Speech Recognition Geocache: Se Habla Español

Voice-activated-Geo-Cache (Custom)

Instructables user [jorgegunn] has put a unique spin on a recent geocache build by incorporating speech recognition and requiring that the “finder” knows the secret password to access the loot contained within. Although we won’t spoil the fun here, the techie spirit of the build was further bolstered by choosing a password fitting for any trekkie. Despite utilizing an off-the-shelf speech … [Read more...]

Arduino, RFID, and you

I admit, I only got through about the 4th book in the series before they got boring. I guess I'm just not nerdy enough to finish them.

[Matt] has mixed up a batch of two RFID reading door lock systems. While the "door lock" part of the setup has yet to come into existence, the "RFID reading" section is up and running. By using the Parallax RFID readers (for cheap, remember?) and an Arduino, [Matt] is able to parse an RFID tag, look its number up in a database, and then have a computer announce "Access Denied" in a creamy "Douglas … [Read more...]

Codec2: GNU low-bitrate speech codec

codec2-voice-copression

Low bandwidth speech compression is a desirable concept for amateur radio enthusiasts. Unfortunately there isn't a great open-source option out there, but that's changing with the low-bitrate speech compression package called Codec2. It manages to transmit and decode at 2550 bits per second with results comparable to proprietary solutions like MELP and very near the initial goal of 2400 bit/s. … [Read more...]

Get started with speech recognition

A built in mic

Speech recognition makes it easier for us to be lazy with our devices - or perhaps set up the coolest voice-controlled project around. After the voice controlled home automation post, we received a lot of emails asking "how can I make it recognize my voice?". Whether your project involves a PC or an Android phone, a high-budget, or no budget at all, there is a solution out there.  Join us after … [Read more...]

Quad-copter controlled with voice commands

In the video above you'll see two of our favorite things combined, a quad-copter that is voice controlled. The robot responds to natural language so you can tell it to "take off and fly forward six feet", rather than rely on a cryptic command set. The demonstration shows both an iPhone and a headset used as the input microphone. Language is parsed by a computer and the resulting commands sent to … [Read more...]

Voice controlled LED sign

120 LEDs and NerdKit, check. Python and appropriate Google Voice module, check. Blend on high for 2 minutes, bake for an hour at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Your soufflé is done, whoops, we mean your voice controlled LED sign is done. Leave a voicemail on Davis' Google Voice account that starts with "message" and it will be displayed for all to read within a matter of minutes. We think: make it … [Read more...]

Vocal mouse control

Absolutely fascinating. The University of Washington is developing a vocally controled mouse interface. We've seen vocal control of the computer before, but it is usally responding to specific commands and words to carry out tasks such as opening files.  This system uses different vowels and sounds to create cursor motion.  You can see the same system used in the video above to control a robot … [Read more...]