Detecting Speech Without Microphones

kyle90 writes "New Scientist is reporting on a new way of detecting speech without using microphones, using electrodes places on the neck that measure muscle activity and nerve impulses. Apparently the user doesn't even need to speak the words out loud in order for them to be detected. This looks like pretty neat technology; if used with cell phones it could give the user a little more privacy, and the rest of us a little more peace and quiet."

Comments

Re:Huh?

[InternationalCow]

It works by virtue of the fact that your motor cortex plans ahead. So, even while you have not yet consciously taken the decision to speak yet, your motor cortex has already set up the appropriate commands and sent them out to the nerves involved. This translates to an increased firing rate in these nerves, which is not enough to move the muscles but will be sufficient to register on sufficiently sensitive equipment. In fact (other discussion entirely, but fascinating nonetheless) most of our "voluntary" decisions appear to be made before we become aware of them. So much for free will :)