Topics

16

What is a good microphone for speech recognition? / headset test: Sennheiser DW10 Office

« on: February 06, 2013, 03:30:50 PM »

New hardware test: Sennheiser Office DW10-DECT headset

[attachment=1]

I’ve tested a new headset with VoxCommando and by the way this is one of the best that I’ve used with VoxCommando.
This headset is normally a professional office phone headset and the price is also professional 200-400 EUR. I had luck and make a bargain of the year and bought it NEW for only 40 EUR on ebay.  

Installation:

Plug’n Play with USB – Windows 7 recognized it as headset, no software required. This headset can also connect to a normal phone with a wire and it switched automatically when a call comes in.
It can be used also as softphone with skype, Lync, etc.
The design looks very futuristic like a “borg cube”. The material and the processing are made of high quality. The headset weight is only 22 gram.
For more information you can take a look here:

German: http://de-de.sennheiser.com/kabelloses-headset-office-handfreies-telefon-dw

English: http://en-de.sennheiser.com/wireless-headset-office-hands-free-dect-dw


Using with VoxCommando:

To use this headset is amazing the confidence with a non-trained speech profile is always over 90%.
I’ve tested the range from each room (basement until the second floor) to the base without any quality loss. This headset works with DECT standard (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) and the wireless range inside are up to 55 meter and outside 180 meter.

Audio quality:

The audio stream from mic to pc and back works with wideband audio and is really clear. The only disadvantage - it is monaural and has only one speaker.

Battery lifetime:

The battery in the headset is a Lithium Polymere with 100 hour standby and over 8 hours talk time. Charging time 0-50% = 20 min; 0-100% = 60 min

Conclusion:

I’ve tested many wireless mic’s and headsets and the Sennheiser DW10 Office has the biggest range and a excellent audio quality too. It works fantastic together with VoxCommando so I’m happy to have it.
If you plan to buy a mic to use it with your pc, VoxCommando and phone - take a look on ebay or any other platform to find a Sennheiser DW10 Office (ML, Pro1, Pro2). If you find one for 100-200 EUR it is real a good investment.

Kalle

17

XML Exchange / Audio Endpoint Plugin commands DE/EN

« on: February 04, 2013, 08:10:24 AM »

Hi guys,
in the latest VoxCommando version (0.980) is a plugin that is named "audioendpoint". This plugin allows you to set/change the standard audio output from windows "on the fly" with voice commands.
It can also search and list your audio outputs and shows on screen with an ID number and name. There is a command available to create a XML file from your output devices. In this file you can give your device a preferred name and assign it to the output device.

I worked a bit on the group and added commands and phrases.

There are two command groups available: English-group with all phrases in english and also a German-group with all commands in german.
Download the group - drag and drop it in the command-tree-editor

Thanks to James for this nice plugin  

Kalle

18

What is a good microphone for speech recognition? / Plantronics CS60 USB-DECT

« on: January 29, 2013, 12:40:07 PM »

Hi guys,
I've tested a new wireless mic "Plantronics CS60 USB-DECT" to use with VoxCommando. This mic is normally used for VOIP (skype, ...) and the base of this mic is connected with a USB cable to the PC.
The headset self send and receive the audio with DECT technology (1,8-1,9MHz frequency) and has a really big range (50 meter inside a house and over 100 meter outside).
The only weak point - it is mono (good for a TTS Voice response) but bad to hear music with it.

How does work with VoxCommando?
First tests looks pretty good - recognition rate is 90-95% in VoxCommando for each command.

conclusion: If you plan to buy a headset to use it with VoxCommando and also with skype, take a look on ebay for a cheap "Plantronics CS60-USB.
There are two different Plantronics CS60 available, one with USB and one without USB. To use the headset with VoxCommando you need to buy the USB version.

