the person's name and the time stamp in the calling list maintained in memory 114. After the execution of blocks 517 and 518, control is transferred back to decision block 501.

Returning to decision block 506, if a button has been actuated, control is transferred to decision block 601 of FIG. 6 via connector A. Computer 113 maintains a DIR FLAG to define whether computer 113 is utilizing the directory list or the calling list. Decision block 601 determines whether the CALL DIR button has been actuated. If the answer is yes, control is transferred to 602 to determine whether the DIR FLAG is set or not. If the DIR FLAG is reset, block 603 sets the DIR FLAG. If the DIR FLAG is set, block 604 resets the DIR FLAG. Control from either block 603 or 604 is transferred to block 605 which displays the state of the DIR FLAG for a predefined period of time on display 109. After execution of block 605, control is transferred back to decision block 501 of FIG. 5 via connector B.

Returning to decision block 601, if the answer is no, control is transferred to decision block 606 which determines if the DIR FLAG is set. If the answer is no, control is transferred to decision block 701 of FIG. 7 via connector C. If the answer is yes, control is transferred to decision block 607 which determines if display button 103 was actuated. If the answer is yes, control is transferred to block 608 which displays the entry in the directory list pointed to by the DIR pointer.

Returning to decision block 607, if the answer is no, control is transferred to decision block 609 which checks if the CLR button 102 was actuated. If the answer is yes, control is transferred to block 612 which removes the entry in the directory list pointed to by the DIR pointer, decrements the directory pointer, and displays the entry now pointed to by the DIR pointer.

Returning to decision block 609, if the answer is no, control is transferred to decision block 613 which checks if SAVE button 104 was actuated. If the answer is yes, control is transferred to block 611. The latter block moves the entry in the directory list pointed to by the DIR pointer to the bottom of the directory list and readjusts the DIR pointer to point to the highest entry in the directory list. If the answer to decision block 613 is no, control is transferred to decision block 614.

Decision block 614 checks if PREV button 105 was actuated. If the answer is yes, control is transferred to block 616 which decrements the DIR pointer and displays the entry now pointed to by the DIR pointer. If the answer in decision block 614 is no, control is transferred to decision block 617.

Decision block 617 checks if the NEXT button 106 was actuated. If the answer is yes, control is transferred to block 619 which increments the DIR pointer and displays the entry now pointed to by the DIR pointer. If the answer in decision block 617 is no, control is transferred to decision block 618 which checks if the TRAN button 108 was actuated. If the answer is yes, control is transferred to block 621. Block 621 sets up a telephone call to the telephone number presently pointed to by the DIR pointer. The user only actuates TRAN button 108 when smartcard 100 was inserted into a reader attached to a telephone.

Returning to decision block 606, if the answer is no, control is transferred to decision block 701 of FIG. 7. Blocks 701 through 714 perform the same operations as blocks 607 through 621 with the exception that the CALL pointer and the calling list are used rather than the DIR pointer and the directory list, respectively.

FIG. 8 illustrates the operations performed by computer 113 in placing calls using either the directory list or the calling list. Computer 113 communicates with a telephone set via signal interface 111. Smartcard 100 is placed in the smartcard reader associated with the telephone set with the proper list having been already selected and the initial telephone number to be dialed being displayed in display 109. This telephone set is described in the previously incorporated patent application. To start the operation, the user then actuates TRAN button 108. Computer 113 is responsive to the actuation of button 108 to execute block 801 which accesses the calling card number to be utilized to pay for the call. Next, block 802 transmits the calling card number to the telephone. Block 803 accesses the telephone number to be called utilizing the proper pointer, and block 804 transmits the accessed telephone number to the telephone. Block 805 requests that a set up message be sent by the telephone using the accessed telephone number. Decision block tests to see if a reject message has been received from the called telephone. If the answer is yes, control is transferred to block 813 which terminates the session with the telephone. If the answer is no, control is transferred to block 807 which determines if an alerting message has been received from the called telephone. If the answer is no, control is transferred back to 806. When the answer is yes, control is transferred to block 808 which awaits the receipt of a disconnect message from the called telehone or the telephone system through which the call had been placed. Once, a disconnect message has been received, control is transferred to block 809 which decrements the pointer. Decision block 811 determines if the last number of the list has been called. If the answer is yes, block 813 is executed to terminate the session. If the answer is no, control is transferred to block 812 which determines if the CLR button 102 was actuated at any time during the call to the previous telephone number. If the answer is yes, control is transferred to block 813. If the answer is no, decision block 812 transfers control to block 803 so that the next telephone number in the list can be called.

FIG. 9 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention. The card illustrated in FIG. 9 has the same functions as card 100 of FIG. 1 but in addition, can be utilized as a calculator and has the capability for the user to enter names and telephone numbers utilizing keyboard 901. With respect to the functions that are identical to those performed by the card 100, key F1 of keyboard 901 performs the same functions as CALL DIR button 101, key F4 performs the same functions as TRAN button 108, the functions of buttons 102 through 106 of card 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1 are performed by the keys of keyboard 901 as indicated by the legend on those keys. For example, the "+" performs the function of NEXT in conjunction with key F1 being actuated. To utilize the card illustrated in FIG. 9 as a calculator, the F3 key is actuated.

To enter telephone numbers and names into the directory list that is maintained by computer 906 in memory 907, the user would first actuate key F2 and use the numerical keys on keyboard 901. For example, to enter the telephone number and the name "Mom", the user would first actuate F2 and then enter the telephone number utilizing the numerical keys of keyboard 901. As the user enters the telephone number utilizing the numerical keys on keyboard 908, computer 906 displays these numbers on display 908. To enter the word "Mom", after entering her telephone number, the user actuates the "." key which informs computer 906 that the numerical keys are going to be utilized to enter letters that are indicated under each number on the numerical keys of keyboard 901. To enter "Mom", the user first actuates the "6" key once. That causes the letter "M" to appear in display 908. Next, the user actuates the "." key which indicates that another letter is going to be entered, and actuates the "6" key three times which causes the letter "0" to be displayed in display 908. The user actuates the "." key again and then actuates the "6" key once which causes the letter "M" to be displayed in display 908. At this point, the telephone number and the word "Mom" are displayed in display 908. If everything is correct, the user actuates the "SAVE" key. If the display is not correct, the user actuates the "CLR" key which clears the display and the user restarts by entering the telehone number. The user can utilize keyboard 908 to remove telephone numbers and names which are in the directory list by actuating the F2 key and using the "PREV" key and the "CLR" key to remove these items.

It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of principles of the invention and that other arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. ##SPC1##