Wireless device for voice communication

A wireless handset for use in a peer-to-peer voice communications system comprising: a display; a keyboard comprising multifunctional keys capable of entering numeric or alphabetic characters depending on a number of key presses, said keyboard being arranged to enter contact information into a user interface displayed on said display, select contacts on the user interface, and initiate a packet data voice call with a contact; a microprocessor arranged to execute embedded client software, wherein the client software is arranged to establish a packet data voice call over the network and encode speech information as individually addressed packets; and a radio communication device arranged to transmit said individually addressed packets as radio signals from said wireless handset to a network.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a wireless device for voice communication, particularly for peer-to-peer communication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Peer-to-peer (“P2P”) communication systems allow the user of a personal computer (“PC”), to engage in voice communication (calls) across a computer network such as the Internet. These systems are beneficial to the user as they are often of significantly lower cost than traditional telephony networks, such as fixed line or mobile cellular networks. This may particularly be the case for long distance calls. These systems utilise voice over internet protocol (“VoIP”) over an existing network (e.g. the Internet) to provide these services, although alternative protocols can also be used. To use a peer-to-peer call service, the user must install and execute client software on their PC. The client software provides the VoIP connections as well as other functions such as registration and authentication. A call may be made using VoIP in accordance with methods known in the art, such as disclosed in WO 2005/009019.

Some calls in a peer-to-peer communication service may be free to the user, such as calls to other users of the same peer-to-peer service. There are therefore significant advantages to the user of the P2P communication service compared to traditional fixed or mobile services. However, the user is constrained by the fact that, in order to make or receive calls using a P2P communication service, they must have access to a PC. Even if the user does have access to a PC, the user must first switch on the PC before making a call, and consequently wait for it to boot up before the call can be made. Additionally, if the user wishes to receive incoming calls, they must leave the PC switched on, as otherwise calls cannot be received. This has the disadvantage of being inefficient from an energy consumption perspective.

Users may also be accustomed to mobility whilst using conventional telephony services, due to the prevalence of cordless phones and mobile cellular networks. With P2P communication services, however, the user's location is restricted to the area directly around the PC running the P2P client software.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless handset for use in a peer-to-peer voice communications system comprising: a display; a keyboard comprising multifunctional keys capable of entering numeric or alphabetic characters depending on a number of key presses, said keyboard being arranged to enter contact information into a user interface displayed on said display, select contacts on the user interface, and initiate a packet data voice call with a contact; a microprocessor arranged to execute embedded client software, wherein the client software is arranged to establish a packet data voice call over the network and encode speech information as individually addressed packets; and a radio communication device arranged to transmit said individually addressed packets as radio signals from said wireless handset to a network.

In one embodiment, the individually addressed packets comprise voice over internet protocol (VoIP) packets.

Preferably, the wireless handset further comprises a storage device for storing contact information, whereby, upon activation of the wireless handset, the contact information is transmitted to the wireless handset from a contact server connected to said network and stored in said storage device.

In another embodiment, the user interface further displays presence information for the contacts, said presence information indicating the current status of the contact.

In another embodiment, the user interface further displays a contact search interface, whereby information is entered into the contact search interface using the keyboard and, in response thereto, the microprocessor is arranged to create a contact search request that is transmitted to the network by said radio communication device.

Preferably, in response to the contact search request, a contact search response is received by said radio communication device, said contact search response being displayed on said user interface. Preferably, a packet data voice call may be established with a contact displayed in said contact search response. Preferably, a contact displayed in said contact search response may be stored in the wireless handset.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a peer-to-peer voice communications system comprising: a wireless handset comprising: a display; a keyboard comprising multifunctional keys capable of entering numeric or alphabetic characters depending on a number of key presses, said keyboard being arranged to enter contact information into a user interface displayed on said display, select contacts on the user interface, and initiate a packet data voice call with a contact; a microprocessor arranged to execute embedded client software, wherein the client software is arranged to establish a packet data voice call over the network and encode speech information as individually addressed packets; and a radio communication device arranged to transmit said individually addressed packets as radio signals from said wireless handset to a network; and a network element connected to the network and arranged to communicate with said wireless handset, wherein the network element transfers the individually addressed packets between said wireless handset and the network.

