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1. What is Command!™?
2. How does Command!™ interface with desktop applications?
3. What is a workflow?
4. Can you give me an example of workflow?
5. What makes Command!™ unique?
6. What programs can I use with Command!™?
7. Can I use it with my preexisting programs?
8. Can I use Command!™ to create a “paperless office”?
9. Can Command!™ be used to create an electronic medical record?
10. What business can use Command!™?
11. Can I use Command!™ for my small home office?
12. What operating system does Command!™ use?
13. What operating system runs best with Command!™?
14. What are some basic system requirements?
15. Does Command!™ include a database?
16. What fields can be used with the program?
17. How do I install and begin using the program?
18. What about security?
19. What type of job tracking and time activity data does Command!™ provide?
20. How is a Command!™ workflow configured?
21. How can I find and retrieve documents and other files?
22. What is the Command!™ user interface like?
23. Do I need to enter patient or client information each time I work on a new job in the program?
24. Can my business continue to store files in the same directory?
25. How are jobs identified?
26. Can I include a file in a job that was not created on a workflow?
27. What versions are available?
28. What are Command!™ Add-Ins?
29. What servers are available?
30. What administrative tools are available to manage data files?

1. What is Command!™ Call Center?
1. Which prompts and messages can be customized?
1. How can I change Command!™ Call Center greeting messages?
2. What does Command!™ Call Center do?
3. What is a workflow?
4. Can you give me an example of a workflow using telephone dictation?
5. What makes Command!™ Call Center different?
6. What programs can I integrate with Command!™ and Command!™ Call Center?
7. Can I use Command!™ Call Center with my preexisting telephony systems?
8. Is Command!™ Call Center designed for a particular business or profession?
9. What are the key features of the Dictation Center?
10. Can I use Command!™ Call Center for a small office?
11. Can telephone prompts be changed to simulate legacy systems, such as Dictaphone, Lanier, and others?
12. What are some options available with voice mail?
13. What operating system does Command!™ Call Center use?
14. What telephony cards are supported?
15. What are the system requirements?
16. Does Command!™ Call Center include a database?
17. What features does PhoneCop™ support?
18. How are the Command!™ Call Center dictation and messages routed in a Command!™ workflow?
19. How can I find and retrieve the telephone dictation?
20. Can I use Command!™ administrative tools to manage the telephone dictation audio.
21. How can I insert or overwrite parts of a dictation?
22. Do I need to purchase a separate license for Command!™ to operate the server software?
23. What order do I install the software in? Do I install the license files first?
24. How can I configure dictation workflows?
25. Which prompts and messages can be customized?
26. How can I send telephone messages to different departments?
27. What does the audio conversion option in the configuration area do?
28. Does Command!™ Call Center require a certain audio file format?
29. How can I insert or overwrite parts of a dictation?

1. How can acWAVE™ be used?
2. What are the supported input and output file types?
3. I am not familiar with all these audio formats. What are they?
4. Is there both a standalone and server application?
5. What are the basic requirements?
6. What are the differences between the standalone application, the server product, and the batch processor edition?
7. Is text-to-speech available?
8. Do I need additional software to convert audio using acWAVE™?
9. Do I need to purchase a separate license for Command!™ to operate the server software?
11. Can the server be set to work only after hours?

1. What is CustomMike™?
2. What is the advantage of the system?
3. Can the Philips slide switch microphone be used for speech recognition?
4. Does the driver include a software sound recorder?
5. Why is calibration necessary?
6. What are the system requirements?
7. Does CustomMike™ have recording sources other than a microphone?
8. What different recording file formats does CustomMike™ support?
9. Does CustomMike™ let me determine the recording frequency, bit rate, and channel?

1. What is MacroBLASTER™?
2. What can a macro do?
3. Can MacroBLASTER™ automatically write macro commands for me?
4. How does the software work with a programmable keypad?
5. What is a virtual keypad and how does it work with the program?
6. What is a layout?
7. What functionality does the main user interface provide?
8. What are the system requirements for MacroBLASTER™?
9. Can macro scripts be obtained for MacroBLASTER™ from Custom Speech USA™?

1. What is PlayBax™?
2. What operating system or other software does it require?
3. What audio formats can it play back?
4. Does PlayBax™ require a Serial Port or USB foot pedal?
5. Do I need a License Pack to run the program?
6. What are some of the significant features?
7. What functionality does the Regular View provide?

1. What is SpeechMax™?
2. Can the software help reduce transcription time?
3. Can the software be used to help train speech recognition files for dictating users?
4. Do I need a network to use SpeechMax™?
5. What speech engines does SpeechMax™ work with?
6. The software is a multiwindow text processor. What windows are available in single-engine mode?
7. How many windows can be opened simultaneously?
8. What is dual-engine mode?
9. What windows are available using the dual-engine approach?
10. Can I use text from previously transcribed dictation to help train speech files?
11. Can word mapping be used to help train speech recognition systems?
12. What features are available with the different versions of the software?
13. Can I change the final text without changing the verbatim text?

1. What is SpeechScape™?
2. What is a vocabulary and its relationship to an active vocabulary or back-up dictionary?
3. Are my speech files unique?
4. Do the active and backup dictionaries exchange words?
5. Can new words be added from my reports and documents?
6. Does personalizing the vocabulary improve accuracy?
7. What is the difference between adding new words only and new words plus contextual information?
8. What is the difference between speech files and language and acoustic models?

1. What is SpeechServers™?
2. Are other Custom Speech USA, Inc. products required to operate the software?
3. What are the main servers?
4. What are the major features of the servers?
5. Are there separate servers available each for Dragon and IBM speech recognition engines?
6. What languages do the SpeechServers™ work with?
7. Do I need to purchase a separate license for Command!™ to operate the server software?

