Dear all,
Thank you to all of those who previously replied to our first posting about
the 'Talking to Computers' meetings, the first of which is being held at the
University of Sheffield on April 17th this year. Thanks especially to those
who have provided helpful comments and advice.
This posting is in response to those who have asked for more details to be
posted directly, so please accept my apologies for the length of the mail, I
will try and give more information about ENABL, and the meetings all in one
go (as briefly as I can). If you have access to a web browser, you may
choose to go straight to the web site
http://www/pmartland.freeserve.co.uk/meeting/ where all these details, and
more can be found (a text version is available for slower browsers). For
those who would prefer details to be e-mailed directly to them, please
contact me on [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask] .
The sections below contain information about:
the ENABL Project
Talking to Computers I (User Meeting), Saturday 17th April 1999,
Talking to Computers II (International Congress), July 1999
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ENABL stands for:
"ENAbler for computer Based tasks with Language and speech."
Essentially, the aim of the project is to provide access by voice (via
Automatic Speech Recognition - ASR), to vocational software for
custom-driven product design and configuration. By using such an interface,
we hope to implement a system that is controllable by dysarthric speech of
persons with motoric disabilities. This will allow such persons to enter (or
re-enter) highly competitive and complex work environments, thus providing
the opportunity of occupying challenging and respected positions in society.
The Voice Care aspect of the ENABL project is primarily assigned to
investigating the impact of Automatic Speech Recognition system technology
on the vocal apparatus. This is by no means an easy task, since many factors
influence the way we use our voice, and thus the stress we apply to the
vocal chords.
By carefully monitoring users of ASR technology, we aim to identify features
that will highlight those 'more at risk' to developing voice problems.
Voice Care Guidelines have therefore been established to hopefully provide a
better environment for the ASR system user (these are available at the above
website). More general guidelines are also available, promoting the safe
keeping of anyones voice - whether an ASR user or not.
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The Talking to Computers meetings
The ENABL Partners would like to invite you to attend / participate in the
two forthcoming events:
Talking to Computers I (User Meeting) - April 17th 1999
Talking to computers II (International Congress) - July 1999
The main objective of these meetings is to promote contact between all
people who have an interest in speech input to computers (Automatic Speech
Recognition - ASR), including:
1.) Manufacturers & Distributors of ASR equipment
2.) Researchers of ASR technology development/applications
3.) Therapists & clinical staff who may utilise ASR technology
4.) Organisations & Charities working for the benefit of differently-abled
people who do, or might, benefit from speech controlled technology
5.) Employers who are considering use of ASR technology within the
workplace
6.) Users of ASR systems
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Talking to Computers I
In brief, the first meeting Talking to Computers I, will allow discussion of
issues that relate to current and future systems allowing operation of other
electronic systems (primarily computers), and, opportunities for work or day
to day living via speech input. Manufacturers will also have the opportunity
to demonstrate their systems.
In particular, we aim to meet the following objectives:
1. Initiate discussion of issues relating to current and future
systems that allow operation of other electronic systems
(primarily computers).
2. To discuss opportunities for work, or day to day living,
via speech input systems.
3. To initiate action for the formation of a 'speech input users
group' (or ASR users group) for differently-abled people,
and facilitating their input to the International Congress
(Talking to Computers II) in the summer of 1999.
The morning will provide short presentation/discussion sessions on any
issues relevant to the use of speech input technology. For example:
* User experiences
* Current and future opportunities for employment.
* Current and future systems that facilitate use of assistive technology.
* Looking after your voice when using speech input technology.
* Future systems and needs.
* Speech recognition.
* Speech understanding and usability.
* Any other relevant topic you may like to suggest to us.
If you would like to contribute to the meeting, please see the web pages for
details (or contact me directly) - if you need more help/advice, please feel
free to contact me.
The afternoon session will include a workshop to discuss the possible
formation of a 'speech input users group' (or ASR users group) for the UK.
People who definitely have something to contribute to this, or have an issue
that they feel needs to be addressed should let the organisers know that
they would like to participate as soon as possible. Anyone who would like to
contribute/attend this meeting is most welcome. There will also be a small
exhibition at the venue with free access.
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Talking to Computers II
The second meeting, Talking to Computers II, will be over a series of three
days and will include an exhibition, an academic programme, and a series of
'live' (Oral) and video presentations. Again, anyone within the categories
above is welcome to contribute/attend the meetings.
Four main themes have been identified for the Talking to Computers II
meeting, and we are now accepting abstracts\comments from anyone who would
like to participate.
i) Challenges in 'Talking to Computers'
This includes, for example, Human Machine Interaction (HCI), Natural
Language Processing (NLP), Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), the immediate
and future improvements of commercial systems.
ii). Opportunities for Enablement/Employment
This includes possibilities for enabling/employing all people within the
general community - especially differently abled people, use of speech with
other modes of input to computers, potential for new employment, working
practice gains or efficiency.
iii). Application(s) of Automatic Speech Recognition Technology
This includes, for example, descriptions of implementations of use of
Dictation systems in the workplace or at home, novel uses, telephone
dialogue systems.
iv). User Experiences of Commercial Systems that use ASR Technology
Individuals, or groups of individuals will have the opportunity to voice
directly whether their experience of 'Talking to Computers' was good or bad,
and to suggest how they would like to see improvements made to benefit their
current/future needs.
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For up to date details, please visit:
http://www.pmartland.freeserve.co.uk/meeting/
If you would like details posting directly to you, please mail:
[log in to unmask]
Thank you for you time and patience
Yours
Paul
Paul Martland
Department of Human & Communication Sciences
University of Sheffield
31 Claremont Crescent
Sheffield
S10 2TA
UK
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