A Military Operational Automatic Interpreting System

Abstract : This paper describes a real-time interpreting system in which the operator speaks one of around 4000 phrases in one language, which is automatically recognized and the corresponding spoken phrase in the target language is played through a loudspeaker. This system has been used operationally by NATO forces. The basic system is first described, followed by an account of the wide range of uses to which this relatively simple one-way interpreting system can be put. Some developments of the basic system are then listed, both developments that are already in place and some that have potential for future implementation. Finally, an account is given of some relevant research on the use of statistical phonetic mapping techniques for extending the usability of such systems to non-native speakers of the source language.