Phrase Translation Device runs on Windows CE 3.0.
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Press Release Summary:
Phraselator(R) wireless phrase recognition device integrates speech recognition technology and Microsoft's operating system on company's RISC-based Bitsy 32-bit CPU. PDA-sized unit offers large vocabulary and speaker-independent phrase recognition. Police, fire and EMS can use Phraselators' ability to translate into almost any language. Unit allows questioning of individuals in any language, while maintaining wireless link to back-office security systems.
Original Press Release:
Applied Data Systems, Voxtec Introduce Wireless Phrase Translation Device: Phraselator®'s Military Application "The Bitsy Goes to Battle"
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, March 12, 2002 - - - Voxtec introduced the Phraselator®, a wireless phrase recognition device developed by their integrator, Applied Data Systems (ADS), at the Embedded Systems Conference today. Applied Data Systems integrated the Phraselator, with Microsoft's operating system, speech recognition technology from Voxtec, on ADS' RISC-based Bitsy. The Phraselator is a portable and ruggedized PDA-sized device with large-vocabulary, and speaker independent phrase recognition; its first application will be for special military forces in Afghanistan.
The Need Realized During Desert Storm
Effective deployment of military forces in peacekeeping is often limited by soldiers' ability to communicate. During operation Desert Storm, mass surrenders of enemy troops overtaxed the coalition's ability to provide medical services. Battlefield doctors improvised a solution using laptop PC's with speech
recognition software, and created a list of 'frequently asked questions.' When a phrase was recognized, a WAV file of the Arabic equivalent was played. While vocabulary and portability was limited, the system proved useful. A team headed by Ace Sarich, a former Navy SEAL, realized that if this function was packaged into a handheld or belt-mounted computer, its utility would dramatically increase. Sarich continued the product development under the company, Voxtec.
Context Specific Speech Recognition Software
Context specific, speaker independent software is commonly used today for 800 directory assistance, flight reservations and other uses. But those applications require server-sized computers. With the goal of bringing speech recognition into
mobile embedded devices, Voxtec contracted with Applied Data Systems to integrate the Phraselator.
Ruggedized Low Power Consumption
This unit had to be ready for 'instant on' phrase translation (e.g. Stop or I'll shoot) while preserving full day battery life. Applied Data started with a 32 bit RISC CPU capable of performing workstation -like speech analysis on a tiny power
budget. After a certified process for up-rating for temperature specifications, Intel StrongARM(TM) provided the core of this system. Applied Data carefully engineered the other components, including a hi-fidelity, directional stereo audio channel with both inbound and outbound capability to maintain this low power
specification. Windows CE was a natural choice for the operating system offering both multimedia capability and comprehensive communication support for wireless applications. The system was developed in CE 3.0 to facilitate compatibility with PocketPC 2002 applications, and future version will also be made available with CE.NET to encompass more robust network security and higher performance future CPU's.
Technical Challenges to Meet
A militarized PDA has more requirements than the "traditional" speech recognition, including the ability to run in the toughest ruggedized environmental conditions, over extended temperature ranges in the harshest heat, rain and snow. The touchscreen display would have to be readable in full sunlight and full
darkness. A power system had to be designed that could run hours off multiple types of batteries (disposable, as well as rechargable). These batteries would have to be able to be charged from various levels of applied current including 12 VDC and 24 VDC vehicle power and 110 or 220 VAC.
Special care would have to be given to the audio system design, allowing full range frequency response from microphone through CODEC and back out to the speaker. A goal for the speech recognition was set at 98% accuracy in near real-time. Finally, the system had to be flexible and built to accept generally available third party hardware and software.
Due to the urgency of demand following September 11, ADS' engineering expertise was critical in making a fast-turn, fully functioning computer in a few weeks, rather than months or years. The company has specialized in a variety of PDA-type systems for applications ranging from industrial to assistive technology handhelds. ADS selected the Intel StrongARM(TM) RISC CPU and the Microsoft Windows CE operating system as both proven and powerful-enough for this task.
"The Phraselator is another example of how the rich functionality and application support of Windows CE 3.0 can help our customers build innovative wireless Windows Powered devices," said Scott Horn, director for the Embedded and
Appliance Plafforms Group at Microsoft Corp. "By basing their device on Windows CE 3.0, Voxtec and ADS were able to quickly develop the Phraselator, delivering a smart device that supports the speaker-independent speech recognition functionality that these users required." Military and Security Application
Initially, the Phraselator will be deployed for the military but future applications in public safety and health are anticipated. Police, fire and emergency EMS can use the Phraselators' ability to translate into virtually any language, and the utility
that letting people develop large, domain-specific phrase libraries. Another target application is in airport, event and building security where the Phraselator will allow questioning of individuals in any language, while maintaining a wireless link
to back-office security systems where profiles and questions can be analyzed.
About Applied Data Systems
ADS is a leading designer and manufacturer of RISC-based application ready embedded solutions that enable mobile, wireless and Internet-connected applications. Its quick time-to-market solutions are used in applications ranging from mobile devices, process control, vehicle and fleet management, and kiosks. The company has been in the forefront of embedded systems for over 15 years. ADS is a Windows Embedded Partner with Microsoft Corporation and is a strategic partner with Intel Corporation. The company's Web site address is www.applieddata.net.
VoxTec LLC
VoxTec is a leader in the development of voice-to-voice language translation technology. VoxTec designs, develops, manufactures and markets a family of hardware and software products. Its flagship product is the Phraselator - a pocketable, ruggedized phrase based language translator capable of translating
thousands of phrases into multiple languages. Other products include toolkits for building custom phrase modules for PCs or Windows CE devices and services for building user defined custom modules. Customers include the military, law enforcement, medical, and travel industry professionals. The company's Web
site address is www.voxtec.com
