How A Dog Helped Create 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.

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.

Mr. Bell first experimented with sound as encouraged by a loving father. A father who took his sons to see a unique automation created by Charles Wheatstone of the "mechanical man, " in 1863. The model included a simulated human voice which really grabbed Alexander's attention. After which, Mr. Bell translated a copy of the book into English. After which, the design was replicated with the help of his brother Melville, work that culminated into a working automaton.

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."

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.

Talking dogs are nothing new as can be seen by many clips on television and YouTube videos. However, Alexander's was the first known to speak much less be involved with the overall design of sound transmission. In addition, it was through working with the family dog that Alexander discovered resonance and volume could be changed with tuning forks.




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