A talking computer terminal

In an attempt to provide a communications medium for blind computer users, the requirements for an optimal method of communications were set forth. Previous solutions to the problem were studied and their shortcomings were noted. Through a combination of ideas from previous approaches and the author's personal experience, a new and unique direction was taken, which resulted in a host independent talking computer terminal.The hardware for the terminal, consisting of a microprocessor, a speech synthesizer, a keyboard, and a modem, were assembled to form a prototype system. An analysis of algorithms for the translation from text to synthesizer commands was conducted, resulting in a decision to use a technique designed by McIlroy from Bell Laboratories, with modifications to tailor it to the needs of the talking terminal. The necessary software was written and the talking terminal was demonstrated using the University of Illinois' PDP 10 as the host computer. It is currently being used at West Virginia University on an IBM 360-75 as a research tool of the author.