Study on speech assistance / supporting device with myoelectric signal for dysphonic person

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K11226
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Nippon Bunri University (2022); Daiichi Institute of Technology (2020-2021)
• Principal Investigator: Oe Katsutoshi 日本文理大学, 工学部, 教授 (80388123)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 人工喉頭 / 食道発声法 / リハビリテーション / 機能再建 / 筋電位信号 / スピーキングバルブ / 小型ポンプ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The following results were obtained during this research period.
1) We constructed an electric artificial larynx control system controlled by inexpensive myopotential signals using Arduino and Myoware and succeeded in generating signals for on/off and height control of the electrolarynx larynx by a prototype system. 2) We proposed and simulated two types of miniature pumps for speech aid, one is a chamber type and the other is based on the Coanda effect. 3) A speaking valve using a butterfly valve was proposed, and the simulation confirmed that airflow resistance was reduced when the fillet was used. 4) An inexpensive esophageal vocalization training device using Arduino and Myoware was fabricated, and its ability to detect and process myoelectric signals was confirmed.

Free Research Field

医用福祉工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は発声が不可能または困難となった者が音声を取り戻すためのデバイス群の実現を目標としている．筋電位信号を用いた安価な電気式人工喉頭制御用システムは，これらのデバイス群の制御には必要不可欠なものであり，食道発声法の習得率向上のための訓練デバイスは，その習得によるQOL向上に大きな意味を持つ．またスピーキングバルブの改良は気管孔を持つが活動量の多い若年者の日常生活の質を向上させるものであり，さらに発声補助用小型ポンプは呼吸管理時にも簡便に発声が可能となり，使用者のQOLを向上させる．以上のように本研究および成果は高い学術的・社会的意義を持つと言える．