Abstract: An automatic telephone answering system employs a switch activated by any of several techniques to select a language for communication with a caller. A single matrix determines the content of a message to be generated in response to input from the caller. A single matrix can be used because it is arranged in accordance with the content of the various messages and not on the specific language of the messages. All of the messages for each respective language are stored in a separate directory such that a given identifier obtained from the matrix will recall that message in the language determined by identification of the particular directory. A telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) is treated in the same manner as a language and selection of messages employs the same matrix used for traditional languages. Received TDD signals are converted to ASCII for storage, and messages to be identified by the matrix are stored in ASCII and converted to TDD before transmission.

Abstract: An automated announcement system allows messages to be played on a public address system and/or displayed on a display device in accordance with a predetermined schedule, which can be modified automatically to maintain a predetermined minimum interval between messages. Conflicts between messages to be played at the same time are detected and resolved by assigning priorities to messages based on deficits in the number of times each message has been played. Additional features of the automated announcement system include programmable control over announcement volume levels, the ability to input scheduling parameters which apply to specific announcements or to all announcements, the use of multi-level password protection to restrict specific system functions to authorized users, and an interface which allows live announcements to be made without interference from stored or recorded announcements.

Abstract: An automatic telephone answering system employs a switch activated by any of several techniques to select a language for communication with a caller. A single matrix determines the content of a message to be generated in response to input from the caller. A single matrix can be used because it is arranged in accordance with the content of the various messages and not on the specific language of the messages. All of the messages for each respective language are stored in a separate directory such that a given identifier obtained from the matrix will recall that message in the language determined by identification of the particular directory. A telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) is treated in the same manner as a language and selection of messages employs the same matrix used for traditional languages. Received TDD signals are converted to ASCII for storage, and messages to be identified by the matrix are stored in ASCII and converted to TDD before transmission.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for permitting conferencing in an automatic telephone information system by utilizing shared circular memory buffers incorporated in voice processing boards inserted in expansion slots in a PC to transfer speech from one line to another in a timed sequence controlled by the PC.

Abstract: A plurality of data entry terminals is connected to a microprocessor system which analyzes terminal data for display on a production CRT, intended to be located in a restaurant kitchen. Food items entered on the terminal are displayed with a corresponding symbol denoting a work station where such food item is to be prepared. As each item is prepared, the food preparer enters a display symbol to signify its completion. Upon completion of all items in a food order, the microprocessor system erases the order from the CRT. A separate CRT may be connected to the microprocessor system for use by a food expediter. As each order is completed by the food preparers, the order is visually displayed on the expediter CRT thereby alerting the food expediter to collect the items of an order in the kitchen so that they may be picked up by a waiter.