Augmentive communications system and method
First Claim
1. In a programmable system for enabling a user to generate sentences from a set of stored words and phrases by actuating a single switch in response to choices presented to said user, a method of generating said sentences in said system comprising the steps of:
- storing in said programmable system at least one set of numbered instructions executable by said system which defines said choices and their order of presentation, said set of instructions including individually numbered instructions, each having a first line number for identification, a command symbol, at least one word to be presented to said user as one of said choices, and at least one second line number for indicating which individual instruction to execute next;
executing said instructions in said system by;
(a) locating a first individual instruction to be executed from the set of instructions;
(b) determining if there is more than one second line number in the instruction to be executed;
(c) when there is no more than one second line number in the instruction to be executed, executing the function defined by the command symbol of the instruction to be executed, and proceeding to the individual instruction indicated by the second line number designated in the instruction to be executed;
(d) when there is more than one second line number in the instruction to be executed, presenting a word in an individual instruction indicated by the first such second line number to said user;
(e) determining if said single switch has been actuated within a predetermined interval of time after said word is presented to said user;
(f) when said switch is actuated within said-predetermined interval of time, executing a function defined by a command symbol in the individual instruction indicated by the first such second line in the instruction to be executed, and proceeding to the next second line number designated in the instruction to be executed;
(g) when said switch is not activated within said predetermined interval of time, presenting to said user a word in another individual instruction indicated by the next second line number in the instruction to be executed; and
(h) repeating steps (e), (f), and (g) for each successive second line number listed in the instruction to be executed.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An augmentive communications system ("ACS") and method for enabling handicapped individuals to generate sentences and also to control external devices. The ACS may employ auditory or visual feedback to present category and word choices to the user. With a single switch the user may select categories and words from these choices which then are stored in an input buffer to permit the construction of sentences. Alternatively, the user may select choices which permit the control of external devices such as a wheelchair by manipulating the single switch. The microprocessor controlled ACS system incorporates a simplified programming language and interpreter to permit nonprogrammers to construct user programs that are tailored to the particular needs of the individual user. In addition, as the user gains proficiency in using the ACS, the user program can be easily revised to permit more efficient and sophisticated communications.
-
Citations
14 Claims
-
1. In a programmable system for enabling a user to generate sentences from a set of stored words and phrases by actuating a single switch in response to choices presented to said user, a method of generating said sentences in said system comprising the steps of:
-
storing in said programmable system at least one set of numbered instructions executable by said system which defines said choices and their order of presentation, said set of instructions including individually numbered instructions, each having a first line number for identification, a command symbol, at least one word to be presented to said user as one of said choices, and at least one second line number for indicating which individual instruction to execute next; executing said instructions in said system by; (a) locating a first individual instruction to be executed from the set of instructions; (b) determining if there is more than one second line number in the instruction to be executed; (c) when there is no more than one second line number in the instruction to be executed, executing the function defined by the command symbol of the instruction to be executed, and proceeding to the individual instruction indicated by the second line number designated in the instruction to be executed; (d) when there is more than one second line number in the instruction to be executed, presenting a word in an individual instruction indicated by the first such second line number to said user; (e) determining if said single switch has been actuated within a predetermined interval of time after said word is presented to said user; (f) when said switch is actuated within said-predetermined interval of time, executing a function defined by a command symbol in the individual instruction indicated by the first such second line in the instruction to be executed, and proceeding to the next second line number designated in the instruction to be executed; (g) when said switch is not activated within said predetermined interval of time, presenting to said user a word in another individual instruction indicated by the next second line number in the instruction to be executed; and (h) repeating steps (e), (f), and (g) for each successive second line number listed in the instruction to be executed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. A programmable system for enabling a user to generate sentences from a set of stored words and phrases by actuating a single switch in response to choices presented to said user, said system comprising:
-
means for storing in said system a set of instructions executable by said system, which defines said choices and their order of presentation, said set of instructions including individual instructions, each having a first line number for identification, a command symbol, at least one word to be presented to said user as one of said choices, and at least one second line number for indicating which line to execute next; means for executing said instructions in said system including; (a) means for locating a first instruction line within the set of instructions; (b) means for determining if there are more than two second line numbers in an instruction; (c) means for executing a function defined by a command symbol in an instruction; (d) means for presenting a word includes in an instruction to said user; (e) means for determining if said single switch has been actuated within a predetermined interval of time after a word is presented to said user; and (f) means for executing a function defined by a command symbol in an instruction; and (g) means for proceeding to another instruction indicated by a second line number in an instruction currently being executed. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
Specification