# Development of an Open Speech Signal Processing Platform

> **NIH NIH R44** · FLAT EARTH, INC. · 2020 · $165,710

## Abstract

This proposal will create an open speech signal processing platform. The open
computational framework will be used for developing algorithms that will help accelerate
acoustic and hearing science research. It will permit researchers to more rapidly and
easily test new algorithms with greater control, performance, and ease. Several
example systems will be created to show that the platform can be adapted to a wide
range of applications. Example designs will include a hearing aid processor, a cochlear
processor, and a general purpose sound processor that can connect to a wide range of
audio I/O interfaces. The open framework will leverage a new class of computational
devices that represent the future for embedded systems needing significant digital
signal processing (DSP) capability. These devices, known as system-on-chip field
programmable gate arrays (SoC FPGAs), enable algorithms to run with deterministic
and extremely low-latency abilities that are not possible with conventional CPUs. The
open platform will enable the research community to create the next generation hearing
aids and sound processors.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9996557
- **Project number:** 5R44DC015443-05
- **Recipient organization:** FLAT EARTH, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Tyler Bruce Davis
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $165,710
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-07-01 → 2021-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9996557

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9996557, Development of an Open Speech Signal Processing Platform (5R44DC015443-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9996557. Licensed CC0.

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