Abstract: A device to facilitate a user interface of a computer system utilizing breath includes a body, a user side inlet defined by the body to receive a fluid flow generated by a user, an exhaust opening defined by the body, a conduit positioned between the user side inlet and the one exhaust opening, at least one segment positioned inside the body and one or more contactors positioned to be intermittently in contact with the at least one segment. The contact may occur responsive to the fluid flow generated by the user. The device may include a sensor to react to a movement of the at least one segment.

Abstract: A method for use in guiding a hand-operated printer positioned over a print medium includes determining a position of the hand-operated printer relative to the print medium; and generating on a display screen a virtual image of at least a portion of an area under the hand-operated printer, corresponding to the position of the hand-operated printer.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an enhanced audible feedback solution has been invented for electronic devices using an input device facilitating navigation though a plurality of available user interface input options and confirmation of a selected input option. The electronic device is arranged to define, as a response to detecting a selection of a character on the basis of a detection of a first input to an input device of the electronic device, an audio segment specific to the character. The electronic device is arranged to output the defined audio segment via the audio output means prior to a confirmation by a second input to the input device, the second input being associated with a function adding the character as part of a character sequence entered by the user.

Abstract: A device to facilitate a user interface of a computer system utilizing breath includes a body, a user side inlet defined by the body to receive a fluid flow generated by a user, an exhaust opening defined by the body, a conduit positioned between the user side inlet and the one exhaust opening, at least one segment positioned inside the body and one or more contactors positioned to be intermittently in contact with the at least one segment. The contact may occur responsive to the fluid flow generated by the user. The device may include a sensor to react to a movement of the at least one segment.

Abstract: A terminal is designed so that a user who employs numerical keys, allocated for the entry of dots, can enter Braille dot combinations that are used for the input of characters. The input characters may be output as speech for feedback. Further, when a terminal accesses a server, Braille dot combinations can be entered in the above described manner, and speech can be fed back from the server. Furthermore, the server can provide a service for the user in accordance with a character string input at the terminal.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of Augmentative Communication Technology. The invention addresses the problem of providing a communication device for producing message output reflecting a user's intended message which minimizes the amount of user input required to produce a message. The invention pertains to an augmentative communication system in which user input may specify attributes of a predefined subject of desired communication. Responsive to such input, a system in accordance with the invention may provide to the user a set of predefined messages which are pertinent to the specified subject. From this set of messages the user may specify a message to be produced as output for purposes of communication. Alternatively, the user may alter the specified attributes and receive a different set of predefined messages based on the revised specifications.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of Augmentative Communication Technology. The invention addresses the problem of providing a communication device for producing message output reflecting a user's intended message which minimizes the amount of user input required to produce a message. The invention pertains to an augmentative communication system in which user input may specify attributes of a predefined subject of desired communication. Responsive to such input, a system in accordance with the invention may provide to the user a set of predefined messages which are pertinent to the specified subject. From this set of messages the user may specify a message to be produced as output for purposes of communication. Alternatively, the user may alter the specified attributes and receive a different set of predefined messages based on the revised specifications.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of Augmentative Communication Technology. The invention addresses the problem of providing a communication device for producing message output reflecting a user's intended message which minimizes the amount of user input required to produce a message. The invention pertains to an augmentative communication system in which user input may specify attributes of a predefined subject of desired communication. Responsive to such input, a system in accordance with the invention may provide to the user a set of predefined messages which are pertinent to the specified subject. From this set of messages the user may specify a message to be produced as output for purposes of communication. Alternatively, the user may alter the specified attributes and receive a different set of predefined messages based on the revised specifications.

