CVNet - query on voice recognition software

CVNet (cvnet@skivs.ski.org)
Mon, 22 Apr 96 00:27:18 PDT

Subject: Voice Input Systems
To: CVNET@skivs.ski.org
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 96 18:07:00 PDT
From: Gary Wynn Kelly <garywynn@bbs.cruzio.com>
Cc: Tom Amerson <Amerson%VNSMRL.DecNet@nl.NUWC.navy.mil>,
"David at ILinks" <DavidRoss@ILinks.Net>

Hi!

I received your message via a friend.
I am soliciting information on software that can interface with a
DOS/Windows machine to allow the user (visually impaired) to dictate text
into a word processor.

Any information is most welcome.

Sincerely,
Satish Deshpande

There are three major packages that do quite well: the IBM Voice Type, the
Dragon Systems, Dragon Dictate, and the Kurzweil system from Kurzweil. The
Kurzweil and Dragon systems are likely to interface with a screen reader
output system. Most persons who are blind use a screen reader, and
conventional keyboard for input.

Training the systems may be a challenge, but it is likely that either Dragon
or Kurzweil will have had this come previously, and have a way to assist in
the training.

Is there some reason why voice input is desirable over keyboard? The voice
input systems are limited to 70 wpm, and do take training. They do cost in
the $995 range. Cheaper competitors are usually not worth the investment.

Hope this helps.

-- 
Freedom, like sanity, is best questioned to be sure one still has it.