Hi
It has been suggested in the past that discrete speech programs
such as Dragon Dictate are more 'sympathetic' to non-standard
voices. However, 'continuous' packages such as Dragon Nat Speak
can be used 'discretely' with good recognition. The latest version
(V4) is quick and easy to train and includes a mic boost facility in the
audio setup. It is also reckoned to be better at recognising female
voices.
I have no idea of your VR expertise, so excuse me if the following
has you 'sucking eggs'.
If your student's voice is regular, it ought to be possible to get decent
recognition from the software.
The main issue to be aware of is audio setup and microphone
position. If the user's voiceis 'soft', perhaps in an attempt to amplify
input, the mic is being positioned in front of the mouth (in the
airstream). This always results in naff recognition and loads of
unbidden instances of 'the', 'at', 'and', etc.
Poor processor performance and insufficient RAM also seems to
affect recognition and causes frustration as the program trawls slowly
through its word database for a best match.
An unsuitable sound card can also cause problems. (See ianSyst
website for more info on this).
Voice recognition software can be wonderful - particularly in respect
of its potential to emancipate. However, although it is already very
effective, correct setup and use is critical for good performance.
(It still does not suit all users)
Regards
Peter Hill
voicerec-forum list owner
http://www.mailbase.ac.uk/lists/voicerec-forum/
> Hi folks.
>
> We have a student with Cerebral Palsy who is seeking to replace
> her computer equipment and, as well as appropriate hardware
> including a keyboard with keyguard, is interested in the possibility
> of using voice recognition. Her keyboarding has always been very
> slow and now she is getting shoulder problems which severely restrict
> the time she can spend at a keyboard.
>
> Her voice is rather soft but consistent and understandable - at least
> to the human ear. She has tried both Dragon NatSpeak and Via Voice
> Gold but the initial recognition is so poor that this route seems
> futile. Has anyone had more success with other packages, possibly
> discrete rather than continuous?
>
> Any other ideas?
>
> Thanks
>
> Geoff
> Assistive Technology Advisor
> University of Central Lancashire
Peter J Hill
Learning Support Tutor
Equal Opportunities Centre
Woodbury 3
University College Worcester
Henwick Grove
Worcester
WR2 6AJ
Tel: 01905 855413
Email: [log in to unmask]
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|