Abstract: A low cost alphanumeric paging entry and page receiving device for entering alphanumeric messages remotely from a telephone and receiving pages via radio frequency signals. The device is designed so that both page reception and alphanumeric page entry can be provided using substantially the same hardware. The entry functionality uses simplex communications, using a system of Baudot tones to send page messages to a paging system for transmission to other similar devices.

Abstract: An electronic personal interpreter is provided so that deaf or hard of hearing persons can use on-the spot interpreting to converse with hearing persons who do not know sign language. The personal interpreter uses a telephone connection to a telephone relay system for the deaf to perform the actual interpretation. By using a wireless telephone connection, the device is made portable and by using improved communication protocols and a fast translation technique at the relay, conversation-like speeds of information interchange can occur. Thus for the first time, deaf people will be free to move in hearing society and engage in normal speed conversations with hearing people without special adaptations or training by the hearing people.

Abstract: A relay is described to facilitate communication through the telephone system between deaf people and hearing people. To overcome the speed limitations inherent in typing, the call assistant at the relay does not type most words but, instead, re-voices the words spoken by the hearing person into a computer operating a voice recognition software package trained to the voice of that call assistant. The conversation-type flow of communications achieved by this type of relay enables the design of a new class of interpreters for the deaf.

Abstract: A low cost alphanumeric paging entry system is based on a low cost paging (LCP) device to enter paging messages remotely from any telephone. The device is designed to minimize the needs for user training and is intended for intuitive operation by the user. The device uses simplex communications, using a system of Baudot tones, to send the paging message to the paging system for transmission to the intended recipient. A gateway is a device intended to interface between such an LCP device and an otherwise conventional paging system. The gateway provides a series of audible prompts to the user to facilitate easy and intuitive entry of the paging message to the gateway. The gateway then re-formats the paging message into a standard digital paging message format and re-transmits the message to a pagan system for transmission to the recipient.

Abstract: A system is described for assisting the hard of hearing in the use of the telephone, the system termed here text enhanced telephony or TET. The hard of hearing user uses a TET device or appliance which permits the user to speak and to hear the words spoken by the other party, the TET device also supplying to the user a text character stream of the words spoken by the other party. The TET system uses the system of voice-to-text relays, already in existence to assist the deaf community communicate with hearing persons over the telephone, to translate the spoken voice into a text stream. The TET relay and TET device are capable of separating voice and digital communications frequencies carrying text so that voice and a text communications stream of the words spoken by the voice can be carried over a common telephone line. The devices can also be capable of automated capabilities such that the devices can automatically configure a three-party relay call without the need for the user's instructions.

Abstract: A unified TDD and telephone incorporate intelligent mode switching to permit users of either device to use the integrated unit with the other features remaining largely invisible by sensing various signals including the removal of the handset or the turning on and off of the TDD device to determine the likely mode of a transmission and the detection of text to determining the likely mode of the receive text. This intelligent mode conversion includes a voice carryover mode in which text and voice may both be transmitted.

Abstract: A combined telephone AED simply integrates the function of a telephone and an alphanumeric entry device required for alphanumeric paging into a single unit by making use of the handset cradle switch to reset the unit from page mode to telephone mode whenever the handset is lifted. Paging operation is simplified through pre-stored entries in a directory giving both voice and paging numbers with the appropriate number being identified by the previously selected mode of the operation of the unit. Special purpose paging and speed dial buttons serve the combined function of identifying a mode of operation and initiating a search of the directory to reduce the number of keystrokes required of a user during typical operation.

Abstract: A telecommunication device for the deaf is designed to operate under an enhanced TDD communication protocol. The TDD is capable of communicating with conventional TDDs operating under normal Baudot/Weitbrecht communications, but is also capable of communicating with a similarly enhanced TDD utilizing an enhanced protocol with a faster data transfer rate. The enhanced TDD is capable of signaling to another remote TDD through the use of a synchronization character that it is capable of enhanced TDD communications. If a similar synchronization character is received from the remote station, both TDDs can then switch to enhanced TDD communication with its advantages of speed and enlarged character set. The enhanced protocol permits increased functionality of the TTD terminals in providing machine-to-machine communication in a manner invisible to the TTD user. A machine-to-machine control character similar to the synchronizing character is used to designate such messages.

Abstract: A voice bridge for a telephone relay for the hearing impaired is constructed so as to pass voice data to and/or from a user who is capable of either speaking or hearing voice. The voice bridge is capable of passing voice communication between a pair of telephone lines while excluding data carrier TDD signals from passage. Several methods are possible to achieve TDD signal exclusion. A privacy option is also included to exclude the relay station operator from overhearing parts of conversation when the operator's assistance is not required.

Abstract: A telecommunication device for the deaf operates under conventional Baudot communication protocol, but has enhanced features enabling it to handle interrupts either from a conventional or a similar TDD. The improved TDD is also capable of pseudo-duplex communication with a similar TDD in which each device transmits packets of characters alternatively to the other thus making it appear to the users that simultaneous transmission is occurring. The implementation of these features is done in such a way that the TDD is fully capable of communication with existing TDD devices and the device obeys normals rules and conventions for Baudot communication.

Abstract: A telecommunication device for the deaf includes a self-identification sequence which automatically commences upon the initiation of communication with the device. The self-identification sequence consists of a series of characters which may be separated by pauses and the device listens during the pauses to see if TDD communication has been established. The purpose of the character string is so that a receiving station can identify, with a low rate of error, a calling TDD and therefore switch the incoming call to a TDD equipped operator. This capability is particularly useful for emergency service operators (911 services) which must be able to handle incoming TDD calls with a maximum of efficiency and a minimum of error.

Abstract: A telecommunications device automatically detects the code used by a second telecommunications device to which the devices are linked to transmit and receive therebetween. After the telecommunications device has been set to transmit and receive in code which has been detected, the telecommunications device continues to interrogate the second telecommunications device for a more optimal code (usually a code with higher transmission and receiving speeds) that is common to both devices.

Abstract: A public terminal receptacle for containing, protecting, and allowing a user access to a computer terminal, telecommunications device for the deaf, or another type of terminal which is telephonically linked and physically adjacent to a public telephone through which the terminal may telecommunicate with other electronic devices. The public terminal receptacle includes a housing having an opening and which is adapted to be attached to a public telephone booth, a drawer which is slidably mounted within the housing to move between a closed position where the drawer is within the housing and an open position where at least a forward portion of the drawer extends out through the opening, the terminal, and a motor drive system mounted within the housing and which is drivingly connected to the drawer for opening and closing the drawer in response to specific electrical signals.

Abstract: A public terminal receptacle for containing, protecting, and allowing a user access to a computer terminal, telecommunications device for the deaf, or another type of terminal which is telephonically linked and physically adjacent to a public telephone through which the terminal may telecommunicate with other electronic devices. The public terminal receptacle includes a housing having an opening and which is adapted to be attached to a public telephone booth, a drawer which is slidably mounted within the housing to move between a closed position where the drawer is within the housing and an open position where at least a forward portion of the drawer extends out through the opening, the terminal, and a motor drive system mounted within the housing and which is drivingly connected to the drawer for opening and closing the drawer in response to specific electrical signals.