1. How does the functionality between the standalone and server versions differ?



1. What is Command!™?
Command!™ is a workflow manager, document retrieval, and time tracking system for Windows text, audio, graphics, video, and other files.


2. How does Command!™ interface with desktop applications?
Command!™ opens and closes software programs, opens, saves, and finds files, monitors the time spent in file creation or modification, and routes files on a workflow. It does this by recognizing the Windows title and class of the opened window and sending messages to the target software that emulate keystrokes.


3. What is a workflow?
Creation of a job files often involves a routine set of operations that create and modify files. This is a “workflow.”


4. Can you give me an example of workflow?
A doctor dictates patient history and physical into a handheld recorder. Audio is downloaded and then transcribed. Final History and Physical is sent back to the doctor for approval. Doctor electronically signs document on his/her PC. Document is sent to medical records and referring physician. The predefined activities of dictation, transcription, approval, and distribution represent a workflow.


5. What makes Command!™ unique?
High-level tools enable a user to create complex office workflows with little or no programming experience and permit easy integration with multiple different Windows desktop applications. Make Your Software Work Together™


6. What programs can I use with Command!™?
Command!™ works with Word, Excel, Access, and other Microsoft programs, as well as Corel WordPerfect, ACT!, WinFaxPRO, PhotoShop, AutoCAD, Dragon, IBM, and Microsoft speech recognition, and many other popular software products.


7. Can I use it with my preexisting programs?
Command!™ has been designed to work with any software that follows standard Windows programming techniques and file storage conventions. If your current software applications follow these design principles, Command!™ should be able to integrate with them.


8. Can I use Command!™ to create a “paperless office”?
This is one of the primary applications for Command!™. With purchase of The Paperless Express™, you also get discounted customer support to help you with office automation.


9. Can Command!™ be used to create an electronic medical record?
An electronic medical record is a collection of digital files about a patient. These files can be organized and stored in Command!™ for easy retrieval by physician, nurse, or other health care provider. With Command!™ Web Reports, you can also display data from searchable fields in a web browser.


10. What business can use Command!™?
Any organization where digital files are created, stored, and managed can potentially use Command!™. There are a great number of potential applications in the corporate sector, professions (such as medicine, law, and accounting), government, and law enforcement.


11. Can I use Command!™ for my small home office?
Command!™ can be used on a single PC or multiple computers linked by a local area network or across the network. It provides a solution for the small office or international enterprise.


12. What operating system does Command!™ use?
The application currently supports Windows 2000/XP, but may run with other Microsoft operating systems. Command!™ for the Web browser-based application runs on any standard browser supported by Windows, Macintosh, Linux, or other operating systems.


13. What operating system runs best with Command!™?
Command!™ is optimized for use with Windows 2000/XP.


14. What are some basic system requirements?
Generally, a Command!™ client on a local area network requires a Pentium II (or equivalent) 300 MHz, 128 MB RAM, and 200 MB free hard disk space. A Command!™ server will usually require a Pentium III (or equivalent) 500 MHz, 256 MB RAM, and at least 1.0 GB free hard disk space.


15. Does Command!™ include a database?
The application is distributed with a free, open architecture, ODBC compliant, desktop database. This works best with a small network (5 concurrent users or less). For larger networks, Command!™ is designed for use with Microsoft SQL Server 2000. It may run with later versions of Microsoft SQL Server but has not been extensively tested.


16. What fields can be used with the program?
Command!™ has a set of predefined fields (e.g., “subject,” “document,” “user,” “job author,” “key word,” “priority,” and “comments”), plus customizable extended fields for use with HL-7 and other transfer protocols. The browser-based worklist application supports an unlimited number of user-defined field names in English.


17. How do I install and begin using the program?
Command!™ uses an InstallShield setup kit. There are easy-to-use Wizards for initial configuration, integrated Help, and a “HOWTO” tutorial system for new users.


18. What about security?
There is password protection. The Access Center requires ID and password. With rights restriction, individual activities and certain Command!™ features can be restricted to prevent unauthorized use. There is automatic encryption when using Command!™ email, FTP, or web services job transfer. An audit trail is available through the database, plus control of completed files to prevent tampering.


19. What type of job tracking and time activity data does Command!™ provide?
Command!™ has an advanced tracking system that monitors files, users, and operation history of job (such as when files are opened, closed, deleted, or modified). Time-activity data is available for all activities in workflow. This can be used to generate invoices, time sheets, and time and billing reports.


20. How is a Command!™ workflow configured?
Command!™ includes support for multiple users, locations, and administration levels. The Administrator section includes PathPerfect™, a drag-and-drop GUI to create and modify workflows, ScriptTool™, an automated generator of VBScript to control third party applications, and other administrative tools. ScriptTool™ can be used by the novice user as a macro recorder to automatically generate programming code for macros, but also by the sophisticated programmer to write scripts in the editing window for complex automated activities. Using PathPerfect™, jobs can be managed through a preset order of operations. Activities and workflows can be customized for each user. Users can individually select their own software for different activities. PathPerfect™ and FlowPerfect™ are companion pieces provided with some versions of Command!™. PathPerfect™ is available in a graphical-only application that permits an end user to diagram workflows for implementation with the regular PathPerfect™. FlowPerfect™ is a general tool for workflow and organizational diagrams.


21. How can I find and retrieve documents and other files?
An advanced query system permits users to locate jobs and files from the database using any number of preset queries or to create custom queries "on-the-fly."


