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talk2me.zip
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CHATTER1.ZIP
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READTHIS.TXT
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1992-08-27
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TALK-2-ME
This file is an introduction to and explanation of the TALK-2-ME
program. The program allows display of foreign text and can play a
digital recording of the phrase shown.
This program is shareware. Users of the program are granted a
temporary license to examine this program. The program may be copied
and distributed freely providing there is no alteration or modification
of the program or files, and that the program is not distributed with
any other product.
This should contain the following files :
TALK-2-ME.EXE
SAY.EXE
INSCRIBE.EXE
WORLD1.GTD
ENGLISH.QRY
TEST1.V8
TRYOUT.BAT
READTHIS.TXT (This file)
six files with the .BGI extension
and subdirectories called:
<JAP>
<JAPZ>
PREMISE:
The author of this program has spent a number of years in the public
safety business. On occasion, a problem arises in communicating with someone
that needs some form of emergency service, the service being either police,
fire-rescue, or emergency medical. The problem arises when the
person needing service cannot speak english and the person(s) providing the
service cannot speak the foreign speaker's language.
Generally, agencies having this type of problem have some limited
access to a translator. Any agency that has a consistent or repeated
problem in dealing with non-english speakers generally can find some
type of translator. When the translator is available, communication
is no problem. During the times that the translator is not available,
communications become either difficult or impossible.
In most situations where answers are needed quickly, the questions
that need to be asked are limited in number. Most of these questions will
deal either with identification or some form of "yes-or-no" answer.Included
with this program is a sample list of some of the questions and phrases that
we have found to be useful.
This program was created to provide a "phrase book" of questions
to be asked when a translator is not available. It cannot, and is not
intended to replace a translator.
RUNNING THE PROGRAM:
Once the files are extracted from the TALK2ME.ZIP file, and the
directory matches the one above, type TALK2ME and press the enter key.
The program then runs as any .EXE file should. From this point on, the
program should be pretty much self explanatory. On occasion an error
message may be returned. The usual message is "Error opening (null)."
The other message is "Error: Can not find or open file:.\????\????.???".
Both of these messages are usually results of the program seeking a non-
existant file. The voice files included with this sample are ".V8" voice
files, to allow demonstration of voice capabilities even when the only system
available is the internal speaker. Be aware, however, that the internal
speaker is very likely to sound somewhat garbled. The COVOX units (read on)
provide much clearer sound.
NOTE: When running the program, question number two is used to
select languages. The top part of the screen will display the
languages available. Each three letter subdirectory respresents
an available language. For instance, JAP represents Japanese,
and RUS represents Russian.
SERVICES:
This program can take a preset list of questions (in english),
a translated script and a tape-recording of the script in the translated
language and put them together. For example, the sample files show
question number two to be "What is your name ?". The sample program
provides that question to be "written" in japanese characters, and pronounced.
The bottom part of the screen shows the question in english.
Most agencies have forms or checklists of some kind to determine
the nature of the problem they have at hand. Anyone who has been treated
in the emergency room is familiar with this, as it often seems like a lot of
time is spent answering before treatment. In cases where the patient is in
serious trouble, questions are asked (when possible) of a next of kin.
We offer a transcribing service. By that we mean that a user, once
registered, can submit a list of questions in english, a copy of translated
script, and a tape recording of the spoken phrases, and we can "load" the
phrases to display and pronounce on demand. Thus, if you should want
question two to display "Are you diabetic ?" in Russian, this
could be done.
The transcribing service is offered to registered users. A
registration form is available at the end of this file. Cost for
registration is $25.00 (costs for transcribing not included).
We do not offer translation services, although we can assist in
locating a translator. Any cost for locating a translator must be
assumed by the user, and any translating done is a separate business
between the translator and the user.
Direct any questions regarding transcription to the address and/or
phone number listed in the registration form.
Note: We reserve the right to review and reject material that we
do not wish to transcribe. Any material that is transcribed is subject
to a two week period of review by the user. If, after the two week period
we are not notified of any error, flaw or defect, in the transcribed product,
the product is agreed to be accurately produced.
ADDITIONAL HARDWARE:
To use this system to generate "spoken" phrases, one of three
types of hardware must be used:
1) The internal speaker. The sample program can use this speaker
although there are distinct disadvantages. First, the internal speaker
must use a ".V8" speech file. This file is three times the size of the
compressed ".V3S" file, and therefore uses three times the disk space.
Since even the compressed speech files are large, use of the internal
speaker is discouraged. Further, the internal speaker is just what the
name says: internal. The sound can be reproduced, but since the speaker
is inside the computer case, it is much like listening to someone who has a
cardboard box over his head. The speech files included with the sample
program are ".V8" for the purpose of demonstration. For better sound
production, choices two or three are strongly recommended. The
"TRYOUT.BAT" file will pronounce "This is a test of the speaker"
on the internal speaker.
2) The COVOX SoundMaster II sound board. With this system, you could
produce your own sound files. Cost from the manufacturer, COVOX Inc.is about
$225.00 although some outlets offer it for less. The disadvantage to this one
is that a desktop unit, or at least a unit capable of taking an "add-on" board
must be used. Most laptops and/or notebooks would be excluded. Allows use of
the compressd speech files.
3) The COVOX SpeechThing. A small hardware unit that plugs into
the parallel printer port. Needs no other hardware, and is powered by
a nine volt battery or DC adapter. This unit allows any machine with a
printer port to be used. Small laptops and notebooks can be used with this
system. By using this piece of hardware compressed speech files
could be used. With small computers, the system then becomes portable,
and can be taken out to locations in a small carrying case. Cost from
COVOX is about $80.00, and again may be available for less through some
retail outlets.
HARD DRIVES: Since speech files take up a lot of memory, hard
drives are virtually a necessity.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
If you find this program of interest, or have questions regarding
its use, please write:
The Japanese Culture and Language Service Inc.
attn: TALK-2-ME
4504 Telhurst Road
South Euclid Ohio 44121
or call via voice phone and leave a message :
(216) 382-8523
Details of transcribing services, to include cost and specifications are
available on request.
REGISTRATION:
Date:
I,__________________________, wish to become a registered user of
the TALK-2-ME ver 1.1 software. I understand that registration is
$25.00 (twentyfive dollars) U.S. and have enclosed that amount.
I further understand that should I use the services of the
Japanese Culture and Language Service Inc. to transcribe any material for
use, that I must provide material according to their specifications
and upon receipt of the transcribed material, have a two week review
period to make notification of any error. I understand that if no
notification is made during the two week period, following final delivery,
I will accept the material as an accurate copy. I further understand that
once the material is put into use, the Japanese Culture and
Language Service Inc. assumes no resposibility for any misunderstanding,
difficulites, loss or other incident arising from or during the use of
the TALK-2-ME program.
SIGNED:___________________________________________
TITLE: ___________________________________________
AGENCY:___________________________________________