Opportunities
ScanSpeak: System for Speech Impaired Patients
The Technology
Existing computer based communication systems can be slow and inappropriate for patients with specific disabilities. A speech therapy department has developed an improved speech selection algorithm for incorporation into existing or new communication aids. This is particularly suitable for patients who have difficulties using a mouse or keyboard.
The Advantages
- Words are categorised by word association rather than grammatically.
- This results in faster sentence construction, especially for children.
- The system is most beneficial to severely disabled patients whose interaction is limited to simple yes/no selections.
- The system promotes the development of language skills.
The Potential Market
It is estimated that there are approximately 75,000 disabled people in the UK alone who currently utilise an assistive communication aid of some description.
The Opportunities
TrusTECH is seeking a commercial partner interested in licensing this software and undertaking further development. The ideal organisation would already be involved in assistive speech technology, special needs education or educational software. The software has currently only been assessed within a highly specialized educational environment. There is potential to incorporate the software into a wide range of educational products and assistive technologies.
The Contact
For more information about this or other technologies available for commercialisation through TrusTECH, contact:
Dr James Corden
Technology Manager
TrusTECH
The Innovation Unit
1st Floor, Postgraduate Centre
Manchester Royal Infirmary
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9WL
T: 0161 276 5782