Cases
SpeechTechnology in limited numbers
Tellus tells us ...
Technology and Integration is a company that develops advanced solutions mainly based on speech technology for the disabled. The technology of T & I can ease social integration for people with a communication disability. One of T & I 's products is the Tellus, an aid to increase the disabled's independence by improving their ability to communicate.
Tellus is a computer that enables people with a communication disability to establish contact with family and friends. This instrument which can easily be attached onto a wheelchair or bed frame displays icons on a screen presenting topics of conversation. On the basis of these pictures one is capable of expressing feelings and wishes.
The Tellus screen shows different icons representing themes like family, food, working life, utensils, etc. With one finger touch on the picture a symbol can be selected and sentences constructed. Tellus reads these phrases out loudly and clearly making conversation more natural. It is even possible to import your own photos and drawings and to record sounds and spoken messages.
One of the Technology and Integration-designers who was familiar with Materialise and our Rapid Prototyping techniques persuaded the other T & I - team members to call on Materialise for the development of their product.
T & I is a small company who expected a lot of the design and was in need of small quantities of their product. They considered these two things difficult to combine and therefor relied on Materialise to reach their goal. We were very eager to be involved in this type of project.
The first step was turning the STL-file into a 3 D stereolithography model, manufactured in Poly1500 material - see datasheet on p.4. The stereolithography parts allowed T & I to test their product extensively. The technology was built into the prototypes, subsequently permitted them to do a visual, assembly and functional evaluation. Such a testing was indispensable keeping in mind the complexity of the language and speech software. The high quality of these parts also allowed a detailed esthetical analysis. The design was geared to the technology and vice versa resulting in an optimised product.
After the first research period, T & I requested Materialise to produce a small series of housings through Vacuum Casting. New stereolithography prototypes were used as master parts for the manufacturing of silicone moulds. Eventually, after assessing the best solutions, the vacuum castings were ready. The photo shows the entire platform that is enclosed, together with robust speakers in a sealed housing which is impact resistant.
Impact resistant sealed housing with speakers
A small series of the Tellus was produced and put on the market in Belgium, The Netherlands, The UK, Germany and Sweden. The whole project was in hands of Materialise and ended in a satisfied customer and a final result to be proud of. We want to thank T & I for having confidence in our services and are glad that we may continue with helping them to improve their products.