Abstract: A computer reads a voice speech recognition program from a first recording medium, and reads voice data from a second recording medium, and causes a CPU in the computer to recognize speech represented by the read voice data according to the speech recognition program, convert the result of speech recognition into text data, and display the converted text data on a display unit. A check mark button used by a speaker designates a portion of voice data, which is input through a microphone, corresponding to an unnecessary word or the like. The portion of the voice data in which a check mark is inscribed is not regarded as an object of speech recognition. Only the other portion of voice data in which the check mark is not inscribed is regarded as an object of speech recognition, and speech recognition is thus carried out. Furthermore, the sound level of a voice portion of voice data is rated. The gain of the voice data is adjusted according to the rated level.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes a warping velocity control device which receives an angle of warp detected by an angle detection device and a value of an electric current realized at this angle of warp and detected by an electric current detection device. The control device makes comparisons between the angle of warp and the value of the electric current and data about a normal state stored in a storage device. If the result is larger than data for the normal state by a predetermined value, the warping velocity is lowered while a discrimination is made that an abnormal state (the warp-enabled portion has come in contact with the body wall) takes place. Additionally, the apparatus could include a time detecting device for detecting a time in which an electric quantity supplied to a drive means is larger than a predetermined time. The warping velocity control device controls the warping velocity according to the comparison made by the time detecting device.

Abstract: An endoscope cover system endoscope to be used in an endoscope inspection including an endoscope having an elongate inserted part provided with a curvable curving part and an operating part provided with a curving operating knob curving operating the curving part and a channeled endoscope cover having an inserted part cover provided with an endoscope inserting channel through which the inserted part is inserted and such fluid tube path through which a fluid flows as an air feeding tube path so that, when the curving part is curved close to the maximum curvature angle in the maximum curvature angle direction by operating the curving operating knob, the fluid tube path within the inserted part cover will be curved and twisted to move outside in the maximum curvature angle direction.