TalkPro Frequently Asked Questions:
Speech Recognition
The development of Speech Recognition software applications has been a remarkable achievement in the realm of personal computing over the past several years. These applications recognize the spoken human voice and react to that input whether it is for the purpose of desktop operating system command & control or for dictation to written text. As personal computing power has expanded, the efficacy of Speech Recognition applications has improved well enough, so that with a minimum of setup & training, one can realize the benefits of Speech Recognition quite easily.
Software Applications
Speech Recognition is most popularly approached through the use of end-user software notably the Scansoft Dragon Naturally Speaking and IBM ViaVoice platforms. These programs are available at a number of different price points and software suites that include a number of features depending on intended use. Programs range in sophistication - from the home user simply seeking to dictate letters without touching a keyboard, to the more advanced offerings designed for detailed medical & legal dictation.
Who Uses Speech Recognition?
There are many users of Speech Recognition applications. The power of speech control has enabled many individuals who might otherwise not be able to interact with a computer through the conventional mouse/keyboard interface. Those who are physically challenged, visually impaired, mobility impaired have found new opportunities using Speech Recognition applications. Those who suffer workplace associated repetitive stress maladies, carpal tunnel and the like find great benefit in being able to interact with a personal computer through the use of their own voice rather than by keyboard/mouse. Also, Speech Recognition has greatly made more efficient the generation and maintenance of the paperwork requirements associated in the medical and legal fields. Doctors, lawyers, transcriptionists, office personnel can now utilize specialized Speech Recognition software suites that are specifically designed for these fields to increase productivity while reduce time spent on paperwork, record keeping, etc. In the future, the power of Speech Recognition is sure to expand and empower more tasks done on the personal computer, in the home, automobile, or wherever else the marketplace dictates.
Input Devices and Headsets
As it is, Speech Recognition is best utilized between user and appliance through the use of high quality microphone input devices specifically headsets worn by the user. The environment in which Speech Recognition is conducted can greatly influence the performance and accuracy of the Speech Recognition process. The key is to ensure that no background sounds (from AC units, road noises, televisions, etc.) throw off the ability of the Speech Recognition application to focus on the userês voice and be able to learn, recognize, and react accurately to what has been spoken by the user. High quality noise-canceling microphones ensure that only the userês voice be detected and that distracting background sounds be eliminated. This is a crucial technology necessary for Speech Recognition to perform accurately.
Headsets also ensure other critical factors necessary for the optimum performance of Speech Recognition applications. Spoken voice signal consistency is important meaning that the volume of the users voice remain constant and unwavering. Headset stability ensures that this constant is maintained. By using a sturdy headset, with a maneuverable but solid microphone boom that holds its position, the Speech Recognition application will detect a constant, steady signal free of background noise and optimized for the most accurate recognition. Headsets, because of their sturdiness, offer greater advantages in this regard over other microphone devices such as lapel mics, array mics, and boom mics, for example.
VXI Parrott TalkPro Products
The VXI TalkPro family of headsets is specifically designed to provide the most accurate performance with Speech Recognition applications. Each TalkPro headset comes outfitted with a Gentex noise canceling microphone element - the industryês finest. Furthermore, each TalkPro headset is designed for sturdiness and constant microphone positioning to ensure that the Speech Recognition application detect the clearest, consistent, most accurate signal of the userês voice. These critical design components ensure that the VXI TalkPro headset family deliver the very best in Speech Recognition performance.
