Abstract: A method and system efficiently identifies voice commands for a user of a speech recognition system. The method involves a series of steps including: receiving input from a user; monitoring the computer system to log system events and ascertain a current system state; predicting a probable next event according to the current system state and logged events; and identifying acceptable voice commands to perform the next event. The system events include commands, system control activities, timed activities, and application activation. These events are statistically analyzed in light of the current system state to determine the probable next event. The voice commands for performing the probable next event are displayed to the user.

Abstract: A method for maintaining input device identity in a speech application, comprising the steps of: storing a plurality of enrollments, each of the enrollments representing a speech file of training data associated with at least one of a specific audio input device and a specific audio environment for a specific user; generating a graphical user interface (GUI) display screen for prompting and enabling user selection of at least one of an audio input device and an audio environment; and, retrieving one of the enrollments responsive to the user selection, for use in a dictation or transcription session.

Abstract: A method for configuring an audio interface for a speech recognition application in a computer system comprises the steps of: (a) displaying a first graphical user interface prompting a user selection of an output audio device between: a headset having at least one earphone speaker and a microphone; external speakers connected to the computer system; and, internal speakers connected to the computer system; (b) in the event of the user selecting the headset: (1) displaying a second graphical user interface for prompting a user to connect the headset; (2) displaying a second graphical user interface illustrating proper placement of the headset and the microphone; and, (3) displaying a fourth graphical user interface for adjusting audio playback volume;(c) in the event of a user selecting one of the external and internal speakers, omitting displaying the second and third graphical user interfaces as in steps (b)(1) and (b)(2) respectively, and displaying the fourth graphical user interface as in step (b)(3).

Abstract: A method for configuring an audio interface for a speech recognition application in a computer system comprises the steps of: (a) displaying a first graphical user interface (GUI) prompting a user selection of an audio input device between: a headset having a microphone and at least one microphone not forming part of a headset; (b) in the event of the user selecting the headset having the microphone: (1) displaying a second GUI for prompting a user to connect the headset, the second GUI including a picture of a headset; (2) displaying a third GUI illustrating proper placement of the headset and the microphone, the third GUI including the picture of a headset; and, (3) displaying a fourth GUI for adjusting audio recording volume, the fourth GUI including the picture of a headset; and, (c) in the event of a user selecting the microphone not forming part of a headset: (1) omitting displaying the second and third GUIs as in steps (b)(1) and (b)(2) respectively; (2) displaying a fifth GUI for prompting the user to

Abstract: A method for configuring an audio interface for a speech recognition application in a computer system comprises the steps of: (a) determining from a data storage registry of said speech recognition application whether a microphone operatively associated with said computer system has been previously successfully set up for operation with said speech recognition application; (b) displaying a first graphical user interface having a first user activatable icon for setting up said microphone and a second user activatable icon for adjusting an audio recording level for said microphone; (c) in the event said microphone is not registered as having been previously successfully set up, altering said second icon in appearance and disregarding attempted activation of said second icon; and, (d) in the event said microphone is registered as having been previously successfully set up, respectively initiating said setting up of said microphone and said adjusting of said audio recording level responsive to activation of said

Abstract: A method for configuring an audio interface for a speech recognition application in a computer system in accordance with an inventive arrangement comprises the steps of: (a) digitally storing representations of pictures of a plurality of audio input and output devices compatible with the computer system, including: a headset with a microphone and an earpiece speaker; a microphone not forming part of a headset; at least one external speaker connected to the computer system; at least one internal speaker connected to the computer system; and, different combinations of the input and output audio devices; (b) displaying a sequence of graphical user interface (GUI) displays for: (1) selecting an audio input device and an audio output device; (2) connecting the selected audio output device; (3) testing the selected audio output device; (4) connecting a microphone; (5) testing the connected microphone; and, (6) testing the speech recognition application; and, (c) during each of the steps (b)(1) through (b)(6), inclu

Abstract: A method for configuring an audio interface for a speech recognition application in a computer system comprises the steps of: (a) determining how many sound cards present in the computer system are capable of supporting speech; (b) in the event at least two of the sound cards present in the computer system are speech capable, displaying a first graphical user interface for user selection of the speech capable sound cards; and, (c) in the event only one speech capable sound card is detected, and in the event one of at least two speech capable sound cards has been user selected, determining if an audio mixer is present in the computer system.

