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.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of executing transactions of electronic money amounts between subscriber terminals of a communication network, with the steps of setting up a communication connection between a paying subscriber terminal which participates in a transaction and a transaction server, setting up a communication connection between a receiving subscriber terminal which participates in a transaction and a transaction server, receiving data to determine the paying subscriber terminal, the receiving subscriber terminal and the money amount to be transferred in the transaction server, and debiting the stated money amount from a money memory of the paying subscriber terminal and crediting this money amount to a money memory of the receiving terminal, with the mediation of the transaction server, and a communication network, a transaction server, and program module for it.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for automatically cross-reporting direct transaction information where an ARS telecommunication system is in combination with a network. The system includes an information standardization unit for standardizing the information request input from users through analog telephones, mobile telecommunication device or a cyber display frame on a computer, a control unit for analyzing requirements of the users and searching the required information, an information storage unit classifying the information required for the control unit and storing the required information, and an information transmission unit for receiving the user-oriented information from the control unit and transmitting the information to the users.

Abstract: An approach for processing voice calls over a packet switched network as to efficiently utilize the functionalities of a Voice Response Unit (VRU). According to one embodiment, a call originator, acting as a User Agent Client in accordance with the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), issues messages to establish a first call-leg with the VRU. The VRU performs digit collection to obtain information to authenticate the call originator and to authorize the voice call. Based upon the issued messages from the call originator, the VRU establishes a second call-leg with the call terminator. The VRU is released from the voice call after binding the call-legs to connect the call originator to the call terminator.

Abstract: A method and a circuit arrangement for the implementation of services via a telecommunications network. The services are, for example, backward/forward tariffing and data documentation via a telecommunications network. Backward tariffing, for example, enables the called party to invoice to the calling party any desired amount for a service provided via a telecommunications network. The operator of the telecommunications network is instructed by the called party and the calling party to collect this amount from the calling party. The data documentation service allows contracts concluded by the called and calling parties over the telephone to be confirmed by a third party—telecommunications network—with regard to the fact that the contract has been entered into and, if requested by the calling party and the called party, with regard to the contents of the contract.

Abstract: The lexical network of a large-vocabulary speech recognition system is structured to effectuate the rapid and efficient addition of words to the system's active vocabulary. The lexical network is structured to include Phonetic Constraint Nodes, which organize the inter-word phonetic information in the network, and Word Class Nodes which organize the syntactic semantic information in the network. Network fragments, corresponding to phoneme pronunciations and labeled to specify permitted interconnections to each other and to phonetic constraint nodes, are precompiled to facilitate the rapid generation of pronunciations for new words and thereby enhance the rapid addition of words to the vocabulary even during speech recognition. Functions defined in accordance with linguistic constraints may be utilized during recognition. Different language models and different vocabularies for different portions of a discourse may also be invoked depending, in part, on the discourse history.

Abstract: A central station is provided to which the pharmacy can forward calls at the convenience of the pharmacy. A caller will call in to the pharmacy to request a refill and the call will be automatically routed to the central facility unbeknownst to the caller. The central station will obtain the refill information required, preferably by means of an automated computer system as is known in the art. This information can then be transferred to the pharmacist in a number of ways, such as by periodically faxing the information to the pharmacy. Voice messages could be flagged and the pharmacist would have to call into the central facility to obtain the voice mail message. Alternatively, a PC could be installed in the pharmacy having a reduced version of a complete, stand-alone program. The refill information can then be sent to the pharmacy by modem and the pharmacist could see a computer display of the refill orders and could hear voice messages. Alternatively, the information could be e-mailed to the pharmacy.

Abstract: A second set of information that is detailed information is printed as an optically readable coded image near a visually readable first set of information that is basic information. As the coded image is read by an access device, the second set of information is restored and output in a perceptible form. The coded image is made to additionally contain output control information for outputting information necessary for inputting instructions for causing the access device to operate for accessing an external information resource providing site, obtaining a third set of information that is updating information and outputting the third set of information in a perceivable format, when the second set of information restored by the access device is output. The person who wants to acquire information can acquire the third set of information on an on line basis by utilizing the information necessary for inputting instructions for the operation.

