A fast communication aid for non-verbal subjects with severe motor handicaps

A computer-based communication system for non-verbal persons with severely deficient coordination of the upper extremities is described. The device doubles as an environmental control unit. Modular design is chosen throughout. Commercially available subunits are used to reduce cost. Input is by a 3 x 3 keyboard, when the user has some command over his hands. Otherwise a binary 'autoscan' access mode is used, which is controlled by repeated closures of a single binary switch. Output is in written form on a display or acoustical by synthesized speech. Hard-copy output can also be provided. Remote communication is possible by modem or by synthesized speech. Speed of message generation is increased by establishing a vocabulary, which contains, in addition to signs and letters of the alphabet, whole words and stereotyped phrases. The data blocks of the latter are accessed by a single input cycle similar to that used for the selection of isolated letters, symbols, etc.