Computer-based messaging system

A common problem faced by people in large institutions, like universities, is how to keep in touch with each other as they move within the institutions. Thus, the problem can be considered as giving them the ability to leave and receive messages when they are not in their offices. In this paper, we present a computer-based messaging system as a possible solution to this problem. The system has two main parts, a microcontroller based interface and display unit, which will be placed outside the owner's office, and a PC-based program to manage functioning of the system. Important features of this system are: it is password protected; the owner of the system can select a message to be displayed on the interface and display unit, thus informing visitors about his/her whereabouts; visitors, using the interface and display unit, can leave a voice message informing the owner about the visit; a host of other features that help the owner manage text and voice messages; and as voice messages are stored on the PC's hard disk, their number and size are only limited by available space on the hard disk.