Code helps give fish the power of small talk |
The Fish Small Talk 2.0 software package uses the same hardware and has an additional lexicon vocabulary and a randomized speech generator engine for spontaneous fish talk. Fish can now engage in more talk with a more spontaneous demeanor.
The software beta version addition adds approximately twenty sentences and over fifty-five words allowing fish to randomly speak without sensors on a variety of subjects. Sometimes the talk is just underwater sound and gibberish and other times the fish will convey emotions or surprising and useful information.
The lexicon module allows for fish speaking facts, questions, commands, statements, emotion, sounds and singing. The latter depends on the version of the speech board used in the interface. Board 1.0 does not permit singing however the upgraded board 2.0 is song capable. While singing fish is not exactly the objective of the spacefaring mission, it could introduce an element of calming and good mood during longer spaceflight.