Sales, Ordering, Or Banking System Patents (Class 379/93.12)
  • Patent number: 6865261
    Abstract: A method for making a personal gastronomic decision or receiving instruction involving price, availability, safety and convenience information for food, such as for dining. The method involves sending an inquiry from a display device to a central server and transmitting the inquiry from the server to an information source. On receiving an action from the source to the server, the method involves personalizing the action for a particular user, interfacing the action with the display device from the server, and displaying the action. The display device may be a mobile device such as a Palm Pilot or a cell phone. The display device may have a tactile, audible, or visual interface. Any language may be translated, and any of the steps may be performed at a desired time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventors: Raman K. Rao, Sunil K. Rao, Sanjay K. Rao, Rekha Rao, Rajni Rao
  • Patent number: 6856679
    Abstract: A disclosed method provides automated scripting to guide a customer service representative (CSR) in handling a call from a customer. Operations within the method may include displaying products and two or more purpose classifications for selection by the CSR. The purpose classifications may include (a) an add classification for customer requests to add a new product to an account and (b) a remove classification for customer requests to remove an existing product from the account. A page generator may receive input from the CSR selecting one of the purpose classifications and one of the products as pertinent to the call. In response, the page generator may automatically displaying a customized page with scripted text for the CSR to read to the customer. The scripted text may correspond specifically both to the selected purpose classification and to the selected product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignees: SBC Services Inc., SBC Technology Resources, Inc., Southwestern Bell Telephone Company
    Inventors: Stanford E. Pennington, Jr., Melissa L. Oldenburg, Benjamin J. Schubert, Kurt M. Joseph, Mary K. Griffitt, Krisinda A. Guerrero
  • Patent number: 6853722
    Abstract: A method and system for automating customer slamming and cramming complaints includes an automated reporting system having one or more receiving devices and a complaint module. Customers who want to report a slam or cram access the automated reporting system and report the complaint without having to speak with a customer service representative. The complaint module obtains the customer telephone number and retrieves customer account information using the customer telephone number. Using the customer account information, the complaint module extrapolates a type of complaint for the customer complaint and prompts the customer for information regarding the customer complaint and the type of the complaint. The customer provides customer responses to the prompts and the complaint module provides an indication to the customer regarding each customer response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: SBC Technology Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt M. Joseph, Robert R. Bushey, Benjamin A. Knott, John M. Martin
  • Patent number: 6844813
    Abstract: A vending machine is equipped with a short range communication circuit for uploading vending machine data to passing mobile terminals. The mobile terminals subsequently upload the data to a remote location through a wireless communication process, such as through a cellular phone call. Compensation may be provided to the user of the mobile terminal and aggregation between mobile terminals and/or vending machines is contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Vending Management Services Limited
    Inventor: Simon F. Hardman
  • Patent number: 6819748
    Abstract: A method and system for menuing on a voice response unit (VRU) or the like that avoids creating customer confusion on low volume calls that results in customer service representatives having to spend time clearing up that confusion without otherwise adversely affecting the system. For example, a menu for non-bankruptcy reaffirmation account and the like is included in the menus of a credit card VRU system. The menu and its sub-menus eliminate the options of balance transfers and credit limit increases that are inapplicable to those customers and result in an inordinate number of lengthy conversations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Capital One Financial Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Weiss, Patrick L. Jernigan, William S. Bass, Shannon Nicole Easley
  • Publication number: 20040190694
    Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing telecommunications access is disclosed. A customer interested in using the telecommunications access makes a payment into the payment processing unit which forwards the payment information to the central control unit. The central control unit reports the transaction information to a central computer system via its modem connected to a telecommunication channel. Access to the same telecommunication channel or another channel can be made available to the customer via a switchable telecommunications access circuit which is also controlled by the central control unit. The customer connects to the telecommunications channel via the telecommunications access connector. The central control unit provides information on the progress of the vending transaction to the customer via the user interface. The central control unit determines when the transaction is completed by sensing the cessation of usage via the usage detection circuit or via customer action at the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Charles C. Schelberg, Thomas M. Duff
  • Patent number: 6778659
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a customer service routing system and method. The routing system is configured for receiving an incoming service inquiry from a customer, prompting the customer to input a product serial number, receiving the serial number input by the customer, and directing the customer inquiry to a customer service representative based upon the customer response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Meredith J. Andersen
  • Patent number: 6778647
    Abstract: A system for automated handling of call interactions includes an automated interrogation device, typically having interactive voice response (IVR) capability, with local memory for storing subset records. Each subset record corresponds to a master record that is remotely stored. The subset record contains sufficient information to allow a calling party to complete an identification process and to at least initiate an intended operation. For example, in a banking environment, the locally stored information may include customer names, account identifications, account balances, dates, and other information that is commonly requested by bank customers. In response to an incoming call, IVR queries are directed to the calling party and the appropriate subset record is accessed. Preferably, the subset record is retrieved to temporary storage, such as random access memory. Thus, there are temporarily three storages of record material specific to the calling party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory P. Dumas
  • Patent number: 6775371
    Abstract: Telephone users desiring directory assistance services are connected via standard telephone procedures to a directory assistance provider, such as an operator. An operator provides the destination number and initiates a connection to that number. Once that connection is initiated, the connection is monitored for the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as a busy signal. If no such condition is detected, the caller proceeds with the call in the normal manner. If, however, such a condition is detected, the caller is automatically transferred to a directory assistance provider for further help. In addition, a pool of operators/agents capable of receiving the request for concierge-like services generate an electronic ticket representing such request. A pool of fulfillment agents capable of receiving the electronic ticket engage in such action as necessary to fulfill the request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Metro One Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Elsey, Michael T. Samudio, Timothy A. Timmins
  • Patent number: 6760409
    Abstract: A method of providing a session for ordering a telecommunication service includes receiving a telecommunication call for ordering the telecommunication service, communicating a prerecorded terms and conditions message for the telecommunication service to an individual ordering the telecommunication service, and receiving a reply message to the terms and conditions message from the individual. The prerecorded terms and conditions message is communicated to the individual and the reply message is received during the telecommunication call. A system for providing the session is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: SBC Properties, L.P.
    Inventors: Marc Ira Lipton, Gregory John Dunny
  • Patent number: 6760414
    Abstract: A personal computer banking system and method in which a personal computer is connected by a network service provider directly to a host computer system of a bank such that customer service requests can be processed automatically without need for intervention by customer service representatives. The system is capable of distinguishing between those customer service requests which are capable of automated fulfillment and those requests which require handling by a customer service representative. The system is integrated with the host computer system of the bank so that the remote banking customer can access other automated services of the bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: KeyCorp
    Inventors: Patricia Schurko, Paul Masarik, Donna Huddle
  • Patent number: 6757364
    Abstract: A method of operating a telecommunications network (10) for providing a voice-activated telephone directory is disclosed. The directory is toll-free to the caller and accessible via a heavily advertised, easily remembered access number wherein the caller is quickly and automatically connected to the selected business.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: USA★USA★USA, LLC
    Inventor: Darrel Newkirk
  • Publication number: 20040109547
    Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffick-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald A. Katz
  • Patent number: 6741697
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the performance of a CTI enabled business application for a call center is described. The method comprises the steps of acquiring telephony network information such as an Automatic Number Identification from the telephony network when a telephone call is made to the call center and searching for information stored by the business application such as the customer name which is associated with the ANI from the telephony network. This search is made at the beginning of the call and the customer name is stored with ANI in a call log. Additional information associated with the call such as an order taken during the call is searched for after the call is completed and this additional business information is also stored with said telephony information in the call log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Benson, Alan Adrian Impey
  • Patent number: 6741681
