Tactical voice input/output devices

The authors address the technology insertion and feasibility demonstration issues that are paramount to the effective implementation of voice interaction between man and machine. Results of preliminary feasibility demonstrations are discussed in three critical technology areas: (1) input and output appliances that offer noise immunity, (2) voice recognition and speech synthesis accuracy, and (3) command and control vocabulary development and application dependencies. Ear-canal microphones and speakers are examined for their natural noise immunity attributes. State-of-the-art voice recognition algorithms provide speaker-independent qualities that need no soldier training, prior to use, with the added benefit of maintaining accuracy when the speaker is stressed or fatigued. Integration of the voice input and outpuuevices with existing C2 (command and control) systems is discussed in the context of user friendly and natural ways of supporting operations on the move