System and method for programming numbers into the autodial memory of a telephone

Abstract

A telephone having a repertory dialing capacity and the associated method of programming new number sequences into the repertory dialing memory of the telephone. The telephone includes dialing keys, function keys and may include memory access keys. The dialing keys are used to dial the telephone. The memory access keys, if present, or a corresponding key sequence, is used to selectively retrieve stored number sequences from the repertory dialing memory. The function keys are used to switch the telephone between an operational state, wherein said dialing keys are used to dial, and a program state wherein said dialing keys are used to enter number sequences into the repertory dialing memory. A controller contained within the telephone provides access to the repertory dialing memory and enables a new number sequence to be entered into the repertory dialing memory, provided one of a plurality of key event sequences occur. The key event sequences include a key event from a function key to switch the telephone into its program state, the entering of a number sequence and the assignment of the new number sequence to one of the repertory storage locations, all occurring in one of several orders.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.