Abstract: A system and method for recording voice messages received in an automated message exchange system. Voice messages are digitized by the message exchange system at the time they are received. At a convenient time determined by the computer of the message system, such digitized voice messages are converted back to a verbal audio signal for recording on a conventional cassette tape recorder. Other digital information stored in the message exchange system may also be verbalized for recording on the tape recorder in association with the corresponding voice message. An interface unit starts the cassette tape recorder when the message exchange system is ready to begin taping a message, conveys a signal to the message exchange system confirming that the tape recorder is operating properly, and then conveys the verbal audio signal to be recorded from the message exchange system to the cassette tape recorder.

Abstract: An information network and method for providing a nationwide audio text network, including electronic billing, useful for a wide variety of applications is disclosed. The information network utilizes a telephone message delivery system coupled to phone lines, typically the "800" area code common carrier lines, to receive incoming calls, to interactively respond thereto as controlled by a computer and to communicate with the computer to provide information to and obtain information from a database maintained by the computer. In addition to being coupled to the telephone message delivery system, the computer is typically also coupled to one or more dedicated or dial up lines so as to be capable of obtaining electronic credit card authorization or changes, and is further coupled so as to control the routing of an incoming call, to redirect the call to a live operator or to other equipment, or to outgoing lines to any desired destination.