GB2115583A - A method and device for correcting the arrythmia of stuttering or stammering - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and device for correcting the arrythmia of stuttering and/or stammering comprises a circuit which supplies pulses at a selected frequency to the user. The pulses may be applied to the user by way of tactile, optical or acoustic excitations. The circuit comprises an integrated circuit (1) powered by a battery (2) and connected as an astable multivibrator by means of an R-C assembly (3, 4), the multivibrator output being applied to a transistor (11) which is connected as a current amplifier. Output from the transistor (11) is applied to an excitation member (12) the form of which depends upon whether a tactile, optical or acoustic pulse is to be applied to the user. The frequency of the pulses can be altered using a variable resistor (7). The electronic circuit can conveniently be packaged in a wrist watch-like case. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Method and device for correcting the arrythmia of stuttering and stammering The present invention refers to a method and a device by means of which it is possible, as demonstrated by experiments already carried out, to correct the defects known as stuttering and stammering. To correct said two speech defects, the individual suffering therefrom should continuously obtain a rhythm, which he normally lacks, produced by sensorially perceivable pulses, which proportions him with the guide to express himself correctly when speaking and precisely proportioned by the pulses continuously and permanently marked by the rhythm.

In other words, the stutterer or stammerer will speak by means of pulses which, with a regular although adjustable cadence, should be proportioned to him by the device whose structure is highly simple and which will subsequently be described.

Referring to the sensorial perception, this could either be effected through touch, through sight, or through hearing.

Normally, since the individual is not deaf or blind, nor is he short-sighted or hard of hearing, he will logically use the sense of touch to receive the pulses in an absolutely discrete manner so that they will not be perceived by the possible interlocutor, but they will result very effective for the individual suffering from this speech defect and which will permit this individual to adapt himself to the rhythm which will be marked, we repeat, through the sense of touch, by the device by means of which the correcting method of the invention is carried out in a practical manner.

Before dealing with the object of the invention, it should be pointed out that stuttering is a defect in pronounciation, wherefore the individual suffering therefrom, both when reading and speaking, pronounces discontinuous phrases with a repitition of syllables and an interruption of words, while the stammerer, on the other hand, struggles to express himself and hesitates in pronouncing the words.

In any case, it is a clear and scientifically verified fact that the origin of both stuttering and stammering, independelty of the causes producing these two speech defects, resides in that the individual suffering from these defects lacks the necessary rhythm and, consequently, said lack of rhythm manifests itself in an imprecise and incorrect form of oral expression.

At present, both in the psycotherapeuthic and orthophonic field, developments have been achieved with respect to the rehabilitation or correction of these stuttering and stammering defects.

Orthophonics is based on diaphragmatic respiration techniques, as well as vocalization, articulation and paused reading, wherefore the stutter should acquire with these exceises a means which provide the rhythm necessary to vocalize correctly. It has also resorted to the use -of the fingers of the hand which will tap with a suitable rhythm, in time with which the oral expression of the individual will be produced, the cadence of such tapping of the fingers of the hand of the stutterer proportioning him with the necessary rhythm.This system is not at all ideal since it has been verified that when the stutterer is nervous he stops using the means, the tapping of the fingers of the hand, which proportions him with the thythm, as previously stated, and, therefore, on abandoning the means proportioning him with the rhythm, stuttering appears which is detrimental for the rehabilitation which becomes slow and difficult.

The techniques used in orthophonics, mentioned in the preceding paragraph, require a considerable physical stress and a high concentration, wherefore this process is not very effective.

Therefore, phoniatrists resort to the complementary use of some devices which will now briefly be described.

One of these auxiliary devices for correcting stuttering and stammering is the metronome, consisting of an apparatus which has a watch mechanism to move the inverted pendulum-type rod provided with an adjustable counterweight moving along such rod, and depending on the position of said counterweight with respect to said rod, a greater or lesser number of oscillations per unit time will be produced. Naturally, as the counterweight descends along the rod, until it reaches a desired position, the rhythm proportioned by this device will be more rapid.

This is the conventional apparatus used in music.

The stutterer, benefitting from the metronome, will speak in time to the taps produced thereby, and it has been verified that stuttering disappears when such apparatus is used. However, it has the important disadvantage that without the continuous presence thereof, the stutterer will practically and unavoidably suffer a relapse.

