Abstract: A method and system for evaluating movement of a user and providing biofeedback including setting a reference point for movement by the user, whereby the reference point corresponds to a reference rhythm, providing the reference rhythm to the user to assist the user in maintaining the reference point, sensing the user's movement, comparing the user's movement to the reference point movement, and alerting the user that the user's movement is away from the reference point by modifying the reference rhythm to a modified rhythm. The user's movement is corrected after receiving the alert.

Abstract: A speaking period required for a voice recognition processing is detected with a simple and robust approach. A speaking period is detected based on an EMG generated when a speaker speaks. A large amplitude is observed in an EMG as muscular activity is caused when a speaker speaks. By observing this, a speaking period can be detected. The EMG can be measured from the speaker's skin via electrodes provided on a mobile-type terminal. Since a mobile-type terminal is usually pressed to the skin for use, affinity between this use form and the present invention is very high.

Abstract: Portable devices for treating stuttering or communication disorders include a circuit configured to automatically electronically select sua sponte different signal parameters and/or sound effect algorithms used to generate varied altered auditory feedback signals to a user over time.

Abstract: An incoming call screening treatment is selected for a call to a called communication device based on an emotional state criterion input by a user of the called communication device.

Abstract: An improved stuttering treatment program provides for a multi dimensional diagnostic procedure for identifying the problems associated with stuttering. A simultaneous attitude modification phase and a speech fluency enhancing techniques phase define a supervised, hands-on exercise portion of the program which is intended to advance the level of speech of a stutter afflicted person to speech fluency. Upon completion of attitude modification and speech fluency enhancing exercises, which raises the patient to speech fluency, a self-discipline phase of the program is provided where the patient supervises himself during speech exercising, monitors and analyzes exercise effect and reports his analysis to speech professionals. The self-supervised exercise is up-dated and communicated to the patient, for preventive maintenance of speech fluency.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products display visual choral speech to a patient who stutters or has a speech impediment or impairment as a visual stimulus for the patient to enhance the fluency of the patient. The visual choral speech is incongruous with the speech produced by the stutterer and is provided by a visual display of the articulatory movements of a person other than the patient (or a simulated representation thereof) of the person's lips and mouth as the person speaks. The visual speech gestures can be displayed to the patient in advance of a speaking event or speech production by the stutterer and/or concurrently with a speaking event (either intermittently or continuous during the speaking event). The visual choral speech gestures can be based on a string of coherent words to provide the visual speech gestures signal such that it is relayed to the user without the attendant auditory component allowing the user to speak at a substantially normal pace with enhanced fluency.

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.

Abstract: Methods and devices generate an exogenous natural second speech signal as an auditory stimulus to a user to enhance the fluency of persons who stutter. The natural speech signal is independent of the contemporaneous speech production of the stutterer and is provided by a voice gesture and can be a prolonged or sustained voice gesture sound such as a simple vowel, or consonant, or vowel trains and the like. The second speech signal can be transmitted in advance of a speaking event or speech production of the stutterer and/or concurrently with a speaking event, either intermittently or continuous during the speaking event. The devices of the instant invention are configured to provide the voice based speech signal such that it is audible to the user and does not require feedback of the user's own speech allowing the user to speak at a substantially normal pace with enhanced fluency.

Abstract: A device for evaluating or treating a patient for hypernasality or nasal air emission during speech is disclosed. The device contains a nosepiece for collecting nasal auditory output from the patient, a first listening device connected to the nosepiece to enable a therapist to receive the auditory output, and a second listening device connected to the nosepiece to enable the patient to receive the auditory output. Also disclosed is a method for evaluating or treating a patient for hypernasality or nasal air emission during speech using the above device.

Abstract: A medical testing system includes an instrument for monitoring the electrical activity of a patient's heart. The instrument includes a work surface and an illuminating component for illuminating the work surface.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming and contracting scar collagen below a tissue surface in a selected tissue site. An electromagnetic energy apparatus is provided and includes an electromagnetic energy source and a delivery device. The delivery device is positioned on the tissue surface. Electromagnetic energy is produced from the electromagnetic energy source and delivered through the tissue surface to the selected tissue site for a sufficient time to induce scar collagen formation in the selected tissue site. No more than a second degree burn is formed on the tissue surface. The scar collagen is then contracted. This method is particularly useful in tissue sites that are devoid or deficient in collagen.

