Paula.Mack.Of.100/514@f514.n100.z1.fidonet.org (Paula Mack Of 100/514) (06/06/90)
Index Number: 8692
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi Greg, please don't mind me putting my two cents in here, but
before you go out and buy Soft Vert, please check out Vocal-Eyes. I
also was a ScreenTalk user, and i had difficulty getting certain
programs to talk because of certain hassles with Prokey, which is, as
you know, a part of Screentalk. However, with Vocal-Eyes, I have gotten
everything I have tried so far to work interactivly with speech. And I
have no need to write macros. I don't even have Prokey installed any
more.
The other thing to consider is that it is much easier to make
changes to your voice configuration with Vocal-Eyes than it is with
Softvert. I tried their demmo, and the program is somewhat cumbersome
to use.
You should at least get both demmos and compare them, and if you
like Vocal-Eyes, you will have the added advantage of getting it at a
reduced price.
Good luck.
Paula
... What am I doing here, anyway?
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!100!514!Paula.Mack.Of.100/514
Internet: Paula.Mack.Of.100/514@f514.n100.z1.fidonet.orgSteve.Holmes@f1303.n102.z1.fidonet.org (Steve Holmes) (06/28/90)
Index Number: 8903
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
< >Hi Doug, does Vocal-eyes handle erma. A lot of my work is done
< >on a 4381. If and when I pick a new speech program one of the
< >requirments it must have is the ability to work with erma.
It hasn't so far but I know Doug is interested in getting this aspect to
work. I am beta testing the 3270 emmulation portions for Doug whenever
he gets it to me. So, stay tuned!
<Steve>
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!102!1303!Steve.Holmes
Internet: Steve.Holmes@f1303.n102.z1.fidonet.orgJuan.Mojena@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.org (Juan Mojena) (06/28/90)
Index Number: 8919
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Hi Doug, I haven't written in this echo before but have been reading the
messages for a while and find yours very helpful. I bought a Sounding
Board back in November 1988. I heard that your company GW Micro has made
some improvements to the board. Can an old Sounding board be modified?
In particular I want to know if features like voice inflection and a
pause between lines could be added to the old board? Also could you
tell me where I could get a demo of Vocal-Eyes. I'm glad to hear that
the board is still being supported. Please let me know GW Micro's
telephone number.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Juan
# Origin: The Event Horizon Staten Island NY (718) 494-9273 (1:107/608)
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!8!70!0!Juan.Mojena
Internet: Juan.Mojena@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.orgDoug.Geoffray@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (06/28/90)
Index Number: 8924
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
DK> HI DOUG, I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT SPEECH SYNTHESIS, I AM
DK> CURRENTLY USING ARTIC'S BUSINESS VISION ON MY OFFICE COMPUTER.
DK> I WILL SOON BE BUYING A COMPUTER FOR MY HOME, AND I WOULD LIKE
DK> TO GET SOMETHING THAT WILL TALK TO ME AS GOOD AS ARTIC DOES,
DK> BUT AT A MUCH LOWER PRICE. AM I DREAMING? OR CAN THIS BE
DK> DONE? IF YOU OR ANYBODY ELSE READING THIS MSG CAN GIVE ME SOME
DK> ADVICE I WOULD SURE APPRECIATE IT. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT
DK> VOCAL-EYES DOES, BUT I HAVE SEEN VERT AND SOFT VERT AND THOUGH
DK> I DO THINK THEY SOUND FINE, I THINK IT IS EXTREMLY OVERPRICED.
DK> AS ISAID, I AM NO EXPERT ON SPEECH SYNTHESIS, BUT I FAIL TO
DK> FIND ANY JUSTIFICATION TO SPENDING THAT KIND OF MONEY. PERHAPS
DK> THROUGH BLINK TALK I CAN BECOME MORE ENLIGHTENED. THANKS FOR
DK> ANY HELP. HENRY
David and/or Henry,
I am not sure if I should call you David or Henry. The message was from
David Kasten but was signed Henry. I hope you get this reply!
A few things you need to consider when purchasing a voice environment are:
1) Is there support available and how long do you have to wait for it! In
my mind, this is the most overlooked feature until it is too late. You may
save a buck or two at first but......... On the other hand, you could pay
top dollar and then find out there is no support. Very frustrating!
2) Is the company willing to work with you or are they looking for a
quick sale?
