Speech articulator measurements using low power EM-wave sensors

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Acoustics
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Electromagnetic (EM) wave sensors are utilized for measuring speech articulator motions.
• Previous research has not explored microwave imaging, specifically radar sensors, for monitoring speech production.
• Existing methods for measuring glottal tissue movements are established laboratory techniques.

Discussion:

• This study introduces the novel application of microwave imaging using radar sensors for monitoring speech production.
• Radar sensor measurements of glottal tissue movements demonstrate strong correlation with established laboratory techniques.
• The noninvasive nature, small size, low power, and high resolution of these sensors are key advantages.

Key Insights:

• Radar sensors can effectively measure speech articulator motions, including glottal tissue oscillations.
• Measurements of glottal tissue movements by radar sensors correlate well with traditional methods.
• This technology enables the estimation of a voiced excitation function for speech processing.

Outlook:

• Promising research and development opportunities exist for these sensors in speech production studies.
• Applications are foreseen in the field of communication disorders, offering new diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
• The technology holds potential for advancements in speech recognition and related communication technologies.