WO2022126295A1 - System and method for kinesthetic auditory transduction - Google Patents
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- WO2022126295A1 WO2022126295A1 PCT/CL2020/050187 CL2020050187W WO2022126295A1 WO 2022126295 A1 WO2022126295 A1 WO 2022126295A1 CL 2020050187 W CL2020050187 W CL 2020050187W WO 2022126295 A1 WO2022126295 A1 WO 2022126295A1
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- kinesthetic
- sensory stimulation
- auditory
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- transduction
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- 230000003155 kinesthetic effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 44
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 42
- 230000026683 transduction Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 35
- 238000010361 transduction Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 35
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
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- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
- G09B21/00—Teaching, or communicating with, the blind, deaf or mute
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
Definitions
- the international invention patent application PCT/US2011/000545 discloses a device for tactile communication with the skin of a person's neck, which comprises a plurality of uniformly spaced tactile actuators arranged in the form of a generally "C"-shaped structure. ” and worn by a subject around the neck to apply tactile stimuli to the skin on the subject's neck.
- An electronic controller operated by a computer program controls the device's actuators based on signals received from an external source.
- Invention patent US 10045103 discloses a kinesthetic speaker system comprising: a first speaker having a cone; a housing defining a cavity connected to the loudspeaker, said cavity having an area encompassing at least an area circumscribed by a diameter of the cone of the first loudspeaker and said cavity extending a length from the cone of at least twice the length of the diameter, wherein, said housing has an outer surface configured to transmit sound for tactile communication with a target living organism in a non-auditory manner; and a retainer provided as an insert and having a body with an elongated channel permanently defined therein along the length of the channel, said channel receiving the casing; wherein the first speaker imparts vibration to the casing which is thereby communicated through the retainer to a body part of the target living organism through indirect contact therewith in synchronization with acoustic frequencies provided by the speaker .
- None of the state-of-the-art documents consists of a speech control and processing unit that allows it to be decoded, extracting the words and converting them into a kinesthetic stimulation pattern in a 3D space, where the generated stimulation is sent by the sensory nerves to the brain and processed by the language areas (both motor and perceptual), which can decode it, accessing the meaning of the message.
- the system allows the subject to understand a message delivered acoustically, through sensory perception, mainly tactile, from the different receptors, mainly touch receptors in the palate, neck and/or lips.
- the present invention presents an innovative kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system to support speech perception, which allows multi-format stimulation of the natural organs of articulation.
- Said multi-format stimulation allows to improve the resolution of the input, imitating the natural sensation of the joint.
- the receiving subject will experience the same sensations that the sender feels when speaking, and will thus be able to improve the understanding of the message.
- the system and method disclosed in the present invention in addition to solving the communication problem for deaf people, provides a tool to improve the user's quality of life.
- the present invention solves the technical problem given by the complication in communication that deaf people who are not subjected to cochlear implants can find, so that, through a simple system, they can perceive the sensations generated by a person when talking.
- a system and a method of kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation are presented to support speech perception, which is comprised of a receiving device that captures sound; a control unit that processes the sound and translates it into a signal; at least one transmitting medium; and a set of electromechanical actuators that transmit physical stimuli to the user.
- FIG. 1 Overview of the auditory-kinesthetic transduction system.
- FIG. 1 Flowchart of the auditory-kinesthetic transduction process.
- membrane corresponds to a thin flexible sheet, without being bound to a specific type of material.
- kinesthetic auditory transduction refers to the development of technology for automated speech recognition, both in the areas of artificial intelligence and brain-computer interface. This is because the associated methodology provides a novel way of delivering complementary information on how the brain and body produce and process language, which allowed the development of the recognition system of the present invention, which uses multimodal information for its optimization.
- the stimulation plate may contain electromechanical actuators in the form of micro-vibrators, which, when vibrating, produce a tactile sensation that mimics the natural sensation that one has when words are pronounced.
- the synchronous vibration of the external electrodes would complement the information delivered by the stimulation plate.
- the electromechanical actuators that are adapted to be connected to the mouth are coupled to a membrane (7) that adapts to the user's palate.
- the set of electromechanical actuators (5) is adapted to transmit at least one physical stimulus selected from pressure, vibration, temperature, electrical and blowing, or a combination of them. So that the electromechanical actuators (5) are correctly attached to the user, they can be attached to a thin flexible silicone plate.
- the control unit that processes the sound (3) comprises a computer system, which is in charge of recognizing the words of the message captured by the receiving device (2) and transforming the information into patterns of kinesthetic stimulation, that is, said unit , translates the sound into a signal that is transmitted to the electromechanical actuators and causes at least one physical stimulus.
- Said electromechanical actuators (5) are chosen among piezoelectric actuators, buzzers, electrodes and electrical resistors.
- a connection cable (8) links the receiving device (2) that captures the sound with the control unit (3) that processes the sound.
- the present invention presents a method for carrying out auditory kinesthetic transduction and sensory stimulation to support speech perception, which comprises: (i) capturing a sound by means of a receiving device; (ii) transmitting the sound from the receiving device to a control unit; (iii) process the sound in the control unit and translate it into a signal; (iv) transmitting an instruction to a set of electromechanical actuators; and (vi) causing a physical stimulus to the user.
- the transmission of the instruction to the electromechanical actuators is carried out by means of at least one transmitting cable, or it can be carried out by wireless means.
- the system will allow a person to receive the linguistic message kinesthetically, by producing the same stimulation that the person would feel if they spoke the words.
- This information will be received by the language areas of the brain, which activate articulatory and phonological representations of words, to access their meaning.
- This entire process allows the message to reach the brain through a "back door" (tactile pathway) instead of through the auditory pathway. In this way, a person with acquired deafness could understand the message of a speaker through kinesthetic perception.
- the innovative form of the present invention allows a linguistic message to be delivered kinesthetically by mimicking the articulation pattern in the mouth, and the stimulation -mainly tactile- that would occur if the person were pronouncing the word.
- This information will allow the brain to access the articulatory representation of the word and, together with this, activate phonological representations even in the absence of sound.
- the advantage over other kinesthetic stimulation systems is that the device acts directly in the mouth, taking advantage of the "physiological machinery" on which the perception of language is based. Previous systems (for example, by Riecke, 2019), present tactile stimulation in the hands, without reporting an improvement in word recognition.
- the system of the present invention directly stimulates the organs of speech production. While the systems known in the state of the art, by stimulating the hands, require a more complex sensory integration, so they are less effective. Instead, the stimulation of the palate mimics the natural sensation of pronunciation, so the brain does not need to perform new operations for sensory integration, but rather resorts to operations that are already used naturally. People with acquired deafness can produce speech, therefore they have articulatory representations, thus, stimulation, especially tactile stimulation, would allow them access to both motor and phonological representations of words, and finally to their meaning.
- kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system for the support of speech perception of the present invention should not be limited only to the components drawn and mentioned in the text itself, but may include other types of components or systems that use the features described here.
Abstract
The invention relates to a system and a method for kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation for supporting speech perception, the system being formed by: a sound-capturing receiver device; a control unit that processes the sound and converts it into a signal; at least one transmitter means; and a set of electromechanical actuators that transmit physical stimuli to the user.
Description
SISTEMA Y MÉTODO DE TRANSDUCCIÓN AUDITIVA KINESTÉSICA AUDITORY-KINESTHETIC TRANSDUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD
DESCRIPCIÓN DESCRIPTION
CAMPO TÉCNICO DE LA INVENCION TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
La presente invención se enfoca al campo de la inclusión social y calidad de vida de las personas con capacidades auditivas disminuidas, permitiendo una mejor comprensión de los mensajes orales. Particularmente, la invención se refiere a un sistema y método de transducción auditiva kinestésica, que convierte la información de un mensaje hablado en estimulación kinestésica, con el fin de entregar información lingüística instantánea a personas sordas, permitiéndoles comprender el mensaje oral por medio de percepción sensitiva. The present invention focuses on the field of social inclusion and quality of life for people with impaired hearing, allowing a better understanding of oral messages. In particular, the invention refers to a system and method of kinesthetic auditory transduction, which converts the information of a spoken message into kinesthetic stimulation, in order to deliver instant linguistic information to deaf people, allowing them to understand the oral message through sensory perception. .
ANTECEDENTES DE LA INVENCION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Para el presente caso, lo primero que debe comprender es que por sordera se entiende la pérdida total de la audición en uno o ambos oídos. La pérdida de la audición se refiere a la pérdida de la capacidad de oír, bien sea total o parcial. Puede perderse la capacidad de oír de una manera leve, moderada, severa o profunda. Se habla de pérdida de la audición cuando apenas se logran detectar los sonidos ¡guales o mayores a 25 decibeles. For the present case, the first thing to understand is that deafness is understood as the total loss of hearing in one or both ears. Hearing loss refers to the loss of the ability to hear, either total or partial. The ability to hear may be mildly, moderately, severely, or profoundly lost. We speak of hearing loss when sounds equal to or greater than 25 decibels are barely detectable.
De acuerdo a información de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), a marzo del año 2019, existían alrededor de 466 millones de personas con pérdida de audición discapacitante, lo que equivale aproximadamente al 5% de la población mundial. Para el año 2050, la misma OMS, calcula que en el mundo existirán alrededor de 900 millones de personas con pérdida de audición discapacitante. En su informe, la OMS, señala que las consecuencias que acompañan la pérdida de la audición pueden ir de consecuencias funcionales (problemas de comunicación o de desarrollo del lenguaje en los menores de edad,), sociales y emocionales (como la soledad y el aislamiento), hasta consecuencias económicas, las que al estar desatendidas pueden generar un coste mundial anual de 750.000 millones de
dólares. Por su parte, al año 2015 el 8,2% de la población en Chile presentaba sordera, o dificultad para escuchar, aún con uso de audífonos. According to information from the World Health Organization (WHO), as of March 2019, there were around 466 million people with disabling hearing loss, which is equivalent to approximately 5% of the world population. By the year 2050, the WHO itself estimates that there will be around 900 million people with disabling hearing loss in the world. In its report, the WHO points out that the consequences that accompany hearing loss can range from functional consequences (communication problems or language development in minors), social and emotional (such as loneliness and isolation ), to economic consequences, which, being neglected, can generate an annual global cost of 750,000 million Dollars. For its part, as of 2015, 8.2% of the population in Chile had deafness, or difficulty hearing, even with the use of hearing aids.
Dado el creciente envejecimiento de la población, es posible que la cifra de personas con algún grado de sordera continúe aumentando. Si bien es cierto, el problema de sordera en adultos mayores puede considerarse como una alteración normal que aparecerá con el transcurso del aumento de la edad de las personas, para los cuales, ya existen, en alguna medida, dispositivos para mejorar dicha condición, como son los audífonos. No obstante, existe un gran número de personas sordas que no están asociadas a la pérdida de audición por motivos de edad, muchos de ellos nacieron sordos o perdieron la audición después de aprender a hablar, para ellos, especialmente los más niños, existe la posibilidad de implantes cocleares. Aún así, todavía queda un gran número de personas sordas -sobre todo con sordera adquirida- que no son candidatas a implantes cocleares, por ejemplo, aquellas personas con sordera por daños al nervio auditivo. Por tanto, existe una necesidad real de apoyar el procesamiento del habla en personas con sordera adquirida severa o profunda, que no son candidatas a implante coclear o que no desean someterse a una intervención quirúrgica para el implante. Given the increasing aging of the population, it is possible that the number of people with some degree of deafness will continue to increase. Although it is true, the problem of deafness in older adults can be considered as a normal alteration that will appear with the course of increasing age of people, for whom, to some extent, there are already devices to improve said condition, such as It's the headphones. However, there is a large number of deaf people who are not associated with hearing loss due to age, many of them were born deaf or lost their hearing after learning to speak, for them, especially the younger ones, there is the possibility of cochlear implants. Even so, there is still a large number of deaf people -especially with acquired deafness- who are not candidates for cochlear implants, for example, those with deafness due to damage to the auditory nerve. Therefore, there is a real need to support speech processing in people with severe or profound acquired deafness, who are not cochlear implant candidates, or who do not wish to undergo implant surgery.
Se ha intentado mejorar la capacidad auditiva de personas que se someten a implantes cocleares, por ejemplo, a través de métodos de estimulación táctil en los dedos para apoyo a la percepción del habla, pero, este método no es funcionalmente eficaz, ya que, tal vez, requiere de un tipo de integración no natural, lo que dificulta que el cerebro pueda aprovechar la estimulación. También se intentado el mejoramiento a través de sistemas de estimulación bucal para mejorar la articulación del habla, pero, estos sistemas no cumplen su objetivo, ya que, no logran replicar la diversidad natural de sensaciones que se experimenta al hablar. Attempts have been made to improve the hearing capacity of people who undergo cochlear implants, for example, through methods of tactile stimulation in the fingers to support speech perception, but this method is not functionally effective, since, perhaps, In turn, it requires an unnatural type of integration, which makes it difficult for the brain to take advantage of the stimulation. Improvement has also been attempted through oral stimulation systems to improve speech articulation, but these systems do not meet their objective, since they fail to replicate the natural diversity of sensations experienced when speaking.
