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Overview

Echoes of the Past allows you to have real-time voice conversations with AI-powered historical figures. This guide walks you through selecting a figure, starting a call, using the interface, and ending your conversation.

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Browse Historical Figures

Discover and search for historical figures on the main dashboard.
1

Access the Dashboard

After signing in, you’ll land on the main dashboard at /app.Screenshot description: The dashboard displays a grid of historical figure cards with the heading “Historical Figures” and description “Choose a historical figure to start your conversation”.
2

Search for Figures

Use the search functionality to find specific figures:
  • Type in the search bar to filter by name or category
  • Results update automatically as you type
  • Example searches: “Einstein”, “Scientists”, “Philosophers”
Screenshot description: A search bar appears at the top of the page with placeholder text “Search by name or category…”.
3

Toggle View Mode

Switch between different display layouts:
  • Grid view: Cards displayed in a responsive grid (default)
  • List view: Figures shown in a compact list format
Click the view toggle button next to the search bar to switch modes.
4

Review Figure Information

Each historical figure card displays:
  • Profile image: Visual representation of the figure
  • Name: Full name of the historical figure
  • Category badge: Field or era (e.g., “Scientist”, “Philosopher”)
  • Description: Brief overview of their significance
  • Notable work: Key achievements or contributions
If no figures match your search, you’ll see a message: “No historical figures found matching your search.”

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Select a Historical Figure

Choose which historical figure you want to converse with.
1

Browse Available Figures

Scroll through the dashboard to explore different historical figures.Figures are sorted by creation date (newest first).
2

Click Start Call

On each figure card, locate the “Start Call” button.Screenshot description: The button appears at the bottom of each card with a semi-transparent white background and border.
3

Navigate to Call Interface

Clicking “Start Call” redirects you to /app/call/[figure-id].The call interface automatically initializes and prepares to connect.

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Use the Call Interface

Interact with the historical figure during your conversation.
1

Understand the Layout

The call interface uses a split-screen design:Left Panel (Call Interface):
  • Back button to return to dashboard
  • Historical figure’s avatar (large, centered)
  • Figure’s name
  • Connection status
  • Call duration timer
  • Siri-style audio visualization
  • Helper text with conversation prompts
  • Action buttons at the bottom
Right Panel (Transcript View):
  • Real-time conversation transcript
  • Messages from both you and the historical figure
  • Timestamps and speaker labels
2

Wait for Connection

When the call loads:
  • Status displays “Connecting…”
  • The interface initializes the Vapi voice AI service
  • Audio visualization prepares to display sound levels
Connection typically takes 2-3 seconds.
3

Start Speaking

Once connected:
  • Status changes to “Connected”
  • Call timer begins (format: MM:SS)
  • The historical figure greets you with a personalized first message
  • Audio visualization animates based on voice activity
Screenshot description: The Siri-style visualization shows animated bars that pulse with audio levels, using the iOS 9 theme.
4

Use Helper Prompts

Below the audio visualization, you’ll see “Try to:” with three quick-start options:
  • Ask a question: Prompts the figure to invite your questions
  • Request Explanation: Asks for clarification about their life or work
  • Topic Discussion: Suggests discussing their notable achievements
Click any option to automatically trigger that conversation path.
5

Have Natural Conversation

Speak naturally with the historical figure:
  • The AI responds in character with historically accurate information
  • Your voice is captured via microphone
  • Responses are generated based on the figure’s life, work, and era
  • The transcript updates in real-time on the right panel
6

Monitor Call Duration

The timer displays elapsed time in MM:SS format:
  • Starts at 00:00 when connected
  • Updates every second
  • Helps you track conversation length
Ensure your microphone is enabled and accessible to the browser. You may need to grant microphone permissions when prompted.

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End Your Call

Properly conclude your conversation with the historical figure.
1

Click the End Call Button

At the bottom of the left panel, click the Assistant Button (large circular button).This is the same button you’d use to toggle the call on/off.
2

Confirm Call Ended

When the call ends:
  • Status changes to “Call ended”
  • Timer stops at final duration
  • Audio visualization becomes inactive
  • Call status updates to INACTIVE
3

Return to Dashboard

Click the back arrow button (top-left corner) to return to /app.You can now select a different historical figure or review your analytics.

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Call Interface Features

Audio Visualization

Real-time Siri-style visualization shows audio levels during the conversation, providing visual feedback on voice activity.

Live Transcript

Every word spoken by you and the historical figure is transcribed in real-time on the right panel.

Helper Prompts

Pre-configured conversation starters help you engage meaningfully if you’re unsure what to ask.

Call Timer

Track how long you’ve been conversing with the display of elapsed time in minutes and seconds.

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Conversation Tips

  • Be specific about topics you want to explore
  • Ask about their most famous work or discoveries
  • Inquire about their life experiences and challenges
  • Request their perspective on modern developments in their field
  • Ask them to explain complex concepts in simple terms
The AI historical figures are well-versed in:
  • Their biographical information and life story
  • Their notable works, discoveries, or achievements
  • Historical context of their era
  • Their philosophies, beliefs, and methodologies
  • Events they participated in or witnessed
Each historical figure’s responses are generated from:
  • Stored information about their life and work (notableWork field)
  • System prompts with historically accurate context
  • Character-appropriate personality and speaking style
  • First message that establishes their identity and expertise
If you experience problems:
  • Check your internet connection
  • Ensure microphone permissions are granted
  • Try refreshing the page and starting a new call
  • Verify your browser supports Web Audio API
  • Check that no other application is using your microphone

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Voice Conversation Flow

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Troubleshooting

  • Grant microphone permissions in browser settings
  • Check system microphone settings and volume
  • Try a different browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended)
  • Ensure no other app is using the microphone exclusively
  • Speak clearly and at normal volume
  • Check your internet connection speed
  • End and restart the call
  • Verify the historical figure loaded correctly
  • Wait up to 10 seconds for initial connection
  • Refresh the page and try again
  • Check browser console for error messages
  • Verify your network doesn’t block WebSocket connections
  • Ensure you’re speaking into the microphone
  • Check microphone input levels in system settings
  • Verify the call status shows “Connected”
  • Try adjusting your microphone sensitivity

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Next Steps

After your conversation:
  • Take quizzes about the historical figure
  • View analytics to see conversation metrics
  • Return to the dashboard to talk with different figures
  • Explore figures from different categories and time periods

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