Speech Translation Apparatus with Example-Based Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speech translation applications face challenges in providing smooth and responsive conversations due to the need for users to speak in short phrases and the difficulty in correcting incomprehensible translations in real-time, leading to inefficiencies in language communication.
Innovation Solution
A speech translation apparatus that includes an acquisition unit, speech recognition unit, translation unit, search unit, selection unit, and presentation unit, which acquires and translates speech, searches for similar examples, and allows users to select and present translation examples for correction, enabling more responsive conversation by displaying similar and translation examples for incomprehensible parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional speech translation is used, then translation functionality is provided, but conversation responsiveness and smoothness deteriorate due to errors in speech recognition and machine translation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where translation examples are displayed to users, allowing them to provide corrections. The system stores these corrections and uses them to improve future translations, creating a continuous improvement loop that enhances both accuracy and responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing multiple translation examples and similar expressions in advance. When a translation is generated, the system searches for and presents similar examples before final translation, enabling users to select from pre-prepared options rather than waiting for corrective feedback alone.
2Productivity
If speech recognition and machine translation are performed without error correction, then translation speed is maintained, but translation quality and comprehensibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial correction by focusing on presenting and correcting only the specific translation examples that are displayed, rather than requiring complete correction of entire translations. This selective approach maintains speed while improving quality at critical points.
Solution Approach 2:
Translation examples serve as intermediaries between the automated translation system and the user. Instead of direct correction of errors, the system mediates through example-based presentation, allowing users to indirectly improve translation quality by selecting or correcting examples.
3Reliability
If users are prompted to correct incomprehensible translations, then translation accuracy can be improved, but conversation efficiency and user burden worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically presenting relevant translation examples and similar expressions for user selection. Users correct translations by simply choosing from presented options rather than manually rewriting, reducing the burden while maintaining accuracy improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary work by searching for and presenting similar examples and alternative translations before the user needs to correct. This pre-prepared content reduces the effort required from users while still achieving accurate translations.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a speech translation apparatus includes a speech recognition unit, a translation unit, a search unit and a selection unit. The speech recognition unit successively performs speech recognition to obtain a first language word string. The translation unit translates the first language word string into a second language word string. The search unit search for at least one similar example and acquires the similar example and a translation example. The selection unit selects, in accordance with a user instruction, at least one of the first language word string associated with the similar example and the second language word string associated with the translation example, as a selected word string.