Abstract: An agent automation system includes a memory configured to store a natural language understanding (NLU) framework and a processor configured to execute instructions of the NLU framework to cause the agent automation system to perform actions. These actions comprise: generating an annotated utterance tree of an utterance using a combination of rules-based and machine-learning (ML)-based components, wherein a structure of the annotated utterance tree represents a syntactic structure of the utterance, and wherein nodes of the annotated utterance tree include word vectors that represent semantic meanings of words of the utterance; and using the annotated utterance tree as a basis for intent/entity extraction of the utterance.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for intelligently cancelling user inputs. In one aspect, a requests input by a user is received by a dialog engine. A prompt or notification regarding the request is output by the dialog engine. That the user has taken an action in response to the prompt or notification is determined by the dialog engine. Based on the action taken by the user, that the response corresponds to a potential cancellation command is determined by the dialog system.

Abstract: A vehicle proximity switch and method are provided having sensitivity control. The switch includes a proximity sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, installed in a vehicle and providing a sense activation field. Control circuitry processes the activation field to sense user activation of the switch by comparing the activation field to a threshold. The threshold is adjusted down when a substantially stable sensor signal is detected below the threshold for a minimum time period, and the threshold is adjusted up when a sensor signal greater than the threshold by a predetermined value is detected.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein store a target application and a dictation application. The target application may be configured to receive input from a user. The dictation application interface may include a full overlay mode option, where in response to selection of the full overlay mode option, the dictation application interface is automatically sized and positioned over the target application interface to fully cover a text area of the target application interface to appear as if the dictation application interface is part of the target application interface. The dictation application may be further configured to receive an audio dictation from the user, convert the audio dictation into text, provide the text in the dictation application interface and in response to receiving a first user command to complete the dictation, automatically copy the text from the dictation application interface and inserting the text into the target application interface.

Abstract: A method of activating a proximity switch is provided. The method of activating the proximity switch includes the step of sensing a signal associated with a proximity sensor and sensing a dynamic parameter. The method also includes the step of tuning a threshold value based on the sensed dynamic parameter. The method further includes the step of activating the switch based on the signal and the threshold value.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, receiving over a communication network audio voice data originating from a telephony communication session established between a first communication device and a second communication device, transcribing the audio voice data to a text transcription, detecting a presence of a first communication device in the vicinity of a media processor device, and presenting the text transcription on a display communicatively coupled to a media processor device in response to the detected presence of a first communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a packet network based service feature to record verbal notes or other spoken (or even artificially generated audio) information on behalf of a subscriber while in a conversation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present method allows a subscriber to effectively self-record or verbally transcribe desired portions of a conversation without the fear of privacy invasion.

Abstract: Sentence boundaries in noisy conversational transcription data are automatically identified. Noise and transcription symbols are removed, and a training set is formed with sentence boundaries marked based on long silences or on manual markings in the transcribed data. Frequencies of head and tail n-grams that occur at the beginning and ending of sentences are determined from the training set. N-grams that occur a significant number of times in the middle of sentences in relation to their occurrences at the beginning or ending of sentences are filtered out. A boundary is marked before every head n-gram and after every tail n-gram occurring in the conversational data and remaining after filtering. Turns are identified. A boundary is marked after each turn, unless the turn ends with an impermissible tail word or is an incomplete turn. The marked boundaries in the conversational data identify sentence boundaries.

Abstract: A computer program product for transcribing a medical dictation in real-time includes instructions for causing a computer to obtain a user identification from a user at a client via a computer network, the user identification being associated with medical personnel that provides a dictation concerning a patient, load models associated with the user identification, the models being configured to assist in developing a draft transcription of the dictation, receive an audio feed of the dictation from the client, process the audio feed using the models to create a segment of the draft transcription of the dictation, and transmit the segment of the draft transcription to the client.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for voice message editing, particularly a method and apparatus for splicing voicemails sections together. A system, method and computer program product are described for forming a voice message on an interactive voice response system (IVR) spoken by a user including recording a first voice message where the user speaks the first voice message but makes an error in a last portion of the first voice message. A second voice message is recorded where the user speaks the last portion again without the error. Splice points are determined in the first and second voice messages. The first and second voice messages are spliced at the splice points such that the spliced first and second voice message is a continuous voice message including the last portion but not including the error.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of processing messages. The method includes the step of obtaining a subscriber message, from a subscriber communication device over a telecommunications network, the subscriber message representing a voice message from a subscriber. The subscriber message is stored in computer memory and then presented in an audio form to a human operator. A data file is composed which is derived from the subscriber message and the data file transmitted to a subscriber computing device and/or the subscriber communication device. The invention provides a related system for processing messages.

