US 9,477,322 B2 · Communication and academic achievement assistive device, system, and method

Abstract

Apparatus and method for providing assistance in communication and academic achievement to individuals possessing fine motor coordination impairment. A computer is provided having software and a storage medium having a plurality of potential user expressions. At least one user screen is in communication with the computer upon which a plurality of potential user expressions are displayable. A plurality of widely spaced apart controls are provided in association with the user screen corresponding to the potential user expressions. When the user wishes to select one of the potential user expressions, the user operates the control that corresponds to the desired potential user expression using gross motor movements. A primary component is image-based for pre-literate users, and a secondary component is character-based for literate users. In the primary component, an operator sends images from which the user chooses. In the secondary component, the user selects characters for a two-dimensional content area.

Claims51

Dependent claims

Apparatus providing assistance in communication of user expressions from users and academic achievement to such users possessing fine motor coordination impairment, comprising:

a computer having software and a storage medium having a plurality of potential user expressions;
at least one user screen in communication with said computer having software upon which a plurality of potential user expressions are displayable, said at least one user screen comprising a plurality of user screen sections;
and
a plurality of widely spaced apart physical torso operated controls mounted at an acute angle to the user, in association with but separate from said user screen, each one of said controls always corresponding to and associated with a respective same one of said user screen sections and corresponding to said potential user expressions displayed on said user screen sections,
wherein when the user wishes to select one of said potential user expressions, the user operates said control that corresponds to the one of said user screen sections upon which the desired potential user expression appears using substantially only gross motor movements.

2 more elements

A method of enabling or assisting communication of user expressions from users and academic achievement to such users possessing fine motor coordination impairment, comprising the steps of:

i) providing at least one user screen having a plurality of user screen sections;
ii) providing a first plurality of potential user expressions on the plurality of user screen sections;
and
iii) providing a plurality of widely spaced apart physical torso-operated controls mounted at an acute angle to the user, in association with but separate from the at least one user screen, each one of the torso-operated controls always corresponding to and associated with a respective one of the user screen sections and corresponding to the potential user expressions displayed on the user screen sections,
wherein when the user wishes to select a potential user expression, the user operates the control that corresponds to the user screen section upon which the desired user expression appears using substantially only gross motor movements of the torso.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Communication and academic achievement assistive device, system, and method

Life of this patent

Communication and academic achievement assistive device, system, and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims51