Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
704271000 | Handicap aid | 33 |
20080215332 | Methods and apparatus for adapting speech coders to improve cochlear implant performance - Cochlear implant performance is improved by extracting pitch information and encoding such pitch information into the processor of a cochlear implant. One embodiment of the invention is to explicitly extract the pitch and deliver it to the cochlear implant by co-varying the stimulate site and rate. Another embodiment of the invention is to implicitly encode the pitch information via a code book that serves as the carrier of stimulation in the cochlear implant. | 09-04-2008 |
20080300885 | Speech communication system for patients having difficulty in speaking or writing - A speech communication system for patients having difficulty in speaking or writing comprises a display screen, a controller, a host having a storage unit for storing specific software and connected with the display screen, and a speaker connected with the host. A plurality of choices is presented on the display screen in a nine-square form or an English keyboard form for patients to select according to their needs. The controller is used for patients having difficulty in speaking or writing to move a cursor on the display screen to select any choice they need. The speaker is designed to output speech sounds of words or simple sentences in different languages corresponding to the choices patients select via the controller and thus make it possible for patients to communicate with others. | 12-04-2008 |
20090055192 | DEVICES FOR USE BY DEAF AND/OR BLIND PEOPLE - A device for use by a deafblind person is disclosed. The device comprises a first key for manually inputting a series of words in the form of a code, a second key for manually inputting an action to be performed by the device, a third key for manually inputting a user preference, and a fourth key for manually inputting communication instructions. The device further has an internal processor programmed to carry out communication functions and search and guide functions. The device has various safety and security functions for pedestrians or persons in transit. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises an electronic cane known as an eCane. Also disclosed is a system for allowing a deafblind person to enjoy television programs. | 02-26-2009 |
20090076825 | METHOD OF ENHANCING SOUND FOR HEARING IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS - A portable assistive listening system for enhancing sound for hearing impaired individuals includes a fully functional hearing aid and a separate handheld digital signal processing (DSP) device. The focus of the present invention is directed to the handheld DSP device and a unique method of processing incoming audio signals. The DSP device includes a programmable digital signal processor, a UWB transceiver for communicating with the hearing aid and/or other wireless audio sources, an LCD display, and a user input device (keypad). The handheld device is user programmable to apply different sound enhancement algorithms for enhancing sound signals received from the hearing aid and/or other audio source. The handheld device is capable of receiving audio signals from multiple sources, and gives the user control over selection of incoming sound sources and selective enhancement of sound. In the context of being user programmable, the digital signal processing device includes a software platform that provides for the ability of the user to select, or plug-in, desired enhancement algorithms for application to selected incoming audio signals. Specifically, the invention focuses on a method of buffering an incoming audio signal, and selectively replaying the buffered audio. The method further includes converting the replayed audio signal to text for display on the handheld DSP device. | 03-19-2009 |
20090099848 | EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF DEMENTIA - The present invention is an innovative system and method for passive diagnosis of dementias. The disclosed invention enables early diagnosis of and assessments of the efficacy of medications for neural disorders which are characterized by progressive linguistic decline and circadian speech-rhythm disturbances. Clinical and psychometric indicators of dementias are automatically identified by longitudinal statistical measurements and track the nature of language change and/or patient audio features change using mathematical methods. According to embodiments of the present invention the disclosed system and method include multi-layer processing units wherein initial processing of the recorded audio data is processed in a local unit. Processed and required raw data is also transferred to a central unit which performs in-depth analysis of the audio data. The combined analysis enables the identification of the frequencies and nature of temporary relapses of linguistic decline, and provides essential data for diagnosing early stages of different types of dementias. | 04-16-2009 |
20090112601 | Talking Glove - A human interface device for assisting the verbally challenged to record custom messages and play back the custom and pre-recorded messages through a sequence of simple finger movements. A data glove containing Hall Effect and Bend Resistor is warn by the user and connected to the Voice Module. The data glove is designed to capture and translate the sequence of finger movements into actions, then transmits the actions to the Voice Module. When a pause is sensed in the actions, the Voice Module links these actions to the custom or pre-recorded messages. These messages are then played on the Voice Module allowing people in close proximity to hear. A Remote Voice Monitor may also be wirelessly connected to the Voice Module to allow remote monitoring. | 04-30-2009 |
20090119109 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TRAINING A DYSARTHRIC SPEAKER - The invention describes a computer-based system that asks ( | 05-07-2009 |
