Monday, August 13, 2012
System overview
v
Introduction
The signals that come from the
telephone lines are just analogue signals. On the contrary, a computer can
handle digital signals only. Therefore analog signals must be converted to
digital signals before they can be processed by a computer, and digital signals
must be converted to analog signals in order to be heard with human beings.
When an analog voice signal is digitized (converted to digital format via A/D
conversion), it becomes so called “digital voice”.
Digital voice, as well as other kids
of computer data, consists of bits of “0” and “1”. It can be stored easily in a
computer but may require much more storage space than other kind of data. For
example, if the voice is digitized at 64 Kbps sampling rate with no
compression, then 100MB of memory can store 3.47 hours of voice. Many
compression techniques have been invented to reduce the massive storage
requirement of digital voice. Each technique has its own pros and cons, but
very few achieve high compression rate without sacrificing the voice quality.
Our system uses state of- the-art voice compression technique invented by
Dallas Semiconductor to achieve a compression rate of either 4:1 or 8:1. The
4:1 compression rate is highly recommended because not only the storage
capacity is quadrupled (100MB = 13.88 hours) but the characteristics of the
voice is also preserved.
The design of a voice recording
system is critical when communications must be recorded for legal or other
reasons. Important design issues which must be addressed include how to
preserve recordings accurately, how to store and retrieve recording efficiently,
how to maintain system security, and how to reduce physical size yet still
provide maximum recording and backup capacity. The Archivist voice logging
recorder is built on our 10+ years of voice technology experience and designed
with state-of-the-art components.
System Features
Patented all-in-one case design
Our
Recording and Monitoring Systems are housed in compact, industrial strength
metal cases 19 inch standard rack. Most components, such as CPU card and voice
card, are plug-in type. In the Case, storage devices, backup devices and power
supplies are slide in on tracks and fixed inside the case. On the back of the
case for the Recording and Monitoring System is a terminal panel which makes it
easy to install and service a large system with many wires. Overall, the
System’s case design is a major breakthrough in terms of space saving, easy
maintenance and easy installation.
Windows
NT/2000/XP/2003 server operating system
The
Recording and Monitoring software works under the powerful Windows
NT/2000/XP/2003 server operating systems and provides user friendly interface.
It supports system networking so that remote Net Play terminals can be used to
retrieve voice records.
FIFO hard disk
recording method
The
Recording and Monitoring software uses hard disk for primary storage, and
DVD-RAM disk or DAT tape for backup storage. Since the primary storage is used
in a cyclic manner, backup storage may not be necessary in some applications
where backup retention period is short. For example, when the system is
equipped with a 40 GB hard disk, the primary storage is about 5320
channel-hours before new data over-writes old data. If records older than 5320
channel-hours need not be stored, then backup storage is not necessary.
Two storage devices
can be used in series or in parallel
Up to two
hard disks can be installed in the System, and they can be used either in
series or in parallel. When used in series, the disk capacities are added
together. When used in parallel (by way of mirror box), data will be written to
both hard disks to protect the system from data loss due to hard disk failures.
Use DVD-RAM or DAT
for backup
The
search/access time of DVD-RAM is much faster than DAT, but the cost is higher.
Current capacity of DVD-RAM is 4.7 GB or 9.4 GB (double size). DAT tape
capacity is 12 GB (with DDS-3 drive) per tape not recommended.
Also
using backup H/D or flash memory is highly recommended.
Serial and parallel
operation of backup devices
Two
DVD-RAM drives or two DAT drives can be used in series for combined capacity.
Maximum capacity is
64 channels
The
maximum capacities for the system are 64, 36, 24 and 6 channels respectively.
However, one channel must be dedicated for playback purpose unless Net Play
terminals are used to access voice records over local area network (LAN).
Real-time on-line
channel monitoring
The
System allows live monitoring of any channel via the Replay Channel. However,
since the Replay Channel is also used to play voice records, both operations
cannot proceed at the same time.
Each backup disk or
tape has its own archival information
When the
data on a backup media is no longer needed, the backup media can be re-used. In
order to facilitate backup organization, each backup media will be recorded
with a unique serial number, the date of first use, the number of times it has
been re-used and other basic information.
Records are saved
with date, time and other information
Every
voice record is saved with channel number, date, time, length, dial-out number
(if any) and Caller ID (if any). Among them, channel number, date, time,
dial-out number and caller ID can be used as search keys to retrieve records.
Search and retrieve
recordings at any time without affecting the operation of the system
Whether
the record is on the hard disk or on the backup device, it can be retrieved at
any time without affecting the system operation.
Individual record can
be selected for secondary backup or deletion
Any
individual record can be selected, along with notes, for a secondary backup to
devices such as a floppy disk and etc.
Flexible working
hours
Up to
three different working hour ranges can be configured for the system. The
system will not record when the time is out of the ranges, but other operations
are still functional.
Fast search and fast
play functions
When
searching for a particular record, the user can use the record’s Start
Time/Channel Number/Dialed Number/Caller ID (one or more of the above) as the
search key. After a few minutes, the system will list all records matching the
key. The desired record can be easily selected and played by using commands
such as fast forward, rewind, move up and move down.
Channel grouping for
greater flexibility
Under
certain circumstances, it may be desirable to partition the channels into
different task groups. The Archivist allows for such grouping with different
names, passwords, and backup devices
Independent channel
configuration
Each
channel can be configured independently with its own User Name, Extension
Number, Activation Method and etc.
Main screen menu
shows channel status and storage usage
The
Archivist displays the status of all channels and the storage usage (percentage
used) on the main screen menu, making it easy for the system manager to monitor
the operation.
Automatic self-test
on regular basis
As an
intelligent recording system, the Recording and Monitoring software is capable
of automatic self-testing on a regular basis. If any problem or abnormality is
found, the system will generate an alarm for the system manager.
Screen warning,
verbal alarm, and optional remote notify
Based on
the cause of an alarm, the system will report in different manners. If the
problem is small, only a warning will be displayed on the screen. Otherwise a
verbal warning will be sent to the internal speaker. If the system is
optionally equipped for remote notification, then the warning will be sent
through a phone call.
Voice (VOX)
activation or loop voltage start
The
System can be connected to a variety of communications circuits such as
telephone lines, extension lines, ring-down direct lines and radio channels. In
order to adapt to different electrical interfaces, each channel can be
configured as voice activation (VOX) or loop voltage start on an individual
basis.
System self-test
capability
The
System can perform energy analysis on each channel and help determine whether
the problem comes from the system itself or from the communications circuits
that it is connected to. This unique feature helps the service technician to
trouble-shoot the system quickly and easily without using bulky test equipment.
System expansion
capability
Although
the maximum capacity of a single Recording and Monitoring unit is 64 channels,
systems of larger capacity can be built by networking multiple Recording and
Monitoring units together via LAN.
System Specifications
Working Platform
Hardware Industrial
PC with Color Monitor, all in one case 19
inch Standard Rack as shown
Operating System Windows
NT/2000/XP/server 2003 and all windows Platforms
Telephone Interface
Type CO normal telephone lines
Connection RJ 11, Tip and ring in parallel
Input Impedance > 20K Ohm (high Impedance, then low load
on
Telephone lines)
Networking
Availability Archivist VER1.0, Recording and Monitoring
System VER2.0, Redundant Recording System VER3.0
Interface Peer-to-peer, 10BASE-T, Serial RS232
Voice Recording
No. of Channels up to 64 Channels –
channel #1 for Playback only
Expandable to unlimited no. of Telephone
lines (system Cascading)
Volume Level -40 dbm to +9 dbm, AGC
> 40 dB
Compression Rate 4:1 (default)
or 8:1 u-law PCM (Pulse Code Modulation)
Storage Capacity 66500 channel-hours (2x250 GB hard disk),
Expandable
Activation Voice (VOX), loop voltage
Storage Equipment
Storage Devices 2 hard
disk (2x250 GB)
Backup Devices DVD_RAM disk (4.7 GB, or 9.4GB double size)
DAT tape (2 GB to 12 GB) not recommended.
Removable
hard disk 250 GB or flash up to 8 GB
highly recommended
Voice Playback
Playback
Channel Channel #1 is always dedicated as the Replay
Channel
Monitoring Live monitoring for any channel via the Replay Channel
Output Device speaker, earphone jack, re-record jack
System Alarm
Warning Types Voice card not responding
Backup device is
full
Abnormal activity
Max. Recording
length exceeded on a certain channel
Base System not
Recording
Warning Method Screen display
Verbal message from
speaker
Phone call to remote
location (via specially equipped
channel #2)
Environment
Temperature Operation 5OC
to 40OC,
Storage -20OC to 60OC
Humidity 80% max.
Power Supply
AC
Power Supply 90 ~ 130 or 180 ~ 240 VAC, 47 ~ 63 Hz <
400W
UPS (Un-interruptible Power Supply) required
System Versions
There are three developed versions, support
our digital archiving recording system based on an international support and
co-operation beside our own experience which we have had from more than 15
years. The following brief handling will describes the features of these three
systems.
