Details of Research Theme: Speech Synthesis

Analog Synthesis

In 1960's, formant synthesis systems were dominant for speech synthesis.

The research group including me challenged a vocal-tract analog synthesizer in cooperation with ETL (Electro-Technical Laboratory) and developed a pilot model consisting of 60 operation amplifiers! Of course, IC was not invented in the period, so an operation amplifier was assembled on a package using transistors. Frequency response of the amplifier was not good, so we should have fought with the system oscillation every hour.

Digital Synthesis

I joined a developing team aimed for speech synthesis, who succeeded to develop an Interactive Conversation System via telephone with synthetic speech responses. The developed system has been utilized in the Japanese Railway's Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket reservation system since early 1970's.

Why don't you try to call #9500.

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First Written Before June 17, 1998
Transplanted to KSU June 17, 2003
Transplanted to So-net April 22, 2007
Last Update April 22, 2007

© Yasuaki Nakano 1998-2007