2) What type of warranty does the equipment carry and how long does it
take for repairs.
3) Is the company dedicated to the blind community or is it just a second
market for them.
4) Is the company willing to listen to the customers? By this I mean
will they consider suggestions for future upgrades.
5) Is the synthesizer responsive. By this I mean does the synthesizer
keep up with you or are you constantly waiting for it. I would consider
the DECtalk an execelent sounding synthesizer but not a good choice for
a blind user. It is simply not responsive. On the contray the Sounding
board does not sound as good but is extreemly responsive.
6) As for the software, how much memory does it require? How easy is it
to configure to your own needs? Are there a lot of complicated commands
which make no sence required to be memorized? Is it copy protected?
How are upgrades handled. Will it work with the main stream products?
I could go on and on but I feel this should start you thinking.
If you are familiar with the Artic Synphonix then you will also like the
sound of the Sounding Board. This is our voice synthesizer. It uses
the exact same speech chip used by the Artic but the difference lies in
the Text-To-Speech. The Sounding Board contains 16K of its own RAM
therby freeing up more of your DOS RAM. There are many features
available including 10 hotkeys. From the keyboard, you can turn the
voice on/off, speak the time and date, increase/decrease the rate and
volume, adjust the punctuation level, turn hyperscan on/off, rewind,
fastforward and even pause the speech. It contains like the artic,
10 rates, 10 pitch levels, 10 volume settings and 26 tone levels. The
board contains a volume control and tone control on the back of the board.
The board contains an onboard speaker but we also include an external
speaker with a volume control and phone jack. There are many more features
as well. The board sells for $395.00.
As for a screen reader, I feel Vocal-Eyes would be an execelent choice.
There are several unique features it contains the others don't. Such
as the ability to set the command keys to your own choice of keystrokes.
Set up to 46 cursoring keys. The ability to load up to 9 voice environments
at one time. On default Vocal-Eyes requires 50K of your
DOS RAM. This can range anywhere from 42K to 62K depending on your
choice of settings. It works in extended memory and expanded memory. If
loaded in either of these locations it only require 2K of your DOS RAM.
You can do so many things without having to use macros although Vocal-Eyes
will support commercial macro programs. It works with many voice
synthesizers although I would recommend the Sounding Board. Vocal-Eyes
sells for $450.00. However, if you purchase Vocal-Eyes and the Sounding
Board together the cost is $795.00. This is a $50.00 savings and you
also receive a mono headset.
You mentioned you find it hard to justify the money required for some
systems. I feel the $795.00 is an execelent price considering the
ability these tools provide. All of GW Micro's products contain
a full one year warranty on both parts and labor. As for support, I
feel you can't get any better then we offer. I am personally in the
office everyday and handle most of the technical support. If I am not
available or can not answer your questions, you can be assured I will
do my best to satisfy your needs.
I hope I have enlightened you somewhat!! I would like to send you a
demonstration of Vocal-Eyes and let you try it for yourself. If the
artic board you are currently using supports SONIX.COM and TTS.COM,
you can use this for your testing. Also, I would like to send some
specific information on Vocal-Eyes and the Sounding Board. If you would
like this material, please leave me your address and which disk size you
would like. Either 3.5" or 5.25". You can either give me the info
here or call or write me at:
GW Micro
310 Racquet Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
(219) 483-3625
Sincerely,
Doug
# Origin: The CatWalk BBS Davie, Fl 305-370-3528 <HST> (1:369/8)
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!8!70!0!Doug.Geoffray
Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.orgDoug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (08/11/90)
Index Number: 9738
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
BK> By the way, did you
BK> know that Jaws 2 will soon be available? I understand that it
BK> will be possible to set it up in the flipper configuration, and
BK> I'd really like that. I'll be getting a demo version soon and
BK> should be able to tell you what I think of it. Bill K.
Bill,
Just to remind you, Vocal-Eyes has always been configurable to your
choice of keystrokes. Every single hot key is definable to your choice.
Doug
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray
Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.orgJohn.Sanfilippo@f608.n107.z1.fidonet.org (John Sanfilippo) (08/23/90)
Index Number: 9960
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
WW>> 386SX, and Doug, I am happy to say that VE is safely tucked
WW>> away in extended memory, functioning nicely, and boy, it's nice
Doug,
What would it take to have the speech software running right on
the card? If someone (like me) has a SoundingBoard with, say
256k of RAM, could a new version of VE run right there and use
next to nothing of any dos ram?
