Abstract: A transcription system (100, 200) includes multiple recording devices (110, 210) that individually record and store (516), into multiple files, digital data representing speech uttered by multiple speakers. In a preferred embodiment, time stamps are stored (514) along with the speech. A transcription computer (120, 230) enables a user to select (602) which of multiple files the user would like to have transcribed, and to associate (604) a speaker ID to each of the multiple files. The transcription computer then transcribes (1006) phrases within the multiple files, and stores (1008) those phrases in a sequential order, based on the time stamps. The user may also cause an offset time for each file to be adjusted (606, 916), thus affecting the ultimate sequential order of the transcribed phrases. After transcription, the user may edit (1104) the time stamps, speaker IDs, and/or phrases.

Abstract: In a computer speech user interface, a method and computer apparatus for automatically adjusting the content of feedback in a responsive prompt based upon predicted recognition accuracy by a speech recognizer. The method includes the steps of receiving a user voice command from the speech recognizer; calculating present speech recognition accuracy based upon the received user voice command; predicting future recognition accuracy based upon the calculated present speech recognition accuracy; and, generating feedback in a responsive prompt responsive to the predicted recognition accuracy. For predicting future poor recognition accuracy based upon poor present recognition accuracy, the calculating step can include monitoring the received user voice command; detecting a reduced accuracy condition in the monitored user voice command; and, determining poor present recognition accuracy if the reduced accuracy condition is detected in the detecting step.

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 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 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.

Abstract: A method for enabling dictation into a speech application from an audio-only interface, in accordance with an inventive arrangement, can include the following steps beginning with creating a dictation template with a plurality of named dictation fields and respective audio prompts identifying each of the dictation fields by a respective name. Second, the template can be opened in response to a command spoken through the audio-only interface. Third, a first one of the audio prompts corresponding to a first one of the dictation fields can be transmitted through the audio-only interface. Fourth, dictation can be accepted into the first one of the dictation fields through the audio-only interface. Fifth, a subsequent one of the dictation fields can be opened in response to another command spoken through the audio-only interface. Sixth, a subsequent one of the audio prompts corresponding to the subsequent one of the dictation fields can be transmitted through the audio-only interface.

Abstract: A method for managing a What Can I Say (WCIS) function in an application having a plurality of commands which can be voice activated comprises the steps of: storing a set of substantially all voice activatable commands associated with the application; identifying those of the commands in the set which are displayable by the application; and, in response to a user input, displaying in a graphical user interface (GUI) a subset of the voice activatable commands which are not displayable by the application. Moreover, the method includes displaying in the GUI, in response to a user input, a list of the stored set of substantially all voice activatable commands associated with the application; displaying in the GUI a pull down menu identifying different categories by which the commands can be viewed in the list; and, displaying the GUI with a pull down menu identifying commands that can be performed against a voice command.

Abstract: A multiple function graphical user interface for a speech recognition application adapted for generation by a computer programmed with a routine set of instructions, the interface comprising: an activatable icon defining an elongated screen display area, the icon having separately controllable foreground and background displays substantially coextensive with the display area; the background display being substantially fully changeable in response to user speech into a microphone having at least two states; text being displayable in the foreground display across substantially all of the display area; and, activation of the icon invoking a function related to the speech recognition application. A border can be selectively displayed around the elongated screen display area for indicating whether the speech application is in a navigation mode or a dictation mode.

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 correcting frequently misrecognized words and commands in a speech application. According to the method, when a need for correcting a frequently misrecognized word/command spoken by a user is detected, a recording is made of the misrecognized word/command in isolation. Subsequently, an in-isolation base form for the misrecognized word/command is established from the in-isolation recording. The in-isolation base form is then saved and the misrecognized word/command in recorded in context. Next, an in-context base form is established for the misrecognized word/command from the context recording and a comparison is made between the in-isolation and in-context base forms. The in-context base form is saved only if the in-isolation and in-context base forms are markedly different from one another. A sentence is displayed using the frequently misrecognized word/command in context and the user is prompted to speak the sentence.

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.