Voice over IP device with programmable buttons
A VoIP device has at least one programmable button to enable the user to initiate a VoIP or SIP call to another device. The button can be programmed by the device user, the device manufacturer, and/or a VoIP service provider. The VoIP device does not have a dial pad, visual numbers display, or other certain standard features on a SIP phone. Thus, the VoIP device allows simplified dedicated communication. Numerous uses are possible, which result in advantages over conventional SIP phones.
1. A method of operating a Voice over IP (VoIP) device comprising a button, the method comprising:
receiving a first number to be associated with the button, wherein the button is pre-programmed with multiple numbers as determined by a user; and
in response to sensing the button has been depressed, initiating a VoIP call to a second device associated with the first number, wherein the VoIP call is initiated only upon sensing that the button has been depressed.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the VoIP call is a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) call.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first number is received by a manufacturer of the device.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first number is received by a service provider of the VoIP call.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first number is for a caretaker of a child.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first number is for a 911 call.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second device includes a microphone and is intended to be placed in a baby's room, and wherein the VoIP call opens a communication channel between the second device and the VoIP device.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the VoIP device is configured to be mounted outside a dwelling and the second device is intended to be located inside the dwelling, and wherein the VoIP device and the second device function as an intercom system.
9. A method of operating a Voice over IP (VoIP) device comprising a button, the method comprising:
receiving a first number to be associated with the button; and
in response to sensing the button has been depressed, initiating a VoIP call to a second device associated with the first number, wherein the VoIP call is initiated only upon sensing that the button has been depressed, wherein the first number is for a first time period, the method further comprising receiving a second number for a second time period, wherein in response to sensing the button has been depressed during the second time period, initiating a VoIP call to the second device.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the VoIP device is attached to an inanimate object having no voice input portion, and wherein the VoIP call causes the second device to transmit a sound to the VoIP device.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the inanimate object is a toy.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the sound is a pre-recorded sound.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the sound is speech or music.
14. The method of claim 10 , wherein the sound is a downloadable sound.
15. A Voice over IP (VoIP) device, comprising:
a processor configured for wireless communication;
an audio component coupled to the processor;
a memory coupled to the processor for storing at least one programmed number associated with a second device; and
a button coupled to the processor and programmed with the number, wherein pressing the button initiates a VoIP call to the second device and wherein the only way to initiate a VoIP call from the VoIP device is by pressing the button, wherein the button is pre-programmed with multiple numbers as determined by a user.
16. The VoIP device of claim 15 , wherein the number is programmed by a manufacturer of the VoIP device.
17. The VoIP device of claim 15 , wherein the number is programmed by a service provider of the VoIP call.
18. The VoIP device of claim 15 , wherein the number is for a caretaker of a child.
19. The VoIP device of claim 15 , wherein the number is for a 911 call.
20. The VoIP device of claim 15 , wherein the VoIP device is used as a baby monitor.
21. The VoIP device of claim 15 , wherein the VoIP device and the second device are used as an intercom.
22. A Voice over IP (VoIP) device, comprising:
a processor configured for wireless communication;
an audio component coupled to the processor;
a memory coupled to the processor for storing at least one programmed number associated with a second device; and
a button coupled to the processor and programmed with the number, wherein pressing the button initiates a VoIP call to the second device and wherein the only way to initiate a VoIP call from the VoIP device is by pressing the button, wherein pressing the button during a first time interval initiates a VoIP call to the second device and pressing the button during a second time interval initiates a VoIP call to a third device.
23. The VoIP device of claim 13 , wherein the VoIP device is attached to a toy.
24. The VoIP device of claim 15 , wherein the VoIP device comprises only one audio component, and wherein the audio component is a speaker.
25. The VoIP device of claim 24 , wherein pressing the button results in a sound emanating from the speaker.
26. The VoIP device of claim 25 , wherein the sound is pre-recorded or downloadable content.
27. A Voice over IP (VoIP) device, comprising:
means for programming a button on the VoIP device with a first number, wherein the button is pre-programmed with multiple numbers as determined by a user; and
means for initiating a VoIP call to a second device associated with the first number in response to depressing the button, wherein the only way of initiating a call from the VoIP device is by depressing the button.