A wearable multichannel tactile display of voice fundamental frequency.
This paper describes a wearable sensory aid that provides the deaf with tactually encoded information about intonation. Fundamental frequency is represented as both place and rate of vibration in a linear array of solenoids. Pitch extraction is accomplished through low-pass filtering and peak detection. A microcomputer is used to measure pitch period, which in turn determines which of the solenoids is actuated. By comparing consecutive periods, the system discriminates against random, noise-related inputs. The device is switchable between 1-, 8-, and 16-channel operation. The electronics package is contained in a case that may be worn on a belt. The solenoid array is worn on the forearm. The system is powered by five, rechargeable lithium cells and runs for at least 6 hours between charges. Proposed developments include the incorporation of digital pitch extraction methods and the option to use the spatial output dimension to encode speech parameters other than fundamental frequency.
Yeung
E
E
Center for Research in the Speech & Hearing Sciences, Graduate School, City University of New York, New York.
Boothroyd
A
A
Redmond
C
C
D003638:Deafness / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D012682:Sensory Aids; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D013067:Speech Perception; D013997:Time Factors; D014110:Touch; D014831:Voice; D014833:Voice Quality