22. What is the Command!™ user interface like?
There is a simple menu selection in main Command!™ window that is the same for all users and administrator. The main Command!™ window toolbar can be docked on upper or lower edges of screen or hidden to preserve screen space. It allows for multiple jobs to be opened and worked on at once.


23. Do I need to enter patient or client information each time I work on a new job in the program?
Routine (default) settings for selected software for activity and demographic information (e.g., Job ID, Subject, Document, Author, User, Priority) are available to speed data entry.


24. Can my business continue to store files in the same directory?
Storage of data files is into any folder accessible by the user (network or local). Default paths can be specified to speed data entry.


25. How are jobs identified?
Jobs can be identified by Job ID (configured by user or administrator), Record Number (program determined), and GUID (unique number determined by PC and entry time).


26. Can I include a file in a job that was not created on a workflow?
The user can import additional files not tracked through Command!™ into a specific job.


27. What versions are available?
There are three versions of Command!™. Command!™ Workstation has limited Add-Ins and administrator privileges. Command!™ Professional has most Add-Ins and full administrator privileges. Command!™ Enterprise has all Add-Ins, servers, and full administrator privileges.


28. What are Command!™ Add-Ins?
Add-Ins are programs that enhance the program’s basic functionality. These include:

Data Transfer: General tool for export/import of files to and from other applications, including, but not limited to, ACT!, Outlook Express, other popular contact managers, and other databases, including legacy systems.
FTP Client: Automatic email and FTP messaging is available with Command!™ with JobTransfer server. This add-in permits manual upload and download of files.
Quick Approval: Batch job approval.
Reports: Uses award-winning Crystal Reports to provide time-activity and other information on queued jobs, completed jobs, and works in progress. Reports can be visualized on web browser with purchase of additional software.
Request Work: obtain information about pending jobs and related job information from another site.
Time and Billing: Uses time-activity and other information in database to generate time sheets, invoices, and other billing information.
Web Reports: browser access to workflow reports and time-activity data.
Forms Transfer for PDA: upload and download data and forms to and from Palm Pilot.
Web Application: supports a browser-based web application for manual upload and download of job files and manual editing of works in progress.
Other: Document Processor Client (distributed with Document Processor Client), Notification Client (distributed with Notification Server), Command!™ Call Center Client (distributed with the Call Center), and SpeechSettings™ (distributed with SpeechServers™) all appear on the Add-Ins menu when used with Command!™


29. What servers are available?
The servers perform automated functions in the workflow. These include:
AutoSignature: Automated signature of files. Signature can be used for document validation.
Job Transfer: Automated transfer of email and FTP Command!™ job and related files. Required for operation of email or FTP client software.
Web Transfer: encrypts job files and transfer them automatically between Command!™ databases through web services. Web Transfer server is included with all Command!™ versions.
Job Processor: Permits implementation of conditional workflows and other functions.
Web Services: includes web services, web server, and utility configuration tool. Web services may run with web (host) server utility or Microsoft Information Internet Services (IIS). One separate web transfer server is required for each separate Command! database.
Notification: Notifies system administrator of workflow status.
Document Processor: Post-processing of text and search-and-replace functions.
File Monitor: Periodically queues computer for files in a particular folder and transfers to workflow.
Other: A number of servers use the Command!™ system for file management, including acWAVE™ (automatic audio conversion to and from various formats, including .wav, .mp3, .dps, .wma, and others), the company's speech processing applications (includes batch transcription using Dragon NaturallySpeaking, IBM ViaVoice, and Microsoft and other SAPI 5.x speech recognition engines such as SweetSpeech™, session file creation, and automated training of speech files), and Command!™ Call Center (telephone server for information, messages, dictation, and call management linked to Command!™ workflows and database).


30. What administrative tools are available to manage data files?
The Archive Tool archives and/or deletes select jobs automatically. Database Management is a specially-created utility for management of the desktop database engine. In addition, standard Microsoft SQL Server 2000 administrative tools can be used for some functions. Template Builder provides for remote transfer of workflow templates and other job-related information.



1. What is Command!™ Call Center?
Command!™ Call Center is a telephone server for voice mail, informational announcements, and dictation. Advanced Features includes PhoneCop™ and other call management.


1. Which prompts and messages can be customized?
A limited number of messages and prompts in the Information, Dictation, and Message Centers can be customized. For example, the touch-tone key required to launch record and other functions in the Dictation Center can be customized. Voice prompts will be dynamically changed based upon the touch-tone configuration options chosen. These and other customization options are described in the Help topic "HOWTO: Customize Audio.”


1. How can I change Command!™ Call Center greeting messages?
Change the .wav files in C:\Program Files\CustomSpeechUSA\Command Call Center\Greetings\. Make sure you use the correct file format of CCITT u-Law .wav file, 8,000 Hz, 8 bits, Mono.


2. What does Command!™ Call Center do?
Command!™ Call Center records voice mail, records telephone dictation for transcription and permits playback, insert, and overwrite, records “voice notes” for later playback, forwards calls to a pager or home, office, or mobile phone, provides customizable telemessages for call-in customers, personnel, or business partners, sends audio for routing within a Command!™ workflow based on caller ID, and records two-way telephone conversations.


3. What is a workflow?
Creation of a job files often involves a routine set of operations that create and modify files. This is a “workflow” and may be applied to telephone audio saved through the Command™ system.


