Multimodal Human Computer Interaction with MIDAS Intelligent Infokiosk

In this paper, we present an intelligent information kiosk called MIDAS (Multimodal Interactive-Dialogue Automaton for Self-service), including its hardware and software architecture, stages of deployment of speech recognition and synthesis technologies. MIDAS uses the methodology Wizard of Oz (WOZ) that allows an expert to correct speech recognition results and control the dialogue flow. User statistics of the multimodal human computer interaction (HCI) have been analyzed for the operation of the kiosk in the automatic and automated modes. The infokiosk offers information about the structure and staff of laboratories, the location and phones of departments and employees of the institution. The multimodal user interface is provided with a touch screen, natural speech input and head and manual gestures, both for ordinary and physically handicapped users.