In one embodiment, the individually addressed packets comprise voice over internet protocol (VoIP) packets.

Preferable, the peer-to-peer voice communications system further comprises a contact server connected to the network for storing the contact information for the wireless handset, wherein, upon activation of the wireless handset, the contact information is transmitted to the wireless handset via the network element and stored in said wireless handset.

In another embodiment, said packet data voice call is established with a user terminal connected to said network.

Preferably, the peer-to-peer voice communications system further comprises a gateway element connected between said data network and a public switched telephone network, wherein said packet data voice call is established with a user terminal connected to said public switched telephone network.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a peer-to-peer voice communications system comprising: a wireless handset for making a packet data voice call to a user terminal connected to a network, said user terminal being associated with contact information stored in said wireless handset; a network element connected to the network and arranged to communicate with said wireless handset, wherein the network element transfers packet data between said wireless handset and the network; and a contact server connected to the network for storing the contact information for the wireless handset, wherein, upon activation of the wireless handset, the contact information is transmitted to the wireless handset via the network element and stored in said wireless handset.

Preferably, the peer-to-peer voice communications system further comprises a gateway element connected between said data network and a public switched telephone network, wherein said user terminal is connected to the network via said public switched telephone network and said gateway.

In one embodiment, the packet data voice call is a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) call.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handset for use in a peer-to-peer voice communications system comprising: a display; a keyboard comprising multifunctional keys capable of entering numeric or alphabetic characters depending on a number of key presses, said keyboard being arranged to enter contact information into a user interface displayed on said display, select contacts on the user interface, and initiate a packet data voice call with a contact; a microprocessor arranged to execute embedded client software, wherein the client software is arranged to establish a packet data voice call over the network and encode speech information as individually addressed packets; and a communication interface arranged to transmit said individually addressed packets from said handset to a network.

Preferably, the communication interface is a wired interface. Preferably, the communication interface is an Ethernet interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is first made toFIG. 1, which illustrates a known P2P communication system100. A user of the P2P communication service operates a computer terminal102, such as a PC, upon which is executed client software104. Also connected to the PC is a handset106, which comprises a speaker and microphone, to enable the user to listen and speak in a voice call in the same manner as with traditional fixed-line telephony. The handset106does not necessarily have to be in the form of a traditional telephone handset, but can be in the form of a headphone or earphone with an integrated microphone, or as a separate loudspeaker and microphone independently connected to the PC102.

As mentioned, the computer terminal102is running a client104, which is provided by the operator of the P2P communication service. The client104is a software program executed on a local processor in the computer terminal102. To initiate a call, the user can click on a contact listed for another user displayed in the client104, or can alternatively type in a username for the other user. The client104then sets up the call to the other user and the call can be made using VoIP. The client performs the encoding and decoding of VoIP packets.

The computer terminal102is connected to a modem108, which allows the computer terminal to send and receive data from a network such as the Internet110. In the example shown inFIG. 1, the computer terminal is connected to the modem108using a wired connection. The wired connection can be, for example, Ethernet or USB.

VoIP packets from the computer terminal102are transmitted into the Internet110via the modem108, and routed to the computer terminal112of the other user via a modem114. A client116(similar to the client104) running on the computer terminal112of the other user decodes the VoIP packets to produce an audio signal that can be heard by the other user using the handset118. Conversely, when the other user talks into handset118, the client116executed on computer terminal112encodes the audio signals into VoIP packets and transmits them, via the modem114, across the Internet110to the computer terminal102. The client104executed on computer terminal102decodes the VoIP packets from the other user, and produces an audio signal that can be heard by the user of the handset106.

Alternatively, the user of the computer terminal102can make a voice call to a user of a fixed-line telephone service. In this case, the user types in a telephone number of another user connected to the public switched telephone network (“PSTN”) into the client104. The client encodes the audio signals from the user as VoIP packets and these are transmitted into the Internet110via the modem108. The VoIP packets are individually addressed IP packets. The VoIP packets are routed to a gateway120connected between the Internet110and the PSTN122, where they are converted into a form suitable for transmission across the PSTN122. The PSTN122delivers the converted voice information from the gateway120to the fixed-line telephone equipment124of the other user. Note that the user could also make calls to a mobile telephone via a mobile network, instead of the PSTN (not illustrated inFIG. 1).

