CyberCoach: Keeping People with Memory Disabilities Employed and Independent

描述（由申请人提供）：拟议的“网络教练”系统将帮助有记忆缺陷的人士完成与就业和独立生活有关的任务。网络教练将增加最终用户（有记忆缺陷的人）、康复专业人员、有关的家人/朋友和雇主之间的沟通量。主要的用户界面是语音，CyberCoach使用合成或录制的语音输出和语音识别输入。标准计算机作为基本单元（集线器），标准手机、图文电话、PDA电话或平板电脑/笔记本电脑可以作为用户的远程单元（终端）。利用这种方法，提供了各种各样的新闻渠道和媒介。网络教练是一个交流中心，向其他合适的参与者传递信息。当与PDA电话或其他基于计算机的终端一起使用时，CyberCoach不会取代，而是增强现有的认知假肢“提醒”程序。全球定位系统将被开发使用，以及一种创新的记忆假肢，提供帮助回忆信息。利用新的语音服务器技术将使它成为一个非常实惠的选择。在第二阶段，该系统将进一步发展，接受非残疾和记忆残疾受试者的用户测试。为了确定其效力，将对由此产生的制度进行更大的测试，涉及实际就业和独立生活环境中的目标人口。所提出的方法提供了一种令人兴奋的、具有成本效益的、负担得起的新方法，可以帮助各种有记忆/认知缺陷的残疾用户获得/保持有意义的工作和独立生活。此外，通过独立生活和获得有意义的就业，这项技术的用户可能会体验到更好的独立感和自我价值感。此外，用户、用户的家庭和支持政府机构也将受益，因为在失业或处于更体制的环境时，支持用户的情感和经济负担减轻了。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The proposed "CyberCoach" system will help persons with memory deficits perform tasks related to employment and independent living. CyberCoach will increase the amount of communication among the end user (person with a memory deficit), rehabilitation professional(s), concerned family/friends, and employer. The primary user interface is speech, with the CyberCoach using synthesized or recorded speech output and speech recognition for input. A standard computer serves as the base unit (Hub) and standard cell phones, picture/text phones, PDA phones, or Tablet/Laptop computers can serve as the user's remote units (Terminals). Using this approach, a large variety of information channels and media are made available. CyberCoach serves as a communication hub, originating or relaying information to other appropriate participants. When used with a PDA phone or some other computer-based Terminal, CyberCoach will not replace, but rather augment cognitive prosthetic "reminder" programs already available. The global positioning system will be exploited for use as well as an innovative memory prosthetic that provides assistance recalling information. Utilization of new speech server technology will make this a very affordable alternative. In Phase II, the system will be further developed, subjected to user tests with non-disabled and memory-disabled subjects. To determine its efficacy, the resulting system will be subjected to a larger test involving the targeted population in actual employment and independent-living settings. The proposed approach offers an exciting, cost-effective, and affordable new approach for helping a variety of disabled users with memory/cognitive deficiencies obtain/retain meaningful employment and live independently. In addition, by living independently and securing meaningful employment, the users of this technology are likely to experience an improved sense of independence and self-worth. Also, the user, user's family, and supporting government agencies will benefit because of the reduced emotional and financial burden of supporting the user when unemployed or in a more institutional setting.