WO1993019554A1

WO1993019554A1 - Telecommunication terminal for the hearing impaired

Info

Publication number: WO1993019554A1
Application number: PCT/US1993/002749
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles Polle; Sylvan Naar; Barry Domber
Original assignee: Charles Polle
Priority date: 1992-03-17
Filing date: 1993-03-17
Publication date: 1993-09-30
Also published as: AU3967193A

Abstract

A telecommunication device (10) for the deaf is provided which is capable of automatic adaptation to a remote modem (BAUDOT modem or ASCII modem) with which it is communicating, both when initiating outgoing calls and when answering incoming calls. Automatic adaptation is achieved by detecting and coordinating modem carrier signals, such as the standard BEL 212A signals, in an effort to complete the connection. If the connection cannot be completed within a specified time limit (616) BAUDOT mode (618) is selected by default. In addition, when operating in BAUDOT mode, received characters are 'instantaneously' converted to their ASCII equivalent for transmission to a conventional CENTRONICS and/or RS232C printer.

Description

TELECOMMUNICATION TERMINAL FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to telecommunication devices and, more particularly, concerns telecommunication terminal appropriate for use by the hearing, speech and similarly impaired individuals over conventional telephone lines.

Background of the Invention

A telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) is a communication device which allows the severely hearing and speech impaired to communicate using a standard telephone. By convention, such devices have adopted a specialized communications scheme (modem and data encoding) known as the Baudot or Weitbrecht modem. The Baudot modem is characterized by: low data rate (45.5 baud- about 6 characters per second); thirty-two character Baudot code (5 bit code); half-duplex communication; and acoustic coupling to a conventional telephone handset.

Unfortunately, TDDs have not kept pace with recent advances in technology and the widespread proliferation of personal computers. For example, owing to its incompatible Baudot modem format, a TDD is unable to communicate with the millions of installed personal computers, bulletin boards, electronic mail applications and on-line information services. The TDD also lacks the ability to store and forward prepared messages, to perform full duplex transmission and to dis criminate between voice and data calls. It is also common for received data to be lost, owing to the absence of appropriate data flow control between terminals.

Broadly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a telecommunication terminal for the hearing impaired which avoids the shortcomings of known terminals of this type. It is specifically contemplated that the terminal be capable of communication with conventional telecommunication terminals for the deaf utilizing Baudot code and be fully compatible therewith.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a telecommunication terminal for the hearing impaired which can operate over a conventional telephone line and is capable of direct communication with known terminals for the hearing impaired utilizing Baudot code, as well as conventional terminals utilizing ASCII code, the terminal being capable of receiving and discriminating between these two types of data signals and data and voice signals.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a telecommunication device for the hearing impaired which is capable of interfacing with printers and other devices utilizing the standard CENTRONICS and RS232C interfaces utilized by personal computers, yet permitting the operator to operate the device and its keyboard in the same manner as a conventional Baudot devices.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a communication device for the hearing impaired, which is fully compatible with conventional devices for the hearing impaired utilizing Baudot code, with conventional devices using ASCII code, and with existing peripheral devices for personal computers, the device of the invention being reliable and convenient in use, yet relatively inexpensive in construction.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a TDD is provided which is capable of automatic adaptation to the remote modem with which it is communicating, both when initiating outgoing calls and when answering incoming calls. Automatic adaptation is achieved by detecting and coordinating modem carrier signals, such as the standard BEL 212A signals, in an effort to complete the connection. If the connection cannot be complete within a specified time limit, BAUDOT mode is selected by default. In addition, when operating in BAUDOT mode, received characters are "instantaneously" converted to their ASCII equivalent for transmission to a conventional CENTRONICS and/or RS232C printer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The foregoing brief description, as well as further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be understood more completely from the following detailed description of a presently preferred, but nevertheless illustrative embodiment of the present invention, with reference being had to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a general functional block diagram of a telecommunication device embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 is a functional schematic diagram of the display subsystem of Fig. 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the keyboard of

Fig. 1;

Figures 4 and 5 constitute a flow chart illustrating the overall operation of the telecommunication device;

Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of automatic adaptation to a remote device in the telecommunication device; and

Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the telecommunication device in originating and answering calls with respect to a remote communication device.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Turning now to the details of the preferred embodiment, Fig. 1 is a general functional block diagram of a TDD 10 incorporating objects and features of the present invention. The user controls and communicates with the TDD through a keyboard 12 and receives information from the TDD via a display 14. Operation of the TDD is under control of a programmed microprocessor 16. Solid state memory 18, which includes both read-only memory (ROM) and random-access memory (RAM), provides programming and data storage for the microprocessor, as well as memory utilized by the operator for the storage of prepared messages to be transmitted and memory for storing received information. A communications and peripheral interface unit 20 is also provided to permit microprocessor 16 to communicate over conventional telephones and with peripheral devices such as printers.

