DEVELOPMENT OF ARTIFICIAL HEARING FOR THE DEAF

为聋人开发人工听力系统的努力最近 一直专注于触觉声码器， 转换成振动或电皮肤信号，然后施加到 皮肤 然而，目前的触觉声码器主要基于未经测试的 关于语音处理的最佳滤波器配置的假设。 在 仔细控制器械变量的研究（通过使用软件 过滤器和计算机驱动显示器），同时系统地改变过滤器 配置，语音代码的关键特征的感知将是 研究了 使用心理物理学技术，研究试图描述 基于信号处理的语音特征的触觉感知 通过具有线性、对数和复合间隔的滤波器组， 32和16通道显示器。 这些研究将： 1.确定辨别和识别语音对比沿着 用于每个滤波器配置的各种语音模拟连续体; 2.为触觉声码器的设计提供了经验基础， 最佳滤波器配置;以及 3.为小型化触觉声码器设计奠定基础， 在工作的后续阶段实施。 这项工作是针对发展和最终制造的一个 便携式、可穿戴、美容可接受的人工听力假体 为聋人服务

The effort to develop artificial hearing systems for the deaf has recently been focussed on tactual vocoders, devices that transduce acoustic energy into vibratory or electrocutaneous signals which are then applied to the skin. Current tactual vocoders, however, are based largely upon untested assumptions about optimal filter configurations for speech processing. In a study which carefully controls device variables (through use of software filters and computer driven displays) while systematically varying filter configurations, perception of critical features of the speech code will be studied. Using psychophysical techniques, the research seeks to describe the tactual perception of speech features based on signals processed through filter banks with linear, logarithmic and composite spacings for both 32 and 16 channel displays. The studies will: 1. determine discrimination and identification of speech contrasts along various speech-simulating continua for each of the filter configurations; 2. provide an empirical basis for the design of tactual vocoders with optimal filter configurations; and 3. lay the foundations for a miniaturized tactual vocoder design to be implemented in succeeding phases of the work. This work is directed toward the development and ultimate manufacture of a portable, wearable, cosmetically acceptable, artificial hearing prosthesis for the deaf.