Nonverbal communication device

Abstract

This invention discloses a communication device to facilitate the communication abilities of speech-impaired individuals. In particular, the communication device is designed to offer those speech-impaired individuals with limited manual motor capacities the ability to communicate quickly and unambiguously.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 081,027, filed Feb. 21, 2002. This invention relates to a communication device to facilitate the communication abilities of speech-impaired individuals. In particular, the communication device is designed to offer those speech-impaired individuals with limited manual motor capacities the ability to communicate quickly and unambiguously. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Communication between a speech-impaired individual and someone without this handicap is generally difficult and frustrating for both parties. Communication must be quick and accurate to avoid frustration on the part of the communicating parties. While sign language satisfy both of these requirements, it presents other disadvantages. Like any language it has a learning curve and is thus more suited for speech-impaired individuals who has had this impediment since an early age....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The preferred embodiment comprises a light emitting pointer, affixed on an individual and articulated by manual motor movements of said individual to indicate characters and symbols on charts. It can be appreciated that the individual may use the communication device to indicate other objects within his field of vision. Preferably, the light emitting pointer is a Class II laser pointer, as Class II lasers are exempt from control measures. Ideally the laser pointer is attached to an arm of the eyeglasses frame worn by the individual, with a wire running to a separate power compartment to minimize the mass that has to be articulated by the individual. The individual can thus intuitively aim the pointer with slight movements of his head. Alternatively the pointer may be affixed to other body parts over which the individual has manual motor control, via items such as hats, rings and wristbands. The pointer is usually articulated via the user's body movements at a point proximal to the point of attachment of the pointer, where proximal means closer to the center of the user's body.

[0012] Multiple charts enable the individual to communicate a full range of concepts. A basic chart with the alphabet and numbers allows the individual to spell out words. Frequent requests such as a drink of water or assistance with toilet use may be included as symbols on this chart for convenience. Another chart with a diagram of the human body can be used by the individual to call attention to parts of his body in communicating with a caregiver. Additional charts tailored to the communicating individual needs can be made and modified on an ad hoc basis, such as one covering the individual's dietary and medicinal needs. The symbols are labeled to allow unambiguous communication.

[0013] The communication device as disclosed in certain embodiments allows a speech-impaired individual to communicate quickly and accurately with multiple persons. The device and its method of use is intuitive to use and understand. It presents no calibration issues. Furthermore, the device may be cheaply manufactured from readily available components. For speech-impaired individuals with limited manual motor capabilities this device is particularly advantageous as it requires only small, natural body movements to articulate.

Problems solved by technology

Communication between a speech-impaired individual and someone without this handicap is generally difficult and frustrating for both parties.

While sign language satisfy both of these requirements, it presents other disadvantages.

Lastly, speech-impaired individuals with limited manual motor capacities, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) patients, may not be capable of the vigorous gesturing involved in sign language.

There are several devices on the market to facilitate communication by a speech-impaired individual but they all fall short in terms of either quickness or accuracy.

Such a device presents an inevitable tradeoff between quickness and accuracy; a small set of tiles would not adequately portray many concepts, while a large set of tiles would be cumbersome to manipulate.

Also, speech-impaired individuals with limited manual motor capacities may lack the dexterity to use this device.

However, the same limiting tradeoff between quickness and accuracy is readily discernible in this setup.

This method is prone to observer error and thus unreliable.

Unfortunately this input device has two shortcomings that make it difficult to use.

First, its lengthy calibration process means that even a relatively simple communication, such as requesting a sip of water, must be burdened with a huge time overhead.

Second, natural movements of the patient's head easily upsets its calibration.

As a result, the detection is rather erratic.

Images