U S West, Inc.

Mediaone Group, Inc.

Par3 Communications, Inc.

Michael J Bishara

Eliot M Case

Terry F Trader

Scott Sikora

Matthew J Bixler

Leslie Darrell Cox

Barbara J Warden

William John Selig

Carol A Erbes

Rudolfo Xavier Munguia

A method and system for identifying whether a communicating party is a person or an automated device is provided. The identification system determines whether a person or an automated device is currently providing audio of the communication. When the identification is to be determined, the identification system outputs an audio signal to the party. The identification system monitors the input audio signal from the party to determine whether a person or an automated device is providing the input audio. The identification system makes this determination based on whether there is simultaneous sound on the input audio signal and the output audio signal. The greater the amount of simultaneous sound, the greater the likelihood that the party is an automated device.

Method and system for identifying a party answering a telephone call based on simultaneous activity

A method of updating or expanding an audio classified ad database with text ads obtained from the databases of print media organizations such as newspapers is disclosed. Ads from a print media ad database are downloaded to a host processor that identifies relevant ads, such as those dealing with autos, and converts the abbreviated text of the print ad to an expanded version of the ad. The words and phrases of the expanded version are parsed and stored in appropriate fields of a relational database. A sequenced play list of audio file numbers corresponding to the words and phrases contained in a database record is created along with 'glue' words and phrases that are added to produce a more natural sounding audio. The sequenced list is stored in an audio ad database and is retrieved and assembled to play the audio version of the ad in response to a command from a remote user.

Method for converting a text classified ad to a natural sounding audio ad

An automatic method and system for testing an audiotex system. The method includes generating an input signal for receipt by the audiotex system, identifying a failure if the audiotex system fails to generate an output signal in response to the input signal, and transmitting a failure notification signal, the signal having a failure type associated therewith based on the input signal and the failure to generate an output signal. The method may also include identifying a failure if the audiotex system generates an output signal in response to the input signal indicating that the audiotex system is not fully operational, and transmitting a failure notification signal, the signal having a failure type associated therewith based on the input signal and the output signal generated in response thereto. The system includes input and output devices, a processor, memory and software for performing the method.

Method and system for testing an audiotex system

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Westminster, CO, United States of America

Michael J Bishara