There is another device which can be used in a system known as Edimburg Masker.

This system diffuses the known white sound (the sound of all audible frequencies in unison) with a force of 100 decibels by means of special earphones placed in the ears of the patient, every time he speaks. This sound is activated by a microphone placed on the larynx of the stutterer so that it picks up the vibrations of the vocal cords.

The patient speaks almost correctly, but he does not hear what he says.

There is another method known as Delayed Auditory Feedback (D.A.F.} which uses a normal microphone. The patient hears, through earphones, his own voice delayed in 250 milliseconds, with an effect similar to that of a rapid eco. This method forces the patient to speak very slowly, joining the words smoothly. During therapy, the patient learns to speak without the equipment.

The disadvantage of this method, as well as the previously mentioned one, resides in the adaptation of the earphones, microphones, etc., since this clearly restricts and conditions the normal life of the patient.

There is yet another system known as Voice Onset Monitor (V.O.M.). This equipment measures the speed with which the patient raises the volume of his voice when he commences to emit sounds. Research has demonstrated that stutterers do this abnormally rapid. The V.O.M.

flashes on a red light when the commencement is too rapid and a green light when it is appropriate.

Therapy begins with vowels, passing on to words, phrases, etc.

Due to the technique presently used to correct the aforementioned stuttering and stammering, two conclusions can be reached with respect to the results thereof and which can be summarized as follows: 1. The benefits proportioned by orthophonics are undoubtful, i.e. the technique which uses the aforementioned means for the rehabilitation of the stutterer or stammerer, although it is generally very slow, subject to relapses and, consequently, not very effective.

2. The difference which has been observed between the results obtained in rehabilitation centres and those obtained in the daily life of the stutterer without the help of the devices with which such rehabilitation centres are equipped, is very outstanding.

It can, therefore, be stated that neither the traditional metronome, nor the Edimburg Masker System, nor the D.A.F., nor the V.O.M., can be used in a discrete manner in daily life, since due to the use of earphones and other accessories, the stutterer believes himself to be conspicuous and, therefore, is not inclined to use such equipment.

In view of the disadvantages presented by the use of the already known methods and devices, such as those mentioned, the method of the present invention permits the stutterer to speak following a cadence of pulses which, far from being an isolated exercise practised, for example, in rehabilitation centres, is continuously and permanently proportioned by using the device to carry out the method and which will hereinafter be referred to as a variable-frequency rhythmsensor, whereby the individual suffering from stuttering will at all times have the rhythm which should be proportioned by said device and whose adjustment, depending on the user, will permit the frequency thereof to be varied.

In short, the stutterer will be subjected, without any trauma, to the action of said rhythmsensor which will proportion him artificially with the rhythm, so that the individual will be able, from the beginning, to speak without difficulty, although logically with a certain slowness, but with the important advantage that he will be free of any obstacles. It will only be necessary for him to pronounce a syllable each time he notices the receipt of a pulse, a short period of time being sufficient for him to orally express himself in a natural manner.

Under such conditions, it should be emphasized that an important characteristic of the rhythmsensor device of the invention, which will subsequently be described in detail, resides in the possibility of preventing, through a continuous and highly discrete treatment, relapses in stuttering which, with other means and methods, are unavoidably produced, maintaining the surprising results, on the other hand, by means of the method of the invention.

As advantages of the rhythmsensor, there can be cited, for example, the fact that the dimensions and weight thereof are reduced, and it can have the configuration of a wristwatch, wherefore it will practically not be noticed by the possible interlocuters and this fact, which permits the stutterer to conceal his condition, is clearly an important advantage with respect to recuperation.

Said device can be used permanently, without having to attend rehabilitation centres.

Due to the permanent use which the stutterer can make of this device, the constant exercises permit the individual suffering therefrom and who uses this device, to experiment an increasing autoaffirmation which contributes very noticeably to the correction of the defect as he gains confidence in himself.

The freedom of movement while using the device is complete since, as previously mentioned, it can have the configuration of a wristwatch, perfectly imitating such a watch.

The rhythm or the pulses determining the cadence of the rhythm is perceived, as previously mentioned, preferably through the sense of touch, so that only the person using the device will perceive the pulses and this is very important with respect to the discretion of the individual using it.