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!107!608!John.Sanfilippo
Internet: John.Sanfilippo@f608.n107.z1.fidonet.orgAl.Hoffman@p0.f143.n109.z1.fidonet.org (Al Hoffman) (08/25/90)
Index Number: 9974
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Doug:
How do you respond to the following argument?
Given that using a Screen Reading program, the user must give
commands to the software he is using, and the voice software, the
keyboard is not big enough for everybody, if you include in this
the option of using keyboard mcros to drive not only the voice
software, but maybe the applications too!
I like not giving up any of my keys to Sddcreen Reader. I know,
its sort of an easy out, but I am not convinced that dualizing of
the keyboard can ever be what we would like. With a bigger
keyboard you simply get more options. You also avoid the keyboard
interrupt grabbing problems, which are a pain to program around,
and you still end up making macros in many cases for best results.
ARtic tried an extra tack with the Turbo Pedal, which at first I
thought I'd use enormously, but just seem to find myself pushing
under the table and ignoring permanently. I have the Turbo Pedal
at work, and well ... it just collect dust. However, I do know a
few people who love it, but the one in particular loves anything
good bad or otherwise coming from ARtic! So, I'm still not really
convinced on that score.
What about a mouse interface for voice review or pointer reaview--a
three button mouse and some programming would seem to allow some
pretty nifty add-ons to a already well thought out program like
Vocal Eyes--I'd love to try that angle someday yet.
A trackball could be used, especially since many are builtin into
keyboards, but I doubt a light pen would be very good.
Any other thought you've entertained but not implemented, or
considered implementing and not finding the implementation to
anybodies liking? Curious!
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!109!143.0!Al.Hoffman
Internet: Al.Hoffman@p0.f143.n109.z1.fidonet.orgWilliam.Wilson@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (William Wilson) (08/25/90)
Index Number: 9976
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
AH> How do you respond to the following argument?
AH> Given that using a Screen Reading program, the user must
AH> give commands to the software he is using, and the voice
AH> software, the keyboard is not big enough for everybody, if you
AH> include in this the option of using keyboard mcros to drive
AH> not only the voice software, but maybe the applications too! I
AH> like not giving up any of my keys to Sddcreen Reader.
Al,
I suppose that for some people, you make a valid point, but this
honestly is my feelings on the matter of a separate keypad.
Not only do I not like taking my pinkies off the main keyboard, I
don't even like leaving the home row keys for the cursor pad! I realize
that this has to be a pain in the butt by a programmers perspective, and
of course there are times when the exception key is going to have to be
pressed in order to send what would be a speech command to the
application, but without a doubt, at least for these very small (But
rough and manly!) hands that is a lot easier than leaving the keyboard
for another.
Yeah, I did try the IBM Screen Reader system at both ACB
conventions, and yeah, it was a lot less awkward than I expected, but I
honestly don't think I could ever get as efficient with it as I am with
any of the speech systems I currently use.
For sure, one of the nicest things I have found about Vocal-Eyes is
its ability to redefine, and in fact, to undefine, the keyboard. You
were right Doug...On my extended keyboard and 386 I was able to define
the alt-:, alt-., alt-, etc., and by doing this and undefining things I
would seldomly need, I have a working Vocal-Eyes setup that hardly ever
neccesitates my hitting the alt-N which I have defined as the bypass key
(Does this setup sound familiar to any of you?) and yet one I can use
without ever moving my hands from their default position on the
keyboard.
Al, I really do accept the fact that for some people and for some
uses a conflict free, second keypad may be a nice route, but a setup
where you can define only the speech keys you need is sure nice too, and
for those of us who have hands that tend to get into trouble whenever
they wander, it is the only way to go!
Willie
... Like a bat out of Bellevue!
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!William.Wilson
Internet: William.Wilson@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.orgGary.Petraccaro@f90.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Gary Petraccaro) (09/04/90)
Index Number: 10068
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Al,
I've seen some low-cost voice-recognition systems. How about using
that with speech output.
"Line 1", "say again", column equals", "window equals", "read window".
Just a thought.
