Number 195 - August 1999
Background Noise Defeats Voice Recognition
    Q. Background noise may be the problem with my voice recognition program. The program sometimes doesn't recognize a whole strings of words, but when I repeat it, it does!

    A. Yes. Your problem is ambient noise. When using voice recognition products, try to minimize the noise in the room where you keep your computer. The headset microphones included with most packages place the microphone directly in front of your mouth in an attempt to minimize background noise, but even these headsets aren't 100% effective at cutting out ambient sound.

    Unfortunately, during training and use, background noise may distort your original voice imprint and reduce the accuracy of your product. Your computing
area doesn't need to be completely silent--most computers hum softly while powered on. But turning off radios, closing windows, and by locking out extraneous chatter can go a long way toward improving voice recognition performance.

Editor's Rant of the day:
   Attendees at our monthly meetings also have background noise problems of sorts. For example: Those of you who just have to talk to someone during the Q&A period, or a program presentation, create background noise that interferes with the hearing of other members, who want to listen to the question or the presentation. Please be considerate and take your discussion out into the entrance hallway of the library, or, if it is that important, bring it up as a question so we can all benefit from your wisdom and generosity.
 
  Number 195 - August 1999