The above-described system suffers from the previously mentioned problems that, in order for the user to make or receive phone calls using the P2P communication service, the computer terminal102must be present and activated. If the computer terminal102is not activated, the user must first switch it on before making a call. Additionally, if there is an incoming call, for example from the fixed-line telephone124or the computer terminal112, then the computer terminal102must be powered on in order to receive the call.

Furthermore, the users are also constrained in their mobility whilst using the P2P communication service, due to the wired nature of the connections between the computer terminal102and the modem108, and between the computer terminal102and the handset106.

FIG. 2shows an alternative known P2P communication system200. The system200is identical to the system100shown inFIG. 1, except that the computer terminal102is connected to the Internet110via a wireless connection. The computer terminal102has a wireless local area network (“WLAN”) module with an antenna202, which is able to transmit data wirelessly to a WLAN access point (“AP”)204. The AP204is connected a modem206, which is in turn connected to the Internet110. The wireless connection can use a WLAN standard such as the IEEE 802.11 family of standards (also known as WiFi). The AP204and the modem206can be integrated into a single device (which may be referred to as a wireless modem or wireless router), as indicated by the dashed box208. Alternatively, they can be separate devices.

The operation of the system200shown inFIG. 2is the same as that shown inFIG. 1and described above, except that the VoIP packets from the computer terminal102are sent to the modem206wirelessly, and, similarly, VoIP packets from other users are received at the computer terminal102wirelessly. This provides the user with a limited degree of mobility, particularly if the computer terminal is a laptop or notebook computer. However, the levels of mobility are still much lower than can be achieved with traditional cordless phones or mobile cellular phones. This is because a laptop or notebook computer is still of a significant size and weight, and hence has a much lower degree of portability than the user is accustomed to with mobile and cordless telephones.

Reference is now made toFIG. 3A, in which is illustrated a P2P communication system300comprising a stand-alone wireless handset according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3Ashows a dedicated wireless VoIP handset302for making VoIP calls across the Internet without the need for a computer terminal. As the wireless VoIP handset302is small enough to be hand-held, and a PC is not required, much greater levels of mobility can be achieved compared to a wireless laptop or notebook computer.

The wireless VoIP handset302connects to a wireless access point204of the same type as described above with reference toFIG. 2. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless VoIP handset302connects to the AP204using an IEEE 802.11 WiFi standard. In alternative embodiments, the wireless VoIP handset302connects to the AP204using a different wireless standard such as Bluetooth, IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), ultra-wideband (UWB) or any other suitable wireless communications protocol.

The wireless VoIP handset302executes dedicated embedded client software to perform the same function as the client software104that was running on the computer terminal102inFIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, the client encodes audio signals from the user as individually addressed VoIP packets and transmits these packets wirelessly to the Internet. Therefore, by running embedded client software on a wireless VoIP handset302VoIP calls can be made without the computer terminal102being present. Embedded software means that the software is permanently loaded onto the device and cannot be removed by the user. However, it is still possible for the embedded software to be upgraded or updated by the user. In addition, only approved versions of the same software can be upgraded or updated, and the user cannot load any other type of software onto the device. Note that, in some embodiments, the embedded software can be upgraded “silently” without the user knowing it is happening.

FIG. 3Bshows an alternative embodiment in which is illustrated a P2P communication system comprising a stand-alone wired handset.FIG. 3Bshows a dedicated VoIP handset306for making VoIP calls across the Internet without the need for a computer terminal. The embodiment shown inFIG. 3Bis similar to that described above with reference toFIG. 3A, except that the communication between the VoIP handset306and the modem206uses a wired link308, rather than a wireless connection. In preferred embodiments, the link308between the VoIP handset306and the modem206is an Ethernet connection, although in alternative embodiments any suitable wired communication protocol could be used, such as USB.

