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Speech synthesis apparatus and selection method

  • US 6,725,199 B2
  • Filed: 05/31/2002
  • Issued: 04/20/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/04/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Speech synthesis apparatus arranged to process an input to produce corresponding speech-form utterances, the apparatus comprising:

  • a plurality of synthesis engines having different characteristics and each comprising a text-to-speech converter arranged to convert text-form utterances into speech form;

    a synthesis-engine selector arranged to select one of the synthesis engines as the current operative engine, the selected synthesis engine being arranged to receive said input and to produce speech-form utterances for a speech application in response thereto; and

    an assessment arrangement arranged to assess the overall quality of the speech-form utterances produced by the current operative synthesis engine C1 and to provide an action indicator to the synthesis-engine select, without changing said input, in response to the current speech form is inadequate;

    the synthesis-engine selector being arranged to be responsive to action indictor provided thereto to select a different synthesis engine from said plurality to serve as the current operative engine.

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