robertj@tekgen.bv.tek.com (Robert Jaquiss) (05/13/91)
Index Number: 15529 Automatic Screen Access Program The next generation of Speech Access for the IBM and compatible computers. Description. Finally, automatic screen access with speech is here. ASAP (Automatic Screen Access Program) gives you complete speech access to applications software automatically. As its name suggests, ASAP works with thousands of programs perfectly without the usual bother of configuration for speech. You don't have to set up complicated configurations for each program you use. Instead, you operate the computer like your sighted peers concentrating on the application of interest rather than the speech interface to that application. ASAP uses a new technique that employs artificial intelligence to decide what part of the screen catches a sighted user's eye, and announces that material automatically. Combine this hands-off approach with the excellent quality of the speech, as you can tell from the demonstration tape (available upon request), and you've got a speech access system simple enough for the novice and powerful enough for the most savvy user. For the first time, you can confidently begin working with a new program immediately. Compare this to the approach taken by other speech access packages where you spend hours configuring the system to work with a particular application. In many cases, you waste more time making the speech work properly with the system than it takes to actually use the application. ASAP changes all that. ASAP automatically detects pop up windows, menu bars, soft cursors, and more. Best of all, when such a situation occurs, ASAP announces the important part of the screen automatically. All the characteristics that make your applications difficult with normal speech access approaches actually enhance your computing experience with ASAP working for you. In short, if the program is visually appealing, ASAP makes it auditorially appealing, too. In addition to its automatic operation, ASAP offers features like the following that make it an especially attractive choice for the professional and novice alike. Instant Silence: when you press a key, other speech stops instantly. Quick Browse: ASAP lets you skip uninteresting or familiar material with a single key command. When you do this, the speech skips to the next section and automatically starts again, making browsing or speed reading possible. Auto Read: ASAP lets you give your system one command to begin reading a document. You don't have to touch the machine again until you notice a mistake that needs editing. When you do stop the reading, your cursor is in position to edit the work. Reviewing the Screen in Real Time: ASAP lets you use the separate numeric key pad without going into a "review" mode to examine the screen even while another program is busy. If you prefer, you may also freeze the other program and examine the screen in detail without ever removing your fingers from home row. Refresh View: ASAP lets you tap the two shift keys to repeat the relevant or highlighted text on the screen at any time. ASAP is written completely in assembly language. While that doesn't sound like much at first glance, it means that all these features are packed into a program that takes less than 20K of memory and that runs at the maximum speed available to your computer. (ASAP also stands for "As Soon As Possible.") ASAP consists of two simple to install components, a high quality speech synthesizer and the ASAP software. After about a ten minute installation, you'll never have to fuss with configuration or poor speech access again. The concise, clearly written documentation comes in three formats: print, cassette tape, and as an ASCII file on the disk. Cost and Compatibility ASAP comes in two configurations. The standard ASAP package comes with a speech synthesizer board (with external speaker) that fits into a normal computer slot. It costs $795. The second configuration comes with a portable, battery-operated synthesizer that connects to your computer by one of its serial or parallel ports. This configuration is suitable for use on laptop and micro channel computers. It costs $895. Money Back Guarantee MicroTalk is so confident about ASAP that it offers a 30-day money- back guarantee. If, after 30 days, you decide the package isn't absolutely the best you've ever used, send it back for a full refund. There will be no restocking fee nor any questions asked, you'll receive a prompt and complete refund. For more information, contact: MicroTalk 337 South Peterson Louisville, Kentucky 40206 (502) 897-2705