Sunday 28 August 2016

How A Dog Helped Create 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 concept behind this research and development was originally inspired by Alexander's deaf wife. For, it was during a time that Alexander was working on research related to hearing devices that concept and design evolved into a two way communications device. Sadly, while Mr. Bell became quite famous for this discovery, it was removed from further 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.

After becoming quite impressed with the boys interest in a "mechanical man, " with a simulated human voice at an exhibit, the father decided to pay all expenses associated with building a replica. After the father promised a surprise gift if the boys completed the project, interest grew even more. Then, after much research and development, the project reached completion.

The replica looked like a man made out of metal and had a simulated human voice just like the one at the exhibit. It was at this moment that Alexander and brother, Melville decided to become scientists. After which, Alexander met his wife and began research on hearing devices and other communications oriented systems. It was this research that would later provide Mr. Bell with the first United States patent for the first working model of a telephone.

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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