US20030185356A1 - Commercial product telephonic routing system with mobile wireless and video vending capability - Google Patents

Commercial product telephonic routing system with mobile wireless and video vending capability Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20030185356A1
US20030185356A1 US10/323,222 US32322202A US2003185356A1 US 20030185356 A1 US20030185356 A1 US 20030185356A1 US 32322202 A US32322202 A US 32322202A US 2003185356 A1 US2003185356 A1 US 2003185356A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
data
traffic control
communication
control system
video
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/323,222
Inventor
Ronald Katz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Telebuyer LLC
Original Assignee
Telebuyer LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=46281742&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=US20030185356(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Priority claimed from US08/031,235 external-priority patent/US5412708A/en
Priority claimed from US08/154,313 external-priority patent/US5495284A/en
Priority claimed from US08/189,405 external-priority patent/US6323894B1/en
Application filed by Telebuyer LLC filed Critical Telebuyer LLC
Priority to US10/323,222 priority Critical patent/US20030185356A1/en
Assigned to TELEBUYER, LLC reassignment TELEBUYER, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KATZ, RONALD A.
Publication of US20030185356A1 publication Critical patent/US20030185356A1/en
Priority to US10/686,883 priority patent/US8315364B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/487Arrangements for providing information services, e.g. recorded voice services or time announcements
    • H04M3/493Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00Commerce
    • G06Q30/02Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/50Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
    • H04M3/51Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention, e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/50Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
    • H04M3/51Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention, e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
    • H04M3/5158Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention, e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing in combination with automated outdialling systems
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/56Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities
    • H04M3/563User guidance or feature selection
    • H04M3/565User guidance or feature selection relating to time schedule aspects
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/56Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities
    • H04M3/567Multimedia conference systems
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00Television systems
    • H04N7/14Systems for two-way working
    • H04N7/141Systems for two-way working between two video terminals, e.g. videophone
    • H04N7/147Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00Television systems
    • H04N7/14Systems for two-way working
    • H04N7/15Conference systems
    • H04N7/152Multipoint control units therefor
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/22Arrangements for supervision, monitoring or testing
    • H04M3/2281Call monitoring, e.g. for law enforcement purposes; Call tracing; Detection or prevention of malicious calls
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/432Arrangements for calling a subscriber at a specific time, e.g. morning call service
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/50Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
    • H04M3/51Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention, e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
    • H04M3/5125Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention, e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing with remote located operators

