With regard to mobile telephony, H04M covers communication systems using wireless extensions, i.e. wireless links without selective communication, e.g. cordless telephones, which are covered by group H04M 1/72, whereas H04W covers communication networks for selectively establishing one or a plurality of wireless communication links between a desired number of users or between users and network equipments, for the purpose of transferring information via these wireless communication links.

With regard to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), voice is considered in this context to be a specific form of "digital information". Since the Internet Protocol and IP networks are classified in H04L (H04L 12/00, data switching networks and real-time session management in data packet switching networks H04L 65/1066, Session management in data packet switching networks H04L 67/14), the transmission of voice over IP networks should be classified in H04L.

When VoIP is used to emulate or simulate services, the service, as presented to the user, is still classified in H04M. Any implementation details are however classified in H04L, for example SPIT and SPAM prevention in VoIP should be classified in H04M 3/436 or H04M 1/663.

VoIP is not covered by any single class, subclass, group or subgroup but rather classified as evolution of existing technologies. Therefore, aspects of VoIP are not fully classified in H04M and H04L, but also in other classes which have been used for classification of aspects related to telephonic communication, H04M and transmission of digital information, H04L such as by the Internet protocol.

Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers;

Arrangements for indicating or recording called number or number of calling subscriber at the substation equipment;

Arrangements for answering calls and for recording messages and conversations at the substation equipment;

Substation extension, e.g. cordless telephones;

Arrangements for testing;

User guidance features in telephone sets;

Devices for signalling identity of wanted subscriber, e.g. telephone directories;

Substation equipment including speech amplifiers;

Arrangements for preventing unauthorized or fraudulent calling.

User interfaces for telephones applications.

Arrangements for services at the substation equipment are classified here. Arrangements for services at exchanges are classified at H04M 3/00

Public telephone booth E04H 1/14.

Subscriber network interface devices H04Q 1/028.

Terminal devices adapted for wireless communication networks H04W 88/02 (not for constructional features of portable telephones).

Portable transceivers H04B 1/3827

Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio waves: H04B 10/00

Constructional features of portable telephones. It is irrelevant whether they are mobile phones or handsets of a cordless phone having a local base station (e.g. DECT) at the user's premises. This group is intended to contain only candy-bar type telephone having no moving parts. For portable telephones having moving parts see below.

Example:

For portable computers: G06F 1/1613

For portable transceivers per se: H04B 1/3827

For wristwatch telephones: H04B 1/385

For SIM card holding means: H04B 1/3816

For constructional features of portable transmitters: H04B 1/034

For constructional features of casing for electrical apparatus in general: H05K 5/00

For constructional features of portable and battery operated apparatuses: H05K 5/0086

For antenna support and mounting means for mobile phones: H01Q 1/241

Toy telephones: A63H 33/3016

Protective covers or auxiliary enclosures for mobile telephones holding the device during use without hampering said use. The covers or enclosures for mobile telephones are in principle detachable, but intended to remain on the mobile telephone during use. The cover or enclosure provides features, e.g. openings, notches or bumpers, that enable the use of the mobile phone. The protection can be various, e.g. to hazardous environments, for improving heat dissipation or resistance to shocks.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

2.

Protective covers or auxiliary enclosures for mobile telephones that are intended to hold the device during use are classified in H04M 1/0203 while receptacles for storing portable audio devices, portable handheld communication devices or portable computing devices where the device must be removed for use are classified in A45C 11/001, A45C 11/002 and A45C 11/003, respectively.

In the context of subclass A45C, storing is understood as to refer to putting or keeping something in a receptacle for future use.

Enclosures for carrying portable computers with peripheral devices, like a printer or a charger, are classified in G06F 1/1628.

Holders or carriers being worn by a user for portable audio devices, portable handheld communication devices and portable computing devices to facilitate transporting or carrying, where the device is not in use or being passively used, are classified in groups A45F 5/1508, A45F 5/1516 and A45F 5/1525, respectively.

Protective covers or auxiliary enclosures for portable computers that are intended to hold the device during use without hampering said use are classified in G06F 1/1629.

Constructional features, like venting or EMI shielding means, of electronic housings not characterised by the inner electronic arrangements are classified in H05K 5/00.

Supports for positioning or steadying a device relative to a person with the intent of using the device are classified in F16M 13/04.

Features relating to further aspects concerning hygiene, e.g. integrated sanitizers or antiviral aspects are identified by allocating further classification in H04M 1/17.

Features relating to further improving the user comfort by providing a decorative aspect are identified by allocating further classification in H04M 1/0283.

Fastening means of holding devices supporting portable telephones are classified in H04M 1/04.

Main aspect is the motion of body parts. This group is intended for documents that do not fit in any of the lower level groups.

Example EP1843554

For portable computers: G06F 1/1615

Documents are only classified in this class when none of the lower classes applies.

Neither rotatable nor foldable in the sense of the definitions of the classes H04M 1/0225 or H04M 1/0214: the axis of the movement is neither perpendicular nor parallel to the plane defined by the bodies in the closed position.

This group is for portable telephones having moving parts and that do not fit in any of the groups H04M 1/021, H04M 1/0214, H04M 1/0225 or H04M 1/0235.

Example: EP1659700

Only foldable and rotatable phones without mechanical details of the hinge would be classified here (when combined with translation movement H04M 1/0235).

Example: US2004/0203485

This group is for documents disclosing details of the hinge mechanism that allow two degrees of freedom in the sense defined in the group H04M 1/021, i.e. folding around a first axis and rotating around a second axis, which is perpendicular to the first one.

Example:EP1298890

Only foldable and portable phone without mechanical details of the hinge.

Example:EP1595386 :

Foldable portable computers: G06F 1/1616.

Hinges for doors or windows E05D.

Hinged covers or doors H02B 1/38.

Hinges for casing of electrical apparatuses H05K 5/0226.

Indexing Codes will be converted to index classes and considered as additional information

This group contains constructional details concerning the hinge. If the document does not provide any details concerning the hinge, the document should be classified in the group H04M 1/0214.

Example:EP1641224

For portable computers: G06F 1/1681

Hinges for doors and windows: E05D

Flexible line connectors wound around the rotation axis for electrical connection of the two folding parts: H01R 35/00

Hinges including optical fibres between different housings: G02B 6/3604

This group is for hinges (folding in one direction) that contain input/out means like push buttons, a thumb wheel or other navigational tools. Additionally, folding portable telephones having cameras integrated in the hinge are classified here as well.

Example: US2005221865

This group is for folding portable telephones wherein the hinge comprises two paralles axes.

Example: EP1510905

Portable communication devices foldable along two directional axis which are perpendicular to each other (Dual-axis hinge).

Example: US2006112519

This group covers rotatable telephones whose body parts rotate relative to each other in the same plane as in the following Example: EP1349350

For portable computers: G06F 1/1622

This group contains constructional details concerning the hinge. If the document does not provide any details concerning the hinge, the document should be classified in the group H04M 1/0225.

For example: EP1615406

For portable computers: G06F 1/1681

This group is for hinges (rotating in one direction) that contain input/out means like push buttons, a thumb wheel or other navigational tools. Additionally, rotating portable telephones having cameras integrated in the hinge are classified here as well.

