VOCOLLECT UPDATES SPEECH RECOGNITION SOFTWARE FOR WAREHOUSE AUTOMATION &
INDUSTRIAL INSPECTION

New version of software features faster speech recognition and improved
support for real time two-way radio communications.

Pittsburgh, PA November 15, 1994 Vocollect, a leading supplier of speech
recognition systems for manufacturing and distribution automation, today
announced that it has begun shipping a more powerful version of software
for the company's Talkman voice terminal. Version 3.1 of Vocollect's Task
Builder software features improved algorithms for speech recognition as
well as streamlined code to support real-time radio communications with a
host PC. Vocollect's Talkman hardware and Task Builder software are
targeted at industrial applications of voice recognition technology such
as warehouse receiving and manufacturing inspection, where hands-free,
eyes-free data collection tasks can improve operator productivity by 50%
or more.

Task Builder Version 3.1 includes many performance improvements and
functional enhancements. A new Extraneous Sound Rejection (ESR) algorithm
improves the rejection of extraneous sounds and irrelevant speech. With
ESR the Talkman analyzes both the relevant words as well as the sounds
around them, improving the ability of the voice terminal to separate
appropriate speech responses from idle chatter. This eliminates stray
recognition and improves the "friendliness" of the environment to the
operator. A second performance improvement speeds the separation of speech
signals from the background. For low volume speakers this can improve
recognition performance by up to 100%. Vocollect's third generation speech
code also includes several newly optimized algorithms to further speed
overall system performance, thereby making the voice interface even more
natural.

Other performance gains for Task Builder 3.1 are in the area of radio
communications. Talkman is capable of storing collected data in its
internal memory until uploaded to a PC host, or it can update computer
databases in real time by using radio frequency (RF) data communications.
Task Builder Version 3.1 reduces the latencies associated with uploading
data to the PC and downloading data and instructions to the Talkman.
According to Larry Sweeney, Vocollect's engineering vice president,
"Customers always want the highest possible throughput when downloading
tables such as purchase orders, part numbers, or job control documents.
The new software offers significant productivity gains in this area by
making more efficient use of communications memory buffers."

Version 3.1 also includes important functionality extensions requested by
some of Vocollect's warehousing field installations. Task Builder is a
programming tool for the Talkman. The software includes many commands and
functions to accommodate users' data collection tasks. Version 3. 1
features new on-line editing functions, more powerful local database
capabilities (including dynamic table changes for both RF and batch data
collection), and an expanded library of Boolean, trigonometric, algebraic,
and exponential mathematical functions.

The Talkman is one of the few portable voice terminals available. Small and
light enough to be belt-worn, the Talkman can also operate for over 10
hours on a single battery charge. Vocollect is also announcing an improved
ergonomic battery pack with smoother rounded edges in a smaller and
lighter package. The new battery can re-charge in approximately two hours.
The new design replaces the earlier version at a price of $250 (A-018-1)
and will ship with all Talkman units after January 1, 1995.

Task Builder version 3.1 is available immediately. It is included with all
new Talkman shipments and is available for free to all of Vocollect's
Extended Service Program customers. The product is also sold separately
for $2500.

Vocollect, founded in 1987, is a leading supplier of speech recognition
technology for industrial applications. Vocollect's voice terminals are
designed to provide high recognition rates in noisy environments. Based on
speaker dependent technology, the Talkman recognizes any individual speech
pattern and allows users to speak at normal conversational rates.
Vocollect's major markets are automotive and electronics inspection,
automotive parts remanufacturing, warehousing and distribution picking and
receiving, and package sorting.

Vocollect Inc
701 Rodi Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
412-829-8145,  fax 412-829-0972

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