A -- TECHNOLOGY BRIEFING: WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS HEADSET SUBSYSTEM TO ENHANCE SIGNAL CONDITIONING

Notice Date

November 16, 2000

Contracting Office

NASA/John F. Kennedy Space Center, Procurement, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899

ZIP Code

32899

Solicitation Number

KSC-12052

Response Due

December 1, 2000

Point of Contact

Susan Brown, Technology Programs & Commercialization Office, Phone (919) 541-7401, Fax (919) 541-6221, Email seb@rti.org -- Susan Brown, Technology Programs & Commercialization Office, Phone (919) 541-7401, Fax (919) 541-6221, Email seb@rti.org

E-Mail Address

Susan Brown (seb@rti.org)

Description

NASA Kennedy Space Center has developed a universal adapter for communications headsets, such as phones, radios, and broadcast systems. This technology permits the interfacing of any commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) wireless headset and any communications equipment that requires signaling (e.g., push-to-talk signals) not provided by the headset. Most COTS wireless headsets transmit and receive continuously without the option for push-to-talk or other signaling (e.g., external off-hook and on-hook signals) offered by wired systems. However, NASA needed wireless push-to-talk signaling in its launch operations and initiated a development effort. The technology developed also would benefit communications systems used by the Department of Defense, air traffic controllers, law enforcement and public safety (e.g., 911) call centers, and even commercial call centers (e.g., telemarketing). NASA's universal interface adapter is a wireless subsystem that provides push-to-talk signals to a communications system as if the user were directly wired to the system. The prototype includes a push-to-talk unit (i.e., a low-power auxiliary radio transmitter)carried by the user and an auxiliary radio receiver at the base station. To transmit, the user keys the push-to-talk unit, sending a signal to the receiver. Upon receiving this signal, the base auxiliary radio generates a control signal that turns on the audio circuits at the base station. NASA is using this prototyped interface successfully in its launch operations. Operating in the 900-MHz ISM frequency band, the technology permits multiple wireless users to operate independently in the same environment without interference. The technology can be used with any COTS wireless headset and communications system without modification, or it can be directly integrated into headsets and expanded to perform various telephony functions, such as dial-tone-multifrequency (DTMF) delivery and on/off-hook signals. NASA has filed a patent application and is now searching for companies to license and commercialize this technology. A technology briefing will be held at Kennedy Space Center on December 8, 2000 from 9:00 am -- 5:00 pm. Those interesting in this opportunity should register to attend by contacting Susan Brown of Research Triangle Institute at (919) 541-7401.

Web Link

Click here for the latest information about this notice (http://nais.msfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/EPS/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=76#KSC-12052)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20001120/ASOL002.HTM (D-321 SN506816)