Naturally, the stutterer can also optionally use other pulses perceived not through the sense of touch, but through the sense of hearing or sight.

The rhythm can readily be adjusted by a potentiometer which is incorporated to the device, thereby adapting the cadence of the pulses to momentary needs.

The costs of manufacturing the device are relatively low since the components thereof are available in the market and, consequently, the selling price can be very reduced.

The frequencies of the rhythm which will be perceived by the stutterer proportioned by the variable-frequency rhythmsensing device, will be comprised in the range of from 10 times per second to once every three second approximately, whereby there is, quantitatively and qualitatively, obtained a slightly larger range than that proportioned by devices such as metronomes, even if this were electronic.

In general terms, the device for carrying out the method of the present invention, i.e. that denominated variable-frequency rhythmsensor, is comprised of an integrated circuit which, once fed electronically for example by a battery, behaves like a dual comparator, which is obtained by two operational amplifiers and a voltage divider.

Besides, it incorporates a Flip-Flop or electronic scale which will operate, together with a transistor, to control the output from the integrated circuit through one of its terminals, allowing the logic signal produced at one output step (inversor) to pass, before reaching the exterior of the integrated circuit.

The integrated circuit joined to a series of outer components, depending on a determined circuitry, constitutes a highly accurate astable multivibrator, the operating frequency of which can be varied at will by the user, by merely acting on a variable resistor, whose ohmic value will determine the loading and unloading times of a condensor, controlled by the integrated circuit itself. At the output of this circuit there are obtained rectangular pulses having a very acceptable signal. However, to be able to attack auxiliary signalling elements, such as loudspeakers, earphones or other signalling devices, the output of the integrated circuit should directly be connected to the base of a NPN polarity transistor, connected as a current amplifier, and which will logically amplify the pulses generated by the thusly made astable multivibrator.

Thus, a device having a high effectiveness and minimum dimensions is obtained, whereby the previously mentioned effects can be carried out.

To complement the description which will now be made and for a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, there is accompanied to this specification, forming an integral part thereof, a set of drawings wherein, illustratively and not limiting, the following is represented: Figure 1 represents the theoretical circuit of the astable multivibratorfrom which the invention departs.

Figure 2 corresponds to an example of presentation of the device of the invention, illustrating the multivibrator circuit inserted in the case of the wristwatch whereby a highly functional and compact assembly is attained.

Referring to these figures, it can be seen that the invention refers to a method and a device to correct the tendency of determined individuals to stutter or stammer, said method consisting in applying to the individual in question, a series of rhythmic standards which serve as a pattern or guide to pronounce or syllabilize his conversation.

Said standards, as will be seen, could be carried out by tactile pulses, optic pulses, or even audible pulses, perceptible by the individual.

Said pulses are obtained, with a high degree of perfection, from the circuit whose theoretic diagram is illustrated in Figure 1.

The main active component of such circuit is an integrated circuit 1 provided with eight connecting terminals, which is capable, through an assembly R-C, of operating as an oscillator or astable multivibrator.

This integrated circuit 1 specifically functions as follows: The condensor 2 is charged by the resistor 3 using the energy supplied by the electric battery 4, once the switch 5 is closed.

When the condensor 2 has been charged so that there is a potential difference between the poles thereof equivalent to 2/3 of the voltage supplied by the battery 4, a comparator incorporated inside the integrated circuit 1 activates a discharge transistor likewise provided in its interior, whereby the charge of this condensor 2 is shunted to earth by the resistors 6 and 7, which during the charging period of the condensor, were virtually shortcircuited by the diode 8.

Once the potential difference between the poles of the condensor 2 has reached a value of 1/3 of the feed voltage, a new charging cycle begins.

During the semi-periods, the output 9 of the integrated circuit 1, is situated in the "high" logic state or it has a voltage practically equivalent to the feed voltage, while the charging semi-period of the condensor 2 was developed, the voltage thereof dropping sharply to zero from the moment at which the condensor 2 commenced its uncharging semi-period.

Thus, since the condensor 2 has a fixed value, the complete operating time of the thusly made multivibrator will depend integrally on the value of the resistors, and, more specifically, on the resistor 7 which, as will be seen in Figure 1, is an adjustable resistor. Hence, the described operation and, particularly, the operating frequency selected therefor, does not depend on the value of the feed voltage, wherefore the accuracy of the device is maintained unvariable in view of possible voltage losses of the battery feeding the assembly.