En el estado de la técnica, se han desarrollado diferentes sistemas relacionadas con dispositivos de estimulación para generar una sensación/estimulo que permita a una persona con sordera entender palabras o frases, así se tiene, por ejemplo, la patente de invención GB 2401051 , divulga un aparato para el paladar, para su uso en terapia del habla que cubre sustancialmente todo el paladar o sólo
una parte del paladar, que tiene medios para asegurar el aparato contra el paladar y tiene una o más áreas objetivo que son detectable por la lengua de un usuario al proporcionar estimulación sensorial cuando entra en contacto con la lengua. Si bien, este documento describe un dispositivo intrabucal que ubica junto al paladar, dicho dispositivo no está enfocado en un proceso auditivo kinestésico que genere una percepción del habla, sino que está enfocado en una terapia de mejoramiento del habla, sin que tenga incorporado un medio que capte sonidos y una unidad de control que procese el sonido. La solicitud de patente de invención US 2002077674, divulga un sistema para tratar enfermedades del oído, el cual sirve para inducir la estimulación de los músculos de la boca. El sistema incluye una carcasa que tiene un controlador, un miembro de contacto muscular se extiende desde la carcasa y está configurado para contactar los músculos dentro de la boca, incluidos, por ejemplo, el paladar y la lengua, un dispositivo vibratorio coopera con el controlador y el miembro de contacto muscular para transmitir la vibración al miembro de contacto muscular y, a su vez, a los músculos dentro de la boca. Si bien, este documento también divulga un aparato intrabucal, pero, se encuentra enfocado en el tratamiento de enfermedades del oído, particularmente para el tratamiento de disfunciones del tubo de Eustaquio, sin hacer mención de un sistema y proceso auditivo kinestésico que incluya un medio que capte sonidos y una unidad de control que procese el sonido. La solicitud internacional de patente de invención PCT/US2011/000545, divulga un dispositivo para comunicación táctil con la piel del cuello de una persona, el cual comprende una pluralidad de actuadores táctiles uniformemente espaciados dispuestos en forma de una estructura generalmente en forma de “C” y que un sujeto lleva ajustado alrededor del cuello para aplicar estímulos táctiles a la piel del cuello del sujeto. Un controlador electrónico operado por un programa computacional controla los actuadores del dispositivo en base a señales recibidas de una fuente externa. Si bien, este documento, describe un dispositivo que transmite estímulos táctiles sobre la piel de un usuario, está orientado solamente a transmitir señales táctiles para generar sensaciones virtuales, por ejemplo en video juegos o comunicarse con pilotos, ciegos, músicos y todos aquello que estén imposibilitados de comunicarse verbal o visualmente, en ningún caso, este dispositivo tiene por finalidad reproducir un proceso auditivo kinestésico que incluya un medio que capte sonidos y una unidad de control que procese el sonido y envíe un señal para generar
un estímulo físico capaz de generar una percepción del habla. La patente de invención US 10045103, divulga un sistema de altavoz kinestésico que comprende: un primer altavoz que tiene un cono; una carcasa que define una cavidad conectada al altavoz, teniendo dicha cavidad un área que al menos abarca un área circunscrita por un diámetro del cono del primer altavoz y dicha cavidad se extiende una longitud desde el cono de al menos dos veces el largo del diámetro, en donde, dicha carcasa tiene una superficie exterior configurada para transmitir sonido para la comunicación táctil con un organismo vivo objetivo de una manera no auditiva; y un retenedor provisto como un inserto y que tiene un cuerpo con un canal alargado permanentemente definido en el mismo a lo largo de la longitud del canal, recibiendo dicho canal la carcasa; en el que el primer altavoz imparte vibración a la carcasa que, de ese modo, se comunica a través del retenedor a una parte del cuerpo del organismo vivo objetivo a través del contacto indirecto con el mismo en sincronización de las frecuencias acústicas proporcionadas por el altavoz. Si bien, en este documento se divulgan dispositivos que se pueden emplear en procesos auditivos kinestésicos, pero, ninguno de ellos comprende actuadores electromecánicos generados a partir de señales que emite una unidad de control. In the state of the art, different systems related to stimulation devices have been developed to generate a sensation/stimulus that allows a person with deafness to understand words or phrases, thus, for example, the invention patent GB 2401051, discloses a palatal appliance, for use in speech therapy that covers substantially the entire palate or only a portion of the palate, having means for securing the appliance against the palate and having one or more target areas that are detectable by a user's tongue by providing sensory stimulation when in contact with the tongue. Although this document describes an intraoral device that is placed next to the palate, said device is not focused on a kinesthetic auditory process that generates speech perception, but rather is focused on speech improvement therapy, without incorporating a means that captures sounds and a control unit that processes the sound. Invention patent application US 2002077674 discloses a system for treating ear diseases, which serves to induce stimulation of the muscles of the mouth. The system includes a housing having a controller, a muscle contact member extending from the housing and configured to contact muscles within the mouth, including, for example, the palate and tongue, a vibratory device cooperating with the controller. and the muscular contact member to transmit the vibration to the muscular contact member and, in turn, to the muscles within the mouth. Although this document also discloses an intraoral device, but it is focused on the treatment of ear diseases, particularly for the treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunctions, without mentioning a kinesthetic auditory system and process that includes a means that pick up sounds and a control unit that processes the sound. The international invention patent application PCT/US2011/000545 discloses a device for tactile communication with the skin of a person's neck, which comprises a plurality of uniformly spaced tactile actuators arranged in the form of a generally "C"-shaped structure. ” and worn by a subject around the neck to apply tactile stimuli to the skin on the subject's neck. An electronic controller operated by a computer program controls the device's actuators based on signals received from an external source. Although this document describes a device that transmits tactile stimuli on the skin of a user, it is only oriented to transmit tactile signals to generate virtual sensations, for example in video games or communicate with pilots, blind people, musicians and all those who are unable to communicate verbally or visually, in no case, this device is intended to reproduce a kinesthetic auditory process that includes a means that captures sounds and a control unit that processes the sound and sends a signal to generate a physical stimulus capable of generating a perception of speech. Invention patent US 10045103 discloses a kinesthetic speaker system comprising: a first speaker having a cone; a housing defining a cavity connected to the loudspeaker, said cavity having an area encompassing at least an area circumscribed by a diameter of the cone of the first loudspeaker and said cavity extending a length from the cone of at least twice the length of the diameter, wherein, said housing has an outer surface configured to transmit sound for tactile communication with a target living organism in a non-auditory manner; and a retainer provided as an insert and having a body with an elongated channel permanently defined therein along the length of the channel, said channel receiving the casing; wherein the first speaker imparts vibration to the casing which is thereby communicated through the retainer to a body part of the target living organism through indirect contact therewith in synchronization with acoustic frequencies provided by the speaker . Although this document discloses devices that can be used in kinesthetic auditory processes, none of them comprise electromechanical actuators generated from signals emitted by a control unit.