Reference is now made toFIG. 4, which illustrates the main functional elements of the wireless VoIP handset302. The wireless VoIP handset302comprises a microprocessor (“μP”)402(also known a central processing unit (“CPU”)), which controls the operation of the wireless VoIP handset302and executes embedded software. Connected to the microprocessor is a memory404, an optional serial interface405, a display406(such as a liquid crystal display (“LCD”)), a speaker408, a microphone410and a keyboard412. A radio frequency (“RF”) module414is also connected to the microprocessor, which implements the particular radio communication standard used by the handset302, such as WiFi. The RF signals are transmitted and received from an antenna416.

The speaker408may be connected to the microprocessor402via an interface418which comprises audio driver hardware (including for example amplifiers) and a digital to analogue converter. The functionality of the interface418may alternatively be integrated into microprocessor. The microphone410is connected to the microprocessor402via an interface420comprising audio receiving hardware (such as amplifiers) and an analogue to digital converter. Again, this functionality may be integrated into the microprocessor402. The keyboard412is connected to the microprocessor402via an encoder interface422. The display is connected to the microprocessor via a display driver interface424. The memory404can include both Flash and RAM. The serial interface405is used for loading and updating software on the microprocessor402. In preferred embodiments, the serial interface405is a universal serial bus (“USB”) interface. In alternative embodiments other serial interfaces could also be used, such as the IEEE 1394 (Firewire) standard. In preferred embodiments, the serial interface405can also be used as a power source to charge the battery in the wireless VoIP handset302. In alternative embodiments, a separate power supply can be used to charge the battery via a charging connector.

As the microprocessor402is operating within a battery powered handheld device, it needs to be of a lower processing power than the CPU inside a PC. For example, the microprocessor402for a handheld device can typically have a clock speed of 200-400 MHz. In alternative embodiments, the microprocessor402can be complemented by a digital signal processor (“DSP”), which can perform some of the voice processing functions (described below). This allows the microprocessor402clock speed to be reduced, for example to 50-200 MHz.

The microprocessor402executes embedded software to allow the wireless VoIP handset302to operate as a stand-alone VoIP device. The microprocessor402executes an operating system (“OS”)426. In preferred embodiments, the OS426is Linux, although other operating systems could also be used. The OS426allows programs to be run on the microprocessor402and controls low-level operations such as an IP stack and file system support.

Running on the OS426of the microprocessor402is a connection manager428. The connection manager428is the central component of the client software, and handles connections to the P2P communication network. This includes the placing of calls, managing online status, and any communication with other users.

Operating under the control of the connection manager428is a voice engine430and a power management module432. The voice engine430incorporates the codec for encoding and decoding the voice information. In preferred embodiments, the codec is a G.729 codec. This is used as it can be run easily on a handheld device with a lower processing power than a PC. However, in alternative embodiments, any other suitable codec such as G.711, G.726 and wideband AMR-WB could also be used.

Apart from performing the encoding and decoding of voice information, the voice engine430also provides a jitter buffer, echo cancellation facilities, voice activity detection and comfort noise generation. The voice engine further implements the sending and receiving of real-time protocol (“RTP”) packet streams, the generation of dual tone multi-frequency (“DTMF”) tones, and the setting of output amplification (i.e. volume).

The power management module432allows the connection manager428to control the power of the wireless VoIP handset302. This is particularly important for battery powered handheld devices, as a long battery life is necessary for the device to be user-friendly. The connection manager can request a particular power level to be used by the handset. For example, the power requirement can be set to “none” if the connection manager428does not have any power requirements, thereby allowing the CPU to be turned off. The power requirement can be set to “background” if the connection manager428is performing background tasks that require a minimal level of CPU power. The power requirement can be set to “optimal” if the connection manager428is performing general tasks, and requires optimal processing power from the CPU. Finally, the power requirement can be set to “full” if the connection manager requires the maximum processing power from the CPU. Therefore, using these settings the connection manager428can control the power consumption of the handset in order to maximise battery life.

