Breathing interpretation, an alternative voice communication solution

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Breathing patterns interpretation, an augmentative and alternative voice communication solution for individuals with a speech disability

• IRAS ID

  278771

• Contact name

  Sijung Hu

• Contact email

  s.hu@lboro.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Loughborough University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 3 months, 6 days

• Research summary

  This is a non-invasive feasibility study. The purpose of this research work is to explore a new technology (breathing patterns interpretation) with the aim of facilitating the communication of individuals with speech impairments.
  Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) incorporates a wide range of methods that augment, complement, or replace speech of individuals with complex communication needs. Existing AAC systems tend to rely on the interpretation of a user’s purposeful gestures to deliver the intended meanings. Current communicative tools require significant efforts from users in terms of learning the gestures and practicing them. Moreover, most AAC solutions are pre-programmed with specific words and sentences, which confines the conveyance of personal and user-specific messages. AAC researchers confirm that there is still a wide room for technology utilisation and improvement when it comes to the versatilities of AAC systems.
  In this study, the usage of breathing signals is being researched to encode messages in an interactive manner between the user and the system, requiring minimal training at the user’s end. The communication process is in turn unbound to pronunciation or gestural movements that may be cumbersome to learn. The feasibility study investigates breathing signals recording, recognition, and translation into meaningful words and phrases for the purpose of communication augmentation. Breathing patterns recording for AAC can be achieved via several means, most commonly through low-cost pressure sensors or microphones placed like a headset microphone and connected to a PC/mobile application (APP). The collected signals are used for the purpose of studying and analysing user-generated breathing patterns to establish a platform of communication via breathing signals.

• REC name

  London - Brent Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  22/PR/1337

• Date of REC Opinion

  25 Oct 2022

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion