If Machines Could Hear, Pigs Could Fly
Article Abstract:
Conversation with a computer will not be refined for years to come. While humans learn to talk by being around other humans, computers must be trained in a highly-structured way complicated by the computer's binary nature International Business Machines (IBM) uses a 4341 mainframe computer and three array processors for its voice recognition work. The much processing is required to produce a 5,000 word vocabulary. The cost of the system would be one million dollars if brought to the market. Humans have an average vocabulary of about 100,000 words of which they actively use 10,00 to 15,000. The biggets problem for a computer is that humans speak with such variation and imprecision. For instance, if a computer is programmed to understand a southern accent, it must be completely re-programmed to understand a New England accent. Some places where voice recognition systems are being tested are: the North American Transplant Organization whose system takes potential donor information and matches that information to recipient information; General Electrics Aerospace Control Systems Department uses a 200 word vocabulary system to record solder defects or component defects on their printed circuit boards; Sheech Systems hopes to begin marketing a dictation system in 1985 that will take dictation and produce a rough draft; and Kurzweil Applied Intelligence hopes to introduce, by 1986, a word processing system using human speech rather than typing. Diagrams of speech patterns are included. A photograph from the film 2010 is included.
Publication Name: Forbes
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0015-6914
Year: 1984
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The European Union and Turkey
Article Abstract:
Problems have arisen with Turkey's application for membership of the European Union (EU). These problems could have wider implications for security in the Middle East and other areas. The EU and Turkey share joint interests, including security interests, but there are also differences such as hostility between Greece and Turkey. Turkey also has cultural issues to tackle, such as the importance of Islam as part of Turkey's cultural heritage. There is a need for recognition of both common interests and differences, and for a flexible relationship between Turkey and the EU.
Publication Name: Survival
Subject: International relations
ISSN: 0039-6338
Year: 1999
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Present shock
Article Abstract:
The Tofflers are friends of Gingrich but do not agree with him 100%. The future will be dominated by genetic engineering, computers and the Internet, dislocation of populations and social chaos. Social events like the rise of the paramilitary, and the throw-away society were foreseen by the Tofflers.
Publication Name: The New York Times Magazine
Subject:
ISSN: 0028-7822
Year: 1995
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