Voice Synthesizers
These are also known as voice-output devices or audio-response units or voice synthesizers. They convert data stored in secondary storage devices into sounds that are understandable to human beings. In these systems speed and pitch of voice can be adjusted. This facility is available in many of today’s applications such as children education software. Voice output serves as an excellent & important media for communicating information to blind people.
In recent years, voice output is becoming very much popular. From the present trend of development of multi-media systems, it seems that voice output will become one of the dominant methods of output. Voice synthesizers can be relatively expensive and can be easily connected to almost every computer. Multimedia systems, which incorporate multi-media presentations and voice output are popular among consumers. Voice output is produced in two ways. In the first method the computer will play stored words over a speaker. In the second method, the voice is created with special computer circuitry, a process called Speech synthesis. This circuitry is designed so that it can produce sounds like a human voice.
Voice recognition systems
Voice Recognition Systems (VRS) can provide hands-free interaction between the computer and the user. In other words, users can discard conventional input devices such as keyboard or mouse and access the computer system by simply talking to it. VRS applications were originally designed for physically handicapped people. But due to the rise in RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) claims and the desire for non-typists voice dictating applications, the demand for VRS technology is increasing.
Simple voice command driven applications have proved to be very effective and are extremely well received by inexperienced users. Although there are numerous applications in the market, the technology is still developing. The problem is that people are irregular in their speech. Human conversation is ungrammatical, repetitive and open- ended. Once the technology is perfected, it will revolutionize the use of computers.
