Thursday, August 25, 2016

Discovering The Secrets Behind The Talk Phone

By Ann Schmidt


People have been using traditional and cellular technology for years. However, only more recently has there been an integration between computer applications and the telephone. For example, the first Smart Phones were not in circulation until 1995. While this is the case, the first talk phone with similar technology came into existence in 1992.

In fact, the first of these models was known as the Simon Personal Communicator. IBM began research and development on this model in the late 1980s and created a working prototype. After which, the company started marketing the communicator to limited markets in 1992. As such, while Apple is considered the genius behind the Smart Phone craze, it was actually the IBM research and development team which created the initial technology behind this phenomenon.

The ideology behind the research was inspired by Alexander's deaf wife. Initially, the research was related to hearing devices rather than a communications device. As such, Mr. Bell considered the most famous discovery and design of a lifetime an intrusion into more scientific aspirations. Sadly, the scientist then refused to include this new design into ongoing research and development.

While the telephone is primarily Alexander Graham Bell's greatest accomplishment, the scientist also invented several other communication forms. These include, optical or visual communication, black box communication for aeronautics and hydrofoil systems. Although, it was not until much later in life that any of these other forms became valid modes of communication, or as popular as the scientist's initial invention.

Mr. Bell first experimented with sound as encouraged by a loving father. A father who took his sons to see a unique automation created by Charles Wheatstone of the "mechanical man, " in 1863. The model included a simulated human voice which really grabbed Alexander's attention. After which, Mr. Bell translated a copy of the book into English. After which, the design was replicated with the help of his brother Melville, work that culminated into a working automaton.

While the project was a success, it was the father who paid for all the parts and processes involved. In addition, excited to see the boys so interested in scientific research and developed, a major prize was offered if the project became successful. While there is no record of what the prize might have been, it is clearly evident that the boys deserved more than just a prize for having creating this working model of the original "mechanical man."

While Alexander Graham Bell may have developed the first telephone with help from the family dog, it is clearly evident by human speech that sound can be transmitted. However, the resonance and volume seemed to lack stability or control, so Alexander continued research into changing these aspects while working with the family dog. After which, the ringer and volume levels on telephones were adjusted in a way to improve transmission rates, resonance and sound.

The objective was to create a device over which sound waves could be transmitted in either direction. After which, there was more research and development into the design. For, a person on one end needed to speak into a microphone while the other needed to hear. As a result, the mouth and ear design on traditional telephones with a rotary dialing system became quite popular over the years.




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