There is a ray of hope for those unable to speak, since a researcher Dr L.N. Sharma Head of Department in Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Engineering, Guwahati has created an inventive echnology developing a device “LOQU” for human speech production using 3-dimentional acceleration signals du to folds vibration without using acoustic microphone. While tlaking to The Financial World Dr Sharma said that a non-invasive technology MEMS sensor is placed on larynx (voice box) surface to get the 3-dimensional source signals and with a unique pprocess generates human speech, for which a patent has been obtained (Indian Patent No. 510923, Grant Date: 15/02/2024).
Dr. Sharma said that “LOQU” is derived from from the Latin worl “To speak or talk – this technology is non-invasive procedures, utilising sensors placd over the throat, which runs on a 9V volt rechargable battery and total estimated cost of the model is approx Rs 2500, He said that in this invention due to movement of different laryngeal muscles, cartilages and connective tissues during phonation 3-dimensional glottal vibration signals are captured, processed, and created a technology “LOQU” to craete human speech signals.
Dr. Sharma briefed, Human Speech production is a complex process that consists of respiration, phonation and articulation. The highly complex structures with Larygeal functions enables the sound production. The larynx couples phonation, articulation and resonance for speech production. The lungs initiate speech through trachea with pulmonic egresive ongressive airflow, the glottis involving vocal folds in larynx crates phonation and the vocal tract alongwith lips, teeth, root of the mouth, tongue, oral cavity, nasal cavity helps in articulation for speech production and during phonation the vocal folds are moved together and produce the voice.
