Pondering

Posted by Erin, the RobotGrrl on Wednesday, September 17th, 2008

Recently I’ve been planning a few things that I want to post on my blog, and some other sites. Check out the list!

• Probability Intro & Bayes Theorem Tutorial
• Bayes Filter Algorithm Tutorial
• Bayes Filter Algorithm Example
• BubbleBoy Tutorial

I could extrapolate this idea into a special bloggy tutorial week where I post something each day!
Also in the works is my line following robot, and some acoustic modeling stuff. I’m pretty sure my method for the acoustic modeling will work well. Basically it will analyze the time where the waveform hits a 0, minimizes and maximizes. I’ll apply some sort of filter algorithm (not sure which one(s) yet) and then compare that result with a database of results, complete with the other mins and maxs. I can’t really explain it well yet, as it’s still in my head. After that I’ll have to implement the language model, which will choose the right word from the results of the acoustic model based on the previous words uttered and the topic!

From what I’ve seen… some recognizers are trying to skip the language model step by listening for specific phonemes in the acoustic model to try to figure out what the word is. Then, the LM’s job is to just ensure that that word makes sense in the sentence.

That process is overly complicated, all you have to hear are the words that are uttered- not all the phonemes. It is true that we don’t pronounce words the same… (nu-clee-ar vs nu-cu-lar) but essentially if one has an accent, the maxs and mins should still be comparable to the word in a “perfect” sense. (This is where the various filters and algs come in)

So yeah…

Thanks to Ron for donating $200!! It’s going to go towards a serial servo controller, a soldering iron and other things I’m so humbled by their generosity
It will definitely keep me occupied while I wait to go to university in January!

Posted in: Other, Programming, Projects, Robot.
Tags: money, pondering, thanks

3 Responses to “Pondering”

1. Ron Says:
   September 18th, 2008 at 10:31 AM

   Glad we can help. Evelyn and I both graduated from the school of hard-knocks, so we know how difficult things can be money-wise.

   As you get into your career choices, you might want to check out organizations like SWE (the Society of Women Engineers). They are very helpful in supporting women in engineering (it’s US-based, but has some groups in Canada). They are also very big in helping young women get into the field of Engineering. If you are going for a math degree, also check out AWM (the Association of Women in Mathematics). Both organizations offer grants, scholarships, and so on.

2. Evelyn Says:
   September 18th, 2008 at 11:04 AM

   Yes Erin, I highly encourage you to check out such organization that help young ladies to excel in math and science.

   Here’s the link to SWE : http://societyofwomenengineers.swe.org/
   and to AWM : http://www.awm-math.org/

   You can sign up as “student” since you’re still in school. You’ll receive newsletters, opportunities to apply for scholarships, and more importantly meet other ladies who’ll mentor you throughout your school years and into your profession.

   Also, find out what organization with in you school offers similar opportunities.

3. Erin, the RobotGrrl Says:
   September 19th, 2008 at 5:02 AM

   Hey! Thanks a bunch!

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