A transcription interface (10), connected to a general purpose digital computer (11) and a digital dictation recorder (20), for controlling various transcription functions and for automatically transferring information concerning dictation from the recorder (20) to an application program running on the digital computer (11). The recorder (20) generates a sequence of digitized dictation signals including a dictation segment and a digitized identification signal containing information corresponding to the dictation segment. The transcription interface (10) supplies an audio signal to an audio port (43) by converting the digital dictation signal to a signal that audibly reproduces the dictation for transcribing by a transcriptionist. The transcription interface (10) also formats the digitized identification signal to generate a message signal having a signal format compatible with the interface (10). In response to an interrupt signal generated by a timer interrupt circuit (17) of the computer (11), the transcription interface (10) automatically sends the message signal to an application program running on the computer (11) for display by a video display (14) connected to the computer (11). In response to an interrupt signal generated by the application program, the transcription interface (10) supplies a status signal containing information concerning the operation of the application program to the recorder (20). The operation of certain keys on a keyboard (13) connected to the computer (11) generates keyboard interrupts that initiate various transcription control functions by the transcription interface (10).

A computer, in particular a personal computer with the voice input and a voice output system thereby allowing the computer to be used as an integrated dictation system. The computer includes analog-to-digital conversion means for converting analog signals corresponding to the spoken word into digital signals. These digital signals are stored in the storage device of the computer. The digital representations are recalled from the storage and converted to sounds by a digital-to-analog conversion means and a headset for the user to listen to while transcribing the words via the keyboard of the computer.

A system is disclosed that includes one or more "HOME"s where there is a (1) "DAD" computer and software system for human User interaction to initiate Jobs (Transcription, Translation, Data Entry, and Transaction Creation) and to utilize voice-mail through real-time voice and tone signal input and (2) "HIS" computer and software system or keeping the databases used to process Jobs and for keeping the statistical records of jobs for analysis, general ledger, payroll and billing. In addition the system includes one or more "MOM"s where there is a software system server on a computer set on the backbone of a global communication network (e.g. Internet) that (1) receives Job packets from its HOMEs, (2) selects Scribes for work (e.g. transcription), (3) generates messages in the form of E-Mail and Voice-Mail to specified users for action, (4) updates the status of the Job Record and transferring that updated Record to a SUPERMOM, (5) implements all the details of job processing steps and logic that has been controlled by Human Supervisors. The system may further include a "SUPERMOM" where there is a software system server on a computer set on the backbone of the global computer network (e.g. Internet) that receives Job Packets from MOMs where portions of the job are spread over two or more MOMs; SUPERMOM directs and transfers that job data; receives Job Record updates and maintains a Site for on-line internet job tracking inquiries; SUPERMOM selects Scribes for Jobs that are not able to find an available Scribe within their own MOM's HOMEs, collects the statistical and financial data from all the HOMEs, and provides general top level management decision making information.

A system is disclosed that includes one or more "HOME"s where there is a (1) "DAD" computer and software system for human User interaction to initiate Jobs (Transcription, Translation, Data Entry, and Transaction Creation) and to utilize voice-mail through real-time voice and tone signal input and (2) "HIS" computer and software system for keeping the databases used to process Jobs and for keeping the statistical records of jobs for analysis, general ledger, payroll and billing. In addition the system includes one or more "MOM"s where there is a software system server on a computer set on the backbone of a global communication network (e.g. Internet) that (1) receives Job packets from its HOMEs, (2) selects Scribes for work (e.g. transcription), (3) generates messages in the form of E-Mail and Voice-Mail to specified users for information or action, (4) updates the status of the Job Record and transferring that updated Record to a SUPERMOM, (5) implements all the details of job processing steps and logic that has been controlled by Human Supervisors. The system may further include a "SUPERMOM" where there is a software system server on a computer set on the backbone of the global computer network (e.g. Internet) that receives Job Packets from MOMs where portions of the job are spread over two or more MOMs; SUPERMOM directs and transfers that job data; receives Job Record updates and maintains a Site for on-line internet job tracking inquiries; SUPERMOM selects Scribes for Jobs that are not able to find an available Scribe within their own MOM's HOMEs, collects the statistical and financial data from all the HOMEs, and provides general top level management decision making information.