1.
The Recording System Ver. 1.0 (Archivist)
It is the First Development to our
Recording Systems that was supported by Eletech International “USA, Taiwan, and
Italy”. The first one is a stand alone system which works independently from any
other systems. The second one is developed to support more wide options and
remote operation. The third one is the recent version which support 100%
redundant recording systems we developed. It is more secure and stable version
that does all the features above from recording and monitoring and search
operations.
The next section will describe and shows
how to use this system.
2. The
Recording System Ver. 2.0 (Recording and Monitoring System)
It is the Second Development from scratch
to our Recording Systems, we take in mind the simplicity of using the system
from the user, and it was developed especially to the Egyptian cultures and
according to Customer needs so that the user can interact with the system
easily and in more simple way. It does all the previous Features but targeted
the Egyptian users.
The next section will describe and
shows how to use this system.
3.
The Recording System Ver. 3.0 (Redundant
System)
It is more powerful than the previous two systems as it is
never missed a call without recording it, it is considered as an invention in
voice recording systems, it consists of two Recording Systems and the connector
software between them, they are the base System (in operation System) which is
the system that is Already recording and monitoring calls and this could be one
of any the previous two systems (Archivist or Recording and Monitoring
System),the Recording and Monitoring
System that standby the working one and asks it for every incoming call if he
recording it if not it will record it instead, the Last component of the system
is the Connector software the connect the other two systems(Base and Hot
Standby system).
The next section will describe and
shows how to use this system.
How to Use
1.
The Recording System Ver. 1.0 (Archivist)
v Starting System
Operation
To start the system operation,
double click on the VLR icon. A Main
Screen similar to the following
should appear shortly.
Ø Replay Channel
The Replay Channel is used for voice
replay or live monitoring. It cannot be used for voice recording. Since system
speaker is internally or, in the case of VLR-106 and PC type VLR-124,
externally connected to the Replay Channel in order for it to work, the default
setting (channel #1) should not be changed.
Ø
Alarm Channel (optional)
The Alarm Channel is used for alarm
notification only. It cannot be re-configured and used for voice recording. It
will call and notify the system manager when an abnormal condition arises in
the system. In order to set up an Alarm Channel, a special voice board (with a
low impedance channel #2) must be used. Do not change the default setting
(channel #2) for the Alarm Channel.
Ø
Record Channel in Standby Mode
In Standby mode, a record channel is
waiting for the activation signal and ready to record.
Ø
Record Channel in Record Mode
In Record mode, a record channel is
recording voice.
Ø
Record Channel in Sleep Mode
In Sleep mode, a record channel is
sleeping and will not respond to any activation signal. A record channel will
go into Sleep Mode when the current time is out of the Work Hour ranges.
Ø
Stopped Channel
A Stopped Channel is a channel which
is installed but configured to be disabled for some reason. For example, a
broken channel may have to be stopped before it can be serviced.
Ø
Backup Device Usage Rate
It shows the amount of used space
for the backup device. When the usage rate is near 100%, the system manager
should be prepared to replace it with a new one.
Ø System Shutdown
To shut down the system, click on
Configuration/Close and enter the System Password when prompted. Do not turn
off the system before it is properly shut down, or some record data may be
lost. The system should be equipped with an UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply)
so that it can be properly shut down when power outages occur, otherwise some
record data may be lost.
The Record Data Command
v
Starting The Record Data Command
The Record Data Command allows you
to retrieve and replay record data. You may use the following search keys to
retrieve record data:
* Back Device
* Channel Number
* Time Period
* Dialed Digits
* Caller ID
After record data is retrieved, you
may
* Replay it
* Delete it
* Add or modify an annotation
* Save it again on the same or
another backup device
To enter the Record Data Command,
click on its title. The following menu will pop up.
Password
Enter the Group Password or the
System Password. The default password for Group “all” (which includes all
channels) is “111111”. If you enter the System Password here then you can
delete records, otherwise you cannot.
Group Name
Select the target Group here. There
is no default group, so you must create at least one group first.
If the password is entered
correctly, the following menu will pop up.
After all search keys are entered, click “OK” to
continue. After a few moments of searching, the following menu will pop up.
Replay Commands
: Pause. Click once to pause, click again to resume.
: Stop.
: Play.
: Move up one record.
: Move down one record.
WAV Transform
To enable the WAV Transform
procedure, check this box before the playback (requires a sound card). When the
WAV Transform procedure is completed successfully, a suggested filename will be
created automatically as shown. You may change the filename if you like. Then
click Accept to continue.
