Here we outline two projects which demonstrate Outside Echo's core capability - to take a vision and make it reality. We achieve this through an innovative approach to both project management and research & development.
LLSTI -
Global Project Management
Outside Echo has
managed the Local Language Speech Technology Initiative (LLSTI) since it was
started in 2003. This is a unique global, developing-world, project based on
Open Source software, producing text-to-speech (TTS) technology, and voice
applications using that technology, in regional languages. So far LLSTI has
produced prototype systems in Kiswahili, Hindi, & Zulu, and partially
completed Ibibio & Tamil.
Managing LLSTI initially involved communicating the vision; securing funding; requests for participation; managing sub-contracts with partner organisations; organising training & workshops around the world; reporting to sponsors etc. More recently it has involved working with other organisations to identify and then prototype services which make use of the technology, with the aim of impacting lives of people otherwise unreached by IT.
You can find out more about LLSTI and try the TTS out for yourself at the project website.
Audio
Notetaker - Innovative R & D
Outside Echo has
partnered with Accessible Audio Ltd to produce Audio Notetaker, a unique PC
application to help students who need to record lectures, especially those with
dyslexia, dyspraxia and other difficulties such as RSI, which affect their
ability to take written notes.
Audio Notetaker is neither an audio editor or a transcription tool - yet can be used effectively for both. It allows the audio to be treated in exactly the same way as text, so the student has the straight choice whether to keep information in audio or textual form. To achieve this, Audio Notetaker has a novel user interface for the audio, as well as complex signal processing to accurately identify the speaker's phrases in even the most poorly-recorded lecture.
Audio Notetaker demonstrates Outside Echo's ability to research and develop ideas from the initial concept, through UI simulation, focus groups, initial prototypes all the way to full commercial deployment.
You can find out more about Audio Notetaker, view a demonstration and download a trial version at the project website.