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!90!Gary.Petraccaro
Internet: Gary.Petraccaro@f90.n129.z1.fidonet.orgRick.Alfaro@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Rick Alfaro) (09/14/90)
Index Number: 10362 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] > Well, Doug, I got too happy to quick. As a matter of > fact, I was so sure we had found the problem with /!l3, that > I fixed it on my hard disk, and it still did not work. So I > did what you suggested, and made a bootable floppy disk, > and put the following autoexec.bat on it. > @echo off > accent /!c1 /!l3 Walter, The above line is incorrect. Take out he /!c1 and leave the /!l3.. accent /!l3 What is happening is that you are telling the accent driver 2 different ports a5t the same time. I am sure that the driver is seeing your first comand line switch (/!c1) and trying to use com1 when it should be using lpt3. The /1l3 means, use lpt3 which is what yopu need for your internal accent. I am almost %100 sure that this is your problem. Here is the line again... accent /!l3 Hope this helps. Regards, Rick -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Rick.Alfaro Internet: Rick.Alfaro@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org
Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/14/90)
Index Number: 10364
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
DS> Is Vocaleyes like other speech software in that you can set up
DS> different configurations with different application software?
DS> In other words, could you set up different configurations or
DS> environments for Vocaleyes in which the keys are deffined
DS> differently for each application you use?
Darrell,
That is exactly correct. You can define as many voice configurations
as you like. Every option which is definable by Vocal-Eyes is saved
with these environments. In fact, you can load up to 9 of the environments
in memory at one time. This makes switching between them extreemly fast
and easy. This also allows programs like Noteworthy and Calcworthy to
automatically tell Vocal-Eyes to load the correct voice environment when
they are popped up and switch back to the original when they are popped
out. All this automatically.
This is one of the features that gives Vocal-Eyes its total flexability.
Let me know if you have any other questions. Would be glad to answer them!
Regards,
Doug
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray
Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.orgDoug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/14/90)
Index Number: 10365
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
DS> Hi. Does Vocaleyes support spelling of alpha-numberic words?
DS> An example would be the amateur radio callsign NU7I.
Darrell,
Vocal-Eyes on its own does not do this. At least not yet. However, some
synthesizers do offer it. For example our Sounding Board has this
exact option. In fact it was added for you ham operators. One problem
I have with Vocal-Eyes is what should be placed in it or what should
be assumed to be in the synthesizer. The more you add to Vocal-Eyes
the larger it gets. Another one of those difficult decissions.
Regards,
Doug
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray
Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.orgDoug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/14/90)
Index Number: 10367
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
DS> Hi Doug. Could you please tell me how I can use my Vocaleyes
DS> demo using that Braille 'n Speak driver?
Darrell,
You bet. The Braille 'n Speak is a nice temporary synthesizer but
I really would not recommend it as your main synthesizer. In any case,
here are the steps to load Vocal-Eyes with it.
You first have to place the Braille 'n Speak in the Speech box mode.
You do this as follows:
1) It might be a good idea to first perform a warm rest:
Dots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-chord
Dots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-chord
2) Now enable the speech port by:
P-chord
Dots 2, 6
Y
3) Now enable the speech box mode by:
Dots 3, 4, 5-chord
Dots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
E-chord
O.k. Now that the Braille 'n Speak is ready, you must then load the
BNSPEAK.COM program supplied on the Vocal-Eyes demo disk. You need
to specify the COM port being used on the command line as follows:
BNSPEAK /!C1
This would specify COM1 if you are using COM2 then specify /!C2 the same is
true for COM3 or COM4. After this the Braille 'n Speak should speak
something like 'Braille 'n Speak device driver x.x'. If it doesn't then
you have a problem.
Now you are ready to load Vocal-Eyes. Simply type:
VE
That is it. You should be off and running at this point.
Let me know if you have any problems.
Regards,
Doug
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray
Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.orgWalter.Siren.@p1.f8.n396.z1.fidonet.org (Walter Siren ) (09/17/90)
Index Number: 10397
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
RA> > Well, Doug, I got too happy to quick. As a matter of
RA> > fact, I was so sure we had found the problem with /!l3, that
RA> > I fixed it on my hard disk, and it still did not work. So I
RA> > did what you suggested, and made a bootable floppy disk,
RA> > and put the following autoexec.bat on it.
RA>
RA> > @echo off
RA> > accent /!c1 /!l3
RA>
Hey rick, I don't need it again. That did the trick. Actually,
when I first did it it still did not work, then I discovered my
other problem. I was forgetting to go in to the vocal-eyes
directory to bring up 've'. I then correctted that problem, and it
worked. Now all I have to do is to figure out how I get the menus
to take hold. When I try to change the pitch and rate, it keeps
leaving my new number when I hit enter. Now, I have to see what I
am doing wrong.
