Patent ID: 8057234
Filing Date: 2011-11-15
Classification: G09B

Abstract:
1. A foreign language learning method comprising steps of: extracting each of prescribed frequency band signals from a speech signal in a foreign language using a plurality of first bandpass filters of a first bandpass filter section; extracting each of envelopes of the prescribed frequency band signals using each of envelope extractors of an envelope extraction section; applying a noise source signal to a plurality of second bandpass filters of a second bandpass filter section; extracting noise signals corresponding to the plurality of prescribed frequency band signals; multiplying each of outputs from the envelope extraction section and each of outputs from the second bandpass filter section in a multiplication section; summing up the outputs from the multiplication section in an addition section to form the Noise-Vocoded Speech Sound signal; outputting the Noise-Vocoded Speech Sound signal such that the Noise-Vocoded Speech Sound signal activates brain regions other than typically used brain regions for speech perception and production in a mother tongue; accepting a learner's response results; and selecting one speech signal from two or more speech signals in the foreign language in accordance with the response results; wherein the selected speech signal is used as the speech signal in the first bandpass filter section.