Telephone apparatus, systems, and processes to enhance access for TDD and/or TTY devices

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The following patent applications, which are filed herewith, are incorporated by reference:

______________________________________ Reference Number/Serial Number Title Author ______________________________________ 3870-2000/RR-128.1 Telephone System F. Hansen Integrated Text Based Communication Processes To Enhance Access for TDD and/or TTY Devices 3870-2001/RR-128.2 Telephone System F. Hansen Integrated Text Based Communication Apparatus and System To Enhance Access for TDD and/or TTY Devices 3870-2004/RR-129.1 Telephone System F. Hansen /RR-130.1 Integrated Text Based D. Jennings /RR-132.1 Communication /RR-133.1 Processes to Establish Communication Links to TDD and/or TTY Devices and Other Telephone and Text Server Systems 3870-2005/RR-129.2 Telephone System F. Hansen /RR-130.2 Integrated Text Based D. Jennings /RR-132.2 Communication /RR-133.2 Processes to Establish Communication Links to TDD and/or TTY Devices and Other Telephone and Text Server Systems 3870-2007/RR-134 TTY Telephonic F. Hansen Display and Related R. Bonner Processes, Systems and Apparatus ______________________________________

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of communications equipment and processes for the deaf and, more specifically, to the field of TDD and/or TTY devices used by the deaf to communicate.

BACKGROUND

There is an immediate need to provide enhanced text capabilities for the deaf, hearing impaired, and/or speech impaired communities. This is consistent with an overriding social goal of integrating handicapped individuals into traditional society, which is, in part, perhaps, best illustrated by the two recent statutes passed by the United States Congress and signed by the President of the United States: the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Among other things, these statutes compel manufactures and telecommunications service providers to enhance existing approaches used by members of the deaf, hearing impaired, and/or speech impaired communities to access and utilize telecommunications networks and systems. For instance, the ADA generally requires that handicapped persons have equal access to public (and, in some cases, private) facilities. Among other things, 47 U.S.C. .sctn.225(b)(1) states that the Federal Communications Commission "shall ensure that interstate and intrastate telecommunications relay services are available, to the extent possible and in the most efficient manner, to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals in the United States." Consequently, over the past several years, it has become imperative for telecommunications companies to develop systems, processes, and apparatus that enable members of the deaf, hearing impaired, and/or speech impaired communities to use telecommunications networks and systems.

Deaf, hearing impaired, and/or speech impaired individuals primarily communicate with others via a Telecommunication Device for the Deaf ("TDD"), which is primarily a teletypewriter ("TTY"). One current problem for users of TTY devices is that the number of people who can be called is limited, because TTY users can only have conversations with others who have a TTY device, have access to a TTY device, and know how to use a TTY device. Many business do not have any TTY device or, if they do have a TTY device, there are a limited number available. Alternatively, TTY-to-speech relay services are sometimes used by deaf, hearing impaired and/or speech impaired people to communicate with hearing/speaking persons. These services are generally provided by a group of people, who basically read the TTY text and vocalize the message to the hearing person and also hear the message from the hearing person and type the TTY text to the deaf, hearing impaired, and/or speech impaired person. A major disadvantage of relay services is that they require a third party for each and every telephone conversation, which is especially problematic for the TTY user in personal or financial matters. Moreover, relay readers employed by relay services can also make mistakes, in part, due to the lack of immediate feedback.

One problem with designing new systems, processes, and apparatus is that TDD and TTY devices are, by today's standards, quite slow. Specifically, in the age of 33.4K baud modems, Digital Simultaneous Voice and Data ("DSVD"), and 64 Kbits per channel BRI/PRI, a TTY uses the Baudot format consisting of 5-bit words transmitted at a rate as slow as 45.45 bits per second, which is a TDD standard. These signals do not have any carrier and only support 38 characters. Numbers and punctuation characters are generally sent after a shift character is sent to change the character mode to a number mode, so as an example, the number "3" and the letter "E" are both represented by the same code (00001). The difference is dependent on the mode each TDD device is in. If the mode of the TDD devices used in a conversation do not match, the result is garbled words. This problem is exacerbated with the fact that the standards are not likely to change for a variety of reasons. In particular, the existing standards are reliable in that the slow speed will work on almost any quality of a telephone line. In fact, TDD devices routinely use an acoustic coupler to connect to the public network. It can be easily read, as it is received, which is important, because most TTY devices are equipped with a small digit window that shows only one line of text. In addition, existing equipment implementing the standard are relatively inexpensive at about $225.00/device.

Existing designs and procedures have other problems as well.

