Abstract: An audio information system that may be used to form and convey an audio message having speech overlapped with non-speech audio is provided. The system has components to store a context indicator having non-speech audio to signify a characteristic of a speech content stream, to merge the context indicator with the speech content stream to form an integrated message, and to output the integrated message. The message has overlapping non-speech audio from the context indicator and speech audio. The system also has mechanisms to vary the format of integrated message generated in order to train the user on non-speech cues. In addition, other aspects of the present invention relating to the audio information system receiving content and generating an audio message are described.

Abstract: A virtual speech interface system and method (100) for controlling a client device (103) using speech commands for electronic devices that do not include integrated speech control capability includes a virtual speech interface client program (113) installed within the client device for controlling a client device application (104). A virtual speech interface server device (101) that is separate from the client device (103 is then used to interface with the client program (113). The virtual speech interface server device (101 includes at least one server (111) for sending and/or receiving command information to the virtual speech interface client program (113) for controlling the client device (103) using speech commands.

Abstract: A novel point of sales systems for vehicles. The systems are comprised of a housing attachable to the exterior of the vehicle which contains components of the system which are interactive with regard to the customer. Another embodiment of the invention is a two housing system in which one housing is attachable on the exterior of the vehicle and the second housing is placed inside the vehicle. Examples of an interactive system are an interactive game, coupon request and receipt, participation in a survey, and the like.

Abstract: An Internet-based method and system permits users to list their real estate properties on a respective web site, edit their site, and create new web sites for additional listings. A feature of the invention provides for registering a domain name file for each new page and for E-mailing a request to register the new domain names. Such web site creation and editing may be made whenever the user wishes by simply accessing a home page, entering a corresponding service function such as editing an existing web site or creating a new web site. The user can then carry out the selected function from a personal computer over the Internet. The domain name may correspond to a parameter of the property such as its street address.

Abstract: A method and system for migrating data to a build-to-order computing system is provided. The method comprises storing an image at a remote site. The image comprises data stored on a computing system. An order is received to provide a second computing system to a customer. Access to the image is provided to the second computing system such that the second computing system can store the image.

Abstract: A computer system, and methods for making and using it, for changing digital electrical signals to generate a valuation of a fractional interest in a contingent interest in property, the computer apparatus including: an input device operable for converting input data representing property into input digital electrical signals representing the input date; a digital electrical computer having a processor, the processor electrically connected to the input device to receive the input digital electrical signals, the processor programmed to change3 the input digital electrical signals to produce modified digital electrical signals representing a valuation of a fractional interest in a contingent interest in the property associated with at least one lease default condition for the property; a memory electrically connected to the processor; and wherein the processor manipulates further digital electrical signals to generate at least one document for the contingent interest by inserting the valuation in pre-existing t

Abstract: An improved process for the computerized conversion of preferred-return constant-dollar financial instruments into equivalent nominal-dollar instrument.

Abstract: An online commerce architecture enables merchants to setup online stores that are hosted by third party Internet service providers (ISPs). The architecture provides secure storage of the merchant's commerce information at the ISP-hosted store, based upon a private/public key pair owned by the merchant. When a purchase request is received from a customer, the ISP encrypts all or part of the request using a newly generated session key, and then encrypts that session key with the merchant's public key. The purchase request is stored at the ISP in its encrypted form. The merchant routinely accesses the ISP and retrieves the purchase requests in their encrypted form. The merchant decrypts the session key using the merchant's private key and then decrypts the purchase request using the recovered session key. Since only the merchant knows its private key, no one else (including the ISP) can decrypt the session key to decrypt the purchase requests for the merchant.

Abstract: An automatic train handling controller. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a system and method for tracking a velocity profile in a rail-based transportation system. A fuzzy logic controller is used to ensure that a train simulator complies to the velocity profile over a specified track profile while providing a smooth ride. A safety constraint enforcer is used to minimize sudden slack movements by ensuring that the control action provided by the fuzzy logic controller is kept in compliance with a set of predetermined safety constraints. In a second embodiment, there is an automatic train handling controller that smoothly manages the slack of the couplers while keeping the train within prescribed speed limits over a varying terrain.

