Speech Recognition Technology for Air Traffic Control

The use of unconstrained natural language speech recognition in chaotic & high noise environments as a control interface to advanced computer, communication & weapon system initiatives is increasingly important to Homeland Security, military & commercial applications world wide. The ability for operators of existing & future Air Traffic Control communications systems including “field portable” ATC applications to convert voiced commands into data, broadcasted situational awareness information, or disseminated command & control for manned or unmanned aerial systems, is paramount to the successful reduction of aircraft control personnel workload. Of significant importance is the wide acceptance of a natural spoken language interface within military & commercial automated equipment that provide accurate performance in adverse & chaotic aural environments, including competing speech. Significant to this research is the ability to perform speaker independent (no prior training) natural language speech (command & control as well as dictation) recognition in high & variable noise environments by implementing a number of state-of-the-art audio capture, analysis & recognition algorithms to achieve a high speech intelligibility rate (>98%) sufficient to support safety of flight requirements. The proposed speech recognition system solution will include a Common Operating System compliant architecture for advanced speech interface compatible with the Airborne Networking Waveform data link system & provide compliant message formats for the J-UCAS program.BENEFITS: Advanced acoustic discrimination and speech recognition capabilities that include operations in high and chaotic aural environments, including those with competing speech, presents the preferred next generation intelligent and intuitive interface between humans and their supporting electronic devices. Applications for this unique speech recognition technology include personal data assistance, computer and weapon systems command and control, automotive/cell-phone accessory interface, FAA and other military and commercial data entry systems, vendor kiosks, entertainment and gaming industries, improved decision aids, and to assist Americans with Disabilities (Act Section 508). The speech interface industry has grown to nearly $1 billion in annual sales revenue and the applications and industries identified above represent significant market potential in which to apply the results of this research. TSI is well positioned with our long history of successful commercialization to design and productize these capabilities into a cost effective solution capable of improving speech targeted applications for advanced interface functionality.