For example: US2005280731

This group is intended for rotating portable telephones wherein one of the rotating parts is a keyboard. If the document contains details of the hinge, the document is additionally classified in H04M 1/0227.

If there are a plurality of keyboards, the indexing code H04M 2250/18 is allocated as well.

For example: WO2005071928

This group is intended for rotating portable telephones wherein one of the rotating parts is a display. If the document contains details of the hinge, the document is additionally classified in H04M 1/0227.

If there are a plurality of displays, the indexing code H04M 2250/16 is allocated as well.

For example: US2005088075

For portable computers: G06F 1/1622

Slidable telephones without mechanical details of the hinge.

Some examples of movement combinations:

EP1540836: Foldable and slidable.

Classes:H04M 1/0235: Main aspect.

H04M 1/0214: Foldable as additional information.

WO2005071928: Rotatable and slidable.

Classes:

H04M 1/0235: Main aspect.

H04M 1/0233: Rotatable display as additional information.

For portable computers: G06F 1/1624

Not only slidable phones would be classified here, but every possible combination (except from foldable and rotatable, classified under H04M 1/021). Thus, the non-translational movement receives an Indexing Code as the following:

Slidable + Foldable

H04M 1/0235 + H04M 1/0214 as additional information.

Slidable + Rotatable

H04M 1/0235 + H04M 1/0225 as additional information.

Slidable + Rotatable + Foldable

H04M 1/0235 + H04M 1/021 as additional information.

This group contains constructional details concerning the sliding mechanism (e.g. sliding bars, springs and so on). If the document does not provide any details concerning the hinge, the document should be classified in the group H04M 1/0235.

For example: EP1648145

For portable computers: G06F 1/1681

This group conatins portable telephones wherein the housing parts can slide in two different directions (typically one perpendicular to the other one). If the document discloses mechanical details of the hinge, the code H04M 1/0237 is additionally allocated.

For example: WO2005071928

Portable telephones having moving parts (folding, rotating, sliding) whereby the position of the moving parts is detected and is used for performing an action (e.g. selecting an operating mode, answering a call, switch on/off a display or its backlight).

For example: US2005136853

'The method comprises the steps of detecting a relative position of the first electronic element relative to the second electronic element, and selecting an operational mode of the device based on the relative position'

Classification:

H04M 1/0241: Relative position.

H04M 1/0212: Details of foldable and rotatable hinge as additional information.

When the main aspect is the relative position of the body parts, then the type of movement would be classified as Indexing Code or additional information.

Foldable and rotatable phones with relative position detectors are classified here, as their functionality depends on a combination of both open/close positions and the relative angle between housings.

Mainly for rotatable phones, which apart from close (0°) and open (90° or 180°) positions have other 'intermediate' positions, with different functionalities.

Example: US2006035685

'the second housing ( 120 ) may have multiple positions relative to the first housing ( 220 ) in which each position activates a particular function of the device ( 100 ).'

Classification:

H04M 1/0243: Relative angle.

H04M 1/0227: Important details of rotatable hinge as additional information.

However, there are also those foldable telephones which detect not only an open/close condition, but the whole range:

Example: EP1601165

the relative angle of aperture controls foldable or rotatable phone. Classification:

H04M 1/0243: Relative angle.

H04M 1/0214: Foldable phone as additional information.

H04M 1/0225: Rotatable phone as additional information.

Mainly for foldable and slidable phone.

Example US2003064688

Slidable telephone with position detectors to control its functionality. Classification:

H04M 1/0245: Open/close condition.

H04M 1/0235: Slidable phone without important constructional hinge details as additional information.

For portable computers: G06F 1/1677

Portable telephones having at least three movable parts (folding, rotating, sliding). The type of movement is classified as additional information.

Example EP1396982: 3-body rotatable telephone.

Classes:

H04M 1/0247: Main aspect.

H04M 1/0231: Rotatable keypad as additional information.

Constructional assembly of a mobile phone. Details about the interconnection of the main housing parts. How the device is kept together.

For user replaceable housings having a decorative purpose see H04M 1/0283.

This class is also for application dealing with methods disclosing how to assemble the telephone set during manufacturing.

Example: EP2180668

Casing and cabinets comprising several parts forming a closed housing: H05K 5/00

When the connection is done by pressing the housing portions together (press-fit or snap-on mechanism).

Also for applications where a special tool is required to separate the housing.

Example: EP2219349

Other examples:

US2004053649

DE10314171

.

Mechanical assembly of a portable communication device comprising a plurality of detachable modules.

Example: WO2008017728. A communication device comprises a first structural module (101) with a power source (120), as well as second (102), and third (103) structural modules

For personal computers: G06F 1/1656

Detachable keyboards for portable computers: G06F 1/1669

For a detachable accessory providing an expanded functionality to the communication device when connected to the same: H04M 1/72409.

Mechanical assembly of a portable communication device comprising a plurality of detachable modules which may communicate between each other via a wireless link when they are detached from each other

Example: US2008167080. An improved portable mobile phone is disclosed wherein the mobile phone comprises two modules and the mobile phone can function properly when the two modules are physically connected as well as when the two modules are detached

.

For an accessory providing an expandable functionality to the communication device and communicating with the same by using a short range radio link as the Bluetooth interface: H04M 1/72412.

The headset is fitted in a special compartment of the device when not in use.

Example :US2008090626

Mounting of specific components other than acoustic transducers like microphones and speakers.

The latching mechanism 10 is configured for mounting an accessory member 32 to a housing 31 of a portable electronic device 30.

Mounting of a battery module in a portable communication device

Example: WO9966697

Mounting of a camera module in a portable communication device.

Example EP1267576. A camera module (30) is rotatably assembled between the inner sides of the rotary hinge support portions.

For a camera module in portable computers: G06F 1/1686

For constructional details of videotelephones: H04N 7/142

Mounting of a display module in a portable communication device

In the device (100), the flat-board-like display unit (200) provided with a display drive section (213) that drives a liquid crystal display section (211) is attached to a first case (110) with a metal rear plate (160) there between.

.

The display being extendable and retractable.

Example :WO2005114309. The display device has an inner housing with inner slot through which a bend region of a rollable display device portion is disposed.

For personal computers: G06F 1/1652

A corrective lens (6), adapted to magnify the characters shown on the display, being associated with the display.

Example EP1643734

For magnifying glasses per se: G02B 25/002

Mounting of an electrical connector in a portable communication device for connecting an accessory or external apparatus.

Example EP2239928. A portable electronic device includes a first slidable body (110), a second body (120), a motion assembly (132), a connector (140), and an ejector (150)

Connectors per se: H01R

Means for securing a printed circuit boards to the inside of a portable telephone.

Examples:

US6728112. A fastening module (1) for a printed circuit board (10) of a portable electronic device includes the printed circuit board and a casing (20). The casing includes at least one supporting plate (23, 25) and at least one clamp (22).

US6041120

Manufacturing printed circuits and assembling with electrical components: H05K 3/00

Portable telephones having means for improving the user comfort or ergonomics.

Example US2010210329. Hand held, ergonomic grip having a portable telephone device removably coupled thereto

Personal computers with ergonomic disposition of keys: G06F 1/1664

Ergonomic functions for miniature keyboards : H01H 13/84

Constructional features allowing single hand use. Also for applications dealing with constructional aspects allowing right or left hand use.

