Carol Espy-Wilson

Title: Carol Espy-Wilson: Innovator in Electrolaryngeal Speech Technology

Introduction

Carol Espy-Wilson is a prominent inventor based in Cambridge, MA (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of speech technology, particularly in enhancing electrolaryngeal speech. With a total of 2 patents, her work focuses on improving communication for individuals who rely on artificial larynx devices.

Latest Patents

Espy-Wilson's latest patents include innovative techniques aimed at enhancing the quality of electrolaryngeal speech. One of her patents, titled "Electrolaryngeal speech enhancement for telephony," introduces a method for separating an acoustic signal into voiced and unvoiced components. This technique can significantly improve the clarity of electrolaryngeal speech and is adaptable for use in specialized telephones. The process involves extracting segments of numerical values, performing a discrete Fourier transform, and applying an inverse-Fourier transform to produce a clear representation of the voiced component.

Another notable patent is the "Process for introducing realistic pitch variation in artificial larynx speech." This invention addresses the monotone nature of traditional electrolaryngeal speech by utilizing cepstral analysis to replace the original frequency contour with a more natural variation. The results of perceptual tests indicate a clear preference for the processed speech among users, showcasing the effectiveness of her innovations.

Career Highlights

Throughout her career, Carol Espy-Wilson has worked with various organizations, including Speech Technology & Applied Research Corporation and Boston University. Her expertise in speech technology has positioned her as a leader in the field, contributing to advancements that enhance communication for those with speech impairments.

Collaborations

Espy-Wilson has collaborated with notable individuals such as Joel MacAuslan and Venkatesh Rajagopalan Chari. These partnerships have further enriched her research and development efforts in the realm of speech technology.

Conclusion

Carol Espy-Wilson's innovative work in electrolaryngeal speech technology has made a significant impact on the lives of individuals who rely on artificial larynx devices. Her patents reflect a commitment to improving communication quality and accessibility. Through her career, she continues to inspire advancements in speech technology.