Future Plans

Intelligence, agents… anything to do with security?

N: "Tom Cruise MissioN: Impossible" stuff? Well, actually this research could be used to reduce crimes like spoofing or improve security through enhanced access control based on voice, for cyberspace as well as otherwise. It should realize safer environs for both children and the elderly too. It could even be applied to health diagnosis and possibly tailor-made medicine.

What other plans are in the offing?

N: There are planned projects such as an attempt to produce virtual singers or idols, though phonetic refinements are still a long way off, because we need to identify various issues involved. We are also eyeing means of estimating a person's age with voice alone, though some students may become unable to buy cigarettes if we are successful. Habits, like motivations, can be altered however, such as through strong emotion!

Conclusion

Learning/Inculcation does temper emotions, indicating growth and maturity.

N: Speaking of inculcation, let us conclude by noting the research direction at Tohoku University in this area. We have been selected to be an Excellent Graduate School Program (TAKUETSU*), which targets inculcation of individuals with doctoral degrees who can take leading roles over a variety of sectors, not to mention creating hubs for sustained promotion of human resource development plus exchange. Moreover, joint research will be promoted.