Systems and methods for dynamically analyzing temporality in speech

• US 20040193409A1
• Filed: 12/11/2003
• Published: 09/30/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/12/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Technology Transfer Office Brigham Young University
• Original Assignee: Technology Transfer Office Brigham Young University
• Inventors: Hansen, Lynne, Rowe, Joshua
• Granted Patent: US 7,324,944 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 704/215
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/04 Speaking with audible presentation of the material to be studied G09B5/04
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/06 Foreign languages with audible presentation of material to be studied G09B5/04
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/02 of the type wherein the student is expected to construct an answer to the question which is presented or wherein the machine gives an answer to the question presented by a student
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 17/26 Recognition of special voice characteristics, e.g. for use in lie detectors; Recognition of animal voices
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 25/00 Speech or voice analysis techniques not restricted to a single one of groups G10L15/00 - G10L21/00 muting semiconductor-based amplifiers when some special characteristics of a signal are sensed by a speech detector, e.g. sensing when no signal is present, H03G3/34

Abstract

Systems and methods for dynamically analyzing temporality in an individual'"'"'s speech in order to selectively categorize the speech fluency of the individual and/or to selectively provide speech training based on the results of the dynamic analysis. Temporal variables in one or more speech samples are dynamically quantified. The temporal variables in combination with a dynamic process, which is derived from analyses of temporality in the speech of native speakers and language learners, are used to provide a fluency score that identifies a proficiency of the individual. In some implementations, temporal variables are measured instantaneously.

Claims

1. A method for determining speech fluency, the method comprising:

obtaining one or more speech samples from an individual;

dynamically analyzing temporality in the speech samples; and

determining a speech fluency of the individual based on the dynamic analysis.

2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the temporality comprise a total amount of time of silence.

3. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the temporality comprise an average length of silent pause.

4. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the one temporality comprise a total number of runs of speech between pauses.

5. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the temporality comprise a total amount of time of speech.

6. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the temporality comprise an average length of run of speech.

7. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step for obtaining one or more speech samples comprises a step for recording the one or more speech samples in an electronic format.

8. A method as recited in claim 7, wherein the electronic format is a .wav format.

9. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step for dynamically analyzing temporality in the speech samples comprises a step for using a computer device to perform at least a portion of the dynamic analysis.

10. A method as recited in claim 9, wherein the step for dynamically analyzing temporality in the speech samples includes a step for measuring temporal variables in the speech samples.

11. A method as recited in claim 10, wherein the temporal variables are measured instantaneously.

12. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step for determining a speech fluency comprises steps for:

determining a fluency score for the individual based on the dynamic analysis; and

comparing the fluency score with an established fluency range.

13. A computer program product for implementing within a computer system a method for determining speech fluency, the computer program product comprising:

a computer readable medium for providing computer program code means utilized to implement the method, wherein the computer program code means is comprised of executable code for implementing the steps for;

receiving one or more speech samples of an individual; and

dynamically analyzing temporality in the speech samples.

14. A computer program product as recited in claim 13, further comprising a step for determining a speech fluency of the individual based on the dynamic analysis.

15. A computer program product as recited in claim 13, wherein the temporality comprises a total amount of time of silence.

16. A computer program product as recited in claim 13, wherein the temporality comprises an average length of silent pause.

17. A computer program product as recited in claim 13, wherein the temporality comprises a total number of runs of speech between pauses.

18. A computer program product as recited in claim 13, wherein the temporality comprises a total amount of time of speech.

19. A computer program product as recited in claim 13, wherein the temporality comprises an average length of run of speech.

20. A computer program product as recited in claim 13, wherein the step for receiving one or more speech samples comprises a step for recording the one or more speech samples in an electronic format.

21. A computer program product as recited in claim 20, wherein the electronic format is a .wav format.

22. A computer program product as recited in claim 13, wherein the step for dynamically analyzing temporality in the speech samples includes a step for electronically measuring temporal variables in the speech samples.

23. A computer program product as recited in claim 22, wherein the temporal variables are measured instantaneously.

24. A computer program product as recited in claim 13, wherein the computer program code means is further comprised of executable code for implementing a step for determining a fluency score for the individual based on the dynamic analysis.

25. A computer program product as recited in claim 24, wherein the computer program code means is further comprised of executable code for implementing a step for comparing the fluency score with an established fluency range.