Abstract: A fuzzy data record pointer is utilized for identification of both a target file and a target data record within the target file. A target data record is accessed from a target file, selected from a set of N related files, utilizing a fuzzy data record pointer (“fuzzy”, as used herein, means that the data record pointer need not be coincident with the actual data record address). A modulus for the data record pointer divided by N is computed. This modulus is used to select the target file. A data record address is computed for the target data record utilizing the data record pointer and modulus. In this manner a fuzzy data record pointer is utilized to determine both the target file from a set of N related files and the target data record to be accessed within the target file.

Abstract: Image features are generated by performing wavelet transformations at sample points on images stored in electronic form. Multiple wavelet transformations at a point are combined to form an image feature vector. A prototypical set of feature vectors, or atoms, is derived from the set of feature vectors to form an “atomic vocabulary.” The prototypical feature vectors are derived using a vector quantization method (e.g., using neural network self-organization techniques) in which a vector quantization network is also generated. The atomic vocabulary is used to define new images. Meaning is established between atoms in the atomic vocabulary. High-dimensional context vectors are assigned to each atom. The context vectors are then trained as a function of the proximity and co-occurrence of each atom to other atoms in the image. After training, the context vectors associated with the atoms that comprise an image are combined to form a summary vector for the image.

Abstract: Multiple support vector machines are used to extract useful information from vast quantities of biological data. The method includes pre-processing of training data and test data to add dimensionality or to identify missing or erroneous data points. The training data is used to train the learning machine after which the success of the training is tested using the test data. The test output is pre-processed to determine whether the knowledge discovered from the pre-processed test data set is desirable and to identify which of the multiple support vector machines provides the optimal solution. After the training has been confirmed, live biological data can be pre-processed then input into the identified support vector machine that provides the optimal solution for extraction of useful information.

Abstract: An adaptive predictive model includes a standard predictive model, such as a neural network or a natural model, constructed to produce an output that predicts a process parameter and a combiner network that combines the output of the predictive model with one or more measured values of the process parameter to produce an adjusted predicted process parameter during operation of a process. The adaptive predictive model reduces or corrects for non-linear as well as linear errors in the prediction of a process variable without having to reform the predictive model itself, while requiring only minor increases in processing power and time.

Abstract: An information processing system which understands the input information as a situation, infers the requirements that situation merits and the preferred responses to those requirements using a knowledge base which has knowledge about the situations, requirements and their responses and the relations among them, and by generating these inferences further understands the input and the situation, which enables it to perform efficiently and effectively, given small amount of input information. If input information is in natural language, the linguistic knowledge base is used to analyze the input natural language information. Further, a knowledge of the user, the operations performed by the user and knowledge of the relationship between the operations of the user and the attribute of the user may also be used by the system to appropriately operate for each user.

Abstract: A database operation processor includes a self-join detector for detecting if a self-join operation is included in a query statement for a table in a database and generating a self-join operation expression, a join key classifier for classifying a join key included in a join condition in the operation expression into an equi-join key or a non equi-join key based on the generated self-join operation expression, and a self-join operation executor for sorting records stored in the table by the equi-join key, inputting in the sorted table, executing the generated self-join operation expression, and producing a result for the query statement.

Abstract: Heterogeneous data at a plurality of remote nodes is accessed automatically in parallel at high speed from a user site using a simple script request containing a data source object name wherein the heterogeneous data is treated as a single data source object, the script further containing at least one method to be performed on the data source object. Respective agent processes at the user site and at the remote nodes automatically generate descriptor files containing metadata corresponding to the data source object. The user site agent breaks the user-generated script into new scripts appropriate for execution at the remote nodes. A messenger process transmits the new scripts to the appropriate remote nodes where respective agent processes respond to automatically access the appropriate data and execute specified methods upon it.

Abstract: A Sort-on-the-Fly/Search-on-the-Fly search engine provides an intuitive mechanisms for searching databases, allowing a user to access data in the database without having to know anything about the database structure. A user selects a desired search term, and the search engine searches the database for all instances of the desired term, even if a specific file or table does not contain the instance. The database need not have a specific file (in a flat database) or a table (in a relational database) of names. The user may specify other criteria, or constraints to narrow the search results, or for other reasons. The search engine then conducts a further search using this criteria and produces a second search result. Further narrowing or broadening of the search are permitted, with the search-on-the-fly search engine returning results based on any new constraints.

