Portable computer based language translation

This paper discusses a battery operated handheld device for use in translation between different languages. Development and advances in the fields of speech recognition, DSP microprocessors, and memories (especially flash memories) make it possible to design and implement a device that can take words or sentences or even sounds on the input and maps or translate them into synthesized speech on the output in any other language in real time. This device opens the door for a wide range of applications spanning the range from pure language translation to enabling the speech and hearing impaired individuals to communicate via speech. Other applications include speech based warehouse inventory and computer directed maintenance and troubleshooting. The last application is especially needed when used in closed and crowded quarters such as tanks, cockpits, etc. The paper discusses and presents the technical details along with examples of different applications possible with this device.