Intraoral Speech Device with Haptic Tongue Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Speech impediments affect over 8% of the population, leading to societal integration and psychosocial issues, and existing methods for improving speech intelligibility are costly and inefficient, with limited patient compliance.
Innovation Solution
An intraoral speech device with a mobile application that provides haptic, tactile, and audio-visual feedback on tongue position and force, using a customized plate with detection elements and wireless communication to correct articulation, integrated with a mobile gaming-style application for improved compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional speech therapy methods are used, then speech intelligibility can be improved, but patient compliance is poor and treatment cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms through haptic actuators that provide tactile feedback to the user's tongue position, audio feedback through speakers, and visual feedback through displays. This continuous feedback loop allows users to immediately correct articulation errors, making therapy more effective and engaging, thereby improving compliance while maintaining speech intelligibility improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical speech therapy methods with electronic and computational systems. Sensors detect tongue position and articulation, processors analyze the data against target speech patterns, and actuators provide corrective feedback. This substitution enables automated, scalable therapy delivery that reduces dependency on expensive therapist time while improving patient engagement through technology-mediated interaction
2Reliability
If regular speech therapy sessions are conducted, then speech intelligibility can be improved, but treatment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform speech therapy independently at home using the device. The system provides automated guidance, real-time feedback, and progress tracking without requiring continuous therapist intervention. Users can practice articulation exercises autonomously, with the device serving as a self-contained therapy platform that reduces dependency on expensive professional sessions while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional device that combines speech therapy delivery, progress tracking, data analysis, and user guidance into a single system. The device can handle multiple speech disorders, work with different age groups, and provide various types of feedback simultaneously. This universality allows one device to replace multiple specialized therapy sessions, reducing overall treatment cost while maintaining comprehensive speech intelligibility improvement
3Reliability
If traditional speech therapy methods are used, then speech intelligibility can be improved, but treatment efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous speech therapy practice through portable, home-based use of the device. Unlike traditional therapy limited to scheduled clinic sessions, users can practice articulation exercises continuously in their daily routines. The device provides uninterrupted real-time feedback, allowing for sustained practice that accelerates speech intelligibility improvement and increases overall treatment efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary programming of target speech patterns, tongue positions, and articulation criteria into the device before therapy begins. The system pre-configures exercise programs, sets performance thresholds, and prepares feedback mechanisms in advance. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for repeated assessment and planning during therapy sessions, allowing users to immediately engage in efficient, goal-directed practice that accelerates speech intelligibility improvement
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
The solution enables rapid and sustained correction of speech intelligibility, improving patient compliance and speech efficacy through personalized and engaging training, applicable for speech therapy, language learning, and accent modification.
Implementation Method 1
one or more detection element configured to detect one or more of, or all of, a pressure applied by a tongue of the user, a position of the tongue
Implementation Method 2
the electronic circuit is configured to wirelessly provide feedback to the user based on data from the one or more detection element
Data Source
AI summary
Intraoral speech devices, methods, systems and computer-implemented programs. An intraoral speech device or system can include a personalized intraoral speech device that detects and records tongue position and force, and speech sounds with correct articulation and provides the user with haptic, tactile, and/or audio-visual feedback on desired or correct tongue position. A mobile gaining-style application can be provided with the intraoral device that wirelessly receives the device signal with desired or correct tongue position providing physical or visual feedback.