82 · MT 3/2022 Commentary Adopting AI The use of Artificial Intelligence allows the analysis of large amounts of data to first identify the obstacle and then solve it, without the limits of human capability to create a defined task or specific algorithm. INVISIO recruited experts, who were working on reconstructing bone-conducted speech at the Danish Technical University (DTU), the same technology used by INVISIO in its X5 in-ear headsets. They had ascertained the need for AI to provide a more effective solution. “They collected a range of data – recording people speaking into INVISIO’s X5 headset with its bone conduction microphone as well as high-quality microphones, producing both degraded, lower-quality speech and high-quality speech,” explained Jan Larsen, SVP of R&D at INVISIO. “By inputting this data, the team used AI to create its own solution to reduce any degradation as far as possible, and provide even higher-quality transmissions.” The next step was to collect more data, in order to deploy the algorithm in mission-critical environments. To do so, INVISIO’s experts recorded speech from multiple nationalities and different genders, as well as including data involving a range of noise environments, mixing clean speech segments with a database of noises from machine noise to gunshots and helicopter rotors. The use of this larger data set allowed for development of a stable product, that could be deployed in real-world situations. But it didn’t stop there. “AI may have improved sound quality, but it also brought its own challenges,” added Larsen. “It demanded more power compared to our low-power headsets and control units, which meant the technology had to be reduced in size so it could be used practically in the field.” INVISIO managed to reduce the power required – by a factor of 80 times. The ability to embed the AI itself in the offline control unit also provided added reassurance in terms of security, protecting communications from cyberattacks and any compromise. Results Speak for Themselves INVISIO’s analysis of the results of the AI, using Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality (PESQ) – an accepted family of standards used to assess speech quality – revealed clear improvements to speech quality. They showed a 30% increase in quality – crucially improving users’ ability to perceive speech in critical situations. In addition, a large field test, involving 400 users, produced anecdotal evidence suggesting that the use of the AI within the systems helped reduce cognitive burden for users. Comments in feedback from 50 of the 400 users showed that they heard transmissions more clearly than with previous in-ear headset systems, while the AI also meant that those broadcasting transmissions did not have to repeat themselves. Future Developments The use of AI in the new generation of INVISIO technology, with its ability to increase speech intelligibility and remove unwanted noise, has allowed the implementation of a step-change in development of tactical communication. For Larsen, the potential is clear, with research already providing the stimulus for further improvements to the algorithm, as well as the potential development of new firmware for control units. Possibilities also include the potential to expand the use of AI to other possible uses within INVISIO’s area of expertise. “The introduction of AI has enabled us to make a huge leap forward. We’ve achieved a 30% increase in speech quality, and have found a solution for power consumption, allowing us to reduce the AI algorithm by a factor of 80. This paves the way for future developments, and opens the door to even more improvements and solutions in mission-critical communication. We look forward to exploring these so we can continue to develop market-leading communication technology for the defence sector.” INVISIO, whose reputation for innovation continues to grow, is passionate about speech quality and indicates here the whys and wherefores of using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve that under-rated but essential ingredient in conflict communications. As a market leader in tactical communication systems, INVISIO is relentless in its quest to drive innovation and ensure high-quality solutions. Its new AI-powered technology platform and control units, V-Series Gen II, provide unparalleled performance in extremely noisy environments. The latest generation system builds on INVISIO’s strong legacy of products and technology, proven by thousands of operations worldwide, and constantly refined thanks to feedback and research around customers’ needs and requirements. A key area that has allowed INVISIO to make a leap forward in improving sound quality is through the use of AI. Artificial intelligence has transformed life in the 21st century, permeating every sector and offering the opportunity to redefine problem-solving and find otherwise elusive solutions to certain – sometimes seemingly intractable – situations. INVISIO has used AI to achieve a 30% increase in speech quality in its new generation of tactical communications systems, while at the same time managing to run the AI-algorithms at low power. AI has allowed INVISIO to push boundaries and reduce sound degradation even further, to ensure crystal-clear communication in mission-critical environments, as well as to further reduce unwanted noise and the cognitive burden for operators, to allow an even better, ever safer experience. Using AI to Improve Speech Quality The AI-powered INVISIO V-Series Gen II control units provide unparalleled audio performance for tactical communication. (Photo: INVISIO)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM5Mjg=