U.S. patent application number 13/803733 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-01 for methods and systems for correcting transcribed audio files.
This patent application is currently assigned to VOVISION, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is VOVISION, LLC. Invention is credited to Paul M. Hager.
Application Number | 20130197909 13/803733 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38610443 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130197909 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hager; Paul M. |
August 1, 2013 |
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CORRECTING TRANSCRIBED AUDIO FILES
Abstract
Methods and systems for correcting transcribed text. One method
includes receiving audio data from one or more audio data sources
and transcribing the audio data based on a voice model to generate
text data. The method also includes making the text data available
to a plurality of users over at least one computer network and
receiving corrected text data over the at least one computer
network from the plurality of users. In addition, the method can
include modifying the voice model based on the corrected text
data.
Inventors: |
Hager; Paul M.; (Stoughton,
WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VOVISION, LLC; |
Stouthton |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
VOVISION, LLC
Stoughton
WI
|
Family ID: |
38610443 |
Appl. No.: |
13/803733 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12278332 |
Aug 5, 2008 |
8407052 |
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PCT/US07/66791 |
Apr 17, 2007 |
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13803733 |
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60792640 |
Apr 17, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
704/235 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 40/232 20200101;
G10L 15/01 20130101; G10L 15/065 20130101; G10L 2015/0635 20130101;
G10L 15/183 20130101; G10L 15/18 20130101; G10L 15/063 20130101;
G10L 15/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
704/235 |
International
Class: |
G10L 15/26 20060101
G10L015/26 |
Claims
1. A method of correcting transcribed text, the method comprising:
receiving audio data from one or more audio data sources;
transcribing the audio data based on a voice model to generate text
data; making the text data available to a plurality of user over at
least one computer network; receiving corrected text data over the
at least one computer network from the plurality of users; and
modifying the voice model based on the corrected text data.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving audio data from one or
more audio data sources includes receiving audio data from a VoIP
voicemail server.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving audio data from one or
more audio data sources includes receiving audio data from a client
computer over at least one computer network.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving audio data from one or
more audio data sources includes receiving audio data in an e-mail
message.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving audio data from one or
more audio data sources includes requesting the audio data from the
one or more audio data sources.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising prioritizing the audio
data.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein transcribing the audio data based
on a voice model to generate text data includes transcribing the
audio data based on a voice independent model to generate text
data.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a correction
notification to at least one of the plurality of users.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein sending a correction notification
to at least one of the plurality of users includes sending an
e-mail correction notification to at least one of the plurality of
users.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising indexing the text
data.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a message
notification to a user;
12. The method of claim 11, wherein sending a message notification
to a user includes sending an e-mail message notification to the
user.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising delivering the
corrected text data to at least one destination.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising receiving the at
least one destination from a user.
15. A system for correcting transcribed text, the system
comprising: a transcription server receiving audio data from one or
more audio data sources; at least one translation server to
transcribe the audio data based on a voice model to generate text
data, a correction interface accessible by a plurality of users
over at least one computer network and providing access to the text
data and receiving corrected text data from the plurality of users;
and at least one training server receiving the corrected text data
and modifying the voice model based on the corrected text data.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the one or more audio data
sources includes a VoIP voicemail server.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the voice model includes a
voice independent model.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the transcription server sends
a correction notification to at least one of the plurality of
users.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the correction notification
includes an e-mail correction notification.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein the correction interface
provides access to the audio data.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/278,332, filed Aug. 5, 2008, which is an
application filed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.371 from International
Application PCT/US2007/066791, filed Apr. 17, 2007, which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/792,640, filed Apr.
17, 2006, the contents of which are each incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Each day individuals and companies receive multiple voice or
audio messages. These voice messages can include personal greetings
and information or business-related instructions and information.
In either case, it may be useful or required that the voice
messages be transcribed in order to create written records of the
messages. For example, vendors may create paper versions of orders
placed via voice messages, lawyers may create paper copies of
messages received from clients, and federal agencies may create
paper copies of voice messages for public records. In each
situation, it is generally important that voice messages be
transcribed correctly.
[0003] Software currently exists that generates written text based
on audio data. For example, Nuance Communications, Inc. provides a
number of software programs, trademarked "Dragon," that take audio
files in .WAV format, .MP3 format, or other audio formats and
translate such files into text files. The Dragon software also
provides mechanisms for comparing audio files to text files in
order to "learn" and improve future transcriptions. The "learning"
mechanism included in the Dragon software, however, is only
intended to learn based on a voice dependent model, which means
that the same person trains the software program over time. In
addition, learning mechanisms in existing transcription software
are often non-continuous and include set training parameters that
limit the amount of training that is performed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and
systems for correcting transcribed text. One method includes
receiving audio data from one or more audio data sources and
transcribing the audio data based on a voice model to generate text
data. The method also includes making the text data available to a
plurality of users over at least one computer network and receiving
corrected text data over the at least one computer network from the
plurality of users. In addition, the method includes modifying the
voice model based on the corrected text data.
[0005] Embodiments of the present invention also provide systems
for correcting transcribed text. One system includes a
transcription server, at least one translation server, a correction
interface, and at least one training server. The transcription
server receives audio data from one or more audio data sources and
the translation server can transcribe the audio data based on a
voice model to generate text data. The correction interface is
accessible by a plurality of users over at least one computer
network and provides the plurality of user access to the text data.
The correction interface also receives corrected text data from the
plurality of users. The training server modifies the voice model
based on the corrected text data.
[0006] Additional embodiments of the invention also provide methods
of performing audio data transcription. One method includes
obtaining audio data from at least one audio data source,
transcribing the audio data based on a voice-independent model to
generate text data, and sending the text data to an owner of the
audio data as an e-mail message.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the drawings:
[0008] FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate systems for
transcribing audio data according to various embodiments of the
invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates the transcription server of FIGS. 1 and 2
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a file transcription, correction, and
training method according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates another file transcription, correction,
and training method according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a correction method according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIGS. 7-8 illustrate a correction notification according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate a correction interface according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 13 illustrates a message notification according to an
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways.
[0017] In addition, it should be understood that embodiments of the
invention include hardware, software, and electronic components or
modules that, for purposes of discussion, may be illustrated and
described as if the majority of the components were implemented
solely in hardware. However, based on a reading of this detailed
description, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that,
in at least one embodiment, the electronic based aspects of the
invention may be implemented in software. As such, it should be
noted that a plurality of hardware and software based devices, as
well as a plurality of different structural components, may be
utilized to implement the invention. Furthermore, and as described
in subsequent paragraphs, the specific configurations illustrated
in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the
invention. Other alternative configurations are possible.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 for transcribing audio data
according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1,
the system 10 includes a transcription server 20, one or more audio
data sources 30, illustrated as a telephone 30a or a voice-over-IP
("VoIP") server 30b and a client computer 40. The audio data
sources 30 can be connected to the transcription server 20 via
wired or wireless connections, such as a telephone line or a
network (e.g., the Internet).
[0019] In some embodiments, an audio data source 30 is connected to
the transcription server 20 through a VoIP voice mail server 20a.
For example, a user operating a telephone 30a dials an individual
voice mail box associated with the VoIP voice mail server 20a and
leaves a message (i.e., audio data). The VoIP voice mail server 20a
converts the received message to a format recognizable and useable
to the transcription server 20 (if necessary), and the VoIP voice
mail server 20a transmits the message to the transcription server
20. It should be understood that, in some embodiments, the
functionality of the VoIP voice mail server 20a is combined with
the functionality of the transcription server 20 and is provided in
a single server or device.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the transcription server 20 can also
directly receive audio data from a VoIP server 30b. The VoIP server
30b operates similar to the VoIP voice mail server 20a, as
described above, and receives and stores audio data. In some
embodiments, software and/or hardware installed in the VoIP server
30b securely transmits messages (i.e., audio data) to the
transcription server 20.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the transcription server 20 can obtain
audio data from various audio data sources 30. For example, the
transcription server 20 can obtain audio data from a mobile phone
30c that dials the VoIP mail server 20a and/or sends a message to a
short message service ("SMS") server included in or connected to
the transcription server 20. The transcription server 20 can also
obtain audio data from a teletype ("TTY") phone 30d.
[0022] In addition, the transcription server 20 can obtain audio
data from a client computer 30e. For example, a user of the client
computer 30e can upload audio files stored on or accessible by the
client computer 30e to the transcription server 20. In some
embodiments, a user uses a recording application stored on or
accessible by the client computer 30e to create audio files to be
uploaded to the transcription server 20. The client computer 30e
can upload the audio files to the transcription server 20 using
various formats and/or protocols, such as the file transfer
protocol ("FTP").
[0023] A user can also e-mail an audio file to the transcription
server 20. For example, the transcription server 20 can include or
can be connected to an e-mail server that receives e-mail messages
from the client computer 30e or other e-mail processing devices,
such as personal digital assistants ("PDAs") and hand-held
communication devices (e.g., a cellular phone, a Blackberry device,
etc.), and a user can forward or send an e-mail message that
contains audio data to an e-mail address associated with the
transcription server 20.
[0024] It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, the
transcription server 20 obtains audio data from a TTY phone 30d or
from a client computer 30e via a VoIP server 20a. In addition, the
system 10 can allow a user involved in a telephone call to enter a
code (e.g., via a keypad of the telephone) that initiates recording
of the current telephone call by the transcription server 20 or
another device of the system 10. For example, a user can enter a
telephone number associated with a transcription server 20 or
another device of the system 10 that "conferences in" the device so
that the device obtains a substantially real-time stream of the
audio of the telephone call. The device records the audio of the
telephone call and creates corresponding audio data (e.g., one or
more audio files).
[0025] The transcription server 20 or another device of the system
10 can also initiate a call to an external voicemail server and
record voicemail messages stored by the voicemail server in order
to obtain audio data for transcription. For example, the system 10
can provide an interface (e.g., a settings interface or website)
that enables a user to provide a telephone number of a voicemail
system and/or a telephone number (e.g., a cellular phone number), a
voicemail passcode or password, and, optionally, a schedule for
calling the voicemail server to record voicemail messages. The
interface can also enable a user to manually initiate a call to the
voicemail server. In addition, the interface can enable a user to
listen to the voicemail messages as or before the transcription
server 20 records and/or transcribes them. In some embodiments, the
interface also enables a user to select which voicemails the
transcription server 20 should transcribe.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the transcription server 20 receives
audio data 50 from one or more of the audio data sources 30. In
some embodiments, as noted above, the transcription server 20
includes or is connected to one or more intermediary servers or
devices (e.g., the VoIP server 20a, a short message server ("SMS")
server 20b, an e-mail server 20c, and the like) that receive
messages from the audio data sources 30. The messages can be
received continuously or in batch form, and can be sent to the
transcription server 20 and/or pulled by the transcription server
20 in any manner (e.g., continuously, in batch form, and the like).
For example, in some embodiments, the transcription server 20 is
adapted to request messages at regular intervals and/or to be
responsive to a user command or to some other event. In some
embodiments, rather than immediately transmitting the converted
message(s) to the transcription server 20, the audio data sources
30 and/or any intermediary servers store the converted message(s)
until requested by the transcription server 20 or a separate
polling computer. By requesting messages from the audio data
sources 30 and/or any intermediary servers, the transcription
server 20 or the separate polling computer can manage the messages.
For example, in one implementation, the transcription server 20 or
a separate polling computer establishes a priority for received
messages to be transcribed. The transcription server 20 or a
separate polling computer also determines a source of a received
message (e.g., the audio data source 30 that transmitted the
message). For example, the transcription server 20 or separate
polling computer can use an IP address of the audio data source 30
providing the message to identify the source of a particular
message. Still other types of identifying data can be used to
identify the source of a received message.
[0027] Once the transcription server 20 or separate polling
computer receives one or more messages (received by request or
otherwise), the transcription server 20 or separate polling
computer places the messages into one or more queue servers or
applications 60. The queue servers 60 look for an open or available
processor or translation server 70. As shown in FIG. 3, the
transcription server 20 includes multiple translation servers 70,
although any number of translation servers 70 (e.g., physical or
virtual) are possible, and fall within the spirit and scope of the
present invention. Upon identifying an available translation server
70, the queue servers 60 route a message to the available
translation server 70. The translation server 70 transcribes the
message to generate text data, and in some embodiments indexes the
message. The translation servers 70 index the messages using a
database to identify discrete words. For example, the translation
server 70 can use an extensible markup language ("XML"), structured
query language ("SQL"), mySQL, idx, or other database language to
identify discrete words or phrases within the message.
[0028] In addition to transcribing messages as just described, some
embodiments of a translation server 70 generate an index of
keywords based upon the transcribed text. For example, in some
embodiments, the translation server 70 removes those words that are
less commonly searched and/or less useful for searching (e.g., I,
the, a, an, but, and the like) from messages, which leaves a number
of keywords that can be stored in memory available to the
translation servers 70. The resulting "keyword index" includes the
exact positions of each keyword in the transcribed text, and, in
some cases, includes the exact location of each keyword in the
corresponding audio message. This keyword index enables users to
perform searches on the transcribed text of the message. For
example, a user accessing the transcribed text of a message
(whether for purposes of correcting any errors in the transcribed
text or for searching within the transcribed text) can select one
or more words from the keyword index of the message generated
earlier. In so doing, the exact locations (e.g., page and/or line
numbers) of such words can be provided quickly and efficiently--in
many cases significantly faster and with less processing power than
performing a standard search for the word through the entire text
of the message. The system 10 can provide the keyword index to a
user in any suitable manner, such as in a pop-up or pull-down menu
included in an interface of the system 10 accessed by a user via a
client computer 40 during text correction or searching of a
transcribed message (described below).
