Interactive Speech Technology

Deals with the two important technologies in human-computer interaction, computer generation of synthetic speech and computer recognition of human speech. The book focuses on three main areas - recognition, production and dialogue.

Human Factors and Voice Interactive Systems highlights the importance of human factors in speech technologies and presents and demonstrates the use of human factors, principles, methods, techniques, and tools in the design of speech-enabled applications. Included is coverage of automatic speech recognition, synthetic speech, and interactive voice response systems. Some chapters are devoted to specific applications of speech technology, and other chapters are either issue-oriented or provide a comprehensive view of human factors knowledge and `lessons learned' in a specific applications area. This book places special emphasis on interactive voice response (IVR), devoting seven of its fourteen chapters to both speech-enabled and `traditional' touch-tone-based IVR applications. Other chapters emphasize speech recognition application development, natural language processing, synthetic speech, and the use of speech technology in assistive devices for people with disabilities to further the goal of universal access to information technology for all.

This book gives an overview of the research and application of speech technologies in different areas. One of the special characteristics of the book is that the authors take a broad view of the multiple research areas and take the multidisciplinary approach to the topics. One of the goals in this book is to emphasize the application. User experience, human factors and usability issues are the focus in this book.

This collection examines the promise and limitations for computer-assisted language learning of emerging speech technologies: speech recognition, text-to-speech synthesis, and acoustic visualization. Using pioneering research from contributors based in the US and Europe, this volume illustrates the uses of each technology for learning languages, the problems entailed in their use, and the solutions evolving in both technology and instructional design. To illuminate where these technologies stand on the path from research toward practice, the book chapters are organized to reflect five stages in the maturation of learning technologies: basic research, analysis of learners’ needs, adaptation of technologies to meet needs, development of prototypes to incorporate adapted technologies, and evaluation of prototypes. The volume demonstrates the progress in employing each class of speech technology while pointing up the effort that remains for effective, reliable application to language learning.

A description of the design and implementation of spoken language dialogue within the context of spoken language dialogue systems development. Using an applications-oriented SLDS developed through the Danish Dialogue project, the authors describe the complete process involved; and in so doing present several innovative practical tools, such as dialogue design guidelines, in-depth evaluation methodologies, and speech functionality analysis. Their approach is firmly applications-oriented, describing the results applicable to industry and showing how the development of advanced applications drives research rather than vice versa. For everyone working on the R&D of spoken language services, especially in the area of telecommunications.