Philips redefines transcription with outstanding ergonomics of new Foot control range
Vienna, Austria – Royal Philips Electronics (AEX: PHI, NYSE: PHG) announced today the launch of its foot control range featuring best-in-class ergonomics for dictation and transcription systems. Developed in close cooperation with ergonomists and professional end users, the design sets new standards in terms of usability and user comfort. Transcriptionists can stop and start dictations with only a slight movement of the heel, without lifting the foot unnecessarily, which reduces strain, increases efficiency and optimizes the transcription workflow. The new foot control range consists of four different models, allowing users to choose the device that best suits their working practices. They provide full backwards compatibility for an easy upgrade from existing Philips foot control models.
Philips' new foot control range is the culmination of detailed research into the movements made during transcription. Many transcriptionists spend a whole working day listening and typing, while constantly starting and stopping a recorded dictation using the foot pedals. When Philips looked into the requirements of the end user and the possibilities for reducing physical strain, the single most important requirement that emerged was for a slim foot control. As a result, the new foot controls now incline gently from the centre, enabling the user to switch easily and smoothly between the various functions.
With the advanced USB Foot Control 2330, Philips has reduced the height of the pedals by more than 40% in order to minimize foot movements. The distinct pedal shape gives the user immediate feedback, indicating which pedal the foot is currently resting on and also allowing for blind operation.
Designed for professional users, this device features an additional fourth pedal and includes programmable controls. Typists can now finish a dictation with the built-in finish pedal instead of using a mouse, again minimizing stress but also reducing the turnaround time of dictated documents. Depending on the transcription application in use, the next dictation can be automatically opened and the typist can continue working without any further interaction.
Configurable to individual needs, the pedal functions of the Foot Control 2330 can easily be adapted to the personal preferences of the user. Anti-slip bottom elements keep the foot control in the right place, making handling of the device very efficient.
Thomas Brauner, CEO of Philips Speech Processing, said: “Philips has thirty years of experience in developing foot controls for a smooth transcription process. But when we investigated customer requirements, we found that this small, unobtrusive item underneath the desk has the potential to make a big difference to the transcriptionist’s working life. We developed the new range with the highest Swedish ergonomic standards in mind and the results are greater comfort for the transcriptionist, more convenient operation and reduced turnaround time for dictations.”
The new foot control range consists of four different models, including the analog Foot Control 2210, the Philips-style USB Foot Control 2310, the new international-style version USB Foot Control 2320 as well as the advanced 4-pedal USB Foot Control 2330. All models fit in standardized foot rests, are compatible with the Philips SpeechExec transcription software and can be integrated with other transcription applications. The 4-pedal USB Foot Control 2330 will require installing new drivers while the users of the other models can simply disconnect their existing foot control, connect the new one and continue working.
About Philips Speech Processing For more than 50 years Philips Speech Processing has been the driving force in delivering dictation and speech technologies to users around the world. With its headquarters and production centre located in Vienna, Austria, Philips Speech Processing is the world’s market leader in professional analogue and digital dictation solutions. From office-based desktop dictation to mobile dictation, from conference recording to entire workflow solutions with the SpeechExec software family, our products support every imaginable scenario. Revolutionary digital dictation products, such as the SpeechMike, the Digital Pocket Memo with Voice Commands, the Barcode Module and the LAN Docking Station are helping professionals to work more efficiently every day, in the easiest possible manner, entirely in keeping with Philips ‘sense and simplicity’ philosophy. For more information, visit: www.philips.com/dictation
About Royal Philips Electronics Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a global leader in healthcare, lifestyle and technology, delivering products, services and solutions through the brand promise of “sense and simplicity.” Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 125,800 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of USD 34 billion (EUR 27 billion) in 2006, the company is a market leader in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, energy efficient lighting solutions, personal care and home appliances, as well as consumer electronics. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.