In the preferred embodiment, the keyboard is a 65 key keyboard providing a QWERTY-ASCII arrangement, as well as providing for the common Baudot terminal functions. Display 14 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) incorporating a conventional driver. The interface unit includes a conventional acoustic pickup for a telephone headset, as well as modem circuits for communicating with conventional Baudot and ASCII modems. The only peripheral interfaces in the preferred embodiment are CENTRONICS and RS232C printer, interfaces. However, various other types of peripheral interfaces might also be provided, such as interfaces and controllers for various disk drives.

Figure 2 is a functional block representation of display 14. In the preferred embodiment, a three line by 40 column LCD display 30 is provided which displays the contents of a display memory 32, which may be a dedicated portion of memory 18. Memory 32 receives data from microprocessor 16. Display 30 includes an one line indicator or. "prompt" area 34 and a display area comprising two lines 36, 38. Line 34 of display 30 provides the operator with information regarding the operation of the TDD. Lines 36 and 38 of the display operate as a window into memory 32, allowing the operator to scroll through display memory 32 and view two 40-character lines at a time. All of this is performed under control of microprocessor 16.

Figure 3 is schematic representation of keyboard 12 illustrating the layout of the various keys. The keyboard provides for the generation of all Baudot and US ASCII character code. The codes generated by the TDD when various keys are depressed in both Baudot mode and ASCII mode, are tabulated in Table 1. This table indicates not only the character and code which is generated when a key is depressed, but also those generated when combinations of keys (e.g. a key in combination with the shift key or the control key (CTRL)) are depressed. A blank entry in the table means that no code is generated. The presence of the term "local" designates an action local to the TDD. The character designations CR and LF correspond, respectively, to the transmission of a carriage return and line feed, and the character HT generated by the combination of the control and I keys corresponds to a tab. Similarly, the DC1 character, corresponding to the XON code utilized in flow control is obtained by the control-Q combination (the START key), and the DC3 or XOFF character is obtained by the control-S combination (the STOP key). Keyboard 12 also includes a "phone light", preferably a light-emitting diode (LED), labelled "SIG.", which provides a visual representation of the signal received by the TDD. By observing this phone light, an experienced user who cannot hear telephone line signals can distinguish, visually between a busy signal, ringing, and normal line activity.

In order to permit the use of conventional printers of the type utilized with personal computers, the TDD, through microprocessor 16, translates all Baudot code to ASCII characters prior to providing the code to communication and peripheral interface unit 20. The translation performed is reflected by Table 1, where the Baudot codes and their ASCII equivalent are indicated on the same line. Table 2 indicates the translations performed with respect to codes representing non-printable characters. As will be discussed further below, when an "on-line print" is being performed, Baudot code received by the TDD is translated "on the fly" to ASCII code, which is sent to the printer through interface unit 20.

TABLE 2. BAUDOT TO ASCII TRANSLATION (ASCII PRINTER)

Received Baudot Code ASCII Code To Printer

NUL 00H Backspace BS 08H Backspace

LF 02H Line Feed LF 0AH Line Feed

CR 08H Car. Ret. CR 0DH Car. Ret.

FIG 00H Figures NUL 00H

LTRS 02H Letters NUL 00H

Interface unit 20 includes both a Baudot and ASCII modem. As is conventional, the Baudot modem operates with a nominal mark frequency of 1400 Hz and nominal space frequency of 1800 Hz . Baudot code is transmitted in the following format:

The Baudot characters begin with a start bit which is a space of the same duration as a data bit. This start bit is followed by the five bit Baudot code, and the character ends with a stop bit which is a mark and occupies between 1.42 and 2 data bit times.

