menges@menges.cs.unc.edu (John Menges) (04/25/89)
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?