Abstract: A system and method of the present invention allow users to access, manage, and edit information about content data, often referred to as metadata. Metadata is collected from various sources, added, and maintained in a metadata database. In addition, metadata is dynamically read from the metadata database and dynamically displayed in a graphical user interface in an organized manner, such as a hierarchical tree. In the graphical user interface, a user may add, delete, and/or modify the metadata. As the user changes the metadata, the metadata database is updated and the user's changes are propagated throughout the graphical user interface such that the hierarchical tree is displays the changed metadata.

Abstract: This invention relates to a computer implemented automated remote support in a computing system that utilizes machine learning to provide constantly improving support capability. It comprises a means for parsing input requests, means for automatically executing test cases, a Database for storing data pertaining to behaviour of products and Multiproduct combinations, as well as searching means for searching through the Database for previous occurrences of similar requests. An Expert System utilizing machine learning capabilities generates the final solution and constantly updates the organization of the data in the Database in order to improve the effectiveness of subsequent searches.

Abstract: A storage management system that manages the storage and retrieval of digital files. The storage management system includes a plurality of storage devices that may be located in different time zones. The system also includes a processor that is configured to maneuver the digital files among the plurality of storage devices according to commands that are received from software programs that operate on the processor. In one embodiment, the system includes a retrieval control while in another embodiment a storage control is included. Either embodiment takes into account the different problems that are introduced when the plurality of storage devices are located in different time zones.

Abstract: A method for querying electronic data. The query method comprises creating wavelet-coefficient synopses of the electronic data and then querying the synopses in the wavelet-coefficient domain to obtain a wavelet-coefficient query result. The wavelet-coefficient query result is then rendered to provide an approximate result.

Abstract: A computer system includes a real time clock and a non-volatile memory that stores a current date and time from the real time clock. This date is proactively updated at the turn of the century by software running on the computer. This software looks for an Interrupt 08 signal and, in response, determines whether the current date stored in the non-volatile memory is equal to Dec. 31, 1999. If it is, the software determines whether the current time is a predetermined amount of time (e.g., one or two seconds) before the end of the day. If both these criteria are met, the current date in the non-volatile memory is set to Jan. 1, 2000 the current time is set to 00:00:00.

Abstract: A method for pushing a list element onto a linked list without locking the linked list. The linked list includes a head element having a pointer to a first list element. The method includes the steps of (a) reading the pointer, (b) writing the pointer to a list element address field, and (c) atomically comparing the pointer written to the list element address field with the pointer to the first list element and exchanging an address of the list element for the pointer if the values compared are equal, else repeating steps (a) through (c). A non-blocking pop operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for providing complete customer contact management across a variety of customer contact channels so that businesses, or clients (i.e., those businesses using the services of the system and method of the present invention), can manage and develop relationships with their customers, to increase sales and enhance business productivity. In addition, clients can monitor customer's preferences for products or services, so that the client can develop new products and services or modify existing products and services to meet the demand of the customers. An improved system retrieves customer contact information from a plurality of contact channels, storing that information, and performing subsequent processes, such as making the data available to the clients in the form of, for example, reports.

Abstract: A method and system for importing and exporting selected directory and calendar information of a first format found in various electronic media to and from personal information management computer applications of a second format is described. Specifically, the present invention discloses a method and system for importing directory and calendar information that is structured in standardized vCard and vCalendar formats from a first application to corresponding electronic address book and calendar applications via clipboard and automatic translator applications. The invention includes an automatic translator that takes the standardized information from the clipboard application and translates the vCard and vCalendar information into a format that is native to the corresponding target application, e.g., electronic address book and calendar applications.

Abstract: A receiving device includes: a receiving section for receiving first data including a plurality of data items; an accumulative storage section in which at least one of the plurality of data items is stored; a free space capacity acquiring section for acquiring a free space capacity of the accumulative storage section; an accumulation level determining section for determining a data item to be stored in the accumulative storage section; a data extraction section for extracting a data item from the first data based on the determination by the accumulation level determining section; and a data writing section for writing the data item extracted by the data extraction section in the accumulative storage section, wherein the accumulation level determining section includes a storage data determining section for determining the data item to be extracted from the first data based on predetermined parameters, and the parameters include at least the free space capacity.