Abstract: An interface for an electronic classified advertising system. The interface includes a feature which allows an advertiser to enter the system and input an access number to hear all of the advertisements which the advertiser has on the system. The advertiser is then prompted to indicate satisfaction or dissatisfaction after each ad is played.

Abstract: A system for providing demand responses to inquiries made by information consumers includes a database having a plurality of stored responses corresponding to inquiries made by an information consumer wherein each of the stored responses contains at least one stored item returnable to an information consumer in response to an inquiry. The returnable item of the stored response is of a preferred presentation media type that most effectively presents the returnable item. A real time inquiry response system receives inquiries submitted by information consumers from devices having a communications interface. Means are provided for correlating the consumer inquiries received by the real time inquiry response system with inquiry responses stored within the database.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for acquisition of services via a telephone set. The arrangement comprises a communication element which connects the calling service purchaser to a service provider station with associated computer equipment. The arrangement contains a reader unit which operates in conjunction with an identity element for communicating with the computer equipment. The identity element is provided with information for identifying the purchaser. The identity element is preferably a smart card and the communication element comprises a reader unit which, together with software, can handle smart cards. The arrangement has a built-in keyboard for feeding in data.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method to facilitate the repetitive communication of messages between parties by placing a single message in machine readable data upon a card, or substrate, so that all persons using that card are fully aware of the data to be transmitted. Repetition is achieved by communicating a fixed message by use of the card, rather than in allowing variation of the disclosed message, and in directions or additional information on the card that indicates its use and purposes. Data on the card may be communicated by a variety of devices including standard retail point of sale readers for credit cards, and by telephone keypads or standard keyboards on computers. The method comprises the distribution and communication of the message cards, and permits flexibility in the responses of those receiving the messages.

Abstract: A system D interfaces with a multiplicity of individual telephone-television terminals T1-Tn of a telephone-television network facility C, at the terminals callers are prompted by voice-generated instructions to provide digital data that is identified for positive association with a caller and is stored for processing. The caller's identification data is confirmed using various techniques and callers may be ranked and accounted for on the basis of entitlement, sequence or demographics. Callers are assigned random designations that are stored along with statistical and identification data. A break-off control circuit may terminate the computer interface aborting to a terminal for direct communication with an operator. Real-time operation processing is an alternative to stored data. The accumulation of stored data (statistical, calling order sequence, etc.

Abstract: To alleviate the frustration of telephone tag, if the called party is unavailable (32), the calling party is offered the chance to participate in a game (36). The user can accept or reject the offer (38). If the offer is accepted, a game is played (40), if the offer is rejected, the calling party is connected to the called party's voice mail (42). The game could involve purchase of a lottery, participation in a guessing game, or participation in a knowledge-based game. After the game is played, the calling party is connected to the called party's voice mail (42).

Abstract: A subscriber callback modem, includes a source of callback data. A modem is coupled to a subscriber telephone line, and a control circuit is coupled between the data source and the modem, for conditioning the modem to automatically call a central computer and transfer the callback data from the data source to the central computer.

Abstract: A call processing apparatus incorporates a robust database supporting both autodialing and autoattendant functions. Incoming calls not directed to a specific telephone extension and any call to a dedicated autodialer function are answered and the caller prompted to speak the name of the desired person or department. A speech recognition platform analyzes the spoken name to provide one or more searchable text strings representing the various spellings associated with the spoken name. The database is searched to retrieve corresponding terminal address instructions such as the telephone number or extension of the named party and call routing to the address is initiated. Alternatively, in an autoattendant mode, a subscriber calls a telephone number associated with a specified service such as a hotline and is asked to identify himself by name. The speech recognition platform again provides a corresponding searchable text string used to retrieve subscriber-specific information for handling the call.

Abstract: A calling party may receive an audio logo or an audible announcement during a telecommunications call. Upon receipt of the call, a switch (30) within a network (10) accesses a service database (40) to determine if the call should receive an audio logo or audible announcements during call set-up. This determination is based on call attribute information such as the calling party number, the dialed number, the carrier identification code, trunk group characteristics, and/or “II” digits; and pre-provisioned data arrays, such as lists of originating numbers, destination numbers, carrier identification codes, trunk group characteristics, and/or II digits that should or should not receive an announcement or announcements. An announcement frame (50) in the switch (30) plays the announcement(s) to the calling party, while the switch simultaneously sets up the call to the called party (70).

