Welcome!
April 29, 2020
Script for NLP Research Project
Hi. I am Daniel. My computer-generated voice is a result of Natural Language Processing.
What is it?
Natural Language Processing or NLP is a process used by my computer program which allows me to communicate with humans. When a person asks me a question, my computer program takes the input and uses algorithms to determine what answer I should give them.
Sorry. I do not understand. It may be difficult for me to recognize anything other than a standard accent in the language I was programmed to process.
Sorry, I do not seem to have this information. I have a an NLP colleague who may know the answer. OK google, in which areas is NLP useful?
*Google home answers*
Merci, mon ami! My translation abilities are limited. Let’s ask another fellow NLP. Google Translate, could you translate the answer?
*Google Translate*
Great! I am eager to expand my database. Let’s go explore these areas!
Authors: Jasmine Caron-Slater and Maude Lessard
April 8, 2020
Natural Language Processing
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a process used by computers which allows them to communicate through human language. When a person talks to a computer, the computer takes the input and uses algorithms to determine what answer it should output. NLP is used for many things, for example, it is used in translation programs and in call centers. Programs like Siri and Google Home, that are made to act as personal assistants, use NLP as their main programming.
Although NLP is a great advancement in technology, it has its limitations. First, it may be difficult for a computer to recognize anything other than a standard accent in the language it was programmed to process. Second, the hidden Markov model (HMM) is a model which allows a computer to piece sounds together to imitate human speech. As HMM has a limited database, the resulting computer-generated voice sounds inauthentic.
NLP’s limitations causes some problems to arise. Indeed, the computer’s difficulty in recognizing a wide range of accents can be discriminatory. A person who’s regional accent is stronger or who’s first language is not English may feel discriminated. Further, some words’ meanings vary depending on the region. This may create miscommunication problems, causing a computer to output an erroneous answer. In consequence, services like personal assistant programs may fail to accomplish their main purpose, which is to provide a helpful answer.
February 26, 2020
INFOGRAPHIC
Using Canva, I create this interesting infographic on dwarf planets in our solar system. I found it is a creative yet efficient way of sharing information. Divided into five sections, my infographic shows the five dwarf planets in their order from closest to farthest from the sun. To give an idea of their distance, I created a white line down the centre and placed each planet along the line according to their distance. Additionally, I used bright colors to make my infographic stand out, inviting the attention of any onlookers.
I chose the subject of dwarf planets because dwarf planets are still unknown to many. Hopefully, this infographic will catch some people’s interest and it may get them interested in looking up more information about these solar objects.
February 19, 2020
AI Research Project
For my AI research project, I am thinking of exploring how AI will influence human relationships. Already, I find that the human mind is a fascinating subject, and I would love to know more about how people are affected by this advancement in technology, seeing that AI will most probably become an essential part of our society’s future.
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Media Lab Blog 2020 