[0029] Also, in some embodiments, a translation server 70 generates
two or more possible candidates for a transcription of a spoken
word or phrase from an audio message. The most likely candidate is
displayed or otherwise used to generate the transcribed message,
and the less likely candidate(s) are saved in a memory accessible
by the translation server 70 and/or by another server or client
computer 40 as needed. This capability can be useful, for example,
during correction of the transcribed message (described below). In
particular, if a word in the transcribed message is wrong, a user
can obtain other candidate(s) identified by the translation server
70 during transcription, which can speed up and/or simplify the
correction process.
[0030] Once a message is transcribed, the system 10 can allow a
user to search a message for particular words and/or phrases. This
searching capability can be used during correction of a transcribed
message as described below or when the file is searched for
particular words (whether a search for such words is performed on
the file alone or in combination with one or more other files). For
example, using the indexed message, a user viewing generated text
data can select a word or phrase included in the text data and, in
some embodiments, can hear the corresponding portion of the audio
data from which the text data was generated. In some embodiments,
the system 10 is adapted to enable a user to search some or all
transcribed files accessible by the transcription server 20,
regardless of whether such files have been corrected. Also, the
system 10 can enable a user to search transcribed messages using
Boolean and/or other search terms.
[0031] Search results can be generated in a number of manners, such
as in table form enabling a user to select one or more files in
which a word or phrase has been found and/or one or more locations
at which a word or phrase has been found in a particular message.
The search results can also be sorted in one or more manners
according to one or more rules (e.g., date, relevance, number of
instances in which the word or phrase has been found in a message,
and the like) and can be printed, displayed, or exported as
desired. In some embodiments, the search results also provide the
text around the found word or phrase. The search results can also
include additional information, such as the number of instances in
which a word or phrase has been found in a file and/or the number
of files in which a word or phrase has been found.
[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the transcription server
20 includes a streaming translation server 80. In some embodiments,
the transcription server 20 routes audio data 50 received from
particular audio data sources 50, such as a TTY phone 30d (or any
other audio data source 30), directly to the streaming translation
server 80. The streaming translation server 80 provides
substantially real-time transcription of audio data 50 and provides
the generated text data and/or the audio data 50 to one or more
devices, such as the TTY phone 30d or the client computer 40.
[0033] After the translation servers 70 index and translate audio
data, the audio data and/or the generated text data is stored. The
audio data and text data can be stored internally by the
transcription server 20 or can be stored externally to one or more
data storage devices (e.g., databases, servers, and the like). In
some embodiments, a user (e.g., a user associated with a particular
audio data source 30) decides how long audio data and/or text data
is stored by the transcription server 20, after which time the
audio data and/or text data can be automatically deleted,
over-written, or stored in another storage device (e.g., a
relatively low-accessibility mass storage device). An interface of
the system 10 (e.g., a settings interface or website) enables a
user to specify a time limit for audio data and/or text data stored
by the transcription server 20.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a client computer 40 connects to
the transcription server 20 over a network, such as the Internet,
one or more local or wide-area networks, or the like, in order to
obtain audio data and/or corresponding, generated text data. A user
uses the client computer 40 to access an interface (e.g., a
website) associated with transcription server 20 to obtain
generated text data and/or corresponding audio data. For example,
using the interface, the client computer 40 can request particular
audio data and/or the corresponding text data. The requested data
is obtained from the transcription server 20 and/or a separate data
storage device and is transmitted to the client computer 40 for
display via the interface. As noted above, the streaming
translation server 80 can provide the generated text data and
streaming audio data to the client computer 40 over a network, such
as the Internet.
[0035] In some embodiments, the transcription server 20 sends audio
data and/or corresponding, generated text data to a user as an
e-mail message. The transcription server 20 can send an e-mail
message to a user that includes the audio data and the text data as
attached files. In other embodiments, the transcription server 20
sends an e-mail message to a user that includes a notification that
audio data and/or text data is available for the user. The e-mail
message can also include a link to the available audio data and/or
text data. A user selects the link in order to listen to the audio
data, view the text data, and/or to correct the text data. For
example, a user selects the link included in the e-mail message in
order to be transferred to a correction interface of the system 10,
as described below with respect to FIGS. 9-12, that enables a user
to correct text data.
[0036] As described above, an e-mail message that includes an
attached audio file is a possible source of audio data. If a user
forwards or sends an e-mail message to the transcription server 20
that includes audio data, the transcription server 20 can send a
return e-mail message to the user after the transcription server 20
transcribes the submitted audio file. The e-mail message can inform
the user that the submitted audio data was transcribed and that
corresponding text data is available. As previously noted, the
e-mail message from the transcription server 20 can include the
submitted audio data and/or the generated text data. Alternatively
or in addition, the e-mail message from the transcription server 20
includes a link to the audio data, the generated text data, and/or
an interface for listening to the audio data, viewing the text
data, and/or correcting the text data.
[0037] In some embodiments, the system 10 sends audio data and/or
corresponding text data to one or more predetermined destinations
(e.g., a system, a data storage device, a file, etc.), any or all
of which can be specified by a user of the system 10. For example,
an interface of the system 10 (e.g., an administration interface or
website) can enable a user to specify destination settings for
audio data and/or text data. Using the interface, a user can
specify a website, a blog, a document management or electronic
medial record ("EMR") system, an e-mail address, a remote printer,
etc. where audio data and/or corresponding generated text data
should be automatically sent (e.g., after being corrected). The
destination settings can be set for individual users or groups of
users (e.g., users with certain permissions).
[0038] The system 10 can also enable a user to use to provide
destination settings for audio data and/or text data on a
per-generated-text-data basis. In some embodiments, before or after
audio data is transcribed, a user specifies a particular
destination for the text data (e.g., from a drop down selection
mechanism, a menu selection mechanism, or an input mechanism of the
correction interface). Similarly, certain implementations allow a
user to specify destination settings in an e-mail message. For
example, if a user sends an e-mail message to the transcription
server 20 that includes audio data, the user can specify
destination information in the e-mail message. When a caller leaves
a voice message (e.g., with the VoIP mail server 20a), the system
10 can also allow the caller to enter a code to designate a
destination for the audio message and/or the generated text data.
For example, a user can enter a number "4" (e.g., via a keypad of a
telephone) to designate that the audio message and/or the generated
text data should be delivered to a recipient via an e-mail message.
The user can also enter an identifier of the recipient (e.g., a
phone number, an e-mail address, etc.) who is to receive the audio
data and/or the generated text data. For example, one or more speed
dials can be established, and a user can enter a speed dial number
after entering the destination code in order to identify a
particular recipient. The speed dial numbers can be programmed via
an interface of the system 10 (e.g., a settings interface or
website). After the audio message is transcribed and the generated
text data is corrected (if applicable), the transcription server 20
can send an e-mail message to the identified recipient (e.g., via a
SMTP server).
[0039] In some embodiments, to protect the privacy and security of
the audio and text data, the transcription server 20 transmits data
(e.g., audio data and/or text data) to the client computer 40 or
another destination device using file transfer protocol ("FTP").
The transmitted data can also be protected by a secure socket layer
("SSL") mechanism (e.g., a bank level certificate).
[0040] As noted above, the system 10 can include a correction
interface and a streaming translation server 80 that a user can
access (e.g., via the client computer 40) to view generated text.
