Patent · US Expired

Method for selecting communication devices for non-speaking patients

US4969096A · kind A · utility

18Cited by
7References
49Claims
0Family size

Assignees

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 25, 1989
Grant dateNov 6, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 25, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG09B21/00
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A computer-assisted method for prescribing communication devices for non-speaking patients which is objective, and is not device-limited and functions as an effective tool for clinicians prescribing communication devices. Because the method is not device-limited, it may also be used to test the effect of design changes in device characteristics which affect the fit of the device to the user and the communication rate achieved; and enables a direct comparison to be made among devices, based on scoring the user-device pair. The method comprises the compilation of data concerning client needs and preferences as well as the client cognitive and learning characteristics; assessing the patient's motor abilities for control of devices; assessing the characteristics of a variety of communication devices; and using a computer program and specially developed formulas to integrate, compare, and assess the results so as to arrive at a communication device best suited for the client's needs.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.