Automotive Mobile Audio Video

Distributed Speech Recognition (DSR) technology makes wireless-based

information and services more readily accessible from automobiles

L&H Automotive Solutions Group, a business unit of Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products NV (Nasdaq Europe: LHSP; OTC: LHSPQ) (`L&H' or `the Company'), a world leader in speech and language technology, products and services, today announced that it has introduced Distributed Speech Recognition (DSR) technology to the automotive market. DSR greatly enhances the performance of mobile communications devices and primarily addresses the automotive market, giving drivers greater access to information and transaction services via wireless systems such as telematics.

L&H's client-server based DSR allows mobile devices themselves, such as vehicle-based GSM communications devices, to recognize spoken commands. These commands are then converted into digital data and transmitted via a wireless link to a server, where processing is completed or the desired information, such as email messages, is returned. DSR employs L&H's unique noise-robust data processing modules, which ensure a high level of accuracy in recognizing voice commands, and offers two distinct benefits:

- No loss of information as speech pre-processing and data compression occur at
the source;

- The processing of the user's request takes place on the server and
therefore requires less processing power from the mobile device

Both of these advantages give users of mobile devices access to a broader range of information and wireless-based services, with the added benefit of lower transmission costs due to the reduced airtime required when using DSR.

L&H's DSR technology can be supported by a vast array of today's mobile devices, including PDAs, hybrid PIM telephones, mobile phone handsets, telematic systems, as well as remote-controlled devices for the home and industry. With the introduction of DSR, a greater number of telematic-based services in particular, such as mobile commerce and enhanced emergency vehicle assistance, will be more readily available to consumers.

Commenting on DSR, Scott Pyles, vice president of sales and marketing at L&H Automotive Solutions Group, said: "Safety and convenience for the driver are the primary focus of automakers with respect to automotive products and services. Distributed Speech Recognition will allow more automakers, mobile device manufacturers, and service providers to offer drivers the safety and convenience of a speech recognition interface. DSR-based interfaces give greater access to the wireless information and services that today's drivers are increasingly demanding. In addition to lowering operating costs, DSR allows drivers to use their mobile devices without taking their eyes off the road or removing their hands from the steering wheel. Overall, DSR gives automobile owners a richer and safer driving experience." Mr. Pyles added, "DSR is one of many examples of L&H's ongoing commitment to deliver proven, progressive speech technologies to our automotive customers and further develop the global market for speech technology in the automotive sector."

About L&H Automotive Solutions Group

Focused on meeting the needs of the automotive industry and its customers, the Automotive Solutions Group is the largest provider of complete automotive solutions from the broadest array of technologies designed to be integrated onto one platform and serving one application. Speech recognition, speaker verification, information content management, and text-to-speech provide solutions to OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and aftermarket product manufacturers in the growing markets of navigation telematics, multi-media entertainment, and hands-free communication. In addition to providing custom engineering development, the Automotive Solutions Group is a valuable source of consulting for platform, architecture, audio circuit, and application development.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:05 AM