Importance

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Abstract

A voice language translator, suitable for implementation in hand-held size, is disclosed. The voice language translator includes: a key pad (20); a display system (17); a language cartridge(s) (45); a voice recognition module (49); a voice synthesizer (47); a speaker (39); a microphone (41); and a programmed CPU (43). Prior to use as a translator, the voice language translator is trained to the voice of a user. During training, a series of words and phrases to be spoken by the user are displayed, or spoken, in the language of the user. As the user speaks the words and phrases, the voice recognition circuit produces a digitally coded voice pattern that uniquely identifies the way in which the user spoke the words and phrases. The voice patterns produced by the voice recognition circuit are analyzed and stored, preferably in the cartridge. Thereafter, during translation, when the user speaks a sentence, the voice pattern produced by the voice recognition circuit is compared with the stored voice patterns to determine the nature of the spoken sentence. The result of the comparison is used to locate equivalent translations stored in the cartridge. Preferably, only sentences in the form of instructions or questions are translatable. Also, preferably, each question or instruction ends with a specific word unrelated to the content of the question, such as PLEASE. Strings of words and phrases that make up sentences are combinable only in a logical manner. Illogical combinations of words and phrases are ignored. This is accomplished by creating 'banks' of combinable words and phrases in memory, and controlling via the CPU program the pathways therebetween such that only logical combinations are creatable. If the translator does not understand a spoken word or phrase, a list of acceptable words and phrases is displayed. Positioning a cursor adjacent the desired word or phrase and depressing an enter key allows the desired word or phrase to be selected. The logical string combinations of equivalent translations are converted to audible sounds by the voice synthesizer and emitted by the speaker. If desired, a visual display, or an audible emission, in the language of the user can be made to occur before the translated emission takes place (or simultaneously with the translated emission) so that the user can be certain that the sentence to be translated has been accurately interpreted by the voice language translator. The voice language translator also includes provisions for testing 'trained' words or phrases and correcting erroneous training. Further, the voice language translator includes provisions for transferring 'trained' voice patterns from one translation cartridge (e.g., an English-to-French cartridge) to another translation cartridge (e.g., English-to-French cartridge).

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First Claim