An ergonomic housing that is shaped to fit comfortably in the palm of a human hand.

Example US6164853

User replaceable covers having a decorative function. If after changing the cover there is a change in the functionality see also H04M 1/7246.

This class also includes handsets made of precious metals or with other aesthetic improvements.

Housing with decorative pattern area.

Example US2010085690

H04M 1/7246 when the exchange of a faceplate modifies the functionality of the device

Portable telephone having a pen shape or form factor.

Examples:

US2009251338.

DE19922777

Pen or stylus-type devices: G06F 3/03545

Mechanical arrangements for connecting expansion modules to telephone sets

Example US7500880

Constructional features of a door telephone, intercom, or interphone.

Example US2004091092.

Video door telephones: H04N 7/186

Door telephone systems: H04M 11/025

Constructional features of junction boxes (23) for connecting a telephone set to a telephone line.

Example US2003040223.

Conductive connections between two or more conductive members: H01R

Convertible desk-to-wall support for handheld devices.

Example US6130521

Mounting of a microphone and a loudspeaker in the telephone handset.

Acoustic transducers per se: H04R 1/00

Mounting of acoustic transducers in a portable computer: G06F 1/1688

Mounting of an additional speaker/microphone in a fixed telephone set for handsfree use H04M 1/62.

Means for improving or changing the acoustic characteristics of acoustic transducers (microphones, loudspeakers). Resonating chambers being provided on the back of the transducer, sound channels in housings.

For example EP0275996 : a sound passage opening (7) is disposed on the inside of the lid, connecting with at least one sound feeding channel (8) inside the lid for guiding sound waves to the microphone (3):

Constructional features, e.g. fastening means of a holster, holding device or docking station supporting a portable telephone.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this place:

Supports for portable telephones covering constructional features of holsters, holding devices or docking stations that are supporting portable telephones directly or indirectly through connection means are classified in H04M 1/04 while supports for a hand-held apparatus or articles in general are classified in F16M 13/00.

Supports for positioning or steadying a device relative to a person with the intent of using the device are classified in F16M 13/04.

Stands or trestles as supports for articles placed thereon in general are classified in F16M 11/00.

Holders or carriers being worn by a user for portable audio devices, portable handheld communication devices and portable computing devices to facilitate transporting or carrying, where the device is not in use or being passively used, are classified in groups A45F 5/1508, A45F 5/1516 and A45F 5/1525, respectively.

Protective covers or auxiliary enclosures for portable computers that are intended to hold the device during use without hampering said use are classified in G06F 1/1629.

Protective covers or auxiliary enclosures for mobile phones that are intended to hold the device during use without hampering the telephonic functions are classified in H04M 1/0203.

When the docking station provides additional functionality to the portable telephone, H04M 1/72409 should be used.

Constructional features of devices for adapting a telephone handset for use on head, throat or breast.

Constructional features of headsets or earphones adapted for telephone communication

Constructional features of earpieces per se and attachments for the same: H04R 1/08, H04R 1/10

Portable transceivers carried on the body: H04B 1/385

Head-up displays: G02B 27/01

Hearing aids per se: H04R 25/00

For fixed telephone sets only.

Telephone cradle switch. Example: EP1005208

for an answering machine H04M 1/6545.

Supports for fixed telephone sets (meaning the whole telephone set housing).

Example:EP1467541

Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon: F16M 11/00

Telescopic arm and carrying platform for the telephone set

Means for storing or protecting a telephone cord. Typically for fixed telephone sets. Documents relating to portable telephones having means for storing or protecting the cord of a headset are also classified in this group.

For guiding electric cables in general: H02G 11/00

Devices for handling or storing cables: B65H 75/44

Features of telephone equipment to improve hygiene, e.g. integrated sanitizers, antiviral smartphone covers or speaker covers to prevent transmission of airborne particles.

Fixed telephone sets or mobile phones specially adapted for use in adverse conditions, e.g. providing protection against dust, water, extreme temperatures, chemical fumes or gases, fire or explosions.

This place covers integral casings intended to improve the operability in adverse conditions. Protective covers or auxiliary enclosures for mobile phones that are intended to hold the device during use without hampering the telephonic functions are classified in H04M 1/0203.

Improvements to shock resistance of the housing, where the housing is the fixed enclosure of the telephone.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this place:

1.

Figure 1 illustrates how the display panel is protected from being damaged by collisions by means of shock absorbers (90) provided under a heat dissipating plate (70) and the display panel (50).

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Figures 2-7 illustrate several structural features for actively protecting a cover glass of a display device, when detecting that the device is in free fall. The example includes extending a bezel (104) around the display by springs or shape memory alloy, deploying an airbag (306) or parachute (356), changing the angular momentum by moving of a fluid in an internal chamber (404) or a set of balls in a track (450), so that the device lands on its side as well as deploying a suction cup (526).

All mechanical means for preventing noise from reaching the microphone (Directional microphones).

Voice analysis or recognition and noise suppression per se: G10L

Telephone sets with mechanical arrangements for preventing acoustic feedback between microphone and loudspeaker.

Example WO0049788. The telephone handset has a microphone (2) with a unidirectional direction characteristic

Electrical and circuit aspects of echo cancellers for two way loudspeaking telephone sets: H04M 9/08

Echo cancellers per se on line transmission systems: H04B 3/20

Structural integration of gadgets physically associated with the telephone (watches, agendas, bottle openers, thermometers, razor) which do not modify the functionality of the telephone. Personal electronics device with cosmetics compartment

Example US2009166247.

The auxiliary equipment is connected without modifications to the telephone's circuit.

Acoustic couplers for modems.

Communication by means of acoustic waves: H04B 11/00

Light source in combination with a fixed or portable telephone.

Includes also the backlighting of displays.

Illumination of keys per se: H01H 13/023

Illumination for keyboards: H01H 13/83

Illumination devices in combination with telephones: F21V 33/0052

Control of back illumination for visual indicators: G09G 3/3406

Combination of camera with lighting apparatus: G03B 15/03

This group relates to the mounting of a keyboard in the telephone set housing.

Constructional structure of an array of key-operated switches per se e.g. keyboard: H01H 13/70

Keys with feedback: H01H 13/84

For personal computers: G06F 1/1662

With ergonomic disposition of keys: G06F 1/1664

Detachable keyboards for portable computers: G06F 1/1669

H04M 1/22 takes precedence for improving visibility.

Constructional details of pointing devices for personal computers: G06F 3/033.

Special purposes keys or auxiliary keyboards for personal computers: G06F 1/1671

Testing arrangements located in the subscriber set.

Subscriber line supervision and monitoring circuits at the exchange: H04M 3/2272.

Automatic routine testing for subscriber lines: H04M 3/30

For wireless networks: H04W 24/06, H04W 24/08

For line transmission systems in general: H04B 3/46

Testing/monitoring in general: H04B 17/00

Testing of printed circuit boards: G01R 31/2801

Testing transducers: H04R 29/00

This group is only meant for fixed telephone sets.

Enhanced GUI for activating services provided by the exchange by using special function keys.

Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers: H04M 3/42

Interaction techniques with a graphical user interface per se: G06F 3/048

Subscriber interaction with the exchange to configure the features of the telephone set

Downloading features or services related to certain keys and requested by the subscriber from the exchange.

By downloading data to the subscriber set

H04M 3/42178

Extended functionality of a telephone set when combined with a personal computer on the subscriber side.

Arrangements which combine a telephonic equipment with a computer

H04M 7/0012

Details of Application programming interfaces

H04M 7/0021

Private branch exchange with computer telephony integration (CTI)

H04M 3/42323

This group and subgroups are only meant for fixed telephone sets.

Analogous equipment in the exchange: H04M 3/42391

Devices for conversing with the deaf-blind: G09B 21/04

Hearing-aids per se

H04R 25/00

This group is only meant for fixed telephone sets.

User interaction with a menu display for selecting telephonic applications.

Interaction techniques with a graphical user interface per se

G06F 3/048

H04M 1/2474 takes precedence.

Text-based messaging services in telephone networks such as PSTN or ISDN

H04M 3/42382

Centralised arrangements for recording text messages

H04M 3/5322

Centralised arrangements providing data services like text-based messaging, instant messaging, short message service, electronic mail, or multimedia messaging

H04M 7/0042

For accessing Internet

H04M 7/006

Interactive information services

H04M 3/493

This group has not properly evolved as the ISDN telephone sets have been classified in the group H04Q 11/0471 from their origin onwards.

ISDN terminal access circuits

H04Q 11/0471

Analogue to digital conversion

H03M 1/00

Telephonic communication systems adapted for simultaneous speech and data transmission

H04M 11/06

Telephone terminals adapted for voice communication over an internet protocol (IP).

With regard to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), voice is considered in this context to be a specific form of "digital information". Since the Internet Protocol and IP networks are classified in H04L (H04L 12/00, data switching networks and H04L 41/00 - H04L 69/00, real-time communication in data packet switching networks H04L 65/00), the transmission of voice over IP networks should be classified in H04L.

When VoIP is used to emulate or simulate services, the service, as presented to the user, is still classified in H04M. Any implementation details are however classified in H04L, for example SPIT and SPAM prevention in VoIP should be classified in H04M 3/436.

Networks other than PSTN/ISDN providing telephone services and including a packet-switched transport layer such as the internet protocol multimedia system H04M 7/006

Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP] H04L 69/16

Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication H04L 65/00

End user terminal functionalities specially adapted for real-time communication H04L 65/1059

General methods and devices for initiating a telephone call.

Telephone terminals adapted for abbreviated dialling by storing a directory consisting of a plurality of telephone numbers.

Centralized directories assistance

H04M 3/4931

The telephone number is retrieved from the directory by voice recognition.

Voice recognition per se

G10L 15/00

Access to centralized directories by speech interaction

H04M 3/4936

Telephone terminal storing only one telephone number.

Electromechanical arrangements.

Sorting telephone directory items according to their frequency of use or other criteria.

Retrieving a telephone number by scrolling a list of items, e.g. names or corresponding telephone numbers, on a display.

Selecting a called party by means of a pictorial representation of the called party or by using interactive graphical means for accessing a directory on a display.

Retrieving a telephone number by matching character strings, e.g. the first letters of the name of a party to be called, with the entries of a directory.

Calling a subscriber in a different area or country by appending an area code or international prefix to the telephone number before dialling.

Automatic dialling or redialling systems, also for automatic dialling of a list of telephone numbers.

Using portable electronic directories, e.g. smart card storing a telephone directory and including acoustic coupling means for generating DTMF tone sequences corresponding to telephone numbers stored in the memory.

Using optical scanning, e.g. for scanning bar codes corresponding to telephone numbers.

Telephone terminals whose directory is downloaded from another terminal or from the network.

Cards with magnetic band and without processor.

The dialling sequence is generated as a succession of pulses.

Electronic circuits for generating pulses per se: H03K 3/00

H04M 1/32 - H04M 1/40 take precedence.

Circuits for generating the dialling sequence as a succession of DTMF tones.

Circuits for detecting sequences of DTMF tones: H04Q 1/45

E.g. Hook flash (access to additional service of the exchange by pushing the hook switch).

Arrangements in the exchange for transferring calls based on the information specified by the calling party: H04M 3/54, H04M 3/58

Party-line systems per se: H04M 13/00

Notifying the calling party with information concerning the called party: H04M 3/42093

Providing the called party with information about the calling party before the call is answered or during the call.

Notifying the called party with information on the calling party: H04M 3/42042

Where the information is included in the ringing tone: H04M 3/42051

For distinctive ringing: H04M 19/04

Identification of class of calling subscriber at the exchange: H04Q 3/70

Arrangements at a manual exchange: H04M 5/18

Blocking transmission of caller ID, H04M 1/571.

Line interface circuits for detecting the identification code of the calling party (For instance transmitted within the ringing signal).

A picture of the calling party is displayed.

A vocal announcement provides the identity of the calling party.

For distinctive ringing tones: H04M 19/04 with H04M 19/041

Circuit of a telephone line interface, which couples part of the signal from the handset microphone to the loudspeaker of the same handset through the hybrid circuit.

Hybrid circuit arrangements for transceivers: H04B 1/58

Hybrid circuits for line transmission systems in general: H04B 3/03

Anti-side tone circuit implemented only with electronic components.

For transceivers: H04B 1/586

Speech amplifiers within the telephone set.

Control of amplification in general: H03G

Speech amplifiers related to the transmitter (microphone) circuit.

Speech amplifiers related to the receiver (loudspeaker) circuit.

For integrated circuits performing a two-way speech circuit function.

Handsfree use of a fixed telephone set with external microphone and loudspeaker.

Two-way loud-speaking systems with means for suppressing echoes and acoustic feedback: H04M 9/08

Public address systems: H04R 27/00

General arrangements for providing handsfree use of a mobile phone.

Arrangements for holding mobile phones in vehicles: B60R 11/0241

Sensing the distance between the user and the device to control the operation mode and the amplification factor of the received and/or transmitted signal.

Cable connection of a headset or earphone to the mobile phone for handsfree use.

Wireless connection between the mobile terminal and the headset.

Arrangements for handsfree use of a mobile terminal in a vehicle.

Arrangements for holding telephones in a vehicle: B60R 11/0241

H04M 1/6058 and H04M 1/6066 take precedence.

Coupling the mobile terminal with the on board audio or navigation system of the vehicle.

Wireless interface between the on board audio or navigation system and the mobile terminal.

Navigation systems: G01C 21/00

Only for fixed telephone set.

Constructional arrangements of the loudspeaker and the microphone in the telephone housing to enable handsfree use of the telephone.

When a call is placed to an unattended telephone set, an outgoing message OGM or pre-recorded speech announcement is played back to the calling party who is not invited in this case to record a response to the announcement.

Centralized arrangements for answering calls: H04M 3/50

Centralized dictation systems: H04M 11/10

Only for playing back a speech announcement to the calling party without recording an answer from the calling party.

Information storage per se: G11C.

A synthesized speech announcement is played back to the calling party.

H04M 1/642 takes precedence.