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to systems involving computer telephone integration with video communication, and more particularly, to a communication traffic control system for providing video communication through a mobile wireless and dial-up telephone system that selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as on the basis of subject matter.
  • expressed areas of interest for example, may interface inquiring users, such as buyers at mobile wireless telephone terminals with respondent or responder data sites, such as vendor sites.
  • the system may be used in a variety of applications, such as for directing and exchanging inquiries, offers and responses, between selective members of plural groups.
  • select video information may be communicated as a result of processing data to accomplish a selection.
  • Objectives include consummating transactions, as of merchandise and/or services, for example, enabling game shows, dating services, conventions, education and so on.
  • Video may be received and displayed on a personal computer.
  • frame rates depend on the type of display and the type of communication hardware.
  • a computer with a VGA (video graphics array) display set at 32,000 colors, a 486 CPU and a 14.4 kbs (thousand bits per second) modem can achieve a frame rate of 5 frames per second.
  • the link for personal computers can be established in several ways, for example, by a modem, LAN (local area network), or serial port and other high speed digital links.
  • current telephone technology embraces mobile operation with video, voice recognition capability, and extensive Internet communication.
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
  • the present invention recognizes the need for a system to establish select communication for remote locations over a widely distributed area. Using various techniques, as from a central location, the applications discussed above are enabled as well as many other diverse applications with similar requirements.
  • the present system recognizes the need for selectively directing and exchanging video communications, as between an inquiring person and a responding entity.
  • Such communications might take the form of directing communications, including offers and responses, between select members of plural groups or sub-groups, for example, to enable transactions and billing related to transactions between such groups, all accommodated by computerized telephonic communication techniques and including wireless mobile terminals.
  • the system of the present invention involves computerized control for selective video communication between a plurality of remote, widely distributed locations, through a central unit, utilizing dial-up telephone facilities.
  • a central unit utilizing dial-up telephone facilities.
  • the dynamic graphics of telephonic video on standard analog lines and digital lines over Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) as well as wireless facilities
  • ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network
  • the central traffic control system facilitates these operations.
  • the central traffic control system may communicate with inquiring-user terminals or responder sites, and selectively interface terminals with sites, accommodating video communication
  • the system of the present invention contemplates applications involving inquiries and responses ranging from merchandising (including purchasing, selling, marketing or the like), education, game shows, dating services, employment services, information services and so on.
  • the disclosed embodiments are configured to process data, then selectively direct communication traffic, for example, in the forms of inquiries, invitations, offers and or responses, between members of plural groups or sub-groups, such as vendors and buyers, and possibly to consummate transactions and the like.
  • Selective routing by processing, based for example on area of interest, of video communication controlled by the central unit is fast and effective.
  • terminal apparatus for example personal computers, may exist at a plurality of remote inquiry locations to communicate with a central unit.
  • a video display for example (depicting motion and color) may be selectively provided to the terminal apparatus on the basis of an expressed area of interest.
  • Voice recognition operations also may be accommodated.
  • inquiries from wireless terminals with video capability are accommodated.
  • the central telephonic system includes storage and a central-traffic control system, perhaps independently managed by a third party (or a responder) and possibly located either remote, or separate from, inquiring users and responder facilities.
  • the central traffic control system includes one or more processors programmed by data from the storage, which may be variously configured.
  • processors programmed by data from the storage, which may be variously configured.
  • processor-readable storage devices are provided, with processor-readable code embodied on such devices, for programming a processing capacity to perform a method of selectively establishing video communication between an inquiring mobile wireless terminal and a select respondent terminal or site. The method involves receiving inquiry data from an active mobile wireless terminal, accessing storage capacity to provide reference respondent data, and determining a select respondent terminal. The select respondent terminal is then activated to provide video image data to the active mobile wireless terminal.
  • an active remote terminal may be cued for voice data entry.
  • the central traffic control system communicates with inquiring users and respondents and provides responder sites accessible to inquiring users.
  • the central system may route inquiries and responses to and from select members of plural groups, such as buyers and vendors, with video displays to expedite traditionally complex communications.
  • inquiry data may be processed with respect to stored responder data to selectively direct inquiries to appropriate responder sites for the communication of video data, and possibly the consummation of a transaction.
  • communication between the traffic control system and the different buyers and vendors may be accomplished in a variety of ways, as for example, on “check in”, by electronic-mail (transmission of messages across a network between two desktop PCs), electronic bulletin boards, Internet communication and on-line computer services (such as Prodigy® or CompuServe®), facsimile, voice-mail or the like or, the communication may include a segment of mobile telecommunications systems (for example cellular).
  • vendor data including data relating to merchandise
  • buyer data including identification, e.g. name and electronic address
  • vendors and buyers may be grouped, as with respect to purchasables. With such data, transactions can be pursued and consummated, based on video communication.
  • Such communication involves video data and includes identification data and transaction data. Any resulting transaction data may be stored for the execution and for billing of transactions.
  • a video recorder and/or video printer may be located at a remote vendor location, the central traffic control station or a buyer location for selectively or continuously obtaining a video recording or video printout of displays.
  • Multiple coordinated central traffic control stations may be employed to communicate with widely distributed vendor or buyer locations with capabilities to accommodate various terminal apparatus, including mobile wireless, and to route calls.
  • a record of the number of calls and related charges incurred by buyers may be maintained, which may be analyzed and ultimately billed. Typically, charges for communication are incurred and may be variously billed. Also, a record of charges incurred depending upon transactions is initiated and may be maintained and billed.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with one embodiment, illustrating a telephonic traffic control system; as for merchandising applications.
  • FIG. 2 is a more detailed block and pictorial diagram of the system as generally depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating components of the system;
  • FIG. 3 is a graphic representation of a portion of the control panel of an element in the system of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a more detailed block diagram illustrating the central traffic control system of the scheduling and routing system of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 5 is a logic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operation format of the system of FIG. 4 for automated qualification of callers, such as vendors or buyers;
  • FIG. 6 is a fragmentary diagrammatic representation of an exemplary storage cell for information specific to a vendor, as may be formatted in the system of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 is a fragmentary diagrammatic representation of an exemplary storage cell for information specific to a buyer, as may be formatted in the system of the present invention
  • FIG. 8 is an exemplary form indicating a buyer's request.
  • FIG. 9 is an exemplary message transmitted from the central traffic station to a buyer or a vendor
  • FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with another embodiment of the invention illustrating the communication system.
  • FIG. 11 is a logic flow diagram illustrating certain exemplary operations of the system of FIG. 11.
  • a significant aspect of the present invention is based on recognizing that a dial-up public telephone system may be effectively utilized for visual communication between a plurality of remote locations, regulated, directed and controlled by a central traffic control system. More specifically, it has been recognized that for an effective communication traffic control system, dial-up voice quality lines, such as standard analog or digital lines, as well as wireless facilities may be employed variously in conjunction with videophone equipment, computer facilities (personal computers (PCs) with video capabilities), mobile stations and various forms of telephonic equipment as voice generators, voice recognition units, qualification apparatus, auto dialers and D-channel or in-band signaling apparatus.
  • PCs personal computers
  • FIG. 1 a dial-up public telephone system TS is illustrated in FIG. 1 (upper center) affording effective communication between a plurality of remote locations, for example, responder sites, as locations L 1 -Ln representing vendor sites, and at least one central traffic control system TIS, plus inquiring user terminals, for example buyer systems BS 1 -BSn.
  • the remote vendor location terminals L 1 -Ln and buyer systems BS 1 -BSn communicate with the central traffic control system TIS, which may be remotely located from either the buyer or the vendor facilities.
  • the initial embodiment facilitates selective transmission of communications between individual buyers, of plural buyer groups or sub-groups, and members of plural vendor groups or sub-groups. For example, special offerings by vendors for particular merchandise may be transmitted only to buyers designated (by stored identification and transaction data). Likewise, buyer requests for proposals on select merchandise may be transmitted only to vendors designated to sell the merchandise. Accordingly, communication is established and transactions may be consummated with the resulting transaction data stored.
  • Vendors may communicate with the traffic control station in any of a variety of ways (touch-tone, electronic-mail, voice-mail, wireless, mobile, computer, facsimile or the like) to provide data.
  • Buyers also may communicate with the traffic control system in any of a variety of ways (touch-tone, wireless, mobile telephone, electronic-mail, voice-mail, P.C., facsimile or the like).
  • ways touch-tone, wireless, mobile telephone, electronic-mail, voice-mail, P.C., facsimile or the like.
  • vendor's goods may be displayed and described so as to effectively communicate with the buyers.
  • Either toll free or “800” services at each of the vendor locations may be installed, and “800” number calls, initiated by the buyers, may be billed to each of the vendor locations.
  • the central traffic control system may include a central detail service to arrange telephone services at both the buyer and vendor locations, in order to obtain and report on calls to and from the buyers, as well as, to bill both buyers and vendors for all video telephone communications.
  • Considerable data may be developed and stored.
  • the central traffic control system station may maintain records of calls made by buyers including data, such as the date and time of the call, the name (or designation) of the buyer initiating the call and the duration of the call. Accordingly, information for each buyer may be compiled.
  • the central traffic control system may maintain a record of all the calls made to each vendor.
  • the central traffic control system TIS may automatically place a call (for example, to broadcast a proposal request from a buyer) to the appropriate vendor locations, determined by a database of vendor locations.
  • a buyer's call may be completed to an appropriate vendor location, or vendor site, determined by processing buyer data with stored vendor data.
  • the buyer may actuate an autodialer, such that the autodialer code number (for example, obtained from the central traffic control system database) that ultimately connects him or her to the appropriate vendor.
  • the buyer may use a regular telephone or a cellular telephone and manually dial a telephone number displayed on the video terminal. Also it is recognized that cellular transmission may provide dynamic motion and high resolutions freeze frame displays.
  • FIG. 1 shows an independently managed, central traffic control system TIS, located remote from the buyer systems BS 1 -BSn and the vendor terminals L 1 -Ln. Under control of the central traffic control system TIS, communication is provided through the dial-up public telephone system TS, between the vendor sites or terminals L 1 -Ln and the buyer terminals or systems BS 1 -BSn.
  • the buyer system BS 1 is shown in some detail, specifically, as including a telephone interface switch SW coupled to a control computer CC, coupled to monitor stations V 1 -Vn.
  • these elements may be variously embodied, for example as disclosed below.
  • vendor terminals L 1 -Ln have video capabilities.
  • the vendors may have desktop personal computers incorporating live-action, color video with standard voice telephone lines.
  • Each buyer system BS 1 -BSn may be equipped to accommodate video communications. e g. band line, mobile wireless, etc.
  • vendor and buyer calls are stored in the traffic control system as represented in FIGS. 6 and 7.
  • an incoming line can be designated at the central traffic control system TIS, such as an “800” line to receive calls from any telephone (pay-phone, vendor location or the like). For example, a call on the “800” line may be answered by an interface or an operator.
  • the vendor might be specified by ANI signals when calling from a specific vendor location. Accordingly, a vendor can simply call the designated number from any telephone to enter a scheduling program.
  • the central traffic control system TIS may interact with a plurality of widely distributed vendors and buyers, a cross reference number identifying transactions with buyers may be important. Moreover, a record of the buyers available along with the time limit for each buyer also is recorded. Similarly, the priority designation or status accorded to a vendor for any of a myriad of reasons may indicate, for example, that a particular vendor has distressed merchandise for sale at discount rates. Also, vendors that are not registered may be able to obtain limited communication with buyers, as for predefined short periods of time, for example, five minutes.
  • merchandise classifications as codes, that apply to each wholesale vendor and wholesale buyer are recorded.
  • the merchandise classifications discussed in more detail below, are processed to direct communication, as by providing an indication of the type of merchandise that each particular vendor sells.
  • the dial-up public telephone system TS affords effective communication between the vendor locations L 1 -Ln and buyer systems BS 1 -BSn.
  • the telephone switch SW located at a buyer's facility, receives incoming calls and passes outgoing calls that are placed.
  • incoming data signals are passed to the internal control computer CC to select an appropriate one of the terminals V 1 -Vn to handle the call.
  • a station V 1 might be assigned to buyer Tom Jones at XYZ Drug company, responsible for purchasing vitamins and over the counter medications.
  • the buyer computer CC also provides computer graphic signals to monitor station V 1 supplementing the coupled television display, for example, to provide a composite display of a scene at location L 1 along with appropriate graphic data.
  • FIG. 2 To consider the operation of a total-system embodiment in somewhat greater detail, reference will now be made to FIG. 2 in which previously identified components bear similar reference numbers.
  • certain basic components illustrated at the central traffic control site TIS such as memory, data storage, auto dialers, printers, VCRs etc., may also be found at the buyer or vendor units.
  • the central traffic control system TIS directs and exchanges on-line and off-line communication between the vendor and buyer units.
  • the central traffic control system TIS (right) may initiate contact with the vendor location terminals L 1 -Ln or the buyer terminals V 1 -Vn (in predetermined sequence by codes or randomly) to afford communication with a designated vendor or buyer.
  • buyers may initiate contact with the traffic control system TIS, for communication with an appropriate one of the vendor terminals L 1 -Ln.
  • terminals VP 1 /VS 1 for analog telephone communication capabilities over standard analog lines (static, videophone or PC), terminal VD 1 for digital video capabilities over ISDN lines, and CDP 1 for a combined terminal for analog and digital communication capabilities.
  • FIG. 2 shows one telephone terminal (see CDP 1 ) as exhibiting both analog and digital communication capabilities.
  • the videophone terminal VP 1 may be a unit available from AT&T, such as the Videophone 2500, or one available from MCI.
  • a form of the digital video system VD 1 for example, the NCR PVS-70 system also is available from AT&T/NCR and is recognized to provide high quality images.
  • a static video system VS 1 may be AT&T's PICASSOTM still image phone, which transmits “picture perfect” still color images and voice simultaneously in just a matter of seconds. By pushing a button on the PICASSOTM phone, a still image (for a camcorder or electronic camera) may be captured and, by pushing another button, that picture may be transmitted to another PICASSOTM phone.
  • Such a video static system connects to standard analog telephone lines and is compatible with a wide range of video technology used in daily communication and industry standard camcorders, electronic cameras, mouse devices, document scanners and photo CD players. Accordingly, full-color images, virtually of any type, size or dimension may be transmitted for display on a TV, LCD panel, PC monitor or video monitor. Images may be stored or printed using a PC interface.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates representative buyer terminals V 1 -Vn, coupled to the traffic control system TIS.
  • the central traffic control system may be compatibly configured.
  • different videophone systems rely on their own proprietary codecs, sometimes with more than one as an option.
  • the buyer terminals V 1 -Vn have the capability to accommodate videophone operation along with telephone switching and a variety of control functions.
  • Mobile wireless video techniques also may be employed.
  • the central traffic control system TIS includes a platform, basically in the form of a computer control and interface system 28 as described in greater detail below.
  • the system 28 may incorporate a telephone platform (or OAI, as well known) to operate in accordance with the functions as described below.
  • the system 28 may incorporate wireless mobile facilities and is coupled to several operating devices including an auto dialer 30 , a memory 32 , a “D” channel signal processor 34 , an audio response unit (ARU) 36 and a caller test unit 38 .
  • ARU audio response unit
  • the computer traffic control system TIS also is connected to a clock 40 and an operator station 42 .
  • the clock 40 may control scheduling operations as explained above. For example, updates or changes to appointments, such as cancellations, may be remotely implemented (for example, via the central traffic control system TIS) and forwarded to the appropriate buyer in a variety of ways, such as facsimile, electronic-mail, voice-mail or the like.
  • the clock 40 may likewise monitor time limitations, as when special offerings and proposals are only valid for defined intervals of time.
  • a live operator station e.g. the station 42
  • calls from vendors seeking appointments, making special offerings, or alternatively, calls from buyers may be transferred to a human operator, in the event there are complications with the automatic response units or message recording equipment or in the event callers are calling from a rotary telephone.
  • Some vendors or buyers may prefer telephone communication with a human operator at some level.
  • the central traffic control system TIS also has some form of a format switch, shown as part of the video file server 37 .
  • the format switch 41 selects a compatible one of analog video circuits and static video circuits (on analog communication lines) and digital video circuits (on digital communication lines) for driving one or more monitors incorporating such specific circuits.
  • each of the video monitors V 1 -Vn carries a camera C 1 -Cn which may variously facilitate dynamic motion images and still images.
  • the format switch unit 41 can switch a single analog line 39 (from analog lines AL 1 -ALn) to couple either videophone circuits or static video circuits, or a digital line (or lines from digital lines DL 1 -DLn) indicated at 39 a to couple digital video circuits. Note that two lines are typically required for digital video, one for audio and one for digital data. Alternatively, the audio line may also serve as the analog line.
  • a video recorder (VCR) also may be provided, (FIG. 2, lower right) indicated at 51 a , which may be set to record continuously or intermittently, to provide historical data for subsequent reference when conferring with a supervisor or refreshing the memory with respect to specific features.
  • a video printer also indicated at 51 a , may be used.
  • the video recorder may record compressed video signals of the display images. Of course, continuous recording by the video recorder may be suspended when desired.
  • a single video recorder may be connected to the multiple cameras via a switching device to control and sequence the recordings from the cameras.
  • a switching device such as the intelligent sequential switcher manufactured by SONY, as Model No. YS-S100, may be used to control and sequence multiple recordings.
  • plural video recorders such as separate video recorders for recording images transmitted on digital or analog lines may be connected.
  • select frozen frames of viewings, as of vendor products, or a specific time period of each viewing of a vendor product may be recorded on a VCR or printed using a video printer. Such video prints may be obtained both by buyers and vendors.
  • the traffic control system TIS also includes within the memory 32 , or separate therefrom, a video EDI 35 for storing EDI software (Electronic Data Interchange, facilitating direct computer-to-computer exchange of forms) or the like. It should be recognized that the buyer terminals V 1 -Vn may also have EDI software or the like stored in memory, by virtue of which, easy access to and exchange of forms is facilitated.
  • EDI software Electronic Data Interchange, facilitating direct computer-to-computer exchange of forms
  • the traffic control system TIS also includes a video file server 37 embodied in the memory 32 , where vendors and buyers may deposit a video recording of a product being offered by a vendor or alternatively, desired by a buyer.
  • a block indicated at 45 and labeled “data storage” stores system and network software.
  • Selectivity logic, indicated at 47 selectively directs communications between members of plural groups or sub-groups, such as buyer and vendor groups. Operations relating to the selectivity logic 47 are discussed below.
  • the active terminal V 1 -Vn (buyer terminal) is formatted to a configuration compatible with the connected vendor terminal.
  • the terminal AT 1 (vendor) simply accommodates audio and digital signals and is representative of such terminals for use to schedule appointments, as in an ARU interface.
  • person-to-person communication is available through the operator station 42 .
  • the videophone terminal VP 1 is representative of such units to provide one form of audio/video communication with one of the buyer terminals V 1 -Vn.
  • the format switch 41 is actuated to activate the videophone circuits to function in cooperation with one of the buyer terminal monitors V 1 -Vn.
  • compatible communication is implemented for each outgoing call, utilizing data from the memory 32 .
  • the switch 41 actuates the static video circuits for compatible operation of a monitor V 1 or Vn.
  • particularly effective operations may involve combination formats, for example, a videophone and a static video system (likely using a single analog line).
  • the camera C 1 and the monitor V 1 may function in a videophone format to accommodate effective personal communication between a buyer and a vendor.
  • the camera and the monitor V 1 may operate in a static video format to effectively exhibit a vendor's product.
  • a mouse 51 at the terminal VS 1 controls a cursor in the display of the monitor V 1 further enhancing interactive communication.
  • a mouse, such as the one indicated at 51 may also be provided at the buyer terminals V 1 -Vn.
  • the switch 41 controls the operations to attain the compatible format.
  • the terminal VD 1 is representative of high fidelity (hi-fi) telephonic video systems using digital lines for higher resolution dynamic displays.
  • the switch 41 selectively actuates the compatible circuits, the digital video circuits, to drive a selected combination of camera and monitor. It may be seen that the video platforms of terminals offer considerable flexibility in accommodating multiple audio-video formats.
  • each of the terminals V 1 -Vn incorporates a handpiece or equivalent, and a substantial control panel that may be in the form of a telephone pad or embodied as part of a personal computer keyboard.
  • the control panel for each terminal V 1 -Vn includes the current controls for an operative video format, plus dedicated controls relating to the disclosed system. In that regard, in the interest of avoiding undue complications, only a fragment of the representative panel 80 for the terminal V 1 is shown in FIG. 3.
  • the panel 80 affords considerable control, including the use of keypad tone signals (DTMF) to perform control operations at both ends of a communication.
  • DTMF keypad tone signals
  • the illustrated fragment of the panel 80 of FIG. 3 incorporates a traditional twelve-button telephone pad 82 , bearing the numerals “1” through “0” along with the symbols “*” and “#.”
  • the designated buttons each generate a distinct DTMF signal in accordance with extensive practice, which signals are communicated to connected terminals.
  • An on-off button 84 controls outgoing audio.
  • a toggle 86 controls the volume of incoming audio.
  • An on-off switch 88 controls video at the terminal.
  • a pair of toggle switches 90 and 91 respectively, control zooming and panning camera operations.
  • a push button switch 93 serves as an interrupt for locking onto the current display (high quality freeze frame) for closer observation or to record data and in some cases higher resolution images for closer observation at a later time, for example, by use of a video printer.
  • another toggle switch 95 controls tilting camera operations and a push button 97 advances the freeze frame for subsequent observation or reverses it back to a dynamic display.
  • a push button switch 99 serves to manually terminate the call.
  • a control switch 101 regulates resolution of the display.
  • a signal lamp 103 illuminates to indicate the next appointment.
  • One form of control involves video coordination.
  • a conference might be initiated in a videophone format with the terminal V 1 (FIG. 2). Accordingly, the videophone circuits are active to drive the video monitor V 1 .
  • the conference participants decide to add a static video communication.
  • a command of “52” in touch tones on the pad 82 initiates a series of operations. Specifically, another line connection is established by actuating the autodialer 30 (FIG. 2), then static video circuits are actuated.
  • the static video circuits are actuated to drive the monitor V 1 that may involve another monitor or split image operation.
  • Separate displays for dynamic and still video may be used, such that a buyer at one monitor can confer with a vendor, speaking face-to-face through the camera and that monitor, while the vendor exhibits fine details of a product on a second monitor in a still image.
  • views can be changed and areas highlighted with a cursor controlled by the mouse 51 .
  • the conferees may elect to go digital.
  • a command “53” from the panel 80 sets the requisite steps in motion.
  • the autodialer 30 dials up a digital connection, then using that connection, the switch 41 actuates the digital video circuits to drive one of the monitors V 1 -Vn. Note that with enhanced hi-fi video communication, the assumed videophone communication might best be terminated.
  • the disclosed system utilizes videophone technology in combination with other telephone system technology along with computer control and graphics technology to accomplish effective scheduling and processing of traffic for selective visual communication, which may culminate in a transaction.
  • the format switch 41 may incorporate a variable codec for analog lines AL 1 -ALN and digital lines DL 1 -DLN.
  • a video CODEC along with computing capability may take the form of an AVP 1000 video CODEC chip set as available from AT&T.
  • the CODEC chip set accomplishes videophone operation and consists of a video encoder, a video decoder and an internal system controller.
  • the format switch unit 41 is shown to be coupled between a standard analog line and a line on ISDN. Upon receiving a call from a videophone unit, the format switch unit 41 selects the appropriate line, that is, the analog line.
  • the format switch unit 41 selects a digital line.
  • switches e.g., from transmitting dynamic images over a single analog line to high resolution freeze frames.
  • the high resolution freeze frames may be viewed on large 14 inch monitors. Further, the images may be manipulated from either end, to view the freeze frame image concurrently.
  • a record is made for billing purposes. That is, a billing memory unit BL (FIG. 1) and a standard printer (block 51 a ) are controlled by the computer control 28 , (FIG. 2) recording all transactions in relation to billing charges. Such data can be variously processed at different times. Basically, the concept involves formulating billing data, so that at least a part of the calls made to a vendor, for example, can be rebilled to that vendor.
  • an inter-exchange carrier e.g., AT&T
  • AT&T provides comprehensive data on calls specifying: phone number calling, phone number called, date, time, length of call (period), billing data and so on.
  • Test or look-up operations are then performed with reference to a vendor database. Accordingly, portions of the charges (with or without mark-ups) are rebilled (with appropriate identification to the vendors).