4. Can you give me an example of a workflow using telephone dictation?
For example, a lawyer dictates a summary of a client interview into a car phone. Audio is downloaded, encrypted and compressed, transferred by email to a remote transctiptionist, transcribed, and sent back by email to the lawyer for approval. The lawyer electronically signs the letter on his/her PC. The file is saved to the client’s electronic folder. Or, the lawyer could dictate the summary into a special “voice notes” file for later review by himself/herself or another party.


5. What makes Command!™ Call Center different?
Command!™ Call Center combines telephone dictation and telephone management, features not commonly found in other telephony systems. Telephone dictation can be routed within the Command!™ workflow system. The Call Center also provides high level configuration tools that reduce setup time and costs.


6. What programs can I integrate with Command!™ and Command!™ Call Center?
Command!™ is designed using an “open architecture” principle. It works with Word, Excel, Access, and other Microsoft programs, as well as Corel WordPerfect, ACT!, WinFaxPRO, PhotoShop, AutoCAD, and many other popular Windows-based software products.


7. Can I use Command!™ Call Center with my preexisting telephony systems?
Command!™ Call Center is designed for use as a telephone server and requires analog input. It can be used with traditional phone systems and may be integrated with PBX and other digital systems in some cases.


8. Is Command!™ Call Center designed for a particular business or profession?
The Call Center is a “generic” program. Any organization that needs telephone dictation, announcements for call-in customers or suppliers, voice mail for persons or departments or dial out to a home, office, mobile phone or pager can use the system.


9. What are the key features of the Dictation Center?
These include the ability to select workflow to route dictation, configure customized default workflows and routines for different users, create prompts similar to those used by Dictaphone, Lanier, Philips, or other legacy dictation systems, route audio to wide area or local area network, send dictation for automated or manual transcription, and record, review, rerecord, append, and cancel options. Prompts may be created using voice talent or text to speech.


10. Can I use Command!™ Call Center for a small office?
Command!™ Call Center can be used on a single PC for use in a home or small office. The Call Center is upgradeable and scalable and may begin with only a single call-in port. Additional lines can easily be added. The limit is determined by ports on the one or more telephony cards.


11. Can telephone prompts be changed to simulate legacy systems, such as Dictaphone, Lanier, and others?
Yes, prompts can be created using keypad values and wording used in other systems.


12. What are some options available with voice mail?
In addition to customizing prompts, the system supports restricting user access to play and delete messages and change prompts, routing messages to persons or departments, and forwarding messages on a local area network or across the internet.


13. What operating system does Command!™ Call Center use?
The system is optimized for Windows 2000/XP. The configuration client and server may run on other Windows operating systems.


14. What telephony cards are supported?
Intel (Dialogic) D/4PCI, D/41EPCI, D/41JCT, and VFX/PCI are compatible. Others may be supported.


15. What are the system requirements?
The system requirements are determined primarily by Command!™ itself. Generally, a Command!™ client on a local area network requires a Pentium II (or equivalent) 300 MHz, 128 MB RAM, and 200 MB free hard disk space. A Command!™ server will usually require a Pentium III (or equivalent) 500 MHz, 256 MB RAM, and at least 1.0 GB free hard disk space. Hard disk requirements are variable. The amount required will depend upon the amount of audio stored there.


16. Does Command!™ Call Center include a database?
Command!™ itself is distributed with a free, open architecture, ODBC compliant, desktop database. This works best with a small network (5 concurrent users or less). For larger networks, Command!™ and Call Center are designed for use with Microsoft SQL Server 2000.


17. What features does PhoneCop™ support?
PhoneCop™ provides for call tracking, identification, and management with caller ID. Messages are sent on a LAN with caller ID and personal name or business (if available). Call status is displayed in a window visible on a PC monitor. Additional information may be obtained from a contact manager such as ACT! or Goldmine. After the call is answered, the user clicks on a single button to modify the status. The call status is modified in a display table. These features may be used in a variety of businesses, including legal, medical, health, accounting, and others.


18. How are the Command!™ Call Center dictation and messages routed in a Command!™ workflow?
File routing in the Call Center is determined by Command!™, which includes support for multiple users, locations, and administration levels. The Administrator section includes PathPerfect™, a drag-and-drop GUI to create and modify workflows, ScriptTool™, an automated generator of VBScript to control third party applications, and other administrative tools. Using PathPerfect™, telephone dictation can be managed through a preset order of operations. Activities and workflows can be customized for each user.


19. How can I find and retrieve the telephone dictation?
An advanced query system permits users to locate telephone dictation jobs and files from the database using any number of preset queries or to create custom queries "on-the-fly."


20. Can I use Command!™ administrative tools to manage the telephone dictation audio.
The same tools that are available in Command!™ are available for Command!™ Call Center for management of the telephone dictation audio.


21. How can I insert or overwrite parts of a dictation?
When recording is completed, the dictation audio can be reviewed in real-time. Options like insert, overwrite, append, fast forward, rewind and pause become available. These options can be configured to be activated by any touch-tone key.


22. Do I need to purchase a separate license for Command!™ to operate the server software?
Technically, no, because the back-end components for file management come with the server software itself. However, you need at least one license for Command!™ file management software for the front-end user interface to configure workflows and manage database. Command!™ Professional is required for these functions. Therefore, no additional purchase is required if you already have a license for Command!™ Professional or higher. This applies to Command!™ Call Center, acWAVE™--Server Edition, and SpeechServers™.


23. What order do I install the software in? Do I install the license files first?
Install Windows 2000/XP, then Command!™, followed by the Intel (Dialogic) telephony card and drivers, and the ProNexus redistributable software. Install the client and server editions of the Call Center. The License Pack installs required license files. If the license files have not been installed, a message appears when attempting to use the software that a license has not been obtained. If you have not received a License Pack with the setup, obtain one from Custom Speech USA, Inc. Install the License Pack only after first installing any Custom Speech USA, Inc. software.


