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ot-Speech Recognition Efforts Target Consumer Electronic Apps


By Mark Long -- e-inSITE, 10/25/2002


Fonix and NEC, as well as Clarity and Dspfactory, are developing collaborative efforts for improving the speech recognition capabilities of devices targeting consumers.

Fonix has announced the development of Speech Interface Software technology that will run on 64-bit MIPS-based microprocessors from NEC. Both the processors and software releases are targeted at automotive applications such as cell phone dialing, navigation systems, Internet access, climate control and entertainment functions.

Designed to provide "hands-free" control over automobile functions, the Neural Network Technology from Fonix has been designed to enable accurate speech recognition in noisy environments. According to the company, the technology does not require the user to train his or her voice to the system. The neural network architecture also offers support for DSP-type instructions for enabling greater speech functionality, reports the company.

Targeted at embedded systems designers, NEC's 64-bit NEC's VR4122 and VR4131 microprocessors are based on the MIPS architecture. Both forward code-compatible and highly scaleable, the processing chips have also been designed to permit application software to be used across the board with only minor modifications. NEC's VR4122 and VR4131 microprocessors are already in mass production, and Fonix' Speech Interface Software is also available right now.

Clarity LLC and Dspfactory have entered into a strategic partnership under which the two companies intend to improve the clarity of audio communications in a wide range of portable communication devices. The joint effort will combine Clarity's Clear Voice Capture (CVC) software with Dspfactory's BelaSigna chipset. The combined offering will be targeted at designers of PDAs, cell phone and mobile hands-free systems.

Clarity's CVC technology has been designed to lock onto the speaker's voice, separating it from interfering background audio clutter while optimizing the user's ability to communicate with any enabled portable device. Dspfactory's BelaSigna provides the analog/digital signal conversions after which the low-power chipset's WOLA DSP filterbank slips into high gear.

"Dspfactory has developed a unique chip that is a fraction of the size of a person's smallest fingernail, yet delivers the signal processing capability to enable powerful software solutions like Clarity's CVC technology that improve clarity and intelligibility," said Clarity president and CEO Raymond Gunn in a statement. "Clarity expects to deploy this technology with many of its customers' applications and develop products with other Clarity Partner Program members to create intelligent microphones for many consumer products."

http://www.e-insite.net/index.asp?layout=article&articleid=CA255060&title=Article&spaced...
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