Silent Speech Interfaces: Non-Invasive Neuromuscular Signal Processing for Assistive Communication

Our research demonstrates a discrete speech system that empowers those afflicted with speech impairments to convey ideas by internally articulating words without producing audible sound. This method harnesses the minimal movements involved in articulation, making it less arduous than conventional vocalization, especially for individuals facing communication challenges. Silent Speech Interfaces (SSIs) form the foundation of our research, enabling the decoding of neuromuscular signals associated with internal speech articulation to facilitate non-invasive and effective communication for individuals with speech impairments. This research entails the utilization of a multi-electrode configuration to capture subtle, low-voltage electrical signals positioned on the surface area of the subject’s neck. These signals emerge as a consequence of neural activation within the speech articulator muscles, signifying the internal articulation of words within the oral cavity, accompanied by minimal physical movement. Subsequent to signal acquisition, a comprehensive analysis of the data is conducted using a biosensing board (Cyton), facilitated by the implementation of the OpenBCI GUI interface and visualization via Python plotting tools.