New voice (English)

[Marc Hamilton]

A new Picochess voice set in english I call, "Hamilton".  I ran it a few times with all the coaches turned on. Seems to work fine...  Anyone familiar with my videos may recognize the voice :-) 

Hamilton

[Dirk]

Hi Marc,

thanks for creating your voice for Picochess.

If you want to enhance it for your and our  pleasure you could add (more or less) funny game comments. Have a look at the enhanced voices like Dimitri or Glados.

I did a short documentation when I released my V2 version (see also the attachment).

Anyway - thanks for sharing.

Dirk (aka "MollI" ;-)

Picochess Voice Comments

Unfortunately we can’t give voice commands to PicoChess at the moment but I have implemented a small  framework to add more or less funny voice comments during the game.

It all started with the Fritz chess program by Chessbase. Fritz had always speech comments but a lot people did not use this feature and I was also disappointed a little bit.

At least in German language Fritz often says the same old comments and they seem totally by chance in most cases.
I had a deeper look at Fritz audios’s files was impressed how many files there were which I never had heard before - there several hundred speech audio files!

I then have developed a framework so that I can add voice comments by grouping the audio files and assigning them to various events during the gameplay so that a more or less meaningful and funny comment could be spoken.

At the moment there is no direct link to the current position/evaluation as this is not trivial to implement but that might change in future releases if I find time.

On the other hand by adding lots of different comments there will be more often a perfect match than you might think (at least this is my experience especially because you often don’t know if this should be a funny/ironic comment of a serious one)

So how does this work?

First we need the audio files which should could be for example
a) comment on a move
b) comment on a position
c) comment on a specific piece which has just been moved
c) just say a funny (chess related!?) phrase
d) make fun of the human player
e) simulate other computer voices like HAL 9000
F) the possibilities are endless
G) use voices or real commentators (like of GM Komarov)
H) convert speech comments from old chess computers like Fidelities Chesster
I) …

I  have defined the below listed events to which we can assign the comments by naming them according to the wanted assigned event.

But where do to put the audio files?
Just create a new voice and set it up like for the standard voices already existing in picochess and put the additional comment files in the same folder! Then just select this specific voice as the Pico Voice and the comments will automatically be scanned and spoken during the game play.

We can even take a copy of a standard voice for the standard voice announcements or we also create them new along with the comments (I often have two sets of same voice comments : one with standard voice move announcements (which I can better understand) and one with the standard move announcements spoken by the commentator.

For example the quality of the standard voice announcements of the converted Fritz files are not so good as the original pico voices so I took a standard voice as a base set up for the commentary voice  and just added the additional voice comment files (I just copied the standard voice folder from Christine but you might take Als voice as well - it fits perfectly for Dimitri ;-)

During the startup phase of picochess the audio files in the voice folder are scanned and counted so that we can calculate specific probabilities for the comments during the various game events (some comments are always spoken like commenting the end of game, others only with 40% probability etc.).

You can further adjust the general probability for all events by a factor with the picochess.ini config parameter com-fact = 100 by default. 0 would switch off the comments but you also can do this by just selecting a voice with no voice commentary audio files.
 

Naming rule for audio file names

The audio files must be in ogg format and named according to the general rule

 ‚f_‘ + EVENT + sequence number, eg. „f_cmove33“ or „f_mate4“

Regarding the possible meaning /content of the audio files and their events: Keep in mind there is no strict rule for this - Fitz often uses various generic chess phrases or even unrelated poems or other chat phrases (that’s where the specific names for the events come from)


Events and the corresponding file names

1. START_NEW_GAME
- f_newgame     (comment when new game is played)
- f_uwhite          (user plays white comment)    

2. COMPUTER_MOVE
- f_beforemove (good for general filling phrases like „Hmmmmmm…“ etc.
- Move_comment: done automatically according to the defined and used piece comment, see below)
- f_cmove   (Direct generic comment on computer move)

3. COMPUTER_MOVE_DONE
- f_chat (longer comment or general chess phrase after the computer move just played)
 
4. USER_MOVE_DONE
- f_beforemove  (good for general filling phrases)
- f_umove   (direct generic comment on user move)
- f_poem    (Fritz often recites a more or less chess related short poem)

5. REVIEW_MOVE_DONE
- (Nothing yet)

6. GAME_ENDS
 Comments on various game endings
- f_uwin      
- f_uloose    
- f_mate      
- f_stalemate
- f_draw      

7. TAKE_BACK
- f_takeback  (funny comment when user takes back moves)

8. PLAY_MODE
- f_ublack (user plays back / computer white)      
- f_uwhite (user plays white /computer black)              

9. STARTUP_INFO
- f_start       (Longer introduction during startup phase)
- f_name      (might be used for introducing the commentator „my name is fritz 007 and I have a license to kill“ etc.)

