Adapter Device for Captioned Telephone Service on Business Phones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Business phone systems lack compatibility with captioned telephone services, hindering individuals with hearing impairments from accessing communication services, especially in professional settings where complex communication systems and proprietary PBX call switching functionality restrict accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A compact adapter device that emulates a headset interface, connecting business phones to a CTS application on an electronic device via various interfaces (RJ-9, 3.5 mm audio jack, USB, Bluetooth, and WiFi), enabling two-way communication and converting analog signals to digital and vice versa, thus facilitating captioned telephone services across different communication platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If business phone systems use proprietary PBX call switching functionality, then call control and system management are improved, but compatibility with captioned telephone services deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that connects between the business phone system and the CTS application. This intermediary translates and bridges the proprietary PBX protocols with standard CTS interfaces, allowing the business phone system to maintain its proprietary call control while enabling CTS compatibility through the mediating device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If business phones rely on complex communication systems, then system functionality and features are improved, but accessibility for hearing impaired individuals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the CTS functionality from the complex business phone system and places it in a separate accessible device (smartphone, tablet, or computer). This extraction allows the business phone system to maintain its complex functionality while the accessibility features are provided by the separate device with its own display and interface, making it easier for hearing impaired individuals to access.
3Ease of operation
If TRS services are provided through mobile devices, then accessibility for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals is improved, but compatibility with business phone systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the CTS application universal by enabling it to connect to multiple types of devices including smartphones, tablets, computers, and specifically business phone systems. The application can adapt to different device types and protocols, allowing hearing impaired individuals to use the same CTS service across personal and business communication platforms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adapter device provides seamless captioned telephone services to business phone systems, supporting multiple users and platforms like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Skype, while minimizing security risks and integrating with existing infrastructures, ensuring accessibility for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals in professional environments.
Implementation Method 1
The adapter device may include a codec to convert analog signals from the RJ-9 port or the 3.5 mm audio jack to digital signals and covert digital signals to analog signals for being sent to the RJ-9 port or the 3.5 mm audio jack.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for enabling captioned telephone service (“CTS”) to a phone system includes a landline telephone, an adapter device, a portable electronic device for a hearing impaired user, and a CTS application installed on the portable electronic device. The landline telephone has an RJ-9 port, a 3.5 mm audio jack, a USB port, or a Bluetooth transceiver for supporting two-way communication with a headset where the landline telephone itself does not provide CTS. The adapter device includes an RJ-9 port, a 3.5 mm audio jack, a USB port, and a first Bluetooth transceiver for supporting two-way communication with the landline telephone. The adapter device further includes a second Bluetooth transceiver, a WiFi transceiver, a wired network transceiver, the adapter device being constructed to connect to the CTS application via Bluetooth connection, WiFi connection, or wired network connection.