On Tue, 9 Dec 1997, AlPikeCP wrote:
> I have been asked to give my opinion by a software manufacture on the value to
> the disabled community of a Voice Activated Home Automation Software System.
>
> Through speaking to your computer one could have various electric devices
> perform normal functions around the home. This could also be accomplished
> remotely through the use of the telephone. The basic system is $400.
>
> Does anyone have any thoughts about these type of systems, and is there
> something even better that is now being used by the disabled community. I few
> years back I saw a Robot for this purpose under development by the VA.
Al – I don’t have lots of details on manufacturers or prices, but many
quadriplegics use what are termed Environmental Controls. Often this is a
plug in board with input/output channels or something similar to a
terminal block hooked to a computer through its parallel port that has a
corresponding software driver to a voice recognition program like Dragon
Dictate. Dragon Dictate makes probably the most popular program – IBM
(Voice Type) and Kurzweil also have similar software and they are all now
trying to market to typing-impaired but otherwise able bodied folks.
A guy I know personally who is a C4-5 quadriplegic has this set up and
uses it to turn on lights, the stereo, answer the telephone, change the
heating temp etc. He uses the Dragon Dictate software to write stuff in a
word processor and for email and to use all his other software programs.
Without the EC hardware interface, the Dragon Dictate software alone is
around $150 for the 10,000 word vocab (I’m reaching way back in my
memory and $$$ may be off) and quite a bit more for the 30,000 word
upgrade. You must “train” the software to recognize your voice, but that
makes it work just as well for folks with severe cerebral palsy/other
problems that may affect speech. His set up works great and is very
impressive. The computer itself was the big expense, plus the training
for the software. His brother set up the hardware.
Industrial input/output boxes and cards for use in industrial
plants/factories/labs to control and monitor stuff from a computer (turn
electrical stuff on/off, change analog setpoints) run about $100 for 16
channels. Selling something similar as a package with support for $400 is
probably about right. Support is critical, though, and this is not a
novel type of system. The case I’m familiar with was set up in 1994.
Usually, a decent package that is well supported by someone
local is much better than a great package that is just dropped off in the
mail without support for these kind of intergrated systems. Always look
for a good track record of training and support from the dealer when
buying unproven/new software, especially when it has to work with
something existing. The wiring/set up will cost more than the $400 for
hardware/software unless the person has a handy relative/friend who feels
comfortable with electrical work.
Hope this helps.
Cathy
(all those years in process control and rehab engineering just paid off!)
PS – nice article in Biomechanics about the lists. I hope your amputee
information center project is going well.