10. SYSTEM_SHUTDOWN/REBOOT
- f_shutdown  (Goodbye comment)      

11. TAKEN
- f_taken   (a piece is taken)

12.Move_Comment for bishop, queen, knight, rook, king, castle, pawn move
- f_PIECENAME like „f_bishop3“, „f_pawn5“ etc.        

13. CHECK
- f_check (Computer plays a check move)      

[m371...@gmail.com]

Minor change to “takeback”… 😊

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

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[Marc Hamilton]

Dirk, 

Great information, I'll have to play with some of the options.

Here's a link to better voice file, I played several games and edited the audio entries on the fly to get a more pleasant, even sound. 

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AtQyUnq0VT843H-7mU6oSI-e3Npn?e=8ZgA6B

[Scally]

Hi Marc,

I’ll wait until you’ve finished adding comments before I download it.

It’s important to edit the files and remove any ‘white noise / gaps’ from the front and back of each file.

When Dirk and I were testing this great feature, I experimented with a voice synthesiser and created 2 voices with limited extra chat.

These were ‘borg’ a Star Trek nemesis and ‘CCvoice’, my interpretation of the Fidelity Voice Challenger before the days of emu, so all my own voice.

Please try them (attached) , but I overdid the ‘assimilate’ in the ‘Borg’ voices 🖖

 

Al 

[James Young]

I have added the voices Borg, CCvoices, and Hamilton and through the PI/Clock I can scroll through the list but if I select ANY voice the system locks up. Any solution for this? The Voice.ini looks good thoughts or suggestions?

[Randy Reade]

I would suggest running picochess from the terminal and seeing what error it gives when you make the menu selection:

cd /opt/picochess

sudo python3 picochess.py

Or, once it lock up, log in and type:

systemctl status picochess

The error should be there.

Randy

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[James Young]

  Loaded: loaded (/etc/systemd/system/picochess.service; enabled; vendor preset: enabled)
     Active: active (running) since Sat 2022-12-17 16:25:49 CET; 40min ago
   Main PID: 710 (python3)
      Tasks: 29 (limit: 2058)
        CPU: 3min 9.308s
     CGroup: /system.slice/picochess.service
             ├─710 /usr/bin/python3 /opt/picochess/picochess.py
             ├─862 /opt/picochess/engines/armv7l/a-stockf
             ├─892 /bin/sh -c rfcomm connect 123 00:06:66:FF:6D:A9
             ├─893 rfcomm connect 123 00:06:66:FF:6D:A9
             ├─935 /opt/picochess/engines/armv7l/a-stockf
             └─937 /opt/picochess/engines/armv7l/a-stockf

Dec 17 17:04:13 picochess python3[710]:     self._process_button4(message.dev)
Dec 17 17:04:13 picochess python3[710]:   File "/opt/picochess/dgt/display.py", line 279, in _process_button4
Dec 17 17:04:13 picochess python3[710]:     text = self.dgtmenu.main_down()  # button4 can exit the menu, so check
Dec 17 17:04:13 picochess python3[710]:   File "/opt/picochess/dgt/menu.py", line 2139, in main_down
Dec 17 17:04:13 picochess python3[710]:     config = ConfigObj('picochess.ini')
Dec 17 17:04:13 picochess python3[710]:   File "/usr/local/lib/python3.9/dist-packages/configobj.py", line 1229, in __init__
Dec 17 17:04:13 picochess python3[710]:     self._load(infile, configspec)
Dec 17 17:04:13 picochess python3[710]:   File "/usr/local/lib/python3.9/dist-packages/configobj.py", line 1318, in _load
Dec 17 17:04:13 picochess python3[710]:     raise error
Dec 17 17:04:13 picochess python3[710]: configobj.DuplicateError: Duplicate keyword name at line 285.

[Randy Reade]

You have a duplicate entry in picochess.ini at line 285.

Randy

[gkalab]

The error suggests that you have the same key more than once in your picochess.ini file.

[gkalab]

Randy you were faster than me :-)

[Randy Reade]

😊

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[James Young]

The issue is resolved, thanks. Now how best to use the new ELO rating system  I am not sure I understand how it adjusts my ELO, and what is required on my part to get this to work. LOVE all the new additions as it helps me improve. this with Chasebase 17 is Awesome!!

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[gkalab]

To use the auto ELO adjustment: if you use the 3.1 image from Dirk you're all set. Just select an engine that has an auto level and select it. After you've played a game, depending on the result of the game, the ELO of the engine will be adjusted for the next game. After you've played 10 or more games, the engine will play around your level of play.

