Document Type

Article

Rights

Available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike 4.0 International Licence

Disciplines

Electrical and electronic engineering, Health-related biotechnology

Publication Details

In Advances in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Slovakia), Vol.3, no.2, May 2004, pp.201-204. Also presented at Elecktro '04, University of Zilina, Slovakia, May 25-26, 2004.

Abstract

In our work with disabled children at Ireland’s National Rehabilitation Hospital, a problem we have experienced in the facilitation of art activities is that traditional art materials and standard computer drawing programs sometimes prove inaccessible. In this paper, an original system, called “PaintMyVoice” is presented which facilitates the creation of two or three-dimensional images using a variety of novel input modalities. In particular, vocalisations can be used to create original images of a variety of objects, including trees, flowers and landscape elements. Additional input to the system can optionally be provided via mouse, keyboard, switch interface or digital camera depending on the abilities of the user. Here, the program’s user interface is described, with an emphasis on accessibility features. The signal processing techniques used to measure various vocal characteristics including intensity, pitch and other spectral characteristics are outlined. The means of translation from vocalisation to visual representation is also explained for each type of object discussed. This technology facilitates artistic expression by all children, but especially those with severe physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Furthermore, in certain cases, it may be used to provide motivation in therapeutic vocal exercises. Finally, the results of initial user trials are presented.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.21427/D7PK55

Funder

Higher Education Authority of Ireland

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