When a call is placed to an unattended telephone set, an outgoing message OGM or pre-recorded speech announcement is played back to the calling party who is invited in this case to record a response to the announcement, which response is also called incoming message .

Centralized arrangements for recording incoming messages: H04M 3/53

Voice mail systems: H04M 3/533

For playing back a speech announcement to the calling party and recording the calling party's answer.

Information storage per se: G11C

A synthesized speech announcement is played back to the calling party

H04M 1/6505 takes precedence.

Means for enabling the subscriber to listen to the messages which have been recorded by its telephone set during its absence by remote control.

H04M 1/658 takes precedence.

Specific line monitoring circuits for answering machines.

Telephone line interface circuits in general: H04M 1/738

Telephone line monitoring and detecting circuits in general: H04M 1/82

Answering machines with mechanical means for lifting the handset and activating the hook switch to close the line loop in response to an incoming call.

Arrangements for recording parts or the whole speech communication in the subscriber set.

Conversation recording systems at the exchange: H04M 3/42221

Means for forwarding a recorded message from an unattended telephone set to a remote location corresponding to a pre-stored telephone number.

Telephone sets adapted for preventing unauthorized calls (incoming or outgoing calls).

Screening or filtering incoming calls (for instance depending on the caller identification).

Arrangements for screening incoming calls at the exchange: H04M 3/436, H04M 3/4365

The calling party has to dial a special code prior to the dialling of the telephone number (for instance a certain DTMF sequence). This special code is checked at the called telephone set to accept or deny the communication.

Graded services arrangements in the exchange by using authorisation codes or passwords: H04M 3/382

Mostly mechanical means preventing the use of a telephone set for outgoing calls.

H04M 1/677 takes precedence.

Circuits or functional arrangements to disable or lock the telephone set for outgoing calls. This group also includes fingerprint or biometric recognition systems to enable the use of the telephone set.

Systems for eye/iris/retina acquisition: G06V 40/19

Access control by means of physical/biometric data: G07C 9/37

Electronic locks using biometric data for granting access: G07C 9/00563

The user has to key in a special code to unlock the telephone set for outgoing calls.

The user is requested to insert a smart card in the telephone set to activate the telephone set.

Graded services arrangements in the exchange by using subscriber identification cards: H04M 3/387

For instance preventing long distance calls by analysing the dialling sequence at the telephone set.

Arrangements with few programmed keys corresponding to a limited set of telephone numbers for local calls (special telephones for children).

Arrangements provided on the path between the local telephone and the junction box.

Eavesdropping prevention in the exchange: H04M 3/205

For preventing subscribers sharing the same telephone line in rural areas to listen to someone else conversation.

Arrangements of two or more telephone sets connected to the network via the same line.

Mobile telephones, i.e. cellular or wireless telephones.

Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection, e.g. DECT® telephones.

Telephones adapted for both mobile and cordless operation.

User interfaces specially adapted for the interaction of the user with mobile or cordless telephones.

User interfaces with means for locally supporting a plurality of applications that provide extended functionality, further to the main telephone mode.

Extended functionality obtained by software upgrading or downloading.

Extended functionality obtained by connecting external accessories.

For example:

An expansion display unit (10) is provided with a display section (13) having a display surface larger than the display section (8) of the mobile terminal.

Extended functionality obtained by connecting external accessories via short-range radio links, e.g. Bluetooth®.

Illustrative example of the subject matter classified in H04M 1/72412: 

A mobile phone 10 operating as a master performs a request to establish a piconet with a computer 21, a printer 22, a PDA 23, and a headset 24 located in an operating range 20 allowing direct connection. The computer 21 can form another piconet with a speaker 30.

Mobile or cordless telephones adapted for remote control of other appliances. For example, an appliance to be controlled is selected from a list of appliances (26) on the cellular device display (22).

Mobile or cordless telephones with applications supporting an emergency service.

Mobile or cordless telephones with user interfaces for interacting with game applications or for supporting graphical animations, e.g. avatars, themes or wallpapers, background screens or screen savers.

User interfaces for interacting with messaging applications (e.g. voice or text messaging, SMS or MMS) in mobile or cordless telephones.

User interfaces for interacting with image or video messaging applications, e.g. for picture transmission as attachment to a message.

Customisation of a mobile terminal or modification of user settings.

Adapting the functionality of mobile or cordless telephones according to schedules, e.g. using calendar applications.

Adapting the functionality of cordless or mobile telephones according to events detected by a context application or according to their physical environment, e.g. by using sensors.

Adapting the functionality of mobile or cordless telephones according to their locations.

Adapting terminal functionality by connection of exchangeable housing parts, e.g. by using interchangeable faceplates

Partial suppression of functionality, e.g. of ringing in theatres or hospitals.

For operating the device by selecting telephonic functions on menu displays, e.g. simple accept/reject icons.

Portable communication devices adapted for disabled people.

Cordless telephones used as extension of a telephone base station by communicating via a wireless link with the base station.

With regard to mobile telephony, H04M covers communication systems using wireless extensions, i.e. wireless links without selective communication, e.g. cordless telephones, which are covered by group H04M 1/72, whereas H04W covers communication networks for selectively establishing one or a plurality of wireless communication links between a desired number of users or between users and network equipment, for the purpose of transferring information via these wireless communication links.

Cordless telephones registered with the same and unique base station.

Radio link set-up procedure between a cordless phone and the base station.

Radio link set-up procedure by using a control channel.

Radio link set-up procedure by selecting and using an idle communication channel.

Placing calls on hold.

Intercom functions between at least two cordless telephones registered with the same base station.

Direct communication links between two handsets without intervention of the base station. Transfer communication modes to redirect calls to other telephones.

For registration of a cordless telephone with a base station.

For cordless telephones only.

For mobile and cellular phones: H04W 52/02

For personal computers: G06F 1/3203

This group refers to the head group H04M 1/725 and relates only to cordless telephones

Wireless PBX: H04W 84/16

For cordless telephones.

Line interface circuits for fixed telephone sets.

Analogous interface circuits for subscriber telephone lines at the exchange: H04M 3/005

Modems and ADSL lines: H04M 11/06

Arrangements located at the subscriber side.

Indicating faults in circuits or apparatuses at the exchange: H04M 3/08

Reducing interference in line transmission systems: H04B 3/28, H04B 3/30

Circuit arrangements located at the subscriber side.

Analogous equipments at the exchange, H04M 3/18

Emergency protective circuit arrangements in general for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection, H02H 9/00

Line impedance adaptation implemented in the subscriber set.

Control of transmission and equalising in line transmission systems in general: H04B 3/04

Systems for transmission via power distribution lines: H04B 3/54

Repeater circuits H04B 3/38

Circuits arrangements on the subscriber side.

Call holding circuits at the exchange: H04M 3/4283

Line supervising and monitoring at the exchange: H04M 3/2209

Line monitoring in transmission systems in general: H04B 3/46

For detecting caller identification H04M 1/573.

Methods and arrangements for ringing or otherwise calling substations as well as call notifications services where the type of notification is adapted to the specific context of the incoming call.

Providing distinctive or selective ringing capability can also be found in H04M 19/04 when the ringing current is generated at the substation.

