Voice Communication Between Humans and Machines

Science fiction has long been populated with conversational computers and robots. Now, speech synthesis and recognition have matured to where a wide range of real-world applications—from serving people with disabilities to boosting the nation's competitiveness—are within our grasp.Voice Communication Between Humans and Machines takes the first interdisciplinary look at what we know about voice processing, where our technologies stand, and what the future may hold for this fascinating field. The volume integrates theoretical, technical, and practical views from world-class experts at leading research centers around the world, reporting on the scientific bases behind human-machine voice communication, the state of the art in computerization, and progress in user friendliness. It offers an up-to-date treatment of technological progress in key areas: speech synthesis, speech recognition, and natural language understanding.The book also explores the emergence of the voice processing industry and specific opportunities in telecommunications and other businesses, in military and government operations, and in assistance for the disabled. It outlines, as well, practical issues and research questions that must be resolved if machines are to become fellow problem-solvers along with humans.Voice Communication Between Humans and Machines provides a comprehensive understanding of the field of voice processing for engineers, researchers, and business executives, as well as speech and hearing specialists, advocates for people with disabilities, faculty and students, and interested individuals.Table of ContentsFront MatterDedicationVoice Communication Between Humans and Machines--An IntroductionScientific Bases of Human-Machine Communication by VoiceScientific Bases of Human-Machine Communication by VoiceThe Role of Voice in Human-Machine CommunicationSpeech Communication -- An OverviewSpeech Synthesis TechnologyComputer Speech Synthesis: Its Status and ProspectsModels of Speech SynthesisLinguistic Aspects of Speech SynthesisSpeech Recognition TechnologySpeech Recognition Technology: A CritiqueState of the Art in Continuous Speech RecognitionTraining and Search Methods for Speech RecognitionNatural Language Understanding TechnologyThe Roles of Language Processing in a Spoken Language InterfaceModels of Natural Language UnderstandingIntegration of Speech with Natural Language UnderstandingApplications of Voice-Processing Technology IA Perspective on Early Commercial Applications of Voice-Processing Technology for Telecommunications and Aids for the HandicappedApplications of Voice-Processing Technology in TelecommunicationsSpeech Processing for Physical and Sensory DisabilitiesApplications of Voice-Processing Technology IICommercial Applications of Speech Interface Technology: An Industry at the ThresholdMilitary and Government Applications of Human-Machine Communication by VoiceTechnology DeploymentDeployment of Human-Machine Dialogue SystemsWhat Does Voice-Processing Technology Support Today?User Interfaces for Voice ApplicationsTechnology in 2001Speech Technology in the Year 2001Toward the Ultimate Synthesis/Recognition SystemSpeech Technology in 2001: New Research DirectionsNew Trends in Natural Language Processing: Statistical Natural Language ProcessingThe Future of Voice-Processing Technology in the World of Computers and CommunicationsAuthor BiographiesIndex