As described below with respect to FIG. 11, in some embodiments,
the correction interface and the streaming translation server 80
also enable a user to stream the entire audio data corresponding to
the generated text data and/or to stream any desired portion of the
audio data corresponding to selected text data. For example, the
correction interface and the streaming translation server 80
enables a user to select (e.g., click-on, highlight, mouse over,
etc.) a portion of the text in order to hear the corresponding
audio data. In addition, in some embodiments, the correction
interface and the streaming translation server 80 enable a user to
specify a number of seconds that the user desires to hear before
and/or after a selected portion of text data.
[0041] The correction interface also enables a user to correct
generated text data. For example, if a user listens to audio data
and determines that a portion of the corresponding generated text
data is incorrect, the user can correct the generated text data via
the correction interface. In some embodiments, the correction
interface automatically identifies potentially incorrect portions
of generated text data. For example, the correction interface can
display potentially incorrect portions of the generated text data
in a particular color or other format (e.g., via a different font,
highlighting in bold, italics, underline, or any other manner).
Furthermore, the correction interface can display portions of the
generated text in various colors or other formats depending on the
confidence that the portion of the generated text is correct. The
correction interface can also insert a placeholder (e.g., an image,
an icon, etc.) into text that marks portions of the generated text
where text is missing (i.e., the transcription server 20 could not
generate text based on the audio data). A user can select the
placeholder in order to hear the audio data corresponding to the
missing text and can insert the missing text accordingly.
[0042] In order to assist a user in correcting generated text data,
some embodiments of the correction interface automatically generate
words similar to incorrectly-generated words. In this regard, a
user selects a word (e.g., by highlighting, clicking, or by any
other suitable manner) within generated text data that is or
appears to be incorrect. Upon such selection, the correction
interface suggests similar words, such as in a pop-up menu,
pull-down menu, or in any other format. The user selects a word or
words from the list of suggested words in order to make a desired
correction.
[0043] In some embodiments, the correction interface provides audio
data and/or text data in particular formats. For example, court
reporters require certain statutory formatting of their documents
that identify the speaker. The correction interface (e.g., when
placed in "court" mode) enables a user to input speaker names for
particular audio data and/or to insert corresponding symbols for
each speaker name into the text data. The user then selects a
"format" selection mechanism (e.g., a button, a radio button, a
drop-down menu item, or the like) included in the correction
interface, and the correction interface reformats the displayed
text data using the provided speaker names and format
guidelines.
[0044] In some embodiments, the translation server(s) 70 are
configured to automatically determine speakers in an audio file.
For example, the translation server 70 can process audio files for
drastic changes in voice or audio patterns. The translation server
70 then analyzes the patterns in order to identify the number of
individuals or sources speaking in an audio file. In other
embodiments, a user or information associated with the audio file
(e.g., information included in the e-mail message containing the
audio data, or stored in a separate text file associated with the
audio data) identifies the number of speakers in an audio file
before the audio file is transcribed. For example, a user can use
an interface of the system 10 (e.g., the correction interface) to
specify the number of speakers in an audio file before or after the
audio file is transcribed.
[0045] After identifying the number of speakers in an audio file,
the translation server(s) 70 can generate a speaker list that marks
the number of speakers and/or the times in the audio file where
each speaker speaks. The translation server(s) 70 can use the
speaker list when creating or formatting the corresponding text
data to provide markers or identifiers of the speakers (e.g.,
Speaker 1, Speaker 2, etc.) within the generated text data. In some
embodiments, a user can update the speaker list in order to change
the number of speakers included in an audio file, change the
identifier of the speakers (e.g., to the names of the speakers),
and/or specify that two or more speakers identified by the
translation server(s) 70 relate to a single speaker or audio
source. Also, in some embodiments, a user can use an interface of
the system 10 (e.g., a settings interface or website) to modify the
speaker list or to upload a new speaker list. For example, a user
can change the identifiers of the speakers by updating a field of
the correction interface that identifies a particular speaker. For
example, each speaker identifier displayed within generated text
data can be placed in a user-editable field. In some embodiments,
changing an identifier of a speaker in one field automatically
changes the identifier for the speaker throughout the generated
text data.
[0046] In some embodiments, the system 10 can also format
transcribed text data based on one or more templates, such as
templates adapted for particular users or businesses (e.g.,
medical, legal, engineering, or other fields). For example, after
generating text data, the system 10 (e.g., the translation
server(s) 70) can compare the text data with one or more templates.
If the format or structure of the text data corresponds to the
format or structure of a template and/or if the text data includes
one or more keywords associated with a template, the system 10 can
format the text data based on the template. For example, if the
system 10 includes a template specifying the following format:
[0047] Date:
[0048] Type of Illness:
and text data generated by the system 10 is "the date today is
September the 12.sup.th the year 2007, the illness is flu," the
system 10 can automatically apply the template to the text data in
order to create the following formatted text data:
[0049] Date: 09/12/2007
[0050] Type of Illness: Flu
[0051] In some embodiments, the system 10 is configured to
automatically apply a template to text data if text data
corresponds to the template. Therefore, as the system 10 "learns"
and improves its transcription quality, as described below, the
system 10 also "learns" and improves its application of templates.
In other embodiments, a user can use an interface of the system 10
(e.g., the correction interface) to manually specify a template to
be applied to text data. For example, a user can select a template
to apply to text data from a drop down menu or other selection
mechanism included in the interface.
[0052] The system 10 can store the formatted text data and can make
the formatted text data available for review and correction, as
described below. In some embodiments, the system 10 also stores or
retains the unformatted text data separately from the formatted
text data. By retaining the unformatted text data, the text data
can be applied to new or different templates. In addition, the
system 10 can use the unformatted text data to train the system 10,
as described below.
[0053] The system 10 can include one or more predefined templates.
In some embodiments, a user can also create a customized template
and can upload the template to the system 10. For example, a user
can use a word processing application, such as Microsoft.RTM.
Word.RTM., to create a text file that defines the format and
structure of a customized template. The user can upload the text
file to the system 10 using an interface of the system 10 (e.g.,
the correction interface). In some embodiments, the system 10
reformats uploaded templates. For example, the system 10 can store
predefined templates and/or customized templates in a mark-up
language, such as XML or HTML.
[0054] Templates can be associated with a particular user or a
group of users. For example, only users with certain permission may
be allowed to use or apply particular templates. In other
embodiments, a user can upload one or more templates that only he
or she can use or apply. Settings and restrictions for predefined
and/or customized templates can be configured by a user or an
administrator using an interface of the system 10 (e.g., a settings
interface or website).
[0055] In some embodiments, alternatively or in addition to
configuring templates, the system 10 can also enable a user to
configure one or more commands that replace transcribed text with
different text. For example, a user can configure the system 10 to
insert the current date into text data any time audio data and/or
corresponding text data includes the word "date" or the phrases
"today's date," "current date," or "insert today's date."
