polyana 4
Polyana is an off-the-shelf handheld PC that has been modified to perform as a functional speech generating device for communication. It runs Persona, an intuitive program which enables typed text to be spoken out, together with intelligent word prediction and a phrase bank for quick retrieval of whole messages. DECtalk speaks the messages through the speakers with loud and clear volume.
Persona is a text-based communication program specifically for literate users who need to talk, yet have other computer requirements; like writing and saving long documents. Access to the program is by the keyboard, the touch screen and by switches through the on-screen keyboard. Input speed is increased and enhanced with word completion, intelligent word prediction, abbreviation/expression and phrase retrieval.
Compact and lightweight, it features instant-on—the unit is always in standby, has good battery life (5+ hours) after each charge.
Two models are available. The Medical Assistance (MA) version is designed to meet the requirements of various funding agencies. The Polyana 4 performs as a dedicated speech generating device and access to the Windows programs is denied.
features
The Persona screen shown, is designed to display the text the user types. This screen is like a document where up to 10,000 characters can be typed and saved, if desired. An INSTANT SPEAK window can be used to make side comments or for a second conversation during use of the main document window. The instant speak window can hold up to 150 characters.
The default font is yellow text on a blue background, however font, background colour and size can be changed to suit individual preferences. The intelligent word prediction list displayed on the left. The word prediction LEARNS your words and predicts them according to your word patterns and usage. This feature can be turned on or off. This is very effective for speed enhancement especially when scanning. This is how the program appears when text is typed using the keyboard. For scanning arrays see below.
Scanning is available in the Polyana 4, simply by changing the preferences and setting the input to SCAN. A switch can be plugged directly into the jack in the unit. The lolly switch is supplied with the Polyana however other switches can be used. Some scan arrays are provided with ABCD, QWERTY and frequency-of-use layouts and scan array can be customised to individual preferences. Scanning modes include row/column and linear scanning. Adjustments can be made to the 'start delay', 'scan rate' and acceptance delay'. Acceptance style can be set to either 'percentage' or 'blink'. These options provide a visual feedback of time remaining during which the switch must be activated to make a selection.
Advanced scan options include a 'long hold' setting which can be used for an additional function such as accessing the scan rate adjustment or an alarm. Auditory scanning may also be selected with a private earphone (not supplied) option for private prompts.
A USB mouse can also be connected via the USB port, to permit external mouse use during keyboard input. Alternatively a mouse can be used in scanning mode to make selection from the scan array.
Polyana 4 MA is the medical assistance version as required by some funding agencies that require devices to perform only as communication systems. The MA version permits access to some control panel functions as shown in the images of the desktop below. Keyboard, power, display, stylus, volume and date/time settings may be adjusted.
specifications
- dimensions | 23.5 x 18.4 x 6.76 mm (9.25 x 7.25 x 2.66 inches)
- weight | 1.32 kg (2.9 lbs.) with battery pack
- hardware | Psion Teklogix Netbook Pro modified by ZYGO Industries
- display size | 170 x 128 mm (212 mm diagonal)
- display type | high-quality SVGA size
800 X 600 pixels 16-bit colour display with backlight
- processor | Intel ARM-PXA 255 X-Scale, running at 400 MHz.
- memory | 32MB Flash, 128 MB SDRAM
- power | rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack providing 5+ hours operation. charges in 3 to 4 hours
backup battery: 2 AAA-size alkaline batteries.
AC power: adaptor for battery charging
- operating system: Microsoft Windows® CE.NET.
- USB | the Polyana 4 uses a USB Mini Type-A Connector. An adaptor cable is provided to regular USB size. This can be used to attach an external mouse, keyboard or USB storage device
- PC Connectivity: Microsoft Active Sync (not available in MA version)
- microphone/earphone jack
- IrDA (Infrared) port
- VGA port (output)
- compact flash card slot
- PCMCIA card slot
- MMC/SDcard/SDIO slot
- RS232 serial connector
- stylus
- built-in switch jack
- accessories and wheelchair mounting systems are available for Polyana
- keyguard is available Note - the lid cannot be closed with the keyguard in place.
- alternative switches can be used if the Lolly Switch is not suitable
- as a pocket PC (or PC companion) the unit is supplied with mainstream software installed for example, MS Wordpad, SpreadCE, Pocket On-Schedule, Media Player, calculator and MS viewers. (not accessible on MA version)
- PRINTING | there are limitations to direct printing from the Polyana. Printing from Persona is limited by the printer drivers Persona uses. Persona includes drivers for the Extech portable printer, the Sipix A6 printer and the Canon BJC-85. These are all infra-red printers that use the IR port to transfer data to the printer. If printing from the other pre-installed programs, the operating system offers compatibility with PCL (printer control [or command] language) printers. The easiest way to print documents generated on the Polyana is to transfer the document to a USB memory stick or a compact flash card, then print it on a regular computer with a printer attached.
- The Polyana is not suitable for people or situations where it;may be dropped or receive very 'heavy' use.
supplied with
Polyana is supplied complete with
- software installed persona with DECtalk and programs pre-installed (as listed) [Not on MA ]
- Persona manual
- raincoat (keyboard glove)
- large text key labels
- charger (AC adaptor)
- PC connect cable
- mini to full size USB host port adaptor cable
- carry bag with accessories pouch
- Netbook Pro CD
- Netbook Pro quick start guide
- user's guide and quick set-up flyer
Polyana optional extras
- keyguard
- lolly switch, or other switch
free sample
A demo CD is available providing the fully functioning Persona program for a limited number of days. This will work on any PC. Not available for Mac.