If the ringing tone is used as a means to notify the called party of information on the calling party, H04M 3/42051 takes priority

Methods and arrangements which are specifically adapted to the troubleshooting of faults or failures.

The troubleshooting of faults or failures belongs in principle to Operations, Administration, Maintenance, and Provisioning [OAM&P], which is classified in H04M 3/22, but since it is an IPC group it has been kept on the same hierarchical level.

Means which are specifically adapted to telephone subscriber lines consisting of twisted copper pairs. For example the use of load coils or overvoltage protection arrangements are covered here.

Operations, Administration, Maintenance, and Provisioning OAM&P of telephonic communication services, arrangements and application servers as mentioned in the definition statement of the main group H04M 3/00 as well as individual telephone exchanges or switches.

Furthermore, it covers call monitoring, tracing and detail recording, as well as speech quality monitoring.

This group also covers OAM&P of the metallic twisted pair subscriber line, whereby testing of physical copper line parameters is covered by H04M 3/305 and xDSL line qualification testing is covered by H04M 3/306.

As far as management of networks is concerned, one has to distinguish between telephone networks and data networks.

Management of telephone networks is classified in group H04Q 3/0062, while management of data networks is classified in groups H04L 41/00 or H04L 43/00.

Testing of crosstalk effects is classified in group H04B 3/487.

Methods and arrangements for preventing the establishment of certain outgoing connections either by such services as outgoing call barring, i.e. by default the establishment is prevented, or call screening, i.e. by default the establishment is allowed.

Where the prevention can be [temporarily] disabled, this is classified in the hierarchically lower groups.

Prevention of incoming connections is classified in H04M 3/436.

Methods and arrangements which provide supplementary telephonic communication services, that is any type of service which goes beyond basic call establishment. Arrangements for which specific subgroups exist are in particular enterprise telephonic communication servers H04M 3/42314, interactive voice response systems H04M 3/493, call or contact centers H04M 3/51, voicemail systems H04M 3/533, and telephonic conference bridges H04M 3/56.

The arrangements which provide the supplementary telephonic communication services are the ones mentioned in the definition statement of this subclass. Certain arrangement and protocol details are classified as mentioned in the passage "Relationship between large subject matter areas" of this subclass. Mobile application services, also referred to as mobile apps, using supplementary telephonic communication services are covered by H04W 4/16.

Methods and arrangements for establishing a connection to and from a party which has not been identified by the other party. For example the calling party only specifies a subject or a box number published in a newspaper. Also covers disposal numbers which are only usable for a limited amount of time.

Calling Line Identification Restriction [CLIR] is covered by the combination with H04M 3/42042. Connected Line Identification Restriction [COLR] is covered by the combination with H04M 3/42093

When the customized notification mentioned above relates to an advice of charge, the groups H04M 15/00 or H04L 12/14 take priority.

The configuration of supplementary services. Whereas OAM&P as classified in H04M 3/22 also comprises configuration of network nodes by the network operator, this group specifically covers the configuration of supplementary services that are provided to subscribers as add-ons to basic telephony. Furthermore, service interactions are covered by H04M 3/4217.

Methods and arrangements where certain lines or connections are prioritised which for example is important when the system is overloaded due to failure or disaster situations.

Preferential services are often provided in the context of overload which often occurs when a disaster occurred. The disaster is a specific form of emergency situation. Overload in general is covered by H04M 3/367 whereas any services related to emergency situations are covered by H04M 2242/04. Mobile application services, also referred to as mobile apps, handling emergency, urgent or hazardous situations are covered by H04W 4/90.

Methods and arrangements for any kind of return calls, as well as for call completion on no reply [CCNR]. Call completion on busy [CCBS] is covered by H04M 3/48.

This group also covers services where the calling subscriber is a requestor of a return call in order to reverse the direction of the established call, as for example in calling card services. This group is also used for storing caller identity information in the network and inform called party about all calls that came in when he was busy/absent; i.e. even though nor "recall" is initiated; this service is often referred to as missed call notification.

Arrangements for calling back a calling subscriber in the specific context of call center queuing is covered by H04M 3/5231. Arrangements for calling back the sender of a voice mail messageis covered by H04M 3/53341.

Arrangements for calling back a calling subscriber when the wanted subscriber ceases to be busy is covered by H04M 3/48 

Methods and arrangements for voice dialling.

When speech recognition is additional rather than inventive information, H04M 2201/40 is used. Selection by voice as provided by interactive voice response-type systems and classified by H04M 3/493 is not explicitly classified since it is implicit in such systems.

Arrangements at a terminal for service or number selection by voice is covered by H04M 1/271

Method and arrangements where a third party is capable of to answer someone else's telephone call, which is referred to as picking up a call.

Simultaneous alerting is covered by H04M 3/46. The distinction between call pickup and simultaneous alerting is not the intended destination but the terminals or partys being notified about the call. When the party answering the call has been signalled the call, H04M 3/46 takes priority.

Methods and arrangements for recording a telephone conversation independent of the specific context.

If used for law enforcement purposes it should be combined with H04M 3/2281 and if used for quality assurance in call centers it should be combined with H04M 3/5175. Contrary to H04M 3/2218 it is the speech exchanged during a telephone conversation that is recorded and not any call details such as time of or parties to the call.

Methods and arrangements for handling a call according to one of the involved parties rather than handling it according to a telephone number with a fixed association to a line as in the classical PSTN where the telephone number identifies both, the party and the line. The classical example of what this group covers is the personal number service.

The hierarchically lower groups cover in particular the following:

This group should only be used when the subject-matter to be classified relates to the problem of overcoming the fixed association mentioned above because cellular and IP-based telephone networks inherently do not use addresses, such as telephone numbers, with such a fixed association.

Local number portability is covered by H04M/42N5.

Diversion of calls from one subscriber to another subscriber, i.e. from one subscription to another H04M 3/54 takes priority; Implementation details for such service in Intelligent Networks are covered by H04Q 3/005.

Methods and arrangements for providing supplementary services relating to deregulated telephone networks or to special service telephone numbers. Three hierarchically lower groups are dedicated to

Carrier selection: H04M 3/42289

Local number portability: H04M 3/42297

Number translation services, in particular freephone: H04M 3/42306.

When the supplementary service is implemented by an Intelligent Network, H04M 2207/12 is allocated. Intelligent Networks in general are covered by H04Q 3/0029

Methods and arrangements which are specifically adapted to a private context as for example in an office or even at home. Private in this context is the opposite of public in the Public Switched Telephone Network.

Three hierarchically lower groups are dedicated to

Multi-site arrangements which are classified in H04M 7/009

Methods and arrangements where the service adapts its behaviour to the spatial context of the subscriber.

If the service itself is explicitly covered by one of the H04M 3/00 group, this group is allocated in combination.

Methods and arrangements where the service adapts its behaviour to the personal context of the subscriber, in particular its ability and/or willingness to communicate.

If the service itself is explicitly covered by one of the H04M 3/00 groups, this group is allocated in combination.

Methods and arrangements where text messages are transmitted as add-on to signalling mechanisms for telephonic communication. Furthermore, interactions of calls and text messages such as calls triggering a message or messages triggering a call are covered here.

Methods and arrangements for facilitating the redial of a recently called party.

