Digital dictation system with voice mail capability

Abstract

A digitally implemented central dictation system wherein users designated as dictators may input Voice Files for later retrieval and transcription by a second group of users designated as transcriptionists. A system Supervisor has the capability to monitor operation of the system and allocate system resources. The system further includes an optional Voice Mail capability wherein selected dictators may input Voice Files for later retrieval by designated other dictators. The system further includes a plurality of telephone-like input/output devices used by system users for input and output of voice messages, which devices further include DTMF generators for input of command signals. Still further the system includes a Supervisory station for use by the system Supervisor in monitoring system activity and allocation of system resources, which station further includes a CRT type display and keyboard, and a printer for output of hardcopy reports by the system. The Supervisor station is also provided with a telephone-like input/output device for use by the system Supervisor. The telephone-like input out devices of the system users may be either conventional telephones which access the system through a conventional PBX or may be telephone-like devices which are directly connected to dedicated system ports.