FR2717022A1 - Telephone number conversion method for user with learning difficulty - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves fitting an outer frame (1) around a telephone keypad. A thin flexible sheet (2) with a number of overlays (6) designating telephone push buttons is placed across the frame. A series of arrows is drawn on each overlay. The user follows the arrows to dial a particular number. An upper insert (3) allows display of a picture to show the person whose number is represented e.g. the doctor.

Description

TELEPHONE TRANSCODING METHOD AND DEVICE
The present invention relates to a transcoder intended in particular, but not exclusively, for telephone sets with numeric keypad and aims to facilitate the dialing of telephone numbers.

This transcoder is particularly intended for people unable to read or remember numbers. We know that the telephone codes used to establish communication between two sets are now made up of a series of numbers after having been alphanumeric for some time. Some people, especially illiterate people and / or people with mental disabilities, are unable to remember or read a series of numbers.

 It is known in certain telephone sets to memorize certain sequences of digits so that the call to the corresponding numbers can be made by pressing a single key. But the user still has to recognize the numbers.

The object of the present invention is to overcome this drawback and to allow the dialing of a telephone number by a person who does not know or do not recognize the figures.

According to the invention, the method for transcoding a call number into non-numeric intelligible signs is characterized in that it consists in covering the digital keyboard with a layer of flexible material carrying a connection trace between the different numeric keys. .

This line of course coincides with the keys corresponding to a call sign in their order. Thus, the person has only to be guided by the drawing formed on the flexible layer, this drawing being in the form of a line with a beginning and an end. By pressing a succession of dots, she dials a digital telephone code.

The present invention also relates to a device for implementing the invention, characterized in that it comprises a frame which can be adapted around a telephone keyboard surrounding a flexible single or multilayer sheet.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the following description of particular embodiments, given only by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the drawings which represent
- Figure 1, a front view of a first device
according to the invention,
- Figure 2, a view, in section along line II-II of the
Figure 3, of a second device;
- Figure 3, an example of use of the second
device.

In FIG. 1, it can be seen that the device consists of a frame 1 intended to surround a telephone dial with digital keys, the frame 1 possibly being flexible or rigid. Inside the frame 1 is placed a flexible sheet 2 which is essentially elastic and can transmit a pressure exerted on its upper face to a button arranged under its lower face.

The user places the device on the keyboard of his telephone apparatus, the frame being centered on the external side of the external keys. In the case of telephones whose face is concave, each of the faces of the device may include a rib 4 conforming to this shape in order to correct flatness.

Preferably, the frame 1 has in its upper part a projecting housing 3 in which it is possible to introduce a pictogram corresponding to an official body or a photo of the person whose number is stored on the device.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show an example of implementation of the method and the device according to the invention in an embodiment slightly different from that of FIG. 1.

In this example, it involves calling a doctor whose number is 4764 8281. The medical office is symbolized by the pictogram placed in compartment 3 or by the practitioner's photo. After placing the device on the keyboard, the underside of the sheet 2 comes into contact with the upper surface of the keys 6 of the keyboard, as shown in FIG. 2. The user follows the line 5 appearing on the upper surface of sheet 2. He begins by pressing the location of key 4, then that of key 7, that of key 6, etc. The number is thus dialed. Of course, the numbers of the keys are masked by the flexible sheet which is preferably opaque in order to simplify understanding.

Each side can have a telephone number.

For numbers with a large number of digits, it is possible to indicate the first digits on one side and the remaining digits on the other side.

Such a device can be used whenever it is necessary to use a coded keyboard, the keyboard being able to carry no numerical references, for example in the case of an entry door code which opens only by dialing of a determined sequence of pressing keys. The keys themselves may not be individualized and materialized.

Tracing is carried out for each number to be called by someone close to the user. But some general purpose numbers can be printed. For people who can read and remember sequences of numbers, the device can constitute a memory aid.

It goes without saying that many variants can be made, in particular by substitution of equivalent technical means, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (2)

10 Method for transcoding a call number into signs  non-digital intelligible characterized in that it  consists of covering the numeric keyboard with a layer  of flexible material carrying a connection path between the  locations of the different number buttons.  2 "Device for implementing the method according to the  claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a  frame (1), adaptable around a keyboard  digital, surrounding a flexible sheet (2) and bearing  a line (5). 30 Device according to claim 2, characterized in that  that it comprises a recess (3) intended for  receive information on the correspondent associated with  sheet layout (2).