Importance

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Abstract

An electronic directory and entry control system includes, in different embodiments, a scheme for cooling a liquid crystal display ('ILCD') and an interface for a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf ('TDD'). Because entry control systems are commonly installed outdoors under uncontrollable temperature conditions, and because LCDs are typically inoperable in high temperatures, a first embodiment of the present system utilizes a solid-state thermoelectric cooling device to maintain the LCD within a preferred temperature range. Further, because entry control systems typically rely on verbal communications between a visitor and a tenant in determining whether the visitor should be admitted, such systems are often of no use when hearing-impaired individuals visit. Accordingly, a second embodiment of the present system allows for TDD use in communication between hearing-impaired visitors and tenants. The second disclosed embodiment further provides the ability to use a relay service for communication between a hearingimpaired visitor and an unimpaired tenant, or between an unimpaired visitor and a hearing-impaired tenant.

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First Claim