process for converting spoken words into a visual representation

摘要

969, 507. Measurement circuits including cathode-ray oscilloscopes. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Feb. 13, 1961 [Feb. 12, 1960], No. 5266/61. Heading G1U. [Also in Division H4] Apparatus for converting the average amplitude of a signal to a selected average amplitude comprises a first means for averaging the signal over a predetermined interval, second means for providing a delayed version of the signal and a variable gain amplifier which amplifies the delayed signal by an amount determined by the averaging means. The invention is described in relation to a device for displaying characteristics of a spoken word, the display also including variations in frequency and being caused to assume a standard length irrespective of the duration of the word. Such a method of display facilitates recognition by comparison with standard patterns for different words. As shown the signal from the audio source 10 is applied to a'n envelope demodulator 18 followed by an intergrator circuit 19 whose output represents the mean amplifude of the signal. The output of circuit 19 controls the gain of amplifier 21 to which the sound signal is applied after passing through the delay device 11. A generator 25 is provided which generates a constant output signal for the duration of the sound to be observed and this is integrated and used to vary correspondingly the gain of a second amplifier 23 fed from the output of amplfier 21. A frequency demodulator followed by an integrator indicates the average frequency of the sound signal and this is used to control variable band pass filters 35, 39 which are fed by the amplitude normalizer output from amplifier 23. Filter 35 feeds an envelope demodulator whose output thus indicates the variations in amplitude of the normalized signal. Filter 39 feeds a frequency measuring circuit which comprises a "zero crossing" pulse generator 40 followed by an integrator 41. The circuit 40 may be arranged to produce pulses not only at each zero crossing of the input wave but also at its maxima and minima. The amplitude and frequency indications are fed to a switch 44 which feeds these signals on a time division basis to a display device such as a cathode ray oscillograph. The time of sweep of the latter is controlled by the duration indicator 30 so as to spread the indications over a standard length on the tube. Alternatively, the amplitude and frequency indications may be applied to an analogue-digital converter which is then read out at a rate determined by the duration signal. The delay device may be a magnetic tape and amplitude and frequency variations may be displayed for signal components in a plurality of frequency ranges Fig. 2 (not shown). Specification 969, 508 is referred to.