20090138270 | PROVIDING SPEECH THERAPY BY QUANTIFYING PRONUNCIATION ACCURACY OF SPEECH SIGNALS - The provision of speech therapy to a learner ( | 05-28-2009 |
20090210231 | STUTTERING TREATMENT METHODS AND APPARATUS - Stuttering treatment methods and apparatus which utilize removable oral-based appliances having actuators which are attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a dental or oral appliance are described. Such oral appliances may receive the user's voice and process the voice to introduce a time delay and/or a frequency shift. The altered audio feedback signal is then transmitted back to the user through a tooth, teeth, or other bone via a vibrating actuator element. The actuator element may utilize electromagnetic or piezoelectric actuator mechanisms and may be positioned directly along the dentition or along an oral appliance housing in various configurations. | 08-20-2009 |
20090287490 | Describing Elements in a Virtual World Based on Changes Since a Previous Encounter - Embodiments of the invention may be used to enhance the presentation of a virtual environment for certain users, e.g., a visually impaired user. Because users may visit, and revisit, locations within the virtual environment, the state of elements in the virtual environment may change. Accordingly, audible descriptions of an object, person or environment, may be adjusted to prevent redundant or unnecessary descriptions. For example, when the user encounters a given element a second time, rather than describe each characteristic of the element, only changes to the characteristics of the element are described. | 11-19-2009 |
20100063822 | COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR SPEECH DISABLED INDIVIDUALS - A communication system that is specifically designed for the needs of speech impaired individuals, particularly aphasia victims, makes use of a speech generating mobile terminal communication device (SGMTD) ( | 03-11-2010 |
20100100388 | Electronic Speech Aid and Method for Use Thereof to Treat Hypokinetic Dysarthria - A speech aid for persons with hypokinetic dysarthria, a speech disorder associated with Parkinson's disease. The speech aid alters the pitch at which the user hears his or her voice and/or provides multitalker babble noise to the speaker's ears. The speech aid induces increased speech motor activity and improves the intelligibility of the user's speech. The speech aid may be used with a variety of microphones, headphones, in one or both ears, with a voice amplifier, or connected to telephones. | 04-22-2010 |
20110040565 | Method and system for voice communication - A method and a system for voice communication, especially for a user who has voice or speaking problems, are disclosed. The method requires a communication sheet and a digital voice signal processing device. The communication sheet comprises a plurality of communication units and a plurality of function units for a user to click with the digital voice signal processing device. The plurality of function units comprise a whole sentence unit, and the method comprises a method for performing a function of emitting the sound of a whole sentence, which comprises the following steps: receiving sounds of words selected by the user; searching a voice file according to each of the sounds of words; receiving a command generated by the user's clicking the whole sentence unit; and playing voice files in order. | 02-17-2011 |
20110257977 | COLLABORATIVE AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A system and method for presenting and editing associations between graphics and audio useful for assisting people who have difficulty in speaking. This may include presenting graphics and audio information together with topic information thus allowing for a user to create outlines of speech needed for different events and situations. When a user selects a topic, images appear and by selecting the image a device is instructed to play the associated audio file. Images and audio may be outlined into useful constructs to provide for differing situations and multiple users may edit those outlines. Moreover, the constructs, may be published to devices and other systems. In accordance with certain embodiments, images and audio files may be uploaded or purchased from vendors. Collaboration provides the speech impaired with the ability to develop a progressively improving speech vocabulary and to share that vocabulary with others needing assistance. | 10-20-2011 |
20120116778 | Assisted Media Presentation - A system and method is disclosed that uses screen reader like functionality to speak information presented on a graphical user interface displayed by a media presentation system, including information that is not navigable by a remote control device. Information can be spoken in an order that follows a relative importance of the information based on a characteristic of the information or the location of the information within the graphical user interface. A history of previously spoken information is monitored to avoid speaking information more than once for a given graphical user interface. A different pitch can be used to speak information based on a characteristic of the information. Information that is not navigable by the remote control device can be spoken after time delay. Voice prompts can be provided for a remote-driven virtual keyboard displayed by the media presentation system. The voice prompts can be spoken with different voice pitches. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116779 | STUTTERING TREATMENT METHODS AND APPARATUS - Stuttering treatment methods and apparatus which utilize removable oral-based appliances having actuators which are attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a dental or oral appliance are described. Such oral appliances may receive the user's voice and process the voice to introduce a time delay and/or a frequency shift. The altered audio feedback signal is then transmitted back to the user through a tooth, teeth, or other bone via a vibrating actuator element. The actuator element may utilize electromagnetic or piezoelectric actuator mechanisms and may be positioned directly along the dentition or along an oral appliance housing in various configurations. | 05-10-2012 |
