Track: VoiceTech |
| A Voice for the Voiceless: Building an Open Source and Affordable Speech Assistant Device |
| Advancements in the affordability and availability of IoT devices have lead to incredible innovation in the field of speech-generating devices. The introduction of devices such as tablets, cellphones, and mobile computers have allowed for individuals with speech disorders to have a medium in which to easily communicate, without needing to purchase expensive and specialized medical equipment. Even though these devices increased overall access to this technology, it is still out of reach for many. Whether it is the cost of the device, cost of the speech generating software, or access to a reliable internet connection, this technology is inaccessible to some of the people who need it most. The research project, conducted in the Illinois Tech, Information Technology and Management department, along with Professor Billy Pappademetriou, focused on bringing this voice technology to the oppressed and disadvantaged by creating a device that is fully open-source, works without an internet connection, is assembled with off the shelf parts and is the fraction of the cost of similar alternatives. The goal was to accomplish this with minimal compromises to quality and usability. This presentation is about the research process, design methodologies, and implementation of the device, as well as plans for future improvement. I am proud to have had this research be promoted in the IIT News, as linked below. https://www.iit.edu/news/student-creates-free-open-source-app-people-speech-disorders |
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| Presentation Video |
| Presentation Notes |
| Smith-Voice-for-the-Voiceless.pdf |