    Abstract: A method for data acquisition of data provided on an Internet site and a method for data communication to an Internet site is described. Data communication to the Internet site is performed in a predetermined data communication format and the Internet site is maintained on an Internet server. The data provided on the Internet site is automatically transformed at least partially into speech, and the data transformed into speech is communicated by speech telephony connection between a server-side speech telephony device and a remote speech telephony device of a user. The user is automatically offered data communication by a speech telephony connection between a remote speech telephony device of the user and a server-side speech telephony device using acoustic signals input by the user. The acoustic signals input by the user are automatically transformed into the predetermined data communication format and are communicated to the Internet site in this predetermined data communication format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: mediaBEAM GmbH
    Inventor: Jochen Meyer
  • Publication number: 20040076275
    Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, exemplified as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data to selectively implement communication, as for consummating sales and the like. The traffic-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to process data and selectively interconnect the video source with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to receive video communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald A. Katz
  • Publication number: 20040071278
    Abstract: Call data signals actuated by a telephone terminal are provided from a telephone communication system to indicate call data as the called number, the calling number and the calling equipment. The call data signals address related control functions for selectively interfacing a live operator terminal or a multiple format multiple port data processing system. The interface connection involves providing a specific format as for automated processing or to prompt an operator. Screening tests and format selection are performed to make a determination. Individual telephone terminals and individual data formats are arranged and interfaced under controlled conditions specified by the call data. Time tests, history tests and demographic tests may be executed in addition to basic selection and qualification tests. Control may be executed from active data storage for assembled control words and record words. Record words for individual calls may be stored along with developed data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: RONALD A. KATZ
  • Patent number: 6721400
    Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing telecommunications access is disclosed. A customer interested in using the telecommunications access makes a payment into the payment processing unit which forwards the payment information to the central control unit. The central control unit reports the transaction information to a central computer system via its modem connected to a telecommunication channel. Access to the same telecommunication channel or another channel can be made available to the customer via a switchable telecommunications access circuit which is also controlled by the central control unit. The customer connects to the telecommunications channel via the telecommunications access connector. The central control unit provides information on the progress of the vending transaction to the customer via the user interface. The central control unit determines when the transaction is completed by sensing the cessation of usage via the usage detection circuit or via customer action at the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: PowerOasis, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Schelberg, Jr., Thomas M. Duff, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6704040
    Abstract: A cellular phone set includes the videophone function of performing real-time image transfer by using a communication scheme with high transmission capability, and a section for transmitting control data for controlling various functions including the videophone function on a distant side in response to a specific external operation during speech communication. A remote control method for a cellular phone set is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Ryohei Sato
  • Patent number: 6697481
    Abstract: The customer inputs the customer's identification data to the customer's terminal (7). The customer's terminal sends the input identification data to the server (2). The server (2) acquires from the database (3) historical information of the customer corresponding to the identification data. The server (2) sends the acquired historical information to the customer terminal (7). The customer terminal (7) displays the historical information by a browser. By doing this, the customer is able to select a desired operator based on the displayed historical information. The customer terminal (7) sends the selected operator information to the server (2). The server (2) connects the operator terminal of the selected operator to the customer terminal (7). The PBX (4) connects the operator telephone of the selected operator to the customer telephone (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Teruoki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6693662
    Abstract: Computerized video telephony enhances the interaction between a calling party and a called user wherein the called user is an enterprise employing a computerized, automated telephone response system together with a pool of live human operators or agents. The present invention coordinates the handling of the network data call(s) so that video image content may be provided to the calling user while connected to the automated system and then after the telephone call is transferred to the live operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Parker, Shane R. Werner, Charles Diaz, Terry M. Frederick, Terry T. Yu
  • Patent number: 6690775
