Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for generating a number audio element for playing a desired number in an audio system. Specifically, the method sets forth the steps of storing a plurality of audio elements used to represent a subset of the range of numbers; defining a plurality of match types used to determine if one or more matching audio element exists in the subset of the range of numbers; defining a plurality of accuracy prefixes representative of the error associated with any rounding of the desired number to be played; setting the accuracy prefix to a value representing an exact match between the desired number and a number audio element in the stored subset of audio elements representative of the range of numbers; filtering the audio elements to determine if an exact match exists; if an exact match does not exist, rounding the desired number to a pre-determined level of precision to create an estimated desired number; setting the accuracy prefix to a value representing the error associated with any rounding of the desired number to be played; filtering the audio elements to determine if an exact match exists between the estimated desired number and any of the plurality of audio elements used to represent a subset of the range of numbers; and repeating the steps of filtering until such time as an exact match has been determined between the estimated desired number and any of the plurality of audio elements used to represent a subset of the range of numbers. Once an exact match is determined, the number audio element is transmitted to a remote user. The number audio element may be a stock quote or an announcement of the time. Further, the number audio element may be transmitted in telephone systems, automated teller machines, or other audio systems.

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First Claim