Endoscopy 2000; 32(1): 58-61
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-136
Short Communication
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ·New York

Development of a Speech-Based Dialogue System for Report Dictation and Machine Control in the Endoscopic Laboratory

B. Molnar 1 , J. Gergely 2 , G. Toth 2 , L. Pronai 1 , T. Zagoni 1 , K. Papik 1 , Z. Tulassay 1
  • 1 Second Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
  • 2 Kando Kalman Technical High School, Budapest, Hungary
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
25 September 2003 (online)

Background and Study Aims: Reporting and machine control based on speech technology can enhance work efficiency in the gastrointestinal endoscopy laboratory.

Materials and Methods: The status and activation of endoscopy laboratory equipment were described as a multivariate parameter and function system. Speech recognition, text evaluation and action definition engines were installed. Special programs were developed for the grammatical analysis of command sentences, and a rule-based expert system for the definition of machine answers. A speech backup engine provides feedback to the user. Techniques were applied based on the „Hidden Markov” model of discrete word, user-independent speech recognition and on phoneme-based speech synthesis. Speech samples were collected from three male low-tone investigators.

Results: The dictation module and machine control modules were incorporated in a personal computer (PC) simulation program. Altogether 100 unidentified patient records were analyzed. The sentences were grouped according to keywords, which indicate the main topics of a gastrointestinal endoscopy report. They were: „endoscope”, „esophagus”, „cardia”, „fundus”, „corpus”, „antrum”, „pylorus”, „bulbus”, and „postbulbar section”, in addition to the major pathological findings: „erosion”, „ulceration”, and „malignancy”. „Biopsy” and „diagnosis” were also included. We implemented wireless speech communication control commands for equipment including an endoscopy unit, video, monitor, printer, and PC. The recognition rate was 95 %.

Conclusions: Speech technology may soon become an integrated part of our daily routine in the endoscopy laboratory. A central speech and laboratory computer could be the most efficient alternative to having separate speech recognition units in all items of equipment.

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M.D. B. Molnar

II. Dept. of Medicine Semmelweis University

1088 Szentkirályi Street 46

Budapest

Hungary

Phone: +36-1-2660816

Email: mb@bel2.sote.hu

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