    Abstract: A delivery-information management method which enables designation of a reception date and time by easy manipulation of a terminal or the like. Delivery information is recorded in a database. Next, an e-mail containing a scheduled delivery time and a telephone number for confirmation communication is transmitted to an e-mail address included in the delivery information. Thereafter, a telephone call to the telephone number for confirmation communication is received, and an originating telephone number which indicates a number assigned to a telephone line through which the telephone call is made is acquired. When the originating telephone number coincides with the telephone number of a recipient, a flag indicating that the delivery date and time are confirmed is set in the delivery information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Michio Okamura
  • Patent number: 6690407
    Abstract: A combined telephonic/computerized on-demand ordering system for goods or services employs a computer network communication session that is established automatically in response to a telephone call made from a requestor to a provider. The computer network data call can provide video images synchronized to menu selections presented by an automated telephone response system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Parker, Shane R. Werner, Charles Diaz, Terry M. Frederick, Terry T. Yu
  • Patent number: 6687345
    Abstract: A system for transferring data between a centrally located site and a portable communications terminal via a telephone network, the site having associated therewith a look up table containing-plurality of data records correlating to items disposed at a retail establishment, wherein each of the items has associated therewith a bar code encoded with the indicia unique to each item, with each of the bar coded indicia corresponding to a particular record in the table, the data containing at least a portion of said record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Swartz, Ron Goldman, Thomas Roslak, Gary Serbin, Anthony R. Barkume, Miklos Stern, Jay P. White
  • Patent number: 6687341
    Abstract: A communication network for providing customized information content via a telephone. The network includes a database storing a profile of the customized information content, and a server in communication with the database for generating an audio-based interface document of the customized information content based on the profile. The network also includes an AIN in communication with the server and in communication with the telephone. The AIN may include a SSP switch, a service control point (SCP), and an intelligent resource server. The intelligent resource server maps incoming telephone calls to the SSP switch to the audio-based interface document generated by the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corp.
    Inventors: Robert A. Koch, Arnold Chester McQuaide, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6687346
    Abstract: A system for transferring data between a centrally located site and a portable communications terminal via a telephone network, the site having associated therewith a look up table containing- plurality of data records correlating to items disposed at a retail establishment, wherein each of the items has associated therewith a bar code encoded with the indicia unique to each item, with each of the bar coded indicia corresponding to a particular record in the table, the data containing at least a portion of said record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Swartz, Ron Goldman, Thomas Roslak, Gary Serbin, Anthony R. Barkume, Miklos Stern, Jay P. White
  • Publication number: 20040013248
    Abstract: A method and system for receiving, logging, answering, controlling, and forwarding calls from radio or other promoter call-in contestants, wherein said method provides an efficient means for controlling call-in contests. Radio call-in contests are the most typical, but the method applies to other types of promotions, such as direct mail, store banners and print ads. The system consists of a voice vendor, web server, database, telecommunications, and application software to control and count the calls and to provide administrative functions. Every caller receives a positive response, acknowledgement and notification of the caller number, and an opportunity to obtain other benefits, such as discounted items. Only the winning caller is forwarded to the radio station. The radio station only needs to answer to the winning caller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Marco Ciavolino
  • Patent number: 6680999
    Abstract: Interactive medication data systems and methods are provided which include automated means for providing information pursuant to telephonic and electronic requests from callers. The system includes a database containing information for patients and a variety of medications, a host system database containing prescription data for these medications, and means for receiving an incoming audio communication relating to a request for information concerning a specific medication. The audio communication contains a unique personal identifier which can be mapped to one patient in the host system database. The system then prompts the caller with a menu of selections relating to the patient's active prescriptions, such as, refill or dosage requirements. The caller then selects an option which produces a selection signal. The selection signal guides the system to look for specific data in the database and the system produces an audio or visual response to the caller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Mumps AudioFAX, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfredo Garcia
  • Patent number: 6671358
    Abstract: A method for conducting a financial transaction corresponding to a good or service includes providing a plurality of first credit or debit devices; associating a universal identifier with each of the first credit or debit devices; associating one of the first credit or debit devices with a plurality of second credit or debit cards; employing the one of the first credit or debit devices to initiate the financial transaction; selecting one of the second credit or debit cards based upon the unique identifier and the good or service; and employing the selected one of the second credit or debit cards to conclude the financial transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Universal Identity Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles B. Seidman, Daniel M. Sossaman, II
