Device Details

Proloquo2Go is a communication aid made for the iPad for users who are unable to speak. It uses expressive icons to help its user create messages which are converted into audio messages through a voice synthesizer. Proloquo2Go displays these icons in a matrix form in the middle of the screen with navigation tools along the bottom of the screen. The user builds or creates a message by specifying a sequence of icons which is then read by a voice synthesizer.

The iPad uses a capacitive-touch screen for input. In using Proloquo2Go, the user needs to tap a sequence of icons to build the message. However, for users with limited hand control, it may be difficult to lift the hand/finger after the intended icon is tapped/touched (without sliding onto the adjacent icon). The cut-outs on the top layer of the case exposes only areas in the middle of (the matrix of) icons. The edges of the cut-outs lifts the user’s finger allowing for the icon to be recognized by the software.

A second example is of an open case where the entire usable screen is available for input. Other matrix sizes (3×4, 3×5, etc.) are available but not included here.

The examples shown uses clear 3mm thick acrylic that has been cut using a laser cutter. A total of four layers are used for the case (Layers 0 to 3, with layer 0 being the top layer. NOTE that layer 0 is cut upside-down. Engravings in acrylic are “protected” from environmental elements in this manner.) Layers may be melted or welded together with acrylic solvent cement. Tips: NOTE that it is not recommended to weld the top layer (layer 0) to the other layers. Holes for four screws and locknuts (size 2-56) allows interchangeability of this top layer. ALSO NOTE that layer 2 (next to bottom) contains small pieces that allows access to the power button as well as the “up” and “down” keys for volume control. The feel of the exposed sides of these pieces are intended to be different — for easy tactile differentiation. If layers 1, 2 and 3 are melted together, be sure to include these small piece as it is impossible to insert these in afterwards (without breaking them). These pieces should fit loosely into the slots provided — DO NOT PUT SOLVENT NEAR THESE PARTS! The most difficult part to place is a short piece in layer 2 — between the on/off button and the 3.5mm headphone jack. Use the headphone jack opening in layer 1 to gauge the correct placement of this short piece. Use a clamp or vice to line up the layers for melting. Use the solvent cement sparingly — just a dot at each intersection of surfaces (while clamped) is enough to hold, as the solvent uses capillary action to move between the layers.

Archive of pictures as well as the .dxf files used for cutting parts/layers of the iPad Air2 enclosure (see also Downloadables below): https://www.505access.com/ipad-proloquo2go-v1/