The user of the wireless VoIP handset302interacts and controls the connection manager428through a user interface (“UI”)434. The UI is specially adapted for display on the small screen of a handheld device, and is designed to be operated by a small keyboard (the structure of which will be described hereinafter). Through the UI434of the wireless VoIP handset302, the user can use the P2P communication service with almost the same level of functionality as if they were using a PC102and a handset106, as will now be described.

A new user of the P2P communication service can use the wireless VoIP handset302to create an account and login to the P2P communication system. This involves the user entering information such as their name using the keyboard of the wireless VoIP handset, and selecting a username and password.

When a user has logged into the P2P communication service they can access their contact list on the UI of the wireless VoIP handset. The contact list is created by the user and is a list of people that the user can readily set up a call with. The contact list may comprise usernames of users of the P2P communication service and regular PSTN phone numbers. In the case of contacts of other users of the P2P communication service, these contacts have authorised the user to view their “presence” information in the contact list. The presence information is an indication of the online status of a particular user. For example, the user is able to see if a contact is online, offline, busy or away (other presence states are also possible). This information is shown next to the contact's name in the contact list.

The user can set up a call to a contact in the contact list by, for example, simply selecting the appropriate contact using the keyboard (note that a call to a contact can be initiated using other methods, such as from a call history or typing a username). Referring again toFIG. 3A, if a call is made to another user of the P2P communication service, the connection manager428sets up the call by transmitting data from the RF module414, via AP204and modem206, across the Internet110to the destination computer terminal112running client116(via modem114). The voice call can then proceed between the user of the wireless VoIP handset302and the user of handset118in a similar manner to that described with reference toFIG. 2.

Similarly, an incoming call from another user of the P2P communication service may be received at the wireless VoIP handset. In this case the call is set up by the client116of the computer terminal112. The call is received at the wireless VoIP handset302, and can be indicated to the user by a ring-tone, the vibration of the device, or a combination of these (depending on user preferences). The user is also displayed the identity of the caller on the UI, along with a picture, if this is available. The wireless VoIP handset has the advantage that the call can be received without a PC needing to be present or activated.

The user of the wireless VoIP handset can set up a call to a PSTN telephone user. This can be done by selecting a PSTN number in the contact list (this can be associated with a contact that only has PSTN numbers, or a contact that has both PSTN numbers and a P2P communication service username). Alternatively, the user can type the PSTN number into the keyboard manually (e.g. if the number is not associated with any contact). Referring again toFIG. 3A, the connection manager428makes the call by transmitting data from the RF module414, via AP204and modem206, across the Internet110to the gateway120, where the data is are converted into a form suitable for transmission across the PSTN122. The PSTN122delivers the converted data from the gateway120to the fixed-line telephone equipment124of the other user. Note that the user can also make calls to a mobile telephone via a mobile network (not illustrated inFIG. 3A), instead of the PSTN, in a similar manner.

The user of the wireless VoIP handset can also receive incoming calls from the PSTN. In common with incoming calls from the P2P communication system, the call is received at the wireless VoIP handset302and is indicated to the user by a ring-tone, the vibration of the device, or a combination of these (depending on user preferences). If CallerID information is available, then this is displayed on the UI. Again, the wireless VoIP handset has the advantage that the call can be received without a PC needing to be present or activated.

As the P2P communication service operates on peer-to-peer principles, the number of central servers is kept to a minimum. In fact, the P2P communication service can function almost fully without using central servers. However, the functionality of the service can be improved through the use of some central servers. For example, a central contact server (304inFIG. 3A) can be used to allow synchronisation of the contact list for a user. When an existing P2P communication service user logs in on a new device (such as the wireless VoIP handset302), the contact list for this user is retrieved from the central contact server304. Once it has been retrieved from the contact server304, the contact list is cached in the memory404of the wireless VoIP handset302. Therefore, the contact list does not need to be retrieved every time the user logs in using the wireless VoIP handset. Note that, in reality, more than one contact server304would be present, for redundancy and scalability reasons. However, only a single server is shown inFIG. 3Afor clarity.

In preferred embodiments, not all information for every contact needs to be stored on the contact server304. Only usernames, the display name and the authorisation status are required to be stored on the contact server304. Other information such as the picture associated with a contact (known as the “avatar”) is obtained from the P2P communication network. In alternative embodiments, all information could be centrally stored on the contact server.