  • Publication number: 20030223554
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient system for communicating with a broadcast audience. To achieve this and other objects of the present invention, there is a method for a system having a transmitter (811) that broadcasts a first signal (450). The method comprises receiving the first signal (450); decoding (810) the first signal into the second signal (659), the second signal being human perceptible; decoding the first signal into the third signal (660), the third signal being digital; receiving an input from a user (712), after the decoding steps (802); generating the fourth signal (806), responsive to the input (712); generating a fifth signal (750) by appending the fourth signal (806) to the third signal (660); and sending the fifth signal (750).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jack K. Zhang
  • Publication number: 20030220835
    Abstract: A system, method, apparatus and computer program product for providing location based functions and mobile e-commerce comprising a central processing unit including a processor, a storage device, and programming stored in the storage device, a display device, an audio input device, an audio output device, a communications module, a commerce module, an image module, and a location module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Melvin L. Barnes
  • Publication number: 20030185356
    Abstract: A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, exemplified as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data to selectively implement communication, as for consummating sales and the like. The traffic-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to process data and selectively interconnect the video source with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to receive video communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Telebuyer, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald A. Katz
  • Patent number: 6628764
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an automated system for monitoring and supplying a vending machine. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a set of sensors configured to detect a variety of service conditions, including products being low or out of stock, as well as, out of order conditions. The sensors generate output signals that are input to a transmitter or transceiver disposed at (typically within) the vending machine. The transmitter includes circuitry that encodes the signals received from the sensors into a message that includes an instruction code. The transmitter further includes circuitry for transmitting the encoded message, preferably via radio frequency transmission (although other forms of transmission are consistent with the invention). The system further includes a transceiver located remotely (but nearby) from the transmitter, and configured to receive the transmitted signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Statsignal Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Petite
  • Publication number: 20030179870
    Abstract: A method for automatically generating a business proposal has been developed. The method includes first identifying a prospective customer to a computer system. Next a service profile for the prospective customer is downloaded with the computer system. The service profile is maintained in a database by a service provider who either currently provides service to the prospective customer or previously provided service to the prospective customer. Finally, the computer system generates a business proposal based on the downloaded service profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Hilaire deSa, Heather M. Bruner
  • Patent number: 6614886
    Abstract: The present invention features a method for providing status information to a client based on data residing in an electronic database or e-file. The database of the information is maintained and updated, and is periodically analyzed to determine whether at least a portion of the data has changed since the last analysis or communication. If so, the client is automatically informed by the system, which initiates an automatic voice response (AVR) call out to the client. The client verifies that he or she is the true intended recipient of the status information before it is communicated. A log of this communication is also maintained by the system. The client has the opportunity to respond to the system AVR call and/or correct or provide additional information, the client voice response being stored in an appropriate voice mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Lee Knox
  • Patent number: 6606374
    Abstract: A system for recording an audio description of an item that may be offered for sale over the Internet makes use of an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. A user wishing to make an audio recording accesses the IVR system via a telephone or a computer, and interacts with the IVR system to record, edit and/or re-record the audio description of the item. The IVR system can then place the recorded audio description in one or more electronic data files on an Internet server. The data files can then be accessed, via the Internet, and played over user computers. The process of recording an audio description may also include a prompt for the user to input a predefined control number. Such a predefined control number could be assigned by an Internet content provider before the audio recording is created. The IVR system could then store the audio recording, on an Internet server, in a data file having a filename that reflects the control number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Convergys Customer Management Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth I. Rokoff, John R. Ramsay, J. Christopher Wiseman, Timothy M. Price
  • Patent number: 6597770
