Speech recognition software converts spoken words into text and can also execute computer commands. It requires training to recognize each user’s unique speech patterns and accents. It is useful for professionals, students, and individuals with special needs. It can reduce repetitive stress injuries and is available for desktops, laptops, and portable digital voice recorders.
Speech recognition software, designed to be used with a microphone, interprets the words you speak to create text-style documents; it can also be used to execute computer commands. Simply put, it replaces voice input for keyboard input. This software can be an invaluable tool in countless applications and is especially useful for college students, executives, translators, transcriptionists, and individuals with special needs.
This type of software requires complex coding algorithms, as different speech patterns and idiosyncrasies make each person’s way of speaking unique. Foreign and regional accents, including various dialects, also affect how words are pronounced. Also, lazy enunciation can completely change the way words are pronounced. This presents a real challenge for speech recognition software, which relies on matching the various potential sounds of a spoken word to its written counterpart.
For this reason, it is necessary for each user to prepare speech recognition software to recognize his particular style of speech. Some software comes with a training program that includes specially chosen text for the user to read in the program. The instructions might force the user to speak in their normal voice. The program will translate the spoken words and the user will correct any errors. The program learns from its mistakes, adapting the translation accordingly.
The longer a person uses a particular speech recognition software program, the fewer mistakes they will make. Because it’s user-oriented, however, it won’t work well for a secondary person. Every person who needs it will have to go through the training period and some programs allow for more than one user by having a login screen with the ability to maintain more than one profile.
Single-user speech recognition software is often built into portable digital voice recorders. Take verbal notes on the way to the office or a meeting, then export the notes as a text file when convenient. The software can also be used with a digital voice recorder in meetings to take minutes or to record the entire meeting for a hard copy which can be published on, for example, the company intranet. Students can use it to record, translate and archive class lessons for future reference.
Speech recognition software is also available for desktops and laptops. Its use in the workplace can reduce repetitive stress injuries and related employee downtime. It is an invaluable tool for professional translators and medical transcriptionists as well as the average consumer. Home uses include dictating homework assignments, personal journals, generating grocery, vacation, or to-do lists, or outlining steps for DIY projects.
This software can also be used to execute commands that would otherwise be entered via a keyboard. This can be especially helpful for people with disabilities that make using a keyboard difficult.
The potential applications of speech recognition software are vast and varied. These programs vary in quality and design like any other software program, so it will be wise for consumers to research them before deciding which program best fits an individual’s or business‘ needs.
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