Speech simulation system and method.

A simulated speech method and apparatus afford a dual matrix presentation (32 or 34) of simulated speech as encoded spatial patterns representing speech phonemes and the characteristic mouth formations that produce the phonemes. Spatial patterns (Fig. 3) may be presented in either tactile or visual form, or both, from the output of a microcomputer speech analyzer (22) that analyzes speech in real time, from a keyboard (50) that generates phoneme- and mouth form- representing signals, or from a memory device (44) that reproduces pre-recorded spatial patterns. The speech analyzer may be incorporated into an armband (90) with a pair of tactile stimulator matrices (36, 38) to provide an unobtrusive prosthetic device for hearing-handicapped individuals. A modified 16 mm projector (240) records spatial patterns on punched film (260) and projects the patterns onto a display (244) to provide a visual presentation.