Ninguno de los documentos del estado de la técnica, consta de una unidad de control y procesamiento del habla que permita decodificarla, extrayendo las palabras y convirtiéndolas en un patrón de estimulación kinestésico en un espacio 3D, en donde, la estimulación generada sea enviada por los nervios sensoriales al cerebro y que sea procesada por las áreas del lenguaje (tanto motoras como perceptuales), las que pueden decodificarla accediendo al significado del mensaje. De esta manera el sistema permite que el sujeto comprenda un mensaje entregado acústicamente, mediante percepción sensitiva, principalmente táctil, desde los distintos receptores, principalmente receptores del tacto en el paladar, el cuello y/o los labios. None of the state-of-the-art documents consists of a speech control and processing unit that allows it to be decoded, extracting the words and converting them into a kinesthetic stimulation pattern in a 3D space, where the generated stimulation is sent by the sensory nerves to the brain and processed by the language areas (both motor and perceptual), which can decode it, accessing the meaning of the message. In this way, the system allows the subject to understand a message delivered acoustically, through sensory perception, mainly tactile, from the different receptors, mainly touch receptors in the palate, neck and/or lips.
Por tanto, existe la necesidad de disponer de un sistema y un método de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva para el apoyo de la percepción del habla, de manera que se logre un apoyo eficaz para la percepción del habla, estimulando de manera multi formato los órganos naturales de articulación y
aprovechando los mecanismos neurofisiológicos de procesamiento del habla, es decir, la conversión motora-auditiva. Therefore, there is a need to have a system and a method of kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation to support speech perception, so that effective support for speech perception is achieved, stimulating multi-format natural organs of articulation and taking advantage of the neurophysiological mechanisms of speech processing, that is, the motor-auditory conversion.
RESUMEN DE LA INVENCIÓN SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
El presente invento presenta un innovador sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva para el apoyo de la percepción del habla, que permite la estimulación de manera multi formato de los órganos naturales de articulación. Dicha estimulación multi formato permite mejorar la resolución del input, imitando la sensación natural de la articulación. Dicho de otra manera, el sujeto receptor experimentará las mismas sensaciones que el emisor siente al hablar, y podrá así mejorar la comprensión del mensaje. The present invention presents an innovative kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system to support speech perception, which allows multi-format stimulation of the natural organs of articulation. Said multi-format stimulation allows to improve the resolution of the input, imitating the natural sensation of the joint. In other words, the receiving subject will experience the same sensations that the sender feels when speaking, and will thus be able to improve the understanding of the message.
El sistema y el método que se divulgan en la presente invención, además de resolver el problema de comunicación para personas sordas, entrega una herramienta de mejoramiento en la calidad de vida del usuario. The system and method disclosed in the present invention, in addition to solving the communication problem for deaf people, provides a tool to improve the user's quality of life.
Es un objetivo del presente invento, proporcionar un sistema y un método de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva, principalmente táctil, para el apoyo de la percepción del habla, mediante el cual, las personas sordas puedan comprender el lenguaje oral, y por tanto facilitar la interacción con hablantes. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a system and a method of kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation, mainly tactile, to support speech perception, through which deaf people can understand oral language, and therefore facilitate interaction with speakers.
En consecuencia, la presente invención soluciona el problema técnico dado por la complicación en la comunicación que pueden encontrar las personas sordas que no son sometidas a implantes cocleares, de manera que, a través de un sencillo sistema, puedan percibir las sensaciones que genera una persona al hablar. Consequently, the present invention solves the technical problem given by the complication in communication that deaf people who are not subjected to cochlear implants can find, so that, through a simple system, they can perceive the sensations generated by a person when talking.
Así entonces, se presenta un sistema y un método de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva para el apoyo de la percepción del habla, el cual está comprendido por un dispositivo receptor que capta el sonido; una unidad de control que procesa el sonido y lo traduce en una señal; al menos un medio transmisor; y un conjunto de actuadores electromecánicos que transmiten estímulos físicos al usuario.
BREVE DESCRIPCIÓN DE LA FIGURAS Thus, a system and a method of kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation are presented to support speech perception, which is comprised of a receiving device that captures sound; a control unit that processes the sound and translates it into a signal; at least one transmitting medium; and a set of electromechanical actuators that transmit physical stimuli to the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Una descripción detallada de la invención se llevará a cabo en conjunto con las figuras que forman parte de esta solicitud. A detailed description of the invention will be carried out in conjunction with the figures that form part of this application.
Es importante indicar que las figuras sólo actúan como elementos de apoyo para una mejor comprensión de la invención, sin que ellas representen los componentes a una escala real o proporcional. La invención tampoco puede verse limitada sólo a lo que aparece en las figuras, pues ellas representan, en una forma pedagógica, los elementos trascendentes del sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y pueden no incluirse elementos que son de conocimiento general en el estado de la técnica. Así entonces, se tienen las siguientes figuras: It is important to indicate that the figures only act as support elements for a better understanding of the invention, without representing the components on a real or proportional scale. The invention cannot be limited only to what appears in the figures, since they represent, in a pedagogical way, the transcendent elements of the kinesthetic auditory transduction system and elements that are generally known in the state of the art may not be included. Thus, we have the following figures:
Figura 1 : Vista general del sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica. Figure 1: Overview of the auditory-kinesthetic transduction system.
Figura 2: Diagrama de flujo del proceso de transducción auditiva kinestésica. Figure 2: Flowchart of the auditory-kinesthetic transduction process.
Todas las referencias numéricas que se realizan a lo largo de toda la descripción de la invención deben considerarse en todo el conjunto de las figuras, pues, se da el caso que en un mismo párrafo se hacen referencias numéricas a elementos que se pueden encontrar en las dos figuras. All the numerical references that are made throughout the entire description of the invention must be considered in the entire set of figures, since it is the case that in the same paragraph numerical references are made to elements that can be found in the figures. two figures.
