Go ahead, yell at the copier — this one talks back
June 9, 2009 by Sam NarisiPosted in: Solutions, Special Report
Most of us have aimed a few well-chosen words at a balky copier from time to time. But some of them are equipped not only to understand what we say, but also to talk back.
Canon offers industry-leading voice recognition and synthesis technology that is available for most of its imageRUNNER copier/multifunctional devices. This technology is designed to allow users with visual or physical impairments to control the device via spoken commands or simplified tactile input.
Companies are dealing with an aging population and workforce, and over 21 million Americans have some kind of visual or physical impairment. Add to that the growing complication of multifunctional devices. As a recent article in the AFB Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness notes: “Advancements in technology and changes to the user interface of multifunctional document centers created accessibility barriers for employees with visual impairments that previously did not exist.”
The Voice Operation Kit (retails at $1,800) consists of software, a speaker and headphone jack for privacy, and a flexible microphone that may be used from a seated position. When installed on an imageRUNNER, the kit enables users to hear instructions and input voice commands. The Voice Guidance Kit (retails at $800) is designed primarily for users with visual impairments and consists of software and a speaker which provides an audible description of the content of the control panel display and audio feedback.
The functionality, which is transparent when not in use, is activated by pressing a voice recognition button. Users can, for example, order the machine to make copies and specify how many copies, which paper drawer should be used, and if two-sided copies should be made. They can send faxes or e-mails. They can get visual confirmation (on the copier display panel) and/or audio confirmation through a speaker.
The wider application of accessibility regulations (like Section 508 of the federal Rehabilitation Act) contributes to the growing need for multifunction devices that are easy to use, regardless of ability. Also, last year’s ADA Amendments Act gives private employers a greater obligation to accommodate disabled employees.
Canon is addressing this need with a built-in, easy-to-install feature that is unique in the industry. (Xerox also has a solution for the visually impaired, but it based on having a connected workstation, not directly on the copier/multifunctional itself.)
This product won an Access Award from the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) for contributing to the employment of people with disabilities.
DocuCrunch.com delivers the latest IT and Imaging news once a week to the inboxes of over 200,000 IT and Imaging professionals.
Click here to sign up and start your FREE subscription to DocuCrunch!
Tags: Canon, imageRUNNER, multiunction printer, visually impaired, Voice Operation Kit
Loading ...
