Throat Microphone Wireless Speech Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with neurodegenerative diseases and speech difficulties face challenges in communication due to diminished speech intensity, and existing microphone systems fail to enhance speech intelligibility, provide digital functionality, or capture usage metrics, especially in situations where traditional headsets are cumbersome or impractical.
Innovation Solution
A throat microphone system that wirelessly transmits audio data to an external electronic device for processing, using a microphone unit with a transceiver, and a receiver unit connected via a wired connection, which processes sound data for amplification, filtering, and voice activity detection, with adjustable parameters based on profiles tailored to specific conditions or environments, and allows for remote configuration and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional headset microphones are used to capture speech, then speech can be recorded, but the system becomes cumbersome and obstructive for users with neurodegenerative diseases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the microphone from the traditional headset structure and relocates it to a throat-worn position. This separation removes the obstructive headset components while retaining the speech capture function, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless transmitter as an intermediary device that bridges the throat microphone and the external processing system. This mediator enables wireless communication, eliminating the need for cumbersome wired headsets while maintaining system functionality
2Measurement precision
If speech is captured with traditional microphones, then audio data can be obtained, but speech intelligibility is not enhanced for users with diminished speech intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the captured speech signal is processed and analyzed to enhance intelligibility. The system uses the captured audio data to adjust processing parameters and improve speech quality, directly addressing the loss of information in diminished speech
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes through digital signal processing to enhance speech intelligibility. By modifying audio parameters such as gain, frequency response, and noise reduction settings, the system compensates for diminished speech intensity while preserving natural speech characteristics
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless throat microphone system is implemented, then speech intelligibility is enhanced and digital functionality is enabled, but system complexity increases with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the external electronic device to perform multiple roles: wireless reception, speech processing, enhancement, and various digital applications. This consolidates multiple functions into a single device, managing system complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through adjustable processing parameters and profiles that can be modified based on user needs and environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize performance for different situations without requiring multiple fixed systems
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
Enhances speech intelligibility, enables digital functionality such as voice command and control, and captures usage metrics for improved communication in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, while being more practical and less obstructive than traditional headsets.
Implementation Method 1
A throat microphone system may include a microphone unit, a receiver unit, and a mobile electronic device. The microphone unit may include a microphone (such as a MEMS microphone) to generate sound data
Data Source
AI summary
A throat microphone system and method are disclosed. Certain people may have difficulty vocalizing, such as those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. The throat microphone system includes a microphone unit that wirelessly communicates with an external device, such as a receiver unit in combination with a smartphone or a smartphone. The microphone unit includes a microphone and a wireless transceiver to wirelessly transmit sound data generated by the microphone. The smartphone processes the sound data in order to increase the intelligibility and/or the volume. Further, the microphone unit may attach to the neck of the wearer and may encircle the neck less than the entire perimeter of the neck. In this way, the microphone unit may be easily removed in the event the wearer is in distress. Moreover, the throat microphone system may include a non-audio sensor, such as a vibration sensor or an electromyograph sensor, in order to determine whether the wearer is voicing speech.