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The diversity of telecommunications relay services: Do you know what the different types of calls are?
In today's digital age, communication is no longer a single form. Especially for those with hearing impairments and speech barriers, Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) provides a barrier-free way to communicate. Originally, this service was provided through hearing aid devices such as TDD or TTY, but as technology has improved, it can now be used on almost any device with real-time text capabilities.
Telecommunications relay services emerged not only to meet the needs of the hearing impaired, but also to promote social inclusion.
This article will take a closer look at the various call types currently available to help readers better understand the diversity and importance of telecommunications relay services.
Available Service Types
Telecom relay services offer a variety of call types, depending on the user's technical ability, physical condition, and environment. Here are some of the main types:
TTY to sound / sound to TTY
This is one of the most common types of TRS calls. In this type of call, a hearing-impaired person uses a TTY to call a hearing person. During a call, the TRS operator converts the text entered by the TTY user into speech, and the hearing person's response is converted into text and sent back to the TTY user. Although this form of communication has been replaced to some extent by other modes, it is still an important tool for many people to communicate with others.
Voice Carryover (VCO)
For hearing-impaired users who can speak, VCO allows them to communicate using voice and receive responses via text from the operator. As technology develops, VCO has also evolved into many variations such as privacy mode and dual-line VCO.
VCO for privacy
In privacy mode, the operator cannot hear the VCO user's voice messages, plus the VCO user does not need to say "Give Me Talk" (GA) to prompt the operator. Instead, the transition can be made via a specific button, simplifying the call process.
Dual Line VCO
A two-line VCO allows the user to connect to an operator via another telephone line for a three-way call, which enables users who can use residual hearing to effectively participate in the call.
Hearing Carryover (HCO)
HCO is a method of communicating with users who are speech impaired but can still hear. This mode operates similarly to a VCO, but the delivery is reversed, i.e. the hearing-impaired user inputs text to the operator, who then converts it into speech.
HCO for privacy
In this type of call, the operator cannot receive any voice from the listener, and the user must respond to the call via text.
Speech to Speech (STS)
The STS service is designed for users with speech impairments. The operator will repeat what these users say to make calls more convenient, especially for those who are hearing-impaired but have some ability to understand speech. Many STS users, such as those with Parkinson's disease and cerebral palsy, are able to communicate through this service.
Telebraille
For the visually impaired community, Telebraille provides a dedicated platform for telecom calls. Users communicate through a TTY device equipped with a Braille display, and the speed of text transmission is adjusted to enhance comprehension.
Caption Phone
Captioned telephone combines visualization technology with traditional telephone calls to display captions in real time, which is a very helpful technology for people with hearing impairments.
Network-based relay services
As technology advances, network-based relay services have become possible, allowing all types of devices to be used to participate in relay calls, expanding the range of available devices. No longer limited to traditional telephone connections, users can easily obtain connections with just data traffic.
Video Relay Service (VRS)
For groups that use sign language, video relay services are an ideal choice. Through video technology, sign language users can communicate directly, breaking the boundaries of language.
ConclusionTelecommunications relay service is not only a technological innovation, but also a sign of society's attention and support for people with disabilities. Will future telecommunications developments further advance these services and benefit more people?
