Abstract: A palatometer and nasometer apparatus is disclosed for the diagnosis and treatment of speech impairment, new language sound learning, and other uses. The palatometer includes a palatal body containing electrodes which fits in a user's mouth. Contact between the user's tongue or lips and the electrodes is indicated on display equipment. The palatometer and display equipment operate to indicate the position and movement of the tongue and lips. The nasometer includes interchangeable sound separator plates to fit users with different facial curvatures. Microphones are attached to the top and bottom of the sound separator plate to measure sound emitted from the nose and mouth for determining the nasality of speech. The palatometer and nasometer are combined to optimize the ability to define speech normality as well as diagnose and remediate speech.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 19, 2001
Date of Patent:
December 13, 2005
Assignee:
Logometrix Corporation
Inventors:
Samuel G. Fletcher, Burton Sparks, J. Matthew Tanner
Abstract: A method for utilizing oral movements is used in speech assessment, speech therapy, language development, and controlling external devices. A device is used which includes a sensor plate having sensors to detect contact of the tongue with the sensor plate. One aspect of the invention allows viewing representations of contact of the tongue and palate during speech and comparing the representations with model representations displayed in a split screen fashion. The model representations may be generated by another speaker utilizing a sensor plate or by computer generated representations which have been electronically stored. The representations may be analyzed to assess speech proficiency and the model may be mimicked for speech enhancement.