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Prosody enhanced TTS for Dysarthric Speakers

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Health and Human Services 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
93655 		Program Year/Program:
2009 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
DC010085 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
INVOTEK, INC.
1026 RIVERVIEW DR ALMA, AR 72921-
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2009
Title: Prosody enhanced TTS for Dysarthric Speakers
Agency: HHS
Contract: 1R43DC010085-01
Award Amount: $129,542.00
 

Abstract:

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This feasibility project investigates whether people with complex communication needs can control the prosody of a text-to-speech synthesizer within a unique speech-aware word prediction program. The research team will design a second-generation speech recognition system for dysarthric speakers that includes the ability to measure whether the speaker emphasizes a spoken word. Words that are emphasized by the speaker will then be emphasized by a text-to-speech synthesize r. We will incorporate this speech recognition technology into a prosody aware word prediction program so that people with dysarthria can use their speech, in combination with other techniques, to control the prosody of computer generated speech. People with complex communication needs, their partners, and third party listeners will evaluate this system to determine if prosody control improves the communication process. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The aim of this research is to increase the communication ef fectiveness of persons who have complex communication needs. We propose to do this by developing technology that enables them to control the prosody of a commercial text-to-speech synthesizer using their dysarthric speech and written cues.

Principal Investigator:

Thomas Jakobs
4796324166
TJAKOBS@INVOTEK.ORG

Business Contact:

Thomas Jakobs
tjakobs@invotek.org
Small Business Information at Submission:

INVOTEK, INC.
INVOTEK, INC. 1026 RIVERVIEW DR ALMA, AR 72921

EIN/Tax ID: 710707978
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees: N/A
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No