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises receiving an indication of a first person; associating the first person with an account; receiving an indication of a second person; associating the second person with the account; receiving a request to authorize a transaction between the second person and a third party; determining whether the first person desires to communicate with the second person; and enabling communication between the first person and the second person if the first person desires to communicate with the second person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Daniel E. Tedesco, Andrew S. Van Luchene, James A. Jorasch
  • Patent number: 6597769
    Abstract: A system and method (10) that enables customers (15) to order products and services from business vendors (19) using customized selection codes (24A) that they enter into a telephone ordering system (17). The order (32) is then transmitted (33) to the business vendor (19). The vendor (19) receives the order (32) and processes the order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Shawn Snow
  • Publication number: 20030133546
    Abstract: A method for data acquisition of data provided on an Internet site and a method for data communication to an Internet site is described. Data communication to the Internet site is performed in a predetermined data communication format and the Internet site is maintained on an Internet server. The data provided on the Internet site is automatically transformed at least partially into speech, and the data transformed into speech is communicated by speech telephony connection between a server-side speech telephony device and a remote speech telephony device of a user. The user is automatically offered data communication by a speech telephony connection between a remote speech telephony device of the user and a server-side speech telephony device using acoustic signals input by the user. The acoustic signals input by the user are automatically transformed into the predetermined data communication format and are communicated to the Internet site in this predetermined data communication format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Jochen Meyer
  • Patent number: 6594357
    Abstract: In a Computer Telephony Integration environment, to reduce the risk of inadvertent or fraudulent registration of the association of a user's computer terminal with the wrong telephone, i.e. one other than the telephone adjacent to the computer terminal or the user's mobile telephone, a host computer instructs the user via a screen display to call a particular extension of a CTI-enabled PABX. When a call to that extension is detected, the PABX treats the call as having been answered, and reports this to the host computer. The user is now instructed to dial a codeword, and when this is received at the PABX and reported to the host computer, the telephone is registered as associated with the computer terminal provided that the reported codeword matches the codeword provided to the user. A number of variants and refinements provide for greater security against fraudulent registration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: British Telecommunications public limited company
    Inventors: Derek J Emerson, Robert G Brockbank
  • Patent number: 6587138
    Abstract: In the inventive video telephony method a server of a selected service provider controls transmission of regular video information and voice information between terminals of a caller and a called subscriber during a video telephone call. The server issues a request to the caller to carry out an interactive action during a predetermined time period measured by a timer. If and only if the caller performs the interactive action during the predetermined time period as measured by the timer, additional video information is transmitted to the terminal of the caller from the server and displayed. A fee of the caller may optionally be reduced or increased depending on whether or not the interactive action is performed during the predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Vogt, Frieder Mundt
  • Patent number: 6584613
    Abstract: A simplified TV viewer response system coupled to a telephone system enables a viewer/subscriber to respond to television displays by dialing a special code less than six digits. The code is routed to an enhanced services server. The server captures the dial string including the caller ID, checks the caller ID against a subscriber/viewer profile and maps the caller ID to the cable company providing service to the viewer/subscriber. The server delivers the response to the cable television company which processes the response according to the selected items or choices in the TV screen. Several special dialing codes of limited digits expedite viewer/subscriber selections. Each code includes a special character to route the dialing string to the server. The system provides sound recognition of viewer/subscriber selections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines, Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Dunn, Peter S. Lee, Edith H. Stern, Barry E. Willner
  • Patent number: 6581035
    Abstract: A server for processing voice-enabled transactions from a communication device including a communications interface in communication with the communications device for receiving a voice transaction message generated at the communications device, the voice transaction message being in one of a plurality of predetermined formats for carrying out a transaction. A voice recognition processor is coupled to the communications interface for performing voice recognition on the voice transaction message to generate a recognized message. A controller, operating under a program and in communication with the communications interface and the voice recognition processor, receives the recognized message, generates a corresponding processed transaction message for the transaction, and sends the processed transaction message to the communications device using the communications interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventors: Bharat B. Madan, Mona Singh
