Towards a Global Optimization Scheme for Multi-Band Speech Recognition

Colloque avec actes et comité de lecture.n this paper, we deal with a new method to globally optimize a Multi-Band Speech Recognition (MBSR) system. We have tested our algorithm with the TIMIT database and obtained a significant improvement in the accuracy over a basic HMM system for clean speech. The goal of this work is not to prove the effectiveness of MBSR, what has yet been done, but to improve the training scheme by introducing a global optimization procedure. A consequence of this method is that the models are no longer phone-models, but define new classes in the phonetic space which might better model the acoustic information carried by each band

GEMINI: A Generic Multi-Modal Natural Interface Framework for Videogames

In recent years videogame companies have recognized the role of player engagement as a major factor in user experience and enjoyment. This encouraged a greater investment in new types of game controllers such as the WiiMote, Rock Band instruments and the Kinect. However, the native software of these controllers was not originally designed to be used in other game applications. This work addresses this issue by building a middleware framework, which maps body poses or voice commands to actions in any game. This not only warrants a more natural and customized user-experience but it also defines an interoperable virtual controller. In this version of the framework, body poses and voice commands are respectively recognized through the Kinect's built-in cameras and microphones. The acquired data is then translated into the native interaction scheme in real time using a lightweight method based on spatial restrictions. The system is also prepared to use Nintendo's Wiimote as an auxiliary and unobtrusive gamepad for physically or verbally impractical commands. System validation was performed by analyzing the performance of certain tasks and examining user reports. Both confirmed this approach as a practical and alluring alternative to the game's native interaction scheme. In sum, this framework provides a game-controlling tool that is totally customizable and very flexible, thus expanding the market of game consumers.Comment: WorldCIST'13 Internacional Conferenc