DESCRIPCIÓN DETALLADA DE LA INVENCIÓN DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Para una mejor comprensión del presente invento, es necesario entregar las siguientes definiciones, las que sólo deben ser entendidas como elementos que ayudan a una mejor comprensión de las características técnicas particulares en este campo técnico. For a better understanding of the present invention, it is necessary to provide the following definitions, which should only be understood as elements that help a better understanding of the particular technical characteristics in this technical field.
Como se utiliza en el presente invento, el término “membrana" corresponde a una fina lámina flexible, sin estar ligado a un tipo de material específico. As used in the present invention, the term "membrane" corresponds to a thin flexible sheet, without being bound to a specific type of material.
Como se utiliza en el presente invento, el término “medios inalámbricos" se refiere a medios que establecen la comunicación sin la necesidad de que estén conectados a través de un cable conectar.
Como se utiliza en el presente invento, el término “kinestesia” se refiere a la sensación transmitida desde distintas zonas corporales al cerebro a través de los impulsos nerviosos. As used in the present invention, the term "wireless media" refers to media that establish communication without the need to be connected via a connecting cable. As used in the present invention, the term "kinesthesia" refers to sensation transmitted from various body areas to the brain via nerve impulses.
Como se utiliza en el presente invento, el término “percepción sensitiva” corresponde a la sensación interior producida en los sentidos corporales. As used in the present invention, the term "sensory perception" corresponds to the inner sensation produced by the bodily senses.
Como se utiliza en el presente invento, el término “estimulación sensitiva” debe ser entendido como toda aquella estimulación provocada hacia los sentidos de una persona, como puede ser una estimulación táctil o una estimulación eléctrica. As used in the present invention, the term "sensory stimulation" should be understood as any stimulation caused to a person's senses, such as tactile stimulation or electrical stimulation.
Tal como se indicó en párrafos anteriores, existen diferentes técnicas referidas al mejoramiento de la audición en personas que sufren sordera, las cuales, ya forman parte del estado de la técnica, pero, no todas las técnicas son adecuadas para todas las personas sordas. Por tal razón, se divulga un sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva para el apoyo de la percepción del habla, el cual, es sencillo en sus componentes y económico en su conformación, lo que lo hace muy accesible a las personas sordas. As indicated in previous paragraphs, there are different techniques related to improving hearing in people who suffer from deafness, which are already part of the state of the art, but not all techniques are suitable for all deaf people. For this reason, a kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system is disclosed to support speech perception, which is simple in its components and economical in its conformation, which makes it very accessible to deaf people.
Se debe entender que la transducción auditiva kinestésica está referida al desarrollo de tecnología para el reconocimiento automatizado del habla, tanto en las áreas de inteligencia artificial e interfaz cerebro computador. Esto debido a que la metodología asociada, proporciona una forma novedosa de entregar información complementaria de cómo el cerebro y el cuerpo producen y procesan el lenguaje, lo cual permitió el desarrollo del sistema de reconocimiento de la presente invención, el que utiliza información multimodal para su optimización. It should be understood that kinesthetic auditory transduction refers to the development of technology for automated speech recognition, both in the areas of artificial intelligence and brain-computer interface. This is because the associated methodology provides a novel way of delivering complementary information on how the brain and body produce and process language, which allowed the development of the recognition system of the present invention, which uses multimodal information for its optimization.
Por tanto, las ventajas técnicas del sistema y del método de la presente invención, están dadas porque entrega una solución sencilla y efectiva para mejorar la comunicación de personas sordas, sin la necesidad de recurrir a intervenciones quirúrgicas para implantes cocleares, además, su sencillez y compactación permiten que el sistema sea absolutamente portable y/o trasladable por el usuario, de forma que pueda proceder a su instalación sólo cuando lo estime necesario.
Así entonces, a través del presente invento, se ha desarrollado un avance técnico notorio en el mejoramiento de la inclusión social y el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida de las personas sordas, lo que no sólo se traduce en un bienestar personal para el usuario, sino que es avance, en todos los aspectos sociales y económicos, para el resto de la sociedad. Therefore, the technical advantages of the system and the method of the present invention are given because it provides a simple and effective solution to improve the communication of deaf people, without the need to resort to surgical interventions for cochlear implants, in addition, its simplicity and compaction allow the system to be absolutely portable and/or transferable by the user, so that he can proceed with its installation only when he deems it necessary. Thus, through the present invention, a notorious technical advance has been developed in the improvement of social inclusion and the improvement of the quality of life of deaf people, which not only translates into personal well-being for the user, but it is progress, in all social and economic aspects, for the rest of society.
El sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica de la presente invención consta de una unidad de control que procesa el sonido y lo traduce en una señal, particularmente, dicha unidad realiza un procesamiento del habla, lo que permite decodificarla, extrayendo las palabras y convirtiéndolas en un patrón de estimulación kinestésico en un espacio 3D. El output de dicha unidad de control alimenta a un conjunto de actuadores electromecánicos que transmiten estímulos físicos al usuario, por ejemplo, dichos actuadores se pueden encontrar dispuestos en una placa de estimulación colocada en el paladar de la persona y/o dispuestos en la forma de electrodos externos colocados en los labios y cuello de la persona. The kinesthetic auditory transduction system of the present invention consists of a control unit that processes the sound and translates it into a signal, particularly, said unit performs speech processing, which allows it to be decoded, extracting the words and converting them into a pattern of kinesthetic stimulation in a 3D space. The output of said control unit feeds a set of electromechanical actuators that transmit physical stimuli to the user, for example, said actuators can be found arranged in a stimulation plate placed on the person's palate and/or arranged in the form of external electrodes placed on the person's lips and neck.
Así entonces, por ejemplo, la placa de estimulación puede contener actuadores electromecánicos de la forma de micro-vibradores, los que al vibrar producen una sensación táctil que ¡mita la sensación natural que se tiene cuando se pronuncian las palabras. En este mismo ejemplo, la vibración sincrónica de los electrodos externos complementaría la información entregada por la placa de estimulación. Thus, for example, the stimulation plate may contain electromechanical actuators in the form of micro-vibrators, which, when vibrating, produce a tactile sensation that mimics the natural sensation that one has when words are pronounced. In this same example, the synchronous vibration of the external electrodes would complement the information delivered by the stimulation plate.
La estimulación sensitiva descrita (estimulación táctil en el caso del presente ejemplo) es enviada por los nervios sensoriales al cerebro, siendo luego procesada por las áreas del lenguaje (tanto motoras como perceptuales), que pueden decodificarla accediendo al significado del mensaje. De esta manera el sistema permite que el sujeto comprenda un mensaje entregado acústicamente, mediante percepción sensitiva desde los receptores en el paladar, el cuello y/o los labios. The sensory stimulation described (tactile stimulation in the case of the present example) is sent by the sensory nerves to the brain, being then processed by the language areas (both motor and perceptual), which can decode it by accessing the meaning of the message. In this way the system allows the subject to understand a message delivered acoustically, by sensory perception from receptors in the palate, neck and/or lips.
