Friday 19 August 2016

Discovering The Secrets Behind The Talk Phone

By Ann Schmidt


While Smartphones are somewhat new, walkie talkies have been around for quite some time. The application access and operations of smart phones might be new in comparison. However, talk phone technology has existed since the days of Alexander Graham Bell. As such, it is only the cellular, wireless and prepaid technologies which are new in these new so-called smart models.

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.

Later, the scientist invented several other aspects when it comes to communications. For example, Mr. Bell spent more time working on optical communication, aeronautic and hydrofoil systems later in life. In addition, while Alexander has never been considered one of the founds of the National Geographic Society, the scientist served as the second president of the publication, thus having a strong influence on the magazine.

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.

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."

For, one of Bell's most interesting experimental subjects was the family dog. Most likely considered animal abuse by today's standards, the scientist worked to create an ongoing growling pattern. At which time, Mr. Bell would attempt to move the dog's lips and adjust the vocal cords to produce a specific sound. One sound the scientist created sounded like the dog was asking "How are you grandma?"

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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