Abstract: Markov model speech pattern templates are formed for speech analysis systems by analyzing identified speech patterns to generate frame sequences of acoustic feature signals representative thereof. The speech pattern template is produced by iteratively generating succeeding Markov model signal sets starting with an initial Markov model signal set. Each iteration includes forming a set of signals representative of the current iteration Markov model of the identified speech pattern responsive to said frame sequences of acoustic feature signals and one of the previous Markov model signal sets and comparing the current iteration Markov model signal set with said previous Markov model signal set to generate a signal corresponding to the similarity therebetween. The iterations are terminated when said similarity signal is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value and the last formed Markov model signal set is selected as a reference template for said identified speech pattern.

Abstract: An arrangement for directly converting speech waves into coded digital signals includes a vibratory diaphragm secured at an aperture in a closed chamber. The diaphragm vibrates responsive to the difference between the speech waves and sound waves radiated into the chamber from a digital signal to sound converter through a second aperture. Apparatus connected to the diaphragm generates a quantized signal responsive to the diaphragm motion and a digital code generator produces a sequence of digital coded signals corresponding to the quantized signals. The coded signals from the digital code generator are delayed and supplied to the sound converter whereby a differential pulse code modulated signal representative of the speech waves is produced.

Abstract: The accuracy of segmenting an utterance into words is improved by the use of sequence-defining signals. An utterance is recognized as one of a plurality of reference word sequences in an arrangement wherein a set of signals is generated to define the syntax, i.e., word arrangements, of the sequences. Each sequence corresponds to a selected series of reference words. A signal is generated to identify the successive word positions of the sequences. Responsive to the sequence defining signals, the utterance, and the reference words, a set of signals is produced, each representing the correspondence between said utterance and one of the sequences. The sequence having the closest correspondence to the utterance is selected.