Similarly, a user can configure the system 10 to start a new
paragraph within transcribed text data each time audio data and/or
corresponding text data includes the word "paragraph," the phrase
"new paragraph," or a similar identifier. The commands can be
defined on a per user basis and/or on a group of users basis, and
settings or restrictions for the commands can be set by a user or
an administrator using an interface of the system 10 (e.g., a
settings interface or website).
[0056] Some embodiments of the system 10 also enable a user
correcting text data via the correction interface to create
commands and/or keyboard shortcuts. For example, the user can use
the commands and/or keyboard shortcuts to stream audio data, add
common words or phrases to text data, play audio data, pause audio
data, or start or select objects or functions provided through the
correction interface or other interfaces of the system 10. In some
embodiments, a user uses the correction interface (e.g., a settings
interface or website) to configure the commands and/or keyboard
shortcuts. The commands and/or keyboard shortcuts can be stored on
a user level and/or a group level. An administrator can also
configure commands and/or keyboard shortcuts that can be made
available to one user or multiple users. For example, users with
particular permissions may be allowed to use particular commands
and/or keyboard shortcuts. In addition, in some embodiments, a user
can connect an input device to the client computer 40, such as a
foot pedal, a joystick, or a microphone, that the user can use to
send commands to the correction interface. For example, a user can
select a word or phrase in the text data (e.g., via a keyboard or a
mouse connected to the client computer 40) in order to start
playing the corresponding audio data and then can use the foot
pedal or other input device to more forward or backward within the
audio data, pause the audio data, play the audio data, insert
common words or phrases into the text data, etc.
[0057] If a user uses a microphone as an input device, the
correction interface can be configured to react to commands spoken
by the user. For example, the system 10 can enable a user to create
commands that when spoken by the user causes the correction
interface to perform certain actions. In some embodiments, the user
can say "play," "pause," "forward," "backward," etc. to control the
playing of the audio data by the correction interface. A user can
also say commands that cause the correction interface to insert,
delete, or edit text in transcribed text data. For example, a user
can say "date," and the correction interface can insert date
information into transcribed text data.
[0058] In some embodiments, the system 10 also performs
translations of transcribed text data. For example, the correction
interface or another interface of the system 10 can enable a user
to request a translation of transcribed text data into another
language. The transcription server 20 can include one or more
language translation modules configured to create text data in a
particular language based on generated text data in another
language. An audio source (e.g., a caller to a voicemail box or an
individual submitting an e-mail message with an attached audio file
to the transcription server 20) can also request or specify a
language translation when an audio file is submitted to the
transcription server 20.
[0059] With continued reference to the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 3, corrections made by a user through the correction interface
are transmitted to the transcription server 20. As shown in FIG. 3,
the transcription server 20 includes a training server 90. The
training server 90 can use the corrections made by a user to
"learn" so that future incorrect translations are avoided. In some
embodiments, since audio data is received from one or more audio
data sources 30 representing multiple "speakers," and since the
correction interface can be accessible over a network by multiple
users, the training server 90 receives corrections from multiple
users and, therefore, uses a voice independent model to learn from
multiple speakers or audio data sources.
[0060] In some embodiments, the system 10 transcribes audio files
of a predetermined size (e.g., over 20 minutes in length) in pieces
in order to "pre-train" the translation server(s) 70. For example,
the transcription server 20 and/or the translation server(s) 70 can
divide an audio file into segments (e.g., 1 to 5 minute segments).
The translation server(s) 70 can then transcribe one or more of the
segments and the resulting text data can be made available to a
user for correction (e.g., via the correction interface). After the
transcribed segments are corrected and any corrections are applied
to the training server 90 in order to "teach" the system 10, the
translation server(s) 70 transcribe the complete audio file. After
the complete audio file is transcribed, the transcription of the
complete audio file is made available to a user for correction.
Using the small segments of the audio file to pre-train the
translation server(s) 70 can increase the accuracy of the
transcription of the complete audio file, which can save time and
can prevent errors. In some embodiments, the complete audio file is
transcribed before or in parallel with one or more smaller segments
of the same audio file. Once the complete audio file is
transcribed, a user can then immediately review and correct the
text for the complete audio file or can wait until the individual
segments are transcribed and corrected before correcting the text
of the complete audio file. In addition, a user can request a
re-transcription of the complete audio file after one or more
individual segments are transcribed and corrected. In some
embodiments, if the complete audio file is transcribed before or in
parallel with smaller segments and the transcription of the
complete audio file has not been corrected by the time the
individual segments are transcribed and corrected, the
transcription server 20 and/or the translation server(s) 70
automatically re-transcribes the complete audio file.
[0061] The voice independent model developed by the transcription
server 20 can be shared and used by multiple transcription servers
20. For example, in some embodiments, the voice independent model
developed by a transcription server 20 can be copied to or shared
with other transcription servers 20. The model can be copied to
other transcription servers 20 based on a predetermined schedule,
anytime the model is updated, on a manual basis, etc. In some
embodiments, a lead transcription server 20 collects audio and text
data from other transcription servers 20 (e.g., audio and text data
which has not been applied to a training server) and transfers the
data to a lead training server 90. The lead transcription server 20
can collect the audio and text data during periods of low network
or processor usage. The individual training servers 90 of one or
more transcription servers 20 can also take turns processing
batches of audio data and copying updated voice models to other
transcription servers 20 (e.g., in a predetermined sequence or
schedule), which can ensure that each transcription server 20 is
using the most up-to-date voice model.
[0062] In some embodiments, individuals may be hired to correct
transcribed audio files ("correctors"), and the correctors may be
paid on a per-line, per-word, per-file, time, or the like basis,
and the transcription server 20 can track performance data for the
correctors. The performance data can include line counts, usage
counts, word counts, etc. for individual correctors and/or groups
of correctors. In some embodiments, the transcription server 20
enables a user (e.g., an administrator) to access the performance
data via an interface of the system 10 (e.g., a website). The user
can use the interface to input personal information associated with
the performance data, such as the correctors' names, employee
numbers, etc. In some embodiments, the user can also use the
interface to initiate and/or specify payments to be made to the
correctors. The performance data (and any related information
provided by a user, such as an administrator) can be stored in a
database and/or can be exported to an external accounting system,
such as accounting systems and solutions provided by Paychex, Inc.
or QuickBooks.RTM. provided by Intuit, Inc. The transcription
server 20 can send the performance data to an external accounting
system via a direct connection or an indirect connection, such as
the Internet. The transcription server 20 can also generate a file
that can be stored to a portable data storage medium (e.g., a
compact disk, a jump drive, etc.). The file can then be uploaded to
an external accounting system from the portable data storage
medium. An external account system can use the performance data to
pay the correctors, generate financial documents, etc.
[0063] In some embodiments, a user may not desire or need
transcribed text data to be corrected. For example, a user may not
want text data that is substantially accurate to be corrected. In
these situations, the system 10 can allow a user to designate an
accuracy threshold, and the system 10 can apply the threshold to
determine whether text data should be corrected. For example, if
generated text data has a percentage or other measurement of
accurate words (as determined by the transcription server 20) that
is equal to or greater than the accuracy threshold specified by the
user, the system 10 can allow the text data to skip the correction
process (and the associated training or learning process). The
system 10 can deliver any generated text data that skips the
correction process directly to its destination (e.g., directly sent
to a user via an e-mail message, directly stored to a database,
etc.). In some embodiments, the accuracy threshold can be set by a
user using an interface of the system 10 (e.g., a website). The
threshold can be applied to all text data or only to particular
text data (e.g., only text data generated based on audio data
received from a particular audio source, only text data that is
associated with a particular destination, etc.).