  • Such operations may be particularly effective in relation to “private” networks, e.g., the so-called SDN (software defined network), SDDN (software defined data network) which are compatible with ISDN operations, or a combination of the two service offerings (SDN with SDDN).
  • AT&T's SDN is a virtual network service which offers an organization the ability to build a private corporate network within the AT&T public network.
  • a customized database contains information on various sites affiliated with the organization (i.e., the service organization installs a “private” network service at many different business entities) as well as features and routing information.
  • SDN encompasses voice, analog data, digital data and image transfer.
  • SDDN is a feature of SDN and is most often installed in conjunction with SDN. A combination of the two provides the capability of combining all the different sites for network management and billing. Note that both buyers and vendors may wish to extend the scope of the network of participants by installing at least one similar mode of video in their branches, plants and/or for customers.
  • the traffic control system TIS may assign an identification number and, for example, store the following information under that identification number in memory: Jones, Roger, XYZ Toy Company, Analog System, Telephone number (212) 555-5555, Registered to interact with EFG Company (central station number—(310) 666-6666), no priority, IJK Company (central station number—(414) 777-7777), priority with buyer no. 3.
  • each vendor and buyer fills out a subscription form or otherwise provides the central traffic control system with specific information, such as the nature of the merchandise they are designated to sell or buy. This information may be provided with reference to an established list of merchandise codes.
  • the designated merchandise codes assist the selectivity logic 47 (FIG. 2) in making routing determinations according to expressed areas of interest.
  • video recordings on specific merchandise may be stored at the video file server 37 for viewing by buyers, and transactions may be consummated without any direct visual conferences between vendors and buyers.
  • the traffic control system TIS incorporates structure for a wide variety of communications through the dial-up telephone system TS.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a more specific exemplary form of the system TIS.
  • a telephone platform or interface T 12 (upper left) accommodates a multitude of line connections to the dial-up public telephone system TS (FIGS. 1 and 2) accommodating two-way communication with various capabilities as treated above.
  • the interface structure T 12 (FIG. 4) accommodates the placement of outgoing calls by an auto dialer T 14 controlled by a computer T 16 incorporating substantial memory.
  • Auto dialers are well known in the telephone arts functioning to place calls in response to digital instructions.
  • control computer T 16 comprises a substantial computing capability, functioning to control telephonic traffic in various communication forms through the telephone interface structure T 12 .
  • Traffic is controlled, both for servicing and interconnecting remote terminals at both vendor and buyer locations, e.g., buyer locations BS 1 -BSn (FIG. 1) and vendor terminals, e.g. terminals L 1 -Ln.
  • the control computer T 16 (FIG. 4) also is connected to an audio response unit T 18 for vocally cuing and otherwise interfacing remote stations through the telephone interface structure T 12 .
  • an audio response unit T 18 for vocally cuing and otherwise interfacing remote stations through the telephone interface structure T 12 .
  • various forms of audio response units are well known in the telephonic arts for verbalizing cues, receiving digital signals and performing some processing.
  • the audio response unit T 18 may incorporate some dictionary capability or may rely on the control computer T 16 for an extended dictionary of words to be vocalized.
  • the control computer T 16 also is connected to receive signals from the telephone interface structure T 12 through a “D” channel circuit T 20 .
  • the “D” channel circuit receives ANI and DNIS signals indicative of calling and called station numbers as explained above.
  • the “D” channel circuit T 20 provides call related information to the control computer T 16 in accordance with well-known techniques of the telephonic arts.
  • control computer T 16 has substantial capability to interface remote terminals.
  • manual communication also may be desired.
  • an operator station T 21 is coupled to the computer T 16 to accommodate a human interface.
  • the operator station T 21 may take the form of a CRT terminal with graphics display capability and various controls (FIG. 3) implemented through the control computer T 16 .
  • the computer T 16 has substantial computing capability, specifically, for purposes of control, storage management, delivery, scheduling and interconnecting remote stations.
  • FIG. 4 several operating components that could be integrated in the computer T 16 are separately illustrated. Such separate illustration also facilitates the operating explanations.
  • separate storage capacity is illustrated in the form of a buyer-vendor storage unit T 24 and a buyer-vendor/merchandise code storage unit T 26 .
  • the storage units T 24 and T 26 are addressed by the control computer T 16 to provide data that is processed along with other data to control and facilitate on-line and off-line communications between buyer and vendor terminals pursuant to a possible transaction.
  • a qualification unit T 28 is coupled both to the control computer T 16 and the storage units T 24 and T 26 . Essentially, the qualification unit T 28 receives identification, type of subject matter and limitation data to qualify buyers or vendors for select individual communications.
  • the storage unit T 26 is coupled directly to the computer T 16 , along with a billing data memory T 30 and a printer T 32 for operation as mentioned above.
  • a video file server T 34 is coupled directly to the telephone interface structure T 12 and to the control computer T 16 .
  • a monitor station T 36 is similarly coupled, as for select time or call monitoring.
  • FIG. 4 In view of the preliminary description of the control structure (FIG. 4) a comprehensive explanation of the system now may be expressed by assuming particular situations and describing typical operating sequences. Accordingly, assume the structure of FIG. 4 is coupled as the traffic control system TIS in the system of FIG. 2 for controlling and regulating select communications between vendor and buyer terminals.
  • a system of merchandise classification may be used for selectivity of communication.
  • merchandise may be classified numerically in accordance with a decimal system, somewhat equated to channels of commerce for various goods.
  • a component of such a classification is as follows.
  • body-treatment merchandise carries the code “470000”. More explicit classifications of such merchandise carry additional decimal indicators. For example, as indicated above, water-resistant, sun protection treatment would be identified by the merchandise code “471234”. Accordingly, entire ranges of merchandise may be classified and coded to control and regulate communication traffic in accordance herewith.
  • preliminary inquiries, offers for sale, and requests for proposals all carry merchandise codes for processing to selectively identify potentially interested vendors or buyers.
  • buyers or vendors also may be assigned specific codes, for example, designating businesses as primarily as, supermarkets, department stores, drug stores and so on.
  • the operation of the system will be treated as it regulates and controls video communication, (direct or indirect) for example, selectively between vendors and buyers, to expedite traditionally complex purchasing operations.
  • the embodiment treats six types of telephone calls. Specifically, primary calls are classified in accordance with the following chart. CHART B Type Call Nature “A” Vendor with special offering “B” Buyer responding to special offering “C” Buyer with Request for Proposal (RFP) “D” Vendor responding to RFP “E” Vendor seeking appointment “F” Buyer seeking appointment
  • calls of various types may involve some form of qualification or approval.
  • access to the system may be limited to qualified or registered entities.
  • certain limitations may be imposed on such entities.
  • specific forms of limitations and qualifications may be implemented depending upon specific applications.
  • Qualifications are generally performed by the qualification unit T 28 (FIG. 4) utilizing information derived from a call correlated with reference data from the storage units T 24 and T 26 .
  • the logic for the qualification unit T 28 may be implemented in accordance with the flow diagram of FIG. 5 as will now be considered.
  • tests for a calling vendor may be:
  • the qualification unit T 28 (FIG. 4) actuates the computer T 16 for appropriate control. Specifically, the audio response unit T 18 may be prompted to provide a termination message or the operator station T 21 may be actuated for a human interface. Such alternatives are represented in FIG. 5 by the block T 44 .
  • the qualification unit T 28 (FIG. 4) stores the pertinent data, i.e., buyer or seller I.D. and reference PIN. The operation is illustrated in FIG. 5 by the block T 46 .
  • the computer T 16 actuates the audio response unit T 18 providing a verbal cue for an identification number (PIN).
  • PIN identification number
  • the operation is illustrated in FIG. 5 by the query block T 48 . If the caller enters keypad digital information indicating an invalid PIN, or makes no entry at all, the operation again proceeds to the block T 44 for termination or transfer of the call as explained above. With the entry of a valid PIN, the operation proceeds to store the personal identification number as indicated by a block T 50 .
  • the qualification unit T 28 next functions in cooperation with the computer T 16 driving the audio response unit T 18 to cue the caller for the type of call and the merchandise code, see blocks T 52 and T 54 (FIG. 5) representing such operations. Although such operations are not detailed in FIG. 5, it is to be understood that improper responses or the lack of a response will transfer the process to the function of block T 44 , as illustrated, to terminate or transfer the call. On the contrary, if appropriate information is received, the qualification unit T 28 (FIG. 4) receives and stores the requested information. Consequently, the unit T 28 contains: the caller's PIN number, the call type and the merchandise code.
  • That data is then tested within the qualification unit T 28 , against reference data, in a process step as illustrated by the query block T 56 in FIG. 5.
  • the details of the test are treated in somewhat greater detail below; however, as illustrated in FIG. 5, if the tests are not successful, the process again proceeds to the termination block T 44 ; otherwise, the process proceeds to a block T 58 to implement the substantive communication of the call.
  • the final test of the call involves operation of the qualification unit T 28 (FIG. 4) in conjunction with the storage unit T 26 . That is, for each buyer and vendor, the unit T 26 stores merchandise codes and, in some instances, other special information.
  • vendors may be denied access to certain information. For example, a vendor would not have access to the type calls: “A” (a special offering of another vendor), “D” (another vendor responding to an RFP) and so on.
  • A a special offering of another vendor
  • D another vendor responding to an RFP
  • special situations may be stored in the unit T 26 .
  • each buyer and vendor is associated with stored merchandise data.
  • merchandise codes not only facilitate and expedite selective communication but additionally, charges and billing data (for storage in the memory T 30 ) may be based on active merchandise codes for a subscriber.
  • the control computer T 16 actuates the video file server T 34 along with the audio response unit T 18 to receive from storage a video presentation of the merchandise, that is, the hair shampoo.
  • the vendor will have organized the presentation prior to making the telephone call so that the merchandise can be variously demonstrated and various information provided, including pricing etc.
  • an effective record of the video presentation is stored in the file server T 34 essentially in the form of a sales presentation for the hair shampoo, that is, product code “472147”.
  • the video presentation also may be stored at the vendor's facility for access.
  • control computer T 16 actuates the storage unit T 26 to isolate all buyers associated with the product code “472147” identifying hair shampoo.
  • the subsequent operations involve communicating the video presentation to the select group of buyers.
  • the identified buyer group is notified of the availability of the demonstration.
  • buyers may be informed of the merchandise by different techniques, including inquiry probes.
  • qualified buyers may establish communication (call “B”) through the telephone interface structure T 12 (FIG. 4) to receive the stored video presentation from the file server T 34 .
  • the central traffic system (FIGS. 1 and 2) may maintain a record or log of all the buyers accessing the video file server, which may be provided to the vendor, upon request. A record of the time (provided by the clock) spent by each buyer in viewing a video presentation may also be maintained.
  • a specific buyer may terminate the video after viewing it for only a few minutes, while another buyer may view the entire video presentation.
  • the vendor may request such information to determine buyers' reactions to the special offering, for marketing or other reasons.
  • a random number generator may be incorporated in the control computer T 16 for ordering the list of buyers for notification.
  • control computer T 16 simply actuates the auto dialer T 14 to establish telephonic communication with buyers after which the audio response unit T 18 notifies the buyer.
  • Alternatives involve the utilization of facsimile or the like capability or various forms of electronic mail may be incorporated for utilization.
  • the select group of buyers is notified that the presentation on a hair shampoo packaged for women is accessible by interfacing through the telephone structure T 12 .
  • Responding buyers (call type “B”) are qualified as described above, then coupled to the video file server T 34 to receive the video presentation. Thereafter, interested buyers may directly contact the vendor, typically for further video communication.
  • the foundation for a transaction is completed rapidly and effectively with substantial communication of the goods involved and related considerations.
  • type “C” calls whereby a buyer distributes a request for proposal. e. g.seeks data relating to merchandise and an invitation to purchase.
  • various communications may be provided to a single select group or sub-group of vendors based on buyer data, e.g. merchandise codes.
  • buyer data e.g. merchandise codes.
  • a buyer might use video communication to notify vendors with a graphic such as one illustrated in FIG. 8 showing an exemplary buyer request form providing specific information of the merchandise.
  • Blank forms may be stored in a forms directory (e.g. menu-driven) or the like on each buyer's terminal.
  • a buyer may simply access a blank form and enter the specific information.
  • a merchandise code number “472361” is supplied, indicating the specific product as also identified in the graphic.
  • a message as represented in FIG. 9 may be transmitted to the buyer from the central traffic control system TIS. Note that a check digit may be supplied.
  • vendors may access blank forms, similar to the exemplary buyer request forms, to indicate special offerings.
  • FIG. 10 Another disclosed embodiment is depicted in FIG. 10 and will now be considered. To some extent, components previously identified and described may bear similar reference identification; however, generally components of the traffic control system S 10 (FIG. 10, dashed line block) and the inquiry systems or terminals B 10 (bottom) are distinctly identified.
  • the responder location sites or terminals L 1 -Ln (FIG. 10, top) as previously described are collectively represented, it is to be understood that such sites may well incorporate various disclosed aspects of the inquiry terminals.
  • the responder location terminals L 1 -Ln store video presentation data and are individually coupled to a dial-up public telephone system TS which is in turn coupled to the traffic control system S 10 through analog and digital channels A and D, as explained above.
  • the dial-up public telephone system TS also is variously connected to inquiry terminals B 10 as described below in substantial detail. Accordingly, the system of FIG. 10 affords a capability of serving an inquiring user, e.g. at a buyer terminal, and a responder site, e.g. a vendor terminal, as described in detail above.
  • the inquiry terminals B 10 (FIG. 10, bottom) are illustrated in a variety of forms for communication accommodated by the public telephone system TS and the traffic control system S 10 . Note that each of the exemplary terminal configurations may be present in varying numbers as indicated by the interconnecting horizontal dashed lines. Also note that both mobile wireless and direct terminals are accommodated. However, in accordance herewith, and as described in detail above, ultimate communications(direct or indirect) of the inquiry terminals B 10 typically involve communications with individual of the responder or vendor terminals L 1 -Ln.
  • a first exemplary form of inquiry terminal is represented by the terminal Va (FIG. 10, bottom left).
  • a wireless coupling (dashed line B 12 a ) is indicated between the terminal Va and the traffic control system S 10 , specifically to a wireless mobile network S 12 .
  • a European Patent Application EPO 782 364 A2 filed Dec. 23, 1996 and published Jul. 2, 1997 discloses wireless video telephone terminals with a central control station interfacing a telephone network. The application is incorporated by reference herein.
  • the terminal Va communicates with the wireless mobile network S 12 (dashed line B 12 a ) which network for example incorporates central equipment as a base station, and which operates with other components to enable wireless mobile telephone terminals to roam through different areas or cells.
  • the wireless mobile network S 12 may be remote and distinct from the traffic control S 10 . In such a case, communication may be with the system S 10 through the public telephone system TS.
  • mobile instruments as the terminal Va can communicate through the mobile network S 12 (or an alternate) and the dial-up public telephone system TS (line S 13 ) in order to communicate with other telephone terminals including the terminals L 1 -Ln.
  • the wireless mobile network S 12 may incorporate a form of switching system sometimes termed a “mobile switching center” for communication with the public telephone system TS or directly with a computer system S 14 .
  • a mobile switching center for communication with the public telephone system TS or directly with a computer system S 14 .
  • Basic aspects of structures for the wireless mobile platform S 12 are well known; and in that regard, such mobile communications are treated in detail in a book entitled Mobile — Telecommunications Network, by Michael D. Gallagher and Randal A. Snyder, McGraw-Hill, 1997, ISBN 0-07-063314-2, incorporated by reference herein.
  • the wireless mobile network S 12 is shown in the traffic control system S 10 it is to be understood that the network S 12 may be operated separately from the system S 10 . As indicated in the above-cited book, the wireless mobile network S 12 can be configured in accordance with a wide variety of possibilities and also may constitute a number of interrelated structures distributed over a large area.
  • the wireless mobile network S 12 is configured to accommodate a multitude of such wireless terminals, through wireless couplings B 12 a , through B 12 n .
  • the wireless coupling B 12 a communication is provided from mobile wireless terminal Va to the wireless mobile network S 12 , and then to the computer system S 14 .
  • the network S 12 and the computer S 14 function as a wireless platform and communicate with the public telephone system TS, for example to communicate with the responder locations L 1 -Ln.
  • the telephone terminal Vw takes the form of a mobile device B 14 operative with a desktop computer B 16 functioning through the telephonic connection B 18 to the telephone system TS.
  • the terminal Vw may communicate through the public telephone system TS with the computer system S 14 using the paths A and D as explained above.
  • communication may be established from the terminal Vw, to communicate with responders, e.g. vendors represented at the terminals L 1 -Ln.
  • responders e.g. vendors represented at the terminals L 1 -Ln.
  • a form of system for interconnection between a desktop computer B 16 and a mobile device B 14 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,545, Flanagin et al., entitled “System and Method for Interaction Between One or More Desktop Computers and One or More Mobile Devices, ” issued Aug. 7, 2001 and incorporated by reference herein.
  • the exemplary inquiry terminal Vx also is a wireless structure, however, functioning through a wireless link indicated by a dashed line B 20 a for communication with an on-line computer service B 22 . Accordingly, the terminal Vx communicates through the service B 22 and the public telephone system TS with the computer system S 14 .
  • an Internet protocol video phone adapter is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,562, Lor, entitled “Internet Protocol Video Phone Adapter for High Bandwidth Data Access,” issued Mar. 13, 2001 and incorporated by reference herein.
  • the exemplary terminal Vy may take a form similar to the terminals described with respect to FIG. 2 and is connected to the dial-up public telephone system TS in a similar manner.
  • the system of FIG. 10 incorporates the traffic control system S 10 , capable of serving various forms of buyer terminals, as exemplified, in varying numbers.
  • the traffic control system S 10 generally, communication is afforded from the terminals B 10 and the responder sites or terminals L 1 -Ln through the mobile network S 12 and/or the telephone system TS.
  • the wireless mobile network platform S 12 along with the computer system S 14 , interface the wireless buyer terminals to impose control and accomplish communication.
  • Other terminals communicate with the computer system S 14 through the telephone system TS.
  • the detailed operation of the computer system S 14 is treated below; however, preliminarily consider other component elements of the traffic control system S 10 .
  • Several components of the traffic control system S 10 may take a form similar to elements in the traffic control system TIS of FIG. 2. However, in that regard, different identification symbols are employed.
  • the traffic control system S 10 includes a clock S 18 , (left central) an operator station S 20 , a printer, VCR, etc. S 22 , an audio response unit S 24 , a caller test unit S 26 , (left) an auto dialer S 28 and a D-channel signal processor S 30 , all of which may take a form similar to such elements of the same name appearing in FIG. 2.
  • the traffic control system S 10 separately illustrates a network interface S 32 , (upper right) a voice recognition unit S 34 and a memory S 36 .
  • the network interface unit S 32 functions in cooperation with the public telephone system TS and may incorporate various well-known structures as a telephonic format switch.
  • the voice recognition unit S 34 functions in cooperation with the computer system S 14 to accommodate voice-recognition operation at the terminals B 10 .
  • the memory S 36 provides control and programming data for the system S 14 and additionally stores significant data as in assigned cells relating to individual buyer and vendor terminals, somewhat as treated above.
  • Extensive responder data is stored, either at the responder location terminals L 1 -Ln, at the traffic control system S 10 , or at both (see FIG. 6).
  • the vendor data would include data relating to merchandise as for example: video transcriptions for display of merchandise, or services, designations (as codes), price schedules, and group classifications, etc. Vendor data also may include identification data, as for example: PIN data, telephone number data, name data, personal data and so on. Additional stored vendor data may include format data, buyer data and transaction data as mentioned above.
  • the terminal Va is actuated as indicated by a block W 1 (FIG. 11—upper left).
  • the terminal Va (FIG. 10) establishes communication with the wireless mobile network S 12 through the radio channel represented by the dashed line B 12 a .
  • the terminal Va transmits certain initial inquiry data to the wireless mobile network S 12 , specifically, identification data is transmitted, e.g. the identifying MIN number that characteristically is used in wireless communication.
  • the operation is represented in FIG. 11 by the block W 2 .
  • the wireless mobile network S 12 Upon receiving the identification information for the terminal Va, the wireless mobile network S 12 addresses a memory, e.g. the memory S 36 through the computer system S 14 to obtain reference data on the terminal Va. These operational steps are represented in FIG. 11 by the blocks W 4 and W 6 .
  • the central computer system S 14 may store or address the memory S 36 regarding the terminal Va in relation to a wide variety of stored data.
  • the basic data stored for buyers may include the following:
  • the caller at the terminal Va may be cued for qualification data as indicated by the block W 8 .
  • the caller may be cued for further inquiry data, for example, a personal identification number (PIN) or for speech (as for a voice print) or for codes or various other anti-fraud or identification confirmation criteria.
  • PIN personal identification number
  • speech as for a voice print
  • codes for codes or various other anti-fraud or identification confirmation criteria.
  • the caller actuates the terminal Va, as by keypad entries to provide response data.
  • the wireless network S 12 supplies the data which is processed by the computer system S 14 with the test unit S 26 to accomplish a test as represented by a block W 10 in FIG. 11.
  • the tests may take a multitude of forms regarding the buyer qualification and/or the qualification of the calling terminal.
  • the test results are illustrated by the query block W 11 . If the test results are negative (“NO”) the call is terminated as indicated by the block W 12 . Conversely, a positive result (“YES”) advances the process to the next stage of operation, recognizing that the call is accepted.
  • the computer system S 14 sets up the appropriate communication formats to proceed based on stored data or circumstances. For example, if the caller (active user) is communicating by speech, the voice recognition unit S 34 (FIG. 10) is actuated. Also, depending on the video format indicated by the basic data, the system performs the requisite format switch operations. These steps are illustrated by the block W 14 . Thus, compatible communication, for an active user including video, may proceed.
  • the ARU S 24 (FIG. 11) is actuated to prompt the user at terminal Va through the network S 12 to provide direction.
  • the direction, or area of interest data, for an inquiry may vary to a considerable extent.
  • such subject matter data for a merchandising application involving goods or services may specify a type of merchandise or an area of interest for goods or services.
  • the direction or routing data for an inquiry may take the form of personal characteristics, and so on.
  • the step is illustrated in FIG. 11 by the block W 16 and in that regard, as an example, types of merchandise may be specified as explained above.
  • selection data the subject matter data which is received and stored as indicated by the block W 18 .
  • representative routing data is available to the computer system S 14 .
  • the inquiry selection data, stored in the memory S 36 is processed with reference vendor data as preliminarily indicated by the block W 20 .
  • the central computer system S 14 may further refine the stored data as indicated by the processing of a block W 24 .
  • the data may be variously processed to locate one or more responder sites, e.g. vendor sites or a sequence of sites. The step is illustrated in FIG. 11 by a block W 24 .
  • the course of action may, for example, be to select a responder site, e.g. responder terminal L 1 for an active inquiring user.
  • a responder site e.g. responder terminal L 1 for an active inquiring user.
  • the type of subject matter data provided by an inquiring user is processed to select one or more responder sites.
  • the subject matter data is part of the inquiry data received and specifies the area of interest or type of communication that is sought with a respondent site.
  • the computer system S 14 processes the inquiry subject matter data in relation to stored reference respondent data to select a respondent site or terminal.
  • the selection is based on types of subject matter, expressed for example as an area of interest.
  • a buyer user might specify “skin cream cleansing” as the area of interest or type of subject matter data for communication.
  • the central computer system S 14 would then process such inquiry data with stored respondent data to select at least one respondent site, e.g. vendor site L 1 .
  • respondent site e.g. vendor site L 1
  • any of a variety of coincidence or comparison algorithms might be employed to make the selection as indicated by the block W 24 (FIG. 11).
  • the inquiring caller or user terminal for example terminal Va, is placed in communication with the vendor terminal L 1 .
  • the computer system S 14 actuates the auto dialer S 28 to provide dial-up signals through the network interface S 32 to accomplish a connection through the public telephone system TS, ultimately with the select vendor terminal L 1 .
  • the operational step is illustrated in FIG. 11 by a block W 26 .
  • the active buyer terminal Va is bridged through the traffic control system S 10 and the dial-up public telephone system TS to the select vendor terminal L 1 as illustrated by the block W 28 . Thereafter, video communication exchanges may occur as represented by the block W 30 which may or may not result in the consummation of a transaction. Accordingly, the query block W 32 represents the possibilities. If no transaction is consummated, the process is terminated as indicated by a block W 34 . Alternatively, if a transaction is consummated it is recorded and commanded as indicated by the block W 36 .
  • the inquiry terminals B 10 also may include terminals as exemplified by an inquiry terminal Vw comprising a mobile device B 14 and a desktop computer B 16 .
  • the mobile device B 14 essentially controls the desktop computer B 16 to function through a line B 18 and the telephone system TS to interface the central computer system S 14 .
  • the mobile device B 14 may be operated somewhat as explained above with respect to the operation of the wireless terminal Va.
  • An exemplary terminal Vx also is wireless and communicates directly with an on-line service B 22 in accordance herewith.
  • the buyer terminal Vx may take a video form of a handheld unit utilizing the principles of mobile wireless communication to accomplish the requisite communication with the on-line computer service V 22 .
  • the system attains the process steps to potentially accomplish a transaction as described above.
  • the steps may be few or involve considerable detail; however, the steps could include:
  • the inquiry terminal Vy also may take a form as illustrated with respect to FIG. 2.
  • various different types of terminals are represented and may be employed in varying numbers.
  • hybrids and deviations of such terminals are contemplated.

