VIDEO TTY DEVICE AND METHOD FOR VIDEOCONFERENCING

A video communications device used as part of a communication terminal in a video-conferencing arrangement provides the capability of real-time captioning along with real-time visual communication for the individuals with impaired hearing and others whose speech is not understandable or non-existent. The device enhances the ability of people with communication disabilities to communicate quickly and effectively with those who are similarly afflicted as well as with those who are not. The video communications device includes a camera and a teletype device (TTY) for transmitting and receiving teletype information. The camera captures local images and generates a set of video signals representing those images. A teletype device captures input data from a user and generates a set of data signals. The device can be configured for compatibility with conventional equipment and for alerting users of incoming calls nonaudibly.