The use of a central contact server304allows the user to log into the P2P communication service from a variety of devices and maintain a single unified contact list. For example, the user may use both a PC and a wireless VoIP handset at their home, and can get the same contact list on either of these devices. Furthermore, the user can also go to the home or workplace of a different user of the P2P communication service, and use the wireless VoIP handset of the different user to log into the network. The user will then have access to their own contact list, even though they are not the owner of the device accessing the network. The access to your own contact list on any device is a significant advantage over traditional PSTN and mobile telephones.

The user of the wireless VoIP handset302can use the UI and the keyboard of the device to search for the contact details of other users of the P2P communication service. The user is presented with a dialog box, in which they can enter details about a user they wish to search for (e.g. their full name or username). The wireless VoIP handset302then retrieves this information from the network, and presents the results to the user in the UI. In effect, this allows the wireless VoIP handset to have access to a directory of all the users of the P2P communication service directly from the device. This type of functionality is not available on PSTN and mobile telephones, and provides a substantial advantage to the user.

Once contacts have been found using the above-described search functionality, they can be added to the contact list directly from the wireless VoIP handset. Similarly, PSTN numbers can also be added to the contact list directly from the wireless VoIP handset. The user is also able to view profile information for users of the P2P communication service that have been found using the search or are in the user's contact list. The profile information contains details about the contact, including the contact's picture, which can be viewed on the wireless VoIP handset302.

Other functionality implemented on the wireless VoIP handset302includes: call forwarding to another number; call waiting (such that an ongoing call can be placed on hold so that the user can answer another incoming call, and the user can flip back and forth between these calls); support for DTMF tones; access to voicemail (including leaving and retrieving messages, setting a custom greeting, and reverting back to a standard greeting); a call history distinguishing between missed, incoming and outgoing calls; participation in conference calls; access to account information; and the sending and approving of authorisation requests for contacts.

The UI of the wireless VoIP handset also provides notification of various events to the user. This includes network events such as incoming calls (through notification on the UI as well as ring-tones and vibration, as mentioned previously), notification of missed calls, and notification of voicemail messages. In addition, environmental events are handled and notified to the user, such as low battery alerts and wireless network signal strength.

The user of the wireless VoIP handset can configure the device to operate with different WiFi networks. The wireless VoIP handset can support a range of commonly used encryption formats and a list of preferred networks is stored on the device. This allows the wireless VoIP handset to operate with both secured and unsecured wireless networks, and to quickly locate and connect to particular preferred networks (such as at the home of the user).

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the wireless VoIP handset comprises a USB serial interface405. This interface can be used to upgrade the software on the wireless VoIP handset. All the software on the wireless VoIP handset including the kernel and drivers can be updated over USB using a PC and a specific application executed on the PC. Furthermore, certain aspects of the software may be updated wirelessly over the Internet directly to the device, without the need to connect to a PC.

Reference is now made toFIG. 5, in which is shown an example of the external controls of the wireless VoIP handset302. The front of the wireless VoIP handset302comprises a display502(such as an LCD) on which is displayed the UI. Below the display is a keyboard504. In preferred embodiments, at the top of the device is a power button506and at the side of the device are volume up and volume down keys508.

The keyboard504comprises a left soft key (“LSK”)510which is used to invoke various specific actions that are shown in the UI on the display502directly above the LSK510. In particular, the LSK510is used for “positive” actions such as “Options” and “Select”. A right soft key (“RSK”)512is also present that invokes actions shown in the UI on the display502directly above the RSK510. In particular, the RSK512is used for “negative” actions such as “Back” and “Clear”.

Between the two soft keys is located a navigation pad514. The navigation pad can be moved up, down, left and right by the user to navigate through the menu system and move a cursor for text entry. The centre of the navigation pad514can be depressed by the user to invoke a selection. A send key514is present which is used to initiate a call. This key is typically coloured green. An end key516is present that, during an active call, ends the call, and, during an incoming call, rejects the call. This key is typically coloured red. The end key516is also used to clear the content of a dialog box, and closes the dialog and returns the user to a main idle screen of the UI with subsequent presses. Elsewhere in the UI a single press of the end key516returns the user to the idle screen. If device does not include a power key, the power menu can be presented on the end key516. For example, a press of the end key516for <1.5 seconds would perform the end key actions described above, a press of 1.5 to 4 seconds displays a power menu, and a press of >4 seconds switches off the device.

