Speech Recognition Trains Next-Generation of Air Traffic...

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
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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