Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Specific application – apparatus or process – Digital audio data processing system
Reexamination Certificate
1997-10-29
2001-07-24
Mei, Xu (Department: 2644)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Specific application, apparatus or process
Digital audio data processing system
C381S123000, C345S950000, C704S270000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06266571
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the field of configuring microphones and audio systems in computer systems, and in particular, to a method and graphical user interface for configuring one or more microphones, one or more speakers, one or more sound cards and one or more audio mixers for use with a speech recognition application.
2. Description of Related Art
The use of microphones in connection with personal computers has increased in popularity due to the advent of inexpensive multimedia computers and sophisticated applications like collaboration on the Internet, telephony and speech recognition.
Proper microphone connection and audio settings are among the most important elements in achieving required performance from the audio components of a computer, especially for speech recognition. Tools that help unskilled users properly configure and adjust their microphone and audio settings are important differentiators for these types of applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The inventive arrangements taught herein provide numerous advantages in simplifying configuring an audio interface for a speech recognition application, particularly for connecting and s adjusting one or more microphones and one or more audio output speakers. The microphone and speaker setup taught herein can be used for other applications as well. This inventive arrangements simplify and expedite setting up an audio interface in the following ways.
Step by step instructions are provided for connecting a microphone to various audio systems. The audio input is tested to determine that the microphone is properly configured, in both power and signal parameters, to provide proper audio input and output.
Program flow is adapted depending on selection of the audio output device, the microphone, the number of compatible sound cards and whether any microphone connection adapters are available.
The microphone configuration and adjustments are designed to work with and for either dynamic and electret types of microphones.
Comparing background noise levels to speech levels allows operation over a wide range of microphones and audio systems.
The audio mixer is configured for speech recognition by selecting and adjusting microphone inputs, while at the same time, deselecting inputs and outputs as specific to each configuration that would otherwise interfere with microphone operation.
Multiple audio cards are supported, allowing the user to select between one or more audio cards for input and output. Mixer adjustments are based on the audio card selection, and for each card separately.
Sound cards are tested in the system to insure that only those sound cards that meet the minimum requirements to support the speech application are listed for selection by the user.
The program flow is modified after the first time through the microphone configuration process. Subsequent runs allow the user to bypass the microphone hardware configuration tests and go directly to the audio mixer adjustments.
Graphic user interfaces and associated displays are designed to be easily configured for different combinations of microphone and manufacture-specific information.
A method for configuring an audio interface for a speech recognition application in a computer system in accordance with an inventive arrangement comprises the steps of: (a) displaying a first graphical user interface prompting a user selection of an output audio device between: a headset having at least one earphone speaker and a microphone; external speakers connected to the computer system; and, internal speakers connected to the computer system; (b) in the event of the user selecting the headset: (1) displaying a second graphical user interface for prompting a user to connect the headset; (2) displaying a second graphical user interface illustrating proper placement of the headset and the microphone; and, (3) displaying a fourth graphical user interface for adjusting audio playback volume;(c) in the event of a user selecting one of the external and internal speakers, omitting displaying the second and third graphical user interfaces as in steps (b)(1) and (b)(2) respectively, and displaying the fourth graphical user interface as in step (b)(3).
The method can further comprise the step of including in the fourth graphical user interface a user operable volume control, an animation sequence indicative of an output audio signal and a user operable switch for initiating the output audio signal.
The method can still further comprise the step of including in the fourth graphical user interface a picture corresponding to the audio output device selected in step (a).
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Fado Frank
Guasti Peter
Nassiff Amado
VanBuskirk Ronald
International Business Machines Corp.
Mei Xu
Senterfitt Akerman
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