Voice Box Prototype Utilizes Magnets to Detect Vocal Patterns

New Scientist magazine has written a piece about a new voice box being developed in the U.K. from researchers at the University of Sheffield and the University of Hull. Designed especially for patients who have lost their larynx due to cancer or other diseases, the system uses magnets inside the mouth to detect facial movements that correspond to words.
So far, the device, which also consists of a head-worn unit, is able to discern about 50 words. Researchers hope to minimize its footprint by reducing the headset to the size of a Bluetooth earpiece, as well as implanting the magnets inside the tongue.
The New Scientist article also mentions a prototype from the University of Sheffield that recognizes impaired speech and replays a clearer version.
Link: Headset gives a voice to the voice box-less…
More information from the University of Hull: The REdRESS project…
(hat tip: Engadget)