Breakthrough in Speech Technology: LOQU by IIT Guwahati
LOQU Technology
LOQU Technology, developed and patented by researchers at the
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G), represents a
groundbreaking approach to speech signal generation. Under the
guidance of Prof. Samarendra Dandapat and Dr. L.N. Sharma, the
team created a method to generate human speech signals directly
from vocal cord vibrations. This innovative technology captures
vocal fold movements using non-invasive sensors placed over the
throat, eliminating the need for intrusive procedures. The
captured vibrations are then processed electronically to
generate speech harmonics, resulting in clear and comparable
speech signals.
The potential applications of LOQU Technology are vast,
particularly for individuals with speech impairments.
Traditional methods often involve invasive techniques or
external microphones, which may not be suitable for all users.
LOQU offers a viable alternative by providing a non-invasive
solution that enhances speech clarity and accessibility. The
technology has been successfully prototyped at a low cost and
patented, with ongoing clinical testing to validate its
effectiveness further and explore its use in medical and
communication fields.
Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at
midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts
itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from
yesterday.
R
esearchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
(IIT-G) have achieved breakthrough in speech technology by
developing and patenting “LOQU,” a novel method to generate
human speech signals directly from vocal cord vibration signals.
This innovative approach allows for the reconstruction of speech
signals from vocal cord vibrations, offering promising
applications for speech-impaired individuals and medical
settings.
Speech Production and Vocal Fold Vibration
-
Speech production begins with airflow from the lungs
through the windpipe, facilitated by the larynx or voice
box.
-
Inside the larynx, vocal cords or vocal folds are
regulated by the glottis, controlling airflow between the
lungs and mouth.
-
During speech, vocal folds vibrate due to intrinsic
laryngeal muscle movement, creating sounds that travel
through the vocal tract and form “voice.”
About LOQU Technology
-
Under the guidance of Prof. Samarendra Dandapat and Dr.
L.N. Sharma, the IIT-G team created “LOQU” (derived from
the Latin word for “To speak or talk”).
-
LOQU technology captures vocal fold movement without
invasive procedures, utilizing sensors placed over the
throat.
-
The method involves capturing vocal fold vibrations using
non-invasive sensors and processing these signals
electronically to generate speech harmonics.
Reconstructed Speech Signals and Potential Applications
-
The reconstructed speech signals using LOQU have been
found to be clear and comparable to traditional speech in
extensive comparison tests.
-
These results hold significant potential for individuals
struggling with speech impairments, offering a viable
alternative to traditional microphones and enhancing
speech clarity.
-
The breakthrough technology aims to empower those in need
and drive impactful innovations in the medical and
communication domains.
Prototype and Patented Technology
-
The prototype of LOQU has been developed on a laboratory
scale at a cost of under Rs. 2,000.
-
The technology has been patented (Indian Patent No.:
510923, Grant Date: 15/02/2024, App No. 201831006870).
-
Ongoing clinical testing aims to further validate its
effectiveness and explore diverse applications in medical
and communication fields.
Revolutionary Technology
-
Led by Dr. L.N. Sharma and guided by Prof. Samarendra
Dandapat of IIT Guwahati’s Department of Electronics and
Electrical Engineering, the team developed LOQU.
-
LOQU captures vocal fold movement without invasive
procedures by employing sensors placed over the throat.
-
This novel approach enables the reconstruction of speech
signals from vocal cord vibrations, offering promising
prospects for speech-impaired individuals and medical
applications.
-
Speech production originates from airflow from the lungs
through the windpipe, facilitated by the larynx or voice
box, serving as a conduit between the throat and windpipe.
-
Within the larynx reside the vocal cords or vocal folds,
regulated by the glottis, which control airflow between
the lungs and mouth.
-
The voice box adjusts the space between vocal folds to
create sounds, which traverse the vocal tract, modulating
in volume and pitch to produce a voice.
-
In cases like mutism or apraxia, individuals may
experience normal vocal fold vibration without sound
production due to coordination issues in tongue or throat
muscles crucial for speech.
-
LOQU addresses these challenges by capturing vocal fold
vibrations using non-invasive sensors and electronically
processing these signals to generate speech harmonics.
-
This method results in speech signals closely resembling
traditional speech, as confirmed through comparison tests
with signals recorded using conventional microphones.
Promising Results and Future Prospects
-
According to Prof. Dandapat, this breakthrough offers
significant promise for individuals with speech
impairments by providing clear and comparable speech
signals.
-
The device aims to empower those in need and drive
impactful innovations in medical and communication
spheres.
-
Dr. Sharma further elaborated on the research,
highlighting the clarity and comparability of the
reconstructed speech signals to traditional speech.
-
Extensive comparison tests have demonstrated the
effectiveness of LOQU, offering a viable alternative to
conventional microphones and enhancing speech clarity.
-
The prototype of LOQU has been developed on a laboratory
scale at a cost of less than Rs 2000.
-
The patented technology marks a significant milestone in
speech research and innovation, with ongoing clinical
testing aimed at further validating its effectiveness and
exploring diverse applications in medical and
communication fields.