SUMMARY

Preferred embodiments pertain to an apparatus and related methods and systems that enhance communication systems and processes used by the deaf, hearing-impaired, and/or speech impaired community. Note that preferred methods are preferably performed by the preferred apparatus and systems and are discussed in reference to the preferred apparatus and systems.

Preferred systems are generally comprised of a TTY device, a telephone network, a private branch exchange ("PBX") module, a text server, a voice mail system, at least one telephone, at least one terminal device, and, in some cases, a computer network. Communication paths are used to selectively couple the above elements together, as needed to execute or implement the particular application or feature. The TDD device is typically external to the overall system and is used to generate or initiate the TDD call into the telephone network. The TDD call is preferably received by a port adapted to receive the TDD call. The port is preferably in communication with the PBX module. The PBX module is in communication with a text server via a modem. The text server is directly or indirectly in communication with a voice mail system and with the PBX module. The text server may be in communication with the voice mail system via a voice card and PBX module or directly with certain voice mail systems (e.g., Meridian Mail.TM.) with specialized software (e.g., Meridian Mail ACCESS.TM.). The PBX module is in communication with at least one telephone. The text server is in communication with at least one terminal device (e.g., personal computer) via a local area network ("LAN"), the Internet, or some other form of a network. Note that depending upon the specific feature and/or application of the preferred embodiment, not all of the disclosed elements may need to be required and, as discussed below, the interconnections may change.

Preferred processes use a bulletin board system which presents a number of options (e.g., (i) leave a message; (ii) transfer to a persons telephone number; and/or (iii) log on to a specific mailbox) to direct a TDD call through the voice mail system, computer network, telephone system, PBX, and text server. At each stage, a first party (a calling party) is generally prompted to provide needed information to identify a second party (the called party) or instructions to instruct the preferred system what to do (e.g., leave a message). Identification information includes, but is not limited, to the second party's first name, the second party's employee number, the second party's social security number, the second party's computer address, the second party's mailbox number, the second party's login name, the second party's last name, the second party's full name, the second party's individual telephone number, and the Internet protocol ("IP") address. Preferred systems use this information to direct the TDD call and to determine whether the second party has access to equipment needed to respond to the TDD call. Depending upon the instructions provided by the first and second parties, voice messages are left in voice mail, chat discussions are set-up, e-mail messages are sent, and voice mail boxes are set up, etc. The integration of the components discussed above allows for messages or signals to be sent to and from the voice mail system, the computer system, and the text server.

Preferred embodiments integrate TDD and TTY calls into mainstream telephone system and computer communication functions. Software (and, if needed, hardware) used to implement these features preferably exist on a text server that is unique and separate from the telephone system and/or it will be integral with the telephone system. In particular, the server is preferably comprised of a computer acting as the server, at least one modem that interfaces between the TDD/TTY device and the server, a LAN-WAN-Internet interface, a data interface to the voice processing system, and a data interface to the telephone system. Preferred embodiments combine modem based TDD/TTY translation (TDD or TTY to ASCII and ASCII to TDD or TTY), Bulletin Board, chat, telephone system and LAN systems to allow TDD or TTY callers to communicate with telephone system users via chat connections between the TDD/TTY and the users desktop computer via the TDD modem and a LAN connection. Callers will be able to route their own calls by responding to automated TDD prompts stored in the software. The storage media for both the prompts and the messages will be ASCII or similar text format.