  • Publication number: 20030099337
    Abstract: A method of exchanging data between a primary system, such as a call processing system, and an external system to ensure transactional reconciliation between the systems, the method comprising the steps of creating a data message containing updated data within one of the systems, storing the data message within the system that created the data message, sending the data message to the other system, reading the data message within the other system, sending a receipt acknowledgment message to the system that sent the data message, and modifying data within either one or both of the systems according to the updated data contained within the data message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: H. Michael Lord
  • Patent number: 6570967
    Abstract: In an audio-digital telephone interface system, selective operation prompts a caller with oral instructions to provide: digital control signals, digital data signals (numeric) or audio signals. Inbound and outbound operations are involved and inbound callers are qualified as by automatic number identification (ANI) signals and consumable key operation. A data cell is loaded in accordance with an operating program and the resulting data packet is flagged depending on the presence of audio signals. Data packets are returned to storage, as for subsequent addressing to call up, as to process or cue a caller. The illustrative format receives and organizes order data for goods or services or to isolate a subset or a sub-subset of callers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P.
    Inventor: Ronald A. Katz
  • Publication number: 20030095646
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for providing a personal identification number (PIN) to a client terminal over a computer network. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a server receives a request for a PIN over a network, the request originating from a user at a client terminal. The request is associated with a requested monetary unit and a requested provider. The server retrieves from a database a PIN associated with the requested monetary unit and requested provider. The server transmits the retrieved PIN to the client terminal over the network, wherein the PIN is transmitted to the client terminal on-demand in response to the customer's request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Miles Paschini
  • Publication number: 20030091168
    Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing telecommunications access is disclosed. A customer interested in using the telecommunications access makes a payment into the payment processing unit which forwards the payment information to the central control unit. The central control unit reports the transaction information to a central computer system via its modem connected to a telecommunication channel. Access to the same telecommunication channel or another channel can be made available to the customer via a switchable telecommunications access circuit which is also controlled by the central control unit. The customer connects to the telecommunications channel via the telecommunications access connector. The central control unit provides information on the progress of the vending transaction to the customer via the user interface. The central control unit determines when the transaction is completed by sensing the cessation of usage via the usage detection circuit or via customer action at the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Charles C. Schelberg, Thomas M. Duff
  • Publication number: 20030063721
    Abstract: A telephone service method and apparatus for providing a business advertisement to a caller of a telephone, comprising receiving a request for line connection from a phone of a caller, determining an identifier of the phone of a called party for which line connection is requested, judging whether the identifier of the called party is registered in a management table linking called party identifiers and business advertisements, and, when judging that the identifier of the called party is registered, sending a business advertisement linked with that identifier from business advertisements stored in a content database to the phone of the caller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Yuichi Hirose
  • Patent number: 6535588
    Abstract: A telephone accessory communications device suitable for the delivery of DTMF tones over a standard telephone line, which has a card reader, microprocessor and telephone signaling generator that produces the DTMF tones corresponding to data encoded on the strip of a card. A memory device may also be included that stores information regarding the location of the telephone accessory communications device, and one or more telephone numbers used to access desired services. A standard telephone set can be connected to the telephone accessory communications device. The device can be programmed by a computer via a cable connector or a magnetic programming card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: SVI Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred A. Norcott, Jr., Stephen C. Stallings
  • Patent number: 6526130
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for providing a personal identification number (PIN) to a client terminal over a computer network. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a server receives a request for a PIN over a network, the request originating from a user at a client terminal. The request is associated with a requested monetary unit and a requested provider. The server retrieves from a database a PIN associated with the requested monetary unit and requested provider. The server transmits the retrieved PIN to the client terminal over the network, wherein the PIN is transmitted to the client terminal on-demand in response to the customer's request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: EWI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Miles Paschini