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.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/371,212, entitled “METHOD FOR BUYER-SELLER ON-LINE COMMERCE,” and filed on Aug. 10, 1999, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/189,405 entitled “COMMERCIAL PRODUCT ROUTING SYSTEM WITH VIDEO VENDING CAPABILITY,” and filed on Jan. 27, 1994, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,894, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/154,313, entitled “SCHEDULING AND PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR TELEPHONE VIDEO COMMUNICATION” and filed on Nov. 17, 1993, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,284, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/067,783, entitled “VIDEOPHONE SYSTEM FOR SCRUTINY MONITORING WITH COMPUTER CONTROL” and filed on May 25, 1993, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/031,235, entitled “VIDEOPHONE SYSTEM FOR SCRUTINY MONITORING WITH COMPUTER CONTROL” and filed on Mar. 12, 1993, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,708. The subject matter in all the above-identified co-pending, linked and commonly owned applications is incorporated herein by reference.[0001]
  • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates generally to systems involving computer telephone integration with video communication, and more particularly, to a communication traffic control system for providing video communication through a mobile wireless and dial-up telephone system that selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as on the basis of subject matter. Specifically, expressed areas of interest for example, may interface inquiring users, such as buyers at mobile wireless telephone terminals with respondent or responder data sites, such as vendor sites. The system may be used in a variety of applications, such as for directing and exchanging inquiries, offers and responses, between selective members of plural groups. For example, select video information may be communicated as a result of processing data to accomplish a selection. Objectives include consummating transactions, as of merchandise and/or services, for example, enabling game shows, dating services, conventions, education and so on. [0002]
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Over the years, the integration of computer and telephone technologies (CIT) has brought about many advances in the telecommunication industry. Functionally integrating human operators with telephone network capabilities, voice and data switching capabilities, computer processing databases, and voice processing technology has not only provided immediate access to information from a wide variety of sources, but has allowed calls to be intelligently and rapidly processed. Telephone switches are linked with computers to coordinate computer information and intelligence with call handling capabilities. Various forms of such expanded communication capabilities are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,999,525, entitled “Method For Video Telephony Over A Hybrid Network” granted Dec. 7, 1999, to Krishnaswamy, Elliott, Reynolds, Forgy and Solbrig and assigned to MCI Communications Corp., incorporated herein by reference. [0003]
  • Also, developments in computer, telephone and video technologies have introduced the concept of visual communications or video conferencing. In particular, efforts at integrating these technologies have gained momentum in recent years, resulting, in part, from a general desire to conserve time and expenses, and thereby, maximize human efficiency and productivity. The advent of videophones has enabled users to visually communicate from remote locations. [0004]
  • Furthermore, improved video techniques have resulted in systems achieving compatibility and providing compression schemes that can transmit color images over POTS (plain old telephone systems) all over the world. Approaches for incorporating live-action, color video with standard voice telephone lines via networks and modems have been introduced. Video may be received and displayed on a personal computer. Generally, frame rates depend on the type of display and the type of communication hardware. For example, over a normal dial-up telephone line, a computer with a VGA (video graphics array) display set at 32,000 colors, a 486 CPU and a 14.4 kbs (thousand bits per second) modem can achieve a frame rate of 5 frames per second. The link for personal computers can be established in several ways, for example, by a modem, LAN (local area network), or serial port and other high speed digital links. Furthermore, current telephone technology embraces mobile operation with video, voice recognition capability, and extensive Internet communication. [0005]
  • Another aspect of current communication facilities uses online computer service, or the Internet, which now is well established as a collection of interconnected networks using Internet Protocol (IP) for linkage. Specifically, the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) enables a system that is independent of system and architectural differences and is readily available through a variety of telephonic apparatus. [0006]
  • In view of current developments, the present invention recognizes the need for a system to establish select communication for remote locations over a widely distributed area. Using various techniques, as from a central location, the applications discussed above are enabled as well as many other diverse applications with similar requirements. In particular, the present system recognizes the need for selectively directing and exchanging video communications, as between an inquiring person and a responding entity. Such communications might take the form of directing communications, including offers and responses, between select members of plural groups or sub-groups, for example, to enable transactions and billing related to transactions between such groups, all accommodated by computerized telephonic communication techniques and including wireless mobile terminals. [0007]
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • Generally, the system of the present invention involves computerized control for selective video communication between a plurality of remote, widely distributed locations, through a central unit, utilizing dial-up telephone facilities. Specifically, for example the dynamic graphics of telephonic video (on standard analog lines and digital lines over Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) as well as wireless facilities) facilitate video displays along with audio capabilities (as voice recognition), all combined with the interactive capability of computers to attain effective, select, communication with video capability. The central traffic control system facilitates these operations. For example, the central traffic control system may communicate with inquiring-user terminals or responder sites, and selectively interface terminals with sites, accommodating video communication [0008]
  • As indicated, the system of the present invention contemplates applications involving inquiries and responses ranging from merchandising (including purchasing, selling, marketing or the like), education, game shows, dating services, employment services, information services and so on. The disclosed embodiments are configured to process data, then selectively direct communication traffic, for example, in the forms of inquiries, invitations, offers and or responses, between members of plural groups or sub-groups, such as vendors and buyers, and possibly to consummate transactions and the like. Selective routing by processing, based for example on area of interest, of video communication controlled by the central unit is fast and effective. [0009]
  • In one disclosed embodiment of the present invention, terminal apparatus, for example personal computers, may exist at a plurality of remote inquiry locations to communicate with a central unit. As a part of the operations, a video display for example (depicting motion and color) may be selectively provided to the terminal apparatus on the basis of an expressed area of interest. Voice recognition operations also may be accommodated. As disclosed in another embodiment, inquiries from wireless terminals with video capability are accommodated. [0010]
  • In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, the central telephonic system includes storage and a central-traffic control system, perhaps independently managed by a third party (or a responder) and possibly located either remote, or separate from, inquiring users and responder facilities. Essentially, the central traffic control system includes one or more processors programmed by data from the storage, which may be variously configured. Basically, one or more processor-readable storage devices are provided, with processor-readable code embodied on such devices, for programming a processing capacity to perform a method of selectively establishing video communication between an inquiring mobile wireless terminal and a select respondent terminal or site. The method involves receiving inquiry data from an active mobile wireless terminal, accessing storage capacity to provide reference respondent data, and determining a select respondent terminal. The select respondent terminal is then activated to provide video image data to the active mobile wireless terminal. Thus the basic method is accomplished. Note that with the storage devices providing audio signals, an active remote terminal may be cued for voice data entry. [0011]
  • The central traffic control system communicates with inquiring users and respondents and provides responder sites accessible to inquiring users. Alternatively the central system may route inquiries and responses to and from select members of plural groups, such as buyers and vendors, with video displays to expedite traditionally complex communications. Specifically, inquiry data may be processed with respect to stored responder data to selectively direct inquiries to appropriate responder sites for the communication of video data, and possibly the consummation of a transaction. [0012]
  • Pursuing the merchandising example for illustration, it is to be understood that communication between the traffic control system and the different buyers and vendors may be accomplished in a variety of ways, as for example, on “check in”, by electronic-mail (transmission of messages across a network between two desktop PCs), electronic bulletin boards, Internet communication and on-line computer services (such as Prodigy® or CompuServe®), facsimile, voice-mail or the like or, the communication may include a segment of mobile telecommunications systems (for example cellular). In that regard, vendor data (including data relating to merchandise) may be stored along with buyer data (including identification, e.g. name and electronic address). Also, vendors and buyers may be grouped, as with respect to purchasables. With such data, transactions can be pursued and consummated, based on video communication. Such communication involves video data and includes identification data and transaction data. Any resulting transaction data may be stored for the execution and for billing of transactions. [0013]
  • A video recorder and/or video printer may be located at a remote vendor location, the central traffic control station or a buyer location for selectively or continuously obtaining a video recording or video printout of displays. [0014]
  • Multiple coordinated central traffic control stations may be employed to communicate with widely distributed vendor or buyer locations with capabilities to accommodate various terminal apparatus, including mobile wireless, and to route calls. [0015]
  • A record of the number of calls and related charges incurred by buyers may be maintained, which may be analyzed and ultimately billed. Typically, charges for communication are incurred and may be variously billed. Also, a record of charges incurred depending upon transactions is initiated and may be maintained and billed. [0016]
  • These as well as other features of the present system will become apparent from the detailed description which follows, considered together with the appended drawings.[0017]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • A complete understanding of the invention and its advantages may be gained from consideration of the following description of some disclosed embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [0018]
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with one embodiment, illustrating a telephonic traffic control system; as for merchandising applications. [0019]
  • FIG. 2 is a more detailed block and pictorial diagram of the system as generally depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating components of the system; [0020]
  • FIG. 3 is a graphic representation of a portion of the control panel of an element in the system of FIG. 2; [0021]
  • FIG. 4 is a more detailed block diagram illustrating the central traffic control system of the scheduling and routing system of FIG. 2; [0022]
  • FIG. 5 is a logic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operation format of the system of FIG. 4 for automated qualification of callers, such as vendors or buyers; [0023]
  • FIG. 6 is a fragmentary diagrammatic representation of an exemplary storage cell for information specific to a vendor, as may be formatted in the system of the present invention; [0024]
  • FIG. 7 is a fragmentary diagrammatic representation of an exemplary storage cell for information specific to a buyer, as may be formatted in the system of the present invention; [0025]
  • FIG. 8 is an exemplary form indicating a buyer's request; and [0026]
  • FIG. 9 is an exemplary message transmitted from the central traffic station to a buyer or a vendor; [0027]
  • FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with another embodiment of the invention illustrating the communication system; and [0028]
  • FIG. 11 is a logic flow diagram illustrating certain exemplary operations of the system of FIG. 11.[0029]
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • As indicated above, a significant aspect of the present invention is based on recognizing that a dial-up public telephone system may be effectively utilized for visual communication between a plurality of remote locations, regulated, directed and controlled by a central traffic control system. More specifically, it has been recognized that for an effective communication traffic control system, dial-up voice quality lines, such as standard analog or digital lines, as well as wireless facilities may be employed variously in conjunction with videophone equipment, computer facilities (personal computers (PCs) with video capabilities), mobile stations and various forms of telephonic equipment as voice generators, voice recognition units, qualification apparatus, auto dialers and D-channel or in-band signaling apparatus. [0030]
  • To that end, a dial-up public telephone system TS is illustrated in FIG. 1 (upper center) affording effective communication between a plurality of remote locations, for example, responder sites, as locations L[0031] 1-Ln representing vendor sites, and at least one central traffic control system TIS, plus inquiring user terminals, for example buyer systems BS1-BSn. For merchandising applications, the remote vendor location terminals L1-Ln and buyer systems BS1-BSn communicate with the central traffic control system TIS, which may be remotely located from either the buyer or the vendor facilities.
  • Note that while the terms “merchandising” and “merchandise” are used herein, goods and services are contemplated, that may involve virtually any form of purchasable or saleable, which may be the subject of communication. Also, while merchandising applications typically involve buyers and sellers, in other applications inquiring user terminals and responder sites may involve various persons with various objectives. For example, in a dating service application, the objective may simply be selective communication. [0032]
  • Pursuing the merchandising application for purposes of explanation, the initial embodiment facilitates selective transmission of communications between individual buyers, of plural buyer groups or sub-groups, and members of plural vendor groups or sub-groups. For example, special offerings by vendors for particular merchandise may be transmitted only to buyers designated (by stored identification and transaction data). Likewise, buyer requests for proposals on select merchandise may be transmitted only to vendors designated to sell the merchandise. Accordingly, communication is established and transactions may be consummated with the resulting transaction data stored. [0033]
  • Vendors may communicate with the traffic control station in any of a variety of ways (touch-tone, electronic-mail, voice-mail, wireless, mobile, computer, facsimile or the like) to provide data. Buyers also may communicate with the traffic control system in any of a variety of ways (touch-tone, wireless, mobile telephone, electronic-mail, voice-mail, P.C., facsimile or the like). During visual conferences, vendor's goods may be displayed and described so as to effectively communicate with the buyers. [0034]
  • Either toll free or “800” services at each of the vendor locations may be installed, and “800” number calls, initiated by the buyers, may be billed to each of the vendor locations. Further, the central traffic control system may include a central detail service to arrange telephone services at both the buyer and vendor locations, in order to obtain and report on calls to and from the buyers, as well as, to bill both buyers and vendors for all video telephone communications. [0035]
  • Considerable data may be developed and stored. For example, in addition to storing vendor data (including identification data and subject matter data relating to merchandise), and buyer data (including identification data as name and electronic address), the central traffic control system station may maintain records of calls made by buyers including data, such as the date and time of the call, the name (or designation) of the buyer initiating the call and the duration of the call. Accordingly, information for each buyer may be compiled. Likewise, the central traffic control system may maintain a record of all the calls made to each vendor. [0036]
  • The central traffic control system TIS (FIG. 1, right) may automatically place a call (for example, to broadcast a proposal request from a buyer) to the appropriate vendor locations, determined by a database of vendor locations. Likewise, a buyer's call may be completed to an appropriate vendor location, or vendor site, determined by processing buyer data with stored vendor data. Alternatively, the buyer may actuate an autodialer, such that the autodialer code number (for example, obtained from the central traffic control system database) that ultimately connects him or her to the appropriate vendor. In the event there are complications or otherwise, the buyer may use a regular telephone or a cellular telephone and manually dial a telephone number displayed on the video terminal. Also it is recognized that cellular transmission may provide dynamic motion and high resolutions freeze frame displays. [0037]
  • The illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 shows an independently managed, central traffic control system TIS, located remote from the buyer systems BS[0038] 1-BSn and the vendor terminals L1-Ln. Under control of the central traffic control system TIS, communication is provided through the dial-up public telephone system TS, between the vendor sites or terminals L1-Ln and the buyer terminals or systems BS1-BSn. The buyer system BS1 is shown in some detail, specifically, as including a telephone interface switch SW coupled to a control computer CC, coupled to monitor stations V1-Vn. Of course these elements may be variously embodied, for example as disclosed below.
  • Preliminarily, consider an exemplary sequence of operations with reference to FIG. 1, assuming that at least certain of the vendor terminals L[0039] 1-Ln have video capabilities. Alternatively, the vendors may have desktop personal computers incorporating live-action, color video with standard voice telephone lines. Each buyer system BS1-BSn may be equipped to accommodate video communications. e g. band line, mobile wireless, etc. Also, assume for example that vendor and buyer calls are stored in the traffic control system as represented in FIGS. 6 and 7.
  • Initially, assume that a person at the vendor location L[0040] 1 wishes to communicate with a buyer at the buyer terminal V1. As a result, telephone equipment at the location L1 is actuated, either manually or automatically, prompting dial-up operations to accomplish a connection from the vendor location L1 through the telephone system TS to the traffic control system TIS. Standard information, for example the specific buyer terminal which the vendor is entitled to reach may be indicated by dialed number identification signals (DNIS) using a capability readily available from the telephone system TS, as for example the so-called D-channel. It is to be noted that while the D-channel apparatus provides one operational configuration, some DNIS and/or ANI (Automatic Number Identification) data signals can be received in-band without D-channel apparatus. In any event, such signals may direct or qualify communication under control of the central system TIS. It should be noted that DNIS and ANI signals can be used for identification, whereby the buyer control computer CC can fetch identification data for graphic displays.
  • As another feature, an incoming line can be designated at the central traffic control system TIS, such as an “800” line to receive calls from any telephone (pay-phone, vendor location or the like). For example, a call on the “800” line may be answered by an interface or an operator. The vendor might be specified by ANI signals when calling from a specific vendor location. Accordingly, a vendor can simply call the designated number from any telephone to enter a scheduling program. [0041]
  • As the central traffic control system TIS may interact with a plurality of widely distributed vendors and buyers, a cross reference number identifying transactions with buyers may be important. Moreover, a record of the buyers available along with the time limit for each buyer also is recorded. Similarly, the priority designation or status accorded to a vendor for any of a myriad of reasons may indicate, for example, that a particular vendor has distressed merchandise for sale at discount rates. Also, vendors that are not registered may be able to obtain limited communication with buyers, as for predefined short periods of time, for example, five minutes. [0042]
  • To ensure effective and proper directing and exchanging of traffic, for example, special offers (or invitations for offer) by vendors and responses thereto by buyers, requests for proposals from buyers and responses thereto by vendors, or the like, merchandise classifications, as codes, that apply to each wholesale vendor and wholesale buyer are recorded. The merchandise classifications, discussed in more detail below, are processed to direct communication, as by providing an indication of the type of merchandise that each particular vendor sells. [0043]
  • To recap, under control of the traffic control system TIS, the dial-up public telephone system TS affords effective communication between the vendor locations L[0044] 1-Ln and buyer systems BS1-BSn. The telephone switch SW, located at a buyer's facility, receives incoming calls and passes outgoing calls that are placed. For composite buyer systems, incoming data signals (DNIS and ANI or MIN) are passed to the internal control computer CC to select an appropriate one of the terminals V1-Vn to handle the call. For example, a station V1 might be assigned to buyer Tom Jones at XYZ Drug company, responsible for purchasing vitamins and over the counter medications. In addition, the buyer computer CC also provides computer graphic signals to monitor station V1 supplementing the coupled television display, for example, to provide a composite display of a scene at location L1 along with appropriate graphic data.
  • To consider the operation of a total-system embodiment in somewhat greater detail, reference will now be made to FIG. 2 in which previously identified components bear similar reference numbers. Preliminarily, it should be recognized that certain basic components illustrated at the central traffic control site TIS (right) such as memory, data storage, auto dialers, printers, VCRs etc., may also be found at the buyer or vendor units. Essentially, the central traffic control system TIS directs and exchanges on-line and off-line communication between the vendor and buyer units. [0045]
  • The central traffic control system TIS (right) may initiate contact with the vendor location terminals L[0046] 1-Ln or the buyer terminals V1-Vn (in predetermined sequence by codes or randomly) to afford communication with a designated vendor or buyer. For visual conferences, buyers may initiate contact with the traffic control system TIS, for communication with an appropriate one of the vendor terminals L1-Ln.
  • Different vendor locations may have different communication capabilities, as represented by terminals VP[0047] 1/VS1 for analog telephone communication capabilities over standard analog lines (static, videophone or PC), terminal VD1 for digital video capabilities over ISDN lines, and CDP1 for a combined terminal for analog and digital communication capabilities. For illustration purposes, FIG. 2 shows one telephone terminal (see CDP1) as exhibiting both analog and digital communication capabilities.
  • The videophone terminal VP[0048] 1 may be a unit available from AT&T, such as the Videophone 2500, or one available from MCI. A form of the digital video system VD1, for example, the NCR PVS-70 system also is available from AT&T/NCR and is recognized to provide high quality images. A static video system VS1 may be AT&T's PICASSO™ still image phone, which transmits “picture perfect” still color images and voice simultaneously in just a matter of seconds. By pushing a button on the PICASSO™ phone, a still image (for a camcorder or electronic camera) may be captured and, by pushing another button, that picture may be transmitted to another PICASSO™ phone. Such a video static system connects to standard analog telephone lines and is compatible with a wide range of video technology used in daily communication and industry standard camcorders, electronic cameras, mouse devices, document scanners and photo CD players. Accordingly, full-color images, virtually of any type, size or dimension may be transmitted for display on a TV, LCD panel, PC monitor or video monitor. Images may be stored or printed using a PC interface.
  • Recognizing that various communication facilities may be involved, FIG. 2 illustrates representative buyer terminals V[0049] 1-Vn, coupled to the traffic control system TIS. Of course, all the buyer terminals, as well as, the central traffic control system may be compatibly configured. Note that different videophone systems rely on their own proprietary codecs, sometimes with more than one as an option. Generally, the buyer terminals V1-Vn have the capability to accommodate videophone operation along with telephone switching and a variety of control functions. Mobile wireless video techniques also may be employed.
  • The central traffic control system TIS includes a platform, basically in the form of a computer control and [0050] interface system 28 as described in greater detail below. Generally the system 28 may incorporate a telephone platform (or OAI, as well known) to operate in accordance with the functions as described below. The system 28 may incorporate wireless mobile facilities and is coupled to several operating devices including an auto dialer 30, a memory 32, a “D” channel signal processor 34, an audio response unit (ARU) 36 and a caller test unit 38. These structures and their interconnections are disclosed in greater detail below.
  • The computer traffic control system TIS also is connected to a [0051] clock 40 and an operator station 42. The clock 40 may control scheduling operations as explained above. For example, updates or changes to appointments, such as cancellations, may be remotely implemented (for example, via the central traffic control system TIS) and forwarded to the appropriate buyer in a variety of ways, such as facsimile, electronic-mail, voice-mail or the like. The clock 40 may likewise monitor time limitations, as when special offerings and proposals are only valid for defined intervals of time.
  • Using a live operator station, e.g. the [0052] station 42, calls from vendors seeking appointments, making special offerings, or alternatively, calls from buyers may be transferred to a human operator, in the event there are complications with the automatic response units or message recording equipment or in the event callers are calling from a rotary telephone. Some vendors or buyers may prefer telephone communication with a human operator at some level.
  • As indicated above, flexibility to accommodate various vendor and buyer equipment configurations is an important aspect of the central traffic control system TIS. In that regard, it should be recognized that even though only the buyer operator terminals V[0053] 1-Vn are shown coupled to a format switch 41 (lower center), the central traffic control system TIS also has some form of a format switch, shown as part of the video file server 37. The format switch 41 selects a compatible one of analog video circuits and static video circuits (on analog communication lines) and digital video circuits (on digital communication lines) for driving one or more monitors incorporating such specific circuits.
  • At the buyer terminals, each of the video monitors V[0054] 1-Vn carries a camera C1-Cn which may variously facilitate dynamic motion images and still images. The format switch unit 41 can switch a single analog line 39 (from analog lines AL1-ALn) to couple either videophone circuits or static video circuits, or a digital line (or lines from digital lines DL1-DLn) indicated at 39 a to couple digital video circuits. Note that two lines are typically required for digital video, one for audio and one for digital data. Alternatively, the audio line may also serve as the analog line.
  • Coupled to the traffic control system TIS, a video recorder (VCR) also may be provided, (FIG. 2, lower right) indicated at [0055] 51 a, which may be set to record continuously or intermittently, to provide historical data for subsequent reference when conferring with a supervisor or refreshing the memory with respect to specific features. A video printer, also indicated at 51 a, may be used. On receiving a request command, for example from the traffic control system TIS. The video recorder may record compressed video signals of the display images. Of course, continuous recording by the video recorder may be suspended when desired.
  • At locations where more than one camera is positioned, a single video recorder may be connected to the multiple cameras via a switching device to control and sequence the recordings from the cameras. A switching device such as the intelligent sequential switcher manufactured by SONY, as Model No. YS-S100, may be used to control and sequence multiple recordings. In addition, plural video recorders, such as separate video recorders for recording images transmitted on digital or analog lines may be connected. [0056]
  • In some situations, select frozen frames of viewings, as of vendor products, or a specific time period of each viewing of a vendor product may be recorded on a VCR or printed using a video printer. Such video prints may be obtained both by buyers and vendors. [0057]
  • The traffic control system TIS also includes within the [0058] memory 32, or separate therefrom, a video EDI 35 for storing EDI software (Electronic Data Interchange, facilitating direct computer-to-computer exchange of forms) or the like. It should be recognized that the buyer terminals V1-Vn may also have EDI software or the like stored in memory, by virtue of which, easy access to and exchange of forms is facilitated.
  • The traffic control system TIS also includes a [0059] video file server 37 embodied in the memory 32, where vendors and buyers may deposit a video recording of a product being offered by a vendor or alternatively, desired by a buyer.
  • A block indicated at [0060] 45 and labeled “data storage” stores system and network software. Selectivity logic, indicated at 47 selectively directs communications between members of plural groups or sub-groups, such as buyer and vendor groups. Operations relating to the selectivity logic 47 are discussed below.
  • Whether a conference is implemented as a result of a call from a vendor, from a buyer, or as a result of a scheduled appointment, in accordance with the present development, the active terminal V[0061] 1-Vn (buyer terminal) is formatted to a configuration compatible with the connected vendor terminal. In that regard, the terminal AT1 (vendor) simply accommodates audio and digital signals and is representative of such terminals for use to schedule appointments, as in an ARU interface. Alternatively, person-to-person communication is available through the operator station 42.
  • The videophone terminal VP[0062] 1 is representative of such units to provide one form of audio/video communication with one of the buyer terminals V1-Vn. During such communication, the format switch 41 is actuated to activate the videophone circuits to function in cooperation with one of the buyer terminal monitors V1-Vn. Thus, compatible communication is implemented for each outgoing call, utilizing data from the memory 32.
  • For communication with static video systems (PICASSO™ units) as represented by the terminal VS[0063] 1, the switch 41 actuates the static video circuits for compatible operation of a monitor V1 or Vn. Note that particularly effective operations may involve combination formats, for example, a videophone and a static video system (likely using a single analog line). Specifically, with both of the appropriate circuits operative, the camera C1 and the monitor V1 may function in a videophone format to accommodate effective personal communication between a buyer and a vendor. Concurrently, the camera and the monitor V1 may operate in a static video format to effectively exhibit a vendor's product. Additionally, a mouse 51 at the terminal VS1, controls a cursor in the display of the monitor V1 further enhancing interactive communication. A mouse, such as the one indicated at 51 may also be provided at the buyer terminals V1-Vn. Again, the switch 41 controls the operations to attain the compatible format.
  • To further illustrate the possibilities, the terminal VD[0064] 1 is representative of high fidelity (hi-fi) telephonic video systems using digital lines for higher resolution dynamic displays. As with respect to the other formats, the switch 41 selectively actuates the compatible circuits, the digital video circuits, to drive a selected combination of camera and monitor. It may be seen that the video platforms of terminals offer considerable flexibility in accommodating multiple audio-video formats.
  • Recapitulating, the buyer terminal V[0065] 1 has been described for communication with the various equipments at locations to include a video location for display. In addition to the display, each of the terminals V1-Vn incorporates a handpiece or equivalent, and a substantial control panel that may be in the form of a telephone pad or embodied as part of a personal computer keyboard. In any event, the control panel for each terminal V1-Vn includes the current controls for an operative video format, plus dedicated controls relating to the disclosed system. In that regard, in the interest of avoiding undue complications, only a fragment of the representative panel 80 for the terminal V1 is shown in FIG. 3.
  • Generally the [0066] panel 80 affords considerable control, including the use of keypad tone signals (DTMF) to perform control operations at both ends of a communication. Specifically, the illustrated fragment of the panel 80 of FIG. 3 incorporates a traditional twelve-button telephone pad 82, bearing the numerals “1” through “0” along with the symbols “*” and “#.” The designated buttons each generate a distinct DTMF signal in accordance with extensive practice, which signals are communicated to connected terminals.
  • Various other specific controls are provided on the [0067] panel 80. An on-off button 84 controls outgoing audio. A toggle 86 controls the volume of incoming audio. An on-off switch 88 controls video at the terminal. A pair of toggle switches 90 and 91, respectively, control zooming and panning camera operations. A push button switch 93 serves as an interrupt for locking onto the current display (high quality freeze frame) for closer observation or to record data and in some cases higher resolution images for closer observation at a later time, for example, by use of a video printer. In addition, another toggle switch 95 controls tilting camera operations and a push button 97 advances the freeze frame for subsequent observation or reverses it back to a dynamic display. A push button switch 99 serves to manually terminate the call. A control switch 101 regulates resolution of the display. Finally a signal lamp 103 illuminates to indicate the next appointment.
  • Generally, by using the [0068] telephone keypad 82 on the panel 80, various control functions can be accomplished as detailed in the parent patent applications identified herein under the caption “CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS” and incorporated herein by reference.
  • One form of control involves video coordination. For example, in accordance with a program, a conference might be initiated in a videophone format with the terminal V[0069] 1 (FIG. 2). Accordingly, the videophone circuits are active to drive the video monitor V1. At some point, assume the conference participants decide to add a static video communication. A command of “52” in touch tones on the pad 82 (see FIG. 3) initiates a series of operations. Specifically, another line connection is established by actuating the autodialer 30 (FIG. 2), then static video circuits are actuated. At the terminal V1, the static video circuits are actuated to drive the monitor V1 that may involve another monitor or split image operation. Separate displays for dynamic and still video may be used, such that a buyer at one monitor can confer with a vendor, speaking face-to-face through the camera and that monitor, while the vendor exhibits fine details of a product on a second monitor in a still image. Of course, in sequences of such still images, views can be changed and areas highlighted with a cursor controlled by the mouse 51.
  • As an alternative to actuating the static video format, the conferees may elect to go digital. A command “53” from the [0070] panel 80 sets the requisite steps in motion. The autodialer 30 dials up a digital connection, then using that connection, the switch 41 actuates the digital video circuits to drive one of the monitors V1-Vn. Note that with enhanced hi-fi video communication, the assumed videophone communication might best be terminated.
  • In view of these examples, it will be apparent that the operator at the terminal V[0071] 1 has substantial control, including the ability to go from one video format to another. Of course, such operations presume that the vendor has the requisite capacity, which may be indicated in the graphic display as treated in greater detail below.
  • From the above descriptions, it is apparent that the disclosed system utilizes videophone technology in combination with other telephone system technology along with computer control and graphics technology to accomplish effective scheduling and processing of traffic for selective visual communication, which may culminate in a transaction. [0072]
  • Inbound calls for vendor or buyer, may be received through the interface system [0073] 28 (FIG. 2, right). The format switch 41 may incorporate a variable codec for analog lines AL1-ALN and digital lines DL1-DLN. For analog lines, a video CODEC along with computing capability may take the form of an AVP 1000 video CODEC chip set as available from AT&T. Essentially, the CODEC chip set accomplishes videophone operation and consists of a video encoder, a video decoder and an internal system controller. The format switch unit 41 is shown to be coupled between a standard analog line and a line on ISDN. Upon receiving a call from a videophone unit, the format switch unit 41 selects the appropriate line, that is, the analog line. Alternatively, upon receiving a call from a high fidelity video (digital) the format switch unit 41 selects a digital line. Also, as described above, during visual communication (real-time) a buyer may alter switches, e.g., from transmitting dynamic images over a single analog line to high resolution freeze frames. The high resolution freeze frames may be viewed on large 14 inch monitors. Further, the images may be manipulated from either end, to view the freeze frame image concurrently.
  • In the operation of the system embracing the exemplary formats as treated above and below, a record is made for billing purposes. That is, a billing memory unit BL (FIG. 1) and a standard printer (block [0074] 51 a) are controlled by the computer control 28, (FIG. 2) recording all transactions in relation to billing charges. Such data can be variously processed at different times. Basically, the concept involves formulating billing data, so that at least a part of the calls made to a vendor, for example, can be rebilled to that vendor.
