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: 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 combined microphone bar code sensor includes a hand-held housing and a microphone input mechanism provided in the housing for receiving voice signals and for generating electrical audio signals in response thereto. The microphone bar code sensor also includes a functional switch that is provided in the housing and is manually operable to control dictation functions, including record, play, stop, rewind and fast-forward. The microphone bar code sensor also includes a bar code sensor mechanism that is provided in said housing and is for optically sensing bar code indicia and generating electrical bar code signals representative thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for apprising an unattended station of the presence of a voice message awaiting retrieval from a voice mail system. The voice mail system is connected to the unattended station, as by automatic telephone dialing, whereupon activating signals are transmitted to the unattended station to dispose that station in a signal receiving mode of operation. Display data then are transmitted to the unattended station when said unattended station is conditioned to receive signals. A disconnect operation is carried out to disconnect the voice mail system from the unattended station if the unattended station is not conditioned to receive signals, or subsequent to the transmission of the display data. Preferably, and in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the voice message is transmitted for recording at the unattended station if the display data are received successfully thereat.

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: The manner of configuring a voice synthesizer to cause it to emit standard dialing signals.

Abstract: Speech signal data compression is improved by a first compression using Time Domain Harmonic Scaling (TDHS), wherein two periods of voiced data are averaged together, followed by a second compression using Continuously Variable Slope Delta Modulation (CVSD). Pitch period detection and sampling-rate conversion are also features of the invention.

Abstract: Automatic telephone answering equipment is disclosed which is associated with a telephone set connected to a switching system along with other telephone sets, and the answering equipment functions with central message recording equipment which is also connected to the switching system. Unanswered incoming calls originating from within or without the switching system are answered by the automatic answering equipment which then transfers the call to either another of the telephone sets or to the message recording equipment, as selected by the user of the answering equipment. When the call is transferred to the central message recording equipment the identity of the telephone set to which the call was directed is forwarded to the recording equipment. Only upon the calling party recording a message in the central message recording equipment, the recording equipment uses the called telephone set identity to call the originally called telephone set.