Precisely controlled microphone acoustic attenuator with protective microphone enclosure
An attenuator is disclosed that enables a microphone's relatively undistorted pick up of a voice that is generated in close proximity to the microphone. This attenuator is a key component of a groundbreaking assistive device or handset/headset that empowers individuals with speech impairments to effectively communicate and reintegrate into society. By leveraging advanced acoustic hardware, intelligent voice algorithms, and a comprehensive image-or-vocabulary-to-impaired-voice database, the handset/headset facilitates understanding the user's impaired speech by harvesting understood terminology and outputting the same in a communicative context. Thus, the handset/headset enables seamless public interaction, independence, and improved quality of life to the user with speech impediments and ensures equal participation and inclusion in everyday verbal interactions.
1. A passive acoustical attenuator for a microphone, said acoustical attenuator combining attenuation to lower a sound level of a sound introduced into the microphone with physical protection for the microphone;
wherein the passive acoustical attenuator for a microphone is disposed within a chamber of a handset and a speech sound enters the proximate inlet and is reduced in level and then converted to an electric signal;
wherein the speech sound is an impeded speech sound and the plosive energy of the impeded speech sound is screened via a diaphragm;
wherein the electric signal is sent to a computerized device featuring computer readable memory with installed software for rehabilitating the impeded speech sound and a processor for executing the installed software for rehabilitating the impeded speech sound; wherein:
the software features:
an Impaired Speech Analysis and Comparison module configured to receive the electric signal and recognize the electrical signal as an unintelligible rendition of a word or phrase;
a Generation of Intelligible Output module configured to rehabilitate the unintelligible rendition of the word or phrase via generating an intelligible output as a different electric signal;
wherein the Impaired Speech and the Generation of Intelligible Output modules are executed by the processor and the different electric signal is output from the computerized device;
wherein the different electric signal is output via a speaker wherein the different electric signal is used to generate a voice;
wherein the handset is configured to reduce the plosive raw voice of the impaired speech;
wherein speaker is located externally of said chamber of the handset; and,
where the handset includes a low durometer voice air flow flap for exhale speech and inhale life air intake as needed for plosive words require more air flow for pronunciation.
2. A passive acoustical attenuator for a microphone, said acoustical attenuator combining attenuation to lower a sound level of a sound introduced into the microphone with physical protection for the microphone;
wherein the passive acoustical attenuator for a microphone is disposed within a chamber of a handset and a speech sound enters the proximate inlet and is reduced in level and then converted to an electric signal;
wherein the speech sound is an impeded speech sound and the plosive energy of the impeded speech sound is screened via a diaphragm; and,
wherein the electric signal is sent to a computerized device featuring computer readable memory with installed software for rehabilitating the impeded speech sound and a processor for executing the installed software for rehabilitating the impeded speech sound;
wherein:
the software features:
an Impaired Speech Analysis and Comparison module configured to receive the electric signal and recognize the electrical signal as an unintelligible rendition of a word or phrase;
a Generation of Intelligible Output module configured to rehabilitate the unintelligible rendition of the word or phrase via generating an intelligible output as a different electric signal;
wherein the Impaired Speech and the Generation of Intelligible Output modules are executed by the processor and the different electric signal is output from the computerized device;
wherein the different electric signal is output via a speaker wherein the different electric signal is used to generate a voice;
wherein speaker is located externally of said chamber of the handset;
wherein the handset is configured to reduce the plosive raw voice of the impaired speech;
where the handset includes a low durometer voice air flow flap for exhale speech and inhale life air intake as needed for plosive words require more air flow for pronunciation; and,
wherein the air flow flap is a two-way vent such that the area for voice air intake and exhaust may be open for normal speech and air inhalation but closed off during expression of plosive words.