Towards a magnetic localization system for 3-D tracking of tongue movements in speech-language therapy

This paper presents a new magnetic localization system based on a compact triangular sensor setup and three different optimization algorithms, intended for tracking tongue motion in the 3-D oral space. A small permanent magnet, secured on the tongue by tissue adhesives, will be used as a tracer. The magnetic field variations due to tongue motion are detected by a 3-D magneto-inductive sensor array outside the mouth and wirelessly transmitted to a computer. The position and rotation angles of the tracer are reconstructed based on sensor outputs and magnetic dipole equation using DIRECT, Powell, and Nelder-Mead optimization algorithms. Localization accuracy and processing time of the three algorithms are compared using one data set collected in which source-sensor distance was changed from 40 to 150 mm. Powell algorithm showed the best performance with 0.92 mm accuracy in position and 0.7^o in orientation. The average processing time was 43.9 ms/sample, which can satisfy real time tracking up to ~20 Hz.