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Plantronics-CS60-USB-VOIP-Wireless-Funk-Kopfbugel-mit-Basisstation-Headset-DECT-/181069727021?pt=DE_Technik_Computerzubeh%C3%B6r_Multimedia&hash=item2a2898c52d#ht_808wt_1401

Kalle

19

Tips and Tricks / Workshop: How we create a „Virtual Feedback“ in VoxCommando

« on: October 20, 2012, 10:49:04 AM »

How we create a „Virtual Feedback“ in VoxCommando and how we use it?

VoxCommando has a powerful action group that is called “File”. This action group has commands for writing, reading, copying, moving and deleting files or text line in files (pic 01). Some of this actions can we use to create a “Virtual Feedback”

A “Virtual Feedback” is sometimes useful when you control a device that you can’t see.
For an example: a light outside the house

To use this command as here written, you must have extra hardware like a HALi-Controller (http://lifetek.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=13) or a USB-UIRT (http://www.usbuirt.com/)
or similar that can be used with VoxCommando. I will show you only the structure of the command to realizing a TTS playback of a state of a device with VoxCommando.

For first – this works only correct if you use VoxCommando to control the device. VoxCommando works here as control unit and always saves the switched state of the device. If you control the device with the original hardware remote, VoxCommando can’t detect this.

Not all VoxCommando users control lights with VoxCommando, so we use here as example to turn an amplifier ON or Off.

Here the task of: We want to know is the amplifier turned ON or OFF.

1.   We create a group in VoxCommando Tree Editor with two commands. The first turned the amp on and the second off. Important is that you write the correct text in the “File.WriteLine” action – to On command ON and in off command OFF (red marked in pic 02).
The “File.WriteLine” action write this text in a specified file which represent the current state of the device.

[attachment=1]

2.   What we need as next is a command that read the inner text in this file and can distinguish between ON and OFF. To realizing that we must use the “File.Read” action combined with a “logic block”. (pic 03)
The “File.Read” action stored the inner text of this file (ON or OFF) and we can use it as {LastResult} value in a logic block (If-Then-Else).
If {LastResult} = ON -> Then -> TTS.Speak “the amplifier is current on”
Else -> “TTS.Speak “the amplifier is current off”

[attachment=3]

This is not a feature that you absolutely needed, but it shows what can be achieved with this action group. I use similar actions with a prototype of HALi controller to control my lights. This makes much easier, because VoxCommando can scrape the state of the lights and also the temperature from a sensor in it directly from the HALi controller over network. For more information of the HALi controller you can take a look here: http://lifetek.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=13 or write a PM here in VC-Forum to “xtermin8r” http://voxcommando.com/forum/index.php?action=pm;sa=send

I hope this short workshop gives you an insight into mostly unknown but effective actions of VoxCommando.  

Kalle

20

Tips and Tricks / VoxCommando and VoxWav used in a Car

« on: September 27, 2012, 05:54:05 PM »

I have make my first Video to show you how VoxCommando and VoxWav works on a CarPC.

Video is not available at the moment


The CarPC is a Zotac Nano AD11 Plus and I use the iPad as Touchscreen with a remote desktop app.

If you have any question let me know.

Kalle

21

WAY Off Topic / 1000

« on: August 19, 2012, 04:51:37 AM »

Haha, this is my

1000


post   

22

XML Exchange / "Ducking" command for Android-VoxMic

« on: August 01, 2012, 08:03:50 AM »

This command-group activate a soft mute on host computer when you tilt your android device or press the speach button in VoxWav.

Update: The VcGrp_VoxMic_Ducking_VC.xml is created to use it with MediaMonkey and XBMC Eden, if you use XBMC Frodo, you must edit the command and replace the xbmc mute/unmute action with "XJson.SoftMute" and "XJson.SoftUnMute".

Kalle

23

General Discussion / 2-year anniversary of the VC-Forum

« on: June 28, 2012, 11:42:41 AM »

The VC-Forum has 2-year anniversary today 

So I would like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY and look forward to the next years in this nice Forum. 

