Automatic speed call updating

A method of updating speedcall numbers stored in a database comprises the steps of receiving an incoming call at a local telephone station, extracting data representing the calling party's name and telephone number from the incoming call, and comparing the extracted data with name and number data stored in a database in the local telephone station. The number data in the local telephone station is updated when the extracted data and the stored data does not match.

This invention relates to an apparatus for automatically updating speedcall 
buttons on a speedcall capable telephone. 
Many telephone sets have the capability of permitting the user to assign 
buttons, or alternatively use a short code, to specific subscribers that 
the user may wish to call. Pressing the assigned button causes the 
telephone to dial the associated number. A business person might assign 
buttons or shortened codes to frequently called customers. This system can 
be especially useful in the case of long distance or international 
numbers, where the number of digits to be dialed can be quite long. 
A problem arises when the subscribers entered into the speedcall system 
change their telephone number. The user must then reprogram the telephone 
number for the moved subscriber. This can be a frustrating and error-prone 
operation, especially some years later when the user's manual for the 
telephone set has often long been lost. 
An object of the invention is to alleviate the aforementioned problem. 
Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a method of updating 
speedcall numbers stored in a database comprising the steps of receiving 
an incoming call at a local telephone station, extracting data 
representing the calling party's name and telephone number from the 
incoming call, comparing said extracted data with name and number data 
stored in a database in said local telephone station and updating the 
number data in said local telephone station when the extracted data and 
stored data does not match. 
The invention preferably works by extracting the data from the

In the Figure, line interface circuit 1 is connected to an external 
telephone line connected to the PSTN (Public Switch Telephone Network). 
The line interface circuit is connected to telephone circuitry 3, which 
enables a two-way telephone call to be established in a conventional 
manner. The line interface circuit 1 is also connected to FSK decoder 4, 
which extracts