Thanks again Rick, now that it is talking maybe I can get somewhere.
Walter
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!396!8.1!Walter.Siren.
Internet: Walter.Siren.@p1.f8.n396.z1.fidonet.orgDoug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/17/90)
Index Number: 10402
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
WS> Well, Doug, I got too happy to quick. As a matter of
WS> fact, I was so sure we had found the problem with /!l3,
WS> that I fixed it on my hard disk, and it still did not work.
WS> So I did what you suggested, and made a bootable floppy disk,
WS> and put the following autoexec.bat on it.
WS> @echo off
WS> accent /!c1 /!l3
WS> ve
Walter,
I got it!!!! I now see what the problem is. If I remember correctly
and that is getting difficult lately, in your old autoexec.bat file
you placed a /!c1 on the command line for ACCENT.COM.
When I saw this, I assumed you had an external Accent. So everything looked
ok to me. However, now that you say you have the internal you should
be using /!l3. Now your going to tell me you did use a /!l3 on the command
line as it shows above. But here it comes Walter, you should have removed
the /!c1. Only one of these is allowed at a time and Vocal-Eyes will only
use the first one on the command line. Therefore it is still trying to
use COM1 instead of LPT3.
The Accent line should be exactly!!!!!!
ACCENT /!L3
I am sure this will work Walter. This is because the internal ACCENT
communicates to the outside world through LPT3 but you told the Vocal-Eyes
ACCENT driver to communicate to it through COM1. All thoses speech bits
were flotting out your serial port instead of to the Accent.
Give this a try and I am sure it will work.
Good luck!
Regards,
Doug
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray
Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.orgMarda.Anderson@f2.n393.z1.fidonet.org (Marda Anderson) (09/19/90)
Index Number: 10454
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Well, I tried Vocal-Eyes yesterday and I have to say I'm impressed.
Now can you tell me what synthesizers the program will support? The
school where I am a student is thinking about getting a synthesizer
and screen reader for us to use. Vocal-Eyes seems like it would be
a good choice, maybe with the sounding board. But I'd like to know
what other synthesizers it supports.
You have mentioned several times a program called NOteworthy. Can
you tell me what that is? Thanks.
marda
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!393!2!Marda.Anderson
Internet: Marda.Anderson@f2.n393.z1.fidonet.orgTandy.Way@f6.n377.z1.fidonet.org (Tandy Way) (09/20/90)
Index Number: 10462
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
walter now you have seen why I am promoting doug and his line of
products. he is here he is now. and he is interested in what we
want in the pgm not what he as a sighted person thinks we want. the
other guys care so much they don't even bother to check in on this
echo and it is readilly available to them. doug has no local node so
he has to call rick or david of someone to pick up traffic. now that
is dedication. I don't think I would be talking out of school to say
that doug misread a line in a netmail message I sent him and it
changed the tone of the whole message. rather than have an unhappy
camper he ofrfered full restitution beyound the normal period. I
didn't take him up on it because I believe in him and his stuff. Now
it isn't perfect but neither is the other two screen packages I own
but they all serve their purpose. he wrote a custom driver for my
audapter and is working closely with its developer to make it even
better. Thanks doug. keep on trucken
tandy
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!377!6!Tandy.Way
Internet: Tandy.Way@f6.n377.z1.fidonet.orgDoug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/20/90)
Index Number: 10467
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
I have just recently added two new synthesizers which are supported by
Vocal-Eyes. The Audapter from Personal Data Systems, Inc. and the
Portable DECtalk from the Institute on Applied Technology Children's
Hospital.
The portable DECtalk had just enough quirks in it that I had to create
a device driver specifily for it. Both the Portable DEC and Audapter
synthesizers work very well with Vocal-Eyes.
If any of you are interested in using either of these synthesizers with
Vocal-Eyes, please let me know.
Thanks
Doug
--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray
Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.orgDoug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/20/90)
Index Number: 10476
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
WS> Doug, it seems to me that this could be most difficult.
WS> The ham calls have so many different configurations. We
WS> have the old 1 by 2 such as a5bc, 2 by three such as aab5.bcd,
WS> 1 by 3 'a5bcd' 2 by 1 'ab5c. Could you cover all of that? I
WS> don't see any real problem without it.
