Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for ensuring a real-time connection between users and selected service providers using voice mail. The system enables seekers of a wide array of services to select, contact, converse, and pay for a service provider using a communications device such as the telephone. A seeker locates a service provider by providing the name of a profession, which is recognized by the system's software. Once a service provider is selected, the system connects the seeker with the service provider for a live conversation. However, during service provider unavailability, the system enables the seeker to leave a voice mail message for the service provider and reconnects the user and service provider once the message is reviewed by the service provider. The system automatically bills the seeker for the time spent conversing with the service provider and compensates the service provider.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 12, 2012
Date of Patent:
May 20, 2014
Assignee:
Yellow Pages
Inventors:
Steven Lurie, Scott Faber, Sean Van der Linden
Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to connect people for real time communications via optional advertisements presented via directory assistance. One embodiment includes: receiving a directory assistance request from a user over a telephonic connection with the user; providing directory assistance information responsive to the directory assistance request; presenting an option related to an advertisement to the user; if the user declines the option, charging the user a fee for providing the directory assistance information; and if the user accepts the option, reducing the fee for providing the directory assistance information.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 28, 2008
Date of Patent:
May 13, 2014
Assignee:
Yellow Pages
Inventors:
Ebbe Altberg, Scott Faber, Ron Hirson, Sean Van Der Linden, Ben Harris Lyon
Abstract: A method for providing sponsorship for a directory comprises permitting a search of the directory. The method further comprising displaying a search result on a page and incorporating a designated web page of a sponsor on the same page as the search result.
Abstract: A method for providing sponsorship for a directory comprises permitting a search of the directory. The method further comprising displaying a search result on a page and incorporating a designated web page of a sponsor on the same page as the search result.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 14, 2000
Date of Patent:
December 16, 2008
Assignee:
Yellow Pages Superhighway, Inc.
Inventors:
Esme M. Taylor, Bonnie E Engel, Kathryn Murrin
Abstract: An innovative "one-stop" full service telephone call/communications handling system combining voice mail, voice recognition, database handling and networking features into an integrated system provides highly cost effective solutions for even small organization and individual users. A voice mail system is programmed to automatically answer incoming telephone calls from incoming sources, and offers callers different options depending upon the number they call in on. Some incoming telephone lines are dedicated to particular services or types of callers, while other incoming lines provide a more general public interface for a variety of services offered by the system. The system of the present invention provides a more generalized interface offering callers a variety of different functions/operations/capabilities, including electronic yellow pages, long distance credit card calling services, voice mail and voice conversion, one-stop travel arrangements, and high quality voice mail audio prompts.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 16, 1994
Date of Patent:
December 26, 1995
Assignee:
Tele Guia Talking Yellow Pages
Inventors:
Jose E. Herrero Garcia, Carlos R. Jimenez Rodriguez
Abstract: An innovative "one-stop" full service telephone call/communications handling system combining voice mail, voice recognition, database handling and networking features into an integrated system provides highly cost effective solutions for even small organization and individual users. A voice mail system is programmed to automatically answer incoming telephone calls from incoming sources, and offers callers different options depending upon the number they call in on. Some incoming telephone lines are dedicated to particular services or types of callers, while other incoming lines provide a more general public interface for a variety of services offered by the system. The system of the present invention provides a more generalized interface offering callers a variety of different functions/operations/capabilities, including electronic yellow pages, long distance credit card calling services, voice mail and voice conversion, one-stop travel arrangements, and high quality voice mail audio prompts.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 1, 1990
Date of Patent:
February 16, 1993
Assignee:
Tele Guia Talking Yellow Pages, Inc.
Inventors:
Jose E. Herrero Garcia, Carlos R. Jimenez Rodriquez