[0064] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary transcription, correction,
and training method or process performed by the system 10. The
transcription, correction, and training process of the system 10
can be a continual process by which files enter the system 10 and
are moved through the series of steps shown in FIG. 4. As shown in
FIG. 4 (also with reference to FIGS. 1-3), the transcription server
20 receives audio data 50 from one or more audio data sources 30
and/or one or more intermediary servers. Next, the transcription
server 20 places the audio data 50 into one or more queues 60 (step
100). Once a translation server or processor 70 is available, the
audio data 50 is transmitted from a queue 60 to a translation
server 70. The translation server 70 transcribes the audio data to
generate text data, and indexes the audio data (step 110).
[0065] After the audio data is indexed and transcribed, the audio
data and/or generated text data is made available to a user for
review and/or correction via a correction interface (step 120). If
the text data needs to be corrected (step 130), the user makes the
corrections and submits the corrections to the training server 90
of the transcription server 20 (step 140). The corrections are
placed in a training queue and are prepared for archiving (step
150). Periodically, the training server 90 obtains all the
corrected files from the training queue and begins a training cycle
for an independent voice model (step 160). In other embodiments,
the training server 90 obtains such corrected files immediately,
rather than periodically. The training server 90 can be a server
that is separate from the transcription server 20, and can update
the transcription server 20 and/or any number of other servers on a
continuous or periodic basis. In other embodiments, the training
server 90, transcription server 20, and any other servers
associated with the system 10 can be defined by the same computer.
It should be understood that, as used herein and in the appended
claims, the terms "server," "queue," "module, etc. are intended to
encompass hardware and/or software adapted to perform a particular
function.
[0066] Any portion or all of the transcription, correction, and
training process performed by the system 10 can be performed by one
or more polling managers (e.g., associated with the transcription
server 20, the training server 90, or other servers). In some
embodiments, the transcription server 20 and/or the training server
90 utilizes one or more "flags" to indicate a stage of a file. By
way of example, only, these flags can include, without limitation
or requirement: (1) waiting for transcription; (2) transcription in
progress; (3) waiting for correction; (4) correction completed; (5)
waiting for training; (6) training in progress; (7) retention; (8)
move to history pending; and (9) history.
[0067] In some embodiments, the only action required by a user as a
message moves through different stages of the system 10 is to
indicate that correction of the message has been completed. In
other embodiments, a less automated system can exist, requiring
more input from a user during the transcription, correction, and
training process.
[0068] Another example of a method by which messages are processed
in the system 10 is illustrated in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, a
polling manager is used to control the timing of file processing in
the system. In particular, at least a portion of the transcription,
correction, and training process is moved along by alternating
actions of a polling manager. In some embodiments, the polling
manager runs on a relatively short time interval to move files from
stage to stage within the transcription, correction, and training
process. Although not required, the polling manager can move
multiple files in different stages to the next stage at the same
time.
[0069] With reference to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 5, the polling manager locates files to enter the
transcription, correction, and training process. For example, the
polling manager can check a list of FTP servers/locations for new
files. New files identified by the polling manger are downloaded
(step 202) and added to the database (step 204). When a file
arrives, the polling manager flags the file "waiting for
transcription" (step 206). The polling manager then executes and
moves the file to a transcription queue (step 208), after which
time the next available server/processor transcribes the file (step
210) on a first-in, first-out basis, unless a different priority is
assigned. Once the file is assigned to a server/processor for
transcription, the polling manager flags the file "transcription in
progress." When transcription of the file is complete, the polling
manager flags the file "waiting for correction" (step 212), and the
file is made available to a user for correction (e.g., through a
correction interface). When a user is done correcting the file, the
polling manager flags the file "correction completed" (step 214)
and returns or delivers the file based upon how the user wants
files returned (e.g., FTP, e-mail, and the like). The polling
manager then flags the file "waiting for training," and moves the
corrected file into a waiting to be trained queue (step 216).
During the time in which the training process runs (step 218), the
polling manager flags the file "training in progress." After the
training process, the polling manager flags the file "retention."
In some embodiments, a user-defined retention determines when and
whether files are archived. During the time in which a file is
being archived (step 220), the polling manager flags the file "move
to history pending." When a file has been archived, the polling
manager flags the file "history."
[0070] The archival process allows files to move out of the system
10 immediately or based at least in part upon set retention rules.
Archived or historical files allow the system 10 to keep current
files available quickly while older files can be encrypted,
compressed, and stored. Archived files can also be returned to a
user (step 222) in any manner as described above.
[0071] In some embodiments, an interface of the system 10 (e.g.,
the correction interface) shows the stage of one or more files in
the transcription, correction, and training process. This process
can be automated and database driven so that all files are used to
build and train the voice independent model.
[0072] It should be noted that a database-driven system 10 allows
redundancy within the system. Multiple servers can share the load
of the process described above. Also, multiple servers across
different geographic regions can provide backup in the event of a
natural disaster or other problem at one or more sites.
[0073] FIG. 6 illustrates a correction method according to an
embodiment of the invention. The correction process of FIG. 6
beings when audio data is received by the transcription server 20
and transcribed (step 250). As described above with respect to
FIGS. 1-3, the transcription server 20 can receive audio data from
one or more audio data sources 30 and/or intermediary servers, such
as a telephone, a VoIP voicemail server, a client computer,
etc.
[0074] After the audio data is transcribed, the transcription
server 20 sends a correction notification to a user (step 252). In
some embodiments, the correction notification includes an e-mail
notification, as shown in FIGS. 7-8. In other embodiments, the
correction notification includes a text message, a telephone call,
an audible signal and/or a visual signal (e.g., via a telephone),
etc.
[0075] The transcription server 20 can send the correction
notification to a user who is assigned to the correction of
transcribed audio data associated with a particular owner or
destination. For example, as the transcription server 20
transcribes voicemail messages for a particular member of an
organization, the transcription server 20 can send a notification
to a secretary or assistant of the member. An administrator can use
an interface of the system 10 (e.g., a website) to configure one or
more recipients who are to receive the correction notifications for
a particular destination (e.g., a particular voicemail box). An
administrator can also specify settings for notifications, such as
the type of notification to send (e.g., e-mail, text, etc.), the
addresses or identifiers of the notification recipients (e.g.,
e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, machine access control ("MAC")
addresses, etc.), the information to be included in the
notifications, etc. For example, an administrator can establish
rules for sending correction notifications, such as transcriptions
associated with audio data received by the transcription server 20
from a particular audio data source should be corrected by
particular users. In addition, as described above, an
administration can set one or more accuracy thresholds, which can
dictate when transcribed audio data skips the correction
process.
