Patent suggests voice recognition for Revolution

A new patent has been dug up, entitled ´Voice-to-text chat conversion for remote video game play´. The abstract reads:

A multi-player networked video game playing system including for example video game consoles analyzes speech to vary the font size and/or color of associated text displayed to other users. If the amplitude of the voice is high, the text displayed to other users is displayed in a larger than normal font. If the voice sounds stressed or is aggressive words are used, the text displayed to other users is displayed using a special font such as red color. Other analysis may be performed on the speech in context to vary the font size, color, font type and/or other display attributes.

This would require flawless speech recognition, if implemented properly. On top of that, there would be some kind of emotion recognition, registering when the words are said in an angry, timid or kind tone of voice and displaying them accordingly. Of course, the question is whether this technology will be used in the Revolution or the handhelds. The detailed description leaves this question unanswered.

In the example shown, video game playing equipment 16 may comprise for example a home video game platform such as a NINTENDO GAMECUBE system connected to a handheld game controller 18 and a display device 20 such as a home color television set. In other examples, game playing equipment 16 could comprise a handheld networked video game platform such as a NINTENDO DS or GAMEBOY ADVANCE, a personal computer including a monitor and appropriate input device(s), a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant, or any other electronic or other appliance.

I think there are hints in the text that this system could be used for both the Revolution and DS consoles. The use of a server is mentioned as optional, depending on whether the console is able to convert the speech itself.

A game server 28 may optionally be provided to coordinate game play. For example, in the case of a complex multiplayer role playing game having tens or even hundreds of players 12 who can play simultaneously, a game server 28 may be used to keep track of the master game playing database and to provide updates to each instance of game playing equipment 16. In other game playing contexts, a game server 28 may not be necessary with all coordination being provided directly between the various instances of game playing equipment 16. (...) FIG. 2 shows an example illustrative non-limiting implementation of a speech-to-text converter 50 that may be used by example system 10--either in or with game playing equipment 16, within game server 28 or both.

In my opinion, a server may be needed for the DS, while the Revolution could most likely handle the conversion itself. It certainly seems as if this technology could be used on both systems and may even be hinting at the connectivity features between the two.

Source: US Patent and Trademark Office
Thanks to: BadNor, Heber