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Approved Discussion on Real-Time Universal Language Translators - Printable Version

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Discussion on Real-Time Universal Language Translators - Alvino Castillon - 07-02-2017

Technology Submission
Technology ReportApproved


Name of Origin Country: Kazemura
Name of Technology/Object: Universal Language Translator

Supporting Real Life References:
Waverly Labs
ili (YouTube)
Google's work on a universal translator (cnet)
Microsoft demoing it for Skype (CNN)




Report


Description:
The Universal Translator is a concept that has existed in science fiction for decades, popularized in the culture by shows such as Star Trek. There are many different ways it could work, but the main concept is that real-time translation would be done through technology rather than by flipping through a translation book or having knowledge of the language in question. For the most part, a device (a smartphone, a pair of earbuds, etc.) takes audio in one language and translates it into a different one, preferably the user's native tongue. The goal of this technology is to do all such translations in real-time. While there have been a few concepts that have come close, none have cut down on the lag time enough to claim "real-time", instead claiming "near real-time" in many cases. However, it is estimated that the next few years will see a final breakthrough that will eliminate any further lag time for translation.

In most cases, the language must be one that has been identified by modern civilization and that there is a vested interest in translating. For example, a language on the brink of extinction/is extinct is not likely to be added into the database utilized by the consumer, but a language to a popular tourist destination would be.

As a note, this is a technology that is incredibly close to fruition. Waverly Labs will be releasing its product in the Fall of 2017 and have had 25,000+ pre-orders.

Show ContentImages:



So I dunno if this is already a thing, but if it isn't, Kazemura would like to take the lead on this one. As a note, if it's allowed, it would likely be a project done by a group of technical engineering graduates from one of the big universities in Kazemura that would then be picked up by the Kazemuran government/ a wealthy philanthropist.


RE: Discussion on Real-Time Universal Language Translators - Ayzek - 07-02-2017

As someone who believes that Software is Love and Software is Life, the Directorate:
  • clarifies that it is considering a real-time language translator,
  • approves this submission,
  • affirms that the technology may be developed by any first-world country with a strong information technology field,
  • grants Kazemura a leading role in its development (and consequently: a market advantage),
  • establishes the following guidelines on the use of real-time language translators:
    the technology...
    • requires a computer no smaller than half the size of an average smartphone, be it an actual smartphone or a separate device;
    • may translate only known languages and dialects that have been programed into its device (and the device can be designed for any reasonable number of languages);
    • may be targeted (eg., use earpieces/devices for each speaker) or general (one device translating reasonably audible communications);
    • is not perfect and cannot translate more than one or three simultaneous inputs (depending on its design, though this does not apply to chats over larger computers, which are more capable), inputs from the background (possibly because the device is so designed due to technological limitations), and is noticeably slower if not set to a specific language/dialect (as checking a big ass database is not quick).



RE: Discussion on Real-Time Universal Language Translators - Alvino Castillon - 07-02-2017

Excellent! Thank you very much Lines!