The preferred embodiments have a number of other unique features, which along with other advantages, will be discussed below in reference to the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of the specification to illustrate several examples of the present inventions. These drawings together with the description serve to explain the principles of the inventions. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating preferred and alternative examples of how the inventions can be made and used and are not to be construed as limiting the inventions to only the illustrated and described examples. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following and more particular description of the various embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a system level diagram 100 illustrating a TDD configuration for messaging having at least one external TDD device 105, telephone network 110, PBX system 115, text server 120 (with internal modem(s) 122), Meridian Mail.TM. system 130, communication paths 140A, 140B, 140C, 140D, and 140E, and Meridian Mail.TM. link 141;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram that illustrates a preferred process that is used to leave a message that is preferably implemented by system level diagram 100 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a system level diagram 200 having at least one external TDD device 205, telephone network 210, PBX system 215, text server 220 (with internal modem(s) 222 and voice card 224), voice mail system 230, and communication paths 240A, 240B, 240C, 240D, and 240E;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that illustrates a preferred process used to leave a message that is preferably implemented by system level diagram 200 shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a preferred procedure used to retrieve a message, which is preferably implemented by system level diagram 100 shown in FIG. 1 or system level diagram 200 shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a system level diagram 600 having at least one external TDD device 605, telephone network 610, PBX system 615, text server 620 (with internal modem(s) 622), Meridian Mail.TM. system 630 (with Meridian Mail ACCESS.TM. coordinates) at least one combination 638A (having terminal device 637A and telephone 616A), communication paths 640A, 640B, 640C, 640D, 640E, and 640F, and local area network 635;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are flow diagrams that when combined illustrate a preferred process used to establish a real time chat that is preferably implemented by system level diagram 600 shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a system level diagram 800 having at least one external TDD device 805, telephone network 810, PBX system 815, text server 820 (with internal modem(s) 822 and voice card 824), voice mail system 830, communication paths 840A, 840B, 840C, 840D, 840E, and 840F, and local area network 835;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are flow diagrams that when combined illustrate a preferred process used to establish a real time chat (when a voice card is used to signal), which is preferably implemented by system level diagram 800 shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a system level diagram 1000 having at least one external TDD device 1005, telephone network 1010, PBX system 1015, text server 1020 (with internal modem(s) 1022), Meridian Mail.TM. system 1030 (with Meridian Mail ACCESS.TM. coordinates), at least one combination 1038A (having terminal device 1037A and telephone 1016A), communication paths 1040A, 1040B, 1040C, 1040D, 1040E, 1040F, 1040G, and 1040H, and Internet-based communication link 1050;

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, and 11F are flow diagrams that illustrates a preferred process implemented by system level diagram 1000 shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a system level diagram 1200 having at least one external TDD device 1205, telephone network 1210, PBX system 1215, text server 1220 (with internal modem 1222), Meridian Mail.TM. system 1230 (with Meridian Mail ACCESS.TM. coordinates), communication paths 1240A, 1240B, 1240C, 1240D, 1240E, 1240F, 1270B, and 1270A, second telephone network 1210A, and telephone instruments 1216A and 1261B;

FIG. 13 is flow diagram that illustrates a preferred process used to convert Dual Tone Multi Frequency ("DTMF") to text in order to establish real time communication via a text server from either the desktop or TDD device and a display telephone, which is preferably implemented by system level diagram 1200 shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a system level diagram 1400 having at least one external TDD device 1405, telephone network 1410, PBX system 1415, text server 1420 (with internal modem 1422), Meridian Mail.TM. system 1430 (with Meridian Mail ACCESS.TM. coordinates), at least one combination 1438A (having terminal device 1437A and telephone 1416A), and communication paths 1440A, 1440B, 1440C, 1440D, 1440E, and 1440F;

FIG. 15A is flow diagram that illustrates a preferred process used to enable a user to automatically build a mail box for an individual able or desiring to take a TDD call, which is preferably implemented by system level diagram 1400 shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 15B is flow diagram that illustrates a preferred process used to retrieve a message, which is preferably implemented by system level diagram 1400 shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a system level diagram 1600 having at least one external TDD device 1605, telephone network 1610, PBX system 1615, text server 1620 (with internal modem(s) 1622), Meridian Mail.TM. system 1630 (with Meridian Mail ACCESS.TM. coordinates), at least one combination 1638A (having terminal device 1637A and telephone 1616A), and communication paths 1640A, 1640B, 1640C, 1640D, 1640E, and 1640F;

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram that illustrates how the operation of Automatic Call Distribution ("ACD") systems are integrated with preferred embodiments; and

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram that illustrates how a preferred display for a TDD device is created.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present inventions will be described by referring to apparatus and methods showing various examples of how the inventions can be made and used. When possible, like reference characters are used throughout the several views of the drawing to indicate like or corresponding parts.

FIG. 1 shows system level diagram 100. Specifically, system level diagram 100 illustrates a system that is capable of answering and directing a TDD call generated from external TDD device 105 that travels through communication link 140A to telephone network 110. The TDD call is directed from telephone network 110 through communication link 140B to a port on PBX system 115. PBX system 115 is linked via communication link 140C to internal modem 122 on text server 120. Then, the TDD call is directed through communication link 140D through Meridian Mail ACCESS.TM. coordinates message waiting indication ("MWI") to Meridian Mail.TM. system 130, which is, in turn, linked to PBX system 115 through communication link 140E. Meridian Mail.TM. link 141 provides a direct communication link between text server 120 and PBX system 115.

At the outset, please note that preferred embodiments will be connected to and work in conjunction with Northern Telecom.TM. and Nortel.TM. products, including, but not limited to, Nortel PBXs, Meridian Mail.TM., and Meridian Mail ACCESS.TM.. Nortel PBXs are digital communication switches which employ several proprietary signaling formats to communicate digital signals from component to component. The components provide phone or network trunk access to the system or other telephony features as needed by the customer.

