Real-Time Distributed Speech Transcription System
NeSToR
Application
“Nestor” is a cutting-edge transcription (real-time and suspended) solution. The audio-signal distribution technology allows speedy, secure and reliable transcription of speeches, meetings, lectures, conferences and court proceedings. “Nestor” is easy to install and operate. The flexibility build-in into “Nestor” allows easy customization, based on the needs of a customer.
Benefits
The system has a unique functionality and the following distinctive features:
Speed - It takes only 5 minutes from the end of a speech/event to the edited and spell-checked transcription.
Cross-check - Ability to link the final text with the corresponding audio fragment ensures maximum correctness of transcription
Reliability - The system is absolutely safe in case of network disconnections and power shut-downs
easy to use – convenient Word environment
Brief description of the complex
Audio signal coming into the system is recorded into the hard disc. Then it is divided into fragments and distributed between any given number typists for actual transcription. The text fragments are automatically assembled in the single audio-text document which can be saved and printed out.
Case study
“Nestor” is already installed and successfully working in:
Administration of the President of Russia State Duma (Russian Parliament)
Government of Russia
Constitutional Court of Russia Supreme Court of Belorus Local authorities In the pipe-line Parliament of Mauritius
Work Flow
Transcriptions in 3 steps1 - Audio signal transferred to Nestor
2 - Audio divided into segments and distributed among typist/work groups 3 - Assembled audio-linked file, ready to print
Nestor consists of a number of:
Specialized working stations (SWS)SWS «Server»
SWS «Recording station»
Automated working stations (AWS)
AWS «Recording manager» AWS «Administrator»
AWS «Typist» (editor and operator) AWS «Software import module»
Software module in charge sound file into the server
Functionality
Digital recording through 8 mono channels or 4 stereo channels from one sound card
Acoustic and visual quality control
Automatic transfer of fragments between operators and editors. The length of the fragments is adjustable to the typist’s comfort
Automatic assembly of the fragments into a single document
Audio-text file as a final result, where clicking on a particular text fragment brings the corresponding audio
Based on MS Word editor Automatic spell-check
Playback advanced options (loop, fastening/slowing without audio distortion) Foot pedal for playback control
Text messages exchange between typists and message history
Different fragment dispatching strategies (manual capturing, automatic dispatching)
Audio and text archiving on the server Wealth of project statistics
Comments to each project “name”, “place”
Final document revision with simultaneous playback of the corresponding audio fragments
Hardware and software recording station and server back-up
Server
Server – is a key element of the system. All components of the “Nestor” areconnected through the Server. Software designed for the Server includes DBMS Microsoft SQL express. Client’s working stations makes request to DBMS of the Server by means of oLeDB. All significant data which are important for the work of the Complex is securely saved on the Server and the back up Server.
Sound files
Information about the recordings Information about the projects
Segmentation of the recordings on fragments Final reports of speeches
Sound fragments
Back-up module
Back-up module is installed on the server and synchronizes all data with it. In case the server falls out, the system continuous working using back-up stations.
Record station
Nestor’s recording station includes the following functional components:
Input audio card Drivers for audio card
Subsystem of sound data reading Subsystem of back-up data storage Subsystem of data transferring
Nestor’s recording station combines the functions of digital recorder and a network application. Recording station has the following functionality:
Audio recording on the hard disc
Transfer of any additional data from an operator to the server Network connection with the server
Back-up of the received data
Synchronous transferring of the data in the server Mono/stereo switch
Record manager
Record manager is the interface for recording station
Remote control over the recording station
Ability to support several recording stations at a time Spectrum analyzer for any channel
Channels grouping for multi-channel sessions
Control over the record transfer from the recording station to the server Sound card adjustment and acoustic control on any channel
Administrator
Administrator is the team leader, directing the operation of the team of typists. Administrator’s working station allows to:
Define roles of the working stations in the complex Delete records and projects
Create projects and groups of operators Make settings for the project
Switch operators and editors between projects
View the statistics of the operators’ and editors’ work for a day
Control the degree of completeness of the final document and fragments Send informational messages to any of the components of the complex View the information on the complex
Typist
AWS “operator” features a user friendly interface and is designed as a module for MS Word text editor.
editor
editor’s role is to assemble the final document from the text fragments prepared by individual typists. editor’s working stating can be used as a Typist’s station as well.
Typist
Typist transcribes audio fragments into a transcript. Typists can work on several projects at the same time, switching between main and back-up servers, exchange messages with other Typists, editors and Administrators.
Foot pedal, automatic saving, hot keys and many other functions are available.
Possible configurations
4 users (3 AWS “operator”, 1 AWS “editor” combined with AWS “operator”, AWS “Administrator”)
6 users (5 AWS “operator”, 1 AWS “editor” combined with AWS “operator”, AWS “Administrator”)
9 users ( 7 AWS “operator”, 2 AWS “editor” combined with AWS “operator”, AWS “Administrator”)
11 ( 9 AWS “operator”, 2 AWS “editor” combined with AWS “operator”, AWS “Administrator”) *
* - System can be upgraded with more AWS upon request
