Patent ID: 6408194
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A method for identifying a plurality of operating modes of an electrical apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:establishing an original mode; assuming a first number â€œnâ€  of the plurality of operating modes where â€œn&gE;4â€  from the original mode; defining a decision tree having a plurality of decision levels and a plurality of level immanent branch points, wherein for n operating modes, there are a second number â€œmâ€  decision levels such that â€œ2m&gE;n&gE;2mâˆ’1+1â€ ; and performing an interrogation, in sequential fashion from a first decision level to a last decision level of the plurality of decision levels; at each of the branch points on each of the plurality of decision levels on the basis of a same selection feature of the plurality of operating modes in accordance with the decision tree, wherein each respective result of the interrogation at the branch points on the last decision level directly results in the identification of a respective one of the plurality of operating modes.