Call line identity device with integrated sound output

Abstract

It has become obvious that technology, in some cases, exceed our humanity. The dilemma for the visually impaired is that they cannot benefit from electronic devices with Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology. Most electronic devices convey information to the user by displaying it on these LCD's. Adapted products exist, but because no market for these products have been established, relatively small numbers are imported. Therefore a few useful products are available at an affordable cost. We present the design and construction of a talking call line identification unit with integrated sound output to be used on Telkom lines. This unit incorporates audio and visual input/output of all on-board functions, thus visually impaired user's can navigate the unit settings, assisted by pre-recorded voice prompts and big input buttons. A graphical LCD completes the unit, as it could still be used by the un-impaired. The re-production of a human voice is accomplished by pre-recording on a solid-state ISD (Information Storage Device) capable of recording eight minutes of voice data. This enables the unit to announce the incoming caller's number or an associated recording of the caller's name. This device comes as a great benefit for not only the visually impaired but normal user's of telephones as well.