Abstract: A braille label writer for inscribing braille on a labeling tape, according to the invention, comprises an operating section provided with operation keys including an input key, a memory for storing information concerning letter codes and braille codes, a display section for displaying information including letters, converting means for converting a letter code into a braille code, and an inscribing section for inscribing braille corresponding to the converted braille code. The inscribing section includes a plurality of solenoids having plungers, levers provided for the respective solenoids for transmitting driving forces of the plungers of the solenoids, and push pins for forming raised braille characters on the labeling tape. The plungers are arranged parallel to the push pins.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of Augmentative Communication Technology. The invention addresses the problem of providing a communication device for producing message output reflecting a user's intended message which minimizes the amount of user input required to produce a message. The invention pertains to an augmentative communication system in which user input may specify attributes of a predefined subject of desired communication. Responsive to such input, a system in accordance with the invention may provide to the user a set of predefined messages which are pertinent to the specified subject. From this set of messages the user may specify a message to be produced as output for purposes of communication. Alternatively, the user may alter the specified attributes and receive a different set of predefined messages based on the revised specifications.

Abstract: A communication apparatus for a handicapped person, includes a plurality of first key switches for inputting character input data in a general input mode, a single second key switch for inputting character input data in a second key input mode, a character input device for inputting the character input data in the general input mode inputted by operating the plurality of first key switches or in the single key input mode inputted by operating the single second key switch, a character output device for outputting at least character output data which corresponds to the character input data inputted by the character input device, a mode selector for selecting the character input data input in the general input mode by the character input device or the character input data input in the single key input mode by the character input device, and a controller for controlling the operation of the character input device, the character output device, and the input mode selector.

Abstract: A telecommunication device for the deaf includes a standard size computer keyboard and is operable to function either as a standard TDD or a standard computer input device. The device includes a housing with a computer keyboard having alpha, numeric and function keys mounted on the housing. A TDD communication interface receives telecommunications for the deaf from and transmits telecommunications for the deaf to a telephone line wherein the interface is mounted in the keyboard housing. A mode switch mounted on the housing is actuable to indicate operation of the device in one of a number of modes wherein a controller is responsive to the mode switch to echo keyboard inputs to either a first computer, a second computer or a TDD communication interface depending upon the mode of operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device to allow a handicapped person with limited or no use of the hands to use a personal computer. The device includes a base which includes an inclined support onto which a computer keyboard is positioned. A support arm extends generally upwardly therefrom and is articulated for inward and vertical pivotable movement. A pointer is mounted on the support arm which is adapted to be articulated horizontally so as to position the nose end thereof adjacent a computer key to be depressed. The pointer is manipulated by the face of the operator who turns his head in the direction in which he desires the pointer to horizontally move, and the pointer is actuated outwardly by imparting a breath into a breath port of the pointer. The breath is detected by a pressure sensor transducer which actuates a solenoid in order to extend the nose thereof to depress a desired computer keyboard key.

Abstract: An electronically controlled mechanical keyboard simulator includes a key selector switch and a signal generating circuit for outputting a preliminary symbol selection signal and a final symbol selection signal, and a keyboard interface circuit. The keyboard interface circuit has a row selector and a column selector, and a scanner for scanning the row and column selectors. The row selector has an enable input terminal which receives the preliminary symbol selection signal as an output disabling signal and the final symbol selection signal as an enabling signal for row identification of a selected information key and output of a row identification signal to the column selector. The column selector is operative upon receipt of the row determining signal for selecting an information column identifying output terminal and outputting the selected row information thereon to a microprocessor for data retrieval and communication of the selected information to the user by a display or audio device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus allows a user to scan through a predetermined character set through the implementation of a continuously variable volitional signal, and for selecting a specific character. The scanning rate is proportional to the user controlled volitional signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns device for transmitting and receiving a message by means of the tactile sensation. By means of keys (2), a code corresponding to one character is formed at a time, which code is converted by the device into an electric signal. The electric signals can be stored in a tape recorder (15), transmitted via a modem (6) into the telecommunication network, or be converted by means of a typewriter (4) into inkprint. Correspondingly, electric signals coming from these peripheral devices can be coded as a mark on feeling keys (3). The device is above all intended as means of conversation and study for deaf-blind persons.

