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        Speech-synthesis devices upgrade via Windows-based modules

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Jul 20, 2010 | Comments: 1


        Eurotech announced a $4.2 million contract with DynaVox, via which the former's Catalyst LP COMs (computer-on-modules) will form the basis of upgrades to the latter's alternative augmentative communication (AAC) devices. DynaVox's Windows-based V, Vmax, and Xpress will gain enhanced speech generation and other functionality, thanks to Intel's single-core Atom N450 and dual core D510, the companies say.

        DynaVox says its handheld devices are primarily intended to provide voice synthesis for those who cannot speak for themselves as a result of such conditions as autism, ALS, cerebral palsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, or Down syndrome. The units provide a wide variety of synthesized voices and offer various input methods, such as touchscreens, keyboards, joysticks, trackballs, switch scanning, and head- or eye-tracking, according to the company.

        In addition, because the V, Vmax, and Xpress are Windows-based computers, they offer functionality such as MP3 playback and web browsing, according to DynaVox. For example, it's said the Vmax and V can run any Windows XP software, including applications that let them act as environmental controllers or universal remotes.


        The Dynavox Vmax (left) and V (right)
        (Click to enlarge)

        The 12.1-inch Vmax (above left) and 8.4-inch V (above right) were introduced in 2007. They offer 800MHz Intel Celeron processors, up to 1GB of RAM, 80GB hard disk drives, USB ports, and optional wireless networking modules, DynaVox says. Battery life is said to be six hours for the Vmax and five hours for the V.

        According to DynaVox, the Vmax and V run Windows XP and, as already suggested, are able to run any compatible software on their 800 x 600 pixel touchscreens (the Vmax is also available with 1024 x 768 resolution). The devices are available in "dedicated" versions that can only run speech synthesis and other communication programs; these have been constrained so as to comply with the "speech generating device" requirements of Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurers, the company explains.

        The devices of choice for those who will need eye- or head-tracking addons, the Vmax and V measure 12.5 x 10 x 3 inches and 9 x 9 x 2.75 inches, respectively, DynaVox says.


        The DynaVox Xpress
        (Click to enlarge)

        Last year, DynaVox released a smaller device, the Xpress (above), featuring a five-inch capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. Switching to the Windows Embedded Standard 2009 operating system, the Xpress uses 8GB of flash storage, weighs just 1.43 ounces, and meets MIL-STD-810G standards for shock resistance, the company says.

        Unlike standard versions of the Vmax and V, the Xpress apparently doesn't allow software installation by an end user, and a "dedicated" version is once again offered to meet insurer requirements. In its own "standard" version, however, the device provides web browsing, playback of MP3 files and videos, and digital photo storage, says DynaVox.

        According to Dynavox, the Xpress measures 6 x 4 x 1.75 inches. Featuring Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, it provides 3.5 hours of operation with a standard battery, or eight hours with an extended battery, the company adds.

        Upgrading to new processors ...

        DynaVox doesn't cite the processor used by its Xpress, but in order to speed development and cut costs, the device was built around a Catalyst module and a device-specific carrier board, according to Eurotech. The 3.9 x 2.8-inch COM (right) uses an Intel Atom Z5xx processor, available in clock speeds ranging from 800MHz to 1GHz, the company adds.

        Eurotech says the Xpress will be upgraded later this year to the newer Catalyst LP, which uses the same form factor but includes the single-core Atom N450 or dual-core Atom D510, both clocked at 1.6GHz. Usefully, the LP offers up to 64MB of onboard flash storage, two SATA ports, and dual SD/MMC slots, the company adds.

        The DynaVox V and Vmax mentioned earlier in this story will be reengineered so they also employ COM technology and can accept the Catalyst LP, according to Eurotech. During 2010 and 2011, modules valued at a total of nearly $4.2 million will be shipped to DynaVox for installation in all three devices, the company adds.

        Bob Cunningham, chief technology officer for DynaVox, stated, "Eurotech was very quick to offer an embedded computer based on Intel's latest processors. With the Catalyst LP, we can update our handheld augmentative communication devices with cutting-edge technology so we can offer even more speech-assistive capabilities in a small form factor product."

        Greg Nicoloso, Eurotech's CEO, stated, "We have an ongoing relationship with DynaVox, and we were able to meet their product introduction schedule in 2010 by providing multiple versions of the Catalyst LP product with single and dual core technology."

        Further information

        More information about the Catalyst LP may be found in our earlier coverage, here, and on Eurotech's website, here.

        More information on the DynaVox Xpress, V, and Vmax may be found on the company's website, here and here. An interesting article in Scientific American regarding AAC devices may be found here.

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