PolyTABLET
PolyTablet is a speech generating device providing efficient text-to-speech communication. It runs Persona, an intuitive text-based program which enables typed text to be spoken out, together with intelligent word prediction and a phrase bank for quick retrieval of whole messages. Persona is also suitable for literate users who need to talk, yet have other computer requirements; like writing and saving long documents. DECtalk speaks the messages through the speakers with loud and clear volume. It can be operated using the touch screen, or by scanning with a single switch or using an external USB keyboard.
Small and lightweight, it features instant-on—the unit is always in standby.
Two models are available. The Medical Assistance (MA) version is designed to meet the requirements of various funding agencies. The PolyTABLET MA performs as a dedicated speech generating device and access to the Windows programs is denied.
features
The main feature of the Polyana is the Persona software used for communication.
The Persona screen shown above, is designed to display the text the user types. This screen is like a document where up to 10,000 characters can be typed and saved, if desired. An INSTANT SPEAK window can be used to make side comments or for a second conversation during use of the main document window. The instant speak window can hold up to 150 characters.
The on-screen keyboard can be turned 'on' or 'off' depending on whether the user will be typing directly on the touch screen or not. A different on-screen keyboard is used for scanning.
The default font is yellow text on a blue background, however font, background colour and size can be changed to suit individual preferences (as shown in the picture at the top). The intelligent word prediction list displayed on the left. The word prediction LEARNS your words and predicts them according to your word patterns and usage. This feature can be turned on or off. This is very effective for speed enhancement especially when scanning. This is how the program appears when text is typed using the keyboard. For scanning arrays see below.
Scanning is available in the PolyTABLET, simply by changing the preferences and setting the input to SCAN. A switch can be plugged directly into the jack in the unit. The lolly switch is supplied with the PolyTABLET however other switches can be used. Some scan arrays are provided with ABCD, QWERTY and frequency-of-use layouts however scan array can be customised to individual preferences. Scanning modes include row/column and linear scanning. Adjustments can be made to the 'start delay', 'scan rate' and acceptance delay'. Acceptance style can be set to either 'percentage' or 'blink'. These options provide a visual feedback of time remaining during which the switch must be activated to make a selection.
Advanced scan options include a 'long hold' setting which can be used for an additional function such as accessing the scan rate adjustment or an alarm. Auditory scanning may also be selected with a private earphone (not supplied) option for private prompts.
A USB mouse can also be connected via the USB port, to permit external mouse use during keyboard input. Alternatively a mouse can be used in scanning mode to make selection from the scan array.
specifications
- dimensions | 24 x 20 x 406 mm (9.4 x 7.9 x 1.8 inches)
- weight | 1.34 kg (2.94 lbs.) with battery
- hardware | DT Research tablet computer, Windows CE.
- display size | 8.4 inch (214 mm) [diagonal] colour TFT active matrix LCD all-light readable touch screen, 800 x 600 svga resolution
- display type | high-quality SVGA size
800 X 600 pixels 16-bit colour display with backlight
- memory | 10.5MB Flash, 128 MB RAM (RAM is battery backed). More flash memory can be purchased by adding compact flash cards.
- power | rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack providing 8+ hours operation.
- charges in 3 to 4 hours
AC power: adaptor for battery charging
- operating system: Microsoft Windows Embedded
- USB port
- keyboard or USB storage device
- earphone jack
- external speaker jack
- IrDA (Infrared) port
- compact flash card slot
- PCMCIA card slot
- stylus
- built-in switch jack
- accessories and wheelchair mounting systems are available for PolyTABLET
- as a pocket PC (or PC companion) the unit is supplied with mainstream software installed for example, MS Wordpad, Media Player, Internet Explorer, MS viewers for Excel, PDF, Image Viewer, Powerpoint and Word, Solitaire, DTR recorder,
- PRINTING | there are limitations to direct printing from the PolyTABLET. Printing from Persona is limited by the printer drivers Persona uses and the compatible printers to the hardware. When choosing the PRINT command in Persona three choices are offered. Printing can be to USB flash drive, CF card or custom printer. When selecting custom printing a range of printer options are available. If printing from the other pre-installed programs, a limited selection of printers are offered. Printing can only be via the infra-red port or a network connection.
- The easiest way to print documents generated on the Polyana is to transfer the document to a USB memory stick or a compact flash card, then print it on a regular computer with a printer attached.
- The PolyTABLET is not suitable for people or situations where it may be dropped or receive very 'heavy' use.
supplied with
- software installed persona with DECtalk and programs pre-installed (as listed) [Not on MA ]
- Persona manual
- protective cover - slip-on pouch shown above.
- accessory pouch
- carry strap
- charger (AC adaptor)
- lolly switch
- external compact USB keyboard
free sample
A demo CD is available providing the fully functioning Persona program for a limited number of days. This will work on any PC. Not available for Mac.