Abstract: A worldwide genealogy data storage and retrieval system for implementation on the internet is described, wherein genealogical data from every source can be collected, reviewed, revised, extended, consolidated, summarized, indexed, lineage-linked, and displayed. The invention further relates to a method and apparatus for cooperative publishing and distribution of genealogical data. The invention allows owners of lineage-linked genealogical data to publish the data in any size increments and for buyers to select and retrieve any number of names and associated data. An integrated micropayment system requires users of the data to make payments for each increment of data received, and royalties are paid to the owners of the data from these payments.

Abstract: A method and system for viewing a record of an organization having a hierarchy of departments is provided. Specifically, under the present invention, a record having data, a record department label and an optional identifier is received. The record is compared to an organizational table having entries that each include an organizational department label and a list of hierarchical levels. Based upon the comparison, an entry in the organizational table that corresponds to the record department label is identified. Once identified, the list of hierarchical levels from the identified entry is added to the record and a view of the record is generated. The view includes categorized columns of the added list of hierarchical levels and the optional identifier.

Abstract: An object management system and data processing system which enable the containment relationships among a plurality of resource managers to be changed without affecting client applications which use services of those resource managers. A tree manager maintains tree structure data that defines the containment relationships among resource managers, together with identification data that is used to distinguish between them. From this tree structure data, an object manager builds a containment tree to grasp the containment relationships among the resource managers. When a client application issues an operation request to one of the resource managers, a message processor receives and forwards it to the object manager. The object manager then searches the containment tree to find identification data of a relevant resource manager for which the received operation request should be destined, thus sending the request to the found destination resource manager.

Abstract: A framework for representing metadata in a common access repository. According to one embodiment, wherein the metadata is loaded into the repository from a source system, the system includes a first scanning module for scanning the source system for first set of metadata that describes a first state; a loading module for loading the first set of metadata into the repository; a first state description for the first set of metadata in a fixed state; and a user interface for accessing the metadata.

Abstract: A configurable user interface arrangement representing data elements of a data source. The user interface arrangement includes a dynamic tree structure monitoring area displaying at least one tree structure having at least one node, each tree having a root node, each node representing a data element or a set of data elements, and each node being user selectable. The user interface arrangement also includes a configuration editor able to establish a configuration code set, the configuration code set defining the structure of the tree structure(s). Each node in the tree structure(s) defines a set of reading commands to be executed when a node is selected in the tree structure monitoring area. The user interface arrangement also has a content monitoring area for monitoring the content or a part of the content of a selected node, the content being established by the set of reading commands. A user may obtain information by selection of a node in a tree structure.

Abstract: A system for using a lease to detect a failure and to perform failure recovery is provided in using this system, a client requests a lease from a server to utilize a resource managed by the server for a period of time. Responsive to the request, the server grants the lease, and the client continually requests renewal of the lease. If the client fails to renew the lease, the server detects that an error has occurred to the client. Similarly, if the server fails to respond to a renew request, the client detects that an error has occurred to the server. As part of the lease establishment, the client and server exchange failure-recovery routines that each invokes if the other experiences a failure.

Abstract: A spatial median filter determines a median of a plurality of values by dividing the plurality of values into a plurality of groups of values. The values in each of the groups are sorted to determine its median. Then, the medians of the plurality of groups are fully sorted. Certain of the sorted values are eliminated from prescribed ones of the groups in accordance with prescribed criteria based on the number of values in the group and the median value of the group values. The remaining values are sorted to determine the median of the plurality of values.

Abstract: An exponent unit receives an operand and outputs an exponent of the operand that is equal to the number of consecutive bits of the operand that have the same value as the most significant bit (MSB) of the operand. The exponent unit can obtain an exponent value of an operand having a bit width that is greater than a processing bit width of a leading one detector (or a leading zero detector).

Abstract: A system and method for generating an indeterminate random digital data string based on a sampling source, which varies in frequency and phase, sampling an entropy source that also varies in frequency and phase, and additionally based on the principles of permutation and substitution. The system includes a random number generation circuit and a data substitution circuit coupled to receive random data output from the random number generation circuit. A data permutation circuit is coupled to receive substituted random data output from the data substitution circuit. A data compression circuit is coupled to receive permuted and substituted random data output from the permutation circuit and output at least a portion of the indeterminate random data string. A plurality of variable frequency clocks, each operating at different clock frequencies, are selectively coupled to various of the circuits within the system.