An alphanumeric keypad518is located at the bottom of the front face of the wireless VoIP handset. This is of a similar configuration to that found on a traditional mobile telephone. However, in preferred embodiments, the labelling of the keypad is adapted to the function of the wireless VoIP handset. In particular, because the P2P communication system operates largely on names, rather than numbers, the alphanumeric keys are labelled with the letters more prominent than the numbers, whereas with traditional telephones the opposite is true.

The alphanumeric keypad518is used for text entry, such as adding or searching contacts. It is also used for number entry, such as adding and dialling PSTN numbers. In particular, the keys of the keyboard are multifunctional, such that a single key represents a number of different characters. Different characters associated with a particular key may be accessed depending on the number of key presses of the key. Some of the keys may also be used for other features depending on the UI context in which they are used. For example, the “1” key can be used to access voicemail with a long press, the “0” key can be used to enter a space, the “*” key can be used to change text entry modes, and the “#” key can be used to enter language symbols.

Reference is now made toFIGS. 6 to 9, in which are illustrated examples of the user interface as different common operations are performed using the wireless VoIP handset. Referring first toFIG. 6, this figure shows a user making an outgoing call to another user of the P2P communication service, for example between the wireless VoIP handset302and computer terminal112inFIG. 3A. The UI screen shown in602illustrates the main idle screen of the wireless VoIP handset. This screen shows the wireless network signal strength604, the level of battery charge606, the user's current presence status (indicated by icon608), the current time610, and the amount of credit on the user's account612. At the bottom of the display are shown the labels for the soft keys LSK510and RSK512. The label614shows that if the LSK510is selected, the user is presented with a “Menu” screen. The label616shows that if the RSK512is selected, the user is presented with a “Contacts” screen.

The UI screen shown in618illustrates the contacts UI display that the user is shown when the RSK512is selected in screen602. Screen618shows a list of contacts that the user has stored on the device (these may also have been retrieved from the contact server as described previously). Each of the contacts has a name, and in this example they are all other users of the P2P communication service, as indicated by the icon620next to the name. The icon620indicates the presence status of the contact to the user. For example, the icon may indicate that the contact is online, offline, away, busy (“do not disturb”) or any other suitable status. The LSK510takes the user to an “Options” screen (described hereinafter) and the RSK512takes the user back to the main idle screen.

The user can use the navigation pad514to scroll though the list of names. When the user selects one of the names the wireless VoIP handset initiates a P2P communication service call to the selected user.

The screen622shows the UI display when the call to the selected contact is initiated. The screen622shows the picture624of the person being called, their name626, and the message “Connecting . . . ”628. The user can end the call at this stage by selecting the RSK512, or by using the end key516. The screen630shows the UI display when the call has been connected, and is ringing at the terminal of the contact. This displays the same information as screen622, except the message now shows “Ringing . . . ”632.

When the called person picks up and the call is connected, the screen shown in634is displayed. This screen shows the same information as screen630, except that the message now reads “Call in progress”636. The screen634is only displayed temporarily, typically for a few seconds, and then the screen638is displayed. Screen638displays the duration640of the ongoing call and the name of the called person642. The label for the LSK510is “Options”644, and by pressing the LSK510, the user is presented with options for handling the ongoing call, such as putting the call on hold or muting the microphone.

The call is ended by pressing the end key516or my pressing the RSK512, labelled “End”646. When the call is ended the screen648is displayed for a few seconds. This shows the same information as screen638, except that the duration is replaced by the message “Call ended”650. The UI then reverts to the main idle screen602.

