Abstract:
A communications system allows individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled to use computers and other web devices to connect to an Internet Portal in order to place a call. The system relays communications between a first device and a second device utilizing a third device as an intermediary where the second device is a telephone on a plain old telephone system network and the communications between the first device and third device involves the Internet. The system includes a first input and output communication device coupled to a network and is configured to send and receive communication messages, a server device that receives a session request from the first input and output communication device and sends a call to a call distribution device, a second input and output communication device coupled to a plain old telephone system, and a third input and communicating with the first input and output communication device using a chat room interface.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to communication methods and systems for the deaf, hearing and/or speech impaired. More specifically, the present invention relates to an Internet protocol (IP) relay system and method.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Various technologies have been developed to enable hearing-impaired individuals to communicate using telephone communication systems. For example, text telephones, such as Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDD), enable deaf, hard of hearing, speech-impaired individuals to communicate over the telephone with hearing and speaking parties using conventional telephones. In TDD systems, the hearing-impaired person typically uses a telephone teletype keyboard or TTY, a specially equipped device with a keyboard, to type messages and a text display for presenting responses to the caller.  
         [0003]     TDD devices typically require a Weitbrecht/Baudot-compatible modem. In general, a computer cannot communicate directly to TDD because each uses a different coding system to transmit messages over telephone lines. Modems and software are available that can be installed on a computer that allow the computer to communicate directly with a Baudot modem and a TDD. However, such configurations do not solve the need of a hearing-impaired person being able to call anyone at anytime.  
         [0004]     Telecommunication relay services or dual party relay services enable deaf, hard of hearing, speech-impaired individuals to employ text telephones for engaging in a communication session over a telephone network with a person who has a conventional voice telephone. Relay services involve a hearing-impaired individual using a keyboard to communicate and a display device to understand what is being said by the other party. The hearing person hears what is being said and uses his voice to communicate. A relay operator acts as the interface in this situation. The relay operator relays information from one communication protocol to another. For example, the relay operator types what the hearing person says and sends the text to the hearing-impaired person. The relay operator reads aloud text messages from the hearing-impaired person so that the hearing person can hear the message.  
         [0005]     There is a need for an improved relay system. Further, there is a need to improve telephone relay conversations by enabling the relay operator to use computerize chat interfaces to communicate with the hearing-impaired individual. Even further, there is a need to utilize Internet technologies to enable IP based Internet relay services.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     A communications system allows individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled to use computers and other web devices to connect to an Internet Portal in order to place a call to any standard telephone user, VCO (voice carry over) user, or HCO (hearing carry over) user. An exemplary embodiment relates to a system for relaying communications between a first device and a second device utilizing a third device as an intermediary where the second device is a telephone on a plain old telephone system network and the communications between the first device and third device involves the Internet. The system includes a first input and output communication device coupled to a network and is configured to send and receive communication messages, a server device that receives a session request from the first input and output communication device and sends a call to a call distribution device, a second input and output communication device coupled to a plain old telephone system, and a third input and output device communicating with the first input and output communication device using a chat room interface.  
         [0007]     Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of relaying communications between a first device and a second device utilizing a relay device as an intermediary where the second device is a telephone on a plain old telephone system network and the first device and the relay device utilize the Internet in communication. The method includes communicating with a first input and output communication device coupled to a network where the first input and output device is configured to send and receive Internet communication messages, receiving the Internet communication messages at a relay station, establishing a communication session between the first input and output communication device and a communications assistant at the relay station, and communicating with a second input and output communication device over a plain old telephone system network communications based on the communications received from the first input and output communication device.  
         [0008]     Still another exemplary embodiment relates to a system for relaying communications between a first device and a second device utilizing a relay device as an intermediary where the second device is a telephone on a plain old telephone system network and the first device and the relay device utilize the Internet in communication. The system includes means for communicating with a first input and output communication device coupled to a network where the first input and output device is configured to send and receive Internet communication messages, means for receiving the Internet communication messages at a relay station and means for establishing a communication session between the first input and output communication device and the relay station, and means for communicating with a second input and output communication device over a plain old telephone system network communications based on the communications received from the first input and output communication device.  
