I am currently conducting research at a Brain-Computer Interface Lab to enhance the communication board.
My objectives:
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I recently watched the movie, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, that is in the perspective of a journalist with Locked-in Syndrome. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is based on a true story and is an adaptation of a book written by Jean-Dominique Bauby himself. Bauby, a patient with Locked-in Syndrome, managed to write the book by blinking his eyes. You can read more about the movie and book here.
How did Bauby Communicate? In the movie, his determined speech therapist develops a system of French letters in order of frequency. She reads the letters in the sequence while observing his eye movements. Bauby blinks once when she stops at his letter. When she asks him a question, he blinks once for "yes" and twice for "no." His Feelings Bauby is quite frustrated with the system. The people who try to help him communicate read the letters too fast, too slow, or forget to make eye contact with him. In general, he feels burdened by such a system of communication. Connection to My Product My emoticon keyboard will make it significantly easier to communicate as the patient is no longer dependent on another individual. Emoticons will cross cultural and language barriers, and one icon will be sufficient to convey a message. In other words, the patient will not have to select each letter of the word "W A T E R", but instead will be able to select a water icon that may be represented with a water droplet, for example. How did you come up with your idea?
My first time learning about a situation where patients are locked into their own bodies, I was devastated. Imagine how it would feel to be unable to convey your thoughts and feelings. Interestingly enough, while thinking about a solution, I was toying around with my phone until I came across the set of emojis. Did your previous interests or background factor into this project? I have been interested in neuroscience for multiple years now, which is how I learned about Locked-in Syndrome. Last summer, I learned more about the latest technology in medicine and the future direction of the field. My passion in both medicine and neuroscience has had an influence on my idea. How does your product work? My product idea is an a communication board with a complementary headset. Several hospitals and organizations expressed interested in my product while I presented at the medical conference. Many people encouraged me to extend the uses of the product to patients in intensive care and emergency care. Children with disabilities will also benefit from this project. How are you developing it? Currently, I am contacting various companies that specialize in each of the major aspects of the product: EEG/Brain-Computer Interface and eye tracking. In addition, I am conducting research on the viability of emojis as a universal language. At a Brain-Computer Interface lab, I am testing the screens and functionality of the communication board. Locked into Your Body Initially, I had intended the product to be used for patients with Locked-in Syndrome (LiS), which is a condition that results from damage to the brainstem. Individuals with LiS are unable to move or speak, but are fully aware and conscious of their surroundings. In other words, they are able to "blink" and "think." My emoticon keyboard will allow patients with LiS to communicate easily and effectively, taking away the frustration that patients may experience in the current system. Across the medical field In many cases, patients are unable to communicate with their physicians and caregivers. For instance, those in the intensive care unit are often connected to devices or are in a situation in which it is not possible to speak. Even patients in emergency care may be in a similar situation. Current Communication Boards As of now, communication boards are utilized for patients with conditions like autism. Based on a conversation I had with an individual who works with autistic children, current communication boards can be confusing. Children may point to icons randomly, which makes it difficult to come to a conclusion. |
A blog that details my progress on the emoji communication board.
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