Abstract: A scheme has been devised for retrieving audio for a selected time from a digital audio tape that has been used in a device such as a digital logger wherein audio is recorded on a intermittent basis. A record session table is created on the digital audio tape that correlates the time of recording sessions to of the location on the DAT for a selected time of recording.

Abstract: A time division multiplexer (TDM) chip having particular application in a digital voice processing system wherein voice processing functions are run in software. The TDM chip has a pair of RAMs which are in communication with a bus and at least one interface that provides communication with other devices. An bank switch controls the RAMs so that their communication with the bus and the interface alternates, i.e. while the first RAM is in communication with the interface the other RAM is in communication with the bus. After a determined period the communications are reversed. This scheme provides faster processing and more efficient use of the components. Including is a provision for allowing multiple interfaces to communicate with the RAM alternatively in a time shared manner.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for storing and retrieving audio data simultaneously. A digital audio logger is provided with a digital audio tape (DAT) for permanent storage of audio data and with a random access storage (RAS) device that provides fast retrieval of audio. Both the DAT and RAS devices have audio written from a buffer that initially stores audio data temporarily. Two pointers are provided for the RAS device. Because of the randomness characteristic of the RAS device, data can be retrieved rapidly with a first one of the pointers and for this reason has advantages in fast retrieval. The RAS device communicates with a supervisor whereby data can be retrieved therefrom through the first pointer while the RAS device is receiving data from the buffer through the second pointer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a communication system and method wherein messages are transmitted and stored in voice mail boxes. The system and method provide the ability on the part of an author to recover a message before access to the message by a recipient. This allows the author to recoup a message in case the message is sent accidentally to the wrong recipient or the message has been sent to a recipient who no longer has access to the message.

Abstract: A scheme has been devised for retrieving audio from a digital audio tape (DAT) that has been used in a device such as a digital audio logger wherein audio is recorded on a intermittent basis. An audio bit map is created on the DAT that represents a record of activity with a "1" bit representing audio and a "0" bit representing absence of audio. The channels of the logger can be searched for a next message or previous message. A predetermined sequence of "1's" and "0's" are used in the search for identifying a message.

Abstract: A digital voice processing system wherein voice processing functions are run in software. This application of software allows a modular structure because the application software resides in boards that are coupled to a host computer. With this structure, the software can be updated as required and the capacity of the system can be readily expanded to meet increased needs.

Abstract: A central dictation system includes apparatus for prerecording standard voice files. Users of the system may select one of the prerecorded files. The selected file is copied to a new file, which the user is free to edit. The edited file is assigned to a transcriptionist or is accessible to an authorized listener, in the same manner as a conventional dictation job. The prerecorded standard files may contain, for example, standard radiology reports tailored to each user's preferences. Alternatively, the recorded files may contain questions or prompts that guide users to dictate information required to complete preprinted report forms.

Abstract: For speech signals that represent a wave form and include a sequence of samples, a method is provided for modifying the time scale of the speech signals. The method includes estimating the number of the samples that constitutes a pitch period. The estimate is made by a plurality of pitch estimators that operate in parallel and process peak and/or valley measurements of the wave form. The method also includes combining a first group of samples with a second group of samples to form a combined group. Each group consists of the same number of sequential samples from the sequence of samples. The number of samples in each group is equal to the estimated number of samples that constitutes a pitch period. The second group of samples immediately follows the first group in the sequence of samples. According to another feature of the invention, the method includes determininq whether the time scale of the speech signals is to be compressed or expanded.

Abstract: A digitally implemented central dictation system wherein users designated as dictators may input Voice Files for later retrieval and transcription by a second group of users designated as transcriptionists. A system Supervisor has the capability to monitor operation of the system and allocate system resources. The system further includes an optional Voice Mail capability.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a dictation system of the type having a central voice message store for receiving and storing messages dictated by an author and for selectively playing back stored messages for transcription. The apparatus functions to transmit to particular recipients certain ones of the stored voice messages which are identified as priority messages. These priority messages are supplied to desired voice mailboxes which are used to temporarily store and transmit voice mail messages to designated recipients.

Abstract: A dictation transcription system having a recording/playback module and a display module which are detachably connectable to form an integral structure. The display module provides a visual display of the length, locations and types of messages by storing and utilizing display data. This display data is generated during a dictate operation and, when dictation is "finished", the display data is recorded on the record medium. Subsequently, and preferably, prior to transcription of the dictated messages, the record medium is scanned for the display data which then controls a transcriptionist's display module to reproduce the visual indication originally derived during dictation.

