VB TAPI with Internet

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Speech Automation 5.1

VB TAPI with Internet

Introduction

You can use SAPI one of two ways: on the desktop or with communication devices, such as a modem or the Internet. On the desktop, SAPI is restricted to running on one computer and applications must use that particular device. Using SAPI on the Internet, speech or voice information may be transmitted over the lines of communication.

Two sample applications are provided to demonstrate these different means of communication: VB TAPI with Internet and VB Outgoing Call. VB TAPI with Internet allows a computer to call another computer using a simple answering machine format. You can leave or retrieve messages using voice navigation. VB Outgoing Call also calls another computer but is restricted to sending a text-to-speech (TTS) voice message.

Using VB TAPI with Internet

Upon connecting to the Internet, VB TAPI with Internet will speak an introduction and present two options: Leave Message or Check Message. For example, to leave a message, simply say, "leave message" when prompted.

Leave message

You may leave a brief message. After speaking the message, the application will wait a few seconds and then play back the message. When the message has finished playing, the call will be disconnected. Although VB TAPI with Internet may be used many times to leave a message, only the last message will be retained.

Check message

You may retrieve a message. The last message recorded will be played back. When the message has finished playing back, the call will be disconnected. Only the most recent message will be played back.

Setting up VB TAPI with Internet

Two computers are required to use VB TAPI with Internet. The first, or source computer, will be the one you talk from. The second, or target computer, acts in the role of a server and operates VB TAPI with Internet. To use this application you need the following operating systems and programs:

  • Both computers must have Windows 2000 or a later version, although the operating systems do not need to be the same.
  • Both computers must be connected to each other using the Internet. Part of this connection can use a conventional telephone line as long as there is a valid Internet connection.
  • The target computer must have SAPI 5.1 loaded. The source computer (the one initiating the call) does not require SAPI.
  • Now that both computers are set up with the necessary programs and connections, you can begin sending and receiving messages.

    1. On the target computer, start VB TAPI with Internet. The Answer button will be disabled since no incoming call can be answered.
    2. On the source computer, run Windows Phone Dialer. Click Start->Programs->Accessories->Communications->Phone Dialer.
    3. To find the computer name, right-click the My Computer icon on the target computer's desktop and select the Network Identification. The name appears in the Full computer name line, although often only the first part of the name is needed.
    4. Click the Dial icon on tool bar and enter the name of the target computer in the Dial dialog box. Or, from the Phone menu, click Dial and enter the name of the computer. Make sure the Internet Call option is selected.
    5. Click Place Call to initiate the connection.
    6. On the target computer, the Answer button becomes active when the connection is made. Click Answer to accept the call.
    The source computer is ready to use.