Observation of tongue movements employing magnetometer sensor

Abstract

This paper introduces a new application of magnetometers employing the magnetic core to monitoring the motion of the tongue in speech. The monitoring system consists of two magnetometers and a small permanent magnetic rod which is fixed on the tongue surface. The basic principle for measuring makes use of the output changes induced in the magnetometers due to the changes of the distance between the magnetometers and the rod which moves together with the tongue. Repeated experiments have led us to the conclusion that this magnetic method is a powerful technique for speech physiology research because of its simplicity, safety, economy, and flexibility for signal presentation.