Walter,
The Sounding Board would handle each of your three cases above. Any
word which contains both alpha and numeric characters would be spelled
if you had that option turned on.
Regards,
Doug
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray
Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.orgDoug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/20/90)
Index Number: 10489
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
MA> Well, I tried Vocal-Eyes yesterday and I have to say I'm
MA> impressed. Now can you tell me what synthesizers the program
MA> will support? The school where I am a student is thinking
MA> about getting a synthesizer and screen reader for us to use.
MA> Vocal-Eyes seems like it would be a good choice, maybe with the
MA> sounding board. But I'd like to know what other synthesizers
MA> it supports. You have mentioned several times a program called
MA> NOteworthy. Can you tell me what that is? Thanks.
Marda,
I am glad you are impressed with Vocal-Eyes. If you have any problem,
please let me know.
As for which synthesizers Vocal-Eyes supports, here is a list:
Sounding Board, Accent, Artic, Votalker, Braille 'n Speak, DECtalk,
Portable DECtalk, Audapter, Echo GP and PC, Echo PC plus, MC and 1000,
Prose 4000 and Personal speech system versions A and B. Vocal-Eyes
also has a generic driver which can be configured to a synthesizer not
listed here.
Noteworthy is a pop-up note taking program. You can pop it up anytime
even inside an applications program. Once popped up, you can take a
phone message, lookup information or what ever you want. It offers many
editing features to allow you to manipulate the text. Its great for
working on batch files. Anytime you need a litte editor, Noteworthy is
great. It allows you to read by character, word, line, sentence and
paragraph. Load, save or print directly in Noteworthy.
Noteworthy was written to take advantage of your underlying screen reader.
As I have said before, if you are using Vocal-Eyes, Noteworthy will sence
that it is present and load the correct voice environment. Once you exit
out of Noteworthy, your voice environment will return as it was.
Noteworthy sells for $69.00. There is a demo of this program available.
If you would like one, please let me know. I would be glad to send you
a copy.
Thanks again Marda.
Regards,
Doug
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray
Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.orgWilliam.Wilson@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (William Wilson) (09/20/90)
Index Number: 10493
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
DG> As for which synthesizers Vocal-Eyes supports, here is a list:
DG> Sounding Board, Accent, Artic, Votalker, Braille 'n Speak,
DG> DECtalk, Portable DECtalk, Audapter, Echo GP and PC, Echo PC
DG> plus, MC and 1000, Prose 4000 and Personal speech system
DG> versions A and B. Vocal-Eyes also has a generic driver which
DG> can be configured to a synthesizer not listed here.
Doug,
And if one writes a GENERIC.DAT file including the same codes you
give in the docs for an example, Vocal-Eyes appears to fully support the
ASP board from Automated Functions Inc., and thus the Personal Vert from
TSI as well.
Willie
... BlinkTalk, Dr. Deb and Silver in Pittsburgh!
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!William.Wilson
Internet: William.Wilson@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.orgWalter.Siren.@p1.f8.n396.z1.fidonet.org (Walter Siren ) (09/21/90)
Index Number: 10573
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
DG> WS> screens, there is no way apparently to go back and review the
DG> WS> screen a line at a time. When I try to learn something, I
DG> WS> like to take it slow, and go over things more than once. If
DG> WS> there is a way, I haven't found it yet. I haven't spoke to
DG> WS> doug about that yet, because I am trying to see how far I can
DG> WS> get on my own.
DG>
DG> Walter,
DG> I have noted your dissappointement. You are correct, you can not
DG> review the help screens line by line. However, I would not recommend that
DG> you learn how to use Vocal-Eyes through the help screens. Nothing could
DG> replace the manual. The help screens are there to help remind you about
DG> things, not necessarily teach you.
Doug, I agree with you. I was just trying to check on some things
about the menus without going back to the manuals. Which brings me
to another point, when reading the menus, and you can't understand
something, and you would like to spell it out, you can't do it with
the arrow keys. Since the up and down arrow keys move you through
the menu, why can't the left and right arrow keys move you over the
words a letter at a time. Maybe you can do that if it is
not too much trouble.
While I am at it Doug, when I am typing, I like to keep the
keyboard echo on, and echo each letter as I am typing. There seems
to be a delay from the time I type the letter, and when the key is
echoed back to me. Increasing the rate does not help. I also have
all keys interrupt on, but it still does this to me, and this slows
me down.