Así entonces, la presente invención, presenta un sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva para el apoyo de la percepción del habla, el cual está comprendido por un dispositivo receptor (2) que capta el sonido,
el cual puede corresponder a un micrófono; una unidad de control (3) que procesa el sonido y lo traduce en una señal; al menos un medio transmisor (4), donde dicho medio transmisor puede ser un cable conectar o medios inalámbricos; y un conjunto de actuadores electromecánicos (5) que transmiten estímulos físicos al usuario. En donde, el conjunto de actuadores electromecánicos que transmiten el estímulo físico al usuario se divide en dos subconjuntos (6a, 6b) que se conectan separadamente a distintas zonas sensibles del usuario, como pueden ser: el cuello del usuario, el labio del usuario y la boca del usuario. Los actuadores electromecánicos que se encuentran adaptados para conectarse a la boca se encuentran acoplados a una membrana (7) que se adapta al paladar del usuario. El conjunto de actuadores electromecánicos (5) está adaptado para transmitir al menos un estímulo físico seleccionado entre presión, vibración, temperatura, eléctrico y soplido, o una combinación de ellos. De manera que los actuadores electromecánicos (5) queden correctamente adosados al usuario, pueden encontrarse acoplados a una fina placa de silicona flexible. La unidad de control que procesa el sonido (3) comprende un sistema informático, el cual es el encargado de reconocer las palabras del mensaje captado por el dispositivo receptor (2) y transformar la información en patrones de estimulación kinestésica, es decir, dicha unidad, traduce el sonido en una señal que se transmite a los actuadores electromecánicos y provoca al menos un estímulo físico. Dichos actuadores electromecánicos (5) son elegidos entre actuadores piezoeléctricos, zumbadores, electrodos y resistencias eléctricas. Un cable de conexión (8) enlaza el dispositivo receptor (2) que capta el sonido con la unidad de control (3) que procesa el sonido. Thus, the present invention presents a kinesthetic auditory transduction system and sensory stimulation to support speech perception, which is comprised of a receiving device (2) that captures sound, which can correspond to a microphone; a control unit (3) that processes the sound and translates it into a signal; at least one transmitting medium (4), where said transmitting medium can be a connecting cable or wireless means; and a set of electromechanical actuators (5) that transmit physical stimuli to the user. Where, the set of electromechanical actuators that transmit the physical stimulus to the user is divided into two subsets (6a, 6b) that are separately connected to different sensitive areas of the user, such as: the user's neck, the user's lip and the user's mouth. The electromechanical actuators that are adapted to be connected to the mouth are coupled to a membrane (7) that adapts to the user's palate. The set of electromechanical actuators (5) is adapted to transmit at least one physical stimulus selected from pressure, vibration, temperature, electrical and blowing, or a combination of them. So that the electromechanical actuators (5) are correctly attached to the user, they can be attached to a thin flexible silicone plate. The control unit that processes the sound (3) comprises a computer system, which is in charge of recognizing the words of the message captured by the receiving device (2) and transforming the information into patterns of kinesthetic stimulation, that is, said unit , translates the sound into a signal that is transmitted to the electromechanical actuators and causes at least one physical stimulus. Said electromechanical actuators (5) are chosen among piezoelectric actuators, buzzers, electrodes and electrical resistors. A connection cable (8) links the receiving device (2) that captures the sound with the control unit (3) that processes the sound.
Por otra parte, la presente invención presenta un método para realizar una transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva para el apoyo de la percepción del habla, el cual comprende: (i) captar un sonido por medio de un dispositivo receptor; (¡i) transmitir el sonido desde el dispositivo receptor a una unidad de control; (iii) procesar el sonido en la unidad de control y traducirlo en una señal; (iv) transmitir una instrucción a un conjunto de actuadores electromecánicos; y (vi) provocar un estímulo físico al usuario. En donde la transmisión de la instrucción a los actuadores electromecánicos se realiza por medio de al menos un cable transmisor, o bien, se puede realizar por medios inalámbricos. Todo el método
anteriormente descrito, se encuentra representado en la figura 2, donde se puede apreciar que el emisor (10) emite un sonido (habla) que es captado por un dispositivo receptor (2), a continuación, la una unidad de control (3) decodifica el mensaje extrayendo las palabras, y alimenta al transductor, que genera el correspondiente patrón de estimulación kinestésica a través de los subconjuntos (6a, 6b) de actuadores electromecánicos, los cuales son recibidos por el receptor (20). De esta manera, la membrana (7) que sirve de soporte a los actuadores electromecánicos (5) ejecuta una estimulación dinámica en los puntos de articulación del habla en el paladar del receptor, imitando la articulación natural de las palabras. Por su parte, los actuadores electromecánicos (5) externos, estimulan los labios y el cuello sincrónicamente con la estimulación palatal, complementando la información entregada por esta última. On the other hand, the present invention presents a method for carrying out auditory kinesthetic transduction and sensory stimulation to support speech perception, which comprises: (i) capturing a sound by means of a receiving device; (ii) transmitting the sound from the receiving device to a control unit; (iii) process the sound in the control unit and translate it into a signal; (iv) transmitting an instruction to a set of electromechanical actuators; and (vi) causing a physical stimulus to the user. Where the transmission of the instruction to the electromechanical actuators is carried out by means of at least one transmitting cable, or it can be carried out by wireless means. all method previously described, is represented in figure 2, where it can be seen that the transmitter (10) emits a sound (speech) that is captured by a receiving device (2), then the control unit (3) decodes the message extracting the words, and feeds the transducer, which generates the corresponding pattern of kinesthetic stimulation through the subsets (6a, 6b) of electromechanical actuators, which are received by the receiver (20). In this way, the membrane (7) that supports the electromechanical actuators (5) executes a dynamic stimulation in the speech articulation points in the receiver's palate, imitating the natural articulation of words. For their part, the external electromechanical actuators (5) stimulate the lips and neck synchronously with palatal stimulation, complementing the information provided by the latter.
