In today's society, there are many different applications and activities that would benefit greatly from the use of speech recognition. These range from data entry to dictation to commands. It would be very useful to be able to use a speech-based system because the user population would greatly increase. More people could get past the complex commands and avoid having to memorize how they are used. All they would have to do is explicitly say what they want their computer to do. With the increasing technology and innovative ideas, it will more than likely be possible to, one day, be able to sit and talk to your computer as you would any other person and it would understand exactly what you mean. The only problems with it will be the same problems that normal conversation takes--sometimes people can be ambiguous about what they want done.
Currently, however, some companies have already incorporated speech recognition into their systems. In viewing some of these, one can see what effect the classifications listed on the top page have in defining these systems. Currently, Sprint Communications Company, uses a simple system that recognizes the words "yes" and "no" when you call someone collect through their company. DragonDictate is a product that is currently available for Windows that allows the user to interface with many different applications on their PC. It allows "hands-free" data entry in Excel, a dictation system in Word, as well as many other Windows-based application programs. The main drawbacks of DragonDictate is the large memory requirments, both on the hard drive and in RAM. However, technology is currently being developed to compress the signal received through the microphone and maybe even record parts and then use parts to reconstruct the signal enough to be able to decipher the command.
Another use that is being developed is for use with airline ticketing. The user would be able to call a number and answer the following questions (the questions would be asked by the computer system, the answers are the user's):
C: This is the Flight Information System. How may I help you?
U: I would like to make a reservation.
C: Please specify your travel plans.
U: I want to go from New York to Chicago on Saturday morning.
C: United Airlines Flight 3 leaves New York-La Guardia 10 a.m., arrives in
Chicago-O'Hare at 11:18 a.m.
U: How much is the fare?
C: The round-trip coach fare is $479.
U: I will take the flight.
C: Your reservation on United Airlines Flight 3 to Chicago-O'Hare on
Saturday is confirmed. Thank you.
This may be a reality, one day. The opportunities for expansion is immense in the area of speech recognition. Once intergrated into our society in a form that is very efficient and useful, the computer will become a valuable tool in any occupation. Right now, the technology is in the process of being developed, for the most part. As a result, we will have to wait some time before it is implemented on a global scale. However, it is attainable.