The concrete goal of FASTY is the creation of a system for increasing the text generation rate of disabled persons by so-called predictive typing and dedicated advanced input devices. A prediction system attempts to predict subsequent portions of the text by analysing the text already entered and using frequency data on the vocabulary of the language. Character-by-character text entry is thus enhanced by the possibility of entering whole words and portions of words as they are proposed by the system. The selection of an alternative should be made by means of a single keystroke. Complementary to the presentation of the proposals on the screen, they will be read aloud by means of speech synthesis. The success of a system of this kind can be measured in terms of keystrokes that are saved using the predictions as compared to traditional character-by-character input. FASTY aims at a keystroke saving rate above 50%. Experiences that were made during the first project year indicate that the linguistic quality of the text will also benefit from using the prediction system.
The FASTY text prediction system should apply to four languages: Dutch, French, German, and Swedish. The future inclusion of additional languages should also be considered. The multilingual aspect is reflected in the design of the system.
User involvement in the project is strong. It is ensured by means of a user panel. The user needs are analysed subjectively by intensive interaction with the user panel. Additionally an objective User Ability Assessment Tool, UAAT, has been developed for user needs investigations. The user panel also plays an important role during verification and validation of the prototype systems. There are two kinds of users in the panel: primary end-users and secondary users such as pedagogues, therapists, carers and family members.
An important aspect of the project is the design and development of a dedicated interface adapted to the needs of the users. The user interface design and the features of the predictor program aim at a wide coverage of end users (various disabilities) and secondary users (various roles in supporting the disabled person). Self-adapting parameters and flexible configuring should ensure a high degree of usability, user friendliness and accessibility to the system. A User Simulation Tool will be used in testing the system and adapting it to different users.
Innovative and ergonomic user interfaces for various existing input methods (standard keyboard, on-screen keyboard, scanning) are developed together with the predictor thus minimising time and effort for selecting the desired word from a selection list presented on the screen. In addition, a special pressure sensitive switch/keyboard will be developed and used to improve the user interface, UI. Strategies for optimal exploitation of residual functions will be implemented.
Dissemination and Exploitation play a central role throughout the project. A Technological Implementation Plan (TIP) has been developed as a preparation for the exploitation plan. After successful finishing of the project the consortium will co-operate in order to come up with a commercial product.