Communication device for handicapped persons
First Claim
1. A communications device for handicapped persons including in combination:
- a housing;
first means mounted in said housing for storing and reproducing a plurality of pre-recorded audio message segments;
a plurality of visual displays each corresponding respectively to a different one of said pre-recorded audio message segments;
a plurality of substantially horizontal, relatively large, paddle switch actuator members associated with corresponding ones of said visual displays and said audio message segments, said paddle switch actuator members being capable of selective actuation by various portions of a person'"'"'s body in addition to individual fingers;
power supply means;
a plurality of switch means each controlled by a different one of said paddle switch actuator members and electrically interconnecting said first means and said power supply means to cause said first means to reproduce a selected one of said pre-recorded audio message segments corresponding to a selected paddle switch actuator member.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A communications device suitable for use by severely handicapped persons having speech impairments and capable of only spastic movements comprises a housing in which speech reproduction apparatus is located for storing and reproducing pre-recorded audio message segments. The exterior of the housing has a nearly horizontal front portion on a console on which three relatively large (approximately 5"×5") pressure-operated paddle switch actuator members are located. A vertical display panel is located immediately behind the paddle actuators and has on it visual aid cards which have a symbol identical to the recorded message which is to be reproduced by actuation of the appropriate paddle. Pressure on the selected paddle closes a switch which turns on a light associated with the selected visual aid card and also actuates the reproduction of an audio message corresponding to the visual aid card.
-
Citations
17 Claims
-
1. A communications device for handicapped persons including in combination:
-
a housing; first means mounted in said housing for storing and reproducing a plurality of pre-recorded audio message segments; a plurality of visual displays each corresponding respectively to a different one of said pre-recorded audio message segments; a plurality of substantially horizontal, relatively large, paddle switch actuator members associated with corresponding ones of said visual displays and said audio message segments, said paddle switch actuator members being capable of selective actuation by various portions of a person'"'"'s body in addition to individual fingers; power supply means; a plurality of switch means each controlled by a different one of said paddle switch actuator members and electrically interconnecting said first means and said power supply means to cause said first means to reproduce a selected one of said pre-recorded audio message segments corresponding to a selected paddle switch actuator member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
Specification