Abstract: An improved communications device for use by handicapped persons utilizes a list of elements such as the alphabet. The list is sequentially scanned in a forward direction at a speed faster than the response time of the individual. Upon a first operation of a switch, the scan reverses direction and presents the elements at a slower speed. A second switch operation by the user indicates the selection of the desired element. Display and interpretation of the selected element is made in whatever manner desired, and the scanning process is repeated to enable selection of the next element.

Abstract: The machine 10 may be used to emboss characters of embossed script, and comprises a paper support 12 and an escapement mechanism 20 from a typewriter. Embossable paper is fed from around a roller 22 to a position between an embossing stylus 14 and a resilient anvil 28. The stylus 14 is moved against the anvil to impress the paper, and moves in a horizontal plane to emboss characters in the paper. A coupling 18 comprising a pantograph mechanism causes the stylus 14 to follow with reduced amplitude, movement of a describing member 16. The describing member 16 is a ring in which the user's finger is placed. The finger is run over a fingerboard 34 to describe the desired character, which is embossed in the paper by the stylus 14. The fingerboard has grooves to guide the finger.After each character is completed, the escapement mechanism 20 is operated to move the paper support 12 to present a fresh area of the paper to the stylus.

Abstract: A data entry unit has a board on which a matrix of cells are arranged, for example, twelve columns by four rows. When turned on, each column is sequentially illuminated in a continuous cyclic fashion. The illumination of a column indicates that the data associated with each of the four cells in that column is enabled. A handle attached to the board has at least four switches on it that can be readily manipulated by four fingers of the user's hand. When a column is illuminated, closing one of the four switches will complete the selection of the data in the corresponding one of the four cells of the illuminated column. This data may be stored of displayed or both. Each cell can be designed to correspond to two separate items of data, such as lower and upper case letters. In such a case, a further thumb actuated switch in the handle provides user selection for one of the two data phases of the cell.

Abstract: An information output device basically comprises character output means for visibly outputting at least one of characters such as letters, numbers, symbols, etc., a keyboard carrying thereon keys corresponding to the characters and usable for the selection of the characters, and a miniature body for containing therein the character output means and the keyboard. Most of the size of the body is occupied by the keyboard. The character output means may be printing means for printing the characters on recording paper, or character display means comprising a plurality of display elements for displaying the characters. The information output device may also include a control circuit for applying a control or driving signal to the printing means or the display elements of the character display means to cause the characters selected by the keys to be printed on the recording paper or to cause the display elements to successively display the characters selected by the keys.

Abstract: A non-oral communication device is disclosed. The device includes a single electrical switch actuable by an operator and movable between a first and second position. A memory stores a plurality of messages at a plurality of locations indexed by plural digit numbers. A selector circuit is provided for selecting one of the messages by its indexed plural digit number. The selector circuit includes a numeral display actuated by the switch. The numeral display has a plurality of digit locations at which numerals can be displayed. A mechanism cyclically displays different numerals at each digit location. A mechanism actuated by the switch is provided for choosing a displayed numeral at each digit location. A mechanism actuated by the switch transmits the numerals chosen to the memory after a complete plural digit number of a desired message has been chosen. A signalling mechanism signals a message display to display a selected message indexed by a chosen plural digit number.

Abstract: An information output device basically comprises character output elements for visibly outputting at least one of characters such as letters, numbers, symbols, etc., a keyboard carrying thereon keys corresponding to the characters and usable for the selection of the characters, and a miniature body for containing therein the character output elements and the keyboard. Most of the size of the body is occupied by the keyboard. The character output elements may be printing devices for printing the characters on recording paper, or character display devices comprising a plurality of display elements for displaying the characters. The information output device may also include a control circuit for applying a control or driving signal to the printing devices or the display elements of the character display devices to cause the characters selected by the keys to be printed on the recording paper or to cause the display elements to successively display the characters selected by the keys.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analogical control of a typewriting machine, for use by handicapped persons which comprises a linear display comprising as many positions as there are characters or functions to be printed or controlled, each character or function being associated with a utilization circuit, and which comprises further a variable speed scanning device of said display in order to select a desired character or function; the stopping of the scanning on a given position causing the energization of the corresponding utilization circuit.