An apparatus which receives coded input data representative of speech feature sequences associated with selected words as spoken by an individual. The coded data is typically formulated beforehand from speech samples of the individual and is entered when the individual is to operate the apparatus. The apparatus is "programmed" by the coded input data to recognize the selected words when they are subsequently spoken by the individual. In accordance with the invention there is provided a feature extraction means for processing received spoken words and generating feature output signals on particular ones of a number of feature output lines. At least one sequential logic chain is provided, the chain including a plurality of logic units having logic input lines. The logic units are sequentially activated by the presence of signals on the logic input lines. Programmable means are provided for effectively coupling selected ones of the feature output lines to the logic input lines, the coupling selections depending on the coded input data. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the programmable means includes means for periodically sampling selected output signals and applying the sampled signals to the logic input lines, the feature output signal sampled at a given time being determined by the coded input data. In this embodiment, the sampled signals are applied to the logic input lines in a predetermined sequence, the predetermined sequence being repeated continuously.
A system for detecting one or more keywords in continuous speech is disclosed wherein a speech processor extracts a plurality of analog speech parameters from the input continuous speech, an STV (Spectral Time Vector) generator circuit selectively converts the plurality of analog speech parameters into digitized spectral parameters, an asynchronous correlation circuit continuously correlates sequences of the digitized spectral parameters with stored reference mask templates representative of subelements (dyads or triads) of one or more desired keywords in order to produce continuous correlation data, and a decision function circuit is responsive to the correlation data for developing an occurrence decision output for each desired keyword that is detected.
An apparatus for recognizing the occurrence of a command word within continuous speech, features an improved sequential processing of feature signals derived from the input speech: feature subsets are compared with previously stored subset signals to determine the time interval or boundary of command word candidates. The occurrence decision and indication of the command word is made from a comparison of a feature signal matrix versus a previously stored training matrix.
A vocal timing indicator for use in voice recognition systems. The timing indicator provides a visual or audible signal to a user to mark the beginning of the time period in which the user is to speak into the microphone associated with the system, thereby ensuring that the proper input signals are used by the system to determine speaker identity or to assist in the recognition of the words uttered.
A method of selecting and reproducing language characters, preferably in languages having a multitude of pictorial characters, from phonetic or sound representation of the language, includes the steps of displaying the phonetic symbols which show all of the sounds of the language without intonations, selecting the desired sound for constructing a character, displaying all language characters having all intonations of the selected sound, and selecting the particular character having the unique phonetic sound and intonation combination, and the specific meaning intended.
An optical device for measuring crosswinds by pattern recognition techniques is described. The device includes a minicomputer to process observed spectral profiles. In the training phase spectral features, which are weakly intercorrelated but strongly correlated with the crosswind, are selected and classified with known winds. This data is stored in the computer. During the execution phase, the observed spectral features are compared with the previously stored classifications to yield a best estimate of the crosswind.
