Abstract: An adaptable communication system provides capability to change the format of multimedia files being transmitted over a data network in real-time. Incorporated into a network server is a processor and other functionality for downloading multimedia files and then recreating the files to accommodate different download formats. A file may be created that is appropriate for real-time playing for a 14.4 k modem connection as well as an high-bandwidth line, such as an ADSL line connection. A separate file is created in the network server for these different type of connections. Also incorporated into each of the newly created multimedia files are reference marks which are located at the same playing interval for each of the files. Once a system user has accessed and is viewing a multimedia file as it is being downloaded, an interface connection may detect that noise or other problems on the network are decreasing the quality of the playback.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering audio and data files includes a data network and a voice network. A user station provided in communication with the data network receives data files. A telephone provided in communication with the voice network receives audio files. An application server in communication with the data network stores and executes applications programs which include audio features. An audio server in communication with the application server and the voice network is operative to dial a telephone, deliver a selected audio file to the telephone, or record and store an audio file.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for interactively simulating a plurality of telecommunications services operates in response to a user sending a message from his client computer across a data network to a server requesting to download on one of the service simulation programs. In response to the message from the client, the server provides the requested telecommunications service simulation program. The program provided by the server is downloaded and executed by the client. The downloaded program provides the user with an interaction experience representative of the selected one of the plurality of telecommunications services. This interaction experience may include additional communication between the service simulation program and the server. Additionally, the service simulation program provides guidance to the user in using and configuring both the service simulation program and, potentially, the actual telecommunications service to which the user has subscribed.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a user dialogue using dialogue-state objects. The method and system are implemented using an interactive computer system. The interactive computer system includes a dialogue manager and application control logic. The method includes the step of providing a plurality of objects encapsulating dialogue data and dialogue procedures associated with dialogue-states. The method next includes the step of providing a pointer. The pointer identifies a first object as a current object. The method further includes the step of receiving an input signal. The method also includes the step of processing the input signal. The method finally includes the step of updating the pointer based on the step of processing such that the pointer identifies a second object as the current object.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a user interface in a database management system. A semantic data model is used to describe a database in terms of data types stored in the database and functional types that describe relationships between the data types stored in the database. The system dynamically queries the data model to generate a graph of the data model itself. These queries are initiated by the system without user intervention. The user selects a node on the graph that causes the data model to be searched again to determine the name of the node selected, one or more types of relationships associated with the node selected and one or more instances of the relationships associated with the node selected. This information is used to generate a form containing a plurality of blanks. A user enters a query constraint into one or more of the blanks and the database is searched for instances of data meeting the query constraints.