Abstract: In a method of encoding a source signal by determining Line Spectral Frequencies (LSFs) for representing Linear Predictive Coding (LPC) filter coefficients, real zeros are determined in associated polynomials P″ and Q″ in cos(m&ohgr;), with each polynomial being a series of Chebyshev polynomials, a search for real zeroes being performed by evaluating the associated polynomials in a series of steps of a real variable u, an approximation of cos(m&ohgr;) as a function of the real variable u being employed.

Abstract: A method for advancing pointers in a memory including a sequence of N data points of a stage M of a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) whose first stage is stage 0, the N data points including N/2 a data points and N/2 B data points, the N data points are stored in the memory in 2M groupings of a data points, each of the groupings having 2(Log2N)−1−M data points, and each of the groupings is followed by a grouping of 2(Log2N)−1−M B data points, the method including the steps of a) setting a pointer index Ap equal to the binary value of the data point memory index corresponding to the first A data point in the memory, b) setting a pointer index Bp equal to the binary value of the data point memory index corresponding to the first B data point in the memory, c) setting a first binary bit mask value R1 equal to 2(Log2N)−1−M+1, d) setting a second binary bit mask value R2 equal to 2(Log2N)−1−M, e) advancing the Bp pointer index to the data point memory index correspo

Abstract: An implementation of a multi-dimensional Galois field multiplier and a method of Galois field multi-dimensional multiplication which are able to support many communication standards having various symbol sizes, different GFs, and different primitive polynomials, in a cost-efficient manner is disclosed. The key to allow a single implementation to perform for all different GF sizes is to align the input data such that the Galois field symbols of the operands are aligned to the left most significant bit (MSB) position of the input data field. Similarly, the primitive polynomial used to create a selected Galois field is aligned to the left MSB position. A polynomial multiply is performed. The product polynomial is then conditionally divided by the primitive polynomial starting with the most significant bit, the condition being if the left most bit of the product is a 1. In other words, if the product polynomial has an MSB of 1, then divide the product with the primitive polynomial.

Abstract: An instruction memory system is shared by a plurality of processors and the system utilizes an increased bandwidth to support the combined number of processors. The total instruction address space is divided into code segments according to the disjoint tasks to be performed. The instruction codes of each processor are consolidated into one copy for control instructions and duplicate copies for other disjoint tasks such as inbound requests and outbound requests that have greater processor contention. Interleaving of the memory arrays for certain disjoint tasks serves to provide a larger number of instructions for these tasks. The system utilizes arbiters to receive all disjoint tasks and to control multiplexors that send addresses to memory arrays.

Abstract: A digital processing system P, configured as a regular tree with n+1 levels S0, S1, S2 . . . Sn and degree k, provided in the form of a circuit Pn on the level Sn and forms the root node of the tree, an underlying level Sn−q, q=1,2, . . . n−1, in the circuit P provided nested in the Kq−1 circuits Pn−q+1 on the overlying level Sn−q+1, each circuit Pn−q+1 on this level including k circuits Pn−q. A q=n defined zeroth level in the circuit Pn includes from Kn−1+1 to Kn circuits P0 which form kernel processors in the processing device P and on the level S0 and constitute the leaf nodes of the tree, the kernel processor P0 being provided nested in each of the circuits p1 on the level S1. Each of the circuits P1, P2, . . . Pn, includes a logic unit E which generally is connected with circuits P0, P1, . . . Pn−1. Each of the circuits P0, P1, . . . Pn has additionally identical interfaces I, such that IP0−IP1− . . .

Abstract: A method of operating a server includes retrieving a document from a storage device. A variable is generated, the variable including information to enable another server to reproduce the document. The variable may, for example, be a compressed and encrypted complete copy of the document, or may be a JavaScript variable. The variable is appended to the document, and the document is transmitted.

Abstract: When a first data request having a first identifier and a first request type is received, it may be determined whether the first data request can be processed. The first data request may be processed upon determining that the first data request can be processed. The correspondence between identifiers and request types may be one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, or many-to-many relationship. When the first data request can not be processed, a response type having a response method may be selected that may generate a second identifier and/or select a second request type. A second request type may correspond to the first identifier and the second identifier may correspond to the first request type. When a response type is selected, a second data request corresponding to the selected response type may be generated. The second data request may then be processed.

