The inability to communicate in a foreign language is a problem that many international travelers face. But now, a Minnesota company is developing a system that would make this a problem of the past.
Minneapolis-based Via is the company behind the “Mobile Language Translation System”, or MLTS. But they are not the only company trying to develop real-time computer translation. IBM is promoting a new high-speed text translation system, and NEC is working on software that provides rapid voice translations from English to Japanese and vice versa.
But Via CEO Ed McConaghay says that the biggest difficulty in developing MLTS hs been to combine existing technology with bidirectional capability and portable packaging.
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A translator demonstrates just how MLTS works.
The translations take about five seconds and are not always perfect. However, the text translation on the screen can help users get the general idea of a conversation.
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In the future, MLTS may be able to assist military personnel in communicating with foreign language speakers in the field.
This system may also be of help to border patrol officers, airport personnel, and local law enforcement.
Eventually, though, the device will be available to travelers or anyone in the general public who would like to communicate with a foreign friend.