Interface unit 20 also includes a conventional modem which conforms to the BEL 212A standard, such modem being utilized when the TDD is transmitting and/or receiving in the ASCII mode. As is conventional for BEL 212A modems, in the originate mode, a mark has a nominal frequency of 1270 Hz, while a space has a nominal frequency of 1078 Hz for a transmitted signal; and a mark has a nominal frequency of 2225 Hz, while a space has a nominal frequency of 2025 Hz for a received signal. In the answer mode, the mark frequency is 2225 Hz, while the space frequency is 2025 Hz for a transmitted signal; and the mark frequency is 1270 Hz while the space frequency is 1070 Hz for a received signal. ASCII code is transmitted in the following format:

A character begins with a start bit which is a space and has the same duration as a single data bit- The start bit is followed by these seven bits of ASCII code, beginning with the least significant bit. After the most significant bit, a parity bit is provided for error checking purposes, and the character code ends with one or two stop bits at the mark level. A single stop bit is provided when the modem operates at 300 baud and two stop bits are provided when it operates at 110 baud. Although the preferred embodiment provides for operation only at these relatively slow baud rates, those skilled in the art will appreciate that operation could readily be provided in a similar manner at the higher baud rates which are more common today, such as 1200 baud and 2400 baud.

The TDD 10 has four fundamental modes of operation and, in each mode, certain key functions are available. The four fundamental modes of operation, achieved under control of microprocessor 16, are summarized as follows:

READY MODE Ready mode is the initial mode upon power up.

In this mode the user can receive or place calls in the direct manner customary to TDD operation. More advanced features are accessible via the MEMORY, DIAL, and PHONE keys. Regardless of the mode in effect the user can always return to READY mode by pressing the READY key.

DIALING MODE Dialing mode is activated by the DIAL key and allows the user to dial from the TDD, either directly from the keyboard or from a stored Telephone Directory. The user exits the Dialing mode by executing a dialing entry or by pressing the DIAL key again. External dialing through the telephone keypad is always a user option.

LOCAL MODE Local mode is used for memory operations, such as setting TDD parameters (Setup) and preparing, editing or reviewing the messages stored in memory. Local mode can be accessed from the Ready and On-line modes by pressing the MEMORY key. The ESC key is used to exit Local mode and return to the previous mode. ON-LINE MODE The TDD is "on-line" when it is coupled to a telephone headset and a connection has been established with a remote data device. In this mode, keyboard entries are transmitted over the telephone line, and received data is displayed or executed. The MEMORY and ESC keys are used to access Local mode to return on-line without a disconnect (The Ready and Baudot On-line modes are in effect equivalent, i.e. if a connection to a remote Baudot device exists, the two parties can communicate immediately after TDD power up or when READY key is pressed).

Figures 4 and 5 constitute a flow chart representing the programmed operation of microprocessor 16. Depressing the ON/READY key or powering on the TDD (block 400) causes the TDD to enter the READY mode (block 410) and "READY" appears on line 34 of display 30. In this mode, depression of the DIAL key, shift-f2, causes the TDD to enter the dial mode (block 420), depression of the PHONE key, f4, causes the TDD to enter the ON-LINE mode (block 430), and depression of the MEMORY key, f2, causes the TDD to enter the. LOCAL mode (block 440). Any further depression of the ON/READY key in READY mode causes the TDD to reinitialize itself in that mode, without affecting the contents of user memory.

Upon first entering DIAL mode, "DIAL" flashes on line

34 of display panel 30. The same word is displayed without flashing as soon as a dialtone is detected. Line 36 of display panel 30 then includes the last two dialed numbers in side-by-side relationship, and line 38 of the display shows the first previously stored telephone number in the internal directory. At this point, the user has three options for dialing utilizing the TDD. The first option is to simply type the digits corresponding to the telephone number on keyboard 12, followed by a depression of the RETURN key. The second alternative is to redial one of the two previously dialed numbers. This is accomplished by moving the cursor to the desired number, the desired number being highlighted or shown in an inverse video, or being likewise distinguished from the non-selected number. Pressing the RETURN key results in the selected number being dialed. The third alternative is to use the up and down arrow keys to move the cursor through the directory entries, pressing RETURN key when the desired entry is reached, in order to dial it. In any event, once the connection has been established with a remote data device, operation switches to the ON-LINE mode.

