Computers are starting to listen, and understand; fast-improving dictation software gives a hint of the coming world of speech recognition

Article Abstract:

A range of strengthened speech-based products, coupled with powerful and less-expensive computer processing power, are changing human interaction with computer chips. Among the functions are operating coffee pots, opening word processing files and reading E-mail. Desktop users may apply the conversational technology in dictation, which can reduce repetitive stress injury as well as working quickly and accurately. Dragon Systems and IBM now offer sub-$200 'continuous dictation' programs that listen to and reproduce a speaker's steady rate of phrases or sentences. By comparison, programs until around Jan 1997 demanded a pause between each word. Voice-recognition technology still makes mistakes but it now learns a speaker's patterns after about an hour, regardless of accents or dialects. Programs frequently can type 75 to 80 words per minute and steadily improve accuracy. Voice-automated phone transactions account for the other popular speech technology application.

Software, Technology application, Voice communications software, Voice recognition, Voice recognition software, Speech recognition, Speech recognition software

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Text-to-speech programs with touchy-feely voices

Article Abstract:

Scientists involved in the development of a speech synthesis software for computers are turning their attention to developing schemes for giving emotive content to computer sythesezied speech. The idea of empathetic-sounding systems appeals to users and for many applications would be more effective, in warning systems for example. It's envisioned that people will be able to program their computers to convey emotional qualities. Programs that convert text to voice may one day be able to 'interpret' poetry, rendering it's recitation in a happy, sad or angry tone. Researchers involved in the effort include Andre Schenk of Lernaut & Hauspie in Belgium, Dr. Janet Cahn, who just completed her doctorate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab, Professor Iain Murray of the University of Dundee in Scotland and Salim Roukos of International Business Machines Corp.'s Thomas J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, New York.

Innovations, Computer peripherals industry, Voice synthesis, Speech synthesis

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Computers that think outside the box

Article Abstract:

Research by Dr. Jordan B. Pollack, with the Brandeis University Center for Complex Systems, published in Artificial Life, demonstrated that a computer, using algorithms and the rules of physics, can develop blueprints of simple structures. The program came up with tables, bridges and cranes, which were then built using the construction toy Lego, and functioned as specified. Dr. David Fogel, with the company Natural Selection, and a colleague, wrote an evolutionary program that enabled a computer to teach itself checkers by playing against itself and then human opponents. Dr. Pollack envisions machines generating, testing, and mass producing other machines by an extension of this programming process.

United States, Research, Technology development, Application development software, Self modifying code, Self-modifying code

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