Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!think!mintaka!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!360!1.13!Curtis.Oglesby From: Curtis.Oglesby@p13.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org (Curtis Oglesby) Newsgroups: misc.handicap Subject: Voice Recognition Message-ID: <9429@bunker.UUCP> Date: 5 Jan 90 03:08:54 GMT Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP Reply-To: Curtis.Oglesby@p13.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org Distribution: misc Organization: FidoNet node 1:360/1.13 - Augusta Forum, North Augusta SC Lines: 50 Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP Index Number: 6102 JE> I have an idea for a voice recognition system/software utilizine JE> Macintosh. I would like to know what people need and want as far as JE> such a program goes. I believe I can get the computer to recognize JE> and respond to just about anyone. Given that, what would you like JE> the computer to do? I can think of a lot of possibilities, but I JE> want to hear from the disabled community JE> so that I can address real needs. JE> I don't know how long it will take to develop this, or even if I JE> will succeed, but I am going to try! Jean, I know of two uses for a voice recognition system that are badly needed. One would be to parallel the input of the keyboard. This would allow one to say the keystrokes into the computer. It would require a very small word list which would speed up recognition. Of course, you'd need the , , and keys to be sticky for multiple keystroke functions. This may be a slow way to input to the computer, but for some, it may be the only way to access an otherwise standard computer setup. The other would be as the input for an environmental control system. This system would allow one to turn lights on/off, answer the phone, operate entertainment equipment (tv, radio, vcr, etc) via infrared, control ac/heat, operate drapes/shades, etc, etc. In other words, a system to do everything you would do if you could jump out of bed/chair and do it. I'm happy that you want to tackle such a project. Too bad you've targetted the Mac as the computer system. It's so expensive that you'll immediately eliminate some of the prospective users. Insurance companies probably won't cover this system, so it'll have to be paid by the user. As you know, the disabled aren't the most affluent group (though a large group) in these United States or anywhere else. I'd like to see a system that is software-based (as much as possible to allow easy upgrades) using a hardware card with its own high-speed processor and memory that could be plugged into any pc-based system. What a dreamer! Good luck, Curt -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!360!1.13!Curtis.Oglesby Internet: Curtis.Oglesby@p13.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org