Speech problem solutions

A hand held communication device is being developed to help those with speech problems. The device will translate the user's voice, even if it is unintelligible, into ordinary speech.

A Sheffield University spokesman said: "The research team has previously shown that it is possible for a computer to recognise severely disordered speech, even if it is unintelligible to human listeners.

"The Vivoca device will work by recognising such speech and then outputting clear speech which conveys the intended message.

The aid will consist of a hand-held computer and a wireless Bluetooth headset, similar to those used for hands-free kits for mobile phone, to help people who have difficulty in controlling the muscles involved in producing speech.

This can happen after strokes or as a result of disorders such as cerebral palsy.

Professor Phil Green, head of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Sheffield said: "If the person is using the device as their primary mode of communication, it is important that the output voice is suitable to represent that person.

It is hoped that clients will eventually be able to choose from a range of male or female voices and adapt their chosen voice to resemble their own before their speech deteriorated.

Source - BBC News

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