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Cover image for VisAssist: An Accessible Transcription Assistant for auditory impaired individuals.
Cosmas Mandikonza
Cosmas Mandikonza

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VisAssist: An Accessible Transcription Assistant for auditory impaired individuals.

Challenge Prompt

Really Rad Real-Time: Build an application with a real-time experience by utilizing AssemblyAI’s Streaming API to convert live audio streams into text synchronously. Showcase how live interactions can be elevated through speech-to-text conversion.


Project Overview

VisAssist is an innovative real-time transcription assistant designed to provide accessible, accurate, and seamless speech-to-text functionality for auditory impaired individuals. Powered by Assembly AI’s industry-leading Universal-2 model and Streaming API, VisAssist ensures high-quality transcription while delivering a user-friendly, inclusive experience. With a focus on accessibility and creativity, VisAssist serves as a versatile tool for individuals with hearing complications in live meetings, lectures, interviews, and more.


Features

1. Real-Time Speech-to-Text Transcription

  • Utilizes Assembly Ai's Streaming API to transcribe live audio streams into accurate text in real-time.
  • Dynamically updates the transcript on-screen for immediate feedback.

2. Noise Level Detection

  • Implements an intuitive noise level indicator, enabling users to optimize their recording environment.
  • Color-coded visual feedback (Green for Low Noise, Yellow for Moderate Noise, Red for High Noise).

3. Transcript Analysis

  • Employs Assembly Ai's advanced LeMUR model for in-depth analysis of transcripts.
  • Highlights key categories such as:
    • Names, Locations, Organizations
    • Dates and Times
    • Important Keywords
    • Questions
    • Numerical Values

4. Accessibility Features

  • Dark/Light mode toggle to cater to user preferences.
  • Search functionality to easily locate specific content within transcripts.

5. Enhanced User Experience

  • Streamlined UI with intuitive navigation and visually appealing design.
  • Options to download transcripts and analyze recorded audio for further insights.

How VisAssist Works

  1. Real-Time Transcription: Users can start recording with a single button click. The live audio stream is sent to AssemblyAI’s Streaming API, which returns high-quality transcripts in real-time.
  2. Noise Level Monitoring: While recording, the app actively monitors ambient noise levels, providing actionable feedback to the user.
  3. Interactive Transcript: The live transcript is displayed with a search bar for quick navigation and analysis buttons for post-processing insights.
  4. Analysis: With the "Analyze Now" feature, AssemblyAI’s LeMUR model identifies and categorizes key elements in the text, providing structured summaries.
  5. Download Option: The final transcript, including analysis, can be downloaded for offline use.

Use of AssemblyAI Technology

VisAssist heavily integrates AssemblyAI’s offerings:

  1. Streaming API: Real-time transcription with unparalleled accuracy.
  2. Universal-2 Model: Ensures proper formatting, accurate timestamps, and precise transcription of proper nouns.
  3. LeMUR: Extracts actionable insights from transcripts, making it a robust tool for analysis.

Judging Criteria

1. Use of Underlying Technology

VisAssist maximizes AssemblyAI’s Streaming API and LeMUR capabilities to deliver real-time transcription and advanced text analysis.

2. Usability and User Experience

The app features an intuitive interface with clear navigation, responsive design, and user-friendly controls. Accessibility options like Dark/Light mode and search functionality enhance usability.

3. Accessibility

Designed to be inclusive, VisAssist ensures that all users, prioritizing those with visual or auditory impairments, can benefit from its features.

4. Creativity

VisAssist redefines transcription by combining real-time speech-to-text conversion with advanced noise monitoring and text analysis, showcasing innovative uses of AssemblyAI's toolkit.


Impact and Potential Applications

VisAssist Support for individuals with hearing impairments, in:

  • Education: Live lecture transcription for students.
  • Corporate: Meeting notes and real-time collaboration.
  • Research: Live data collection and categorization.

Key Highlights

  1. Combines real-time transcription with advanced analysis tools.
  2. Accessible to users with varying needs, especially visual and auditory preferences.
  3. Utilizes AssemblyAI's comprehensive toolkit to its full potential.

Source Code

[https://github.com/CosmasMandikonza/VisAssist/tree/main]


Demo Video

You can view the live demo of VisAssist below:

VisAssist

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Conclusion

VisAssist exemplifies the power of AssemblyAI’s Speech AI toolkit, transforming live audio into actionable, accessible insights. By focusing on usability, creativity, and accessibility, VisAssist not only meets but exceeds the challenge criteria, positioning itself as a strong contender in the AssemblyAI Challenge.


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