Walter
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!396!8.1!Walter.Siren.
Internet: Walter.Siren.@p1.f8.n396.z1.fidonet.orgJohn.Sanfilippo@f608.n107.z1.fidonet.org (John Sanfilippo) (09/21/90)
Index Number: 10577
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Ric,
What is the easiest and quickest way to read a particular line
on the screen without going into review? Please, this is a
serious and sincere question, not intending to create a row of
any kind.
I want to do something like control space X, where X represents
any screen line number of my chosing, and I don't want to have
to preset any window or anything, just have any particular line
read to me by just plucking it right out.
Thanks much.
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!107!608!John.Sanfilippo
Internet: John.Sanfilippo@f608.n107.z1.fidonet.orgDoug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/25/90)
Index Number: 10635
WS> Doug, I agree with you. I was just trying to check on
WS> some things about the menus without going back to the manuals.
WS> Which brings me to another point, when reading the menus, and
WS> you can't understand something, and you would like to spell it
WS> out, you can't do it with the arrow keys. Since the up and
WS> down arrow keys move you through the menu, why can't the left
WS> and right arrow keys move you over the words a letter at a
WS> time. Maybe you can do that if it is not too much
WS> trouble.
Walter,
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Thanks for the input. I have noted your ideas.
WS> While I am at it Doug, when I am typing, I like to keep
WS> the keyboard echo on, and echo each letter as I am typing.
WS> There seems to be a delay from the time I type the letter, and
WS> when the key is echoed back to me. Increasing the rate does
WS> not help. I also have all keys interrupt on, but it still
WS> does this to me, and this slows me down.
Walter,
I am not sure if you have seen some of my older messages about this
problem or not. I have just recently added a few device drivers and
modified all the others.
To make a long story short, the reason Vocal-Eyes was a bit slower then
some other screen readers was because of a quirk in the synthesizer. For
example, if you are using two different voice speeds or rates with your
screen reader, at some point it might get stuck in the wrong rate or pitch.
Vocal-Eyes would never do this. And because of this, the response was
slower. I have since made a compremise and now you have the best of both
worlds. (There was a lot more to this but I hope you get the idea).
The bottom line, if you would like I would be glad to send you the latest
device driver. This I am sure will clear up any sluggishness you may be
having. All of the new drivers are currently in beta testing but very soon
I will place them into production. They make a world of difference.
Sincerely,
Doug
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray
Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.orgDarrell.Shandrow@f7.n300.z1.fidonet.org (Darrell Shandrow) (10/02/90)
Index Number: 10727
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
It would be a neat idea if Vocaleyes could have an external utility or
something like that that you could use to write a device driver for a
synthesizer that isn't supported directly. In other words, you would use
menus to write the driver. 73
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!300!7!Darrell.Shandrow
Internet: Darrell.Shandrow@f7.n300.z1.fidonet.orgJohn.Sanfilippo@f460.n101.z1.fidonet.org (John Sanfilippo) (10/02/90)
Index Number: 10735
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Rick, You definitely hear a request in the making. Both being
stuck in a window and having to press too many keys just to hear
a chosen line at a snap, are enough to turn me away... Ouch,
But I LOVE Hearing PAUSES in the appropriate places in the text,
something which SV can't seem to manage for me.
Thanks for the tip.
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!101!460!John.Sanfilippo
Internet: John.Sanfilippo@f460.n101.z1.fidonet.orgWarren.King@p0.f429.n275.z1.fidonet.org (Warren King) (12/05/90)
Index Number: 12244
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
Doug,
I have your Vocal-Eyes demo on my board and was able to convince one
of my users to give it a try, but he ran into a problem. He tells me
that none of the drivers will work with his speech board. So,
naturally, I told him that I would send you a message about it. <grin>
He is using a CompTalker speech board using the comm ports. He said he
could not get even the generic driver to work. Is he doing something
incorrectly, or does he really need a special driver? If so, is it
available for FREQing someplace? I will be happy to call and get the
driver for him if it is available. Thanks for your help! He tells me
that from reading the docs that the difference between what he has now
and your program is like the difference from a Commodore 64 to a 386!
