Facemask Voice Display System for Muffled Speech
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices, such as close caption phones, are not designed for face-to-face interactions and typically require a communication channel between two devices, limiting their effectiveness in noisy environments or when one party is hard of hearing or deaf, especially in situations where the speaker's voice is muted or muffled.
Innovation Solution
A facemask system equipped with microphones positioned near the mouth, a processor, and a display that uses automated speech recognition to convert the user's voice into text or video, including sign language or lip motion, for real-time visual representation, allowing the speaker to communicate effectively without relying on a separate device for the recipient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If close caption systems are used in controlled environments with communication channels, then voice translation to text is achieved, but the system is not suitable for face-to-face use and requires both parties to have communication devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the speaker to display their own spoken words visually through a display device attached to their mask, eliminating the need for the recipient to have a separate communication device. The speaker's device performs both capture and display functions, making the system self-sufficient for one-way communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the display function from the recipient's device and places it directly on the speaker's mask. This separates the display requirement from the recipient's equipment needs, allowing face-to-face communication where only the speaker needs the device.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If microphones are positioned farther from the mouth, then ambient noise is reduced, but the signal to noise ratio of the user's voice decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask structure creates a localized acoustic environment that differentiates between voice signals and ambient noise. The microphones are positioned to capture voice signals that travel through the mask material, while ambient noise from the external environment is attenuated by the mask's physical barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask material acts as an intermediary that selectively transmits voice frequencies while blocking ambient noise. The microphones capture the voice signal that has been modulated by the mask material, which enhances the voice signal relative to external noise sources.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the speaker wears a mask, then protection from particulates is provided, but the voice becomes muffled and difficult to hear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical acoustic transmission system (voice traveling through air to the listener's ear) with an electronic system. Microphones capture the voice signal, which is then transmitted electronically to a display device that converts the audio signal into visual text or waveforms, bypassing the need for clear acoustic transmission through the mask.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time visual representation of spoken words, improving communication in noisy environments and for individuals who are hard of hearing or deaf by providing a visual display of the speaker's words, enhancing accessibility and clarity.
Implementation Method 1
one or more microphones positioned near the mouth of a user
Implementation Method 2
identifying words contained within the audio signals received from one or more microphones using automated speech recognition software
Data Source
AI summary
A facemask system with automated voice display is disclosed. The facemask includes a covering configured to be positioned about the face of a user. At least one microphone is positioned adjacent the covering and the facemask includes a display for displaying language spoken captured by at least one microphone. A processor is in operable communication with the microphone and the display. The facemask includes a memory that contains instructions that can be executed by the processor to perform operations. The operations include receiving signals from at least one microphone, identifying language contained within the signals, and displaying the language on the display.