Abstract: A computer program product resides on a computer-readable medium, and includes computer-readable, computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to analyze a first playback speed history for at least one audio recording recorded by a first speaker and played by a first listener, the playback speed history being indicative of at least one playback speed associated with the at least one audio recording, and to determine from the first playback speed history a speed setting for playback of another audio recording recorded by a second speaker to be played by a second listener.

Abstract: A portable digital voice recorder is interfaced for data communication with a personal computer. The personal computer is connected by a data communication network with other devices such as other personal computers, a central dictation system, and/or a voice mail system. Voice data files previously generated by dictating information into the portable recorder are stored in the portable recorder and then uploaded to the personal computer. The voice data files include header data associated with the voice data files. The personal computer reads the header data and automatically forwards the voice data file to one or more of the other devices on the basis of information contained in the header data.

Abstract: In an input unit (3) which can be operated by foot for a computer (1) which forms a dictating machine with foot-operated input means (24) for manually inputting control information (SI) by which information an audio reproduction mode of the dictating machine can be activated (25) or deactivated (26), and which, with activated audio reproduction mode, can deliver audio information (AI) stored in the dictating machine as an analog audio signal (AS3) to headphones (34) or a loudspeaker (32) respectively, and includes connection means (28, 33, 35) for connecting the input unit (3) to the computer (1) while the control information (SI) can be delivered to the computer (1) via the connection means (28, 33, 35), the connection means (28, 33, 35) are arranged for receiving the audio information (AI) as digital audio data from the computer (1) and for delivering the control information (SI) to the computer (1) over a digital data bus link and the headphones (34) or the loudspeaker can be connected to the connection me

Abstract: A server located at a first location for recording and managing communications for transcription generated at a second location. Clients contact the server to store communications for transcription. The client is given the option to create a user configurable profile that defines user identification data and recording options for that client. The user identification data includes a user identification number and an audible user identification which is associated with each user identification number. The communications are recorded based on the recording options in the user configurable profile. Exemplary recording options include file integrity and audio archiving. The server also provides the user with the ability to withhold a recording for completion at a later time.

Abstract: A messaging system allows a message recipient to assign different message lengths to different messages. In one embodiment, the recipient sets the length of time per message. In another embodiment, the recipient programs the messaging system with codes that, when matched, enable longer messages. The recipient assigns the codes to “preferred” senders. The senders transmit the code, either explicitly, for example by a sequence of keystrokes, or automatically, for example by transmitting caller identification.

Abstract: The proceedings of a business meeting are recorded on a portable digital audio recorder. The resulting digitized speech signals are uploaded to a personal computer which is part of a data communication network. Users of the network may arrange to access the uploaded digitized speech signals for downloading to the user's location. The downloaded digitized speech signals are audibly reproduced at the location of the requesting user.

Abstract: For the setting of functions of a dictating machine (1), the dictating machine is connected to a separate computer unit (12), on which individual setup information is defined, which is then fed to function control means (24) with associated setup memory means (25) provided in the dictating machine (1), and stored in the setup memory means (25).

Abstract: An off-site data entry system comprises a computer device located at a dictation station, the computer device comprising a means to accept voice dictation from a user. The device further comprises a converter means which functions to convert the voice dictation from analog to digital status, a means to compress the voice dictation, and a means to pass the digital representation of the voice dictation to a plurality of memory registers. The system also comprises a means to telephonically transmit the voice dictation to a transcription station, the transcription station that includes at least one human transcriptionist. The system then routes the voice dictation to an available transcriptionist who has the ability to buffer the voice dictation, wherein the digital representation of the dictation is addressed by software, which allows such to be delayed, rewound, and advanced while simultaneously receiving and storing additional real-time voice dictation.

Abstract: A portable hands-free documentation system includes a headset microphone in communication with a portable recording unit having analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion means therein. The portable unit further includes means for recording digital data to and reading digital data from a removable data storage medium, such as a high capacity removable computer disk. The unit also includes an output means for transmitting analog signals to a computer wherein the signals are automatically converted to text using voice recognition software.

Abstract: A personal medical dictation system that can be easily and conveniently used to capture and preserve audio information. The system includes a specially designed portable, hand-held recording component that is of a small size, but yet is capable of storing at least one hour of actual dictation in compressed form and a cooperating dictation receiver that functions to automatically transfer the recorded data to a central processing area. The hand-held recording component can be expeditiously, mechanically, and electrically transmitted to the central processing area for transcription. The dictation receiver component also automatically recharges the batteries of the hand-held recording unit.

