SEE WHAT VOICE TECHNOLOGY CAN DO FOR YOU -- AND FOR PEOPLE YOU KNOW!

Amy L. Malicki
Computer Counsellors!
2008 N. Via Establo
Santa Maria, CA 93454-8201
Phone/Fax --- 805/925-5780
E-Mail: amymal@juno.com

Web Posted on: December 12, 1997

Because most people were introduced to Voice Technology in the Star Trek series, many still view it as just a "wave of the future". In reality, it has been around for more than a quarter of a century. Thanks to Multimedia and the Internet, the world is slowly becoming aware of it's existence, and even prices are coming down to earth.

But Voice Technology was not meant for just one media. This new computer-component has so much Magnitude and Power, it touches everyone in some way. Here are some ways it can affect YOU -- or people you KNOW.

Computers and Humans are really a lot alike. We input information, process it, and output data. Sometimes we need to use different ways to get information in or out; or to give our processors a boost.

We use scanners, modems, switches, printers and other adaptive devices to make operation easier. But none of these is as versatile, creative, or exciting as the technology that Listens and Talks. Voice is the EQUALIZER! It makes the computer more useful, and more accessible to more Humans.

Voice technology gives legs to the lame; ears to the deaf; eyes to the blind; and a voice to persons unable to speak. It bridges the gap between man and machine. It makes computers more friendly, easier to learn and to understand

The computer LISTENS to words spoken into a microphone, called Voice Recognition. The words are translated by a sound card to digital signals, which the computer interprets as keystrokes or mouse commands. As words are dictated, they appear on the screen. Voice commands can Open/Close Applications, Save and Print documents, move cursor, and click a mouse. Trial size systems are now available for under $100.

The computer TALKS by sending digital signals to a soundcard, synthesizer or a speaker, similar to the way it sends text to a printer. This is called Voice Output, or Text-to-speech. Text can be read (output) from a file, a keyboard, or screen as it is being typed. Voila offers simultaneous input/output with Kurzweil voice.

Voice Benefits for Persons with Impaired Hearing

As sign language provides visual information to a person unable to hear, a Speechviewer can graphically display visual information about the sound of their voice. Using a microphone, persons unable to HEAR volume, tone, pitch and inflection, can SEE this output on a screen. Graphic charts and animation display speech samples which are used to adjust speech sounds to desired levels.

Words typed into a portable ZYGO Lighwriter35 can be viewed on a small dual screen, or output as spoken words for verbal interaction or attention.

In a classroom or seminar setting, spoken words are input by RapidText to a Steno device (like those used in courtrooms). These produce large letter displays to be read by students as words are spoken. After the talk, hard copies of the data can be printed for distribution.

As a supplement to classroom Signing, an interpreter can use computer speech recognition software like Dragon Dictate to translate spoken words into text which are then displayed on the screen. With a word processor the fonts can be enlarged to make the display easier to read. This would be useful with foreign language, or medical and scientific term when Signs may not be available. This could be a simple means of communication with hearing impaired persons in an office environment.

Small tactile devices called Vibrating pagers are worn as a beeper or watchbands. These are triggered by a voice (baby or co-workers), telephone, doorbell, clock or alarm to alert the wearer in a preset variety of tactile signals

Phone Ear Personal FM systems are one-way listening devices for persons who have difficulty understanding words in classroom settings, churches, theaters and auditoriums. In the classroom a remote microphone is worn by the teacher. The student carries the receiver. In auditoriums and theaters the microphones are part of the installed system, and receivers are loaned to listeners for a small deposit fee. (This is an ADA Law).

Voice Output For Visual Impairments

To a person visually impaired, the output of synthesized word sounds makes it possible to "visualize" the screen and data as seen by others.

Vocal Eyes screen reading software, reads each character or word aloud as it is typed. Function keys are used to read the document, paragraphs, sentences, previous or next words, cursor location, column, line, etc. Each can be "voiced" by touching a hot-key.

Dialog Boxes and Menus are accessed with "Hot keys" that read Menu-Options as well. Another key toggles speech on or off. Speed, tone, pitch and volume of spoken words can also be controlled. Additional Hot Keys can be added for special features or commands.

Screen Readers like Vocal Eyes, that are memory resident, can be used with most software applications including fax, phone and Internet. Sound Blaster Text Assist will read a document displayed in WordPad.

Open Book reads documents that are scanned. The Optelec Spectrum SVGA closed circuit reader displays its text and images on a computer screen. The text can be read by Vocal Eyes or SoundBlaster's Text- Assist, text-to-speech software.

DVS Descriptive Home Video service verbally describes popular videos, movies and TV situations. Movies can be heard on the Public Service channel.

Talking watches, calculators, and clocks available through the Foundation for the blind are also helpful to persons with learning or developmental disabilities. RFB reads schoolbooks for the blind and Learning Disabled & Arkenstone reads Maps.

Deaf/Blind Voice Technology Benefits

Words input to a computer by BAT, Braille, or tactile (raised letter) keyboards can be output by speech using MSI Handi-chat, in addition to a braille printer, an Optacon tactile reading device, or fax and Internet software.

