Fulcrum Voice Technologies (UK) is partnering with EADS-Telecom (France) on a European Commission part-funded Euro 1.7M research project ‘AnITA’ ( Audio eNhancement In secure Telecom Applications) under the EC 5th Framework, IST 6 Programme. The project also includes partners from Spain, Sweden and Germany.

The AnITA project co-ordinated by EADS-Telecom is to research new Noise Cancellation / Voice Enhancement methods, using novel signal processing techniques, for PMR (Private Mobile Radio) applications in emergency service and security applications. The project is centred on Tetrapol Applications but will be applicable Tetra, APCO 25, and existing Analogue transmission standards.

Fulcrum was chosen for this prestigious project as a result of its significant experience, expertise, and work with signal processing and acoustics with the UK Home Office / Emergency services relating to Siren and Wind/Road noise cancellation for PMR radio applications.
The 30 month project, starting now, involves 3 other European partners: KTH University (Sweden), FAU University (Germany) and Tradia (Spain) to address all aspects of Voice Input techniques, Noise Cancellation/Voice enhancement, Voice Switching in both fixed mobile and hand portable PMR applications.

The European Commission rated the AnITA project an overall high score of 4/5 on variety of criteria, which included technical challenge, complexity, commercial benefits to Europe, and enhancement to citizens of the EC.

Fulcrums’ MD Bob Andrews stated "How proud he and the team were, that our unique skill sets in respect of Noise Cancellation/Voice Enhancement using signal processing have been identified by EADS-Telecom and the European Commission. It is good that a private UK company has been recognised as the European leader in this field, and is seen as a significant contributor to the Technology and Intellectual Property base of Europe."

Fulcrum provides solutions for OEM clients within the Telecoms, Automotive, Radiocoms, and Internet Voice markets.Recent installed applications and ongoing client projects include Formula 1 Driver Communication, Hearing Damage Protection System for telephone operators, Police Vehicles, Financial Dealing Rooms, Agricultural Tractors, Retail Banking Intercom, Internet-based Public information Terminals.

Current research / development projects for the Automotive Market Segment within Fulcrum include Microphone Array’s, Wind / Road / Engine Noise Cancellation to enable voice control and communication.

Fulcrum has applied for patents for several aspects of their voice related / noise cancellation research.The www.fulcrumvoicetech.com site contains many sound files that demonstrate the company’s abilities to enhance electronic speech transmission in high noise environments.

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