All my best wishes
Kalle

24

XML Exchange / Control Chrome browser with VC DE/EN

« on: May 04, 2012, 07:54:33 AM »

Here is an VC-group with german and english phrases to control "Google-Chrome-Browser"

Import the "VcGrp_Chrome_hotkeys_and_control" in VC editor and edit the phrases by your self (if you want)
Save the "dxdirectionEnDe.xml" in the VC main folder, this xml is for using the scroll command
The DxInput-plugin must be enabled

have fun
Kalle

25

What is a good microphone for speech recognition? / AKG Professional Wireless System

« on: April 25, 2012, 01:13:36 PM »

This is a short review of the professional Wireless System AGK-WMS 40 Pro Mini and how it work with VC
The Wireless System from manufacturer AKG is the first professional solution for less than 100,- EUR and it work with 864MHz UHF-frequencies (Europe) there are other frequencies in the U.S..
I bought this unit to find out how it works with VC (I can use it with my E-Guitar, a cable in the package is available).
This could be also an alternative to a multi-room solution, you do not have to install a microphone in each room which is very expensive.

A important part to use Voxcommando with best results, is a good microphone.
We are always looking for a practical and affordable solution. Not everyone will want to buy an expensive microphone to use it with VC - and it is not necessary, but it is sometimes more convenient 

Installation and what you still need:

The WMS40Pro comes with a receiver SR40 (WxHxT: 130mm x 40mm x 120mm) and a small bodypack (60 x 70 x 17mm) with a clip on the back to fix it on wear or belt.
The installation itself is plug?n play, the WMS40Pro System use only a single frequency, so it is not necessary to adjust anything. At the back of receiver is a 6,3mm mono output, you need a small adapter or cable (6,3mm mono to 3,5mm stereo) to use it with computer mic-in or line-in and a power supply connection for the included AC adapter.

Audio-Adapter:
https://www.amazon.de/Audio-Adapter-Stereo-Buchse-Stecker/dp/B000KYR874/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1483422795&sr=8-4&keywords=6%2C3mm+Mono+Klinke+auf+3%2C5mm+Stereo+klinke

Audio-cable:
https://www.thomann.de/gb/cae_15562_audiokabel_30.htm

To use the system with a mic (that is the bad thing) you need a microphone with an AKG compatible ?mini XLR plug?.
The price range is from 20 EUR to no limit, so I have brought a ?t.bone 500 earmic? for 69 EUR (b-stock), this is a professional mic for theater or stage (very clear voice).

http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_earmic_500akg.htm

From the same manufacturer, there is a lavalier microphone that I buy next time

http://www.thomann.de/gb/the_tbone_lc97_tws.htm

Test with VC:
First, I tested most of the commands from my VC configuration (MediaMonkey, XBMC, EventGhost and Google) and the confidence is always 92-94,8% without any training in Windows7 speech recognition.
As next I tested the commands with music in background (the volume a bit more as normal, but there is from user to user differently) with ?prefix mode? (if I said my prefix ?computer? VC reduce the volume to a lower level). The confidence is a bit lower (80-94,8%), but mostly over 90%.

The range:
The range is bigger as the most user need to use it with VC, from the basement to roof and some walls, there were no problems for VC to understand me. I think 30 meter in a house (if you have a big house) is no problem.

The battery life:
The bodypack work with a singlel AA-battery and the manufacturer said it lasts for 30 hours, you can also use a rechargeable AA battery, I will give you a review later
update 05.06.2012: A normal AA battery have changed after ~28 hour in use.

Conclusion:
If you need a bigger range as a normal WiFi-Headset or mic and also good quality, this is a good investment (99 EUR the AKG + 20 EUR for a mic + 1,15 EUR for a pc adapter), but this solution has no sense if you want only control a "mediaplayer" in living room from a short distance, here is my favorite the "amulet-remote" or "wireless-audiobox". If you want control your complete multimedia, lights and other homeautomatic stuff from a big range (garden or any other place in your home), this is one of many solutions.
If you have any question about the WMS40-Pro, feel free to ask me.