Abstract: A method and system for invoking by a client computer system of a function of an object of an object class provided by a server computer system. The client sends a request to a server that comprises a Universal Resource Locator (“URL”) that identifies a script, an object class, and a function of the object class to invoke. In response to receiving the request, the server starts the script and transfers control to the script. The script instantiates an object of the object class identified in the URL of the received request and invokes the function identified in the URL of the received request. The invoked function performs the behavior of the function, creates a response to be sent to the client, and sends the response to the client. The response contains state information describing a state of the object after the behavior of the function is performed.

Abstract: An interactive electronic instructional system is a teaching interface between a teacher and students where data is transmitted from the teacher's terminal to the student terminals. The data is received at the student terminals and is separated into execution data and instructional data. The student terminals are grouped into teams allowing student teams to interact with a group decision. This encourages team participation by shy or otherwise reluctant students. Team answer data is transmitted from one of the student terminals in the team to the teacher's terminal. The teacher monitors team answer data to infer class progress towards a goal. The teacher may modify the instructional data based on the progress.

Abstract: A multimedia distribution device includes an embedded stream encoder and an embedded stream server for encoding and transmitting, through utilization of streaming technology, audio and video content originating from a videoconference site and received through a network interface, to network-connected terminals. In situations in which the videoconference includes the presentation of slides or other content, the device may include a file conversion engine for converting the presentation content received through a data interface into a standard graphic image format, for synchronous distribution with the audio and video content stream. The multimedia content may be viewed in a multiple-window interface, wherein the audio and video content is presented by a streaming media player, and the presentation content is displayed in a separate window. Additionally, the interface may include an interactive text entry interface, through which the viewer may submit comments or questions to the conference presenters.

Abstract: The operation and status of a system, such as a video/audio conferencing system, is monitored through the use of a web-based system. The system includes multiple client computer devices that interconnect with a web server. The web server is able to access the system to determine status changes, as well as to control the operation of the system. For operability across multiple platforms and technologies, the interface between the web server and the system is performed using a Microsoft Component Object Model (“COM”) application. The web server also includes an ASP page constructed with a server script and one or more client scripts embedded or invoked from the server script. The server script is set up to operate in a looped configuration. Each pass through the loop of the server script, the system is queried to determine if a status change has occurred. If no change has occurred, the server script delays and then restarts the loop.

Abstract: An E-mail can be sent easily with an animated representation as if a pet were going in and out on a GUI picture simulating the inside of a room for dispatching or delivering a mail. In addition, the user can send an E-mail with a friendly feeling for an agent. By sending agent data updated responsive to experiences of an electronic pet as annexed papers to the E-mail, the animation as if an electronic pet were going in and out on a GUI picture simulating the inside of a room for dispatching or delivering a mail is displayed. The behaviour of the pet displayed by animation is varied depending on the keeping environment. The electronic pet selects an illustrative sentence in keeping with the agent data from pre-set illustrative sentences for voluntarily sending the sentence as an E-mail to a user who is a keeper or to a counterpart of past mailing of the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a message securely from a sender to a recipient over a network and includes at each transfer: creating a message; retrieving the public key of the recipient from an external key server just prior to sending the message; signing the message using the private key of the sender; encrypting the signed message using a public key encryption algorithm and the public key of the recipient producing an encrypted signed message; generating an E-mail message addressed to the recipient; attaching the encrypted signed message as an attachment to the E-mail message; and, transmitting the E-mail message to the recipient.

Abstract: Analysis information and event information to be executed when received E-mail corresponds to the analysis information are stored correspondingly. When the E-mail corresponding with the analysis information is received, the corresponding event is driven. Alternatively, the information specifying execution timing is added to the event information and, thereby, when the E-mail corresponding to the analysis information is received, the corresponding event information is defined as a monitoring object. When the execution timing specified in the execution timing information occurs, the event is driven.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for facilitating communication among a number of distributed clients in a distributed network is disclosed. A user, such as through a personal digital assistant device, may select one or more sound messages for transmission to one or more other users in the network. Each sound message may be preceded by a sound identifier which identifies the sending user. Users may select or create their sounds message and/or person sound identifiers. The sound messages will typically be abbreviated melodies or note strings which are associated with certain conversational messages.