The variable resistor 7 is accessible to the user so that he may optionally vary the frequency of the pulses produced, adapting them at his convenience. Thus, it has been considered, from practical tests made, that the range of frequencies of the circuit should be comprised between 10 Hz and 0.33 Hz, i.e. between the production of 10 pulses per second and the production of a single pulse per each 3 seconds, approximately.

The user will preferably perceive the pulses marked by the rhythm of pronounciation through the sense of touch, and more specifically through a soundproof electromechanical buzzer, or through a vibrator or an electromagnet with a slidable core, or a piezoelectric element which, in the circuit of Figure 1, is referenced 10, wherefore only the user will perceive these pulses, conferring to the device interesting discretion characteristics.

To prevent the integrated circuit 1 from being overcharged with current and to be able to control the rhythm-marking elements, there has been provided the transistor 11 which currentamplifies the pulses in the terminal 9 of the integrated circuit 1. It can be seen in the circuit that the emitter of this transistor 11 is connected to a miniature jack-type connector 1 2 provided with a switching element which transmits the signal from the transistor to the switch 13, by means of which the user will be able to select the perception of the pulses through the vibrator or similar element 10 or he can obtain visible pulses from the illuminating diode 14, the current of which is limited by the resistor 1 5.

Optionally, the device could control an element for the sonorous perception of the pulses generated by the astable multivibrator, which will be obtained by connecting, either the loudspeaker 1 6 or the earphones 17, to the suitable plug, in the zone referenced A of the jack connector 12.

Thus, due to this structure, the user could have a sequencial rhythm having an adjustable frequency, through the tactile sensations, produced by the element 10, either through the optic pulses generated by the electroilluminous diode 14, or through audible pulses generated by the loudspeaker 1 6 or earphones 1 7. Likewise, the possibility exists of making the perception of the two types of sensations, such as for example, the audible and the tactile perception of the pulses, simultaneous.

Since the dimensions of the various components intervening in the composition of the described device are reduced, they are all capable of being integrated in a very reduced space, as illustrated in Figure 2 which, by way of example, illustrates the possibility of all the mentioned components being housed in a case resembling a wristwatch, such mode of presentation contributing a high degree of functionality to the invention.

Thus, there is formed a highly compact device which in a practical manner permits the defect of stuttering or stammering to be corrected in a highly effective manner, wherefore it becomes highly interesting to individuals suffering from said defects. If, furthermore, it is taken into account that the described structure incorporates a minimum number of components having a very reduced price, the conclusion will undoubtedly be reached that the described method and device for correcting said defects have priority over those known methods or devices for carrying out the same functions.

Claims (5)

Claims

1. Method and device for correcting the arrythmia of stuttering or stammering, essentially characterised by generating a continuous train of pulses, having a selective frequency, by means of a miniature electronic circuit, which pulses are applied to the user through an also selective sensorial excitation member to provide him with a tactile, optic, or acoustic excitation, the electronic circuit being composed of an integrated circuit, fed by an electric battery and connected as an astable multivibrator, by means of an R-C assembly, the oscillation generated by this integrated circuit being applied to the base of a NPN transistor, mounted as a current amplifier and whose emitter transmits the amplified oscillation to a connector/switch to which there is selectively connected a tactile excitation member, an electro-illuminous diode or a miniature loudspeaker or earphones; the frequency of the oscillation generated by the integrated circuit being controlled by an adjustable resistor, accessible to the user, incorporated in the R-C assembly thereof.

2. Method and device for correcting the arrythmia of stuttering or stammering according to Claim 1, characterised in that the operating frequency of the circuit is preferably in the range of from 0.33 Hz to 10 Hz.

3. Method and device for correcting the arrythmia of stuttering or stammering according to the preceding claims, characterised in that the tactile excitation member consists of a soundproof electromechanicål buzzer or a miniature electromagnetic vibrator.

4. Method and device for correcting the arrythmia of stuttering and stammering according to the preceding claims, characterised in that the device is housed integrally in a case which adopts an outer configuration similar to that of a wristwatch.

5.A method and apparatus for correcting the arrythmia of stuttering and stammering substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.