PictoBar: Portable augmentative and alternative communication device with pictogram recognition functionality for the speech handicapped.

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 8811.2;5 PFNM-NM

Short description (English)

PictoBar: Portable augmentative and alternative communication device with pictogram recognition functionality for the speech handicapped.

Short description (French)

PictoBar: Portable augmentative and alternative communication device with pictogram recognition functionality for the speech handicapped.

Abstract (English)

This project is formulated in the area of rehabilitation technology or téléthèses for speech-impaired people suffering from aphasia, autism, trisomy, or mental deficiency. The main objective of the project is to develop a handheld electronic device labelled PictoBar, which will embody the next generation of téléthèses in the field of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) used in internationally applied therapies. The new PictoBar system will include smart image processing capabilities to recognize pictograms and pictures, additionally to barcodes as offered in present devices, so as to play the pre-recorded speech/audio sequence corresponding to the visually selected object. PictoBar offers important new possibilities to train the users, and to let them express themselves in a more intuitive/interactive manner, thus helping them to communicate with other persons and get socially better integrated. Also, PictoBar will enable reducing production costs.

Abstract (French)

This project is formulated in the area of rehabilitation technology or téléthèses for speech-impaired people suffering from aphasia, autism, trisomy, or mental deficiency. The main objective of the project is to develop a handheld electronic device labelled PictoBar, which will embody the next generation of téléthèses in the field of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) used in internationally applied therapies. The new PictoBar system will include smart image processing capabilities to recognize pictograms and pictures, additionally to barcodes as offered in present devices, so as to play the pre-recorded speech/audio sequence corresponding to the visually selected object. PictoBar offers important new possibilities to train the users, and to let them express themselves in a more intuitive/interactive manner, thus helping them to communicate with other persons and get socially better integrated. Also, PictoBar will enable reducing production costs.