  • Considering the functions of the dial-up telephone system TS (FIG. 2) in somewhat greater detail, an inter-exchange carrier (e.g., AT&T) provides comprehensive data on calls specifying: phone number calling, phone number called, date, time, length of call (period), billing data and so on. Test or look-up operations are then performed with reference to a vendor database. Accordingly, portions of the charges (with or without mark-ups) are rebilled (with appropriate identification to the vendors). Such operations may be particularly effective in relation to “private” networks, e.g., the so-called SDN (software defined network), SDDN (software defined data network) which are compatible with ISDN operations, or a combination of the two service offerings (SDN with SDDN). Note that AT&T's SDN is a virtual network service which offers an organization the ability to build a private corporate network within the AT&T public network. A customized database contains information on various sites affiliated with the organization (i.e., the service organization installs a “private” network service at many different business entities) as well as features and routing information. Moreover, SDN encompasses voice, analog data, digital data and image transfer. SDDN is a feature of SDN and is most often installed in conjunction with SDN. A combination of the two provides the capability of combining all the different sites for network management and billing. Note that both buyers and vendors may wish to extend the scope of the network of participants by installing at least one similar mode of video in their branches, plants and/or for customers. [0075]
  • Essentially, coordinated with the [0076] control computer 28 in the system TIS, reapportioning and rebilling options are executed by the billing data unit utilizing storage capacity of the memory 32 or a separate billing data memory.
  • Different vendors and buyers may be registered with the central traffic control system TIS. Accordingly, the traffic control system TIS may assign an identification number and, for example, store the following information under that identification number in memory: Jones, Roger, XYZ Toy Company, Analog System, Telephone number (212) 555-5555, Registered to interact with EFG Company (central station number—(310) 666-6666), no priority, IJK Company (central station number—(414) 777-7777), priority with buyer no. 3. [0077]
  • At registration, each vendor and buyer fills out a subscription form or otherwise provides the central traffic control system with specific information, such as the nature of the merchandise they are designated to sell or buy. This information may be provided with reference to an established list of merchandise codes. The designated merchandise codes assist the selectivity logic [0078] 47 (FIG. 2) in making routing determinations according to expressed areas of interest.
  • It should be recognized that video recordings on specific merchandise may be stored at the [0079] video file server 37 for viewing by buyers, and transactions may be consummated without any direct visual conferences between vendors and buyers.
  • As indicated above, the traffic control system TIS incorporates structure for a wide variety of communications through the dial-up telephone system TS. FIG. 4 illustrates a more specific exemplary form of the system TIS. A telephone platform or interface T[0080] 12 (upper left) accommodates a multitude of line connections to the dial-up public telephone system TS (FIGS. 1 and 2) accommodating two-way communication with various capabilities as treated above. For example, the interface structure T12 (FIG. 4) accommodates the placement of outgoing calls by an auto dialer T14 controlled by a computer T16 incorporating substantial memory. Auto dialers are well known in the telephone arts functioning to place calls in response to digital instructions. As the source of such digital instructions, along with others, the control computer T16 comprises a substantial computing capability, functioning to control telephonic traffic in various communication forms through the telephone interface structure T12. Traffic is controlled, both for servicing and interconnecting remote terminals at both vendor and buyer locations, e.g., buyer locations BS1-BSn (FIG. 1) and vendor terminals, e.g. terminals L1-Ln.
  • The control computer T[0081] 16 (FIG. 4) also is connected to an audio response unit T18 for vocally cuing and otherwise interfacing remote stations through the telephone interface structure T12. Again, various forms of audio response units are well known in the telephonic arts for verbalizing cues, receiving digital signals and performing some processing. In that regard, the audio response unit T18 may incorporate some dictionary capability or may rely on the control computer T16 for an extended dictionary of words to be vocalized.
  • The control computer T[0082] 16 also is connected to receive signals from the telephone interface structure T12 through a “D” channel circuit T20. For example, the “D” channel circuit receives ANI and DNIS signals indicative of calling and called station numbers as explained above. Essentially, the “D” channel circuit T20 provides call related information to the control computer T16 in accordance with well-known techniques of the telephonic arts.
  • Recapitulating to some extent, it may be seen that the control computer T[0083] 16, along with the above-mentioned structures, has substantial capability to interface remote terminals. However, under certain conditions, manual communication also may be desired. Accordingly, as explained above, an operator station T21 is coupled to the computer T16 to accommodate a human interface. The operator station T21 may take the form of a CRT terminal with graphics display capability and various controls (FIG. 3) implemented through the control computer T16.
  • As indicated above, to accomplish the traffic control function, the computer T[0084] 16 has substantial computing capability, specifically, for purposes of control, storage management, delivery, scheduling and interconnecting remote stations. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 4, several operating components that could be integrated in the computer T16 are separately illustrated. Such separate illustration also facilitates the operating explanations. Specifically, separate storage capacity is illustrated in the form of a buyer-vendor storage unit T24 and a buyer-vendor/merchandise code storage unit T26. The storage units T24 and T26 are addressed by the control computer T16 to provide data that is processed along with other data to control and facilitate on-line and off-line communications between buyer and vendor terminals pursuant to a possible transaction.
  • As suggested above, communication between the various vendors and buyers involves substantial control, direction and regulation along with limitations, thus, the term “traffic control” is deemed appropriate. In that regard, a qualification unit T[0085] 28 is coupled both to the control computer T16 and the storage units T24 and T26. Essentially, the qualification unit T28 receives identification, type of subject matter and limitation data to qualify buyers or vendors for select individual communications. The storage unit T26 is coupled directly to the computer T16, along with a billing data memory T30 and a printer T32 for operation as mentioned above.
  • Summarizing the extensive treatment above, the present system variously implements both online and offline communication as between vendors and buyers. The communication is considerably enhanced by terminal section and video displays. Accordingly, a video file server T[0086] 34 is coupled directly to the telephone interface structure T12 and to the control computer T16. A monitor station T36 is similarly coupled, as for select time or call monitoring.
  • In view of the preliminary description of the control structure (FIG. 4) a comprehensive explanation of the system now may be expressed by assuming particular situations and describing typical operating sequences. Accordingly, assume the structure of FIG. 4 is coupled as the traffic control system TIS in the system of FIG. 2 for controlling and regulating select communications between vendor and buyer terminals. In that regard, as an exemplary application, a system of merchandise classification may be used for selectivity of communication. Generally, as an example, merchandise may be classified numerically in accordance with a decimal system, somewhat equated to channels of commerce for various goods. For example, a component of such a classification is as follows. [0087]
    CHART A
    Merchandise Decimal Code
    |
    |
    Body Treatment    470000
     Skin 471000
    Sun Cream    47260
    Prevent & Protect 471230
    Water Resist 471234
    Tanning    471235
     |
     |
     |
    Cream 471300
    Moisture    471310
    Cleansing    471320
     |
     |
     |
    Hair    472000
  • In accordance with the exemplary classification, “body-treatment” merchandise carries the code “470000”. More explicit classifications of such merchandise carry additional decimal indicators. For example, as indicated above, water-resistant, sun protection treatment would be identified by the merchandise code “471234”. Accordingly, entire ranges of merchandise may be classified and coded to control and regulate communication traffic in accordance herewith. [0088]
  • Generally, in the disclosed embodiment, preliminary inquiries, offers for sale, and requests for proposals all carry merchandise codes for processing to selectively identify potentially interested vendors or buyers. As a further element of classification, buyers or vendors also may be assigned specific codes, for example, designating businesses as primarily as, supermarkets, department stores, drug stores and so on. [0089]
  • As detailed below, the operation of the system will be treated as it regulates and controls video communication, (direct or indirect) for example, selectively between vendors and buyers, to expedite traditionally complex purchasing operations. In that regard, the embodiment treats six types of telephone calls. Specifically, primary calls are classified in accordance with the following chart. [0090]
    CHART B
    Type Call Nature
    “A” Vendor with special offering
    “B” Buyer responding to special offering
    “C” Buyer with Request for Proposal (RFP)
    “D” Vendor responding to RFP
    “E” Vendor seeking appointment
    “F” Buyer seeking appointment
  • As indicated, calls of various types may involve some form of qualification or approval. For example, access to the system may be limited to qualified or registered entities. Also, certain limitations may be imposed on such entities. Of course, specific forms of limitations and qualifications may be implemented depending upon specific applications. Qualifications are generally performed by the qualification unit T[0091] 28 (FIG. 4) utilizing information derived from a call correlated with reference data from the storage units T24 and T26. In that regard, the logic for the qualification unit T28 may be implemented in accordance with the flow diagram of FIG. 5 as will now be considered.
  • In the disclosed embodiment, exemplary qualifications for buyers and vendors are somewhat similar. Specifically, the tests for a calling vendor may be: [0092]
  • Is the calling station registered as a vendor (or buyer)?[0093]
  • Can the caller give a proper PIN number (Identification Number)?[0094]
  • Is the vendor qualified for the designated merchandise?[0095]
  • Is the vendor approved for an identified buyer or buyers?[0096]
  • The tests for calling a buyer may be quite similar. To consider the logic embodied in the qualification unit T[0097] 28 (FIG. 4), reference will now be made somewhat concurrently to FIGS. 4 and 5. With the occurrence of an incoming call through the telephone interface structure T12 (FIG. 4), “D” channel signals are supplied through the circuit T20 to the control computer T16. As a result, the computer T16 addresses the buyer-vendor storage unit T24, using the call number of the originating terminal (ANI). Of course, in other applications DNIS signals may be similarly employed. The operation is illustrated by a block T40 (FIG. 5). Addressed by the calling number, the storage unit T24 (FIG. 4) supplies representative signals indicating: first, that the calling terminal does belong to a registered buyer or seller, whether the entity is a buyer or a seller, and the identification number (PIN) for the entity. The operation of consulting the storage unit T24 or an embodied look-up table is illustrated by a query block T42 in FIG. 5.
  • If the calling terminal number is not located, indicating an unregistered caller, the qualification unit T[0098] 28 (FIG. 4) actuates the computer T16 for appropriate control. Specifically, the audio response unit T18 may be prompted to provide a termination message or the operator station T21 may be actuated for a human interface. Such alternatives are represented in FIG. 5 by the block T44.
  • For calls originating from a registered terminal, the qualification unit T[0099] 28 (FIG. 4) stores the pertinent data, i.e., buyer or seller I.D. and reference PIN. The operation is illustrated in FIG. 5 by the block T46.
  • With the determination of a properly registered calling terminal, the computer T[0100] 16 actuates the audio response unit T18 providing a verbal cue for an identification number (PIN). The operation is illustrated in FIG. 5 by the query block T48. If the caller enters keypad digital information indicating an invalid PIN, or makes no entry at all, the operation again proceeds to the block T44 for termination or transfer of the call as explained above. With the entry of a valid PIN, the operation proceeds to store the personal identification number as indicated by a block T50.
  • The qualification unit T[0101] 28 (FIG. 4) next functions in cooperation with the computer T16 driving the audio response unit T18 to cue the caller for the type of call and the merchandise code, see blocks T52 and T54 (FIG. 5) representing such operations. Although such operations are not detailed in FIG. 5, it is to be understood that improper responses or the lack of a response will transfer the process to the function of block T44, as illustrated, to terminate or transfer the call. On the contrary, if appropriate information is received, the qualification unit T28 (FIG. 4) receives and stores the requested information. Consequently, the unit T28 contains: the caller's PIN number, the call type and the merchandise code. That data is then tested within the qualification unit T28, against reference data, in a process step as illustrated by the query block T56 in FIG. 5. The details of the test are treated in somewhat greater detail below; however, as illustrated in FIG. 5, if the tests are not successful, the process again proceeds to the termination block T44; otherwise, the process proceeds to a block T58 to implement the substantive communication of the call.
  • The final test of the call involves operation of the qualification unit T[0102] 28 (FIG. 4) in conjunction with the storage unit T26. That is, for each buyer and vendor, the unit T26 stores merchandise codes and, in some instances, other special information.
  • In operation, typically, vendors may be denied access to certain information. For example, a vendor would not have access to the type calls: “A” (a special offering of another vendor), “D” (another vendor responding to an RFP) and so on. However, exceptions are possible and in that regard it is simply important to appreciate that special situations may be stored in the unit T[0103] 26.
  • Returning to the routine situation, as indicated above, each buyer and vendor is associated with stored merchandise data. In that regard, merchandise codes not only facilitate and expedite selective communication but additionally, charges and billing data (for storage in the memory T[0104] 30) may be based on active merchandise codes for a subscriber.
  • Pursuing a specific example, assume a caller, identified as a vendor and otherwise qualified is pursuing the presentation of a special offering. Further assume that the calling vendor is associated only with hair products (Chart A, code 472000). However, assume that the caller identifies the “merchandise of interest” to be a water resistant sun skin product, code 471234. Thus, the identified merchandise code does not coincide with the caller's registered merchandise code. In such a case, the processing is halted with the consequence that the call is either terminated or transferred to an operator. At this stage, likely operation would involve referring the call to an operator. Thus, the qualification unit T[0105] 28 concludes the test by assuring that the entity being represented by a call is authorized for access with respect to the identified codes.
  • Pursuing the example of a vendor with a special offering, i.e., call type “A”. The caller may represent a vendor entity dealing in distressed merchandise holding a considerable volume of hair shampoo packaged for women, i.e., merchandise code “472147”. With the merchandise codes stored, the control computer T[0106] 16 actuates the video file server T34 along with the audio response unit T18 to receive from storage a video presentation of the merchandise, that is, the hair shampoo. Typically, the vendor will have organized the presentation prior to making the telephone call so that the merchandise can be variously demonstrated and various information provided, including pricing etc. Thus, an effective record of the video presentation is stored in the file server T34 essentially in the form of a sales presentation for the hair shampoo, that is, product code “472147”. Note that the video presentation also may be stored at the vendor's facility for access.
  • With the completion of the video record, the control computer T[0107] 16 actuates the storage unit T26 to isolate all buyers associated with the product code “472147” identifying hair shampoo. With the list of buyers identified and a video presentation recorded, the subsequent operations involve communicating the video presentation to the select group of buyers. In accordance with the disclosed embodiment, the identified buyer group is notified of the availability of the demonstration. Alternatively, buyers may be informed of the merchandise by different techniques, including inquiry probes.
  • Informed of the vendor data, in the form of a data relating to merchandise, qualified buyers may establish communication (call “B”) through the telephone interface structure T[0108] 12 (FIG. 4) to receive the stored video presentation from the file server T34. Various specific arrangements may be involved. For example, the central traffic system (FIGS. 1 and 2) may maintain a record or log of all the buyers accessing the video file server, which may be provided to the vendor, upon request. A record of the time (provided by the clock) spent by each buyer in viewing a video presentation may also be maintained.
  • A specific buyer may terminate the video after viewing it for only a few minutes, while another buyer may view the entire video presentation. The vendor may request such information to determine buyers' reactions to the special offering, for marketing or other reasons. [0109]
  • In some situations, it may be particularly advantageous for buyers to receive early notice of a special offering by a vendor. Accordingly, it may be desirable to implement a rotational order scheme or a random operation for determining the sequence in notifying buyers. Specifically, a random number generator may be incorporated in the control computer T[0110] 16 for ordering the list of buyers for notification.
  • Notices to buyers or vendors also may vary considerably, depending upon individual programming considerations. In some situations, vendors may provide a special list of buyers or alternatively, exclude specific buyers. All buyers and vendors are provided with a list of participating members of the network, at registration. Periodic updates of new members may be circulated from time to time. [0111]
  • In accordance with the disclosed embodiment, the control computer T[0112] 16 simply actuates the auto dialer T14 to establish telephonic communication with buyers after which the audio response unit T18 notifies the buyer. Alternatives involve the utilization of facsimile or the like capability or various forms of electronic mail may be incorporated for utilization. In any event, the select group of buyers is notified that the presentation on a hair shampoo packaged for women is accessible by interfacing through the telephone structure T12. Responding buyers (call type “B”) are qualified as described above, then coupled to the video file server T34 to receive the video presentation. Thereafter, interested buyers may directly contact the vendor, typically for further video communication. Thus, the foundation for a transaction is completed rapidly and effectively with substantial communication of the goods involved and related considerations.
  • Another possibility involves type “C” calls, whereby a buyer distributes a request for proposal. e. g.seeks data relating to merchandise and an invitation to purchase. Again, various communications may be provided to a single select group or sub-group of vendors based on buyer data, e.g. merchandise codes. For example, to consider another specific form of communication in accordance herewith, after qualification, a buyer might use video communication to notify vendors with a graphic such as one illustrated in FIG. 8 showing an exemplary buyer request form providing specific information of the merchandise. Blank forms may be stored in a forms directory (e.g. menu-driven) or the like on each buyer's terminal. Thus, when making a request for proposals, a buyer may simply access a blank form and enter the specific information. Essentially, a merchandise code number “472361” is supplied, indicating the specific product as also identified in the graphic. After the notice has been sent selectively to vendors, a message as represented in FIG. 9 may be transmitted to the buyer from the central traffic control system TIS. Note that a check digit may be supplied. Likewise, vendors may access blank forms, similar to the exemplary buyer request forms, to indicate special offerings. [0113]
  • Following receipt of a request for proposal, or invitation for offer, interested vendors may submit a video presentation as described above. Accordingly video presentations (video transcriptions) of vendor data are communicated and further communication may result in the consummation of a transaction as explained above. [0114]
  • In view of the above descriptions and explanations, another disclosed embodiment is depicted in FIG. 10 and will now be considered. To some extent, components previously identified and described may bear similar reference identification; however, generally components of the traffic control system S[0115] 10 (FIG. 10, dashed line block) and the inquiry systems or terminals B10 (bottom) are distinctly identified.
  • For purposes of explanation, an exemplary merchandising application again will be presented; however, again it is to be understood that the system may be employed in a multitude of applications. Essentially, such applications involve users at user terminals, (e.g. buyers) and responding sites (e.g. vendors) with video data being supplied to user terminals, for example, to result in a transaction. [0116]
  • Although the responder location sites or terminals L[0117] 1-Ln (FIG. 10, top) as previously described are collectively represented, it is to be understood that such sites may well incorporate various disclosed aspects of the inquiry terminals. However, as explained above, the responder location terminals L1-Ln store video presentation data and are individually coupled to a dial-up public telephone system TS which is in turn coupled to the traffic control system S10 through analog and digital channels A and D, as explained above. The dial-up public telephone system TS also is variously connected to inquiry terminals B10 as described below in substantial detail. Accordingly, the system of FIG. 10 affords a capability of serving an inquiring user, e.g. at a buyer terminal, and a responder site, e.g. a vendor terminal, as described in detail above.
  • The inquiry terminals B[0118] 10 (FIG. 10, bottom) are illustrated in a variety of forms for communication accommodated by the public telephone system TS and the traffic control system S10. Note that each of the exemplary terminal configurations may be present in varying numbers as indicated by the interconnecting horizontal dashed lines. Also note that both mobile wireless and direct terminals are accommodated. However, in accordance herewith, and as described in detail above, ultimate communications(direct or indirect) of the inquiry terminals B10 typically involve communications with individual of the responder or vendor terminals L1-Ln.
  • A first exemplary form of inquiry terminal is represented by the terminal Va (FIG. 10, bottom left). A wireless coupling (dashed line B[0119] 12 a) is indicated between the terminal Va and the traffic control system S10, specifically to a wireless mobile network S12. For example, a European Patent Application EPO 782 364 A2 filed Dec. 23, 1996 and published Jul. 2, 1997 discloses wireless video telephone terminals with a central control station interfacing a telephone network. The application is incorporated by reference herein.
  • In FIG. 10, the terminal Va, a form of mobile wireless video phone, communicates with the wireless mobile network S[0120] 12 (dashed line B12 a) which network for example incorporates central equipment as a base station, and which operates with other components to enable wireless mobile telephone terminals to roam through different areas or cells. Note that the wireless mobile network S12 may be remote and distinct from the traffic control S10. In such a case, communication may be with the system S10 through the public telephone system TS. Thus, from various locations, mobile instruments as the terminal Va, can communicate through the mobile network S12 (or an alternate) and the dial-up public telephone system TS (line S13) in order to communicate with other telephone terminals including the terminals L1-Ln.
  • The wireless mobile network S[0121] 12 may incorporate a form of switching system sometimes termed a “mobile switching center” for communication with the public telephone system TS or directly with a computer system S14. Basic aspects of structures for the wireless mobile platform S12 are well known; and in that regard, such mobile communications are treated in detail in a book entitled Mobile Telecommunications Network, by Michael D. Gallagher and Randal A. Snyder, McGraw-Hill, 1997, ISBN 0-07-063314-2, incorporated by reference herein.
  • Again, note that while in FIG. 10, the wireless mobile network S[0122] 12 is shown in the traffic control system S10 it is to be understood that the network S12 may be operated separately from the system S10. As indicated in the above-cited book, the wireless mobile network S12 can be configured in accordance with a wide variety of possibilities and also may constitute a number of interrelated structures distributed over a large area.
  • While only a single inquiry terminal Va is shown in FIG. 10, it is to be understood that the wireless mobile network S[0123] 12 is configured to accommodate a multitude of such wireless terminals, through wireless couplings B12 a, through B12 n. Specifically, through the wireless coupling B12 a, communication is provided from mobile wireless terminal Va to the wireless mobile network S12, and then to the computer system S14. As indicated above, the network S12 and the computer S14 function as a wireless platform and communicate with the public telephone system TS, for example to communicate with the responder locations L1-Ln.
  • Next, consider the representative terminal Vw, with a connection B[0124] 18 a which is somewhat similar to that of the terminals V1-Vn of FIG. 2. However, the telephone terminal Vw takes the form of a mobile device B14 operative with a desktop computer B16 functioning through the telephonic connection B18 to the telephone system TS. Thus, the terminal Vw may communicate through the public telephone system TS with the computer system S14 using the paths A and D as explained above. Furthermore, communication may be established from the terminal Vw, to communicate with responders, e.g. vendors represented at the terminals L1-Ln. A form of system for interconnection between a desktop computer B16 and a mobile device B14 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,545, Flanagin et al., entitled “System and Method for Interaction Between One or More Desktop Computers and One or More Mobile Devices, ” issued Aug. 7, 2001 and incorporated by reference herein.
  • The exemplary inquiry terminal Vx also is a wireless structure, however, functioning through a wireless link indicated by a dashed line B[0125] 20 a for communication with an on-line computer service B22. Accordingly, the terminal Vx communicates through the service B22 and the public telephone system TS with the computer system S14. In that regard, an Internet protocol video phone adapter is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,562, Lor, entitled “Internet Protocol Video Phone Adapter for High Bandwidth Data Access,” issued Mar. 13, 2001 and incorporated by reference herein.
  • The exemplary terminal Vy may take a form similar to the terminals described with respect to FIG. 2 and is connected to the dial-up public telephone system TS in a similar manner. Thus, the system of FIG. 10 incorporates the traffic control system S[0126] 10, capable of serving various forms of buyer terminals, as exemplified, in varying numbers.
  • Turning now to the traffic control system S[0127] 10, generally, communication is afforded from the terminals B10 and the responder sites or terminals L1-Ln through the mobile network S12 and/or the telephone system TS. In that regard, the wireless mobile network platform S12, along with the computer system S14, interface the wireless buyer terminals to impose control and accomplish communication. Other terminals communicate with the computer system S14 through the telephone system TS.
  • The detailed operation of the computer system S[0128] 14 is treated below; however, preliminarily consider other component elements of the traffic control system S10. Several components of the traffic control system S10 may take a form similar to elements in the traffic control system TIS of FIG. 2. However, in that regard, different identification symbols are employed. The traffic control system S10 includes a clock S18, (left central) an operator station S20, a printer, VCR, etc. S22, an audio response unit S24, a caller test unit S26, (left) an auto dialer S28 and a D-channel signal processor S30, all of which may take a form similar to such elements of the same name appearing in FIG. 2.
  • Additionally, the traffic control system S[0129] 10 separately illustrates a network interface S32, (upper right) a voice recognition unit S34 and a memory S36. The network interface unit S32 functions in cooperation with the public telephone system TS and may incorporate various well-known structures as a telephonic format switch. The voice recognition unit S34 functions in cooperation with the computer system S14 to accommodate voice-recognition operation at the terminals B10. The memory S36 provides control and programming data for the system S14 and additionally stores significant data as in assigned cells relating to individual buyer and vendor terminals, somewhat as treated above.
  • Extensive responder data is stored, either at the responder location terminals L[0130] 1-Ln, at the traffic control system S10, or at both (see FIG. 6). For example, pursuing the merchandising example, for a respondent who is a vendor, the vendor data would include data relating to merchandise as for example: video transcriptions for display of merchandise, or services, designations (as codes), price schedules, and group classifications, etc. Vendor data also may include identification data, as for example: PIN data, telephone number data, name data, personal data and so on. Additional stored vendor data may include format data, buyer data and transaction data as mentioned above.
  • To complete a comprehensive understanding of the system as depicted in FIG. 10, reference also will now be made to the flow diagram of FIG. 11 with respect to various operations definitive of the central computer system S[0131] 14 and the cooperating elements of the control system S10.
  • Initially, assume the presence of an inquiring user, e.g. a buyer (person) at the terminal Va, with a desire to pursue a possible communication with an unknown vendor accessible through one of the sites or locations L[0132] 1-Ln. To initiate the process, the terminal Va is actuated as indicated by a block W1 (FIG. 11—upper left). Upon activation, the terminal Va (FIG. 10) establishes communication with the wireless mobile network S12 through the radio channel represented by the dashed line B12 a. As part of the communication, the terminal Va transmits certain initial inquiry data to the wireless mobile network S12, specifically, identification data is transmitted, e.g. the identifying MIN number that characteristically is used in wireless communication. The operation is represented in FIG. 11 by the block W2.
  • Upon receiving the identification information for the terminal Va, the wireless mobile network S[0133] 12 addresses a memory, e.g. the memory S36 through the computer system S14 to obtain reference data on the terminal Va. These operational steps are represented in FIG. 11 by the blocks W4 and W6.
  • The central computer system S[0134] 14 may store or address the memory S36 regarding the terminal Va in relation to a wide variety of stored data. For example, the basic data stored for buyers (see FIG. 7) may include the following:
  • (1) additional identification, e.g. name, electronic address, group, merchandise data, identification data, and so on. [0135]
  • (2) anti-fraud information [0136]
  • (3) qualification criteria [0137]
  • (4) specific limitations and/or enablements [0138]
  • (5) individuals persons ID, e.g. name, credit data, etc. [0139]
  • (6) addresses [0140]
  • (7) buyer related merchandise data, etc. [0141]
  • With various basic data available, the caller at the terminal Va may be cued for qualification data as indicated by the block W[0142] 8. For example, the caller may be cued for further inquiry data, for example, a personal identification number (PIN) or for speech (as for a voice print) or for codes or various other anti-fraud or identification confirmation criteria.
  • Receiving the cue, the caller actuates the terminal Va, as by keypad entries to provide response data. The wireless network S[0143] 12 supplies the data which is processed by the computer system S14 with the test unit S26 to accomplish a test as represented by a block W10 in FIG. 11. As suggested above, if implemented, the tests may take a multitude of forms regarding the buyer qualification and/or the qualification of the calling terminal. The test results are illustrated by the query block W11. If the test results are negative (“NO”) the call is terminated as indicated by the block W12. Conversely, a positive result (“YES”) advances the process to the next stage of operation, recognizing that the call is accepted.
  • If the illustrative call from the terminal Va is approved or accepted without qualification, the computer system S[0144] 14 sets up the appropriate communication formats to proceed based on stored data or circumstances. For example, if the caller (active user) is communicating by speech, the voice recognition unit S34 (FIG. 10) is actuated. Also, depending on the video format indicated by the basic data, the system performs the requisite format switch operations. These steps are illustrated by the block W14. Thus, compatible communication, for an active user including video, may proceed.
  • With communication established, the ARU S[0145] 24 (FIG. 11) is actuated to prompt the user at terminal Va through the network S12 to provide direction. Recognizing the multitude of possible applications for systems in accordance herewith, the direction, or area of interest data, for an inquiry may vary to a considerable extent. For example, such subject matter data for a merchandising application involving goods or services, may specify a type of merchandise or an area of interest for goods or services. In a dating service or employment agency application, the direction or routing data for an inquiry may take the form of personal characteristics, and so on. In any event, the step is illustrated in FIG. 11 by the block W16 and in that regard, as an example, types of merchandise may be specified as explained above.
  • So prompted, the user normally enters the subject matter data (selection data) which is received and stored as indicated by the block W[0146] 18. Thus, representative routing data is available to the computer system S14. The inquiry selection data, stored in the memory S36, is processed with reference vendor data as preliminarily indicated by the block W20.
  • If an online communication between an inquiry terminal (Va-Vy) and a respondent terminal (L[0147] 1-Ln) is to be established, the central computer system S14 may further refine the stored data as indicated by the processing of a block W24. In accordance with a controlling algorithm, the data may be variously processed to locate one or more responder sites, e.g. vendor sites or a sequence of sites. The step is illustrated in FIG. 11 by a block W24.
  • To consider the processing of the received inquiry data (subject matter data) in greater detail, the course of action, may, for example, be to select a responder site, e.g. responder terminal L[0148] 1 for an active inquiring user. As indicated, the type of subject matter data provided by an inquiring user is processed to select one or more responder sites. The subject matter data is part of the inquiry data received and specifies the area of interest or type of communication that is sought with a respondent site. Essentially, as illustrated by the block 24 (FIG. 11) the computer system S14 (FIG. 10) processes the inquiry subject matter data in relation to stored reference respondent data to select a respondent site or terminal. Generally, the selection is based on types of subject matter, expressed for example as an area of interest. As explained above, in a merchandising application a buyer user might specify “skin cream cleansing” as the area of interest or type of subject matter data for communication. The central computer system S14 would then process such inquiry data with stored respondent data to select at least one respondent site, e.g. vendor site L1. Of course, any of a variety of coincidence or comparison algorithms might be employed to make the selection as indicated by the block W24 (FIG. 11). With the vendor site L1 selected for example, the inquiring caller or user terminal, for example terminal Va, is placed in communication with the vendor terminal L1. Specifically, with the responder terminal selected, the computer system S14 actuates the auto dialer S28 to provide dial-up signals through the network interface S32 to accomplish a connection through the public telephone system TS, ultimately with the select vendor terminal L1. The operational step is illustrated in FIG. 11 by a block W26.
  • With the connection established, the active buyer terminal Va is bridged through the traffic control system S[0149] 10 and the dial-up public telephone system TS to the select vendor terminal L1 as illustrated by the block W28. Thereafter, video communication exchanges may occur as represented by the block W30 which may or may not result in the consummation of a transaction. Accordingly, the query block W32 represents the possibilities. If no transaction is consummated, the process is terminated as indicated by a block W34. Alternatively, if a transaction is consummated it is recorded and commanded as indicated by the block W36.
  • As indicated above and as illustrated in FIG. 10, the inquiry terminals B[0150] 10 also may include terminals as exemplified by an inquiry terminal Vw comprising a mobile device B14 and a desktop computer B16. The mobile device B14 essentially controls the desktop computer B16 to function through a line B18 and the telephone system TS to interface the central computer system S14. Note that the mobile device B14 may be operated somewhat as explained above with respect to the operation of the wireless terminal Va.
  • An exemplary terminal Vx also is wireless and communicates directly with an on-line service B[0151] 22 in accordance herewith. Note that the buyer terminal Vx may take a video form of a handheld unit utilizing the principles of mobile wireless communication to accomplish the requisite communication with the on-line computer service V22. Accordingly, acting through the “Internet”, the system attains the process steps to potentially accomplish a transaction as described above. In that regard, as indicated, the steps may be few or involve considerable detail; however, the steps could include:
  • (1) receiving and obtaining identification data from an inquiry terminal [0152]
  • (2) utilizing identification data, fetching basic data for a terminal [0153]
  • (3) qualifying a communication as with respect to an inquiry terminal or with regard to anti-fraud [0154]
  • (4) setting communication formats as with respect to video and DTMF versus voice [0155]
  • (5) obtaining routing or selection data [0156]
  • (6) processing selection data, as in combination with reference data to select a respondent. [0157]
  • (7) coupling an inquiry terminal to a respondent terminal for video communication. [0158]
  • The inquiry terminal Vy also may take a form as illustrated with respect to FIG. 2. Thus, it may be seen that in the composite system of FIG. 11, various different types of terminals are represented and may be employed in varying numbers. As suggested, hybrids and deviations of such terminals are contemplated. [0159]
  • In view of the above description, it will be apparent that numerous operating formats, programs and layouts may be accomplished using a wide variety of videophone equipment in cooperation with computing and telephone apparatus. As indicated above, the disclosed embodiments afford some exemplary arrangements; however, the scope hereof should not be so confined, rather the scope hereof should be in accordance with the claims as set forth below. [0160]