Naturally, external dialing (i.e. without making use of the TDD) is always possible from the ready mode. With the telephone handset in the acoustic coupler, the user dials a telephone number on the telephone. If the TDD is set to adapt automatically to the mode of the remote device (e.g. Baudot or

ASCII), the PHONE key must be pressed before placing the handset in the acoustic and dialing or receiving a call. When a dialtone is detected, the top line of the display indicates "DIALTONE" and "CARRIER" is displayed is a remote BEL 212A answer carrier is detected within ten seconds, after which the originate carrier is transmitted and the ASCII ON-LINE mode adapted. Operation defaults to ON-LINE BAUDOT mode otherwise.

In general, data entered at the key board in ON-LINE mode is, in effect, sent to the remote device with which the TDD is communicating, and data received from the remote device is displayed or acted upon and passed to the printer interface. Functions available to the user in ON-LINE mode include sending of strings and messages saved in memory, storing and receiving data into memory buffers, and passing received data to the printer. Real time communication is performed by typing the key board and reading incoming information on the screen.

Previously prepared messages may be transmitted to the remote device by making use of the SEND key (f3). This causes "SEND" to appear on line 34 of the display, and the first line of each of the first two previously stored messages is displayed on lines 36 and 38, respectively. Thereafter, the user may use the up and down cursor keys to scroll to successive messages, with a number being assigned to each message. Should the operator press the RETURN key, the prompt SEND MSG xx? is displayed on line 34, where "xx" corresponds to the selected (highlighted) message number. Pressing the RETURN key again causes the selected message to be transmitted.

Stored strings can be transmitted by making use of the MEMORY key (f2). This causes the TDD to switch momentarily to the LOCAL mode, as represented by the line 432 in Fig. 4. In that mode, making use of the "soft keys" feature (discussed below), the user may select a stored string for transmission and hit the RETURN key, where upon the TDD switches back to ON-LINE mode (represented by line 434) and transmits the selected string as a block.

Pressing the STORE key (shift-f3) in the ON-LINE mode initiates a message received state, which is terminated by the next depression of the STORE key. When this state is initiated, the prompt "RCV MSG ##" is displayed on line 34 of the display, where ## designates the number of the next available memory buffer. All data received by the TDD is then stored in memory which is dynamically allocated to a buffer for that message.

As can be seen in Fig. 4, the START and STOP keys may be utilized in ON-LINE mode to control manually the transmission by the remote device. In addition, the PRINT key may be utilized to achieve simultaneous printing of received information. Inasmuch as all data sent by the TDD to the printer, is in ASCII format, when Baudot code is received, it is converted "instantaneously" to ASCII format and then sent to the printer.

As previously explained with respect to the transmission of stored strings, it is. possible to switch temporarily from the ON-LINE mode to the LOCAL mode by making use of the MEMORY key. All LOCAL mode operations are then available to the user, and when he may exit the local mode by pressing the escape key (ESC), whereupon the TDD switches back to the ON-LINE mode.

Pressing the READY key in the ON-LINE mode causes the prompt "DISCONNECT?" to be displayed on line 34 of the display 30, and a second depression of the READY key causes a return to the READY mode.

LOCAL mode is accessed by pressing the MEMORY key in either the READY mode or ON-LINE mode. Upon initial entry into the LOCAL mode, "MEMORY" appears on line 30 of the display, and "soft keys" are present on line 38 of the display. In addition, pressing the PRINT key (shift-f4) allows memory contents to be printed, with access to specific memory being gained by operating the soft keys as explained below. Pressing the ESCAPE key (ESC) causes a return to the immediately preceding level within LOCAL mode and, ultimately, an exit from LOCAL mode to the mode from which it was accessed. Pressing the ON/READY key causes a return to the READY mode. The contents of user memory are not affected on exit for the LOCAL mode or any level within LOCAL mode, and edited data is placed directly into memory without the user saving the same.