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for enabling, organizing, and facilitating the transmission of communication for a fee or cost over a network such as the Internet.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an automated system for requesting service of 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 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.

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.

Abstract: A method for more securely entering credit card numbers into online databases.

Abstract: An interactive voice response (IVR) system collects data associated with a telephone call, and provides the data to a server. The server transforms the data into a format consistent with a different telephony platform specification implemented by clients attached to the server such that the data can be retrieved by any client to which a telephone call is transferred. Data is also shared between remote servers when calls are transferred. The servers each broadcast their identity when initially connected to a wide area network. In response, each server on the network responds with their identify. Each server updates a table of servers in accordance with the messages exchanged.

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.

Abstract: An interactive voice response system provides voice prompts that supply information to a user, request data from the user, and present the user with a plurality of selectable options. The user can first select one or more options by providing one or more letters of the alphabet corresponding to one or more of the selectable options. If the letter or letters that are provided correspond to more than one selectable option, the user further selects one of the options from among the selectable options corresponding to the one or more letters.

Abstract: A call processing apparatus comprises a device for answering an incoming call, an interactive voice unit for eliciting information about the call from the customer, a device for analyzing the caller's response according to predetermined criteria to identify callers having certain behavioral characteristics, and a device for routing callers identified as having these characteristics to predetermined attendant stations. The apparatus therefore permits caller's having special needs to be automatically routed to suitably trained attendants.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a convenient living information guidance system, which is easily used for a resident of an apartment house, and reduces the load of management work for a management company of the apartment house, and includes such a shopping function that a dealer providing commodities or services can carry on more effective business.

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.

Abstract: A telephone transaction support system includes a customer information registration unit for registering information regarding a customer in a database, the information being obtained in a conversation with the customer over a telephone, a feature analyzing unit for analyzing a feature of a voice corresponding to a predetermined word obtained in the conversation with the customer over the telephone, and a password information registration unit for registering information-obtained by the feature analyzing unit as password information in the database, the password information corresponding to the customer in the database. The information regarding the customer for which a transaction over the telephone should be allowed and the password information for the customer can be registered over the telephone.

Abstract: A mobile-telephone terminal displays a commodity-selection menu for selecting a desired commodity, and sends commodity information regarding the selected commodity to a store-information server connected to a mobile-telephone network. A controller of the store-information server having received the commodity information searches a store-information database storing the commodity information and positional information representing a position of a store dealing the selected commodity, based on the commodity information and the positional information representing a position of the mobile-telephone terminal, and determines one store which is located closest to the mobile-telephone terminal and deals the selected commodity.

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.

Abstract: Coordination of information at the network-based level between call centers connectable over a telecommunications network, such as the telephone network, and a packet network, such as the Internet, creates improved integration of and bonding between a customer's interaction with a Web site and with a call center. Information about the customer and the customer's Web interaction are delivered to the call center agent along with the call, leading to increased productivity and efficiency in call handling as well as improved call routing. Calls may be routed to existing call centers based upon information from the Web experience, and information from the user's Web interaction is shared with the call center. Web interaction information is passed to existing call centers using known call center external control methods, such as DNIS signaling.