         [0009]     Other principle features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     The exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements; and  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of an Internet protocol (IP) relay system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of an exemplary process of operation for the IP relay system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of exemplary operations in the IP relay system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of exemplary operations in the IP relay system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an Internet browser exemplary embodiment;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a diagram of exemplary operations in the IP relay system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an instant messenger exemplary embodiment; and  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a diagram of exemplary operations in the IP relay system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with a two-way pager exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
       [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary Internet protocol (IP) relay system including a personal computer (PC)  12 , a network  14 , a server  16 , an Automated Call Distribution (ACD) router server  18 , workstation computers  20 ,  22 , and  24 , a public switched telephone network (PSTN)  26 , and a standard telephone  28 . The PC  12  is coupled to the network  14  via a connection, such as a broadband communication connection. The network  14  is preferably the Internet. The server  16  is coupled to the network  14  and receives data from the network  14 .  
         [0018]     The PC  12  can be replaced by any of a variety of devices, including, for example, a handheld wireless two-way communication device (such as a two-way pager), or any internet capable device such as a library workstation computer or a kiosk. In an exemplary embodiment, workstation computers  20 ,  22 , and  24  constitute communication assistant (CA) workstations.  
         [0019]     According to an exemplary embodiment, a hearing or speech impaired individual initiates a communication session through an Internet web page designed for this purpose. In an exemplary embodiment, once the communication session is initiated from PC  12 , an application is started on the server  16  that determines which telephone lines are available and places a dummy telephone call to an Automated Call Distribution (ACD) router server  18  over the chosen available line. The server  16  connects the originator communicating via PC  12  with a chat room that corresponds to the chosen telephone line where the originator waits for a Communications Assistant (CA) to join the chat session. The ACD router server  18  receives the dummy call from the server  16  and routes the call to the next available CA at workstation  20 ,  22 , or  24 . Alternatively, no dummy call is used and workstations  20 ,  22 , and  24  are designated to a particular chat server.  
         [0020]     The workstation  20 ,  22 , or  24  processes the call, recognizing the dummy number through DNIS (Dialed Number Identification Service) as an IP call, and joins the chat room associated with the DNIS, the number chosen by the server  16 . Once the CA joins the originator in the chat room, a client running on the PC  12  and a client running on a CA workstation (workstation  20 ,  22 , or  24 ) perform a handshake process that can include any instructions or other information the hearing impaired originator may have entered when initiating the call. The CA completes a call for the originator over a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and a conversation between the originator and a called person can begin. When the call is ended, the CA leaves the chat room, triggering software processes that clear the chat channel and clear the DNIS dummy call, readying the line and the CA for another call.  
         [0021]     The connection between the originator and the CA is an IP to IP connection. Preferably, the messages are not converted to baudot or other communication protocol by intervening software. The system allows for VCO (Voice Carry Over)/HCO (Hearing Carry Over) capability directly over the Internet, without a second telephone line being utilized. The architecture can also allow for a hearing telephone user to place a call to the hearing impaired Internet user. Conventional systems convert IP message packets to modem or baudot signals. As such, these conventional systems cannot perform VCO or HCO without using an additional telephone line. The system described with reference to  FIG. 1  makes the conversation less trouble prone and easier to troubleshoot. The need to convert the call to modem or baudot signals, use an extra phone line, or use an extra modem is eliminated.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary process of operation for the IP relay system of  FIG. 1 . Additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed. In an operation  32 , a conversation is initiated by a user. The call can be initiated by a hearing impaired person by logging onto the Internet from a web-enabled Internet browser and following the instructions to make a call which connects them to the server. In an operation  34 , the server receives the request for conversation, determines an available Automated Call Distribution (ACD) line, and places a dummy call. The initiator is placed in a corresponding chat room. Alternatively, no dummy call is placed, rather the chat room assignment is made in software.  
         [0023]     Caller information such as speed call numbers and special greetings can be stored in a profile at the user&#39;s option. A PIN protects the originator&#39;s profile and when provided, information provided earlier by the originator is available for modification as well as to the CA to help speed the call. In an operation  36 , the ACD locates an available CA. The available CA workstations processes the call and places the CA in the corresponding chat room with the person who initiated the call.  
         [0024]     In an operation  38 , call information is collected and verified and a call is made to a person over the PSTN. In one embodiment, the media to the originating PC is text. Because of the IP to IP connectivity, other embodiments may include a PC with the appropriate software, speakers and/or microphones to enable the conversation to be VCO or HCO enabled. Further, a call can be initiated by a hearing person from the PSTN, enter the system as any other call would but be connected to the hearing or speech impaired person by the reverse process described. In such an embodiment, if the hearing impaired person is not logged on to the network, a message can be left for the next time they do log onto the system (if they are registered and the proper passwords are in place) to complete the call back to the PSTN phone number.  
