Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for addressing an audio file server to play pre-recorded audio files, including variable audio files, using a query URL containing the required file's attributes, without requiring a fully-resolved file address. The HTTP URL protocol is used by adding attributes, such as the language, the speaker, and a text version of the desired message, along with other required attributes of the audio file to the URL. The audio file server accepts and analyzes the attributes in the URL to find out what type of variable field is being requested. Normally, variable field prompts created from spliced audio clips are restricted to a few specific types of variable fields, such as time, date, or amount, fields, or numeric strings such as telephone numbers, credit card numbers, etc. Once the audio file server determines the field type, language and speaker from the URL, it examines the field text value from the query attribute string.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for storing metadata information in files. When each file is stored in a file server an index of the stored metadata is also stored such that when a query is subsequently presented to the file server, the query is used by a search engine to identify and retrieve the desired file. In one embodiment, the files are audio messages for use in an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system and the audio messages are stored on a audio file server.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method in which an interface (proxy) is positioned between a browser and a speech server such that the proxy, while transparent to both the browser and the speech server, collects and stores data, including utterances and other media obtained from a user, such that the media data can be retrieved in a uniform manner for subsequent manipulation, such as, for example, transcription or presentation (or preservation) of a tangible format of the media as a function of a transaction session with the user. The proxy is a passive monitoring device positioned between the functioning components of a system such that the proxy looks to the browser as a speech server and looks to the speech server as a browser.

Abstract: A system and method for providing data communication between an information system, such as a LAN, and a communication system, such as a PBX operating under control of an automatic call routing system, is disclosed. According to a preferred embodiment, data as to a particular LAN user's schedule, as reflected in an electronic calendar application, is used to properly route calls via the automatic call routing system. Alternative embodiments providing for the scheduling of events in the electronic calendar as well as the dissemination of information through the communication system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shock tube comprises a driver section, an expansion section connected to the driver section, and an extension connected to the expansion section. Shock absorbent material is disposed within a cavity defined by the driver section and extension section. At least one active vent is disposed over respective holes in the extension section that are connected to the cavity. The extension section is adjustable between one of at least two positions such that a length of the extension section in a first position is longer than a length of the extension section in a second position. The length of the gas column contained within the driver section can also be adjusted by the position of a movable bulkhead.