24. How can I configure dictation workflows?
Dictation workflow selection is determined by a list contained in the file C:\Program Files\CustomSpeechUSA\Greetings\DictConfig.ini. This file can be edited to contain any number of workflows. The voice prompt associated with these workflows can also be changed. For further information, consult the Help topic “HOWTO: Configure Dictation Workflows” in the Help files.


25. Which prompts and messages can be customized?
A limited number of messages and prompts in the Information, Dictation, and Message Centers can be customized. For example, the touch-tone key required to launch record and other functions in the Dictation Center can be customized. Voice prompts will be dynamically changed based upon the touch-tone configuration options chosen. These and other customization options are described in the Help topic "HOWTO: Customize Audio.”


26. How can I send telephone messages to different departments?
Department message workflow selection is determined by a list contained in the file C:\Program Files\Custom Speech USA\Greetings\DictConfig.ini. This file can be edited to contain any number of workflows. The voice prompt associated with these workflows can also be changed.


27. What does the audio conversion option in the configuration area do?
A user can play any file type, converting it into a format suitable for Command!™ Call Center, but Custom Speech USA™ acWAVE™ MUST be installed for this to work.


28. Does Command!™ Call Center require a certain audio file format?
It requires all recorded messages, prompts, and greetings to be in the following format: CCITT u-Law .wav file, 8,000 Hz, 8 bits, Mono.


29. How can I insert or overwrite parts of a dictation?
When recording is completed, the dictation audio can be reviewed in real-time. Options like insert, overwrite, append, fast forward, rewind and pause become available. These options can be configured to be activated by any touch-tone key by using the .ini file.



1. How can acWAVE™ be used?
There are multiple audio types in common use. Many software programs use standard .wav format. Other formats compress the sound information into smaller size files. A common example is .mp3. More files can be stored in memory. They can be more rapidly transmitted over the internet. acWAVE™ is a Windows-based audio conversion tool that can help deal with the multiplicity of audio types. With the SpeechPreferred™ text-to-speech function, text can be converted to audio.


2. What are the supported input and output file types?
Input files supported include .wav, .mp3 (MPEG Layer-3 Encoding Audio Compression), .vox (Dialogic), .wma (Windows Media Audio), .msv (Sony ICD-MS1), and .dss (Olympus). Output file types include: .wav, .mp3, .vox, and .wma. Conversion of the Olympus and Sony proprietary formats requires separate purchase of software converting the .msv and .dss files, respectively, to .wav. Conversion to .wma requires installation of Windows Media Player, which is distributed with acWAVE™.


3. I am not familiar with all these audio formats. What are they?
.wav PCM—the standard Windows .wav audio file format .wav GSM—a different .wav standard, used by global communications systems .wav DSP—a different .wav standard, used mainly for speech processing .wav G.723—a different .wav standard, supporting CCIIT 723 format .wav ADPCM—Microsoft format of .wav files .wav ulaw--.wav format for use with any digital application .wav ALFCD--.wav format used in CD recording .mp3—MPEG Layer 3 audio encoding standard. Provides very high compression with minimal loss .vox—Dialogic audio files .wma—Microsoft Media Audio, provides high compression like .mp3.


4. Is there both a standalone and server application?
Yes.


5. What are the basic requirements?
The program must have Windows Media Player installed. For the server program, Command!™ must be installed on the local computer. To play back proprietary formats, conversion software must be installed. For example, with Olympus DSS files, DSS conversion software must be installed.


6. What are the differences between the standalone application, the server product, and the batch processor edition?
The standalone permits manual activation of conversion only. With the server application, the process of conversion can be put on a workflow and automated. Multiple audio files (or text files if using text-to-speech) can be converted in batch. Audio file merger of "many-to-one" can be performed. The server version requires Command!™ workflow manager. The batch processor version also processes in batch mode, but uses a command line and does not require Command!™. Multiple file merge is not supported.


7. Is text-to-speech available?
Using SpeechPreferred™ functionality, a text file can be converted into one of the standard output audio files available in acWAVE™. A TTS engine is included FREE. Others can be purchased to change the character of the speech output.


8. Do I need additional software to convert audio using acWAVE™?
For some file types, you will need to use additional software. For example, use acWAVE™ with software that comes with Olympus or Sony recorders. This is Olympus software for conversion of .dss files to .wav, and Sony software for conversion of .msv files. Conversion of .wma requires Windows Media Player, which is distributed with acWAVE™.


9. Do I need to purchase a separate license for Command!™ to operate the server software?
Technically, no, because the back-end components for file management come with the server software itself. However, you need at least one license for Command!™ file management software for the front-end user interface to configure workflows and manage database. Command!™ Professional is required for these functions. Therefore, no additional purchase is required if you already have a license for Command!™ Professional or higher. This applies to Command!™ Call Center, acWAVE™--Server Edition, and SpeechServers™.


11. Can the server be set to work only after hours?
Normally, the server settings can be set to periodically process available jobs. The server can be configured to process jobs at set times, including after hours.



1. What is CustomMike™?
CustomMike™ is a Windows-based driver for use with multiple different microphones. For example, it may be used with the Philips SpeechMike series or the Philips handheld, slide switch microphone (LFH 6170) with record, play, fast forward, fast rewind, and two configurable side buttons. CustomMike may be used with a three-position (play, fast rewind, fast forward) Philips foot control (LFH 0210/90). Use with laptops and other computers may require USB/Game port converter.