Whereas in H04M 3/424 the recall is initiated by the calling party, in H04M 3/48 it is initiated by the network.

Methods and arrangements for suppressing verbal communication to the party which has put the call on hold. Four hierarchically lower groups are dedicated to:

Methods and arrangements where the call context is analysed in order to decide if the call is offered to the called party. If the party to be screened has defined upfront certain information that is being analysed as well, the hierarchically lower group H04M 3/4365 is to be used.

If the screening rules are stored in association with the calling party H04M 3/42059 is to be allocated in combination. In case of a spatial context, H04M 3/42348 and in case of a personal context (presence) H04M 3/42365 is to be allocated in combination. If the call which is not offered to the called party is not terminated but forwarded (diverted) to a different party, H04M 3/54 takes priority.

Methods and arrangements for alerting a number of substations of the same call. If the substations are alerted at the same time then the hierarchically lower group H04M 3/465 is to be used. This group covers features such as call coverage and call hunting.

Call distribution is to be classified in H04M 3/523. If all the substations to be alerted are associated with the same subscriber, the subject-matter is to be classified as a personal number service in H04M 3/42229. If for a specific context only one alternative [substation] is defined, the subject-matter is to be classified as call diversion in H04M 3/54.

Methods and arrangements for calling back a calling subscriber when the wanted subscriber ceases to be busy; i.e. the calling subscriber is the served user in that even though the initial call is not established, a service is invoked which monitors the status of the called party (or both) to enable, when the calling party returns from busy, a "recall" from the calling to the called party. The conventional term is "Completion of calls on busy" [CCBS].

Call completion on no reply [CCNR] as well as any other call backs are covered by H04M 3/42195.

Methods and arrangements where information services are provided via voice calls. The hierarchically lower groups distinguish between non-interactive (H04M 3/4872) and interactive (H04M 3/493) services but since the information to be provided is usually determined by some sort of interaction, H04M 3/493 is to be considered the default group and H04M 3/4872 only in exceptional cases. H04M 3/493 is used for interactive voice response systems and voice portals as well as for all services provided by these systems. Voice-browser based methods and arrangements are covered by H04M 3/4938.

When the information service is location-dependent, the subject-matter is to be classified by the combination of H04M 3/487 and H04M 3/42348. Information services not provided via voice calls are covered by H04L 67/02.

With the exception of hierarchically lower group H04M 3/51, centralised arrangements for answering calls, that is servers without a switching function but with access to the voice path.

The hierarchically lower group H04M 3/51 covers call centers which usually imply a queuing function whereby the calls are answered before they are distributed via an automatic call distribution to a respective agent, however a call that is not queued is essentially switched as in a conventional PBX.

The hierarchically lower group H04M 3/527 covers virtual assistants which are providing the same services a human assistant (also referred to as secretary) would provide but in an automatic way. Services relate to the handling outgoing calls, supplementary services during a call, or the handling of incoming calls. Systems facilitation the interaction between a real human assistant and the party being assisted, are classified in H04M 3/5108

If an explicit group for a specific server exist this takes priority such as for:

With the exception of H04M 3/5108, call centers whereby a call center is rather a functional concept of enabling agents to handle calls, either incoming or outgoing, centrally for a legal entity like a company or a Public Safety Answering Point. H04M 3/5116 covers calls to emergency telephone numbers in general. The technical core of a call center is a queuing and distribution function which is covered by H04M 3/523. H04M 3/5108 covers methods and arrangements for facilitating the interaction between a real human assistant and the party being assisted.

Virtual assistants which are providing the same services a human assistant (also referred to as secretary) would provide but in an automatic way.

Methods and arrangements with a human assistant like a secretary or a call center agent are covered by H04M 3/51 or H04M 3/60 when it is a switchboard operator using an attendant console. When the specific service provided by the virtual assistant is a directory service, H04M 3/4935 takes priority.

Mailbox systems and services, in particular voice mail systems. Other types of messaging are only covered as far as they predominantly relate to voice or are provided by telephonic communication systems such as for example fax.

Services which combine telephonic communication and predominately text-based messaging are covered by H04M 7/0042 - H04M 7/0054. Predominantly text-based messaging as such is classified in H04L 51/00, e.g. e-mail or instant messaging.

Methods and arrangements for call diversion, that is the redirection of a call from one destination to another alternative destination.

If it is context specific if the redirection should take place and to what destination, other groups as mentioned in the title are to be allocated in combination. Many other services like personal number service, the number translation services as well as call coverage and hunt groups also direct the call to a destination not explicitly specified by the calling party but their motivation is different from that of providing per context one specific alternative for the called party. The most prevalent contexts are call forwarding unconditional, call forwarding on busy and call forwarding on no reply/no answer. It the diversion is to voice mail H04M 3/53308 takes priority.

If the diversion rules are stored in association with the calling party H04M 3/42059 is to be allocated in combination. In case of a spatial context (location), H04M 3/42348 and in case of a personal context (presence) H04M 3/42365 is to be allocated in combination. If the call which is not offered to the called party is terminated without forwarding, H04M 3/436 takes priority.

Methods and arrangement for providing conference calling, that is a multiparty conversation. Features which facilitate the user interaction with the conference arrangements are covered by H04M 3/563.

When the application does not predominantly relates to multiparty conversation but multiparty collaboration the subject-matter is to be classified in either H04L 12/1813 for computer conferences or H04N 7/15 for video conference systems. Only in case of different medias supplementing a predominantly audio-based conference, H04M 3/567 is to be used.

Audio processing such as mixing and spatial distribution is only covered as long as it does not relate to sound field processing per se which is covered by H04S 7/30 or echo suppression which is covered by H04M 9/02.

Protocols for floor control are covered by H04L 65/403.

Method and arrangements for transferring an ongoing call. The term "transfer" is to be construed narrowly because documents related to services like call forwarding use the term "transfer" where, contrary to the present case, the call is not "ongoing"

Substation line holding circuits are covered by H04M 1/80.

Methods and arrangements where a switchboard operator is been given access to telephonic communication services, for example via an attendant console of a private branch exchange.

Whereas the switchboard operator is an intermediate person which initially answers the call in order to assist in finding the final destination a call center operator is in general the final destination.

If the intermediate is an interactive voice response system H04M 3/5166 takes priority.

The following expressions are often used in this context: switchboard operator, attendant console, receptionist

Arrangement which provide for manually connecting a group of telephone lines mutually to one another or to an outside line by way of plug and socket. When the manual operation only consists in the [numerical] selection of the other line, then this is covered by H04M 3/60.

Interconnection arrangements between switching centres, id est telephonic communication networks rather than individual switches.

Internet telephony and traditional circuit-switched telephony requiring interworking between the two, see in this respect also ITU-T Recommendation Y.2261, "PSTN/ISDN evolution to NGN".

Whereas H04M relates to telephonic communications in general, in the context of H04M 7/00 distinction is made between circuit-switched CS and packet-switched PS networks providing telephonic communications.

In this respect, some groups relate only to CS, others to the interworking of CS and PS, H04M 7/009 is used independent of CS or PS and H04M 7/006 is used only for PS.

