Language-independent communication using icons on a PDA

Abstract

As language is fundamental to human activities, proficiency in other languages becomes important. Besides for developing abilities for communication, the knowledge is also a tool for a survival. With the introduction of computerized mobile devices, i.e. PDAs, new opportunities for communicating in other language arose. This paper describes a new communication paradigm that is language independent using icon language on a PDA. Users can create iconic messages as realization of their concepts or ideas in mind. The proof of concept tool is able to interpret and convert the messages to (natural language) text and speech in different languages. To provide faster interactions in next icon selection, the tool has icon prediction. Our user test results confirmed that using provided icons our target users could express their concepts and ideas solely using a spatial arrangement of icons. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.