A frame-synchronous network search algorithm for connected word recognition

A description is given of an implementation of a novel frame-synchronous network search algorithm for recognizing continuous speech as a connected sequence of words according to a specified grammar. The algorithm, which has all the features of earlier methods, is inherently based on hidden Markov model (HMM) representations and is described in an easily understood, easily programmable manner. The new features of the algorithm include the capability of recording and determining (unique) word sequences corresponding to the several best paths to each grammar node, and the capability of efficiently incorporating a range of word and state duration scoring techniques directly into the forward search of the algorithm, thereby eliminating the need for a postprocessor as in previous implementations. It is also simple and straightforward to incorporate deterministic word transition rules and statistical constraints (probabilities) from a language model into the forward search of the algorithm