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Speech Recognition Channel

[June 30, 2005]

ScanSoft Powers German Radio Traffic Info


ScanSoft, Inc. announced that the German radio station SWR (Sudwestfunk) has launched a new automated traffic information system using ScanSoft's German RealSpeak text-to-speech (TTS) technology to read out updated traffic information.

Launched in May, the new service called Traffic Hotline provides motorists with real-time traffic information for motorways and national highways in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It is accessible in Germany by dialing 01805/797100 or 01805/92990 and costs 0,12 Euro per minute. The traffic information system has been very well-received by callers, and will be expanded to other SWR channels in the near future.

ScanSoft's RealSpeak has been deployed by SpeechConcept GmbH, a specialist in voice portal and speech-controlled telephony applications. SpeechConcept's application design utilizes Clarity's Communication Center that can handle up to 120 calls at any time. SpeechConcept has optimized ScanSoft's text-to-speech engine by applying advanced intonation modeling in SSML (standards-based Speech Synthesis Markup Language) in addition to including a special dictionary for city names and specific traffic information abbreviations. This tuning has resulted in an even more natural sounding computer generated voice.

"By using ScanSoft's automated text-to-speech solution, we are now able to deliver updated traffic information in real-time," said Wolfram Strobl, IT manager at SWR radio. "Previously, traffic updates had to be received, passed on to a speaker, recorded as a voice segment and then uploaded to the system. With the implementation of an automated speech system, costs and processing time have been significantly reduced, and SWR is able to provide drivers with the most up-to-date traffic information in mere seconds. The system even allows us to easily integrate other information such as the weather forecast or football results."

"ScanSoft is pleased to leverage its experience in developing traffic information solutions with its partners SpeechConcept and Clarity, to enable the deployment of SWR's compelling speech-based service," said Peter Hauser, senior vice president and general manager, ScanSoft International. "Speech provides access to information over the phone making it the ideal interface for motorists seeking up to the minute travel information."

SpeechWorks Solutions from ScanSoft have been deployed as part of similar speech-based traffic information services for a range of customers including Cofiroute in France and CARS-511 Consortium in the United States.

Speech Recognition



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