Semi-automated customer information system
July 24, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 2922847 Optional telephone answering system Telephone system for audio demonstration and marketing of goods or services Conversational telephone call distributor Switching system auxiliary line transfer circuit Remote control system Comprehensive automatic directory assistance apparatus and method thereof Transactional telecommunication system Home merchandise ordering telecommunications terminal Data terminal and system for placing orders InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 916614 filed on 10/08/1986US Classes:379/88.03, Voice dialing379/77, Control by generated tone379/84, At switching facility (e.g., central office, switchboard)379/88.25, Message storage in centralized location (e.g., central office, PBX, etc.)379/93.12, Sales, ordering, or banking system379/93.25, Having remote database (e.g., videotex system)379/114.21, Redirect billing379/144.02Collect calling from payphoneExaminersPrimary: Psitos, Aristotelis M.Assistant: Tomassini, James E. Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassesH04M 003/58H04M 003/50 AbstractA vendor information service is offered utilizing the services of attendants for identifying customer requests and for taking orders, utilizing a voice processing unit for announcing prerecorded information to customers and for recognizing voice commands or keyed requests. Such commands or requests may be to announce another message to a customer, to set up a connection to a telephone operator, or to connect the customer directly to a vendor. A customer is initially connected to a telepone operator who ascertains the basic customer request. In response to that request, the operator sets up an announcement for the customer. A voice processing unit then monitors the customer for voice commands or keyed requests in order to play another announcement or to set up a connection from the customer to another telephone operator or a vendor attendant. Advantageously, such an arrangement utilizes operator and vendor attendant time efficiently and permits advertising announcements to be played only to those customers who specifically request them.Other References
Field of SearchCall intercept or answeringConsecutive use of recorded phrases or words to form message Sequential or repeated announcement during single call initiated cycle Plural record carrier channels Remote control over telephone line At switching facility (e.g., central office, switchboard) Direct inward dialing | |
