Method and apparatus for improving text-to-speech performance

In a device, a method for improving text-to-speech performance, comprising the steps of:

• determining if a text expression from an application operating in the device is in a vocabulary;
• selecting a corresponding speech expression from the vocabulary if the text expression is included therein;
• synthesizing the text expression into a corresponding speech expression if the text expression is not in the vocabulary;
• playing the corresponding speech expression audibly from the device;
• monitoring a frequency of use of the text expression;
• storing the text expression and the corresponding speech expression in the vocabulary if the frequency of use of said expression is greater than a predetermined threshold and said expressions were not previously stored;
• eliminating one or more text expressions and corresponding speech expressions from the vocabulary if the frequency of use of said expressions falls below the predetermined threshold;
• and
• repeating the foregoing steps during operation of the application.

A device, comprising:

• an audio system;
• a memory;
• and
• a processor coupled to the foregoing elements, wherein the processor is programmed to:
• determine if a text expression from an application operating in the device is in a vocabulary;
• select a corresponding speech expression from the vocabulary if the text expression is included therein;
• synthesize the text expression into a corresponding speech expression if said text expression is not in the vocabulary;
• play said corresponding speech expression audibly from the device;
• monitor a frequency of use of said text expression;
• store the text expression and the corresponding speech expression in the vocabulary if the frequency of use of said expression is greater than a predetermined threshold and said expressions were not previously stored;
• eliminate one or more text expressions and corresponding speech expressions from the vocabulary if the frequency of use of said expressions falls below the predetermined threshold;
• and
• repeat the foregoing steps during operation of the application.