Claims (62)

What is claimed is:
1. A traffic control system for enabling communication exchanges between at least one inquiring user at an inquiring user terminal and at least one responder site with video data relating to subject matter for communication, the traffic control system for use with a public telephone system to enable communication exchanges between terminals and sites at remote locations, related to the possibility of consummating a communication, the traffic control system comprising:
an interface for communications through the public telephone system involving a user and a responding site and for receiving inquiry data from a user at an active inquiring user terminal including identification data and type of subject matter data for communication relating to an area of interest;
memory storage to receive and store responder data including data relating to different subject matter for communication relating to areas of interest; and
a processor to control, manage and interconnect with remote inquiring user terminals and responder sites, and to selectively provide video data for display by an active inquiring user terminal in accordance with types of subject matter for communication relating to an area of interest as communicated from an inquiring user terminal pursuant to a possible communication.
2. A traffic control system according to claim 1 wherein the subject matter for communication involves goods or services.
3. A traffic control system according to claim 2 wherein a user may accomplish a commercial transaction for goods or services.
4. A traffic control system according to claim 2 wherein the inquiry data includes an indication of the amount that a buyer is willing to pay for a good or service.
5. A traffic control system according to claim 4 wherein the amount that a buyer is willing to pay is expressed as a maximum amount.
6. A traffic control system according to claim 1 wherein the subject matter for communication relates to persons.
7. A traffic control system according to claim 6 wherein the subject matter relates to areas of interest expressed in a dating service.
8. A traffic control system according to claim 1 wherein the processor further interconnects an active inquiring user terminal to receive video data from another responder site.
9. A traffic control system according to claim 1 wherein the video data is dynamic.
10. A traffic control system according to claim 1 wherein the video data is high resolution still image video.
11. A traffic control system according to claim 1 wherein the processor affords access to the memory storage by an user utilizing a dial-up telephone instrument.
12. A traffic control system according to claim 11 wherein access involves using a caller paid telephone line.
13. A traffic control system according to claim 1 wherein the inquiry data includes a check digit.
14. A traffic control system according to claim 1 wherein said responder data includes video data and text data for display by an active inquiring user terminal.
15. A traffic control system according to claim 1 wherein the inquiry data includes billing data for a user.
16. A traffic control system according to claim 1 wherein the interface communicates with a personal computer at a user terminal.
17. A traffic control system according to claim 1 wherein the interface provides a user relating to multiple choices for selection to comprise inquiry data.
18. A traffic control system according to claim 1 further including a wireless mobile network for receiving inquiry data from mobile terminals.
19. A traffic control system according to claim 1 further including a voice recognition unit for receiving inquiry data expressed by voice.
20. A process of traffic control for enabling communication exchanges between at least one inquiring user at an inquiring user terminal and at least one responder site with video data relating to subject matter for communication, the communication exchanges involving a public telephone system and comprising the steps of:
interfacing user terminals and responder sites through the public telephone system to receive inquiry data from a user at an active inquiring user terminal including identification data and type of subject matter data for communication relating to area of interest;
receiving and storing responder data including data relating to different subject matter relating to areas of interest; and
processing inquiry data and responder data in response to an inquiry from an active inquiring user terminal to selectively provide video data from responder data to an active inquiring user terminal in accordance with inquiry data received relating to area of interest.
21. A process according to claim 20 wherein the subject matter for communication involves goods or services.
22. A process according to claim 21 wherein a user may accomplish a commercial transaction for goods or services.
23. A process according to claim 21 wherein the inquiry data includes an indication of the amount that a buyer is willing to pay for goods or services.
24. A process according to claim 23 wherein the amount that a buyer is willing to pay for goods or services is expressed as a maximum amount.
25. A process according to claim 20 wherein the subject matter for communication relates to persons.
26. A process according to claim 25 wherein the subject matter for communication relates to areas of interest expressed in a dating service.
27. A process according to claim 20 wherein an active inquiring terminal user is further interconnected to receive video data from another responder site.
28. A process according to claim 1 wherein at least part of the inquiry data is communicated by electronic mail.
29. A process according to claim 1 wherein the video data is dynamic.
30. A process according to claim 1 wherein the video data is high resolution still image video.
31. A process according to claim 1 wherein access to stored responder data is provided to a user using a dial-up telephone instrument.
32. A process according to claim 31 wherein access by the user involves using a caller paid telephone line.
33. A process according to claim 20 wherein the inquiry data includes a check digit.
34. A process according to claim 20 wherein said responder data includes video data and text data for display at an active inquiring user terminal.
35. A process according to claim 20 wherein the inquiry data includes billing data for a user.
36. A process according to claim 20 wherein the Interfacing step includes interfacing a personal computer as a user terminal.
37. A process according to claim 20 wherein the interfacing step includes providing a user at an active user inquiry terminal with multiple choices in the selection of inquiry data.
38. A process according to claim 1 wherein the interfacing step includes interfacing mobile wireless inquiring user terminals.
39. A process according to claim 1 wherein the interfacing step includes voice recognition operations for the users.
40. A traffic control system for establishing selective communication exchanges between a plurality of inquiry user terminals and a plurality of responder sites with video data relating to select subject matter for communication, the traffic control system for use with a public telephone system, the traffic control system comprising:
an interface to the public telephone system for receiving inquiry data from a user at an active user terminal including subject matter data with an indication for an area of interest;
a memory storage to receive and store subject matter data for the responder sites indicating area of interest; and
a processor coupled to the memory storage and the interface and including site location logic for identifying responder sites related to areas of interest as expressed in inquiry data from individual inquiring user terminals to selectively interconnect inquiring user terminals and relevant responder sites on the basis of subject matter data to thereby provide video data relative to the expressed inquiry data.
41. A system according to claim 40 wherein the interface includes a wireless mobile station for video communication with remote wireless terminals.
42. A system according to claim 41 wherein the interface includes a voice recognition unit for communicating with the remote terminals.
43. A system according to claim 41 wherein said subject matter data comprises merchandise data.
44. A traffic control system according to claim 40 wherein said interface includes dial-up capability to dial-up a vendor terminal through said public telephone system controlled by said processor in accordance with said location logic.
45. A traffic control system according to claim 40 wherein said at least one responder site stores text data relating to merchandise and wherein said text data is selectively supplied to an active inquiry user terminal for display.
46. A traffic control system according to claim 40 wherein said inquiry data includes identification data.
47. A traffic control system according to claim 46 wherein said identification data comprises a check digit.
48. A traffic control system according to claim 46 wherein said identification data comprises a buyer e-mail address.
49. A traffic control system according to claim 46 wherein said identification data is stored by said processor for billing purposes related to a transaction.
50. A traffic control system according to claim 40 wherein said video data includes include dynamic video representations.
51. A traffic control system according to claim 40 wherein said inquiry data is from a prospective buyer includes an indication of the maximum amount that a buyer is willing to pay in a transaction.
52. A traffic control system according to claim 40 wherein said interface includes an on line computer service.
53. A traffic control system according to claim 40 further including an operator terminal.
54. A process of traffic control involving a plurality of inquiring user terminals with video display capability and a plurality of responder sites associated with defined subject matter, and further involving a public telephone system, the process of traffic control for the possible consummation of video communication between an inquiring user terminal and a select responder site, and comprising the steps of:
storing video recordings relating to defined subject matter for responder sites and subject matter classifications relating to area of interest;
receiving inquiry data from an active inquiring user terminal including defined subject matter indications relating to an areas of interest; and
processing inquiry data from the active inquiring user terminal to selectively establish communication with a select responder site to provide video recordings to the active user terminal relating to defined subject matter for display at the active inquiry terminal responsive to inquiry data received from the active inquiry user terminal.
55. A process of traffic control according to claim 54 further including a step of receiving inquiry data including identification of an active inquiring user terminal.
56. A process according to claim 54 wherein said process step to selectively establish communication includes dialing up a responder site through a public telephone system.
57. A process according to claim 54 including a further step of receiving identification data from an active inquiring user terminal for billing purposes related to a communication.
58. A process according to claim 54 wherein said inquiry data relates to merchandise and further includes the maximum amount that user is willing to pay in a transaction.
59. A process according to claim 54 wherein said step of receiving inquiry data includes communication through an on line computer service.
60. One or more processor readable storage devices embodying processor readable code, said processor readable code for programming a process capacity that performs a method of selectively establishing video communication between an inquiry telephone terminal from which communication of a desired subject matter is desired and one or more select respondent terminals for providing video data relating to certain subject matter, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving inquiry data from an inquiry telephone terminal indicating subject matter for a desired communication, as an expressed area of interest;
accessing storage capacity to provide respondent reference data relating to subject matters of desired communications: and
determining one or more select respondent terminals based on the inquiry data from an inquiry telephone terminal and the respondent reference data to provide select video communication.
61. One or more storage devices in accordance with claim 60 wherein subject matter for a desired communication is directed to the merchandising of products or services.
62. One or more storage devices in accordance with claim 60 further including a step of coupling an inquiry terminal to a select respondent terminal for select video communication.
US10/323,222 1993-03-12 2002-12-18 Commercial product telephonic routing system with mobile wireless and video vending capability Abandoned US20030185356A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/323,222 US20030185356A1 (en) 1993-03-12 2002-12-18 Commercial product telephonic routing system with mobile wireless and video vending capability
US10/686,883 US8315364B2 (en) 1993-03-12 2003-10-16 Commercial product telephonic routing system with mobile wireless and video vending capability

