Voice Recognition


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What is Voice Recognition

 

Voice recognition is software that runs on your computer which allows the words that you speak to be converted into text. In addition the sofware has a range of voice commands that allows you to control your computer with your voice, starting programmes, browsing the web sending emails etc. As a means of enabling control this is now a realistic option for those who have good speaking voices. The systems take time to "train" to recognise the speaker, but with practice it is possible to work at the speed of a good typist. More recently these systems have become much more affordable - a full list of options is described in the AbilityNet factsheet "Voice Recognition Systems".

 

Example of a Voice Recognition user

 

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In article for Dyslexic.com, entitled,'My Journey with Speech Recognition Software', Charles J.R. Williams writes about his early experiences using speech recognition with a congenital muscular condition (www.dyslexic.com).

 

Most recently two systems have become popular:  

 

Dragon Naturally Speaking

 

In Dragon, the green ball at the top of the screen, is the 'select and say' button.  If greyed out, then some areas of the underlying program are not compatible, i.e. Powerpoint. ("Start Powerpoint"). Dragon recognises words in context - NOT as single words in isolation. After an upgrade to a more up to date version of Dragon, it's always best to discard the saved voice file and start a new one. If using a digital voice recorder, always use a noise cancelling microphone - VXI are best. Can be used via BlueTooth with dongle.  A 'Buddy' reduces the noise interference (the yellow bars on DNS enrolling process).

 

The old version - Dragon Dictate - is still out there.  Dictate accepts input one word at a time, which suits people with certain vocal difficulties. It does not work very well with Windows XP. Dragon Professional can be configured for complete hands free use.  A cheaper option is Dragon Preferred, with Talking Point software running alongside.

 

Dragon V9 supports 'Roaming Profiles' on a network, but there are usually problems because of IT security restrictions. The 'Tap System' is an interface for use between a Dragon user's computer and the host network computer. Some network software is not fully compatible with Dragon. Sometimes Pixel Mapping (Grids) is required for those which only allow mouse clicks. Professional allows a 3rd party to edit saved voice files, without affecting the original sound recording. The DNS command 'Heard Word' can be used to change a command phrase.

 

A number of international languages are supported.  This German website, Abitz.com,  offers a particularly detailed description of what the program offers.

 

Dragon does not currently operate on an Apple Mac.  If you have one of these you will need to consider MacSpeech iListen software or IBM ViaVoice (more on Apple Mac software later).

 

Using Dragon Naturally Speaking in a school environment

 

 

 

Voice Recognition In Vista

 

In the Windows Vista operating system Voice recognition is embedded and can be reached through the ease of access centre.

 

Vista voice recognition offers a real opportunity to explore how the technology works and for many users may be a suitable solution.

 

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AbilityNet Voice Recognition Video Playlist

 

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