SpeechJammer: A System Utilizing Artificial Speech Disturbance with Delayed Auditory Feedback

TL;DR

SpeechJammer is a system that disrupts individual speech by using delayed auditory feedback, which can be applied in scenarios like managing discussions without causing physical discomfort.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel system combining directional microphones and speakers to selectively disturb speech using delayed auditory feedback.

Findings

Effective disturbance of speech without physical discomfort

Prototype system using directional audio components

Potential applications in discussion control

Abstract

In this paper we report on a system, "SpeechJammer", which can be used to disturb people's speech. In general, human speech is jammed by giving back to the speakers their own utterances at a delay of a few hundred milliseconds. This effect can disturb people without any physical discomfort, and disappears immediately by stop speaking. Furthermore, this effect does not involve anyone but the speaker. We utilize this phenomenon and implemented two prototype versions by combining a direction-sensitive microphone and a direction-sensitive speaker, enabling the speech of a specific person to be disturbed. We discuss practical application scenarios of the system, such as facilitating and controlling discussions. Finally, we argue what system parameters should be examined in detail in future formal studies based on the lessons learned from our preliminary study.