Abstract: A method for converting text to concatenated voice by utilizing a digital voice library and a set of playback rules is provided. The method comprises generating voice data based on a sequence of voice recordings by concatenating adjacent recordings in the sequence of voice recordings. Concatenating a first recording and a second recording adjacent to the first recording includes manipulating the ending sonic feature of the first recording to determine a first recording switch point, manipulating the starting sonic feature of the second recording to determine a second recording switch point, and synchronizing the first recording switch point and the second recording switch point.

Abstract: A method for converting text to concatenated voice by utilizing a digital voice library and a set of playback rules is provided. The digital voice library includes a plurality of speech items including words and syllables and a corresponding plurality of voice recordings. Each speech item corresponds to at least one available voice recording. The method comprises training the digital voice library to associate each syllable speech item with a literal text syllable of the particular syllable speech item.

Abstract: A method for converting text to concatenated voice by utilizing a digital voice library and a set of playback rules is provided. Multiple voice recordings correspond to a single speech item and represent various inflections of that single speech item. The method includes determining syllable count and impact value for each speech item in a sequence of speech items. A desired inflection for each speech item is determined based on the syllable count and the impact value and further based on a set of playback rules. A sequence of voice recordings is determined by determining a voice recording for each speech item based on the desired inflection and based on the available voice recordings that correspond to the particular speech item. Voice data are generated based on a sequence of voice recordings by concatenating adjacent recordings in the sequence of voice recordings.

Abstract: A computer to telephone interface card comprises a plurality of audio data input ports, a mixer, and a converter. The mixer receives audio input data from audio data input ports and, in real-time, generates a mixed audio output data signal at the mixer output. The converter has an output connecting to a phone line to generate and provide mixed audio output to the phone line based on the audio input data received at the plurality of audio data input ports.

Abstract: A system and method for improving clarity of an audio signal selects frequencies of the audio signal for processing and adds even harmonic distortion to the selected frequencies, preferably, of at least the second order. The system and method are particularly suited for hearing aid, voice messaging, and telephony applications. In addition, the system and method may be applied to other very low bandwidth signals, such as data compressed audio signals, computer voice files, computer audio files, and numerous other technologies which have an audio response less than normal human perception. The technique also applies to the use of perceptually coded audio.

Abstract: A system and method for improving clarity of an audio signal to be transmitted over a limited bandwidth communication channel selects predetermined frequencies of the audio signal for processing and adds even harmonic distortion to the selected frequencies such that the distortion is added within the limited bandwidth of the transmission channel. The system and method are particularly suited for telephony applications and may be utilized in hearing aids due to the effectiveness of clarifying voice signals. In addition, the system and method may be applied to other very low bandwidth signals, such as data compressed audio signals, computer voice files, computer audio files, and numerous other technologies which have an audio response less than normal human perception. The technique also applies to the use of perceptually coded audio.

Abstract: A method, system and product are provided for direct rendering of video images to a compressed video data stream. The method includes generating encoded video data directly from an electronic graphic system, the encoded video data representing a full frame image, and generating update encoded video data directly from the electronic graphic system, the update encoded video data representing changes in the full frame image. The method also includes generating movement vector encoded video data directly from the electronic graphic system, the movement vector encoded video data representing movement in the full frame image, and decoding the encoded video data, the update encoded video data, and the movement vector encoded video data for playback at a destination. The system includes control logic for performing the method. The product includes a storage medium having computer readable programmed instructions recorded thereon for performing the method.

Abstract: A method, system and product are provided for harmonic enhancement of an encoded audio signal. The method includes receiving the encoded audio signal, the encoded audio signal having multiple frequency subbands, selecting one of the subbands having a data sample associated therewith, and generating a frequency doubled copy the data sample associated with the subband. The method also includes generating a new data sample for a second subband using the frequency doubled copied data sample, the second subband having a frequency greater than the first subband by one octave, and modifying the encoded audio signal to create an enhanced encoded audio signal having the new data sample associated with the second subband. The system includes control logic for performing the method. The product includes a storage medium having computer readable programmed instructions for performing the method.

Abstract: A method, system and product are provided for mixing of encoded audio signals. The method includes receiving a first encoded audio signal, the first signal having a plurality of frequency subbands, each subband having an audio level, and receiving a second encoded audio signal, the second signal having a plurality of frequency subbands, each subband having an audio level. The method also includes mixing the first and second signals to create a mixed encoded audio signal having a plurality of frequency subbands, each subband having an audio level based on a masking effect relationship between the audio levels and sample data of corresponding subbands of the first and second signals. The system includes control logic for performing the method. The product includes a storage medium having computer readable programmed instructions recorded thereon for performing the method.

Abstract: A method, system and product are provided for selectively modifying an encoded audio signal. The method includes receiving the encoded audio signal, the encoded audio signal having a first frequency bandwidth, and identifying a delivery point for the encoded audio signal, the delivery point having a second frequency bandwidth. The method also includes selecting a plurality of subbands from the first frequency bandwidth based on the second frequency bandwidth, and modifying the encoded audio signal based on the plurality of subbands selected. The system includes control logic for performing the method. The product includes a storage medium having computer readable programmed instructions for performing the method.

Abstract: A method of updating or expanding an audio classified ad database with text ads obtained from the databases of print media organizations such as newspapers is disclosed. Ads from a print media ad database are downloaded to a host processor that identifies relevant ads, such as those dealing with autos, and converts the abbreviated text of the print ad to an expanded version of the ad. The words and phrases of the expanded version are parsed and stored in appropriate fields of a relational database. A sequenced play list of audio file numbers corresponding to the words and phrases contained in a database record is created along with "glue" words and phrases that are added to produce a more natural sounding audio. The sequenced list is stored in an audio ad database and is retrieved and assembled to play the audio version of the ad in response to a command from a remote user.

Abstract: A method for producing a voice file for use in an automated concatenated voice system. The words and phrases to be used in the system are scripted in a staged script, and read by a voice talent. The recording of the staged script as read by the voice talent is processed and edited to produce a plurality of naturally sounding words and phrases which may be concatenated into voice messages. The edited words and phrases are stored in a composite voice file for use by an automated concatenated voice system.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically generating at least one new voice file corresponding to at least one new text from a script incorporating a plurality of known text having corresponding preexisting voice files associated therewith. A plurality of phonetic sequences corresponding to the plurality of known text is stored in a first memory. A text input corresponding to a textual version of the script is provided and a text-to-phonetic translator translates the text input to obtain a corresponding textual phonetic sequence based on the plurality of phonetic sequences stored in the first memory. An audio input of the script is provided and a speech recognizer generates an audio phonetic sequence of the audio input. A text-to-speech aligner aligns the text input and the corresponding textual phonetic sequence with the audio input and the corresponding audio phonetic sequence to obtain an alignment of the text input and the audio input. The at least one new voice file is generated based on the alignment.

Abstract: A hollow enclosure that suspends a bidirectional microphone element within, in such a fashion as to improve the unidirectional characteristics, of said bidirectional microphone.