Voice Recognition
Voice
recognition technologies allow users to shift the input
focus from the keyboard to the microphone, thus
alleviating hand usage and strain. Such software is used
to transcribe someone’s speech, word for word. Voice
recognition software can be used successfully if the RSI
sufferer is writing a lot of documents or doing a
repetitive but relatively simple computer task. Voice
recognition is not very successful for programming or
network administration tasks, as they require advanced
manipulation of various software packages not easily
commandable by voice.
If
you believe voice recognition can help you then don't
buy a product until you have tried out the ones that are
available in the Adaptive Technology Lab. Speech
Recognition is not right for every one. Some people get
voice problems from it, or don't have the commitment to
really get it working well. So, try it for free first.
Try
to get somebody else to buy the speech recognition
equipment for you -- your advisor, your employer, etc.
Don't think of this as a one time investment that you
can afford: every year the technology gets better, and
you'll want newer faster computers with better software,
so if you can get somebody else to pay, you'll be
happier.
Some
people get voice problems while using speech
recognition. A speech therapist recommended drinking hot
decaf tea with honey (caffeine makes you urinate and
dries you out). It is possible to develop vocal nodules
(calluses on your vocal cords) which take a long time to
heal; if you have problems while using speech
recognition, rest your voice! You might even want to
consider seeing a voice trainer or speech therapist.
Here is other advice you can try:
- Before you
start a voice recognition session, put a glass of
room-temperature water on the desk. Drink often
during the session.
- Gradually
increase the length of voice recognition sessions.
- Stop when/if
your throat gets tight. Soreness will quickly follow
if you don't.
- If you
experience soreness, stay off voice recognition for
a few days or until it's well healed.
- Start each
voice recognition session with some voice and throat
exercises. Any singer or actor can recommend their
favorites, such as "rolling-R-trills".
- Don't talk like
a robot. Use natural intonations.
- Don't talk any
louder than you normally do. If a “misrecognition”
occurs, don't raise your voice when you repeat the
word.
The
two major companies making dictation software are:
Most
people find that Dragon products work best. They tend to
work faster and faster as they get to know your voice
well. Don't be discouraged if they are slow at first;
eventually, they can type your words at 20 or 30 words
per minute. While this may not seem fantastic, it is
better than not using a computer at all.
Stop
hand pain, improve seating posture and increase blood
circulation with this award winning ergonomics software.
|