Reference is now made toFIG. 7, in which is shown the UI displays for a user making an outgoing call to a PSTN number, for example between the wireless VoIP handset302and fixed-line telephone124inFIG. 3A. The first two screens702and704are identical to those shown in602and618inFIG. 6(and described above). However, in screen704, when the desired contact is selected the LSK510with the label “Options” is pressed (rather than depressing the centre of the navigation pad514as was done withFIG. 6). The user is then displayed screen708, which shows several options for the selected contact. The user can select to call the contact (710), send a voicemail to the contact (712), view the profile of the contact (714), rename the contact (716), remove the contact from the contact list (718), and block the contact from calling the user (720).

In this example, the user selects the option to call the contact (710), and is presented with screen722. Screen722lists the different methods of communicating with the contact that the user has stored on the device. The screen722shows that the contact can be called using the P2P communication service (“Skype call”724), using a mobile telephone number726, using a home PSTN number728and using an office PSTN number730. The icons next to the numbers indicate their category (mobile, home, office etc.). Some contacts can, of course, have greater or fewer entries for different ways of contacting the person. In the example shown inFIG. 7, the user selects to call the mobile number726of the contact, by depressing the centre of the navigation pad514or pressing the LSK510.

When the call to the selected number is being connected, the user is displayed screen732, which shows the number being called734and the message “Connecting . . . ”736. When the telephone of the called person is ringing, the user is shown screen738, which is identical to the previous screen, except that the message now states “Ringing . . . ”740. When the call is answered, screen742is displayed. This screen is identical to the previous screen, except that the message reads “Call in progress”744.

Screen742is only displayed for a few seconds, and the user is then displayed screen746. This screen shows the duration of the call748and the name of the contact750, and is displayed until the call is ended. When the call is ended screen752is displayed for a few seconds. This shows the same information as screen746, except that the duration is replaced by the message “Call ended”754. The UI then reverts to the main idle screen702.

Reference is now made toFIG. 8, which illustrates a user receiving an incoming call from another user of the P2P communication service, for example from computer terminal112to the wireless VoIP handset302inFIG. 3A. When the incoming call is received at the wireless VoIP handset302, the screen802is displayed (and the device rings/vibrates, as mentioned previously). Screen802displays the picture of the contact804, the name of the contact806and the message “Calling”808. The user can reject the incoming call using the end key516or the RSK512, for which the label “Reject”810is displayed.

If the user accepts the call using the send key514, the screen812is displayed. This screen is similar to the previous screen except that the message now reads “Call in progress”814. Screen812is only displayed for a few seconds, before screen816is displayed. Screen816shows the name818of the caller and the duration of the incoming call820. When the call ends, the user is shown screen822for a few seconds. This screen is similar to the previous screen, except that the duration is replaced by the message “Call ended”824.

Reference is now made toFIG. 9, which illustrates a user receiving an incoming call from the PSTN, for example from fixed-line telephone124to the wireless VoIP handset302inFIG. 3A. When the incoming call is received at the wireless VoIP handset302, the screen902is displayed (and the device rings/vibrates, as mentioned previously). Screen902displays the telephone number904of the personal calling and the message “Calling”906. The user can reject the incoming call using the end key516or the RSK512, for which the label “Reject”908is displayed.

If the user accepts the call using the send key514, the screen910is displayed. This screen is similar to the previous screen except that the message now reads “Call in progress”912. Screen910is only displayed for a few seconds, before screen914is displayed, which shows the telephone number916of the caller and the duration of the incoming call918. When the call ends, the user is shown screen920for a few seconds. This screen is similar to the previous screen, except that the duration is replaced by the message “Call ended”922.

The above-described VoIP wireless handset therefore provides a solution to the problem of enabling VoIP calls over a P2P communication service, without the requirement to have a PC present and powered on. The VoIP wireless handset also gives the user mobility, not only within the coverage area of the WLAN access point, but the user can also take the device with them when they travel, and use it to make VoIP calls wherever there is WLAN coverage.

In addition, the VoIP wireless handset provides further advantages over traditional PSTN and mobile telephones. For example, the user of the VoIP wireless handset can search for other users of the P2P communication service using the VoIP wireless handset, effectively giving them access to a full directory direct from the handset. The user can also log into and use a VoIP wireless handset of a different user and gain access to their personal contact list downloaded from a contact server in the network.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appendant claims.