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VOICE RECGNITION CONTROLLED SAILBOAT

Speech-Recognition Control Aids Disabled Sailor

by Mike Smith, Todd Turner, and Steve Alvey

Start ý The Hardware ý Hardware Interface to the SHARC ý Configuring the DSP for UART Access ý Test Run ý Sources and PDF

TEST RUN

When the voice-recognition system was put to the test, the interface component did well. Todd was able to demonstrate that the voice-control system was communicating via the serial link correctly with the signals coming in at the right time.

However, the voice-recognition system was only responding appropriately to approximately 20% of the commands it was given. Both the voice conditioning and speech-recognition engine components are back on the drawing board, waiting for another team of students to pick the project up. Certainly, the next crew will have an easier time as Analog Devices has donated its Visual DSP development simulator as well as an in-circuit emulator. Many of the problems of this first team were exacerbated by a lack of debugging tools.

In the meantime, Toddýs interface is being put to work in other projects. Itýs currently playing a significant role in an MP3 compression/decompression.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We appreciate the help of Con Korirus of Analog Devices University Support and Jim Forsythe and Stan Parker of BBD Electronics, Calgary, the local distributor for Analog Devices, who donated a class set of SHARC EZ-Kit Lite demo boards, documentation, and in-circuit emulators. Rob Thompson at Raytheon Marine, U.K. was only an e-mail away with info on SeaTalk protocols. Thanks to the project design teamý Stuart Bergen, Chris Leskiw, and Sunny Sanduýfor their expertise and moral support. Thanks also to Ron Johnston, head of Electrical and Computer Engineering, for making the laboratory facilities available after hours. And, last but not least, without the help and patience of Alberta Disabled Sailing Association, this project would have sunk.

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