20120265537 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF A SMOOTH SPEECH SIGNAL FROM A STUTTERED SPEECH SIGNAL - Described herein are methods, systems, apparatuses and products for reconstruction of a smooth speech signal from a stuttered speech signal. One aspect provides for accessing a stored speech signal having stuttering; identifying at least one stuttered region in the stored speech signal; modifying the at least one stuttered region in the stored speech signal; and responsive to modifying the at least one stuttered region, reconstructing a smooth speech signal corresponding to the stored speech signal. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 10-18-2012 |
20120330669 | Systems and methods for picture based communication - Embodiments disclosed relate to communication, and more particularly to picture based communication systems and methods. It is proposed that the techniques described in the present invention will allow systems to be created rapidly for a large number of languages. The present system also has a number of other benefits, which are of use to people who may not necessarily be disabled. For example, the present system could be incorporated into software running on PCs and mobile devices as a part of a message composition system; this will allow language-independent messages to be constructed, which can be de-constructed into any language on the receiver's side. Techniques discussed in this invention would also be of assistance in allowing people with language difficulties, dyslexia or illiteracy to communicate effectively. | 12-27-2012 |
20130060573 | READING DEVICE WITH HIERARCHAL NAVIGATION - In some embodiments, disclosed is reading device that comprises a camera, at least one processor, and a user interface. The camera scans at least a portion of a document having text to generate a raster file. The processor processes the raster file to identify text blocks. The user interface allows a user to hierarchically navigate the text blocks when they are read to the user. | 03-07-2013 |
20130185077 | DEVICE FOR SUPPLEMENTING VOICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - A device for supplementing a voice includes: a sensing unit sensing a bio-signal corresponding to a first vibration of vocalization and generating a first signal corresponding to the bio-signal; a vibration unit generating a second vibration using the first signal; and a power unit supplying a power to the sensing unit and the vibration unit. | 07-18-2013 |
20130204628 | ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND AUDIO GUIDE PROGRAM - In an electronic apparatus, a function selection unit selects a function to be executed. A storage unit stores a table defining correspondence between a plurality of functions and a plurality of audio data. An audio data specifying unit specifies audio data corresponding to the function selected by the function selection unit with reference to the table. A search target determination unit determines whether or not a source of the audio data exists as a search target. A search unit searches the source for the audio data specified by the audio data specifying unit when the search target determination unit determines that the source exists. A playback unit plays back the audio data located by the search unit. | 08-08-2013 |
20130332173 | NEURAL TRANSLATOR - A method and apparatus are provided for processing a set of communicated signals associated with a set of muscles, such as the muscles near the larynx of the person, or any other muscles the person use to achieve a desired response. The method includes the steps of attaching a single integrated sensor, for example, near the throat of the person proximate to the larynx and detecting an electrical signal through the sensor. The method further includes the steps of extracting features from the detected electrical signal and continuously transforming them into speech sounds without the need for further modulation. The method also includes comparing the extracted features to a set of prototype features and selecting a prototype feature of the set of prototype features providing a smallest relative difference. | 12-12-2013 |
20130339025 | Social network with enhanced audio communications for the Hearing impaired - The invention describes the proprietary activities, services and devices provided to a networked community of Hearing impaired people, that help improve wired, wireless and direct voice communications. | 12-19-2013 |
20140136209 | VOICE-ASSISTED BIOMEDICAL MEASUREMENT APPARATUS - A voice-assisted biomedical measurement apparatus is revealed. The voice-assisted biomedical measurement apparatus allows users to get measurement results of biological signals and other assistant information in aural form. The voice-assisted biomedical measurement apparatus consists of a sensing unit, a control unit, a voice module and a speaker. The voice-assisted biomedical measurement apparatus further includes a display unit, an operation unit, a memory unit and a data transmission unit. The voice-assisted biomedical measurement apparatus features on that the voice module combines at least one first voice data to form a sentence according to at least one first grammar data when a first control signal is sent from the control unit to the voice module. Moreover, the voice-assisted biomedical measurement apparatus gets at least one second voice data and at least one second grammar data from an external data system through a data transmission unit. | 05-15-2014 |
20140195245 | Vocal Fold Movement Translation Device And Method Of Using Same - A vocal fold movement translation device includes a reverse motion linkage configured to interface with a first vocal fold and a second vocal fold. The reverse motion linkage includes a mechanical component configured to move the first vocal fold in a first movement direction in response to movement of the second vocal fold in a second movement direction that is opposite the first movement direction. The reverse motion linkage is movable between a first configuration corresponding to an abducted position of the first and second vocal folds and a second configuration corresponding to an adducted position of the first and second vocal folds. | 07-10-2014 |
