Speech Recognition Trains Next-Generation of Air Traffic Controllers; Nuance and Newfound Communications Deliver Solution for Adacel MaxSim Air Traffic Control Simulator 30 Jul 2002, 06:02am ET E-mail or Print this story - - - - -
MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 30, 2002--Nuance (Nasdaq:NUAN), the speech software experts, today announced that the company's speech recognition software has been selected for Adacel's MaxSim, the leading air traffic control simulator. This new voice-driven system will be used to train air traffic control personnel, including those in the U.S. military. Since November 2001, Adacel has been selected for North American civil and defense air traffic simulation and management systems worth over $100 million, including programs for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and the Federal Aviation Administration. The MaxSim product was developed in combination with Nuance partner Newfound Communications, Inc., a pioneer in VoiceXML-based speech technologies and services. Adacel MaxSim is a highly realistic training system that mimics the actual experience of an air traffic controller. Featuring computer generated radar screen images, MaxSim enables students to verbally guide aircrafts into and out of assigned radar sectors through the use of Nuance 8.0 speech recognition software. Newfound Communications worked with Adacel to achieve the multi-modal solution with unprecedented accuracy to recognize and instantly respond via visual changes in the radar images to the standard voice command and control phrases used by air traffic control operators, such as "sierra two six, you are number three to land; follow three eight five on downwind, over." "There are a number of challenges inherent in developing a speech-enabled air traffic control application such as Adacel MaxSim, such as the proper management of large and complex grammars," said Lionel Leveille, president and CEO of Adacel Inc. "We tested a number of speech solutions and found Newfound and Nuance to be the only providers that could deliver the speech recognition accuracy and system scalability we required." U.S. air traffic controllers ensure the safety of nearly two million aviation passengers per day -- or almost 700 million people per year. Control towers are stressful, high-energy environments where controllers know they do not have a margin for error. The Nuance-powered Adacel MaxSim simulator training system helps prospective air traffic controllers prepare for days full of fast-paced radio conversations with hundreds of aircraft flying high in the sky.
About Nuance
Nuance is the speech software expert. Nuance speech recognition, voice authentication and text-to-speech products enable people to access information and services anytime, anywhere, and from any phone. And the Company's comprehensive service offerings simplify the delivery of speech solutions. In markets around the world, leading carriers and corporations -- including British Airways, Nomura Securities, OnStar, Sprint PCS, United Parcel Service, Vodafone, and many more -- work with Nuance to reduce costs, increase customer satisfaction and retention, create new sources of revenue and improve security. Nuance is headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif. and has offices around the world. For more information, visit www.nuance.com or call 1-888-NUANCE-8.
About Adacel Inc.
Adacel Inc. is a subsidiary of Adacel Technologies (ASX:ADA). Adacel is the world leading solution provider specializing in air traffic and airport simulation for training and R&D. Adacel's family of products includes: a scalable, customizable line of simulations products ranging from single seat tower and radar trainers to multi-seat en-route centers and 360-degree full sized control-tower environments. Adacel delivers affordable, effective, simulations solutions for Defense, transport, industry and Government customers. Adacel's systems are deployed in more than 30 countries and are used by many of the world's leading aviation, airport and air traffic organizations. For more information please visit www.adacel.com.
About Newfound Communications
Newfound Communications, Inc. offers technology, tools, and professional services to fuel the speech recognition revolution. By working with Newfound, companies and developers bypass the largest impediment to creating speech-driven applications -- the proper utilization of large complex grammars. For Newfound's customers, the combination of available grammar management software, technology and expertise provides unparalleled value; speeding voice application development, cutting development costs, improving applications and increasing customer satisfaction. www.newfoundcomm.net
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