[0076] FIG. 7 illustrates an e-mail correction notification 254
according to an embodiment of the invention that is listed in an
inbox 255 of an e-mail application. As shown in FIG. 7, the e-mail
correction notification 254 is listed as an e-mail message in the
inbox 255 similar to other e-mail messages 256 received from other
sources. For example, the inbox 255 can display the sender of the
e-mail correction notification 254 (i.e., the transcription server
20), an account or destination associated with the audio data and
generated text data (e.g., an account number associated with a
particular voicemail box), and an identifier of the source of the
audio data (e.g., the name of an individual leaving a message in
the voicemail box). As shown in FIG. 7, the identifier of the
source of the audio data can optionally include an address or
location of the audio data source, such as a phone number
associated with the individual leaving a message in the voicemail
box. In some embodiments (e.g., depending on the e-mail application
used), the inbox 255 lists additional information about the
notification 254, such as the size of the e-mail correction
notification 254, the time the notification 254 was sent, and/or
the date that the notification 254 was sent.
[0077] To read the e-mail correction notification 254, a user can
select the notification 254 (e.g., by clicking on, highlighting,
etc.) in the inbox 255. After the user selects the notification
254, the e-mail application can display the contents of the
notification 254, as shown in FIG. 8. The contents of the e-mail
correction notification 254 can include similar information as
displayed in the inbox 255. The contents of the e-mail correction
notification 254 can also indicate the length of the audio data
transcribed by the transcription server 20 and the day, date,
and/or time that the audio data was received by the transcription
server 20. In addition, the contents of the e-mail correction
notification 254 can include instructions on how to obtain and
correct the generated text data. For example, the notification 254
can include a website address that the user can direct a browser
application to (e.g., via a client computer) in order to access a
correction interface for obtaining and correcting the generated
text data. As shown in FIG. 8, the correction notification 254 can
also include a link 257 that a user can select in order to directly
access the correction interface (e.g., without manually directing a
browser application and/or manually opening and executing a new
application).
[0078] Returning to FIG. 6, after a user receives a correction
notification 254, the user can access a correction interface 260 to
review and correct the generated text data (if needed) (step 262).
As described above with respect to FIG. 8, the user can select a
link 257 included in the correction notification 254 in order to
access the correction interface 260. FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a
correction interface 260 according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 9, to access the correction interface 260,
the user may first be prompted to enter credentials and/or
identifying information via a login screen 264 of the interface
260. For example, the login screen 264 can include one or more
selection mechanisms and/or input mechanisms 266 that enable a user
to select or enter credentials and/or identifying information. As
shown in FIG. 9, the login screen 264 can include input mechanisms
266 for entering a username and a password. The input mechanisms
266 can be case sensitive and/or can be limited to a predetermined
set and/or number of characters. For example, the input mechanisms
266 can be limited to approximately 30 non-space characters. A user
can enter his or her username and password (e.g., as set by the
user or an administrator) and can select a log in selection
mechanism 268. Alternatively, a user can select a help selection
mechanism 270 in order to access instructions, tips, help web
pages, electronic manuals, etc. for the correction interface
260.
[0080] After the user his or her credentials and/or identifying
information, the correction interface 260 can verify the entered
information, and, if verified, the correction interface 262 can
display a main page 272, as shown in FIG. 10. The main page 272 can
include a navigation area 274 and a view area 276. The navigation
area 274 can include one or more selection mechanisms for accessing
standard functions of the correction interface 260. For example, as
shown in FIG. 10, the navigation area 274 can include a help
selection mechanism 278 and a log off selection mechanism 280. As
described above, a user can select the help selection mechanism 278
in order to access instructions, tips, help web pages, electronic
manuals, etc. for the correction interface 260. A user can select
the log off selection mechanism 280 in order to exit the correction
interface 260. In some embodiments, if a user selects the log off
selection mechanism 280, the correction interface 260 returns the
user to the login page 264.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 10, the navigation area 274 can also
include an inbox selection mechanism 282, a my history selection
mechanism 284, a settings selection mechanism 286, a help selection
mechanism 288, and/or a log off selection mechanism 290. A user can
select the inbox selection mechanism 282 in order to view the main
page 272. The user can select the my history selection mechanism
284 in order to access previously corrected transcriptions. In some
embodiments, if a user selects the my history selection mechanism
284, the correction interface 260 displays a history page (not
shown) similar to the main page 272 that lists previously corrected
transcriptions. Alternatively or in addition to displaying the
information displayed in the main page 272 (e.g., file name,
checked out by, checked in by, creation date, priority), the
history page can display correction date(s) for each
transcription.
[0082] A user can select the settings selection mechanism 286 in
order to access one or more setting pages (not shown) of the
correction interface 260. The setting pages can enable a user to
change his or her notification preferences, correction interface
preferences (e.g., change a username and/or password, set a time
limit for transcriptions displayed in a history page), etc. For
example, as described above, a user can use the settings pages to
specify destination settings for audio data and/or generated text
data, configure commands and keyboard shortcuts, specify accuracy
thresholds, configure the transcription server 20 to record
voicemails from an external voicemail server, turn on or off
particular features of the correction interface 260 and/or the
system 10, etc. In some embodiments, the number and degree of
settings configurable by a particular user via the settings pages
are based on the permissions of the user. An administrator can use
the setting pages to specify global settings, group settings (e.g.,
associated with particular permissions), and individual settings.
In addition, an administrator can use a setting page of the
correction interface 260 to specify users of the correction
interface 260 and can establish usernames and passwords for users.
Furthermore, as described above with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8, an
administrator can use a setting page of the correction interface
260 to specify notification parameters, such as who receives
particular notifications, what type of notifications are sent, what
information is included in the notifications, etc.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 10, the view area 276 lists transcriptions
(e.g., associated with the logged-in user) that need attention
(e.g., correction). In some embodiments, the view area 276 includes
one or more filter selection mechanisms 292, that a user can use to
filter and/or sort the listed transcriptions. For example, a user
can use a filter selection mechanism 292 to filter and/or sort
transcriptions by creation date, priority, etc.
[0084] The view area 274 can also list additional information for
each transcription. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the view area
274 can list a file name, a checked out by parameter, a checked out
on parameter, a creation date, and a priority for each listed
transcription. The view area 274 can also include an edit selection
mechanism 294 and a complete selection mechanism 296 for each
transcription.
[0085] Returning to FIG. 6, after a user accesses the correction
interface, the user can select a transcription to correct (step
298). As shown in FIG. 10, to correct a particular transcription,
the user selects the edit selection mechanism 294 associated with
the transcription. When a user selects an edit selection mechanism
294, the correction interface 260 displays a correction page 300,
an example of which is shown in FIG. 11. The correction page 300
can include the navigation area 274, as described above with
respect to FIG. 10, and a correction view area 302. The correction
view area 302 can display the text data 303 generated by the
transcription. A user can edit the text data 303 by deleting text,
inserting text, cutting text, copying text, etc. within the
correction view area.
