text to speech

text to speech

The Importance of Text to Speech Technology

1. Introduction

The reason text-to-speech (TTS) systems have become popular is that they offer a convenient alternative to reading text from a computer screen. Load document or paste content. Text-to-speech systems transform written text into synthesized speech; the quality of the resulting speech varies. The TTS technology can greatly benefit the blind as this technology enables the blind to gain access to written information. A blind person can use a computer equipped with a screen reader to browse the Web, read a word processing document, and send and receive e-mail; all of this can be done while avoiding the need to print or emboss written information. While TTS software for the hearing-impaired who can use it to convert text documents into audio files. TTS systems have also become useful in today’s hectic world as visually impaired people do not have to stop to read something, they can listen to an audio file while doing other tasks. Reading large amounts of text on computer monitors is a difficult task that can lead to eye strain and fatigue. A TTS system can be used to “proofread” a piece of writing by converting reading it aloud and thus catching errors that were missed by visual reading.

2. Benefits of Text to Speech

Internationalization is another profit in this technology. Internationalization typically suggests that adapting a product for potential international promoting. Text to speech simplifies the tactic of internationalization by providing another to recording MP3 or wave files for each and every language. The standard approach could also be inefficient not only is it expensive because it needs plenty of resources. A modification to the text to speech software can automatically deliver audio for a written text in several completely totally different languages. This can be done by employing a completely different voice engine for each language. This can be a less complicated and cost-effective methodology of delivering multi-language audio. Text to speech has evolved since the start with many new features provided by the myriad of software on the market. One such feature is named “voice commands”. This feature allows the user to concentrate on a set of words which are then transposed as spoken words. This might demonstrate useful for individuals wanting to be told correct enunciation of certain words. Text to speech is very useful for people that suffer from the numerous varieties of reading and recognition disorders. This includes things like an individual with dyslexia who could have problem reading, writing, or learning because it is not like their primary verbal communication. An alternate use of text to speech would be by somebody laid low with visual impairment. This person would like a speech engine for a screen reader that can aid with reading email, documents, or another information he has online. This individual can have totally different necessities live through his specific condition, this will likely not be an issue as totally completely different engines offer variant voice and reading speed.

Improve reading and writing skills is text to speech. Text to speech based mostly learning contraption helps to spice up the reading and writing skills of scholars. Instead of continuing with ancient learning betterment techniques, students will overcome learning disabilities with text to speech software. At present, various text to speech applications are available to help students transformation their writing to the book. This is often typically typically used for dealing out and editing functions. This tools permits students to hear what they have written that could create it easier to hunt out and proper mistakes.

3. Applications of Text to Speech

The most common and helpful application of text to speech is the use of talking word processors. These are programs that take a written text file and convert it into spoken word. This is particularly useful for people with visual impairments, who can use the auditory information to comprehend the text. It is also widely used by dyslexic people as the TTS system can act as a proofreader, reading out the text so the user can hear it and compare it to the original. This can help to highlight spelling and grammar mistakes. TTS has also been used to help children and young adults with learning disabilities and reading impairments. By using TTS as a means of access to information, the individuals can benefit from the multisensory and cognitive connection when they have the ability to hear and see the text simultaneously. TTS allows them to listen to the information and comprehend it in a way that provides a deeper understanding. This can usually result in an increase in enthusiasm and motivation towards learning. TTS has been used with great success for second language learners. Students learning a second language can benefit from the tonal and articulate aspect of the TTS system. They are able to hear the correct pronunciation and intonation of a word, and this can prevent the development of bad habits that are difficult to change at a later stage. A French study found that second language students who used the TTS system in conjunction with vocabulary learning exercises performed significantly better in pronunciation and comprehension than a group who did not use the system.

4. Challenges and Limitations of Text to Speech

Firstly, the quality of the naturalness and intelligibility of the speech produced is highly valued and has implications in determining the usability of the system. The naturalness of the speech is a somewhat intangible feature and has proved difficult to define and quantify. It is generally held to be an impression of the speech that is perceptually similar to that of human speech. The intelligibility of the speech is an objective measure to do with how well a unit of spoken language can be understood. These two closely related factors of TTS system quality are determined by the input that the system receives and the synthesis method used. Naturalness and intelligibility are related to the simplification or correction of speech in real time in people with speech disorders by TTS systems. The future prospects of TTS for speech disorders are looking good, the latest research is often the same as for TTS in general but with a goal to make subtle differences. For example, research in the phoneme level conversion of text to speech for individuals with cerebral palsy who have difficulty being understood due to their limited control of the speech musculature. This is known to be a difficult area and mistakes cannot be tolerated. With some synthesizers providing unintelligible output, regular change is slow coming and a decent standard has yet to be reached.

The most common challenges faced by TTS systems are discussed in this section.

5. Conclusion

Five research articles reviewed and summarized here show that the use of text-to-speech technology is beneficial for many different types of learners, especially those with learning disabilities. Although the need for this technology is great, research on its uses is still in its infancy. However, current findings do suggest that text-to-speech can be helpful for many students with LD, across a variety of ages and types of instruction. In a time when technology needs to be the wave of the future, it is necessary to ensure that text-to-speech is not overshadowed by more popular LD interventions. In order to explore the full potential of this technology, researchers and educators should continue working to develop and refine text-to-speech applications, while investigating its effective uses on various types of instructional materials for students with LD.