Off-site data entry system

• US 6,298,326 B1
• Filed: 05/13/1999
• Issued: 10/02/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Accredited Transcription Corp.
• Original Assignee: Alan Feller
• Inventors: Feller, Alan
• Primary Examiner(s): SMITS, TALIVALDIS IVARS
• Application Number:
  US09/311,373
• Time in Patent Office: 873 Days
• Field of Search: 704/235, 704/270, 369/25, 375/75
• US Class Current: 704/270
• CPC Class Codes: G10L 15/32 Multiple recognisers used in sequence or in parallel; Score combination systems therefor, e.g. voting systems

Abstract

An off-site data entry system comprises a computer device located at a dictation station, the computer device comprising a means to accept voice dictation from a user. The device further comprises a converter means which functions to convert the voice dictation from analog to digital status, a means to compress the voice dictation, and a means to pass the digital representation of the voice dictation to a plurality of memory registers. The system also comprises a means to telephonically transmit the voice dictation to a transcription station, the transcription station that includes at least one human transcriptionist. The system then routes the voice dictation to an available transcriptionist who has the ability to buffer the voice dictation, wherein the digital representation of the dictation is addressed by software, which allows such to be delayed, rewound, and advanced while simultaneously receiving and storing additional real-time voice dictation. The transcriptionist listens to the voice dictation through usage of an audio output device and types the dictation information into a computer device. The system then includes a means to telephonically transmit the typed text transcription back to the user giving dictation, as well as a means to instantly display the transcription on a monitor at the computer device of the user giving dictation functioning to create a system whereby the user speaks into the computer device and views spoken words on the monitor while speaking. Finally, the system provides a means for the user giving voice dictation to print the typed text transcription on any document including those bearing previously printed information.

Claims

1. An off-site data entry system comprising:

a) a computer device located at a dictation station, the computer device comprising a means to accept voice dictation from a user, and further comprising;

b) a converter means functioning to convert said voice dictation from analog to digital status;

c) a means to compress said voice dictation creating a compressed digital representation of said voice dictation;

d) a means to pass the digital representation of said voice dictation to a plurality of memory registers;

e) a means to telephonically transmit the digital representation of said voice dictation to a transcription station, the transcription station comprising at least one human transcriptionist therein;

f) a means to route the digital representation of said voice dictation to an available transcriptionist;

g) a means to for the transcriptionist to buffer the digital representation of said voice dictation, wherein the digital representation of said voice dictation is addressed by specialized software, said software functioning to allow the digital representation of the voice dictation to be delayed, rewound, and advanced while simultaneously receiving and storing additional real-time voice dictation;

h) an available transcriptionist listening to said voice dictation through usage of an audio output device;

i) said transcriptionist typing voice dictation information into a computer device;

j) a means to telephonically transmit typed text transcription back to the user giving dictation;

k) a means to instantly display the typed text transcription on a monitor at the computer device of the user giving dictation, functioning to create a system whereby the user speaks into the computer device and views spoken words on said monitor while speaking; and

l) a means for the user giving voice dictation to print the typed text transcription.

2. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the transmissions of voice dictation and text transcription are performed by digital simultaneous voice and data modems.

3. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the transmissions of voice dictation and text transcription are performed by combination sound card means and substantially high-speed modem means.

4. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the system functions as a network accessed by a means selected from the group consisting of standard networking, telephone lines, and the Internet.

5. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the user speaks into a portable computer device utilized to access the system.

6. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein a user accesses the system by verbally providing an assigned account number.

7. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein a local voice buffer of voice dictation is activated at the user end prior to and while the computer device telephonically connects to the transcription station.

8. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the buffer means is a solid state buffer.

9. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the voice dictation is delayed, spooled out, and reeled back in by the transcriptionist through the usage of a foot pedal device operated by the transcriptionist.

10. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the buffer length is variably controlled by the user.

11. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the system provides the user with real-time remote and local editing of voice dictation and typed text transcription documents.

12. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the transcriptionist listens to edit requests made by the user and performs said requests promptly.

13. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the transcriptionist executes spell check and edit protocol functions of the text transcription document.

14. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a printer which functions to scan previously printed text, advance the printer to said location of final segment of previously printed text, and automatically print a typed text transcription substantially immediately below said previously printed text, allowing a greater quantity of text to appear on a single sheet of paper.

15. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 14, wherein said printer comprises a substantially low end and low resolution scanner located at a paper entry aperture.

16. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 14, wherein the system comprises optical recognition software which functions to determine the location of a final segment of previously printed text on a document inserted into the printer.

17. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the system provides a means for the user to store the voice dictation information and typed text transcription on a local device.

18. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the system provides a means for the user to send the voice dictation information and text transcription to a second remote location via a means selected from the group consisting of facsimile and electronic mail.

19. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a means for a transcriptionist to transmit voice dictation and typed text transcription to a second transcriptionist.

20. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a means for a transcriptionist to transmit voice dictation and typed text transcription to a second transcriptionist during user connection.

21. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the user signs off of the system and the monitor displays an amount of time spent on the system during a previous session and automatically charges fees associated with the system to a user account.

22. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein specialized software functions to keep the system in a substantially idle mode and ready for a subsequent voice dictation.

23. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the system is utilized by users selected from the group consisting of hospitals, medical offices, legal offices, court rooms, government offices, financial institutions, educational institutions, insurance companies, and private corporate offices.

24. The off-site data entry system as described in claim 1, wherein the system is utilized for the generation and maintenance of medical patient charts.