Automatic answering and appointment scheduling machine

Abstract

Computers Applications are replacing human beings by performing the tasks more efficiently in less time and with negligible error probability. Telephony Application Programming Interface (TAPI) enables Windows applications to share telephony devices with each other and provides a common means of handling different media on a wide range of hardware platforms. Automatic Answering and Appointment Scheduling Machine is a TAPI based software that deals with answering and assigning appointments. It assigns appointments automatically using interactive voice messaging (IVM). The system is capable of assigning the appointments on telephone, LAN and through the internet. The facility of remote system configuration by the administrator through telephone is also incorporated. The system is client-server based and clients on LAN can view and get appointments but are not allowed to do any alteration. The system is CLI based so all the phone numbers are stored in the database for security and future reference. A database is maintained at the back end that stores the phone numbers and the respective time slots against them. The system supports multiple users through multiple input Medias. The system has been implemented using Visual Basic 6 while enabling TAPI components on windows XP with service pack 2. The reports are generated using Crystal Reports 8.0 whereas the web pages are designed by Dreamweaver MX 2004. The system is evaluated by checking the functionality of each module with features like a user friendly GUI, telephonic messages in both English and Urdu and CLI for security of the system. The system was also checked and validated for testing Voice Recording and Playing, Microsoft TAPI Compatibility with Modem, Client-Server Application, Web Pages Links and Appointments through Telephone.