Interactive conversational speech communicator method and system

Abstract

The invention relates to a compact and portable interactive system for allowing person-to-person communication in a typed language format between individuals experiencing language barriers such as the hearing impaired and language impaired. According to the present invention, the sComm system includes a custom laptop configuration having a display screen and one keyboard on each side of the laptop; and data translations means for translating the original typed data from a first language to a second language. The display screen will further have a split configuration, i.e., a double screen, either top / bottom or left / right depicting chat boxes, each chat box dedicated to a user. The sComm system will be able to support multilingual text-based conversations. In particular, a user will be able to translate, using existing translating technology, the typed text into other languages including, but not limited to, English, Spanish, Chinese, German and French. As such, one chat box can display a text in a first language and the other chat box can display the same text but in a second language.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates generally to a portable interactive conversational speech communicator. In particular, an exemplary embodiment of this invention relates to a portable interactive conversational speech communicator with split screens and a keyboard on each side allowing at least two individuals to communicate without the use of a human translator. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] Over 28 million people in the United States experience some degree of hearing loss. Approximately four million of those are profoundly deaf. Many of these hearing impaired individuals, in addition to individuals speaking a language different from that of their surroundings, are confronted with barriers which impede their ability to effectively communicate with others. Such barriers include the inability to use spoken language, the inability of others to use and understand sign language, and the inability to understand the l...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention has been developed with the view to substantially changing the way individuals communicate on a global scale by using an interactive Speech Communicator (sComm) system. The sComm system is a tool especially useful for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or for those speaking a foreign language. The hearing or speaking impaired will be able to seamlessly converse with others without the need for a translator. Businessmen of different cultures and languages will be able to converse in conference rooms around the world without the necessity of having a human interpreter by using the sComm system.

[0012] The sComm system provides a system for breaking down barriers in communication for people with hearing loss or for those who speak foreign languages by allowing such individuals to comprehend typed language in an interactive two-way environment, without the need for a human translator.

[0016] Further in accordance with an exemplary embodiment the present invention, the double screen / double keyboard laptop configuration of the sComm will allow communicants to stand / sit across from each other to communicate rather than attempting to alternate use of one keyboard and screen.

[0017] Further in accordance with an exemplary embodiment the present invention, the split screen configuration of the sComm will allow each communicant to read what the other is saying simultaneously as it is being typed for rapid communication.

Problems solved by technology

Many of these hearing impaired individuals, in addition to individuals speaking a language different from that of their surroundings, are confronted with barriers which impede their ability to effectively communicate with others.

Such barriers include the inability to use spoken language, the inability of others to use and understand sign language, and the inability to understand the language being spoken to them.

Conversations with the hearing impaired are becoming increasingly limited due to the lack of sign language skills of most individuals.

Those individuals who do not have a broad range of sign language skills are faced with a limited amount of resources available in order to effectively communicate with the hearing impaired.

However, all of these techniques are limiting for the hearing impaired because intricate, involved conversations are not possible without the aid of a human interpreter, or the time consuming and frustrating necessity of passing notes back and forth.

As for the case of not being able to communicate in a foreign language, many individuals resort to laboriously looking up words in a foreign language dictionary if one is available and if the other listener is willing to spend the time waiting.

However, the use of a human interpreter is often difficult to arrange as well as expensive.

Individuals who can not speak or hear, or individuals who are not versed in the language at hand, experience difficulties in performing everyday tasks such as communicating with retail clerks, law enforcement officials, teachers, neighbors, communicating with co-workers, or the like.

Both the personal family scenario and the professional scenario are hampered by the language barriers.

In this instance, the use of language interpreters are an expensive necessity.

In this time sensitive and sometimes life threatening situation, there is not always enough time to find a human interpreter in order to diagnose the problem at hand.

Images