H04M 7/0003: CS-PS-interworking

H04M 7/0012: CS-PS-interworking

H04M 7/0024: CS-PS-interworking

H04M 7/006: PS

H04M 7/009: CS-PS agnostic

H04M 7/0096: CS (not active)

H04M 7/06: only used for CS-PS-interworking

H04M 7/08: CS (not active)

H04M 7/12: CS-PS-interworking

H04M 7/14: CS (not active)

H04M 7/16: CS (not active)

Arrangements which allow interactions on a telephone and a computer to be integrated or coordinated. The main focus of this group relates to architectural modifications in terms of nodes and their interaction which are potentially more generic than a single service.

Furthermore, this group covers Application Programming Interfaces for telephonic communication networks such as CSTA, JTAPI, TSAPI and TAPI for private networks but also Parlay, Parlay X and its successors for public networks.

Specific services provided over already existing arrangements covered by this group are covered by H04M 7/0024. Private Branch Exchanges with Computer Telephony Integration arrangements are covered by H04M 3/42323 and Call or Contact Centers with Computer Telephony Integration arrangements are covered by H04M 3/5183.

Services which combine telephonic communication with data services and the combined service is predominantly a telephonic communication service. E.g. Click to dial is covered by H04M 7/003.

If the combined service is predominantly a data service than H04L takes priority. Modifications, in particular regarding the arrangement or the application programming interface which are more generic and not specific to an individual service are covered by H04M 7/0012. In other words, platform modifications are covered by H04M 7/0012 whereas individual services are covered in H04M 7/0024.

Methods and arrangements where telephonic communication is provided over packet-switched networks.

Access arrangements for conventional telephones, in particular residential gateways.

OAM&P and security aspects in the context of packet-switched telephony if they are specific to telephonic communications.

H04L 65/00 takes precedence. This group is only to be used in combination with a group in H04M 3/00 and any aspects not specific to the type of network are covered only be H04M 3/00 and lower groups whereby in particular the special services are classified in H04M 3/42 and lower. Furthermore, any modifications to the packet-switched network that are required to provide the telephonic communication service are covered by H04L. If the telephonic communication is provided over a network where packet-switched and circuit-switched networks interact, this is covered by H04M 7/1205

Security aspects in packet-switched networks in general are covered by H04L 63/00 and OAM&P for packet-switched networks in general is covered by H04L 41/00 and H04L 41/06.

Multi-site arrangements for what is covered otherwise by H04M 3/42314.

This group relates to circuit-switched networks but is not active.

Common channel signalling but only in relation to packet-switched network [signalling] such as SIGTRAN which relates to SS7 over IP, Bearer Independent Call Control BICC, or SIP-T which relates to the encapsulation of SS7 in SIP.

Protocol interworking without encapsulation is covered by H04M 7/126

This group relates to circuit-switched networks but is not active.

Methods and arrangements for interworking circuit-switched and packet-switched telephonic communications networks.

Methods and arrangements where it can be distinguished between access and core network and only the access network is being modified.

Methods and arrangements where the networks that are being interconnected are hierarchically on the same level, contrary to H04M 7/121 where the access network is hierarchically lower than the core network. When the circuit-switched network is a wireless core network this is covered by H04M 7/1235 and when the packet-switched network is an IP Multimedia System this is covered by H04M 7/123

Methods and arrangements where the circuit-switched network is involved for the establishment of calls between terminals directly connected to packet-switched networks

This group essentially covers Personal Computer to Personal computer scenarios, whereas other scenarios are covered by H04M 7/1245

Methods and arrangements where at least one terminal is directly connected to a circuit-switched network, Also covers IP trunking.

This group essentially covers Phone to Personal Computer, Personal Computer to Phone and Phone to Phone scenarios, whereas Personal Computer to Personal Computer scenarios are covered by H04M 7/124.

Details of circuit-switched packet-switched gateways which are not covered explicitly by any of the groups H04M 7/126, H04M 7/1275, H04M 7/128, H04M 7/1285, H04M 7/129, H04M 7/1295.

Interworking of signalling systems for circuit-switched systems such as SS7 or DSS1, and signalling systems for packet-switched systems such as SIP or H.323.

Methods in gateways directed to handle a plurality of subscribers. These are potentially carrier-graded gateways rather than residential gateways which are covered by H04M 7/0069

Methods and arrangements which provide for the interworking of address of the different signalling systems as mentioned with respect to H04M 7/126, in particular E.164 telephone numbers, also referred to as E.164 Number Mapping, and SIP Uniform Resource Identifiers.

Methods and arrangements relating to path-finding.

Least cost routing is covered by H04M 15/00.

Methods and arrangements for handling call progress tones known from circuit-switched networks in packet-switched network

Methods and arrangements for providing ringing current or supervisory tones in circuit-switched networks is covered by H04M 19/02.

Methods and arrangements for handling DTMF tones known from circuit-switched networks in packet-switched networks.

Private Branch Exchanges, e.g. for making connections among the internal telephones of a private organization.

Key telephone systems, i.e. a telephone system in which the telephones have multiple buttons to directly select individual Central Office lines (without dialling a 9 as in PBX).

Acoustic echo cancelling, acoustic echo suppression for telephone systems.

H04M 9/001:

It includes two-way communication systems between a limited number of parties as, for examples, vehicle interphone systems (door telephones H04M 11/025, video door telephones H04N 7/186, paging systems G08B 3/1008, hands free subscriber equipment H04M 1/6033).

H04M 9/002:

It includes systems with subscriber controlled access to a line as key telephone systems. Subgroups are defined and clear by their title (keyboard equipment in semi-automatic systems H04M 3/62, subscriber line circuits H04M 3/005).

H04M 9/02, H04M 9/04, H04M 9/06:

These groups are not anymore used as they were differentiating systems according to the type of line and access used.

H04M 9/08 - H04M 9/10:

Two-way loud-speaking telephone systems with means for suppressing echoes or otherwise conditioning for one or other direction of traffic. This can be done for example, estimating level of noise or speech, suppressing near and far end background noise, introducing insertion losses (controlling gain) for reducing singing phenomenon. Subgroups includes H04M 9/085, where digital techniques are used, H04M 9/087 with subdivision in different frequency bands for transmitting and receiving part and H04M 9/10 with switching of direction of transmission by voice frequency. (active noise canceling by regenerating original acoustic wave in anti-phase G10K 11/178, detection of presence or absence of speech signals in general G10L 25/78)

H04M 9/082:

This important subgroup refers to the acoustic echo canceling techniques where sound emitted by a local transmitter (loudspeaker) is picked up by a receiver (microphone) and then sent to the far end user together with the voice of the near end user. With the use of adaptive filter, for example, acoustic echo is estimated and subtracted. Also aspects of residual echo (echo left after an incomplete echo cancellation), insertion of comfort noise are classified here (in vocoders H04W 84/12 ). Hybrid echo also known as line echo or electrical echo (generated in the hybrid circuit "fork" inserted between a two-wire local loop and the four wire transmission facility) is instead classified in H04B 3/23 (digital adaptive filter per se H03H 21/0012). In H04M 3/002 instead documents covering aspects of echo cancellation or echo suppression on the network side (Central Office) are covered. Prevention of acoustic reactions in hearing aids is covered by H04R 25/45 .