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/031,235 US5412708A (en) 1993-03-12 1993-03-12 Videophone system for scrutiny monitoring with computer control
US6778393A 1993-05-25 1993-05-25
US08/154,313 US5495284A (en) 1993-03-12 1993-11-17 Scheduling and processing system for telephone video communication
US08/189,405 US6323894B1 (en) 1993-03-12 1994-01-27 Commercial product routing system with video vending capability
US09/371,212 US7848496B2 (en) 1993-03-12 1999-08-10 Method for buyer-seller-on-line commerce
US10/323,222 US20030185356A1 (en) 1993-03-12 2002-12-18 Commercial product telephonic routing system with mobile wireless and video vending capability

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/371,212 Continuation-In-Part US7848496B2 (en) 1993-03-12 1999-08-10 Method for buyer-seller-on-line commerce

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/686,883 Continuation US8315364B2 (en) 1993-03-12 2003-10-16 Commercial product telephonic routing system with mobile wireless and video vending capability

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20030185356A1 true US20030185356A1 (en) 2003-10-02

Family

ID=46281742

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/323,222 Abandoned US20030185356A1 (en) 1993-03-12 2002-12-18 Commercial product telephonic routing system with mobile wireless and video vending capability
US10/686,883 Expired - Fee Related US8315364B2 (en) 1993-03-12 2003-10-16 Commercial product telephonic routing system with mobile wireless and video vending capability

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/686,883 Expired - Fee Related US8315364B2 (en) 1993-03-12 2003-10-16 Commercial product telephonic routing system with mobile wireless and video vending capability

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US20030185356A1 (en)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100182945A1 (en) * 2003-04-14 2010-07-22 Cvon Innovations Limited Method and apparatus for distributing messages to mobile recipients
US8280416B2 (en) 2003-09-11 2012-10-02 Apple Inc. Method and system for distributing data to mobile devices
US8464315B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2013-06-11 Apple Inc. Network invitation arrangement and method
US8477786B2 (en) 2003-05-06 2013-07-02 Apple Inc. Messaging system and service
USRE44732E1 (en) * 2002-03-22 2014-01-28 Foremost Technologies Llc Video-voicemail solution for wireless communication devices
US8671000B2 (en) 2007-04-24 2014-03-11 Apple Inc. Method and arrangement for providing content to multimedia devices
US8700613B2 (en) 2007-03-07 2014-04-15 Apple Inc. Ad sponsors for mobile devices based on download size
US8745048B2 (en) 2005-09-30 2014-06-03 Apple Inc. Systems and methods for promotional media item selection and promotional program unit generation
US9367847B2 (en) 2010-05-28 2016-06-14 Apple Inc. Presenting content packages based on audience retargeting
US20220368799A1 (en) * 2020-12-08 2022-11-17 T-Mobile Usa, Inc. Call origination validation for incoming calls within a wireless communication network

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
HU224947B1 (en) * 1999-11-16 2006-04-28 Swisscom Mobile Ag Method and server and system for ordering products
DE10004066C1 (en) * 2000-01-31 2001-06-07 Kaeter Rolf Peter Telecommunications system operating method e.g. for cellular mobile radio network, has multi-stage request and reaction sequence used for providing subscriber services
US7184747B2 (en) * 2001-07-25 2007-02-27 Ncr Corporation System and method for implementing financial transactions using cellular telephone data
NL1027203C2 (en) * 2004-10-08 2006-04-11 Dingenus Hubrecht Meyaard Qbounce communications system comprises a software program whereby potential clients can communicate anonymously with service or product providers via a computer or mobile telephone in a multimedia format
US20060165104A1 (en) * 2004-11-10 2006-07-27 Kaye Elazar M Content management interface
KR20060119746A (en) * 2005-05-18 2006-11-24 엘지전자 주식회사 Method and apparatus for providing transportation status information and using it
KR20060122668A (en) * 2005-05-27 2006-11-30 엘지전자 주식회사 Method for providing traffic information and apparatus for receiving traffic information

Citations (98)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3246082A (en) * 1962-03-26 1966-04-12 Levy Alfred Telephone hold program system
US3253689A (en) * 1964-04-07 1966-05-31 Jack M Thompson Insurance vending machine
US3445633A (en) * 1965-03-05 1969-05-20 Defense Electronics Inc Automatic ticketing system
US3794774A (en) * 1973-01-19 1974-02-26 Courtesy Communications Corp Telephone audio program system
US3881060A (en) * 1973-06-04 1975-04-29 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Emergency reporting system
US4070698A (en) * 1976-05-10 1978-01-24 Curtis Donald W Point of sale automatic announcing system with preprogrammed capacity
US4090038A (en) * 1977-07-14 1978-05-16 Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated Audio signal on hold circuit
US4137429A (en) * 1977-06-29 1979-01-30 Napco Security Systems, Inc. Digital dialers for use in the security field
US4141006A (en) * 1976-07-14 1979-02-20 Braxton Kenneth J Security system for centralized monitoring and selective reporting of remote alarm conditions
US4150254A (en) * 1977-05-04 1979-04-17 Licentia Patent-Verwaltungs-G.M.B.H. Telephone system for selecting and reproducing text on a screen
US4186438A (en) * 1976-03-17 1980-01-29 International Business Machines Corporation Interactive enquiry system
US4190819A (en) * 1977-01-31 1980-02-26 Michael J. Femal Motor vehicle audio information system
US4193114A (en) * 1977-06-30 1980-03-11 CIR- S.p.A.-Divisione Sasib Ticket-issuing system
US4194242A (en) * 1976-09-22 1980-03-18 Patricia Ann Cotts Method and system for determining interest rates
US4247759A (en) * 1978-10-10 1981-01-27 Cubic Western Data Self-service passenger ticketing system
US4262333A (en) * 1978-07-25 1981-04-14 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Holding of a transaction identifying signal in a teller machine
US4270042A (en) * 1977-08-01 1981-05-26 Case John M Electronic funds transfer system
US4424572A (en) * 1979-09-12 1984-01-03 Etablissement Public De Diffusion Dit Telediffusion De France Device for the digital transmission and display of graphics and/or of characters on a screen
US4449186A (en) * 1981-10-15 1984-05-15 Cubic Western Data Touch panel passenger self-ticketing system
US4450477A (en) * 1982-03-31 1984-05-22 Lovett Bruce E Television information system
US4451701A (en) * 1980-10-30 1984-05-29 Oclc Online Computer Library Center, Incorporated Viewdata system and apparatus
US4493948A (en) * 1983-06-27 1985-01-15 The Inteleplex Corporation Transparent secondary information transmission system for an information transmission system
US4496943A (en) * 1982-11-18 1985-01-29 Portable Terminal Corp. Portable information display
US4566030A (en) * 1983-06-09 1986-01-21 Ctba Associates Television viewer data collection system
US4567359A (en) * 1984-05-24 1986-01-28 Lockwood Lawrence B Automatic information, goods and services dispensing system
US4577067A (en) * 1983-10-05 1986-03-18 Alfred Levy Remotely controlled telephone hold program system
US4591906A (en) * 1986-02-12 1986-05-27 Morales Garza Fernando Wireless transmission from the television set to the television station
US4635251A (en) * 1985-07-31 1987-01-06 At&T Bell Laboratories Meet-me conference with control capabilities
US4641127A (en) * 1985-01-30 1987-02-03 Hogan Dennis R Security and fire protection system
US4652998A (en) * 1984-01-04 1987-03-24 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Video gaming system with pool prize structures
US4654482A (en) * 1984-10-15 1987-03-31 Deangelis Lawrence J Home merchandise ordering telecommunications terminal
US4656654A (en) * 1984-04-11 1987-04-07 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Computer assisted graphic teleconferencing method and apparatus
US4720849A (en) * 1984-01-18 1988-01-19 Kou Tayama Information display apparatus
US4727243A (en) * 1984-10-24 1988-02-23 Telenet Communications Corporation Financial transaction system
US4734858A (en) * 1983-12-05 1988-03-29 Portel Services Network, Inc. Data terminal and system for placing orders
US4739510A (en) * 1985-05-01 1988-04-19 General Instrument Corp. Direct broadcast satellite signal transmission system
US4739478A (en) * 1984-11-21 1988-04-19 Lazard Freres & Co. Methods and apparatus for restructuring debt obligations
US4742457A (en) * 1985-08-27 1988-05-03 Trans Texas Holdings Corporation System and method of investment management including means to adjust deposit and loan accounts for inflation
US4745468A (en) * 1986-03-10 1988-05-17 Kohorn H Von System for evaluation and recording of responses to broadcast transmissions
US4799156A (en) * 1986-10-01 1989-01-17 Strategic Processing Corporation Interactive market management system
US4805134A (en) * 1986-01-09 1989-02-14 International Business Machines Corporation Electronic system for accessing graphical and textual information
US4807023A (en) * 1985-07-29 1989-02-21 Zenith Electrics Corporation Mapping method for impulse pay per view system
US4823265A (en) * 1987-05-11 1989-04-18 Nelson George E Renewable option accounting and marketing system
US4825457A (en) * 1988-04-25 1989-04-25 Lebowitz Mayer M Cellular network data transmission system
US4833710A (en) * 1984-02-15 1989-05-23 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Pay television system
US4893248A (en) * 1987-02-06 1990-01-09 Access Corporation Monitoring and reporting system for remote terminals
US4893325A (en) * 1988-09-23 1990-01-09 Rockwell International Corporation Integrated public safety answering point system
US4893326A (en) * 1987-05-04 1990-01-09 Video Telecom Corp. Video-telephone communications system
US4897867A (en) * 1985-09-30 1990-01-30 American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories Method of and an arrangement for forwarding a customer order
US4903201A (en) * 1983-11-03 1990-02-20 World Energy Exchange Corporation Automated futures trading exchange
US4907160A (en) * 1986-01-09 1990-03-06 Econolite Control Products, Inc. Intersection monitor
US4910676A (en) * 1987-03-30 1990-03-20 Alldredge Robert L Processing system for managing bi-media investments
US4916435A (en) * 1988-05-10 1990-04-10 Guardian Technologies, Inc. Remote confinement monitoring station and system incorporating same
US4922520A (en) * 1986-12-31 1990-05-01 M. A. Kempner, Inc. Automatic telephone polling system
US4926325A (en) * 1988-08-23 1990-05-15 Moneyfax, Inc. Apparatus for carrying out financial transactions via a facsimile machine
US4928177A (en) * 1988-04-11 1990-05-22 Cooper Industries, Inc. Two-way data broadcast networks
US4989233A (en) * 1989-04-11 1991-01-29 Evanston Enterprises, Inc. Systems for capturing telephonic mass responses
US4992866A (en) * 1989-06-29 1991-02-12 Morgan Jack B Camera selection and positioning system and method
US4992940A (en) * 1989-03-13 1991-02-12 H-Renee, Incorporated System and method for automated selection of equipment for purchase through input of user desired specifications
US5020129A (en) * 1990-04-16 1991-05-28 General Instrument Corporation Addressable control system for CATV program distribution
US5093718A (en) * 1990-09-28 1992-03-03 Inteletext Systems, Inc. Interactive home information system
US5101353A (en) * 1989-05-31 1992-03-31 Lattice Investments, Inc. Automated system for providing liquidity to securities markets
US5109414A (en) * 1981-11-03 1992-04-28 Personalized Mass Media Corporation Signal processing apparatus and methods
US5109399A (en) * 1989-08-18 1992-04-28 Alamo City Technologies, Inc. Emergency call locating system
US5117354A (en) * 1988-05-24 1992-05-26 Carnes Company, Inc. Automated system for pricing and ordering custom manufactured parts
US5191410A (en) * 1987-08-04 1993-03-02 Telaction Corporation Interactive multimedia presentation and communications system
US5191613A (en) * 1990-11-16 1993-03-02 Graziano James M Knowledge based system for document authentication
US5193056A (en) * 1991-03-11 1993-03-09 Signature Financial Group Inc. Data processing system for hub and spoke financial services configuration
US5202759A (en) * 1991-01-24 1993-04-13 Northern Telecom Limited Surveillance system
US5204670A (en) * 1988-08-29 1993-04-20 B. I. Incorporated Adaptable electric monitoring and identification system
US5206803A (en) * 1991-03-15 1993-04-27 Vitagliano Francis M System for enhanced management of pension-backed credit
US5283731A (en) * 1992-01-19 1994-02-01 Ec Corporation Computer-based classified ad system and method
US5285383A (en) * 1990-09-14 1994-02-08 Plains Cotton Cooperative Association Method for carrying out transactions of goods using electronic title
US5289275A (en) * 1991-07-12 1994-02-22 Hochiki Kabushiki Kaisha Surveillance monitor system using image processing for monitoring fires and thefts
US5305200A (en) * 1990-11-02 1994-04-19 Foreign Exchange Transaction Services, Inc. Financial exchange system having automated recovery/rollback of unacknowledged orders
US5309355A (en) * 1984-05-24 1994-05-03 Lockwood Lawrence B Automated sales system
US5384841A (en) * 1993-10-27 1995-01-24 Rockwell International Corporation Automatic call distribution network with call overload system and method
US5402336A (en) * 1993-01-15 1995-03-28 Ss&D Corporation System and method for allocating resources of a retailer among multiple wholesalers
US5410343A (en) * 1991-09-27 1995-04-25 Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. Video-on-demand services using public switched telephone network
US5412708A (en) * 1993-03-12 1995-05-02 Katz; Ronald A. Videophone system for scrutiny monitoring with computer control
US5481605A (en) * 1990-11-27 1996-01-02 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Private branch exchange capable of analyzing information received from ISDN
US5485370A (en) * 1988-05-05 1996-01-16 Transaction Technology, Inc. Home services delivery system with intelligent terminal emulator
US5500793A (en) * 1993-09-02 1996-03-19 Equitrade Computerized system for developing multi-party property equity exchange scenarios
US5515424A (en) * 1993-12-13 1996-05-07 At&T Corp. System and method for providing selected video images to local telephone stations
US5592375A (en) * 1994-03-11 1997-01-07 Eagleview, Inc. Computer-assisted system for interactively brokering goods or services between buyers and sellers
US5602908A (en) * 1995-05-18 1997-02-11 Fan; Yuan-Neng Calling party identifying apparatus and method therefor
US5602905A (en) * 1995-01-23 1997-02-11 Mettke; Richard P. On-line communication terminal/apparatus
US5604487A (en) * 1993-07-30 1997-02-18 Lockheed Martin Tactical Systems, Inc. Apparatus and method for user-selective data communication with verification
US5606359A (en) * 1994-06-30 1997-02-25 Hewlett-Packard Company Video on demand system with multiple data sources configured to provide vcr-like services
US5606496A (en) * 1990-08-14 1997-02-25 Aegis Technologies, Inc. Personal assistant computer method
US5710887A (en) * 1995-08-29 1998-01-20 Broadvision Computer system and method for electronic commerce
US5712906A (en) * 1991-09-27 1998-01-27 Bell Atlantic Network Services Communications systems supporting shared multimedia session
US5721832A (en) * 1995-05-12 1998-02-24 Regal Greetings & Gifts Inc. Method and apparatus for an interactive computerized catalog system
US5724646A (en) * 1995-06-15 1998-03-03 International Business Machines Corporation Fixed video-on-demand
US5727164A (en) * 1991-12-13 1998-03-10 Max Software, Inc. Apparatus for and method of managing the availability of items
US5729594A (en) * 1996-06-07 1998-03-17 Klingman; Edwin E. On-line secured financial transaction system through electronic media
US5870724A (en) * 1989-12-08 1999-02-09 Online Resources & Communications Corporation Targeting advertising in a home retail banking delivery service
US5884272A (en) * 1996-09-06 1999-03-16 Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership Method and system for establishing and maintaining user-controlled anonymous communications