2. What is the advantage of the system?
With CustomMike™ driver for the Philips microphone, traditional slide switch control with a handheld microphone is available with digital storage of dictation. Dictate the way you’re accustomed to, but store files in a digital format.


3. Can the Philips slide switch microphone be used for speech recognition?
The microphone has noise canceling and is designed for use with speech recognition applications.


4. Does the driver include a software sound recorder?
CustomMike™ comes with its own sound recorder.


5. Why is calibration necessary?
Each microphone thumb switch position (corresponding to record, play, rewind, fast forward) can be configured to send a predefined set of keystrokes to a sound recorder program. This activates the sound recorder program to record, play, rewind, or fast forward. CustomMike™ provides an easy-to-use user interface for calibration of each of the microphone thumb switch positions. Calibration is required for proper signal intensity at each thumb switch so that the sound recorder software is properly activated.


6. What are the system requirements?
The following operating systems are supported: Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP. A Pentium II (or equivalent) 133 MHz or higher is recommended with at least 64 MB RAM and 20 MB hard disk space for installation.


7. Does CustomMike™ have recording sources other than a microphone?
Yes, CustomMike™ lets you decide what the source is with many different options, such as Auxiliary 2, Line-In2/Mic2, S/PDIF-In, Analog Mix, CD Digital, "What U Hear", Microphone, and Wave/MP3


8. What different recording file formats does CustomMike™ support?
CustomMike™ sound recorder can record in .wav, .pcm, mp3, and .vox.


9. Does CustomMike™ let me determine the recording frequency, bit rate, and channel?
Depending on the audio format, CustomMike™ lets you pick the frequency, bit rate, and mono or stereo.



1. What is MacroBLASTER™?
MacroBLASTER™ is an easy-to-use program to develop and record macros that automate your normal work routines. The operator can launch custom macros with different input sources--programmable keypad, speech recognition, bar code, or other source.


2. What can a macro do?
Macros are commands that can start your commonly used programs, capture menu selections, paste large amounts of text from clipboard into an active window, open documents in their native application, activate simple keyboard shortcuts, replace frequently typed words and phrases, load templates, and even execute complicated, multi-step functions.


3. Can MacroBLASTER™ automatically write macro commands for me?
Using Script Tool™, it is possible to generate complex Visual Basic Scripting Edition (VBScript) macros. This macro script editor can be used by the novice user or experienced programmer. The graphical user interface of Script Tool™ allows a user to select the desired event (e.g., open or save a file). The software automatically creates programming code in the macro editor without the user having to know any programming. In addition, the experienced programmer can use to macro editor to write programming code for more complex, multi-step operations.


4. How does the software work with a programmable keypad?
Programmable keypads are PC-compatible, programmable keyboards that work with a standard keyboard or as a standalone. Keyboard codes can be sent from the keypad and the regular keyboard at the same time. The keypad communicates with MacroBLASTER™ by sending a numeric code that identifies the key pressed. The key corresponds to the macro that the operator wishes to activate.


5. What is a virtual keypad and how does it work with the program?
A physical keypad is activated by pressing a physical key. A virtual keypad has “virtual” keys that are activated by other input sources. Use MacroBLASTER™ with speech recognition or bar code to activate the virtual keys and the corresponding macros. As with the physical keypad, create up to 18 rows and 18 columns of virtual buttons. You can also have a single layout that has some keys activated by touch and others activated by bar code or voice commands.


6. What is a layout?
A layout is a standard Windows file. It refers to a specific collection of previously created macros assigned to a group of physical or virtual keys. As a standard file, a layout can be renamed, copied, or deleted using standard Windows techniques.


7. What functionality does the main user interface provide?
The main user interface is designed to help the user load and open reconfigured layouts of macros for a physical or virtual keypad, create new layouts, develop macros that will be assigned a keypad position, activate or deactivate various user options, and provide Help information about the program, license, and version.


8. What are the system requirements for MacroBLASTER™?
Pentium (or equivalent) 133 MHz or higher recommended, Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP, Minimum 128 MB RAM, about 10Mb of hard drive space, and a programmable keypad, bar code, or speech recognition program to activate macro commands.


9. Can macro scripts be obtained for MacroBLASTER™ from Custom Speech USA™?
Yes.



1. What is PlayBax™?
PlayBax™ is a user friendly program for playback of dictation, music, or other audio. It may be used with a standard three-position (play, rewind, fast forward) transcriptionist foot pedal.


2. What operating system or other software does it require?
PlayBax™ requires Windows Media Player version 9.0 or higher. The most recent version can be downloaded FREE from the Microsoft web site (www.microsoft.com). Before downloading, determine that the version is appropriate for your operating system. Some Windows 95 and NT systems do not support the Media Player upgrade included in PlayBax™.


3. What audio formats can it play back?
The application plays back in standard .wav format and converts various audio formats into .wav, including .mp3, .wma, .dss, and .msv. With patent pending Script Tool™ you can update your player to convert new proprietary audio formats to .wav. Conversion requires obtaining Windows-based, licensed audio playback software for each format from the manufacturer or authorized retailer.


4. Does PlayBax™ require a Serial Port or USB foot pedal?
The application may be used with either a Serial Port of USB foot pedal.


5. Do I need a License Pack to run the program?
PlayBax™ requires a valid temporary or permanent license. If a valid license is not installed, the program will open, but will not run. You will receive a message that a valid license has not been installed. The LicensePack.exe program may be provided to you by internet or electronic media such as CD or diskette.


