Signal end-pointing method and system

A method of detecting portions of an input signal containing patterns, for subsequent recognition in a pattern recognition process, the method comprising the steps of:—

• for a first portion to be detected in any particular recognition session, setting detection information usable to detect the portions in dependence on one or more properties of the input signal;
• and
• detecting the first portion using the detection information;
• the method further comprising, for subsequent portions to be detected in the same recognition session, using detection information from a preceding detecting step as at least initial detection information to detect subsequent portions.

A system for identifying portions of an input signal to be subsequently recognised by a pattern recognition process, comprising:—

• control means arranged in operation to:—
• i) set one or more segmentation thresholds in dependence at least in part on one or more measured properties of the input signal;
• and
• ii) detect portions of the input signal using the set segmentation thresholds;
• wherein said control means is further arranged to repeatedly adapt said segmentation thresholds during the detection step in dependence on the measured properties of the input signal.

A system for detecting portions of an input signal containing patterns, for subsequent recognition in a pattern recognition process, the system comprising control means arranged in operation to perform the following:—

• i) for a first portion to be detected in any particular recognition session, to set detection information usable to detect the portions in dependence on one or more properties of the input signal;
• and
• ii) detect the first portion using the detection information;
• the control means being further arranged, for subsequent portions to be detected in the same recognition session, to use detection information from a preceding detecting step as at least initial detection information to detect subsequent portions.