Learning Disabled - Using Audio, Visual, Interactive Learning

The learning process of persons who need visual or auditory input can benefit from the vocal response and animation of Hartley-Jostens Special Education tools. This Graphic software encourages practice and repetitive learning far beyond the time a therapist or teacher can provide. The software is sensitive to student response and will adjust grade level based on ability. The software covers all phases of reading, writing, math, etc.

Some learning disabled have difficulty with the output process: typing reports, spelling, writing, and expressing what they learned. Voice Recognition puts their words and thoughts on the screen. Voice Output reinforces learning by highlighting and voicing words as they are typed. SoundProof combining sight/sound aids in vocabulary retention.

Some language learning software is specifically designed to teach foreign languages as well as ESL. Using voice input, output and other bells and whistles, these inexpensive programs motivate learning and reinforce with repetition. They support teacher or therapist training. Some programs can be preset for specific levels of learning, and progress can be followed by computer reports.

The Digital Book System, is a hand-held electronic talking device that spells, defines, and adds grammatical examples of using the word in a sentence. A simple alternative for mild spelling and English problems

Developmentally Disabled - Motivational Software

Ukando Interactive Learning series software, motivates and reinforces the learning of languages, grammar, math and writing. Vocalizing words as they are displayed, spoken or written, activates different levels of animation, Sound, and graphic "rewards", encourages repetition and stimulates the desire to increase learning to a greater capacity.

Communication and Computer Access for Vocal Expression

Vocal sounds that are digitized (recorded) or synthesized (read as computer text) provide a means of communication to persons unable to vocalize their needs. Hand held text talkers, or recorders, speak words or phrases that are preset, pre-recorded, or spoken as they are typed, depending on ability and need. A variety of Special software is available, some can be used with a computer,

These are available in many levels of access and response: from switches, scanners, Morse code, membrane keyboards, and picture keyboards; to portable computers, wireless, and remote control - offering options for nearly every type of output need.

Loss or repair of vocal chords or larynx as a result of injury or stroke can be augmented by Vocal Assistant of Companion Communicator, temporary, talking devices; or by Cooper-Rand Electronic Speech Aids and other permanent devices.

Computer access for data output is possible for persons with limited mobility resulting from accident or injury (paraplegic or quadriplegic) through Kurzweil Voice Recognition software. Voice Dictation makes it possible to return to school, train for a new career, or return to a working environment. With Voice Commands and Voice Dictation, major software programs can be controlled, even without previous computer experience.

Voice Recognition is another means of entering computer data for persons with carpal tunnel who are no longer able to use a computer or typewriter. It may also relieve the pain or symptoms of those who are in the early stages of the work injury.

Behavioral/Emotional Disorders

The inviting vocal sounds of Talk-Time With Tucker, combined with music and animation, encourage interaction and verbalization of single words or word sounds. Pre-set by teacher or therapist, good-better- best rewards of lively animation, catchy graphics, and musical sounds motivate, and occupy a student while introducing subtle, suitable, learning practices, based on age and ability.

Speech/Language

Activities of Laureate's Talking Nouns provide an interactive environment for language exploration and communication exchange. Daily living teaches functional language training in home, neighborhood, and school environments. It motivates using Vocal sounds and graphic software. Starting with writing, language, story processing and art abilities, levels can grow to include sentence structure, tenses, Math and Grammar based on individual learning ability. Some Bi-Lingual versions.

ESL students of all ages can benefit from Hartleys Learning English software, since many of them miss this interaction in the language learning process. This software uses Voice Output for pronunciation and Voice Recognition to assess student input. Grading levels increase automatically based on students timely response.

Traumatic Brain Injured - Keyboard stimulators for expression

Intellitools membrane keyboards with large, exaggerated, colored pictures or text are used to input data to a computer or produce words or sounds to express thoughts and needs. Simple language, writing, math, art and encyclopedia software encourages learning to greatest potential. Create your own software situations

Environment Control - For More Independence And Greater Self Esteem

Kurzweil Voice Commands can be used with Proxi for total environment control. Spoken words can answer or dial a phone; turn appliances, lights, TV, and VCR units on/off; and open/close doors and windows. Any electrical appliance can be controlled X10 modules.

Computer text has been used to output voice commands (for a non-verbal person), which a guide dog was trained to understand and respond to. Another kind of environment control.

Telephony Voices - Output and Recognition

The telephone industry has created its own form of Voice Recognition which will someday understand "common" words in all languages. It offers automated options to provide answers, instructions, faxing, phone transfer, message taking, or a simple reply. Voice activated information kiosks can be found at airports, theme parks, etc. Some offer pictures or icons to touch for information, while others prompt for single word input such as: one, two, three, yes, or no.

Some new computers now come equipped with full-duplex speakerphone. This makes it possible to phone, fax, e-mail, record messages and access the Internet from within the computer using an inexpensive desktop microphone which is included.

Persons with voice impairments who have difficulty being understood can now call an 800 number for help. Some California phone companies provide a translator, trained in speech differences, who listens and relates the messages -- similar to the relay messaging of TDD.

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