Abstract: An interface for an electronic classified advertising system. The interface includes a feature which allows an advertiser to enter the system and input an access number to hear all of the advertisements which the advertiser has on the system. The advertiser is then prompted to indicate satisfaction or dissatisfaction after each ad is played.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for performing electronic payment transactions between a terminal equipment (100) in a telecommunication network and the other transacting party (1,2, . . . ,N). The invention utilizes a special payment service gateway (10) through which all the payment transactions of the terminal equipments in the telecommunication network are routed. The payment service gateway allows the parties of the payment transaction to support different electronic payment protocols (A, B, . . . , X) and performs the required protocol conversions so as to provide an end-to-end transaction.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for recording the evidence of intent of a party to a transaction, archiving this speech recording, and notifying and making it available to interested parties. A party seeking an affirmation will send to the affirming party a communication outlining the terms of the affirmation to be made, and also a transaction identifier by which a system may identify the parties to the transaction. The affirming party communicates with the system. The affirming party communicates the transaction identifier, and subsequently recites a spoken affirmation which is recorded by the system. The system then stores the recording in association with a recording identifier which can be used later to retrieve the recording. Finally, the system communicates the recording identifier both to the affirming party and to the party requesting the affirmation. The requesting party is thus informed that the affirmation has been made.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed whereby a mobile phone user can select one or more service preferences for the mobile phone from a simulated mobile phone display on an Internet web page. The user can access the web page from a personal or business computer. Once the selection has been made, the user can save the preferences to a server in the mobile phone network. The server contains (or provides links to) the full complement of services that are available for selection. The selected services' applications are downloaded from the server to the mobile phone (via the network) either immediately (if a network connection is already made) or the next time the phone is turned on. Consequently, the user can readily obtain the services desired, and also customize the display and “look and feel” of the mobile phone.

Abstract: A system in a telecommunications network for providing selected advertisements to subscribers utilizing display screens to conduct a video telephone call. The system comprises a centralized database of subscriber advertising preferences, an information source, a calling subscriber's switch connected to the database and the information source, and a called subscriber's switch connected to the calling subscriber's switch. The database of subscriber advertising preferences stores advertising preferences for subscribers in the network, and is updated whenever a subscriber selects a displayed advertisement for more information. The information source stores a plurality of advertisements, and includes an advertisement selector which selects advertisements based on the advertising preferences for an identified subscriber such as the calling subscriber.

Abstract: A telephone for transferring electronic money between money cards has on the top thereof two card inlets of two internal card reader/writers, a display window, a ten-key set used to dial a telephone number or enter an amount of electronic money transaction, telephone function keys, and mode selection keys. It can be operated to transfer electronic money between two money cards inserted in the card inlets, or between a money card inserted in one of the card inlets and another money card linked through the telephone line, thereby enabling person-to-person, person-to-bank, and person-to-retailer transactions based on electronic money.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling credit card use. As described in one aspect of the disclosure, a method is disclosed for facilitating communication between a first person (e.g., an account holder) and a second person (e.g., a user) so that the first person may authorize a transaction between the second person and a third party (e.g., a merchant). The method comprises the steps of linking the first and second persons to a financial account that is used for the transaction, receiving data identifying the financial account and the third party from the third party, inquiring whether the first person desires to communicate with the second person based on the data identifying the financial account, and enabling communication between the first and second persons based on a response to the inquiry from the first person and the data identifying the third party.

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.

Abstract: An advertisement system for displaying advertisements on a video-enabled telephone when the telephone is linked with a non-video enabled telephone and/or when the videophone is put on hold.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing power and telecommunications access is disclosed. The vending machine has an optional switchable power circuit that receives power from a power source and delivers the power to the customer's equipment via a power connector under the control of a central control unit. A customer interested in purchasing power or using the telecommunications access makes a payment into the payment processing unit which forwards the payment information to the central control unit. From time to time the central control unit reports the transaction information to a central computer system via its modem which is 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 under the control of the central control unit. The customer connects to the telecommunications channel via the telecommunications access connector.

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.

Abstract: A system D interfaces with a multiplicity of individual terminals T1-Tn of a telephone network facility C, at the terminals callers are prompted by voice-generated instructions to provide digital data that is identified for positive association with a caller and is stored for processing. The caller's identification data is confirmed using various techniques and callers may be ranked and accounted for on the basis of entitlement, sequence or demographics. Callers are assigned random designations that are stored along with statistical and identification data. A break-off control circuit may terminate the computer interface aborting to a terminal for direct communication with an operator. Real-time operation processing is an alternative to stored data. The accumulation of stored data (statistical, calling order sequence, etc.) is variously processed and correlated as with developed or established data to isolate a select group or subset of callers who can be readily identified and reliably confirmed.