Abstract: Improvements to a biofeedback device for treating stuttering are disclosed. The device monitors aspects of speech production. When stuttering phenomena are detected, the device provides fluency-enhancing auditory feedback to reduce stuttering. As the user develops speech motor skills (typically taught by a speech pathologist), the device senses reduced stuttering phenomena and reduces auditory feedback. When the user can talk fluently without feedback, he discontinues using the device and continues to talk fluently. The improvements disclosed in this continuation-in-part are a biofeedback feature that monitors the user's vocal pitch; micropower impulse radar to monitor the user's muscle activity; and a fluency-enhancing auditory feedback feature that provides the sound of the user's vocal chords without the sounds added by nasal and oral cavities.

Abstract: A sheath for use on a closed loop Joule-Thomson cryosurgical probe, and the combination of the and the closed loop probe. The sheath is slipped over the probe, thereby separating the probe from the environment. The sheath has a grip which fits over the handle of the cryosurgical probe, and an extendible shroud which can be longitudinally extended to cover tubing and which are attached to the handle. The sheath has a hollow multi-lumen catheter shaped and sized to fit snugly over the cannula of the cryosurgical probe. The catheter is not thermally conductive, preventing transfer of heat from the ambient to the gas mixture, and preventing the freezing of tissues at undesired locations along the catheter. A thermally conductive cap or tip is attached to the distal end of the hollow catheter. The thermally conductive cap or tip fits snugly over the cold tip on the probe, and it efficiently transfers heat from the target tissue to the cold tip, which in turn transfers heat to the expanded gas mixture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for amplifying vocal (i.e., speech) and other sounds produced by humans and other animals. The present invention provides implantable microphones and sound amplification systems suitable for use in diagnostic and research settings, as well as for use by subject's in need of assistance to vocalize.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for measuring phonation threshold pressure. The method and device are useful for diagnosing and evaluating voice disorders and pathologies affecting the vocal tract and for evaluating treatments of such disorders and pathologies.

Abstract: A device and method for ameliorating stuttering by providing an altered auditory feedback by employing a compact device configured for positioning in or adjacent the ear canal of an individual. The portable, self-contained device can be used on a "chronic" basis and includes a receiver for receiving auditory signals, an auditory delay and or frequency shift circuit, and a transmitter for transmitting the altered signal to the individual user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for amplifying vocal (i.e., speech) and other sounds produced by humans and other animals. The present invention provides implantable microphones and sound amplification systems suitable for use in diagnostic and research settings, as well as for use by subject's in need of assistance to vocalize.

Abstract: The invention provides a speech therapy system, comprising a first channel including a microphone, and a first analog-to-digital (A/D) transducer for transducing voice signals from the microphone into digital form, a second channel including at least one respiration sensor attachable to a user's body for detecting breathing motion, and a second A/D transducer connected to the sensor for transducing breathing motion signals into digital form. The system further includes a processing, video display and voice output unit, to which the first and second channels are connected, for the simultaneous display of voice and breathing motion patterns while effecting the sounding of the voice signals.

Abstract: A method for effecting biofeedback regulation of at least one physiological variable characteristic of a subject's emotional state, comprising the steps of monitoring at least one speech parameter characteristic of the subject's emotional state so as to produce an indication signal, and using the indication signal to provide the subject with an indication of the at least one physiological variable. A system permits the method to be carried out in standalone mode or via the telephone line, in which case the indication signal may be derived at a location remote from the subject. Likewise, information relating to the subject's emotional state can be conveyed vocally to a remote party or textually through the Internet, and then processed as required.

Abstract: An anti-stuttering device and method for enhancing the fluency of speech in stutterers. The device consists of a microphone for detecting an individual speaker's tissue conducted vocal pulses ("voice") at the junction of the mandible and skull for transmission to the ear canal of the speaker where they are reproduced as audio signals. A predetermined delay, imperceptible to the speaker, is introduced into these non-tissue conducted voice related audio signals applied to the ear canal to thereby achieve a unique temporal relationship with respect to the arrival at the speaker's ear canal of tissue conducted audio signals related to that individual speaker's vocal pulses.