Kalle

Here some information from the AKG website http://www.akg.com/site/products/powerslave,id,1221,pid,1221,nodeid,2,_language,EN,country,ENUS.html :
-   HDAP (High Definition Audio Performance)
-   30 hours off a single AA battery
-   Plug & Play

All WMS 40 Mini series components share the same brilliant sound and ease of use at an unbeatable price/performance ratio. Unique HDAP (High Definition Audio Performance) technology ensures the best possible, most realistic sound at any time.

The SR 40 Mini receiver provides three status LEDs indicating ON/OFF status, received signal strength (RF OK), and audio clipping (AF CLIP). The VOLUME control sets the level at the ¼" output jack. Each receiver comes with a universal 12-V switched mode power supply with EU, UK, and US adapters.

The PT 40 Mini bodypack is probably the smallest and lightest transmitter in its class. A reliable mini XLR input allows you to connect every compatible AKG miniature microphone. A single AA size battery will power both the transmitter and a condenser microphone connected to it.
Battery life for each WMS 40 Mini transmitter is the same legendary 30 hours off a single AA battery as for the standard WMS 40 models, reducing the need to replace batteries and thus saving real money in the long run.

26

Tutorials / Tutorial für PayLoads

« on: January 30, 2012, 04:45:58 AM »

Hier werden Tutorials für PayLoads "How to..." im PDF-Format hochgeladen.

1. Teil: Payload Range und wie man diese einsetzen kann. (neue Version, überarbeitet am 31.01.2012)

2. Teil: PayloadList ...  (neue Version, überarbeitet am 02.02.2012)

3. Teil: Payload Dictation Regular / Spelling ... (in Planung)

4. Teil: Payload Value/Phrase ... (in Planung)

5. Teil: Payload Phrase Only ... (in Planung)


Hier eine "super" Beschreibung wie man noch mit Payloads arbeiten kann (mit vielen Beispielen): http://voxcommando.com/forum/index.php?topic=2470.msg21314#msg21314

Kalle

27

Tips and Tricks / XBMC set volume with confirmation and logic TTS

« on: January 13, 2012, 09:48:10 AM »

Here is a VC group for xbmc, that need a cofirmation to set the volume in xbmc with a little bit of logic.

What do this command?
When you say: "your prefix" and "set volume (XYZ)" (XYZ range is: 10,20,30...100) -> mute xbmc and say "are you sure to set volume to XYZ?" you can confirm with "your prefix" and "Yes" or what you are setting in VC-Options to confirm a command.
If you confirm, VC set volume to the value, and answer with "volume set to XYZ percent" an unmute xbmc. Over 90 percent, it give you a warning!

Have fun
Kalle

PS: I have tested this command with VC 0.936/38 and recreate for easier handling in logic

You can used also with other language, but you must edit the phrases and the text in the command  

28

Tips and Tricks / DE Anleitung "Wie funktionieren Events" / German tutorial for "how Events work"

« on: January 04, 2012, 12:25:38 PM »

Hallo Freunde,

hier mal ein Beispiel, wie man mit "Events" in VC arbeiten kann in Deutsch.


Hello friends,

here is an example, how an event work in VC in german language


Kalle

29

XML Exchange / EA-Games XML for DX-plugin

« on: December 09, 2011, 06:00:12 PM »

Here are some sample to use keyboard emulation with Battlefield2 from EA-games, I think it works also in Battlefield3, please test it.
This command have english and german phrases.
To use this commands use VC0.933 and above and you must activate the VC DXinput plugin from James!

Have fun
Kalle

play with delay in DXinput settings (18ms is good for me) when it not work correct

30

Bug Reports / courios

« on: November 25, 2011, 04:01:47 PM »

James, I have found a little "bug" - VC open a second window after full restart when a plugin window is open.
I opened in VC a plugin, and restart VC (with full restart). VC does not close, and restart with a second VC window.