         [0025]     In an operation  40 , a conversation between the initiator on the Internet and the called person takes place using a chat server instead of TTY techniques and systems. Once the call is completed in an operation  42 , the called person hangs up and the CA or Internet user terminates the call in an operation  44 , triggering programs to prepare for new calls. An interface, such as a Dialogic T1 board, can be used to place a dummy call into the ACD system. In an operation  46 , a connection made by such an interface is disconnected. In an operation  48 , if the call initiator has not left the chat room already, the system removes him or her and, in an operation  50 , the chat room and the CA are ready for another call.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary process of operation for the IP relay system of  FIG. 1 . Additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed, depending on the embodiment implemented. In an operation  52 , a hearing or speech impaired Internet user navigates to a web page to initiate a call. In an operation  54 , preferences are either entered and saved or recalled from a prior entry and a desired telephone number is entered onto the web page. In an operation  56 , a server processes the preferences and the selected number and assigns the user to a CA through the ACD and places the user in a chat room.  
         [0027]     In an operation  58 , the communications assistant (CA) joins the chat room and begins calls. The CA relays messages between the chat page and the telephone. The hearing impaired person types a message into the chat room, the CA reads the message into the telephone to the called person, the called person responds, the CA types the responses of the called person in the chat room, and the hearing impaired person reads the typed messages. In an operation  60 , the called person answers and responds to the CA and, in an operation  62 , the called person hangs up, ending the communication session. In an operation  64 , the person initiating the conversation responds to the CA through the chat room and, in an operation  66 , the web user exits the chat room, ending the communication session.  
         [0028]     In an operation  68 , when the conversation is complete, a call teardown process begins. A call teardown can involve disconnecting the dummy call established to identify a CA, emptying the chat room of any remaining participants, and identifying the CA as available. In an operation  70 , the CA, the server, and the ACD are ready to process a new call.  
         [0029]      FIG. 4  illustrates an Internet browser implementation of the IP relay system. An IP relay conversation is initiated by a hearing/speech impaired individual from an Internet-connected computer  73  running a standard browser. Data is transmitted via the Internet  75  to a relay center  77 . An exemplary relay center  77  is described with respect to  FIG. 1  as including a server, workstations, and a router server. The relay center  77  processes the conversation and relays messages to the called person who communicates using a standard telephone  79 .  
         [0030]     The relay center  77  processes the conversation, relaying the called person&#39;s messages back to the browser user. The return messages are transmitted by the Internet  75  to the relay center&#39;s server. The message is received and the response transmitted until the conversation ends.  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  illustrates an instant messaging implementation of the IP relay system. An IP relay conversation is initiated by a hearing/speech impaired individual from the Internet-connected computer  73  running an instant messenger application. Data is transmitted via the Internet  75  to a relay center  77 . The relay center  77  processes the conversation and relays messages to the called person who communicates using a standard telephone  79 .  
         [0032]     The relay center  77  processes the conversation, relaying the called person&#39;s messages back to the instant messenger user. The return messages are transmitted by the Internet  75  to the browser&#39;s server. The message is received and the response transmitted until the conversation ends.  
         [0033]      FIG. 6  illustrates a two-way pager implementation of the IP relay system. An IP relay conversation is initiated by a hearing/speech impaired individual from a two-way pager  83 . A pager service provider at a server  85  converts the page to a format compatible with a relay center  89 . Data is transmitted via a network  87  (such as the Internet) to a relay center  89 . The relay center  89  processes the conversation and relays messages to the called person who communicates using a standard telephone  91 .  
         [0034]     The relay center  89  processes the conversation, relaying the called person&#39;s messages back to the pager user. The return messages are transmitted by the network  87  to the pager service provider server. The pager service provider server converts the message to the pager&#39;s protocol and transmits the message. The message is received at the pager  83  and the response is transmitted until the conversation ends.  
         [0035]     In the description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate description of the exemplary embodiments.  
         [0036]     It is understood that although the detailed drawings and specific examples describe exemplary embodiments of an Internet protocol (IP) relay system and method, they are for purposes of illustration only. The exemplary embodiments are not limited to the precise details and descriptions described herein. For example, although particular devices and structures are described, other devices and structures could be utilized according to the principles of the present invention. Various modifications may be made and the details disclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the following claims.