Auto Filename
Check this box to enable system Auto
name for WAV Transform, so that multiple recordings can be selected for WAV
conversion. Filename will be automatically generated by the system after each
WAV Transform is completed.
Note:
1. A sound card is required to use
the WAV Transform function.
2. All the converted WAV files will
be stored on C:\Wav.
Sequential Play
If this option is checked, the
replay will sequence through records to the last entry, or until the replay is
manually stopped.
Play Date Stamp
If this option is checked, the
system will play the date of the record.
Save As
If this option is checked, the
system will play the time of the record.
Save As
Save the current record as another record.
Delete
Delete the current record. This
command is available only if the System Password was entered previously instead
of the Group Password
Annotate
Add or modify a text annotation to
the current record. A record will be marked with “*” if it is annotated.
The Monitor Command
Ø
Monitor/Line Check
The monitor command allows you to:
* Monitor line energy on any channel
* Monitor live conversation on any channel
To enter the Monitor Command, click on its title. The
following screen will appear.
Select “Line Check” or
“Line Monitor” by clicking on the corresponding title. You will be asked to
enter the System Password first.
Ø
Monitor/Line Monitor
Line
Monitor can be used to monitor live phone conversation as it is happening.
Using Line Monitor does not affect the normal recording operation at all, and
is not detectable by the persons being monitored.
Channel
Select the channel you want to
monitor. One and only one channel must be selected. Those channels currently in
recording (having conversation) are marked by “*”.
Start
Start the monitoring process.
Stop
After the monitoring starts, the
Start button will become the Stop button which can be used to stop the
monitoring process.
The Configure Command
There are
two Configure menus: the Engineer Configure and the System Configure.
Each
Configure has its own password. The Engineer Configure involves low level
adware configuration. It is usually done by service technicians at the time of
system installation and need not be changed during normal operation. The System
Configure involves operation options and channel configurations. It is usually
done by the system manager whenever needed.
Select “Engineer
Configure” or “System Configure” by clicking on the corresponding title. The
following menu will appear:
Enter the correct Password to
continue. The default Engineer Password is “999999”. The default System
Password is “111111”.
Ø Configure/System
Configure/Notify
There are
two methods to notify the system manager when an alarming situation arises in
the system: the Phone Notification and the Speaker Notification. The Phone
Notification uses the Alarm Channel to dial a phone number and play a message
to notify the system manager. It will keep notifying at preset intervals until
the problem is taken care of. A channel must be dedicated as the Alarm Channel
in order for the Phone Notification to work. In order to set up an Alarm
Channel, a special version of the voice board (with a low impedance channel)
must be used. See Configure/ System Configure/Channel for more details.
The
Speaker Notification plays the notification message via the replay speaker once
every 10 seconds until the problem is taken care of. Both notification methods
can be turned on or off independently.
Ø
Configure/System Configure/Channel
Channel
Select the target channel to
configure.
User Name
Enter the user’s name for your own
reference, and it will be shown in the main screen.
Tel No.
Enter the user’s phone number for
your own reference, and it will be shown in the main screen.
Start Method
Select Local Phone or Energy. The
Start Method must be selected according to how the system is connected to the
phone lines, or the system may not work properly.
Usage
Select “Record, Play, Alarm or No
Use” Channel #1 is usually configured as the Replay Channel in order to replay
record data. Channel #2 may be set as the Alarm Channel so that the system
manager will be notified of any alarming situation or problems. However, in
order to set up an Alarm Channel, a special voice board (with a low impudence
channel #2) must be used. Other channels should be configured as Record
Channels. Set a channel to No Use to take it out of service temporarily.
List User Data
Click here to display a list of
channels with user names and phone numbers. It allows you to quickly find a
user name for a certain channel, the phone number of a user, and etc.
Ø
Configure/System Configure/Work Hours
Work Hours
First un-check the” Full Time”
Working box in order to enter up to three ranges of Work Hours in 24-hour
format. In addition to entering time, you also need to check its box in order
to enable a range.
The default range is Full Time
Working, which covers the whole day.
Minimum Record Length
Any record shorter than the Minimum
Record Length will not be saved in the system. Default = 1 second.
Maximum Record Length
Any record longer than the Maximum
Record Length will be cut to the Maximum Record Length and the remainder saved
as another record. Default = 1800 seconds.
Ø
Configure/System Configure/Backup
The
system offers two schemes of automatic backup at regular intervals. The first
one is Daily Backup which happens once a day at preset time. The other one is
Instant Backup which can happen several times a days at preset intervals.
Daily Backup
Enter the Daily Backup time (in
24-hour format) here. If Daily Backup is selected, Instant Backup will be
disabled automatically.
