Prosody enhanced TTS for Dysarthric Speakers

描述（由申请人提供）：这个可行性项目调查是否有复杂的通信需求的人可以控制一个独特的语音感知单词预测程序中的文本到语音合成器的韵律。该研究小组将为构音障碍的说话者设计第二代语音识别系统，该系统包括测量说话者是否强调口语单词的能力。说话者强调的单词将被文本到语音合成器强调。我们将把这种语音识别技术结合到一个“韵律感知”的单词预测程序中，这样患有构音障碍的人就可以使用他们的语音，结合其他技术，来控制计算机生成语音的韵律。具有复杂通信需求的人、他们的合作伙伴和第三方听众将评估该系统，以确定韵律控制是否改善了通信过程。 公共卫生相关性：这项研究的目的是提高有复杂沟通需求的人的沟通效率。我们建议通过开发技术，使他们能够控制商业文本到语音合成器使用他们的构音障碍的语音和书面线索的韵律。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This feasibility project investigates whether people with complex communication needs can control the prosody of a text-to-speech synthesizer within a unique speech-aware word prediction program. The research team will design a second-generation speech recognition system for dysarthric speakers that includes the ability to measure whether the speaker emphasizes a spoken word. Words that are emphasized by the speaker will then be emphasized by a text-to-speech synthesizer. We will incorporate this speech recognition technology into a "prosody aware" word prediction program so that people with dysarthria can use their speech, in combination with other techniques, to control the prosody of computer generated speech. People with complex communication needs, their partners, and third party listeners will evaluate this system to determine if prosody control improves the communication process. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The aim of this research is to increase the communication effectiveness of persons who have complex communication needs. We propose to do this by developing technology that enables them to control the prosody of a commercial text-to-speech synthesizer using their dysarthric speech and written cues.