Application of Speech Recognition as a Tool for Human Computer Interaction

Application of Speech Recognition as a Tool for Human Computer Interaction

Introduction

Speech recognition technology is a revolutionizing technology that could change the complete patterns of trade. It is an emerging field in human computer interaction. In speech recognition voice serves as input to the applications. This voice recognition is possible by a speech recognition engine which is a software element that performs the speech recognition process. The basic function of the speech recognition engine is to process the input words and translate them into application understandable text (Kemble).

Applications of Speech Recognition

Speech recognition can be a very useful tool for a number of applications. It is already in use for televisions subtitling, for medical and legal firms note taking and for off line speech to text conversion (Guido Gybels). It comes as an alternative for devices where typing is difficult due to any limitations.

Speech Recognition Technology in Healthcare Settings

The use of speech recognition in health care settings is not new. Speech recognition has helped doctors and physicians in creating medical records. It helps to improve the quality and cost of healthcare systems. Through this technology electronic medical records (EMR) of the patients could be created. The advantage of electronic medical records is that it has reduced the expenses that were spent on the manual transcription making. Secondly, patient care has improved because of faster documentation and results (Durling et.al, 2008).

Healthcare systems are accelerating towards the speech recognition technology adaptation because of the many benefits it poses for the healthcare systems. The doctors practicing speech based EMR systems spends more time per patient. Thus, increasing the overall healthcare facility.

Recent surveys showed that speech recognition technology is necessary as it makes EMR systems accessible and user-friendly. It also increases physician's satisfaction. Embedding speech recognition technology in EMR systems has enabled the doctors to dictate freely using unrestricted free text. Speech recognition application in healthcare settings proved favorable in prescription writing, database searches, mapping, aftercare guidelines and clinical documentation (Nuance Communications, Inc, 2008).

Speech Recognition Technology in Spoken Dialogue Systems

Another most promising application of speech recognition technology is the spoken dialogue systems. Spoken dialogue systems developed largely in past all over the world. They are used both in research prototypes and commercial applications. It is a computer agent that understands spoken language and interacts with people. Through these systems information could be retrieved, transactions could be ...