Will Dragon work for this application? Options

[Tami]

I am working on a registration process for our youth club at church. I would like to use voice recognition software to generate an ACCESS database event record when they arrive and speak their name into the computer's microphone. We have 200 kids that arrive in large groups between 4 and 5:30. This would speed up the sign in process and perhaps assure that they are not skipping this procedure. If the youth leave early we would have an additional event record for early release. This will allow us to have accurate attendance reports for various activities during the evening's 3 hour program.

[jnuttallphd]

Hello Tami:

At this time Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a "speaker dependent" voice recognition program which is generally used by people to dictate messages or to navigate their computers. Each individual using the program trains the program to their specific voice. The type of program you're referring to is called "speaker independent" voice recognition. I currently and not aware of a product that will fit your needs.

Since your going to build an access database, I'm assuming you can build a report which could list the names of those who regularly attend your meetings. Next to their names you can provide a check in and check out box.

Thank you,
Jim -- Michigan

[Tami]

Thank you Jim. I guess you are telling me I need to go back to the scanner option. An alernate idea - print the roster with a scanner code next to each name. The youth could scan the barcode next to their name to register for the evening's events. I was thinking about the C-Pen, C Technologies I believe.

[jnuttallphd]

Hello Tami:

The c-pen which you mentioned seems to be quite interesting. I am always on the look out for interesting OCR solutions. I work with a number of students who have reading difficulties. The c-pen books like a fascinating innovation which can be helpful especially to these students.

I'm not quite sure how you'll integrated into a system of attendance. Often, youth events can take place in a variety of settings, where computer equipment is not easily usable. For example, a visit to a swimming party. Sometimes a low-tech solution is an easy answer. For example, if you list the names of your youth fellowship alphabetically on several pieces of paper, this would allow you to actually have several stations for check in. As well as, this would also allow for a rapid visual scanning of documents to know who is in attendance or who is left. When the event is over an individual good log onto the computer enter Access database and in about 20 minutes into the information on attendance for the activity. Often a lower technology solution is easier to implement and takes less time in some higher tech solutions.

Let me know how you solve this problem. Your experience will help me in giving advised others.

Jim -- Michigan

[John Wickett]

While fingerprint scanning is great and pretty much foolproof, I suspect you don't want to go there. I hate new technologies, but sometimes you have to live with them, so why not just issue "swipe" cards? ;-( The interface with your ACCESS database(if ACCESS can actually be considered a database)is then very simple.

John

[Judy Evans]

Tami, Jim, John

I tend to do things like that in the most primitive manner possible but a high-tech solution has just occurred to me (!): small vocabulary speaker-independent SR software (of the kind my 'phone has).

But I'd be inclined to go for Jim's idea here:

>>>
For example, if you list the names of your youth fellowship alphabetically on several pieces of paper, this would allow you to actually have several stations for check in. As well as, this would also allow for a rapid visual scanning of documents to know who is in attendance or who is left.
>>>

a mobile scanner could then be used for swimming visits etc..

Has anyone here used a mobile scanner? I could do with one given that I can't hand-write well enough to take notes and recording is not always a suitable way of coping with the problem (train journeys have become wasted time since I got RSI!)

Judy

[Tami]

Thank you for your feedback on the options for solutions to this project! I found a CPen online for very little cost, so I might invest some time into that idea, however the sure solution is master lists, alphabetically listing the youth with checkoff boxes when in attendance. If I find there is any value in the CPen approach, and if I can find this site again....and remember my logon, I will update this message log.

[jnuttallphd]

Hi Judy:
I have to type this message since I'm on my wife's computer (11:15pm).

I can sympathize with your desire to do something constructive on trips and "holidays". I face much of the same problem, once I'm separated from my computer much of my fun and helpful adaptive technology is no longer there to help me. Even John powers up his motor on the sail boat to keep his laptop going!!!

The c-pen mentioned by Tami is a portable scanner. There is a pen scanner also by "Read IRIS". But I was very impressed by the c-pen when I went to the website. the company that makes it is Norweign I believe; so, it is Euro friendly. One can scan an entire document (article) or simple translate a line in a French menu into English. So you know that you are eating oysters (ugh). John will tell me that I'm missing out on life's pleasures, but oysters (ugh).

At home here I have both OmniPage Pro and FineReader Pro scanning software. I love the way the FineReader holds the layout so accurately and provides a flawless scan. OmniPage is also flawless in scanning and has a good spell checking system. I tend to use FineReader more than OmniPage.

On your train trips how would the scanning come in handy for you? I gravitate to recorded books when I'm traveling.

Jim

[John Wickett]

Eating oysters while drinking 'shine and telling my boat to go port or starboard - can't wait until next summer! ;-)

John

[Judy Evans]

Hello Jim

>>>
I can sympathize with your desire to do something constructive on trips and "holidays".
>>>

only on the way there! -- and I am happy to read novels then... I do though prefer to put long train journeys I *have* to make to good use.

>>>
On your train trips how would the scanning come in handy for you?
>>>

My hand writing is so limited I can't even jot down a newspaper date and byline or a url legibly -- so I would use it for that. But not only on trains; in waiting rooms while waiting for the next train...; anywhere where I could do with taking notes but can't record easily, also where it would be easier to scan even if I could!

But I am glad you mentioned recorded books; that's a really good idea

Judy

[jnuttallphd]

Hello Judy:

The c-pen looks like a good option for portable scanning. However, it would require you to grasp the pen and drag it along a line of text, like a URL. From what you describe. The c-pen might be uncomfortable for you to hold and work with it. But it is designed for what you're describing. I'm hoping the Next Generation of scanning pens will combine both scanning and text-to-speech. In this way I'll be able to read also while traveling. There is a Reading Pen II, but it has limited function as of todate.

Jim

[Judy Evans]

Hello Jim

I might well find the c-pen difficult to use -- it just seems one of the better options available now! Of course it's been on the market for a while, but I decided to wait to see what people thought of it.


>>>>
Generation of scanning pens will combine both scanning and text-to-speech. In this way I'll be able to read also while traveling.
>>>

yes -- that would be useful for you. I like the thought of recorded books -- in my case, "train journey novels" on audio-tape! -- because I sometimes find it difficult to read on a train; I get distracted! Also tapes and a small player are easier to carry. I wish I'd thought of it before

Judy

[jnuttallphd]

Hello Judy:

Fortunately, for me a number of audio books are available from library services here; thus, avoiding the expense of acquiring an audio book. I've read all the audio releases of the Harry Potter series -- great stuff.

However, my wife is recommended that I put some audio books on my Christmas list since my in-laws never know what to get me. (Which is true.) It would be nice to get something other than socks or a tie.

Jim

[Judy Evans]

Jim hello

The libraries here have audio books, I forgot that. I haven't read any Harry Potter books (or even seen the movie!); good idea,

BTW it is I've found easy to get the C-Pen here but there are new versions just out, I don't know what the differences are

Judy