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EP0903727A1 Expired / Lapsed EP ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

A system and method for automatic speech recognition

Assignee: Istituto Trentino di Cultura
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Filing: 1997-09-17
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2017-09-17
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Abstract

Abstract Word sequences comprised in a speech signal are recognized by applying a language model that is the result of a combination of other language models and capable of being dynamically redefined during the man-machine interaction. Use is made of hierarchical language models (HLMs) comprising appropriate terminal symbols capable of constituting references to other language models comprised in a plurality of language models. The said hierarchical language models (HLMs) are represented in the form of probabilistic recurrent transition networks with the use of a search engine of the recursive type that operates directly on the said networks and is capable of performing in a single step both the recognition action and the parsing function of an incoming utterance.

Inventors

  • 👤 Fabio Brugnara
  • 👤 Marcello Federico

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction EP
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-09 12:35
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10L; G10L15/00; G10L15/08; G10L15/18; G10L15/183; G10L15/19; G10L15/193; G10L15/197; G10L15/22; G10L2015/226; G10L2015/228

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim 106 words
An automatic speech signal recognition process, wherein the speech word sequences are recognized by applying (3) a language model derived from a combination of a plurality of language models, the said model being capable of being redefined at every new input phrase on the basis of predefined internal rules, characterized in that the said language models (LMs) are hierarchical language models (HLMs) and comprise respective terminal symbols capable of constituting references to at least another language model of the said plurality and in that the recognition of the said speech word sequences is translated into appropriate actions to modify a corresponding physical entity (10 to 14).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 48 words
A process in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the said hierarchical language models (HLMs) are represented as probabilistic recurrent transition networks whose graphs comprise arcs with appropriate labels capable of constituting references to other networks that represent respective other hierarchical language models of the said plurality.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 57 words
A process in accordance with Claim 2, characterized in that the said hierarchical language models (HLMs) are defined in a dynamic manner by combining the elements of a set of predefined basic language models by compilation thereof during the performance of the recognition action in the said probabilistic recurrent transition networks, maintaining possibly references to other networks.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 49 words
A process in accordance with Claim 2 or Claim 3, characterized in that it comprises the operation of implementing a direct recursive search function in the said probabilistic recurrent transition networks that realizes in a single step (3) both the recognition and the parsing function of an incoming utterance.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 140 words
An automatic speech recognition system comprising means (2, 3, 6, 7) for recognizing speech word sequences that apply (3) a language model deriving from a combination (8) of a plurality (5) of language models, the said model being capable of being redefined (7) for every new input (1) on the basis of predefined internal rules, characterized in that it comprises: decoding means (3, 6) acting on the speech signal, where the said decoding means (3) utilize hierarchical language models (HLMs) comprising terminal symbols capable of constituting references to other language models of the said plurality of language models (LMs), and operating means (7) that cooperate with the said decoding means (3, 6) to translate the recognition of the said speech word sequences into appropriate actions to modify a corresponding physical entity (10 to 14) and to update the language model.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 60 words
A system in accordance with Claim 5, characterized in that in the said decoding means (3, 6) the said hierarchical language models are represented in the form of probabilistic recurrent transition networks (Figure 3, Figure 4) whose graphs comprise arcs with appropriate labels capable of constituting references to the respective networks of other hierarchical language models of the said plurality.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 52 words
A system in accordance with Claim 6, characterized in that the said operating means (7, 8) generate the said hierarchical language models in dynamic form by combining the elements of a set of basic language models stored in the system (4, 5) and compiling them in the appropriate probabilistic recurrent transition networks.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 49 words
A system in accordance with Claim 6 or Claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a recursive search engine (3) that operates directly on the said probabilistic recurrent transition networks to realize simultaneously and in a single step both the recognition and the parsing operation of the incoming utterances.
Claim 9
Independent Claim 100 words
A system in accordance with any of Claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the said operating means (7) realize at least one of the operations chosen from among the following group: transcription of the said speech signal into electronic text, automatic bringing into action of an apparatus upon receipt of the said speech signal, entry of structured data corresponding to word sequences of the said speech signal into a database, extraction of information in response to a request corresponding to the word sequences of the said speech signal, or automatic generation of vocal response/request messages for a system user.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

EP0533338A2 Cited
WO1994016434A1 Cited

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