SBIR-STTR Award

Microflip proposes to develop a design and related software for a low-cost, portable Sound Source Detector/Analyzrr (SSDA) for the hearing impaired. The SSDA will consist of a central sound spectrum analyzer and control unit, a remote wireless sound detector, and a remote wireless pager. 'ne system will alert the user to a wide range of emergency warning sounds, as well as to many sounds indigenous to the daily envirom-nenlThe Principal Investigator, who is profoundly deaf, holds an M.S.E.E. degree, and is a leading innovator in the application of the n-dcroprocessor for devices for the hearing impaired. The SSDA will take advantage of the latest microprocessor technology, in a new system using off-the-shelf components.

Keywords:
visual, alert, sound, spectra, wireless, signallers, pagers, flashers

Anticipated Results:
The deaf are at risk every day from incidents and sound signal warnings that they are not aware of Ile deaf are in a "void". The proposed SSDA will convert aln-.Ost any useful sound signal into a visual signaj: larnp, LED display, or vibrator.The Phase I research will result in a hardware design and software for a prototype, low-cost, easily portable SSDA system. Phase I will be a necessary prerequisite for Phase II, during which a prototype sytem will be built and tested.The commercial potential for such a system is significant, with a population of the profoundly deaf in the U.S. alone estimated at over 3,000,000. In addition to the deaf community, an SSDA system modified to use an infrared detector in place of a sound sensor would find a significant market for the visually impaired.Department of education solicitation NO. 93-025Topic: Development or adaptation of devices, mechanisms or techniques for individuals with hearing disabilitiesSubtopic: Development or adaptation of devices for use in daily life to facilitate the location of the source of sound

The Principal Investigator is privy to the latest technology as it surfaces. Digital Signal Processors will be used to refine and verify sound algorithms; extract relevant and functionally useful sound information, convert and present them in imagery in both monochrome or color using LCD or LED displays. Hearing is one of the five major "senses". The deaf are deprived of this vital source of information. Technology is advancing apace. It is now feasible, with the use of Digital Signal Processing to compensate for the loss of this vital avenue of information. The DSP accommodates very sophisticated "sound algorithms" with high speed, incomparable accuracy and lower cost. They are battery operable and portable. The availability of good development kits and sound libraries will facilitate the development of a wide range of sound analyzers, capable of identifying accurately a variety of everyday sounds as well as emergency warning sounds such as the phone ringing, phone status, doorbell, and many everyday sounds that are part of the living environment. It can simulate a low cost pitch analyzer for speech training for the deaf. The Principal Investigator, is a leading innovator in microprocessor and DSP operated devices for the deaf. Anticipated Result: Phase II will involve the development of several assistive devices, at an affordable price. The devices are intended for use in a car, in the home and workplace and in speech training clinics. They are all in keeping with the aspirations of the "ADA", the progressive emancipation of 20 million hearing impaired Americans. It is anticipated that the Commercial impact will be substantial. The changes are revolutionary and innovative and will fill a void in modern "accessibility" technology. They will be cost effective, universally compatible and capable of fairly easy adaptation to meet a range of disabilities. The initial market for such systems is difficult to estimate. They are novel and will find increasing use in a range of physical and sensory disabilities. Two large groups that will benefit directly are the hearing impaired and the visually impaired, numbering over 15 million in North America alone. The applications in Braille devices are fairly obvious. The margin of profit from these devices, will be modest but should be compensated for by the volume of sales.