Everything you need to know about Speech Recognition
Human voice decoding requires individuals and companies to use AI-based software applications. You can use such a program to operate different devices, such as smart bells, thermostats, smartphones, video cameras, mouse, keyboards, etc.
Although the concept of speech recognition is not new, it has many applications in the real world. This article will tell you what speech recognition is, how it works, and how it can benefit you.
What Is Speech Recognition?
Speech recognition refers to the identification of a human voice. Usually, companies develop such programs and incorporate them into different hardware devices to recognize the speech. Once the program recognizes your voice or command, it will act accordingly.
Many companies use cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and neural networks to develop speech recognition software. Some techniques, like Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Cortana, have revolutionized the way people use hardware devices and electronic gadgets. These include smartphones, home security gadgets, vehicles, etc.
Keep in mind that speech recognition is different from voice recognition. Speech recognition records a voice and then identifies the words in the audio and turns them into text. In contrast, voice recognition identifies pre-programmed voice commands only. The only similarity between these two technologies is the conversion of voice into text.
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For example, if your home HVAC system operates based on a few voice commands, such as “Turn On,” “Turn OFF,” or “Change Temperature to 25 degrees,” etc. you can’t give it more individual commands.
Examples of Speech Recognition
If you have installed a smart thermostat in your house and a voice command program or device, you can give commands to the thermostat to change the room’s temperature. Ecobee’s Alexa-enabled smart thermostat is one such example.
Some common examples of speech recognition applications are Amazon Lex, Siri, Google Now, Google Docs voice typing, Voxpow, and Cloud Speech API and Dragon Anywhere. These applications allow you to perform various tasks.
For instance, you can edit, format, and share any document through an app called “Dragon Anywhere” that will enable you to dictate documents through your voice. Moreover, innovative technology has also positively impacted banking, healthcare, workplaces, marketing, language learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
How Speech Recognition Works?
In general, each speech recognition program uses a particular AI algorithm to identify the human voice. Some apps use the WFST framework and PLP features. Others use neural networking and Viterbi Search algorithms.
However, the basic concept remains the same, i.e.; a speech recognition software breaks down the human voice into smaller audio chunks. The algorithms then analyze each piece to identify the most suitable word. The software combines all the words and converts them into text.
Conclusion
We live in the 21st-century era, surrounded by advanced technology, which is benefiting us in various ways. Take voice recognition; for example, it allows us to control multiple devices in our homes, avoid long typing documents, and instead use our voices to dictate documents easily.
Lastly, the applications of speech recognition technology are endless, especially in the world of IoT. We are expecting more advanced features in the future as it is becoming a multi-billion dollar industry.
