The Google is assembling pieces of technology to perform some useful cross language functions. I recall seeing a Star Trek episode in which the Priceline pitchman or the pointy-eared wizard used a device to translate alien speech into Hollywood English. The question this patent application triggered in my mind was, “Is Google building a Star Trek communicator?” Read “Voice Recognition Grammar Selection Based on Context” (US20090228281) and see what you make of this description.
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes receiving geographical information derived from a non-verbal user action associated with a first computing device. The non-verbal user action implies an interest of a user in a geographic location. The method also includes identifying a grammar associated with the geographic location using the derived geographical information and outputting a grammar indicator for use in selecting the identified grammar for voice recognition processing of vocal input from the user.
I think this is science fiction. Well, maybe only science semi-fiction.
Stephen Arnold, September 14, 2009