Xref: utzoo comp.sys.mac:30627 comp.protocols.tcp-ip:6892
Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!uflorida!gatech!ncsuvx!mcnc!thorin!menges!menges
From: menges@menges.cs.unc.edu (John Menges)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac,comp.protocols.tcp-ip
Subject: Automated Voice Systems
Message-ID: <7900@thorin.cs.unc.edu>
Date: 24 Apr 89 21:45:33 GMT
Sender: news@thorin.cs.unc.edu
Lines: 41


I'm looking for a device or devices that will perform most or all of
the following functions, under the control of a UNIX host (via TCP/IP
or a serial line would be best).

    - Initiate a call to a number given by controlling host (CH).
    - Return call progress status information to CH
        (dialing, busy, answered, I hung up, they hung up, etc.).
    - Speak an arbitrary message given by CH, preferably as text, but 
      phonetically is ok.  Strongly prefer arbitrary messages, not
      pre-recorded.  Speech should be good enough for most adults to
      understand with a bit of effort.
    - Decode DTMF tones and report to CH what buttons were pushed.
    - Answer the phone & report to CH that phone was answered.
    - Start/Stop recording (digital is preferred), present message ID
      to controlling host.
    - Given message id, speak or delete recorded message.

  Ideally, it would interact with the controlling host *during* a
call, rather than just at the beginning and end of the call.  That is,
the box should be able to:

    - dial/answer
    - speak
    - record, file, retrieve, replay, delete messages
    - decode DTMF tones
    - interact with controlling host

but decision making & control would be done by the controlling host.
One call at a time is ok.

Immediate applications:
    Alerting appropriate personnel to abnormal network or computer events.
    Voice mail.
    System status queries initiated by users & operations staff.
    Primitive device control via voice lines.

Does anybody know of or have experience with such a device?
Any experience with DECtalk or Teleflex?

Is there a better newsgroup for this?