Periodic Backup
Enter the Periodic Backup interval
(in 24-hour format) here. The Periodic Backup interval is the time period that
backup should take place. The Periodic Backup interval should not be too short
or the life of the backup device will be shortened. If Periodic Backup is
selected, Daily Backup will be disabled automatically.
Ø
Configure/System Configure/Disk Information
the disk information, highlight the
target disk and click “SHOW”. The following This command is usually used to
check the status of a backup disk. To display information will be displayed:
You may enter a Name for
your own reference.
Ø
Configure/System Configure/Group
Add
Click “Add” to add a new group. The following menu
will appear.
Ø Configure/
Configure System/ System Password
The
default System Password is “111111”. You may use a combination of any letter,
number or symbol on the keyboard. Note that letters are case sensitive. If
desired, the System Password and the Engineer Password can be the same. The
System Password can be used in lieu of any Group Password, but not vice versa.
Current Password
Enter the current System Password.
New Password
Enter the new System Password, 14 digits maximum.
Confirmation
Enter the new System Password again to confirm it.
Ø Configure/
Configure Engineer/ Voice Card
This menu displays the following information:
No. of Cards
Number of voice cards installed in the system.
IRQ
The IRQ setting is used by the voice cards.
All cards in
the same system must use the same IRQ setting.
Memory Location
The Memory Location used by the
voice cards to exchange data with the system CPU. All cards in the same system
must use the same Memory Location. Please refer to the Hardware Configuration
section for more information on how to change the above configurations.
Ø Configure/
Configure Engineer/Storage Device
All
channels in the system share the same storage device(s). If there are more than
one storage devices, they will use serially, i.e. when the first device becomes
full, the next device is used automatically. Only hard drive partitions are
considered storage devices by the system. Also, partition C: is used to store
system files only and not considered a storage device.
Click on a storage
device to display its usage information.
Ø
Configure/ Configure Engineer/Backup Device
All
channels in the system shares the same backup device(s). If there is more than
one backup device, they will be used serially, i.e. when the first device
becomes full, the next device is used automatically.
Click on a backup device
to display its usage information.
Ø Configure/
Configure Engineer/Record & Play
Ø
First, select the target channel for configuration.
Record Gain
The Record Gain determines the
recording level. A higher Gain translates to a higher level. Range = -10 ~ +10.
Default = 0.
Record Mode
Select 8 or 16 Kbps. 16 Kbps sounds
better but consumes twice as much memory as 8 Kbps. Default = 16 Kbps.
Start Threshold
If Start Method is set to “Energy”,
recording will start when sound level reaches beyond Start Threshold. Range = 0
~ 21. Default = 3.
Detect Dial out Number
The Dial out Number is the string of
touch tones entered at any time during the call. It can be detected/saved and
used as a search key to find the record data later. Default = yes.
Stop Threshold
If Start Method is set to “Energy”,
recording will stop when sound level drops below Stop Threshold for duration
longer than Stop Delay. The Stop Threshold is often set to the same value as
the Start Threshold. Range = 0 ~ 21. Default = 3.
Stop Delay
See Stop Threshold for definition.
Range = 0 ~ 99. Default = 3.
Play Gain
The Play Gain determines the replay
level. A higher Gain translates to a higher level. Range = -10 ~ +10. Default =
0.
Ø
Configure/ Configure Engineer/Dialing
The
Dialing menu is used solely by the Alarm Channel which is the only channel in
the system that can dial a number. The number to dial and notify is configured
in the Configure/System Configure/Notify menu. In order to set up an Alarm
Channel, a special version of the voice board (with a low impendence channel)
must be used.
Dialing Mode
Select Tone or Pulse. Default = Tone.
Dialing Delay
After going on-hook, the Alarm
Channel waits a Dialing Delay period before it starts dialing. It’s fixed at 4
seconds.
Set Prefix
If a prefix must be dialed before
dialing the phone number, select YES. Otherwise, select NO.
Prefix Digit
The Prefix Digit (can be a string of
digits) will be dialed first if Set Prefix is set to YES.
Loudness
The Loudness determines the alarm
message loudness when calling. It’s fixed at -2 for optimal result.
Ø Configure/
Configure Engineer/Engineer Password
The
default Engineer Password is “999999”. You may use a combination of any letter,
number or symbol on the keyboard. Note that letters are case sensitive. If
desired, the Engineer Password and the System Password can be the same.
Current Password
Enter the current Engineer Password.
New Password
Enter the new Engineer Password, 14 digits maximum.
Confirmation
Enter the new Engineer Password again to confirm it.
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