Meridian Mail.TM. is a voice mail system component manufactured by Northern Telecom. There are over 35,000 Meridian Mail.TM. systems worldwide and it is currently in its eleventh release of software. There are an estimated 12 million users. It is fully integrated with the Nortel.TM. family of PBXs in that it employs the digital format that is used by other components of the Nortel.TM. product family. It has a connection for two way digital voice transmission (proprietary digital loop) and a two way digital control link which has been sold in several proprietary versions. Meridian Mail.TM. is not compatible with other phone systems in this configuration, but other voice mail systems may be used in certain instances, so long as they have certain abilities and features: voice mail, auto attendant, call out, and external control. Additionally, the server itself can initiate telephone calls to the target or called party (see FIGS. 3 and 8).

Regarding the voice mail feature, voice mail systems in preferred embodiments have the ability for a caller to record an audio message and deliver the audio message to a specific mailbox and the ability for the mailbox holder of the specific mailbox to listen to the audio message. When the audio message is delivered to the mailbox, the voice mail system preferably has the ability to indicate that the message is in the mailbox, such as by lighting a light proximal to the user of the mailbox, altering the dial tone of the telephone instrument used the mailbox holder, calling the mailbox holder at a specified telephone using automated audio prompts to inform the mailbox holder that the message is in the mailbox, and sending a predetermined signal to a radio pager appropriate to the pager format and capabilities.

Regarding the auto attendant feature, voice mail systems in preferred embodiments also have the ability of providing a number of choices to a caller or called party, such as transferring the party connected to the auto attendant, recording a message for a specified mailbox, and playing a recording to the connected party.

Furthermore, regarding the call out feature, voice mail systems in preferred embodiments have the ability to call a specified number and present the answering party with a voice mail message or auto attendant feature.

Finally, regarding the external control feature, voice mail systems in preferred embodiments have the ability to be controlled by a computer that is separate from and external to the voice mail system itself. For instance, Meridian Mail.TM. can be connected digitally to a computer via a proprietary digital control link and associated software that is called Meridian Mail ACCESS.TM.. Meridian Mail ACCESS.TM. allows a computer that is external to Meridian Mail.TM. to control Meridian Mail.TM. functions and features using Meridian Mail ACCESS.TM. applications program links ("APL") according to programming resident on the external computer. Meridian Mail ACCESS.TM. has a number of advantages and features which make it suitable for preferred embodiments. Meridian Mail ACCESS.TM. is often used is telephone banking applications, where a call is made to Meridian Mail.TM. and the input of an account number by the caller using standard telephone signaling is processed by an external computer via Meridian Mail ACCESS.TM. to deliver an account balance to the caller via voice recording. Of course, there is a considerable amount of documentation and manuals that has been published, which explains how to program and operate Meridian Mail.TM., Meridian Mail ACCESS.TM., and Nortal's PBX, which, if necessary to understand the invention(s) described herein, is incorporated by reference.

As shown in FIG. 2, a flow diagram of the preferred process implemented, in part, by system level diagram 100 is shown in FIG. 1. As discussed above, after a TDD call is initiated by a caller (e.g., a calling party, a first party) to a specific number (e.g., a called party, a second party) from external TDD device 105 and is connected via the telephone network 110 and received by a port on PBX system 115, the call is transferred to text server 120. Modem(s) 122 then recognizes the incoming call as being initiated by TDD device 105 that conforms to a Baudot format and converts the incoming signal to ASCII. A preferred embodiment of modem 122 is manufactured by NXi, Inc. of Utah. Note, however, some TTY devices can also transmit signals conforming to a format of 300 Baud ASCII and, in these instances, it is not necessary for modem 122 to convert the signal into ASCII, because it is already in ASCII, so standard modems can be used for modem 122. Furthermore, in response, modem 122 converts all outgoing signals to the appropriate format to match TDD device 105 (e.g., 45.45 Baudot or 300 or a greater rate Baud ASCII).

In preferred embodiments, once the TDD call is received and recognized as such, software instructs text server 120 to prompt caller with a variety of choices. Note, however, in alternate embodiments this prompting step can be bypassed and any one of the specific options automatically executed. Preferred embodiments provide a number of options: (i) leave a message; (ii) transfer to a persons telephone number; and (iii) log on to a specific mailbox. Note, not all of the options are necessarily available for every call. The choices listed above are examples of choices that a caller may have. These options form the basis of a bulletin board system, which will be able to perform any computation or present any option consistent with existing computer capabilities. Other options may be used in lieu