Development of an algorithm for improving quality and information processing capacity of MathSpeak synthetic speech renderings.

Purpose. MathSpeak is a set of rules for non speaking of mathematical expressions. These rules have been incorporated into a computerised module that translates printed mathematics into the non-ambiguous MathSpeak form for synthetic speech rendering. Differences between individual utterances produce...

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Published in:Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology Vol. 5; no. 2; pp. 83 - 94
Main Authors: Isaacson MD, Srinivasan S, Lloyd LL
Format: equations & formulas research tables/charts Journal Article
Published: Taylor & Francis Ltd Mar2010
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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      dt: Mar2010
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      pub: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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        atl: Development of an algorithm for improving quality and information processing capacity of MathSpeak synthetic speech renderings.
      aug:
        au:
          Isaacson MD
          Srinivasan S
          Lloyd LL
        affil: Special Education, EDST, Purdue University
      sug:
        subj:
          Communication Aids for Persons with Disabilities
          Language Processing
          Mathematics
          Quality Improvement
          Audiorecording
          Case Control Studies
          Descriptive Statistics
          Funding Source
          Human
          Indiana
          Interrater Reliability
          Memory
          Semantics
          Software
          Summated Rating Scaling
          Vision Disorders Complications
      ab: Purpose. MathSpeak is a set of rules for non speaking of mathematical expressions. These rules have been incorporated into a computerised module that translates printed mathematics into the non-ambiguous MathSpeak form for synthetic speech rendering. Differences between individual utterances produced with the translator module are difficult to discern because of insufficient pausing between utterances; hence, the purpose of this study was to develop an algorithm for improving the synthetic speech rendering of MathSpeak. Method. To improve synthetic speech renderings, an algorithm for inserting pauses was developed based upon recordings of middle and high school math teachers speaking mathematic expressions. Efficacy testing of this algorithm was conducted with college students without disabilities and high school/college students with visual impairments. Parameters measured included reception accuracy, short-term memory retention, MathSpeak processing capacity and various rankings concerning the quality of synthetic speech renderings. Results. All parameters measured showed statistically significant improvements when the algorithm was used. Conclusion. The algorithm improves the quality and information processing capacity of synthetic speech renderings of MathSpeak. This increases the capacity of individuals with print disabilities to perform mathematical activities and to successfully fulfill science, technology, engineering and mathematics academic and career objectives.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        equations & formulas
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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