Voice Recognition in Fighter Aircraft

This study explored the significance of the voice type configuration used in U. S. Air Force fighter aircraft voice messaging systems. The research hypothesis stated that the voice of a person in a position of authority is more effective in commanding attention than the female voice type currently in use. Data were gathered using a questionnaire presented to U.S. Air Force aircrew members currently flying fighter aircraft. The data were analyzed using a nonparametric Chi-Square test to determine if the voice of a person in a position of authority significantly commands more attention than the female voice. The null hypothesis assumed no difference between the effectiveness of the two voice types. The study found that pilots significantly preferred the current configuration of a female voice. A comparison was also made utilizing a computer-synthesized voice. The results revealed that this computer-synthesized voice is preferred over the voice of an authority figure, but not over the current female voice

Automatic voice relay with open source Kiara

One way for Deaf people to communicate with hearing people over the telephone is to use a voice relay. The service is often provided with a human relay operator that relays text into voice, and vice versa, on behalf of the Deaf and hearing users. In developed countries, voice relay is frequently subsidised by governments or service providers. There is no such service in South Africa. We have built several automatic voice relay systems for a disadvantaged Deaf community in Cape Town. This paper describes how we augmented a general-purpose communication system for voice relay. Kiara is a fully open source Instant Messaging, voice and video over Internet Protocol communication system based on the Session Initiation Protocol. We integrated automatic speech recognition and text-to-speech technologies into Kiara to provide real-time automatic voice relay for relayed communication. As it stands, Kiara can also be used for standard voice and video relay with a human operator.Telkom, Cisco, THRIP, SANPADDepartment of HE and Training approved lis

Voice of the Employer: A Mixed-Methods Study of Winning Messages for NLRB Elections

This dissertation studied the conflict associated with National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) elections from the perspective of employers. Using systems and structural violence theories, the influences that foment conflict were identified and solutions were proffered through the lenses of both theories. This mixed methods study contributed to the scholarship of NLRB campaign messaging and tactics by incorporating the heretofore-omitted voice of the employer, through quantitative correlational analyses of a 300 NLRB elections database as well as a survey of over 30 employer representatives. A third portion of the study incorporated qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews of seven subject matter experts who provided insight into winning NLRB election campaign messaging and tactics. Key findings for employers included the importance of stipulating or contesting the petitioned-for unit of employees as well as extending the campaign duration. For communication of campaign messages employers experienced greater success with group meetings and 1-on-1 supervisor/employee meetings as well as with letters to employees’ homes. Employers also benefitted from explaining the collective bargaining process and the use of strikes, and by providing comparisons of employee pay and benefits offered at unionized companies. These findings enabled development of the Voice of the Employer: Winning NLRB Elections© model graphically illustrating evidence-based winning campaign messaging and communication tactics. Keywords: NLRB elections, campaign messaging, appropriate unit size, campaign duration, collective bargaining, persuaders, semi-structured interviews, thematic analysis, correlational analysis

Tap 'N' Shake: Gesture-based Smartwatch-Smartphone Communications System

Smartwatches have recently seen a surge in popularity, and the new technology presents a number of interesting opportunities and challenges, many of which have not been adequately dealt with by existing applications. Current smartwatch messaging systems fail to adequately address the problem of smartwatches requiring two-handed interactions. This paper presents Tap 'n' Shake, a novel gesture-based messaging system for Android smartwatches and smartphones addressing the problem of two-handed interactions by utilising various motion-gestures within the applications. The results of a user evaluation carried out with sixteen subjects demonstrated the usefulness and usability of using gestures over two-handed interactions for smartwatches. Additionally, the study provides insight into the types of gestures that subjects preferred to use for various actions in a smartwatch-smartphone messaging system