6. What are some of the significant features?
PlayBax™ supports playback of audio recorded from microphone, hand-held recorder, telephone, and other input. As noted, it may be used with serial port and USB port foot pedals. There are keyboard and hotkey controls for most functions. In addition, there is a playback speed control slider-bar, auto-return to last audio file and position played, customizable rollback, and other useful functions for more efficient transcription.


7. What functionality does the Regular View provide?
This window provides all the controls for PlayBax™. All the functions have keyboard controls for use without a mouse. It is possible to open an audio file, exit, view the three most recently played files and start where you left off, play, fast forward, rewind, pause, stop, increase volume, decrease volume, restore default volume, move to beginning or end of audio file with a slider bar, change playback rate, and set forward and rewind reset intervals. The Toolbar View is a smaller form to save space on your desktop. The View menu will allow you to select the view you prefer.



1. What is SpeechMax™?
SpeechMax™ is a multiwindow text processor for files transcribed by the Dragon and IBM speech recognition engines. In effect, SpeechMax is a new form of word processor that uses automated transcription and computer-aided error detection. Usually by reviewing and correcting the differences, a very accurate text can be rapidly created. Since occasionally both speech engines make the same mistakes, it is necessary for the editor or author to review the final text. The final, corrected text can then be used with the original audio to train the Dragon and IBM speech engines and improve accuracy. As the accuracy improves, there are fewer differences between the Dragon and IBM engines. At the limit, with 100% accuracy in both engines, no differences are highlighted because both engines are totally accurate. As speech recognition engines become more accurate with hardware and software improvements, the power of the “dual-engine” approach for word processing will inevitably become more apparent.


2. Can the software help reduce transcription time?
The system has been designed for use with a server that batch transcribes dictation audio using speech recognition. The transcribed text is returned to SpeechMax™. With patent pending TurboTranscribe™ feature, do a "word check" on PC transcribed text to locate possible errors. Go directly to those words, listen to the audio for the difference and a short segment before and after, and make needed corrections. With well-trained speech files (>94% accuracy), transcription time is reduced by more than 60% compared to standard manual transcription with final text accuracy of 99%-plus.


3. Can the software be used to help train speech recognition files for dictating users?
The software can be used to generate final text for a report or document or prepare verbatim text for speech recognition training. The verbatim text is used by SpeechServers™ to automatically train the system.


4. Do I need a network to use SpeechMax™?
The application can be used as a standalone or as a client application with Command!™ and other Custom Speech USA, Inc. speech processing applications.


5. What speech engines does SpeechMax™ work with?
It can be used to correct and edit transcription generated by Dragon NaturallySpeaking or IBM ViaVoice speech engines. However, it is not necessary to have the Dragon or IBM speech recognition engines on the computer running SpeechMax™. To start SpeechMax™, the transcriber does not open the audio file provided by the dictator, but a single session file, which is an audio-aligned text file. “Session file” means that the text is selected to hear the audio for the selected word or phrase. With an ordinary text file, if you select a word, you cannot, play back the audio for the text. In dual-engine mode, you open a session file for both the Dragon and IBM text, meaning that you can select the Dragon text and play back the audio, or the IBM text and do the same. The session file opened is a proprietary file created by Custom Speech USA based on the automated transcription using the Dragon or IBM speech engines.


6. The software is a multiwindow text processor. What windows are available in single-engine mode?
Single-engine mode is designed for use with a single speech recognition. Text comparison between two speech recognition engines is not available in this mode. Transcribed Text, Final Text, and Verbatim Text are available. The Transcribed Text is “read only” and permits viewing and audio playback. The Final Text window is for generation of final report or document and includes features such as bold, italics, underline, spell check, and others. The Verbatim Text window helps prepare verbatim text (exactly what the author said). It may be linked to the Final Text window for rapid production of final and verbatim text.


7. How many windows can be opened simultaneously?
Depending upon operator preference, one, two, or three of the windows may be opened. For straight transcription editing, the operator may choose to open only the Final Text window and make corrections there.


8. What is dual-engine mode?
In dual-engine mode, it is possible to open session files from two speech recognition engines simultaneously for use with file comparison techniques to edit text.


9. What windows are available using the dual-engine approach?
In this mode, four windows are available: Transcribed Text , Secondary Transcribed Text, Final Text, and Verbatim Text. The Transcribed Text is generated by a speech recognition engine. The Secondary Transcribed Text may include text generated by a speech recognition engine. With patent pending TurboTranscribe™ feature, do a "word check" to locate possible errors in the Transcribed Text. Go directly to those words, listen to the audio, and make needed corrections. “Turbo” process dictated files.


10. Can I use text from previously transcribed dictation to help train speech files?
In dual-engine mode, the Secondary Transcribed Text may also include text manually transcribed previously. These text files may be used with U.S. patented VerbatiMAX™ technology (other patents pending) to rapidly generate verbatim text for training. The verbatim text and associated audio may be used to further train speech recognition files with SpeechServers™. For example, text comparison can be performed with text from single speech engine (e.g., Dragon or IBM) and text from another source (e.g., manually transcribed text from similar audio source). This may be useful where a person dictates the same report over and over and only changes the date and a few details within a report. A previously text that was manually transcribed can be used as a template to compare against the text transcribed by Dragon or IBM. The correctionist can copy and paste from the previous text where required. Where the transcriptionist knows that boilerplate is to be inserted, this is a rapid way to spot the changes and correct the speech-generated text. The final text can be used to generate the verbatim text for training.


11. Can word mapping be used to help train speech recognition systems?
Word mapping that associates transcribed text with verbatim text may be used to create files for speech recognition training. The training files can be processed by SpeechServers™ to improve recognition accuracy of the Dragon and IBM engines.


