A Study of Text-to-Speech Alternative Communication Employing Six-Switch Touch Input

• Main Authors: Wang, Kung-Cheng, 王公正
• Other Authors: Hsieh, Ming-Che
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/fx94rd

碩士 === 國立臺東大學 === 資訊管理學系碩士班 === 98 === People with language disorder caused by voice or language functional impairment have difficulties to completely express or to use information during communicating, and thus indirectly influenced their interpersonal interaction with others. However, following the development of technology, with appropriate auxiliary communication systems, these issues can be improved. Currently, the text-to-speech alternative communication assistive devices, which offer significant help to the disabled, are usually developed on QWERTY keyboard. Hence, it is not convenient for one hand operation and portable usage. Based on Six-switch Morse Keyboard and Connection-coding Scheme for Chinese Phonetics, this study develops a text-to-speech system in using the touch screen of the tablet NB and to connect with a model of text-to-speech alternative communication employing Six-Switch Touch Input. At the same time, this study probed into its usability via the subjective and objective aspects of the Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM3), and discussed the applicability of the application method to the users through the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) Model. Based on the above, the feasibility of such system was then assessed and advices for further development were proposed. First, three subjects（normal person） were asked to evaluate this system under continuous use. Through the observation of subjects practicing results and interviews, the subjects’ internal learning experiences from long-time practice were analyzed. On the other hand, this study consulted two practitioners to offer their opinions regarding this prototype system based on their professional experiences. From the assessments, it can be seen that the prototype system is helpful for the users. Notes for future development include: (1)Applications of customized presetting to strengthen users’ pre-saving, user-defining and editing functions, in order to reduce the operational waiting time; also the addition of quick browse classification and touch interface to increase the convenience of use. (2)Guidance is very important in the beginning to reduce users’ unfamiliarity with this system. Since the Six-switch Touch Input is a brand new input method, people will be unfamiliar with its operation, and thus sufficient demonstration is required. The development of video demonstration is recommended, also a map for memorizing Six-switch Morse Keyboard is helped. (3)The input speed needs to be improved. According to the data from continuous practices, after 20 hours of practices respectively in Chinese and English, the normal input speed can reach above 21 Chinese words per minute and 10 English words per minute with accuracy rate above 99%. However, as to the oral communication, the speed needs to be improved, and the increase of word bank would be helpful. (4) In practice, a portable device should be light and compact; users are expecting professional equipments which strengthen the sound volume, screen brightness and a good service support.