title: An AAC application using speaking partner speech recognition to automatically produce contextually relevant utterances: objective results.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a computer program, Converser, which uses the speech recognition of the speaking partner to predict contextually appropriate utterances and to store relevant noun phrases. The dyads (which consisted of a program user and a speaking partner) tested Converser in two communication tasks: a conversation and an interview. Two conditions were applied: A simple communication aid with an alphabet layout without Converser (alpha-only condition), and an identical aid with Converser (alpha-converser condition). Objective measurements were made concerning the program user's rate and Converser usage. The results showed that the alpha-converser condition generated a faster communication rate than the alpha-only condition. Also, the program users utilized the stored noun phrases in their productions more than the full utterances. Converser allowed for periodic instances of a fast rate of speech, which appeared to have a positive impact on communication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, State University of New York, Fredonia, NY 14063, USA. bruce.wisenburn@fredonia.edu
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wisenburn
authors.forename: D Jeffery
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Higginbotham
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013060:Speech; D049250:Speech Recognition Software; D014584:User-Computer Interface