Abstract: A method for configuring an audio mixer in an audio interface for a speech recognition application in a computer system in accordance with an inventive arrangement comprises the steps of: (a) displaying at least one graphical user interface for selecting an audio input and output device from a plurality of audio input and output devices compatible with the speech recognition application, including: a headset with a microphone and an earpiece speaker; a microphone not forming part of a headset; at least one external speaker connected to the computer system; at least one internal speaker connected to the computer system; and, different combinations of the input and output audio devices; (b) selecting and adjusting microphone inputs of the mixer in accordance with an audio input device selected in step (a); and, (c) deselecting audio inputs and outputs of the audio mixer in accordance with the audio input device and an audio output device selected in step (a), whereby unneeded audio inputs and outputs of the mix

Abstract: A method for configuring an audio interface for a voice recognition application in a computer system comprises the steps of: (a) displaying a first graphical user interface having a message prompting a user to initiate testing of a microphone connection, a user activatable button and at least one icon representing recording status; (b) in response to activation of the button: (1) modifying the message section to instruct the user to remain silent; (2) recording background noise through the microphone; (3) initiating an animation of the at least one icon to represent an active recording status; and, (4) terminating the background noise recording and the animation of the at least one icon; (c) upon termination of the background noise recording: (1) modifying the message to instruct the user to speak into the microphone; (2) recording the user speaking through the microphone; (3) reinitiating the animation of the at least one icon; (4) terminating the recording of the user speaking and the animation of the icon;

Abstract: A method for configuring an audio interface between a microphone and an audio card comprises the steps of: generating at least one graphical user interface for displaying user instructions, dynamic feedback, a predetermined number of test words and user controls, for example on a single screen; generating a pacer prompt for marking the words; prompting a user to speak each word into the microphone when marked by the pacer prompt; measuring at least one audio parameter of each spoken word; adjusting the audio parameter after the word is spoken, if the audio parameter is outside a predetermined range of values; and, successively repeating the prompting, measuring and adjusting steps for the words. The configuring continues until an adjusting step follows the final word, unless the audio parameter is sooner properly adjusted. A hardware optimization prompt can be generated if the adjustment is unsuccessful.

Abstract: A method for configuring an audio interface for a speech recognition application in a computer system comprises the steps of: (a) identifying at least one sound card present in the computer system capable of supporting speech; (b) displaying a at least one graphical user interface (GUI) prompting a user selection and connection of a microphone as an audio input device to the at least one sound card; (c) in the event the selected microphone is of an electret type and the selected sound card is of a type having a high gain range, displaying a second GUI prompting the user to connect a signal strength attenuator in series with the microphone, the microphone and the attenuator together having an operating characteristic corresponding to a dynamic microphone; (d) in the event the selected microphone is of a dynamic type, omitting step (c); and, (e) testing the connected microphone without regard to whether the connected microphone is of the electret or dynamic type.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed which perform diagnostics on a microphone and display diagnostic information and instructions to a user. The invention uses a processor to create histograms of the PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) signal after removing any dc bias to determine signal and noise levels and ratios, as well as other parameters. Messages are generated and displayed by the device and method to inform a user that the microphone is working correctly or about possible malfunctions, such as low gain. The messages can advise the user on steps to take to correct the malfunctions, for example, to try a different adapter cable or plug.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for enabling configuration of a PCI daughter card residing on an MCA adapter card using MCA setup cycles and signals and for ensuring the allocation of memory space to the daughter card. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises an MCA adapter card connected to an MCA system bus of a conventional PC. A PCI-compliant daughter card, the purpose of which is to provide additional functionality to circuitry of the adapter card, resides on a PCI bus of the adapter card. A PCI/MCA bridge is provided for interfacing the MCA system bus with the PCI bus of the adapter card for enabling configuration of the daughter card during the setup sequence of the MCA bus and to respond with an appropriate ROM signature during DOS boot-up to ensure that memory space will be allocated to the daughter card, if needed.