Intraoral Speech Sensing With Bone-Conduction Audio Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for human-machine interaction are limited in situations where overt interaction with computing devices is socially unacceptable, dangerous, or impossible, such as multitasking or when physical limitations prevent the use of conventional input/output devices.
Innovation Solution
A processor-implemented method using a tongue position sensor, barometric sensor, and inertial measurement unit embedded in the oral cavity to detect tongue, jaw, and breathing movements, combined with a microphone for speech sensing, providing non-blocking audio feedback through a bone conduction speaker, enabling silent or low-volume speech recognition and control of external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional input/output devices are used for human-machine interaction, then ease of operation is maintained, but the system becomes unusable in situations where overt interaction is socially unacceptable, dangerous, or when physical limitations prevent their use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical input devices (keyboards, mice, touchscreens) with an intraoral sensing system that detects tongue position, jaw movement, and breathing patterns. This substitution enables hands-free operation in situations where conventional devices are inaccessible or socially unacceptable, while maintaining intuitive interaction through natural oral movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing system within the oral cavity that translates subtle tongue and jaw movements into device control commands. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the user's intent and device response without requiring external physical interaction, enabling control in restricted contexts while preserving ease of operation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated in the oral cavity for comprehensive speech sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions (tongue position detection, jaw movement sensing, breathing monitoring, and audio capture) into a single integrated intraoral device. This consolidation achieves comprehensive speech sensing with high measurement precision while managing device complexity through unified hardware and software architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal intraoral sensing platform that performs multiple functions simultaneously: detecting tongue position for silent speech recognition, monitoring jaw movement for speech analysis, tracking breathing patterns for authentication, and capturing audio for traditional voice recognition. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If bone conduction speaker is used for audio feedback, then non-blocking feedback is achieved, but the system requires additional hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bone conduction speaker as an intermediary feedback mechanism that delivers audio directly through the skull to the inner ear, bypassing the external auditory canal. This intermediary approach enables non-blocking feedback that does not interfere with oral sensing operations, while the added hardware complexity is offset by the unique capability of hands-free, non-intrusive audio delivery.
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 hands-free control of electronic devices in various contexts, improving multitasking and accessibility for individuals with physical limitations or in situations where conventional interaction is not feasible, while maintaining accuracy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The detected speech may then be provided back to the person via a bone conduction speaker
Data Source
AI summary
A processor-implemented method for speech sensing is disclosed. A tongue position sensor (TPS) is embedded palatally in an oral cavity of a person. The TPS detects tongue movement of the person. A barometric sensor and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor are both located in the oral cavity of the person and coupled to the TPS. The TPS, barometric sensor, and IMU sensor together form an intraoral mouthpad that can detect tongue movements, jaw and/or head movements, and breathing of the person. Input from the mouthpad can be analyzed on a processor coupled to the mouthpad. The processor and the mouthpad combine to form an intraoral speech sensing complex. The complex can sense human speech based on the processor output. The complex can sense normal, low-volume, or silent speech of the person. The complex can provide non-blocking audio feedback to the person through a bone conduction speaker.