Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A voice response apparatus and method in which narrative text contained in a database is presented to a user through a telephone. Based on user responses, the voice response apparatus selects only the appropriate text which matches the user's selection. The user has the option of listening to a human voice synthesized by the system reciting the text or having the text and corresponding graphics faxed to him. At any point during the recitation of text, the user may select certain options made available by the system. These options include among many: increasing the speed of the voice reciting the text; decreasing the speed of the voice reciting the text; listening to a summary of the text rather than the full text; discontinuing recitation of the text; and switching to a different text. The system, upon detection of a user option selection, marks a position in the text and continues the recitation from that point when appropriate depending on the option selected.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim