Adaptive, multimodal communication system for non-speaking ICU patients

摘要

A communication system for use by individuals whose ability to speak is restricted, such as intubated patients in a hospital setting. Apparatus is provided to allow such a person to input his or her responses to topics of interest and thereby to communicate with others, such as medical professionals. In some embodiments the input is a joystick-like device that allows selections to be made in response to displayed option on a screen. In some embodiments, a digitally operated setoff keys is provided. The user's inputs are processed in a general purpose programmable computer that operates under the control of a set of non-volatile instructions recoded on a machine-readable medium.