Patent ID: 6385306
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: H04L,H04M,H04Q

Abstract:
A method of transmitting one or more audio file attachments in an electronic message from a touch-tone telephone comprising the steps of:(a) dialing into a predetermined telephone number; (b) sending an identification code to a central server by sending DTMF signals on said touch-tone telephone; (c) associating said identification code with a subscriber record; (d) validating the authenticity of said subscriber record; (e) authorizing the transmission of said electronic message based upon whether said identification code is authentic; (f) sending one or more DTMF signals on said touch-tone telephone corresponding to preselected email address wherein said one or more DTMF signals results in a unique selection of a predetermined alphanumeric character; (g) providing a wait loop of predetermined duration to identify said predetermined alphanumeric character; (h) identifying said predetermined alphanumeric character according to the number of identical DTMF signals received during said wait loop; (i) appending said predetermined alphanumeric character as identified at the end of said wait loop; (j) assembling a string of alphanumeric characters predetermined of said preselected email address; (k) providing a text-to-speech audio confirmation of said string of alphanumeric characters predetermined of said preselected email address; (l) prompting for an audio voice message by an automated voice response; (m) recording said audio voice message; (n) detecting a DTMF stop signal; (o) converting said audio voice message into a digital audio file; (p) attaching said digital audio file to said electronic message directed to said preselected email address; (q) associating an alphanumeric reply string with said subscriber record; (r) encoding said alphanumeric reply string into said electronic message in a reply-to field wherein a recipient of said electronic message may send a return electronic message addressed to said alphanumeric reply string; and (s) transmitting said electronic message to said preselected email address.