Abstract: A method and system of providing network based transcription of free-form speech signals. A speech signal is recorded as a digital audio file in a storage medium and is then streamed over a data network to a client terminal for transcription. As the speech signal arrives, it is buffered in memory at the client terminal while a streaming player application plays the signal to a transcriptionist. The transcriptionist then conveniently listens to and transcribes the speech signal as it is being played. The invention advantageously avoids the need to physically transfer and download the full digital audio to a transcriptionist computer or to transport physical storage media, such as tapes or CD-ROM from the place of recording to the place where the recorded voice signals will be transcribed.

Abstract: A modem system having a voice message function of generating voices corresponding to a calling tone, an answering tone and a series of handshake operations, in which one modem calls another modem, answers thereto, exchanges parameters and digital data between them and terminates a connection between them. The modem system comprises a modem circuit, and a voice message control apparatus for performing the voice message function. The voice message control apparatus has a detector for detecting the operation state of a modem, a storage section for storing the voice message corresponding to the operation states of the modem, a message output section for outputting a voice message stored in the storage section, and a controller for enabling the message output section to output the voice message according to the operation state of the modem detected by the detector.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for expanding the functionality of vehicle cassette tape player decks to permit driver dictation or other recording and automatic remote station relaying of same through integration with cellular radio telephone apparatus and the like.

Abstract: A modular digital dictation system that can be easily modified to service a variable number of dictation stations and transcription stations. The modular digital dictation station comprises a central station for receiving digitized dictation signals from a network of dictation stations, storing the voice portion of the digitized dictation signals as digitized dictation segments, and routing the digitized dictation segments to a network of transcription stations. The central station includes a plurality of line interface and signal processing cards. The number of line interface and signal processing cards connected to the central station determines how many dictation stations and transcription stations the modular digital dictation station can service. The line interface cards may be removed from or connected to the central station during operations. A fast search program is provided to quickly find files containing desired digitized dictation segments stored in the central station.

Abstract: A receiving section receives a radio signal and sends out a demodulation output thereof to a receiver. A transmitting unit modulates a voice signal input from a transmitter and transmits the voice signal as a radio signal. A voice memory unit stores the voice signal. A switch temporarily inhibits a coupling of the output voice signal of the transmitter to the transmitting section while allowing a coupling of the output voice signal to the voice memory unit for storing thereof.

Abstract: A control unit, connected to a telephone, sends tone signals to a central dictating/recording unit in response to a user pressing buttons on an auxiliary keypad. The auxiliary keypad, in the form of a thin, membrane-type switch unit, adheres to the back of the telephone handset. A substitute coil cord has additional conductors and connects the telephone handset and the auxiliary keypad to the control unit. In response to the user pressing a button on the auxiliary keypad, the control unit simulates the user pressing one or more buttons on the telephone dial by sending the appropriate series of DTMF tones to the dictating/recording unit. The user can reprogram the simulated series of telephone dial button presses sent in response to any auxiliary keypad button being pressed, released, and "clicked" (pressed and then quickly released).

Abstract: A global network computer system to print legal currency and/or negotiable instruments at a designated location by the input of information to the global network computer system from a remote location. The global network computer system can receive the input information from a telephone handset or terminal using a technique of selective generation of signals. Output signals from the global network computer can be sent to designated facsimile machines, laser printers, telecopiers or automated teller machines for printing the legal currency or negotiable instrument. The global network is also capable of storing and tracking greenback currency provided with a unique barcode.

Abstract: A dictation system is disclosed which includes circuitry for eliminating or substantially reducing the effect of uncontrollable ambient noise typically found in a passenger compartment of a moving vehicle. The system utilizes or incorporates, for example, the vehicle's radio receiver and can be used to record local dictation or reception of audio from a remote location by means of a cellular telephone. One feature includes compression of speech during dictation to minimize transmission time from the vehicle to a remote base location for transcription.

