Neckband Sends Voiceless Phone Calls
Posted on March 13, 2008
New Scientist reports that gadget developers at Ambient Corporation have invented a neckband called the Audeo that allows the wearer to send voiceless phone calls controlled by neurological signals. The wearer can control nerve signals that go to the device and are then transfered by the neckband in the form of a computerized voice. Currently only about 150 words and phrases can be used on the device but New Scientist says Ambient's goal is to make it so complete sentences using any words or phrases can be delivered in silence.
With careful training a person can send nerve signals to their vocal cords without making a sound. These signals are picked up by the neckband and relayed wirelessly to a computer that converts them into words spoken by a computerised voice.A video (right) shows the system being used to place the first public voiceless phone call on stage at a recent conference held by microchip manufacturer Texas Instruments. Michael Callahan, co-founder of Ambient Corporation, which developed the neckband, demonstrates the device, called the Audeo.
Users needn't worry about that the system voicing their inner thoughts though. Callahan says producing signals for the Audeo to decipher requires "a level above thinking". Users must think specifically about voicing words for them to be picked up by the equipment.