El método se inspira en el modelo sensohomotor de percepción del habla (Hickok y Poeppel, 2007), basado en evidencia que demuestra que, al percibir el habla, el cerebro activa simultáneamente las áreas de procesamiento auditivo y las áreas motoras que permiten producir el habla. Esto implica que accedemos simultáneamente a representaciones fonológicas (“sonoras”) y articulatorias (“motoras”) de las palabras. Ambas representaciones están vinculadas de manera que las representaciones fonológicas pueden ser convertidas automáticamente por el cerebro en representaciones articulatorias, y viceversa. Así entonces, la estimulación sensitiva, en este caso la estimulación táctil, producida por los subconjuntos (6a, 6b) componentes, permitiría al cerebro acceder a las representaciones articulatorias y junto con esto, activar representaciones fonológicas aún en ausencia del correspondiente input sonoro. En extenso, el sistema permitirá a una persona recibir el mensaje lingüístico de manera kinestésica, al producir la misma estimulación que la persona sentiría si pronunciara las palabras. Esta información será recibida por las áreas del lenguaje del cerebro, que activan representaciones articulatorias y fonológicas de las palabras, para acceder a su significado. Todo este proceso permite que el mensaje llegue al cerebro por una “puerta trasera” (vía táctil) en vez de hacerlo por la vía auditiva. De esta manera, una persona con sordera adquirida podría comprender el mensaje de un hablante mediante percepción kinestésica.
La forma innovadora del presente invento permite entregar un mensaje lingüístico de manera kinestésica imitando el patrón de articulación en la boca, y la estimulación -principalmente táctil- que se produciría si la persona estuviera pronunciando la palabra. Esta información permitirá al cerebro acceder a la representación articulatoria de la palabra y, junto con esto, activar representaciones fonológicas aún en ausencia de sonido. La ventaja frente a otros sistemas de estimulación kinestésica es que el dispositivo actúa directamente en la boca, aprovechando la “maquinaria fisiológica” sobre la que se apoya la percepción del lenguaje. Los sistemas anteriores (por ejemplo, de Riecke, 2019), presentan estimulación táctil en las manos, sin reportar una mejora en el reconocimiento de palabras. The method is inspired by the sensohomotor model of speech perception (Hickok & Poeppel, 2007), based on evidence showing that, when perceiving speech, the brain simultaneously activates the auditory processing areas and the motor areas that allow speech to be produced . This implies that we simultaneously access phonological (“sound”) and articulatory (“motor”) representations of words. Both representations are linked in such a way that phonological representations can be automatically converted by the brain into articulatory representations, and vice versa. Thus, sensory stimulation, in this case tactile stimulation, produced by the component subsets (6a, 6b), would allow the brain to access articulatory representations and, together with this, activate phonological representations even in the absence of the corresponding sound input. Ultimately, the system will allow a person to receive the linguistic message kinesthetically, by producing the same stimulation that the person would feel if they spoke the words. This information will be received by the language areas of the brain, which activate articulatory and phonological representations of words, to access their meaning. This entire process allows the message to reach the brain through a "back door" (tactile pathway) instead of through the auditory pathway. In this way, a person with acquired deafness could understand the message of a speaker through kinesthetic perception. The innovative form of the present invention allows a linguistic message to be delivered kinesthetically by mimicking the articulation pattern in the mouth, and the stimulation -mainly tactile- that would occur if the person were pronouncing the word. This information will allow the brain to access the articulatory representation of the word and, together with this, activate phonological representations even in the absence of sound. The advantage over other kinesthetic stimulation systems is that the device acts directly in the mouth, taking advantage of the "physiological machinery" on which the perception of language is based. Previous systems (for example, by Riecke, 2019), present tactile stimulation in the hands, without reporting an improvement in word recognition.
El sistema de la presente invención estimula directamente los órganos de producción del habla. Mientras que los sistemas conocidos en el estado de la técnica, al estimular las manos, demandan una integración sensorial más compleja, por lo que son menos efectivos. En cambio, la estimulación en el paladar ¡mita la sensación natural de la pronunciación, por ello, el cerebro no necesita realizar nuevas operaciones para la integración sensorial, sino que recurre a operaciones que ya son utilizadas naturalmente. Las personas con sordera adquirida pueden producir el habla, por lo tanto tienen representaciones articulatorias, así, la estimulación, especialmente estimulación táctil, les permitiría el acceso tanto a las representaciones motoras y fonológicas de las palabras, y finalmente a su significado. The system of the present invention directly stimulates the organs of speech production. While the systems known in the state of the art, by stimulating the hands, require a more complex sensory integration, so they are less effective. Instead, the stimulation of the palate mimics the natural sensation of pronunciation, so the brain does not need to perform new operations for sensory integration, but rather resorts to operations that are already used naturally. People with acquired deafness can produce speech, therefore they have articulatory representations, thus, stimulation, especially tactile stimulation, would allow them access to both motor and phonological representations of words, and finally to their meaning.
El alcance del sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva para el apoyo de la percepción del habla de la presente invención no debe limitarse sólo a los componentes dibujados y mencionados en el texto mismo, sino que pueden abarcar otros tipos de componentes o sistemas que utilicen las características aquí descritas.
The scope of the kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system for the support of speech perception of the present invention should not be limited only to the components drawn and mentioned in the text itself, but may include other types of components or systems that use the features described here.
Claims
1. Sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva para el apoyo de la percepción del habla, CARACTERIZADO porque está comprendido por un dispositivo receptor que capta el sonido; una unidad de control que procesa el sonido y lo traduce en una señal; al menos un medio transmisor; y un conjunto de actuadores electromecánicos que transmiten estímulos físicos al usuario. 1. Kinesthetic auditory transduction system and sensory stimulation to support speech perception, CHARACTERIZED because it is comprised of a receiving device that captures sound; a control unit that processes the sound and translates it into a signal; at least one transmitting medium; and a set of electromechanical actuators that transmit physical stimuli to the user.
2. El sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva de acuerdo a la reivindicación 1 , CARACTERIZADO porque el conjunto de actuadores electromecánicos que transmiten el estímulo físico al usuario se divide en dos subconjuntos que se conectan separadamente a distintas zonas sensibles del usuario. 2. The kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the set of electromechanical actuators that transmit the physical stimulus to the user is divided into two subsets that are separately connected to different sensitive areas of the user.
3. El sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva de acuerdo a la reivindicación 2, CARACTERIZADO porque uno de los subconjuntos de actuadores electromecánicos se encuentra adaptado para conectarse al cuello del usuario y el otro subconjunto se encuentra adaptado para conectarse a otra zona sensible del usuario. 3. The kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that one of the subsets of electromechanical actuators is adapted to connect to the user's neck and the other subset is adapted to connect to another sensitive area of the user. Username.
