Systems and methods for learning using contextual feedback

Abstract

A method of supporting vocabulary and language learning by positioning at least one microphone so as to capture speech in the listening environment of a learner. The microphone is monitored to develop a speech signal. The speech signal is analyzed to determine at least one characteristic of the speech or vocalization, wherein the characteristic indicates a qualitative or quantitative feature of the speech. The determined characteristic is compared to a preselected standard or such characteristic is tracked to show growth over time and the comparison or growth is reported to the person associated with the speech signal or person who potentially can affect the language environment of the learner.

1 - 47 . (canceled) 
     
     
         48 . A system for supporting language acquisition, the system comprising:
 a sound capture component operable to capture sounds produced by a first person and a plurality of other sound sources, wherein the plurality of other sound sources includes other people;   a sound processor coupled to the sound capture component and operable to analyze a sound signal from the sound capture component and identify characteristics of the captured sounds; and   a reporting component coupled to the sound processor and operable to report metrics that quantify the characteristics of the captured sounds, wherein the characteristics of the captured sounds include speaker identification of portions of the captured sounds.   
     
     
         49 . The system of  claim 48  wherein the sound capture component is substantially fixed in relation to the first person. 
     
     
         50 . The system of  claim 49 , wherein the sound capture component is housed in a garment of the first person. 
     
     
         51 . The system of  claim 50 , wherein the worn nature of the sound capture component improves sound capture and assists in distinguishing sounds uttered by the first person and the plurality of other sound sources. 
     
     
         52 . The system of  claim 48  wherein the reporting component logs metrics for review at a time after the sound is captured. 
     
     
         53 . The system of  claim 48  wherein the system is adapted to support pre-linguistic language acquisition. 
     
     
         54 . A system for assessing the language development of children and adults, the system comprising:
 a speech capture component operable to capture vocalizations and utterances of people in natural settings, including a patient;   a speech processor coupled to the speech capture component and operable to analyze the captured vocalizations and utterances and identifying characteristics of the captured vocalizations and utterances, including those of the patient; and   a reporting component coupled to the speech processor and operable to report metrics that quantify the identified characteristics and compare the identified characteristics associated with the patient to normative charts to detect and diagnose various conditions.   
     
     
         55 . The system of  claim 54 , wherein the normative charts are previously developed by capturing and processing previous vocalizations and utterances of people to generate the normative charts. 
     
     
         56 . The system of  claim 54  wherein the speech capture component comprises a wearable sound capture device. 
     
     
         57 . The system of  claim 54  wherein the speech capture component and speech processor are integrated as a single device. 
     
     
         58 . The system of  claim 54  wherein the speech processor comprises mechanisms operable to count the occurrence of words in the vocalizations and utterances. 
     
     
         59 . The system of  claim 54  wherein the speech processor comprises mechanisms operable to estimate the length of words in the communications. 
     
     
         60 . The system of  claim 54  wherein the speech processor comprises mechanisms operable to measure the complexity of the communications. 
     
     
         61 . The system of  claim 54  wherein the speech processor comprises mechanisms operable to estimate emotional content of the communications. 
     
     
         62 . A method of supporting language development comprising:
 capturing sound in a natural language environment, using at least one sound capture device which is located in the natural language environment;   developing a sound signal from the captured sound, wherein the sound signal comprises components representing one or more features that affect a language development environment;   analyzing the sound signal to determine at least one characteristic of the language development environment, wherein at least one characteristic indicates a qualitative or quantitative assessment of the one or more features, wherein the at least one characteristic include speaker identification of portions of the captured sounds;   comparing the determined characteristic to a preselected standard or change over time; and   reporting results.   
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 62  further comprising positioning at least one sound recording device in a substantially fixed location relative to a person. 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 63  wherein the act of positioning at least one sound recording device comprises placing the sound recording device within an article of clothing of the person. 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 64  wherein the positioning of the at least one sound recording device improves sound capture and assists in distinguishing sounds uttered by the first person and the plurality of other sound sources. 
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the at least one characteristic is a frequency and duration of conversational turn-taking 
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 62  wherein the sound captured includes human made sound, wherein the human made sound may include a number of utterances, and wherein the utterances include cooing, babbling, prelinguistic sounds and linguistic sounds. 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 62  wherein the speech involves at least two participants and the method further comprises associating the sound signal with a particular one of the at least two participants.