The VS micro8 API (application program interface) and object libraries for the Sunplus SPC microprocessor are now available.

State-of-the-art voice recognition would enables toys to accurately understand what people are saying and respond appropriately. This has not been possible until now because high-performance speech recognition has traditionally required powerful microprocessors that are too expensive for most toys. Attempts to integrate speech recognition into toys have typically required additional specialized chips (ASICs) -- increasing costs and power consumption -- only to provide low recognition accuracy.

The combined VS micro8 and Sunplus SPC solution solves this problem by running the first state-of-the-art HMM recognition engine on a low-cost chip that is already used in many interactive toys. The VS micro8 product provides real-time speech recognition with high-speed response, high accuracy, and robust handling of accents and noise, all on a single 8-bit microcontroller.

By porting VS micro8 to a widely used microcontroller such as the Sunplus SPC, Voice Signal has eliminated the need for developers to become familiar with a new chip to include speech recognition. With VS micro8, developers can integrate their application programs and use a single chip for voice recognition, voice synthesis, and control functions.

Voice Signal's speech recognition software is available in three versions: pre-set vocabulary requiring no training (``speaker-independent''), vocabulary that is defined by the speaker (``speaker-dependent''), and pre-set vocabulary that improves in accuracy over time (``speaker-adaptive''). The company also offers speech synthesis technology for a complete speech interface.

Sunplus Technology Company Limited, which was established in 1990, researches, develops, designs, tests and sells high-quality integrated circuits for consumer products. The company is dedicated to commercializing communication and multi-media technologies that help people enjoy a more comfortable and efficient life. Sunplus uses its core digital signal processor technologies to develop hundreds of products, including LCD integrated circuits, microcontroller integrated circuits, multi-media integrated circuits, Voice/ Music integrated circuits, and ASICs.

Voice Signal Technologies, based in Cambridge, Mass., develops and licenses speech interface products for mobile devices, interactive toys, automotive applications, and smart-home controls. The company's products give users an easy, reliable, and natural way to interact with the machines they use every day. Voice Signal software runs on the inexpensive microprocessor platforms that are most common in consumer devices, giving manufacturers a cost-effective way to provide their customers with state-of-the-art voice control.

Voice Signal Technologies and VS Dialer are both trademarks of Voice Signal Technologies, Inc. All other company and product names referenced herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

SOURCE: Voice Signal Technologies

[Posted 8/23/2000]