[Indic-computing-users] [india-egov2] Multi-lingual communication software's here (fwd)

[Frederick N. (FN) <fr...@by...>]

From=20India-egov2 mailing list. FN

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Multi-lingual communication software's here=20
source: Economic Times 24 Sept'2003=20

Mind over matter is not just a popular euphuism. It's a reality which=20
highlights the supremacy of the brain and thinking ability of=20
individuals. And, this brain power could mean major breakthroughs for=20
the thousands who suffer from severe communication disorders, as is=20
revealed by IIT's latest venture. The Communication Empowerment=20
Laboratory of IIT Kharagpur, in collaboration with the Indian=20
Institute of Cerebral Palsy (IICP), Kolkata, has developed a multi-
lingual communication software. Called Sanyog, it's meant for people=20
who have problems communicating.=20

The first of its kind in India, this software would be available at=20
nearly one-tenth the price of its foreign counterpart. The year-old=20
R&D process, sponsored by Media Lab Asia programme of the central=20
government, has finally produced a version that is currently in the=20
advanced trial-run stage.=20

The uniqueness of this product lies in the fact that the user-
interface of Sanyog is in Bengali and Hindi, which would make it=20
accessible to target users, while the English version would soon be=20
available for international users.=20

The communication tool of the software comprises of icons that are=20
based on the Indian socio-economic lifestyle and vocabulary. The=20
present version allows users to form natural language sentences by=20
selecting iconic concepts. The sentences can then be converted into=20
voice output. Though simple sentences can be constructed at present,=20
future versions would be able to form complex sentences too.=20

"We are going to extensively field-test the system at IICP before=20
making it available at other schools, organisations and NGOs. Based=20
on the feedback we will modify the software," said Anupam Basu, head,=20
computer and informatics centre, IIT, Kharagpur.=20

Although the target users are people with speech impairment and motor=20
disabilities, the software can be extended for use by the illiterate=20
population. "In this regard, we are deploying the software in five=20
villages in West Bengal for their literacy programme," Mr Basu told=20
ET. Coming up next is a portable system =97 a hand-held dedicated=20
device =97 similar to a palm-top.=20

But it would cost only Rs 5,000-7000, unlike a palm-top which costs=20
thousands of rupees.=20

In fact, a lot of companies, both MNCs and national-based, have=20
approached IIT for obtaining official license for these products for=20
their commercial sale and marketing in India and abroad.=20

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?
msid=3D200652
=20




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