Talk your way round--a speech interface to a virtual museum.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the development of a speech interface to a virtual world and to consider its relevance for disabled users.


METHODS
The system was developed using mainly software that is available at minimal cost. How well the system functioned was assessed by measuring the number of times a group of users with a range of voices had to repeat commands in order for them to be successfully recognized. During an initial session, these users were asked to use the system with no instruction to see how easy this was.


RESULTS
Most of the spoken commands had to be repeated less than twice on average for successful recognition. For a set of 'teleportation' commands this figure was higher (2.4), but it was clear why this was so and could easily be rectified. The system was easy to use without instruction. Comments on the system were generally positive.


CONCLUSIONS
While the system has some limitations, a virtual world with a reasonably reliable speech interface has been developed almost entirely from software which is available at minimal cost. Improvements and further testing are considered. Such a system would clearly improve access to virtual reality (VR) technologies for those without the skills or physical ability to use a standard keyboard and mouse. It is an example of both assistive technology (AT) and universal design.
Department of Computing, The Nottingham Trent University, Burton Street, UK. lindsay.evett@ntu.ac.uk
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D003196:Computer Graphics; D017046:Cost Savings; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012985:Software Design; D012986:Software Validation; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006113:United Kingdom; D014584:User-Computer Interface