Abstract: A radio communication system receiver employs a demodulator (104) to recover a received signal. The receiver of the present invention further includes a channel quality estimator (222) for estimating a characteristic of the communication channel over which the signal is received. A first or second decoding technique (220) is selectively employed using the estimated communication channel quality value (223). In this manner, an improved receiver is provided that is able to realize the benefits of either the first or the second decoding technique, depending the channel condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable voice recording device. The device includes a microphone for generating an electrical signal representative of an acoustic speech signal. An analog to digital converter receives the electric signal from the microphone and generates a digital memory signal representative of the electric signal. A memory device stores the digital memory signal. In response to a user's request, a digital to analog converter converts the memory signal to an analog electrical signal which drives a loudspeaker to generate an acoustic reproduction of the original speech signal. Also, in response to a user's request, the device transmits the memory signal to an output terminal for transmission to a processing device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a communication system and method wherein messages are transmitted and stored in voice mail boxes. The system and method provide the ability on the part of an author to recover a message before access to the message by a recipient. This allows the author to recoup a message in case the message is sent accidentally to the wrong recipient or the message has been sent to a recipient who no longer has access to the message.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for automatically trading of items such as stocks with improved security. After receiving an initial identifying contact from a contractor, a trader will contact the contractor with a different communication device from the initial contact with confirmation information that was stored in association with a contractor first identifying code. The contractor must then reconfirm the fairness of the trading data using at least a portion of the confirmation information.

Abstract: A central dictation system includes apparatus for prerecording standard voice files. Users of the system may select one of the prerecorded files. The selected file is copied to a new file, which the user is free to edit. The edited file is assigned to a transcriptionist or is accessible to an authorized listener, in the same manner as a conventional dictation job. The prerecorded standard files may contain, for example, standard radiology reports tailored to each user's preferences. Alternatively, the recorded files may contain questions or prompts that guide users to dictate information required to complete preprinted report forms.

Abstract: In a hand-held dictation machine (1), which comprises a substantially elongate housing (2) comprising a cover wall (8), a base wall (9), a first longitudinal side wall (10), a second longitudinal side wall (11), an upper transverse side wall (12) and a lower transverse side wall (13), a switch grip (23) is arranged at the first longitudinal side wall (10) in the upper part (6) of the housing (2), which switch grip can be actuated by the thumb of one hand. The first longitudinal side wall (10) is inclined in the upper part (6) towards the second longitudinal side wall (11) and comprises two wall portions (25, 26) interconnected by a transitional portion (24), the switch grip (23) being arranged at the upper wall portion (25).

Abstract: A digitally implemented central dictation system wherein users designated as dictators may input Voice Files for later retrieval and transcription by a second group of users designated as transcriptionists. A system Supervisor has the capability to monitor operation of the system and allocate system resources. The system further includes an optional Voice Mail capability.

Abstract: A digitally implemented central dictation system wherein users designated as dictators may input Voice Files for later retrieval and transcription by a second group of users designated as transcriptionists. A system Supervisor has the capability to monitor operation of the system and allocate system resources. The system further includes an optional Voice Mail capability wherein selected dictators may input Voice Files for later retrieval by designated other dictators. The system further includes a plurality of telephone-like input/output devices used by system users for input and output of voice messages, which devices further include DTMF generators for input of command signals. Still further the system includes a Supervisory station for use by the system Supervisor in monitoring system activity and allocation of system resources, which station further includes a CRT type display and keyboard, and a printer for output of hardcopy reports by the system.

Abstract: Apparatus for apprising an unattended station of the presence of a voice message awaiting retrieval from a voice mail system. The voice mail system is connected to the unattended station, as by automatic telephone dialing, whereupon activating signals are transmitted to the unattended station to dispose that station in a signal receiving mode of operation. Display data then are transmitted to the unattended station when said unattended station is conditioned to receive signals. A disconnect operation is carried out to disconnect the voice mail system from the unattended station if the unattended station is not conditioned to receive signals, or subsequent to the transmission of the display data. Preferably, and in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the voice message is transmitted for recording at the unattended station if the display data are received successfully thereat.

Abstract: A digital dictation system having plural ports through which dictate and transcribe stations may be connected to a central store via respective dictate and transcribe channels for recording and transcribing messages. The transcribe port may be selectively conditioned, as by operating a manual selector, for enabling a dictate station to be connected therethrough to carry out dictate operations with the central store. Upon release of the port by the dictate station, the port reverts to its normal transcribe condition. By providing at least two ports, separate dictate and transcribe operations may be carried out concurrently on the same message. A dictator may review and edit a portion of the message which has already been transcribed by the transciptionist, whereupon the system automatically conditions the transcribe apparatus to play back the edit.

Abstract: A system and method for recording voice messages received in an automated message exchange system. Voice messages are digitized by the message exchange system at the time they are received. At a convenient time determined by the computer of the message system, such digitized voice messages are converted back to a verbal audio signal for recording on a conventional cassette tape recorder. Other digital information stored in the message exchange system may also be verbalized for recording on the tape recorder in association with the corresponding voice message. An interface unit starts the cassette tape recorder when the message exchange system is ready to begin taping a message, conveys a signal to the message exchange system confirming that the tape recorder is operating properly, and then conveys the verbal audio signal to be recorded from the message exchange system to the cassette tape recorder.

