Speech interface for computer application programs

Abstract

In a computer system, a method enables an application program to interact aurally with a user. The application program including calls to perform input and output. The calls include parameters. The method identifies functions of an input/output driver. The functions are called by the calls of the application program. The functions are augmented to process the parameters according to an execution context of the application program. The augmented functions are linked to speech processing modules. The speech processing modules generating aural output dependent on the parameters of the calls and the execution context of the application program. The speech processing modules include speak line, speak word, speak letter, speak icon modules for generating the aural output as spoken lines, words, and letters. In addition, the aural output can be modified by voice, personality, and background modules. Graphic icons can be rendered as distinctive sounds.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.