NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

gh's MathSpeak(TM) Finds Its "Voice" With Pittsburgh Speech Synthesis Company

gh LLC has chosen Cepstral LLC to give its MathSpeak(TM) assistive software technology a high-quality synthetic voice.

When used in conjunction with a Digital Talking Book -- such as the gh PLAYER™ -- MathSpeak™ can render mathematics and science both orally and visually. The software enables print disabled people to assimilate complex mathematical and scientific formulas and prevents the confusion that arises from equations that have multiple non-visual variations.

"Ease of listening has been shown to have a huge impact on one's ability to learn and, therefore, voice quality directly affects the success of our software as a math and science learning tool," said David Schleppenbach, gh LLC's founder and CEO. "Cepstral's state-of-the-art Text-To-Speech (TTS) engine and voice technology helps our MathSpeak™ software talk more like a real human voice, making it easier to understand and promoting retention of the material."

Students with print disabilities, the majority of whom are visually disabled, have struggled for years to gain access to instructional materials in the fields of science, engineering, mathematics and technology. Human readers have been necessary to level the educational playing field for these students, but this strategy has not provided them with true access. "A spoken math equation that is read aloud can be interpreted to be one of several different equations," said Schleppenbach. "With MathML, that ambiguity is removed."

"MathML is an exciting development, from both a social and intellectual standpoint," said Kevin Lenzo, CEO and co-founder of Cepstral. "Through our collaboration, the spoken delivery of mathematical formulas and equations, in a clear, unambiguous form can help people throughout the world work with advanced mathematical concepts and materials. We're proud to be designing voices and working with gh in such a rich and rewarding area."

MathSpeak™ is software technology developed by gh in collaboration with Purdue University and with support from the Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Fund.

About Cepstral LLC

Cepstral LLC is a privately held Pittsburgh, Pa.-based company that provides speech synthesis technologies and services that enhance the delivery of information. Cepstral designs, builds and customizes high-quality synthetic voices that enable natural and clear communication and can be deployed on handhelds, desktop and server applications. Website: http://www.cepstral.com

About gh LLC

Founded in 2000, gh LLC ("gh") is a leading assistive technology company that helps people with visual disabilities access information, whether the source is a textbook, publication, standardized test, or website. Using a content-independent media conversion process, the company offers a full range of accessible media formats and software applications, including Digital Talking Books, an Accessible Testing System, Braille, and Tactile Graphics. This process enables people with visual disabilities to improve their educational experience, become more competitive in the workplace, and lead more enjoyable lives. Website: http://www.ghbraille.com