12. What features are available with the different versions of the software?
Four versions of SpeechMax™ are available: Basic, Preferred, Advanced, and Trainer. Basic, Preferred, and Advanced are designed for basic word processing using speech recognition transcribed text and creation of verbatim files for speech recognition training. These versions provide text formatting capabilities and spell check. Preferred, Advanced, and Trainer support dual engine mode. Advanced includes the word mapping utility that associates transcribed text to the verbatim text for automated training of speech recognition files. Trainer includes mapping mode and is designed for specialized “speech trainers” whose work consists of file preparation for automated training. Text processing formatting is not available with the Trainer mode. All versions except Trainer can operate with or without Command!™. Trainer runs with Command!™ only. All versions require Windows Media Player.


13. Can I change the final text without changing the verbatim text?
Yes, this can be done by clicking the mode button in the edit toolbar.



1. What is SpeechScape™?
SpeechScape™ is a specialized vocabulary for Dragon NaturallySpeaking or IBM ViaVoice speech recognition products.


2. What is a vocabulary and its relationship to an active vocabulary or back-up dictionary?
A vocabulary is a database of known phonemes, words, and phrases for the speech engine. The active vocabulary is the memory-based part of the full-vocabulary. It is stored in RAM for fast access. The backup dictionary is some 250,000 words or more (plus their phonetic spellings and language modeling) stored on the hard disk. A constrained grammar consists of built-in voice commands.


3. Are my speech files unique?
In speaker dependent systems, each individual will have a unique acoustic and language model. This is because every person pronounces words differently and uses them slightly different than any other. Vocabularies and voice commands may be shared.


4. Do the active and backup dictionaries exchange words?
The backup dictionary in a speech engine includes all the non-custom words in the active vocabulary, plus many more. It is usually accessed by the speech engine when using a correction window or adding words to the system. The active vocabulary remains loaded in RAM. The size of the active vocabulary will vary upon the version and may be limited to 64,000 words or less. Since there is a limit how many words can be active at once, a least-used word is moved to the backup dictionary. Most speech recognition systems keep track of which words are used most often, swapping words between active and backup vocabularies automatically. The correction process will move words from the backup dictionary into the active vocabulary if the word is not currently in the active vocabulary.


5. Can new words be added from my reports and documents?
A user who adds new words from his or her documents may add words to the base dictionary. Statistical information added about word usage and context will affect the language model. Addition of commercially prepared topics and vocabularies has the same effect.


6. Does personalizing the vocabulary improve accuracy?
In general, accuracy improves as a user adds specialty vocabularies (e.g., legal, medical, insurance, law enforcement) and contextual information to the base vocabulary and language model. Accuracy can be further improved by personalizing the dictionary. For example, a physician can personalize the vocabulary by adding personal words and phrases, referring physicians, local hospitals and clinics, patient names, abbreviations, and so on.


7. What is the difference between adding new words only and new words plus contextual information?
Adding contextual information can be done by processing lists of words and previously transcribed documents. Some programs may limit the number of words that can be added at any one time. Most commercial speech recognition programs permit the user to add new words with context information. Some programs limit the megabyte size of files that can be added in one session. The advantage of this approach is that the speech engine creates a contextual or statistical model, regarding the words or groups of words associated with any particular word. When that word is used, the engine knows what words are likely to be associated with it, thereby increasing accuracy.


8. What is the difference between speech files and language and acoustic models?
Speech files represent a combination of acoustic, language, and other information about a user's dictation. An acoustic model reflects the way the user pronounces. A language model reflects what words a speaker uses and in what combination with others. It consists of a statistical model regarding how often a word is used by itself and in combination with others.



1. What is SpeechServers™?
SpeechServers™ uses Dragon and IBM speech recognition engines and provides centralized batch transcription and remote, off-site training of speech recognition systems. Utilities for management of speech user files are included. No enrollment or pretraining is required!


2. Are other Custom Speech USA, Inc. products required to operate the software?
The servers require installation of Command!™ Professional for configuration of the servers and workflows and acWAVE™ audio conversion software.


3. What are the main servers?
TransWaveX™, CompleteProfile™, SpeechTrainer™, and SaveSession™.


4. What are the major features of the servers?
TransWaveX™ batch transcribes audio from microphone, handheld recorder, or telephone from any user on a centralized server. SpeechTrainer™ automatically trains speech recognition systems through repetitive correction of misrecognized text (“power training”). SaveSession™ creates proprietary, compressed, and encrypted session files of audio-aligned text for correction by a local or remote editor. CompleteProfile™ enrolls a user or performs general training off-site using a speaker's daily dictation.


5. Are there separate servers available each for Dragon and IBM speech recognition engines?
Yes.


6. What languages do the SpeechServers™ work with?
Transcription and automated speech training is available for US English, UK English, "World" English (Asian and Australian English), French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese--languages supported by Dragon and/or IBM speech engines.


7. Do I need to purchase a separate license for Command!™ to operate the server software?
Technically, no, because the back-end components for file management come with the server software itself. However, you need at least one license for Command!™ file management software for the front-end user interface to configure workflows and manage database. Command!™ Professional is required for these functions. Therefore, no additional purchase is required if you already have a license for Command!™ Professional or higher. This applies to Command!™ Call Center, acWAVE™--Server Edition, and SpeechServers™.



1. How does the functionality between the standalone and server versions differ?
As a standalone, SpeechUsers™ includes an import/export tool for user speech files. As a part of SpeechServers™, the users management tool can be used for export/import functions, as well as to assign speakers and vocabularies to speech recognition users on a central repository.


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