[0086] In some embodiments, the correction view area 302 also
includes a recording control area 304. The recording control area
304 can include one or more selection mechanisms for listening to
or playing the audio data associated with the text data 303
displayed in the correction view area 302. For example, as shown in
FIG. 11, the recording control area 304 can include a play
selection mechanism 306, a stop selection mechanism 308, and a
pause selection mechanism 310. A user can select the play selection
mechanism 306 to play the audio data from the beginning and can
select the stop selection mechanism 308 to stop the audio data.
Similarly, a user can select the pause selection mechanism 310 to
pause the audio data. In some embodiments, selecting the pause
selection mechanism 310 after pausing the audio data causes the
correction interface 260 to continue playing the audio data (e.g.,
from the point at which the audio data was paused).
[0087] As shown in FIG. 11, the recording control area 304 can also
include a continue from cursor selection mechanism 312. A user can
select the continue from cursor selection mechanism 312 in order to
starting playing the audio data at a location corresponding to the
position of the cursor within the text data 303. For example, if a
user places a cursor within the text data 303 before the word
"Once" and selects the continue from cursor selection mechanism
312, the correction interface 260 plays the audio data starting
from the word "Once." In some embodiments, the recording control
area 304 also includes a playback control selection mechanism 314
that a user can use to specify a number of seconds to play before
playing the audio data starting at the cursor position. For
example, as shown in FIG. 11, a user can specify 1 to 8 seconds
using the play control selection mechanism 314 (e.g., by dragging
an indicator along the timeline or in another suitable manner).
After setting the playback control selection mechanism 314, the
user can select the continue from cursor selection mechanism 312,
which causes the correction interface 260 to play the audio data
starting at the cursor position minus the number of seconds
specified by the play control selection mechanism 314.
[0088] In some embodiments, the recording control area 304 can also
include a speed control mechanism (not shown) that allows a user to
decrease and increase the playback speed of audio data. For
example, the recording control area 304 can include a speed control
mechanism that includes one or more selection mechanisms (e.g.,
buttons, timelines, etc.). A user can select (e.g., click, drag,
etc.) the selection mechanisms in order to increase or decrease the
playback of audio data by a particular speed. In some embodiments,
the speed control mechanism can also include a selection mechanism
that a user can select in order to play audio data at normal
speed.
[0089] In some embodiments, a user can hide the recording control
area 304. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the correction view
area 302 can include one or more selection mechanisms 315 (e.g.,
tabs) that enable a user to choose whether to view the text data
303 only (e.g., by selecting a full text tab 315a) or to view the
text data 303 and the recording control area 304 (e.g., by
selecting a listen/text tab 315b).
[0090] The correction view area 302 can also include a save
selection mechanism 316. A user can select the save selection
mechanism 316 in order to save the current state of the corrected
text data 303. A user can select the save selection mechanism 316
at any time during the correction process.
[0091] The correction view area 302 can also include a table 318
that lists, among other things, the system's confidence in its
transcription quality. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the
correction view area 302 can list the total number of words in the
text data 303, the number of low-confidence words in the text data
303, the number of medium-confidence words in the text data 303,
and/or the number of high-confidence words in the text data. "Low"
words can include words that are least likely to be correct.
"Medium" words can include words that are moderately likely to be
correct. "High" words can include words that are very likely to be
correct. In some embodiments, if the number of low words in the
text data 303 is close to the number of total words in the text
data 303, it may be useful for the user to delete the text data 303
and manually retype the text data 303 by listening to the
corresponding audio data. This situation may occur if the audio
data was received from an audio data source (e.g., a caller) that
the system 10 has not previously received data from or has not
previously received significant data from.
[0092] Returning to FIG. 6, after a user selects a transcription to
correct, the user corrects the transcription as necessary via the
correction interface 260 (step 320) and submits or saves the
corrected transcription (step 322). As described above with respect
to FIG. 11, to submit or save corrected text data 303, a user can
select the save selection mechanism 316 included in the correction
page 300. In some embodiments, when a user selects the save
selection mechanism 316, the correction interface 260 displays a
save options page 330, as shown in FIG. 12. The save options page
330 can include the navigation area 274, as described above with
respect to FIGS. 10 and 11, and a save options view area 332. The
save options view area 332 can display one or more selection
mechanisms for saving the current state of the corrected text data
303. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the options view area 332
can include a save recording selection mechanism 334, a save and
mark as complete selection mechanism 336, and a save, mark as
complete and send to owner selection mechanism 338. A user can
select the save recording selection mechanism 334 in order to save
the current state of the text data 303 with any corrections made by
the user and returns the user to the main page 272. A user may
select the save recording selection mechanism 334 if the user has
not finished making corrections to the text data 303 but wants to
stop working on the corrections at the current time. A user may
also select the save recording selection mechanism 334 if the user
wants to periodically save corrections when working on long
transcriptions. In some embodiments, the save recording selection
mechanism 334 is the default selection.
[0093] A user can select the save and mark as complete selection
mechanism 336 in order to save the corrections made by the user and
move the transcription to the user's history. Once the corrections
are saved and moved to the history folder, the user can access the
corrected transcription (e.g., via the history page of the
correction interface 260) but may not be able to edit the corrected
transcription.
[0094] A user can select the save, mark as complete and send to
owner selection mechanism 338 in order to save the corrected
transcription, move the corrected transcription to the user's
history folder, and send the corrected transaction and/or the
associated audio data to the owner or destination of the audio data
(e.g., the owner of the voicemail box). As described above, a
destination for corrected transcriptions can include files, e-mail
inboxes, remote printers, databases, etc. For example, the
correction interface 260 can send a message notification to the
owner of the transcription that includes the corrected
transcription (e.g., as text within the message or as an attached
file). FIG. 13 illustrates an e-mail message notification 339
according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 13,
the notification 339 includes the corrected transcription.
[0095] Once a user selects a save option, the user can select an
accept selection mechanism 340 in order to accept the selected
option or can select a cancel selection mechanism 342 in order to
cancel the selected option. In some embodiments, if a user selects
the cancel selection mechanism 342, the correction interface 260
returns the user to the correction page 300.
[0096] A user can also select a complete selection mechanism 296
included in the main page 272 of the correction interface 260 in
order to submit or save transcriptions. In some embodiments, if a
user selects a complete selection mechanism 296 included in the
main page 272, the correction interface 260 displays the save
options page 330 as described above with respect to FIG. 12. In
other embodiments, if a user selects a complete selection mechanism
296 included in the main page 272, the correction interface 260
automatically saves any previous corrections made to the
transcription associated with the complete selection mechanism 296,
moves the corrected transcription to the user's history folds, and
sends the completed transcription and/or the corresponding audio
data to the owner or destination associated with the
transcription.
[0097] The embodiments described above and illustrated in the
figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended
as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present
invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary
skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their
configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, in some
embodiments the transcription server 20 utilizes multiple threads
to transcribe multiple files concurrently. This process can use a
single database or a cluster of databases holding temporary
information to assist in multiple thread transcription on the same
or different machines. Each system or device included in
embodiments of the present invention can also be performed by one
or more machines and/or one or more virtual machines.
[0098] Various features and advantages of the invention are set
forth in the following claims.
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