Soft keys are display-based "point-and-shoot" functions which allow the user to select and perform operations for which there are no specific keys assigned on the keyboard. Upon initial entry into the LOCAL mode, the display appears as follows:

The prompt line, (line 34 in Fig. 2) indicates "MEMORY". At the same time, display line 1 (line 36 in Fig. 2) is blank, and display line 2 (line 38 in Fig. 2) indicates a selection of "soft keys" or menu options. The bracketing and underlining of "SETUP" is intended to represent, reverse video, or highlighting, or the like, in order to indicate the selected soft key. This selection bar or cursor may be moved to other selections by operating the left and right arrow or cursor keys. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the four selections shown in the stimulated soft keys menu above correspond to the soft keys illustrated in Fig. 4 under "local operations". A particular soft menu option is selected when the RETURN key is hit when that item is highlighted. Selecting a particular soft key, such as SETUP may result in a further soft key menu representing the options available under the initial selection (e.g. SETUP). As indicated in Fig. 4, this results in a branch to Fig. 5 through connecting circles 1. Under each of these soft keys options, the user may then perform the editing operations indicated in Fig. 5 by pressing the corresponding keys. For example, the DELETE key permits deletion of individual characters under the cursor and SHIFT-DELETE permits deletion of an entire line under the cursor. In all cases, the cursor is moved by operating the arrow keys, in some cases, in combination with other keys, as indicated under "CURSOR OPERATIONS" in Fig. 5. During, editing operations, the INSERT key toggles the TDD between an insert mode in which typed characters are inserted at the cursor and the following text is shifted to the right, and an overwright mode, in which typed characters are inserted at the cursor and overwright those characters which are already present.

In the soft keys menu simulated above, the first selection was "SETUP". This permits the user to setup the communications mode (i.e. Auto, Baudot, or ASCII) and the operating parameters. In the preferred embodiment this is done through a further soft key menu.

The flow chart of Fig. 7 illustrates the operation of the TDD after it has been appropriately setup- It is assumed that the TDD has been placed in READY mode, as by pressing the ON/READY key. The display will therefore indicate "READY" (or "DIALTONE", should a dial tone be detected which persists for more than one second). Should the TDD have been setup in AUTO mode (i.e. automatic adapt selection), the TDD will operate in accordance with the flow chart of Fig. 6, as indicated at block 706. The remainder of the flow chart of Fig. 7 therefore demonstrates the operation of the TDD in MANUAl mode. In this mode, the TDD will -have been setup to either the BAUDOT mode or the ASCII mode. Either mode can be overridden during the reception or placement of a call. If the BAUDOT mode has been selected and the user is receiving from or transmitting to an ASCII (Bel 212A) device, he merely presses the PHONE key, and the TDD will switch to the ASCII ON-LINE mode through the automatic adapt, procedure of Fig. 6. Similarly, if the TDD has been configured to the ASCII mode, and the .user is receiving from or transmitting to a Baudot device, he merely presses the READY key to change to the BAUDOT ON-LINE mode .

Block 708 in Fig. 7 assumes that the TDD has been setup for the BAUDOT mode. As indicated in block 722 by the display will show "BAUDOT", and the device will be in the BAUDOT ON-LINE mode (block 724). During that mode, a continuous interrogation is undertaken for the depression of the PHONE key. Should that key be depressed, operation takes a branch through connector circle 1 to automatic operation as reflected in the flow chart of Fig. 6.

Should the TDD have been setup for the ASCII mode, it also would have been setup to either originate or answer a call, indicated by separate exit points from block 710 of Fig. 7. If the TDD has been setup to answer an ASCII call, it will output the BEL 212A answer carrier frequency, as indicated by block 712 and will await the receipt of the BEL 212A originate carrier from the remote device (block 714). Should that carrier be received, the. legend "CARRIER" will appear on the prompt line of the display (block 716), and the TDD will enter the ASCII ON-LINE mode. Should the originate carrier not be detected, a test is performed to detect the depression of the READY key (block 720) and, in its absence, the TDD continues to await the detection of the originate carrier (block 714). Should the READY key have been depressed, the legend "BAUDOT" is displayed on the prompt line of the display (block 722), and the TDD enters the BAUDOT ON-LINE mode (block 724).

Should the TDD have been setup in the ASCII originate mode, a test is performed for the receipt of the BEL 212A answer carrier frequency (block 726) and, if it is present, the TDD sends the originate carrier to the remote device (block 728). If the answer carrier is not detected, a test is performed for the depression of the READY key (block 730) and, if it has not been depressed, the test for the answer carrier continues (block 726). If the READY key has been depressed, the display will indicate "BAUDOT" (block 722), and the device will enter the BAUDOT ON-LINE mode (block 724).

Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the TDD in acquiring the ON-LINE mode during automatic adapt operation. This operation is achieved by depressing the PHONE key with the telephone handset in the acoustic coupler. The TDD will then adapt automatically to the remote modem, both when initiating outgoing calls and when answering incoming calls The adaptation is accomplished by detecting and coordinating the BEL 212A carrier signal and selecting the BAUDOT mode by default if a BEL 212A signal is not detected within specified time limits. For outgoing calls, automatic adapt operation requires the user to place the handset on the acoustic coupler before depressing the PHONE key and to dial from the keyboard, not through the telephone. In Fig. 6, autoadapt operation is indicated as originating from the READY mode 602, but it can also, originate from the BAUDOT ON-LINE mode via connection circle 1, as previously described.

As already explained, the AUTO mode is initiated by depression of the PHONE key (block 604). A test is then undertaken (block 606) for the presence of a dialtone which persists for at least one second. In the presence of a dialtone, operation proceeds along the right-hand portion of the flow chart which has been labelled "placing a call." In the absence of the dialtone, operation proceeds along the left-hand portion of the flow chart which has been labelled "answering a call."

If a dialtone has been detected in block 606, a test is performed in block 608 to determine whether or not the BEL 212A answer carrier has been detected within .5 seconds (block 608). If so, the TDD outputs the BEL 212A originate carrier (block 610) and enters the ASCII ON-LINE mode as an originating device, indicating "CARRIER" on the prompt line of the display (block 612). If the answer carrier is not detected, the TDD transmits a BEL 212A answer carrier to the remote device (block 614) and tests for the receipt of the BEL 212A originate carrier within 1.5 seconds (block 616). Should that carrier be detected, the TDD again enters the ASCII ON-LINE mode (block 612), this time as an answering device. In the event that the originate carrier is not detected within 1.5 seconds in block 616, the TDD displays "BAUDOT" and enters the BAUDOT ON-LINE mode (block 618).

If a dialtone is detected at block 606, the TDD display will indicate in "DIALTONE", and keyboard dialing will be enabled (block 620). Next, a test is performed at block 622 for the presence of the BEL 212A answer carrier. Should the answer carrier be detected at (block 622), this is an indication that the remote equipment has already been reached, and the TDD outputs a Bel 103 originate carrier (block 610). The TDD then displays "CARRIER" at the prompt line of the display and enters the ASCII ON-LINE mode as a originating unit. If the answer carrier is not detected at block 622, a test for keyboard dialing is performed at block 624. Should keyboard dialing not be detected, a timer is initiated for the duration of 30 seconds and the functions of block 622 and 624 are repeated during those 30 seconds. Should the 30 seconds elapse without the detection of keyboard dialing (block 626), the TDD enters BAUDOT ON-LINE mode and "BAUDOT" is displayed on the prompt line of the display (block 618). Should keyboard dialing be detected at block 624, a test is performed at block 628 to determine whether the Bel 103 answer carrier appears within 10 seconds. If so, the TDD enters ASCII ON-LINE mode as an originating device, via block 610 and 612, as previously described. Should the answer carrier not be detected at block 628, the TDD defaults to the BAUDOT ON-LINE mode at block 618.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many additions, modifications and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. In a telecommunications terminal for the hearing, speech and similarly impaired, said terminal being of the type utilized on a telephone line, a method of operating said device so as to adapt automatically to communicate properly with a Baudot modem and an ASCII modem which is characterized by the use of answer and originate carrier signals of different frequencies, said method comprising the steps of:

detecting and coordinating said carrier signals in an effort to complete an ASCII connection with a remote device; and upon failing to complete said connection within a predefined time, communicating in the Baudot mode.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said detecting and coordinating step comprises attempting to detect the answer carrier signal and, upon successful detection thereof, outputting an originate carrier, signal, while operating in the ASCII mode of communication.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the steps of outputting an answer carrier signal upon failure to detect the answer carrier signal, attempting to detect an originate carrier signal, completing the connection and initiating the ASCII mode upon detecting an originate carrier signal, and upon failing to detect the originate carrier signal within a predetermined time, initiating the Baudot mode of communication.