[James Young]

NICE!!! Thanks

[m371...@gmail.com]

Thanks Al,

 

I’ve done about 8 more hours work on the audio files, recreating most of them to get and even volume level and a smooth transition between audio files. I also ordered a condenser microphone, so this is just an interim effort.

 

It’s just a learning experience. I found if I make a single track, just saying numbers 1-8 and a-h and the board pieces and later cutting the track, it sound better. 

 

Here’s my latest effort. Hamilton3

I’ve been using  for several games and am now quite happy with it.

 

I’ll give your new voices a try and report back.

 

One question, what’s the difference between the regular files and those prefixed with the letter ‘t_’.

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

From: James Young
Sent: Saturday, December 17, 2022 7:43 AM
To: PicoChess
Subject: Re: New voice (English)

 

I have added the voices Borg, CCvoices, and Hamilton and through the PI/Clock I can scroll through the list but if I select ANY voice the system locks up. Any solution for this? The Voice.ini looks good thoughts or suggestions?

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[Dirk]

Hi Marc,


audio files starting with prefix ’t_’ are for the tutor voice. These were created by me after all the other voices were already finished and the tutor should speak with always the same voice/audiofiles that’s why I couldn’t use the existing move samples.

Unless you also want to replace the tutor voice samples with your own I wouldn’t change these (but of course that’s up to you).

Commentary voice samples start with prefix ‚f_‘ and are assigned to different game events, see also the short documentation I posted above,.

Have fun!

Molli

[Scally]

Hi Marc,

Mine are not new voices, they were created when we were testing v3.

They can probably be improved upon, or deleted when you get sick of being assimilated 🤣

Al.

[m371...@gmail.com]

Okay, that makes sense, I’ll find the default voices for the tutor and add them back in.

Thanks for the information on making comments, I’ll give that a try, looks like fun.

I was just looking for the email you sent yesterday, when this message popped up. I’ll make sure I save the info to a Word document this time.

 

Marc

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

From: 'Dirk' via PicoChess
Sent: Saturday, December 17, 2022 12:58 PM
To: 'Dirk' via PicoChess
Subject: Re: New voice (English)

 

Hi Marc,

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[Dirk]

Yes Marc  - it is really fun but also a lot of work. Have a look at the Dimitri voice - I don’t know how long I have worked on this one alone…

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[m371...@gmail.com]

It appears that the 77 of the 146 default voices are not part of individual personalities.  So, that only leaves 69 voices that need rendered.

I was able to get these 77 voices from another voice set and replace my audio files, so I should be good now.

I will look at the Dimitri voice as a guidance how additional comments are added.  Thanx

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[Marc Hamilton]

Here's a link to a video with the hamilton voice that I'm satisfied with: chess video
It seems there are only 56 files that need created for a "standard" voice set of a total of 146. This is a link to a PDF file with the file name and the vocalization Pico Voice Set (PDF)

This is a link to the voice set as it appears in the video: Hamilton Voice Set

[Scally]

Hi Marc,

Nicely done …

Of course you or anyone else could always use the  “speed-voice = x (1 to 9)”  in the picochess.ini or on the clock to increase the value to speed the voice up should you think it’s too slow.

Cheers,

Al

[Dirk Sommerfeld]

Well done Mark !!

Could I use it in my further picochessweb images?

Dirk

[m371...@gmail.com]

Certainly Dirk; that would please me… A little bit of Picochess immortality 😊

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

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[m371...@gmail.com]

Dirk,

 

Use this version… I thought the voice sounded like it need a bit more bass.

Hamilton5

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

From: Dirk Sommerfeld

Sent: Monday, December 19, 2022 3:25 AM

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[m371...@gmail.com]

Dirk,

 

Can I make multiple f_stalemate comments by numbering them f_statlemate1, f_stalemate2 etc…

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

From: Dirk Sommerfeld

Sent: Monday, December 19, 2022 3:25 AM

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[Dirk]

Yes, exactly Marc!

I am really looking forward to some (funny) comments by you ;-))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Dirk

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[Dirk]

By the way: The more comments per event the better - otherwise it is getting very boring very soon ;-)

Dirk

[m371...@gmail.com]

Yes, I have the Dimitri folder on my desktop and it appears you made over 1000 (extra) comments.  Look’s like it can be a fun project for me over the coming winter months.