Abstract: A voice capture system for use with a telephone switching system and transcribing terminals to record calling party generated information in predefined formats. The system digitizes and records messages generated by calling parties served by the telephone switching system and records recognized terminology occurring within the calling party voice messages as file records. The transcribing terminals are enabled to display the file record terminology in predefined formats and the recorded digitized calling party messages are transmitted as audio messages via a telephone coupled with the telephone switching system to operators of the transcribing terminals so that the operators may enter information contained within the recorded messages into the transcribing terminals to complete the predefined format that are subsequently recorded in the voice capture system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and forwarding voice signals wherein a user has increased control and flexibility in distributing voice signals. In one embodiment the originator of a stored voice signal may restrict an addressee's ability to forward a message to other users. In another, the originator may limit the addressee's ability to use the voice store and forward system until such time as the addressee responds to a stored voice signal.

Abstract: The network is particularly useful in office communications. The network includes a plurality of transceiver units, each of which can be used as a telephone, or as a dictation terminal, or optionally as an automatic telephone answering machine. The network includes a personal computer for performing various communications and communication control functions. A private branch telephone exchange ("PBX") can be included. Preferably, each transceiver unit includes a visual display for displaying messages. Messages can be sent from the computer to the transceiver units, or from one transceiver unit to another. The messages can be pre-set standard messages, or messages created uniquely. A telephone or PBX operator may send messages through the network reporting missed telephone calls, thus avoiding the need for written notes or other memoranda. The personal computer is used to send, forward, store and log messages. It can do telephone call accounting.

Abstract: The network is particularly useful in office communications. The network includes a plurality of transceiver units, each of which can be used as a telephone, or as a dictation terminal, or optionally as an automatic telephone answering machine. The network includes a personal computer for performing various communications and communication control functions. Preferably, each transceiver unit includes a visual display for displaying messages. The computer stores and retrieves information regarding appointments that the users of the network may have. Daily, weekly and monthly appointment calendars are provided for every user of the network. The user is given a reminder message through the network at a predetermined time prior to the appointment. Appointment schedules for current, prior and future time periods can be viewed.

Abstract: A telephone dictating apparatus comprises DTMF signal converting means which converts DTMF signals given by depressing four push-buttons arranged in one of three longitudinal lines to four mode signals in the same order as the four push-buttons which have one to one correspondence to four mode setting positions associated with a tape running system in a slide switch for switching modes which is employed in a hand microphone for dictation or the like.

Abstract: An auxiliary recording medium for recording an incoming message is provided in addition to a main recording medium conventionally provided. Thus, an incoming message is first recorded into the auxiliary recording medium and is then recorded into the main recording medium. At the time of playback, the incoming message which has been recorded into the auxiliary recording medium is first played, and the main recording medium simultaneously rewound. Then, the incoming message recorded on the main recording medium is played.

Abstract: A programmable telephone/dictation terminal that can be disposed in any one of several different modes of operation including, but not limited to, dictating information onto a recorder, communicating over a telephone network, recording incoming messages received via a telephone line, preventing a telephone dial out operation and communicating "text" messages with a supervisory console. The terminal is provided with several programmable keys each being assignable by the terminal user with a particular function such that, upon the simple operation of that key, the assigned function is carried out. The user may change the function to which a particular programmed key is assigned, as desired.

Abstract: A telephone answering device having immediate playback function, wherein incoming messages from calling parties are successively recorded after sending of an outgoing message, and the recorded incoming messages can be successively played back immediately from a beginning position of an incoming message tape without rewinding when a user operates the device manually or remotely to save time for the user.

Abstract: A telephone answering device having an immediate playback function, wherein incoming messages from calling parties are successively recorded on an incoming message tape after sending of an outgoing message, and the recorded incoming messages can be successively played back immediately from the beginning of the incoming message tape, without rewinding, when a user operates the device manually or by remote control.

Abstract: A modular dictation/transcription system is described comprising a modular construction wherein the system is composed of a set of modules which are detachably connectable to each other. Connection or detachment of individual modules from the system configures the system to provide such functions as may be required while deleting such functions which are not necessary. Included within the modules are one or more recording/playback modules a display module and a telephone module. All of the modules interact with each other in accordance with preselectable functions to provide for a more efficient utilization of the dictation/transcription system. Clusters of the modules may be arranged as stations, with the stations connected by a digital communication link.