-Warren-
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!275!429.0!Warren.King
Internet: Warren.King@p0.f429.n275.z1.fidonet.orgDoug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (03/28/91)
Index Number: 14506
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
DK> i am checking out vocalize but i can't seem to find a way to
DK> designate the number pad keys for cursor keys simular to the
DK> jaws configuration.. . can i do this with this program? how?
Dan,
Vocal-Eyes allows you to define every single hot key to your choice
of keystroke. However, the keystroke must produce a valid code. For
example, you can not setup a hotkey to CONTROL-ALT-W or ALT-DELETE.
If you have a 101 keyboard your choices increase tremendously but there
are still limitations. Unfortunately the ALT number pad will not work.
This is used by the system to produce certain ASCII values which would
otherwise not be accessable from the keyboard.
The main reason for this limitation is so Vocal-Eyes can be totally
compatible with all macro programs out on the market. At some point
Vocal-Eyes will probably have its own macro processor. But because macros
are arely required with Vocal-Eyes this has not been a high priority
but I had to allow the ability for those people that wanted macros.
I guess Dan, this is a very long way of saying you can not assign
a Vocal-Eyes hotkey to a ALT-num pad keystroke.
Regards,
Doug
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray
Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.orgDoug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (03/28/91)
Index Number: 14508
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
WS> I wish tha doug would had been able to let us use the insert
WS> key in combination with the number pad keys. I might have
WS> switched already. Now, don't get me wrong, I did say might.
Walter,
Thank you for sending this reply to Dan. As for allowing the insert
key like JAWS, all I can say is maybe at some time in the future. At
some point I will probably design a macro program specifially for Vocal-Eyes.
This would allow the use of many keystrokes. However, since macros really
are not used that often with Vocal-Eyes I have not given it a high
priority.
WS> I have been taking a good hard look at vocal eyes, and
WS> that is all I can say for now. I will be looking forward to
WS> see what Doug puts in the new vocal eyes.
I believe it will be worth the wait!
Thanks again.
Regards,
Doug
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray
Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.orgDoug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (04/13/91)
Index Number: 14851
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
DM> Can you say whether it will rely on configurations, or will
DM> it take a more "artificial intelligence" approach?
Daveed,
Personally I don't have much faith in "artificial intelligence". In this
application that is. Only if there is a link between my brain and the
computer will this approch work correctly for me everytime. What I want
to hear or not hear may be completely different than the other guy.
Therefore, you are back to custom applications.
Now it is true with some intelligence the screen reader can make this
customization easier but it will NEVER replace customization. I could
also make sure that the popular programs work great out of the box but
what happens when the programs are upgraded?? Or who is to say my idea
of making a program talk great is your idea of making a program talk great?
Therefore in regards to your question.....the answer is yes.
Because I strongly believe custom setups will never be replaced, I plan
on suppling several configurations wil Vocal-Eyes. The beta testers have
made some great configurations.
Regards,
Doug
... GW Micro -- Fort Wayne, IN -- (219) 483-3625
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray
Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.orgDavid.Andrews@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (David Andrews) (05/06/91)
Index Number: 15416
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
DA>> Further, when I download with it, from a
DA>> BBS noticable slower then PROVOX, which I normally use.
DG> As I suspected, you were running Vocal-Eyes out of expanded
DG> memory. Expanded memory is without a dought going to be slower
DG> than running out of DOS RAM. There will be overhead while
DG> banking in and out of expanded memory.
I reran Vocal-Eyes in conventional memory, and downloaded a big file from
Willie's board, and the sppeed was the same as with other programs.
I hope we have cleared up all our misunderstandings. I promise to be more
careful in the future.!
... David Andrews
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89!David.Andrews
Internet: David.Andrews@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.orgDoug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (06/28/91)
Index Number: 16587
[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]
TW> unless I missunderstood your msg and that is quite possible the
TW> upgrade is a freeby since I bought mine after june 1990. if I
TW> am incorrect and I could be then well I will have to think
TW> about it depending on the price.
Tandy,
The policy is as follows:
If you purchased Vocal-Eyes before January 1, 1991, there is a $75.00 charge.
If you purchased Vocal-Eyes on or after January 1, 1991, there is no charge
for the upgrade. In either case, you will receive Vocal-Eyes 2.0, the
addendum will be on the disk, on tape and in large print. I hope this
clears things up a bit. Dan will be glad to demonstrate all the new
features it offers.
Regards,
Doug
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Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray
Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org