 

Thank you,

 

Marc

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

From: 'Dirk' via PicoChess
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2022 11:53 AM
To: PicoChess
Subject: Re: New voice (English)

 

By the way: The more comments per event the better - otherwise it is getting very boring very soon ;-)

Dirk

 

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[Marc Hamilton]

Amazon just delivered this... it creates a much richer audio 

[Dirk]

Hi Marc, 

on my PI4 with Pico 3.1 your voice samples (last version) don't work correctly (often spoken parts are missing or nothing can heard.).

The samples should be 44.1 kHz and not 48 kHz (I think this is the main reason why they might cause problems on some systems) and be in mono (but don't know if this is a must).

See for example your "1" sample compared tp "bishop" sample by Christiana 

Dirk

[m371...@gmail.com]

Here’s the set I’m currently using; 44,100 and mono hamilton6

 

I lengthened the time between the individual announcements and I think it helped clarify the move announcements

 

I purchased both the NCH Wavepad audio editor and their voice synthesizer software, so I’m going to work on the extra comments.

My idea is to try and make relevant chess quotes, here’s a sample:  voice sample

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

From: 'Dirk' via PicoChess
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2022 1:34 PM
To: PicoChess
Subject: Re: New voice (English)

 

Hi Marc, 

 

on my PI4 with Pico 3.1 your voice samples (last version) don't work correctly (often spoken parts are missing or nothing can heard.).

 

The samples should be 44.1 kHz and not 48 kHz (I think this is the main reason why they might cause problems on some systems) and be in mono (but don't know if this is a must).

 

See for example your "1" sample compared tp "bishop" sample by Christiana 

 

 

Dirk

m371...@gmail.com schrieb am Dienstag, 20. Dezember 2022 um 01:08:38 UTC+1:

Amazon just delivered this... it creates a much richer audio 

On Monday, December 19, 2022 at 11:59:22 AM UTC-8 Marc Hamilton wrote:

Yes, I have the Dimitri folder on my desktop and it appears you made over 1000 (extra) comments.  Look’s like it can be a fun project for me over the coming winter months.

 

Thank you,

 

Marc

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

From: 'Dirk' via PicoChess
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2022 11:53 AM
To: PicoChess
Subject: Re: New voice (English)

 

By the way: The more comments per event the better - otherwise it is getting very boring very soon ;-)

Dirk

 

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[m371...@gmail.com]

Dirk,

I seem to have a side effect in my voice set. When white checkmates, it states “checkmate, white wins”, then it repeats “checkmate white wins”. It did the same thing on a repetition draw (e.g., “repletion draw, repetition draw”). It’s always the LAST game announcement.

 

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

From: 'Dirk' via PicoChess
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2022 1:34 PM

To: PicoChess
Subject: Re: New voice (English)

 

Hi Marc, 

 

on my PI4 with Pico 3.1 your voice samples (last version) don't work correctly (often spoken parts are missing or nothing can heard.).

 

The samples should be 44.1 kHz and not 48 kHz (I think this is the main reason why they might cause problems on some systems) and be in mono (but don't know if this is a must).

 

See for example your "1" sample compared tp "bishop" sample by Christiana 

 

 

Dirk

m371...@gmail.com schrieb am Dienstag, 20. Dezember 2022 um 01:08:38 UTC+1:

Amazon just delivered this... it creates a much richer audio 

On Monday, December 19, 2022 at 11:59:22 AM UTC-8 Marc Hamilton wrote:

Yes, I have the Dimitri folder on my desktop and it appears you made over 1000 (extra) comments.  Look’s like it can be a fun project for me over the coming winter months.

 

Thank you,

 

Marc

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

From: 'Dirk' via PicoChess
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2022 11:53 AM
To: PicoChess
Subject: Re: New voice (English)

 

By the way: The more comments per event the better - otherwise it is getting very boring very soon ;-)

Dirk

 

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[Dirk]

Hi Marc,

I will check out your new voice set during the holidays on my systems - thanks for sharing.

Regarding the "double talk" of pico chess:

On your videos I could see and hear ;-) that you have both voices (for pico and the user) active: Isn't that the reason why your hear the game end results twice? One time for the user, one time for pico - and because you are using the same voice for both it sounds like pico is double talking...

Most users only have the pico voice activated - then the double talk should vanish (but I also like having the user voice being active as kind of a confirmation that picochess got my move right).

Dirk

[m371...@gmail.com]

That makes sense, normally, I only have the Picochess on, but it gives me more evaluations by listening to both. Thanks for the explanation.  

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

From: 'Dirk' via PicoChess
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2022 12:37 AM
To: PicoChess
Subject: Re: New voice (English)

 

Hi Marc,

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[Dirk]

Are you running 3.0 again, Marc?

In 3.1 we don’t have this „problem“ anymore.

Dirk

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