Abstract: A method and system for the dispatch of resources to remote sites in response to alarm signals. A preferred embodiment particularly relates to a system for the dispatch of field service engineers to a plurality of remote sites in response to fault conditions detected in systems for the storage and retrieval of voice signals. A processor accesses a database of field service engineers designated to provide services to particular remote sites in response to alarm signals received from those sites and then attempts to establish a telephone connection with the field service engineer. Once communication is established, the processor provides the field service engineer with information by means of synthetic voice messages. In a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the system may also execute remote diagnostic programs and where the results of the diagnostic programs are not within predetermined limits, the system will again attempt to contact a field service engineer.

Abstract: Pauses present in an input audio signal are detected and digitally encoded to represent the length of each pause. The audio signals are recorded; but the pauses included therein are replaced by respective pause encoded signals, thereby compressing the audio signals. When the compressed audio signals are played back, each pause encoded signal is sensed and is replaced by a pause whose length is derived from the encoded signal.

Abstract: A device according to the invention is compatible with conventional magnetic tape loggers. Such a device is termed a message repeater, and it records and replays audio signals forming messages on a message channel, such as a telephone line or a radio channel. The message repeater includes circuits for converting the audio signals on a particular channel into corresponding digital signals and circuits for storing the digital signals. The message repeater also includes circuits for selectively recalling the signals that were stored and circuits for converting the signals that were recalled into analog audio signals. Messages on the selected message channel may be recorded and later replayed by the message repeater. Preferably, the message repeater includes a display with indications of the relative locations and lengths of the stored messages as well as a cursor or index.

Abstract: A multichannel communications recorder or logger. The recorder is formed from modular elements which may be configured into a large number of selectable configurations. In each configuration one or more record decks is controlled by a control module which includes a system control microprocessor and a CRT control microprocessor. Control is provided by a user selecting to implement functions defined in accordance with a particular page displayed. Access to various pages is controlled by various levels of passwords with the highest level being used by a service person and lower levels being provided to users of the system. Because of the need to provide physical security for recorded tapes, each tape deck is provided with a door secured by an electro-mechanical lock. Because of the need to maintain continuous monitoring in many applications, the system is provided with the capability to be configured in configurations providing back-up for selected channels.

Abstract: The communications monitor and logger preferably uses reel-to-reel tape recorders to continuously record communications over multiple channels such as multiple telephone lines. Each tape recorder uses a pair of capstans and pinch rollers to move the tape during recording and play-back. The pinch rollers are engaged with the capstans by means of a solenoid through a linkage and spring coupling. The spring is stretched by the solenoid only after the pinch roller makes contact with the capstan, thus reducing the force required from the solenoid. The spring is pre-loaded so as to improve the accuracy with which the force applied to the pinch roller is determined. The solenoid is used to apply force to the spring only when the solenoid plunger approaches its seat, so as to make the most efficient use of the solenoid and minimize its size and electrical power usage.

Abstract: A tape drive system for a dictating machine, particularly a portable dictating machine of a size suitable to be held in one hand. The dictating machine has a compartment which receives a tape cassette having a pair of reels, and a pair of driving spindles engage with the tape reels for driving the latter. A tape drive capstan and back-up roller are located adjacent the tape cassette compartment. A motor is located at the opposite end of the dictating machine from the tape cassette compartment, and a multi-stage speed reduction belt and pulley drive system is located between the motor and the drive capstan for simultaneously driving the drive capstan and the tape reel driving spindles at a uniform rate of speed.

Abstract: A multichannel communications recorder with capability to display channel activity, failsafe back-up, and a unique identification code; and apparatus for securing access to the recorder. The recorder is formed from modular elements configurable into a large number of selectable configurations. One or more record decks are controlled by a control module which includes a system control microprocessor and a CRT control microprocessor. Control is provided by selecting functions defined in accordance with a displayed page or moving to another page using softkeys. Access to various pages is controlled by various passwords. Because of the need to provide physical security for recorded tapes, each tape deck is secured by an electro-mechanical lock, which operates under system control. The system is provided with the capability to be configured in configuration providing back-up for selected channels.