4. El sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva de acuerdo a la reivindicación 2, CARACTERIZADO porque uno de los subconjuntos de actuadores electromecánicos se encuentra adaptado para conectarse a la boca del usuario y el otro subconjunto se encuentra adaptado para conectarse a otra zona sensible del usuario. 4. The kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that one of the subsets of electromechanical actuators is adapted to connect to the user's mouth and the other subset is adapted to connect to another sensitive area of the user.
5. El sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva de acuerdo a la reivindicación 2, CARACTERIZADO porque uno de los subconjuntos de actuadores electromecánicos se encuentra adaptado para conectarse a la boca del usuario y el otro subconjunto se encuentra adaptado para conectarse al cuello del usuario. 5. The kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that one of the subsets of electromechanical actuators is adapted to connect to the user's mouth and the other subset is adapted to connect to the user's neck .
6. El sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva de acuerdo a la reivindicación 4 o 5, CARACTERIZADO porque los actuadores
electromecánicos que se encuentran adaptados para conectarse a la boca se encuentran acoplados a una membrana que se adapta al paladar del usuario. 6. The kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system according to claim 4 or 5, CHARACTERIZED because the actuators Electromechanical devices that are adapted to connect to the mouth are coupled to a membrane that adapts to the user's palate.
7. El sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva de acuerdo a la reivindicación 1 , CARACTERIZADO porque el conjunto de actuadores electromecánicos está adaptado para transmitir al menos un estímulo físico seleccionado entre presión, vibración, temperatura, eléctrico y soplido, o una combinación de ellos. 7. The kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the set of electromechanical actuators is adapted to transmit at least one physical stimulus selected from pressure, vibration, temperature, electrical and blowing, or a combination of they.
8. El sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva de acuerdo a la reivindicación 1 , CARACTERIZADO porque los actuadores electromecánicos se encuentran acoplados a una fina placa de silicona flexible. 8. The kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED because the electromechanical actuators are coupled to a thin flexible silicone plate.
9. El sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva de acuerdo a la reivindicación 1 , CARACTERIZADO porque la unidad de control que procesa el sonido comprende un sistema informático que traduce el sonido en una señal que se transmite a los actuadores electromecánicos y provoca al menos un estímulo físico. 9. The kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the control unit that processes the sound comprises a computer system that translates the sound into a signal that is transmitted to the electromechanical actuators and causes at least a physical stimulus.
10. El sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva de acuerdo a cualquiera de las reivindicaciones anteriores, CARACTERIZADO porque los actuadores electromecánicos son elegidos entre actuadores piezoeléctricos, electrodos, zumbadores y resistencias eléctricas. 10. The kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the electromechanical actuators are chosen from piezoelectric actuators, electrodes, buzzers and electrical resistors.
11. El sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva de acuerdo a la reivindicación 1 , CARACTERIZADO porque un cable de conexión enlaza el dispositivo receptor que capta el sonido con la unidad de control que procesa el sonido. 11. The kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that a connection cable links the receiving device that captures the sound with the control unit that processes the sound.
12. El sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva de acuerdo a la reivindicación 1 , CARACTERIZADO porque el dispositivo receptor que capta el sonido es un micrófono.
12. The kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED because the receiving device that captures the sound is a microphone.
13. El sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva de acuerdo a la reivindicación 1 , CARACTERIZADO porque el medio transmisor es un cable conectar. 13. The kinesthetic auditory transduction system and sensory stimulation according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED because the transmitting medium is a connecting cable.
14. El sistema de transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva de acuerdo a la reivindicación 1 , CARACTERIZADO porque el medio transmisor es inalámbrico. 14. The kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation system according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED because the transmitting medium is wireless.
15. Un método para realizar una transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva para el apoyo de la percepción del habla, CARACTERIZADO porque comprende captar un sonido por medio de un dispositivo receptor; transmitir el sonido desde el dispositivo receptor a una unidad de control; procesar el sonido en la unidad de control y traducirlo en una señal; transmitir una instrucción a un conjunto de actuadores electromecánicos; y provocar un estímulo físico al usuario. 15. A method for performing a kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation to support speech perception, CHARACTERIZED because it comprises capturing a sound by means of a receiving device; transmit the sound from the receiving device to a control unit; process the sound in the control unit and translate it into a signal; transmit an instruction to a set of electromechanical actuators; and causing a physical stimulus to the user.
16. El método para realizar una transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva para el apoyo de la percepción del habla, de acuerdo a la reivindicación 15, CARACTERIZADO porque la transmisión de la instrucción a los actuadores electromecánicos se realiza por medio de al menos un cable transmisor. 16. The method for carrying out a kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation to support speech perception, according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED because the transmission of the instruction to the electromechanical actuators is carried out by means of at least one transmitter cable .
17. El método para realizar una transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva para el apoyo de la percepción del habla, de acuerdo a la reivindicación 15, CARACTERIZADO porque la transmisión de la instrucción a los actuadores electromecánicos se realiza a través de medios inalámbricos. 17. The method for carrying out a kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation to support speech perception, according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED because the transmission of the instruction to the electromechanical actuators is carried out through wireless means.
18. El método para realizar una transducción auditiva kinestésica y estimulación sensitiva para el apoyo de la percepción del habla, de acuerdo a la reivindicación 15, CARACTERIZADO porque dicha estimulación sensitiva puede ser: táctil, eléctrica o una combinación de ellas. 18. The method for performing a kinesthetic auditory transduction and sensory stimulation to support speech perception, according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED because said sensory stimulation can be: tactile, electrical or a combination of them.
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Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CL2020/050187 WO2022126295A1 (en) | 2020-12-19 | 2020-12-19 | System and method for kinesthetic auditory transduction |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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| PCT/CL2020/050187 WO2022126295A1 (en) | 2020-12-19 | 2020-12-19 | System and method for kinesthetic auditory transduction |
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| WO2022126295A1 true WO2022126295A1 (en) | 2022-06-23 |
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| PCT/CL2020/050187 WO2022126295A1 (en) | 2020-12-19 | 2020-12-19 | System and method for kinesthetic auditory transduction |
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| US1763103A (en) * | 1927-06-11 | 1930-06-10 | Phipps De Clifford | Device for assisting hearing |
| US3985977A (en) * | 1975-04-21 | 1976-10-12 | Motorola, Inc. | Receiver system for receiving audio electrical signals |
| US10735874B2 (en) * | 2006-05-30 | 2020-08-04 | Soundmed, Llc | Methods and apparatus for processing audio signals |
| CN201107863Y (en) * | 2006-12-28 | 2008-08-27 | 四川微迪数字技术有限公司 | Hearing aid concealed in clothes |
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