20140358551 | Speech Aid System - A speech aid system includes a tube for mounting at a tracheostomy of a user, a voice parameter acquiring device mounted to the tube and generating a voice parameter signal according to airflow applied within the tube resulting from attempt by the user to speak, a processor generating an audio signal corresponding to the voice parameter signal, and a sound generator for mounting in an oral cavity of the user. The sound generator produces a substitute glottal sound corresponding to the audio signal. | 12-04-2014 |
20140379352 | PORTABLE ASSISTIVE DEVICE FOR COMBATING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS - Exemplary embodiments include an assistive device to facilitate social interactions in autistic individuals by identifying emotions using a voice-detecting machine learning algorithm that extracts emotion content from an audio sample input and outputs the emotional content to a user through a device. This device may be a portable, concealable, real-time and automatic device that may receive and process an audio input. The audio input may be analyzed using a machine learning algorithm. The device may output the closest emotional match to the autistic user. The output may be tactile in nature such as a vibration pattern that is different for different identified emotions. | 12-25-2014 |
20160135735 | DETERMINING TREATMENT COMPLIANCE USING SPEECH PATTERNS PASSIVELY CAPTURED FROM A PATIENT ENVIRONMENT - Methods and systems are described for monitoring patient speech to determine compliance of the patient with a prescribed regimen for treating for a brain-related disorder. Patient speech is detected with an audio sensor at the patient location, and speech data is transmitted to a monitoring location. The audio sensor and other components at the patient location may be incorporated into, or associated with, a cell phone, computing system, or stand-alone microprocessor-based device, for example. Patient speech is processed at the patient location and/or monitoring location to identify speech parameters and/or patterns that indicate whether the patient has complied with the prescribed treatment regimen. Patient identity may be determined through biometric identification or other authentication techniques. The system may provide a report to an interested party, for example a medical care provider, based on whether (and/or the extent to which) the patient has complied with the prescribed treatment regimen. | 05-19-2016 |
20160140321 | MONITORING TREATMENT COMPLIANCE USING SPEECH PATTERNS PASSIVELY CAPTURED FROM A PATIENT ENVIRONMENT - Methods and systems are described for monitoring patient speech to determine compliance of the patient with a prescribed regimen for treating for a brain-related disorder. Patient speech is detected with an audio sensor at the patient location, and speech data is transmitted to a monitoring location. Patient speech is processed at the patient location and/or monitoring location to identify speech parameters and/or patterns that indicate whether the patient has complied with the prescribed treatment regimen. Patient identity may be determined through biometric identification or other authentication techniques. The system may provide a report to an interested party, for example a medical care provider, based on whether (and/or the extent to which) the patient has complied with the prescribed treatment regimen. The monitoring system may transmit a report to a wireless device such as a pager or cell phone, generate an alarm or notification, and/or store information for later use. | 05-19-2016 |
20160140985 | SIMULATION - A simulation method and system. A computing system receives a first audio and/or video data stream. The first audio and/or video data stream includes data associated with a first person. The computing system monitors the first audio and/or video data stream. The computing system identifies emotional attributes comprised by the first audio and/or video data stream. The computing system generates a second audio and/or video data stream associated with the first audio and/or video data stream. The second audio and/or video data stream includes the data without the emotional attributes. The computing system stores the second audio and/or video data stream. | 05-19-2016 |
20160140986 | MONITORING TREATMENT COMPLIANCE USING COMBINED PERFORMANCE INDICATORS - Methods and systems for monitoring compliance of a patient with a prescribed treatment regimen are described. Two or more patient activities (including e.g., speech activity) are analyzed to determine compliance with a treatment for a brain-related disorder. Activity is detected unobtrusively during performance of routine activities with activity sensor(s) at the patient location, patient speech is detected during use of a communication system such as a mobile telephone, and activity data is sent to a monitoring system at a monitoring location. Activity and/or speech data is processed at the patient location or monitoring location to identify activity parameters or patterns that indicate whether the patient has complied with the treatment regimen. Patient identity may be determined through biometric identification or other authentication techniques. The system may provide a report to an interested party, for example a medical care provider or insurance company, regarding patient compliance. | 05-19-2016 |
20160189567 | TRACKING DEVICE FOR AUDIO PLAYBACK - A system, method, and device for communicating information. A designated signal is transmitted to a tracker from a device. A signal is received from the tracker. An identifier associated with the tracker is determined from the signal. Information associated with the identifier is retrieved. The information is communicated to the user at least audibly. | 06-30-2016 |
20190149927 | INTERACTIVE SYSTEM FOR HEARING DEVICES | 05-16-2019 |