Abstract: A bio-signal is monitored while a speech recognition system is trained to recognize a word or utterance. An utterance is identified for retraining when the bio-signal is above an upper threshold or below a lower threshold while the recognition system is being trained to recognize the utterance.

Abstract: The recognition rate of a speech recognition system is improved by compensating for changes in the user's speech that result from factors such as emotion, anxiety or fatigue. A speech signal derived from a user's utterance, and a bio-signal, which is indicative of the user's emotional state, are provided to a speech recognition system. The bio-signal is used to provide a reference frequency that changes when the user's emotional state changes. An utterance is identified by examining the relative magnitudes of its frequency components and the position of the frequency components relative to the reference frequency.

Abstract: The recognition rate of a speech recognition system is improved by compensating for changes in the user's speech that result from factors such as emotion, anxiety or fatigue. A speech signal derived from a user's utterance is modified by a preprocessor and provided to a speech recognition system to improve the recognition rate. The speech signal is modified based on a bio-signal which is indicative of the user's emotional state.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a non-slip region on its handle to facilitate better manipulation of the brush is disclosed. An insert having a surface with raised ribs is formed in a separate molding operation and then inserted within an aperture formed in the toothbrush handle. A method for manufacturing the toothbrush is also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved attachment structure between a rotatable interdental device and a toothbrush handle having said device rotatable about a movable shaft. The device is held in position by positioners which engage when the device is at a predetermined angle to said handle and said shaft is in a first position. The positioners dissengage when the shaft moves to a second position. The positioners interact in a camming manner so that a predetermined force cams the shaft into its second position. The shaft extends from a resilient cantilever arm which biases the shaft toward the first position. The shaft also includes diverging wedgelike end surfaces which facilitate separating legs of the device for assembly of the shaft and device.