Abstract: A method for enrolling a user in a speech recognition system, without requiring reading, comprises the steps of: generating an audio user interface having an audible output and an audio input; audibly playing a text phrase; audibly prompting the user to speak the played phrase; repeating the steps of audibly prompting the user not to speak, audibly playing the phrase and audibly prompting the user to speak, for a plurality of further phrases; and, processing enrollment of the user based on the audibly prompted and subsequently spoken phrases. A graphical user interface can also be generated for: displaying text corresponding to the phrases and to the audible prompts; displaying a plurality of icons for user activation; and, selectively distinguishing different ones of the icons at different times by at least one of: color; shape; and, animation.

Abstract: A transcription system (100) includes a computer (102), a monitor (104), and a microphone (110). Via the microphone, a user of the system provides input speech that is received and transcribed (204) by the system. The system monitors (205) the accuracy of the transcribed speech during transcription. The system also determines (210) whether the accuracy of the transcribed speech is sufficient and, if not, automatically activates (214) a speech recognition improvement tool and alerts (212) the user that the tool has been activated. This tool could also be manually activated (206) by the user. The type of recognition problem is identified (216) by the user or automatically by the system, and the system provides (218) possible solution steps for enabling the user to adjust (219) system parameters or modify user behavior in order to alleviate the recognition problem.

Abstract: A dictation system (100) performs a method of dictating speech which automatically activates (502) and deactivates (306, 408, 510) auxiliary topic libraries based on the input speech. After receiving (206) input speech, the method searches (208, 214) a general library and topic libraries that are currently active, if any. The method also searches (220, 226) all or portions of inactive topic libraries. If the spoken word is recognized in a particular inactive topic library, the method automatically activates (502) that topic library. In a preferred embodiment, the method maintains an adjustable “score” for each active topic library. An active library's score is increased (402) each time a word is recognized in the library, and decreased (302, 404, 506) when a word is recognized in another library. If the score falls below a certain threshold, the active topic library is automatically deactivated (306, 408, 510).

Abstract: A method and system for improving the speech command recognition accuracy of a computer speech recognition system uses event-based constraints to recognize a spoken command. The constraints are system states and events, which include system activities, active applications, prior commands and an event queue. The method and system is performed by monitoring events and states of the computer system and receiving a processed command corresponding to the spoken command. The processed command is statistically analyzed in light of the system events and states as well as according to an acoustic model. The system then identifies a recognized command corresponding to the spoken command.

Abstract: A transcription system (100) includes a computer (102), a monitor (104), and a microphone (110). Via the microphone, a user of the system provides input speech that is received and transcribed (204) by the system. The system monitors (205) the accuracy of the transcribed speech during transcription. The system also determines (210) whether the accuracy of the transcribed speech is sufficient and, if not, automatically activates (214) a speech recognition improvement tool and alerts (212) the user that the tool has been activated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transcribing text from multiple speakers in a computer system having a speech recognition application. The system receives speech from one of a plurality of speakers through a single channel, assigns a speaker ID to the speaker, transcribes the speech into text, and associates the speaker ID with the speech and text. In order to detect a speaker change, the system monitors the speech input through the channel for a speaker change.

Abstract: An efficient method and system, particularly well-suited for correcting natural language understanding (NLU) commands, corrects spoken commands misinterpreted by a speech recognition system. The method involves a series of steps, including: receiving the spoken command from a user; parsing the command to identify a paraphrased command; displaying the paraphrased command; and accepting corrections of the paraphrased command from the user. The paraphrased command is segmented according to command language categories, which include a command action category, an action object category, and an action and/or object modifying category. The paraphrased command is displayed in a user interface window segmented into these command language categories. The user interface window also contains alternative commands for each segment of the paraphrased command.

Abstract: A method for enrolling a user in a speech recognition system, without requiring reading, comprises the steps of: generating an audio user interface having an audible output and an audio input; audibly playing a text phrase; audibly prompting the user to speak the played phrase; repeating the steps of audibly prompting the user not to speak, audibly playing the phrase and audibly prompting the user to speak, for a plurality of further phrases; and, processing enrollment of the user based on the audibly prompted and subsequently spoken phrases. A graphical user interface can also be generated for: displaying text corresponding to the phrases and to the audible prompts; displaying a plurality of icons for user activation; and, selectively distinguishing different ones of the icons at different times by at least one of: color; shape; and, animation.

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 correcting errors of a speech recognition application in natural speech recognition of words or phrases represented by characters can include the steps of selecting a character corresponding to an incorrectly recognized spoken word or phrase and observing a list of alternative characters. The method also can include replacing the incorrect character with one of the alternative characters, if the alternative characters correctly represent the incorrectly recognized word or phrase. If none of the alternative characters in the list correctly represents the spoken word or phrase, the step of drawing some features of a character correctly representing the incorrectly recognized word or phrase by moving a cursor can be included. Also included in the method can be the step of updating the list of alternative characters responsive to the drawing step; and, repeating the replacing, drawing and updating steps until a character correctly representing the word or phrase is selected from the updated list.