speech recognition
or
voice recognitionAbility of computer systems to accept speech input and act on it or transcribe it into written language. Current research efforts are directed toward applications of automatic speech recognition (ASR), where the goal is to transform the content of speech into knowledge that forms the basis for linguistic or cognitive tasks, such as translation into another language. Practical applications include database-query systems, information retrieval systems, and speaker identification and verification systems, as in telebanking. Speech recognition has promising applications in robotics, particularly development of robots that can “hear.” See also pattern recognition.
voice recognition
The conversion of spoken words into computer text. Speech is first digitized and then matched against a dictionary of coded waveforms. The matches are converted into text as if the words were typed on the keyboard.
Speaker-dependent systems require that users enunciate samples into the system in order to tune it to their individual voices. Speaker-independent systems do not require tuning and can recognize limited vocabularies such as numeric digits and a handful of words. For example, such systems have replaced human operators for telephone services such as collect calls and credit card calls.
Three Types of Voice Recognition
"Command" systems recognize a few hundred words and eliminate using the mouse or keyboard for repetitive commands. This is the least taxing on the computer. "Discrete voice" recognition systems are used for dictation, but require a pause between each word. "Continuous voice" recognition understands natural speech without pauses and is the most process intensive. Speaker-independent continuous systems that can handle large vocabularies are expected to become mainstream. Contrast with speaker recognition.
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| In 2000, Lernout & Hauspie introduced this prototype of a large vocabulary speech recognition system for a Linux PDA. It provided keyboard-free operation for listening to and responding to e-mail as well as for checking stock quotes and making purchases. This was the first continuous dictation capability in a handheld device. (Image courtesy of Lernout & Hauspie) |