4. The method of claim 2 further comprising the steps of waiting for a predetermined time to receive dialing information upon failing to detect an answer carrier signal, upon failing to receive dialing information, entering the Baudot mode of communication, upon receiving dialing information, waiting for a second predetermined period of time for an answer carrier, and initiating the Baudot mode if said carrier signal is not detected and outputting an originate carrier and entering the ASCII mode if said answer carrier is detected.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of attempting to detect a dial tone, initiating a call placing mode if dial tone is detected and initiating a call answering mode if dial tone is not detected.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein said detecting and coordinating step comprises attempting to detect the answer carrier signal and, upon successful detection thereof, outputting an originate carrier signal, while operating in the ASCII mode of communication.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising the steps of, while in the call answer mode, outputting an answer carrier signal upon failure to detect the answer carrier signal, attempting to detect an originate carrier signal, completing the connection and initiating the ASCII mode upon detecting an originate carrier signal, and upon failing to detect the .originate carrier signal within a predetermined time, initiating the Baudot mode of communication.

8. The method of claim 6 further comprising the steps of, while in the call placing mode, waiting for a predetermined time to receive dialing information upon failing to detect an answer carrier signal, upon failing to receive dialing information, entering the Baudot mode of communication, upon receiving dialing information, waiting for a second predetermined period of time for an answer carrier, and initiating, the Baudot mode if said carrier signal is not detected and outputting an originate carrier and entering the ASCII mode if said answer carrier is detected. .

9. The method of any one of claims 1, 3, 4, 7 or 8 further comprising, while operating in the Baudot mode, converting received characters to their ASCII equivalents.

10. In a telecommunications terminal for the hearing, speech and similarly impaired, said terminal being of the type utilized on a telephone line, an improvement permitting said device to adapt automatically to communicate properly with a remote Baudot modem and a remote ASCII modem which is characterized by the use of answer and originate carrier signals of different frequencies, the improvement comprising:

means responsive to one of said carrier signals from a remote device for coordinating said carrier signals in an effort to complete an ASCII connection with said remote device; and

means responsive to the failure of said coordinating means to complete said connection within a predefined time for causing said terminal to communicate in Baudot mode.

11. The terminal of claim 10 wherein said coordinating means comprises first means for detecting an answer carrier signal and means responsive to successful detection by said first detecting means for outputting an originate carrier signal, said terminal then entering the ASCII mode of communication.

12. The terminal of claim 11 further comprising the means responsive to the failure of said first detecting means to detect the answer carrier signal for outputting an answer carrier signal, second detecting means for detecting an originate carrier signal, means responsive to said second detecting means detecting an originate carrier signal for completing the connection and initiating the ASCII mode, and means responsive to said second detecting means failing to detect the originate carrier signal for initiating the Baudot mode of communication.

13. The terminal of claim 11 further comprising means responsive to said first detecting means failure to detect an answer carrier signal for detecting dialing information, means responsive for said dialing information detecting means failing to receive dialing information -for causing said terminal to operate in the Baudot mode, further detecting means, responsive to failure of detection by said dialing information detecting means, for detecting an answer carrier, means for initiating the Baudot mode if said answer carrier signal is not detected and entering the ASCII mode if said answer carrier is detected, and means for outputting an originate carrier signal upon entry of the ASCII mode.

14. The terminal of claim 10 further comprising mode selecting means, responsive the presence of a dial tone, for initiating a call placing mode, said mode, selecting means initiating a call answering mode if dial tone is not present.

15. The terminal of claim 14 wherein said coordinating means comprises first means for detecting an answer carrier during said call placing mode signal and means responsive to successful detection by said first detecting means for outputting an originate carrier signal, said terminal then entering the ASCII mode of communication.

16. The terminal of claim 15 further comprising the means operative during the answer mode and responsive to the failure of said first detecting means to detect the answer carrier signal for outputting an answer carrier signal, second detecting means for detecting an originate carrier signal, means responsive to said second detecting means detecting an originate carrier signal for completing the connection and initiating the ASCII mode, means responsive to said second detecting means failing to detect the originate carrier signal for initiating the Baudot mode of communication.

17. The terminal of claim 15 further comprising means responsive to said first detecting means failing to detect an answer carrier signal, detecting dialing information, means responsive dialing information detecting means failing to receive dialing information, causing said terminal to operate in the Baudot mode of communication, further detecting means, responsive to failure of detection by said dialing information detecting means, for detecting an answer carrier, means for initiating the Baudot mode if said carrier signal is not detected and entering the ASCII mode if said answer carrier is detected, and means for outputting an originate carrier signal upon entry of the ASCII mode.

18. The terminal of any one of claims 10 , 12 , 13 , 16 or 17 further comprising means for converting received Baudot characters to their ASCII equivalents, while operating in the Baudot mode.