[misc.handicap] Speech Recognition

Frank.Whitney@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (Frank Whitney) (01/05/90)

Index Number: 6082

     The DragonDictate 30K speech recognition machine developed by the 
technical staff of Dragon Systems, Inc. allows people to enter text 
into a computer by speech. Since speech is the only means by which 
some of us can communicate, this software is a major advance in 
improving productivity for everybody. 
     I'm using the DragonDictate 30K speech recognition system at work.  
I've seen their product evolve from the Voice Scribe 1000 to their 
current system. I am a beta tester of their systems and they have 
welcomed suggestions that I have made. The version they are about to 
release to the public has a six word buffer which allows the user to 
correct mistakes before they are added to the vocabulary. Also, since 
you can correct errors, you can enter voice commands much faster.  The 
more you use the system the better recognition you get and a faster 
throughput. 
    The first day I used their newest release, I configured the system 
for completely hands free operation.  In a little over 4 hours, I was 
able at times to achieve 30 words per minute. 
    Our people put extensive research into deciding which voice 
recognition package would be superior and DragonDictate came out best 
hands down! They have consistently improved their software product, 
sending upgrades to us at no cost, a rare occurrence today where the 
almighty dollar rules supreme. Dragon has strived and succeeded in 
constantly and consistently improving their product through software 
refinements. 
   THIS COMPANY IS VERY RESPONSIVE TO IT'S USERS' REQUESTS AND USER 
SUPPORT IS SUPERB!  They welcome user input as far as improvements for 
their product go. The system has a voice print for 25 thousand words 
and the more you use the system the better match you can get. In 
addition, the user can train another 5 thousand models. I say models 
because it doesn't have to be a word per say but can be any distinct 
utterance.  For example, say the utterance "dragon inc" and you can 
produce up to 500 characters such as the address below: 
------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Janet Baker
Dragon Systems, Inc.
Chapel Bridge Park 90 Bridge Street
Newton, Massachusetts
02158
Phone Number (617) 965-5200
------------------------------------------------------------------
    In the above address there were carriage returns etc. You can now
easily edit your keystroke's sequence. If you have to change part of 
an address or other keystroke sequence you simply add or delete 
characters or other keystrokes as needed. 
    Speech recognition lowers physical barriers for disabled persons. I
now enter text into the computer faster, more correctly (no spelling
errors since if you train the word correctly it has no typo errors)
and with much less fatigue, enhancing my productivity. DragonDictate can
be used by people with varying and multiple disabilities. The person
unable to speak clearly enough for other people to understand benefits
from automatic speech recognition, providing they create repeatable
utterances that the computer can be trained to understand. Even the
blind can benefit by using the DragonDictate with certain
interpreters.
    The current price is $9,000. It requires an IBM AT clone 80386
processor with approximately 6 megabytes of RAM. It uses an 8-bit full
sized card that fits into your computer, cutting down on space
requirements, unlike some of their competitors. DragonDictate uses
less memory than most of the competition.
    There are many features that I haven't even touched on, but believe
me this is one great product! If you would like more information call
or write to the above address.  If you want information from a C-4
level quadriplegic call Frank Whitney at (301)-688-5025.  By the way,
I don't by any means think this product is just for the disabled.
    fhw

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griesel@umn-cs.CS.UMN.EDU (Curtis W. Griesel) (01/10/90)

Index Number: 6164

In article <9408@bunker.UUCP> Frank.Whitney@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org writes:
>    The current price is $9,000. It requires an IBM AT clone 80386
>processor with approximately 6 megabytes of RAM. 

Are you saying it's $9,000 PLUS the cost of a 386 with 6meg, making
the whole system cost > $14,000?  Or are you saying the whole system costs
$9,000?

-- 
               Curtis W. Griesel, griesel@umn-cs.cs.umn.edu
                      Coordinator of Computer Access
 Microcomputer, Workstation and Network Center; U of Minnesota, Minneapolis
 "Disability is not the problem, peoples' attitude toward the disabled is".