Abstract: Recorded telephone messages may be automatically handled as specified by the called party by means of a background speech recognition server for a telephone network, a private branch exchange, or a personal computer telephone manager. The called party initializes the method by storing multiple action records in a computer, each containing a key word and an action description. Incoming telephone messages can then be automatically processed by subjecting the audio record of each message to a speech recognition program to produce a text record. The computer then compares the text record with the key words in the action records. When a match is found, the action specified in the action record bearing the matching key words, is performed. In this manner, recorded telephone messages may be automatically handled and prioritized as specified by the called party.

Abstract: There is disclosed a communication system arrangement whereby the efficiency with which pooled facilities are used can be increased by reducing the number of lines that are dedicated to the pool. This is accomplished by making available to the pool, on a priority basis, lines that have been installed for other purposes, such as, for example, conference lines and private two-way lines. The system is arranged such that dedicated pooled lines have a higher priority than other lines which are available to the pool on a decreasing priority basis. In addition, each pooled set of lines at each station is given a visual indication using the system available lamp to indicate whether an idle line remains in the pool. This arrangement allows each station user to determine, without unnecessary seizure attempts, whether or not an available line exists in the pool.