Happy New Year! I'm sorry we've taken so long to get back to you about
the Prosynth project. It is now very much under way, though we are not yet
fully staffed on all sites. We are making excellent progress with parsing
issues and with the hierarchical representations which will be central to
the synthesis work. The actual speech database for modelling is taking
longer to put together than we originally anticipated, but we're getting
there!
We are glad to have BT's support and encouragement, and have been
wondering what would be the best way of turning this into a more active
working relationship. The Prosynth team would like to invite you to
propose a way forward on this: can you outline to us what you would see as
BT's contribution, and what you would hope to get in return?
Fortunately, there will be an opportunity to update you more fully on the
project at the end of January, since Mark will be attending the IOA meeting
in Martlesham and should get a chance to talk to you. (Alas I can't join
you, as Thursday is a heavy teaching day for me!).
Do let us know your thoughts. I hope all is well with you and yours.
All the best,
Jill