Intelligibility measurement of interrupted voice communication systems

The evaluation of the intelligibility of voice communication systems required to operate over severely disturbed transmission channels is not possible with standard test methods that incorporate isolated words presented at a set rate or pace. With advancements in the quality and intelligibility of narrowband digital voice communications systems has come increased interest in the application of these systems to a wide number of areas. A unique modification to the diagnostic rhyme test (DRT) method that provides for the evaluation of intelligibility for these systems is presented. A controlled experiment tests the validity of the modified method with an experienced crew of DRT listeners. The results of this experiment show that a modification of the DRT for interrupted systems provides valid measures of intelligibility. Also discussed are the modifications required for scoring an interrupted DRT and the software developed to provide scoring, storage, and comparative analysis of the results