Family Cites Families (267)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1162336A (en) 1913-09-19 1915-11-30 James T Healy Transmission device.
US2575606A (en) 1947-11-26 1951-11-20 Ind Patent Corp Vending machine
US2957567A (en) 1955-02-03 1960-10-25 Mercury Internat Res Company Vending machine
US3144518A (en) 1962-01-26 1964-08-11 Gen Dynamics Corp "meet me" conference privacy system
US3515807A (en) 1966-05-05 1970-06-02 Automatic Elect Lab Conference arrangement having a plurality of transmission modes
US3504130A (en) * 1966-10-24 1970-03-31 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Switching system for establishing conference connections
US3544727A (en) 1968-04-16 1970-12-01 American Telephone & Telegraph Arrangement for establishing conference connections in communication switching systems
US3622995A (en) 1969-03-21 1971-11-23 Burroughs Corp Automatic ticket/credit card check-in system
US3609250A (en) 1969-11-07 1971-09-28 Houston G Smith Apparatus for delivering an audible message from a vending machine in response to an operator activation
US3691308A (en) 1970-11-27 1972-09-12 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Multiline selective signaling system
DE2104337B1 (en) 1971-01-29 1972-03-16 Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin u 8000 München Circuit arrangement for a telephone exchange with conference facilities
US3725587A (en) 1971-01-29 1973-04-03 Siemens Ag Apparatus for a telephone exchange system with conference equipment and having a video capability
US3705384A (en) 1971-08-10 1972-12-05 Eric C Wahlberg Business transaction apparatus
US3792202A (en) * 1972-04-26 1974-02-12 Stromberg Carlson Corp Dial up conference circuit
US3792446A (en) * 1972-12-04 1974-02-12 Pitney Bowes Inc Remote postage meter resetting method
US3903373A (en) 1973-04-17 1975-09-02 Stromberg Carlson Corp Combined operator controlled dial-up conference for PBX
US3909553A (en) 1974-04-01 1975-09-30 Gte Automatic Electric Lab Inc Line card for key telephone systems adapted to provide music during hold condition
GB1504113A (en) 1976-03-17 1978-03-15 Ibm Transport reservation and ticketing system
GB1437883A (en) 1974-04-17 1976-06-03 Ibm Ticketing system
US3912874A (en) 1974-06-04 1975-10-14 American Telephone & Telegraph Conference arrangement
US4037250A (en) 1974-08-22 1977-07-19 Mcgahan Everett G Video switcher
DE2460603B2 (en) 1974-12-20 1978-07-20 Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen Method for establishing conference calls in telex dialing exchanges
USRE31144E (en) * 1974-12-27 1983-02-08 Interconnect Planning Corporation Multi-station telephone switching system
US3991282A (en) 1974-12-27 1976-11-09 Feil Thomas E Multi station telephone switching system
FR2312904A1 (en) 1975-05-27 1976-12-24 Poirier Alain IMPROVEMENTS TO TELECONFERENCE SYSTEMS AND DEVICES VIA VIDEO PHONE
US4412287A (en) 1975-05-29 1983-10-25 Braddock Iii Walter D Automated stock exchange
US4004084A (en) * 1976-03-03 1977-01-18 Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated Video conferencing system using spatial reduction and temporal resolution
GB1581136A (en) 1976-07-20 1980-12-10 Post Office Information handling system and terminal apparatus therefor
US4259549A (en) * 1976-10-21 1981-03-31 Wescom Switching, Inc. Dialed number to function translator for telecommunications switching system control complex
US4139731A (en) * 1977-09-12 1979-02-13 Wescom, Inc. Telephone conference system with active analog conference
GB1602474A (en) 1977-10-06 1981-11-11 Warman B J Device for establishing conference calls via at least one telephone exchange switching system
US4150259A (en) 1977-10-31 1979-04-17 Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated Communication system conferencing arrangement
US4173024A (en) 1978-01-16 1979-10-30 Miller Griffith C Audio-visual reproduction carrel
US4456789A (en) 1978-03-07 1984-06-26 The Post Office Audio teleconferencing
US4195864A (en) 1978-10-10 1980-04-01 Promotional Marketing Corporation Multi-product coupon
US4289930A (en) 1978-11-30 1981-09-15 The General Electric Company Limited Electronic apparatus for the display of information received over a line
US4295008A (en) 1979-03-23 1981-10-13 Small World Exchange, Inc. Telephone-conferencing apparatus and method having response tallying
US4580012A (en) 1979-11-26 1986-04-01 Vmx, Inc. Electronic audio communications system with automatic user access features
BE881073A (en) 1980-01-10 1980-05-02 Mele Louis Van DEVICE FOR BETTING LOTTO AND OTHER ALLOWED GAMBLING THROUGH THE TELEPHONE
US4277649A (en) 1980-01-18 1981-07-07 Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated Method and apparatus for screening telephone calls
US4479185A (en) 1980-05-05 1984-10-23 Crane Co. Apparatus for generating a lead signal in an antiskid system
CA1146245A (en) * 1980-05-16 1983-05-10 Patrick R. Beirne Keyless and indicatorless local telephone switching system
US4332980A (en) 1980-05-30 1982-06-01 Harris Corporation Multiple services system using telephone local loop
USRE32115F1 (en) 1980-07-11 1997-08-12 Lawrence B Lockwood Self-service terminal
US4359631A (en) 1980-07-11 1982-11-16 Lawrence B. Lockwood Self-service terminal
US4360345A (en) 1980-07-14 1982-11-23 American Heart Association, Inc. Health education system
US4346442A (en) 1980-07-29 1982-08-24 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated Securities brokerage-cash management system
US4393277A (en) 1981-03-18 1983-07-12 Selectastation, Inc. Remote tuner control system
US4424418A (en) * 1981-05-18 1984-01-03 Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated Communication system parkhold conferencing
GB2105075A (en) 1981-05-30 1983-03-16 Geoffrey William Alexande Neel Display systems
US4360827A (en) 1981-06-02 1982-11-23 Darome, Inc. Method and means for interactive audio and video conferencing
US4400724A (en) 1981-06-08 1983-08-23 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Virtual space teleconference system
US4694490A (en) 1981-11-03 1987-09-15 Harvey John C Signal processing apparatus and methods
US4490810A (en) 1982-02-16 1984-12-25 Hon David C Automated instruction, game and data retrieval system
US4645872A (en) * 1982-04-01 1987-02-24 John Hopkins University Videophone network system
US4475189A (en) 1982-05-27 1984-10-02 At&T Bell Laboratories Automatic interactive conference arrangement
US4475190A (en) 1982-05-27 1984-10-02 At&T Bell Laboratories Method and apparatus for controlling ports in a digital conference arrangement
GB2126054A (en) 1982-08-11 1984-03-14 Philips Electronic Associated Display system with nested information display
US4479195A (en) 1982-09-07 1984-10-23 At&T Bell Laboratories Data conference system
CA1165842A (en) 1982-10-25 1984-04-17 Vincent G. Leblanc Telephone conference bridge system
US4625081A (en) 1982-11-30 1986-11-25 Lotito Lawrence A Automated telephone voice service system
US4455455A (en) 1982-12-01 1984-06-19 Gte Business Communication Systems Inc. Internodal conference call administrator
US4460807A (en) 1982-12-16 1984-07-17 At&T Bell Laboratories Conference routing arrangement
US4550224A (en) 1982-12-16 1985-10-29 At&T Bell Laboratories Method and apparatus for adding conferees to a conference
US4528643A (en) 1983-01-10 1985-07-09 Fpdc, Inc. System for reproducing information in material objects at a point of sale location
US4544804A (en) 1983-01-24 1985-10-01 At&T Bell Laboratories Conference control transfer arrangement
FR2540696B1 (en) 1983-02-04 1985-06-21 Bernard Alain TAXATION PROCESS FOR THE SALE OF INFORMATION BY TELEPHONE
US4547851A (en) 1983-03-14 1985-10-15 Kurland Lawrence G Integrated interactive restaurant communication method for food and entertainment processing
US4540850A (en) 1983-04-29 1985-09-10 At&T Bell Laboratories Method and apparatus for controlling a conference
US4541087A (en) 1983-06-27 1985-09-10 Confertech International, Inc. Digital teleconferencing control device, system and method
US4531024A (en) 1983-10-25 1985-07-23 At&T Bell Laboratories Multilocation video conference terminal including video switching contention control
US4574374A (en) * 1983-10-25 1986-03-04 At&T Bell Laboratories Multilocation video conference terminal including rapid video switching
US4529839A (en) 1983-10-25 1985-07-16 At&T Bell Laboratories Multilocation video conference terminal including an arrangement to reduce disruption in video switching
US4529840A (en) 1983-10-26 1985-07-16 At&T Bell Laboratories Multilocation video conference terminal including controllable conference location reconfiguration
US4980826A (en) 1983-11-03 1990-12-25 World Energy Exchange Corporation Voice actuated automated futures trading exchange
US4577065A (en) * 1983-11-03 1986-03-18 At&T Bell Laboratories Meet-me conference arrangement
US4626836A (en) 1983-11-04 1986-12-02 International Business Machines Corp. Method of scheduling meetings
US4649563A (en) * 1984-04-02 1987-03-10 R L Associates Method of and means for accessing computerized data bases utilizing a touch-tone telephone instrument
US4751640A (en) 1984-06-14 1988-06-14 Citibank, Na Automated investment system
US4910672A (en) * 1984-07-18 1990-03-20 Catalina Marketing Corporation Method and apparatus for dispensing discount coupons
US5173851A (en) 1984-07-18 1992-12-22 Catalina Marketing International, Inc. Method and apparatus for dispensing discount coupons in response to the purchase of one or more products
US4758872A (en) 1984-10-25 1988-07-19 Nec Corporation Integrated circuit fabricated in a semiconductor substrate
JPS61166289A (en) 1985-01-18 1986-07-26 Hitachi Ltd Picture transmission system
US4645873A (en) * 1985-01-23 1987-02-24 Telecue Systems Transactional telecommunication system
US4674044A (en) 1985-01-30 1987-06-16 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. Automated securities trading system
US4653045A (en) * 1985-02-15 1987-03-24 At&T Bell Laboratories Interactive facility control arrangement
US4691347A (en) 1985-02-15 1987-09-01 American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories Method and apparatus for controlling a conference
US4847829A (en) 1985-04-08 1989-07-11 Datapoint Corporation Video conferencing network
US4710917A (en) 1985-04-08 1987-12-01 Datapoint Corporation Video conferencing network
US4812628A (en) * 1985-05-02 1989-03-14 Visa International Service Association Transaction system with off-line risk assessment
JPS61256472A (en) 1985-05-10 1986-11-14 Japanese National Railways<Jnr> Terminal system for issuing credit settling ticket
US5053956A (en) 1985-06-17 1991-10-01 Coats Viyella Interactive system for retail transactions
US4845739A (en) 1985-07-10 1989-07-04 Fdr Interactive Technologies Telephonic-interface statistical analysis system
US4792968A (en) 1985-07-10 1988-12-20 Fdr Interactive Technologies Statistical analysis system for use with public communication facility
US4706121B1 (en) 1985-07-12 1993-12-14 Insight Telecast, Inc. Tv schedule system and process
US5222018A (en) 1985-07-18 1993-06-22 Pitney Bowes Inc. System for centralized processing of accounting and payment functions
CA1236906A (en) * 1985-10-02 1988-05-17 Northern Telecom Limited Conference circuits and methods of operating them
US4789863A (en) 1985-10-02 1988-12-06 Bush Thomas A Pay per view entertainment system
US6072402A (en) 1992-01-09 2000-06-06 Slc Technologies, Inc. Secure entry system with radio communications
US4715059A (en) 1985-11-07 1987-12-22 Luma Telecom, Inc. Conversational video phone
US4744103A (en) 1985-11-27 1988-05-10 Rauland-Borg Corporation Computer controlled multi-link communication system
US4852154A (en) 1986-02-04 1989-07-25 Pacific Bell Pay-per-view CATV system
JPH0743748B2 (en) 1986-02-17 1995-05-15 株式会社オークネット Information transmission processing method of auction information transmission processing system
US4763191A (en) 1986-03-17 1988-08-09 American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories Dial-up telephone network equipment for requesting an identified selection
US5032989A (en) 1986-03-19 1991-07-16 Realpro, Ltd. Real estate search and location system and method
US4736407A (en) 1986-04-08 1988-04-05 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Computer assisted graphic teleconferencing method and apparatus
US5177604A (en) 1986-05-14 1993-01-05 Radio Telcom & Technology, Inc. Interactive television and data transmission system
US4833308A (en) 1986-07-24 1989-05-23 Advance Promotion Technologies, Inc. Checkout counter product promotion system and method
US4825045A (en) 1986-07-24 1989-04-25 Advance Promotion Technologies, Inc. System and method for checkout counter product promotion
US4878242A (en) 1986-07-25 1989-10-31 Ricoh Corporation Teleconferencing system
US5146404A (en) 1986-09-19 1992-09-08 Westinghouse Electric Corporation Electronic maintenance support work station
US4775935A (en) 1986-09-22 1988-10-04 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Video merchandising system with variable and adoptive product sequence presentation order
US4788682A (en) 1986-09-23 1988-11-29 Northern Telecom Limited Telephone system adapted to telemarketing
US4943995A (en) 1986-10-08 1990-07-24 At&T Bell Laboratories Semi-automated customer information system
US4845636A (en) 1986-10-17 1989-07-04 Walker Mark E Remote transaction system
US4761684A (en) 1986-11-14 1988-08-02 Video Jukebox Network Telephone access display system
US4755871A (en) 1986-11-25 1988-07-05 Magus, Ltd. Control of rf answer pulses in a TV answer back system
US4845658A (en) 1986-12-01 1989-07-04 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Information method and apparatus using simplex and duplex communications
US4827500A (en) 1987-01-30 1989-05-02 American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories Automatic speech recognition to select among call destinations
US4945410A (en) 1987-02-09 1990-07-31 Professional Satellite Imaging, Inc. Satellite communications system for medical related images
US4843377A (en) 1987-04-21 1989-06-27 Guardian Technologies, Inc. Remote confinement system
US4937856A (en) 1987-06-01 1990-06-26 Natarajan T Raj Digital voice conferencing bridge
US4797911A (en) * 1987-06-16 1989-01-10 Inventions, Inc. Customer account online servicing system
US4757267A (en) 1987-06-17 1988-07-12 Applied Telematics, Inc. Telephone system for connecting a customer to a supplier of goods
US4791666A (en) 1987-06-19 1988-12-13 The Audichron Company Automatic intercept system interface for electromechanical telephone central office
US4803348A (en) * 1987-06-30 1989-02-07 Lohrey David W Automated customer interface for services involving drop-off and pickup
CA1288516C (en) 1987-07-31 1991-09-03 Leendert M. Bijnagte Apparatus and method for communicating textual and image information between a host computer and a remote display terminal
US4797913A (en) * 1987-08-04 1989-01-10 Science Dynamics Corporation Direct telephone dial ordering service
US5195092A (en) * 1987-08-04 1993-03-16 Telaction Corporation Interactive multimedia presentation & communication system
US4766592A (en) 1987-08-28 1988-08-23 American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories Broadcast conferencing arrangement
US4876597A (en) 1987-09-04 1989-10-24 Adt Security Systems, Inc. Video observation systems
US4885685A (en) 1987-09-18 1989-12-05 L & C Family Partnership Investment management system with travel usage funds indexed to customer account status
US4973952A (en) * 1987-09-21 1990-11-27 Information Resources, Inc. Shopping cart display system
US4996642A (en) * 1987-10-01 1991-02-26 Neonics, Inc. System and method for recommending items
US4870579A (en) 1987-10-01 1989-09-26 Neonics, Inc. System and method of predicting subjective reactions
US4882724A (en) 1987-10-14 1989-11-21 Leo Vela Shoppers communication system and processes relating thereto
JP2501115B2 (en) 1987-10-23 1996-05-29 オムロン株式会社 Electronic cash register
EP0316157B1 (en) 1987-11-12 1994-07-20 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba An electrically powered portable medium
US4796293A (en) * 1987-12-18 1989-01-03 Communications Network Enhancement Inc. Enhanced dedicated teleconferencing system
US4887208A (en) 1987-12-18 1989-12-12 Schneider Bruce H Sales and inventory control system
US5021953A (en) 1988-01-06 1991-06-04 Travelmation Corporation Trip planner optimizing travel itinerary selection conforming to individualized travel policies
US4876648A (en) 1988-01-12 1989-10-24 Lloyd Clarke B System and method for implementing and administering a mortgage plan
US5199062A (en) * 1988-01-20 1993-03-30 Phone Base Systems Inc. Telephone communications system including a digital telephone switch, a voice response unit and a stored program sequence for controlling both the switch and the voice response unit
US4878240A (en) 1988-01-25 1989-10-31 Bell Communications Research, Inc. Multi-service telephone switching system
CA1301346C (en) * 1988-02-29 1992-05-19 John Malec Passive data collection system for market research data
JP2735213B2 (en) 1988-03-04 1998-04-02 株式会社日立製作所 Automatic ordering system
JPH01236873A (en) 1988-03-17 1989-09-21 Erubetsukusu Video Kk Closed circuit television system
US4847677A (en) 1988-04-27 1989-07-11 Universal Video Communications Corp. Video telecommunication system and method for compressing and decompressing digital color video data
US4951196A (en) 1988-05-04 1990-08-21 Supply Tech, Inc. Method and apparatus for electronic data interchange
US7072849B1 (en) 1988-07-15 2006-07-04 International Business Machines Corporation Method for presenting advertising in an interactive service
CA1337132C (en) 1988-07-15 1995-09-26 Robert Filepp Reception system for an interactive computer network and method of operation
US4947028A (en) 1988-07-19 1990-08-07 Arbor International, Inc. Automated order and payment system
US4952928A (en) 1988-08-29 1990-08-28 B. I. Incorporated Adaptable electronic monitoring and identification system
US4972318A (en) 1988-09-09 1990-11-20 Iron City Sash & Door Company Order entry and inventory control method
US4908761A (en) * 1988-09-16 1990-03-13 Innovare Resourceful Marketing Group, Inc. System for identifying heavy product purchasers who regularly use manufacturers' purchase incentives and predicting consumer promotional behavior response patterns
US4965819A (en) 1988-09-22 1990-10-23 Docu-Vision, Inc. Video conferencing system for courtroom and other applications
US5382972A (en) * 1988-09-22 1995-01-17 Kannes; Deno Video conferencing system for courtroom and other applications
US5060068A (en) 1988-10-31 1991-10-22 James E. Lindstrom Audio/video distribution system
US4962473A (en) 1988-12-09 1990-10-09 Itt Corporation Emergency action systems including console and security monitoring apparatus
US5043889A (en) 1989-01-30 1991-08-27 Lucey Trevor C Automated golf sweepstakes game
US5010485A (en) 1989-01-31 1991-04-23 Jbh Ventures Apparatus, system and method for creating credit vouchers usable at point of purchase stations
FR2642928B1 (en) 1989-02-03 1994-04-15 Guichard Jacques SOUND AND VISUAL COMMUNICATION TERMINAL WITH IMPROVED SETTINGS
US4967366A (en) 1989-03-06 1990-10-30 Gilbarco Inc. Integrated gasoline dispenser and POS authorization system with unattached pin pad
US5014267A (en) 1989-04-06 1991-05-07 Datapoint Corporation Video conferencing network
US5621812A (en) 1989-05-01 1997-04-15 Credit Verification Corporation Method and system for building a database for use with selective incentive marketing in response to customer shopping histories
US5644723A (en) 1989-05-01 1997-07-01 Credit Verification Corporation Method and system for selective incentive point-of-sale marketing in response to customer shopping histories
US5201010A (en) * 1989-05-01 1993-04-06 Credit Verification Corporation Method and system for building a database and performing marketing based upon prior shopping history
US5237620A (en) 1989-05-01 1993-08-17 Credit Verification Corporation Check reader method and system for reading check MICR code
US5305196A (en) 1989-05-01 1994-04-19 Credit Verification Corporation Check transaction processing, database building and marketing method and system utilizing automatic check reading
US5151782A (en) 1989-05-17 1992-09-29 Reiss Media Enterprises Control system for satellite delivered pay-per-view television system
US5224157A (en) 1989-05-22 1993-06-29 Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha Management system for managing maintenance information of image forming apparatus
US5168446A (en) 1989-05-23 1992-12-01 Telerate Systems Incorporated System for conducting and processing spot commodity transactions
US5077665A (en) 1989-05-25 1991-12-31 Reuters Limited Distributed matching system
US5136501A (en) 1989-05-26 1992-08-04 Reuters Limited Anonymous matching system
US5185787A (en) 1989-06-26 1993-02-09 First Data Resources, Inc. Multiple party telephone control system with random dialing for polling
US4939773A (en) 1989-06-26 1990-07-03 First Data Resources, Inc. Multiple party telephone control system
US4987590A (en) * 1989-06-26 1991-01-22 First Data Resources Inc. Multiple party telephone control system
US5091933A (en) * 1989-06-26 1992-02-25 First Data Resources, Inc. Multiple party telephone control system
US5235509A (en) 1989-06-28 1993-08-10 Management Information Support, Inc. Customer self-ordering system using information displayed on a screen
US5353219A (en) 1989-06-28 1994-10-04 Management Information Support, Inc. Suggestive selling in a customer self-ordering system
US5077788A (en) 1989-07-06 1991-12-31 Taro, Inc. System and method for processing telephone communication
US4955052A (en) 1989-07-27 1990-09-04 Syed Hussain Pay phone system and apparatus
US5056019A (en) 1989-08-29 1991-10-08 Citicorp Pos Information Servies, Inc. Automated purchase reward accounting system and method
US5209665A (en) 1989-10-12 1993-05-11 Sight & Sound Incorporated Interactive audio visual work
US5099319A (en) * 1989-10-23 1992-03-24 Esch Arthur G Video information delivery method and apparatus
US5042062A (en) 1989-10-23 1991-08-20 At&T Bell Laboratories Method and apparatus for providing real-time switching of high bandwidth transmission channels
US5241671C1 (en) 1989-10-26 2002-07-02 Encyclopaedia Britannica Educa Multimedia search system using a plurality of entry path means which indicate interrelatedness of information
KR920010745B1 (en) 1989-11-21 1992-12-14 주식회사 금성사 Tele-alarming system
US5220501A (en) 1989-12-08 1993-06-15 Online Resources, Ltd. Method and system for remote delivery of retail banking services
MC2199A1 (en) 1990-02-16 1992-10-05 I V P Informations Ventes Publ AUCTION PROCESSING METHOD AND SYSTEM
US5237500A (en) 1990-02-27 1993-08-17 Realvalue Corporation System and process for converting constant dollar financial instruments
JPH0772839A (en) 1990-03-01 1995-03-17 Ricoh Co Ltd Color video display unit
US5056136A (en) 1990-03-09 1991-10-08 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy Secure video communications system
US5065393A (en) 1990-04-10 1991-11-12 Dsc Communications Corporation Network controller billing system and method of operation
US5127049A (en) 1990-04-11 1992-06-30 Martin Sabo Coded phone security system
US5061916A (en) 1990-05-29 1991-10-29 Barber-Colman Company Event driven remote graphical reporting of building automation system parameters
US5262942A (en) 1990-06-05 1993-11-16 Bankers Trust Company Financial transaction network
US5136581A (en) 1990-07-02 1992-08-04 At&T Bell Laboratories Arrangement for reserving and allocating a plurality of competing demands for an ordered bus communication network
JP3222456B2 (en) 1990-07-30 2001-10-29 株式会社東芝 Video monitoring system, transmitting device, receiving device, and video monitoring method
US5361199A (en) 1990-07-31 1994-11-01 Texas Instruments Incorporated Automated procurement system with multi-system data access
US5241464A (en) 1990-08-17 1993-08-31 Moore Business Forms, Inc. Desktop forms order system
US5283637A (en) * 1990-08-20 1994-02-01 Christine Holland Trustee/Goolcharan Trust Telecommunication system for transmitting full motion video
US5365577A (en) 1990-09-27 1994-11-15 Radish Communications Systems, Inc. Telecommunication display system
US5319542A (en) 1990-09-27 1994-06-07 International Business Machines Corporation System for ordering items using an electronic catalogue
US5164982A (en) 1990-09-27 1992-11-17 Radish Communications Systems, Inc. Telecommunication display system
AU656542B2 (en) 1990-10-01 1995-02-09 Thomas A. Bush Transactional processing system
US5293615A (en) * 1990-11-16 1994-03-08 Amada Carlos A Point and shoot interface for linking database records to spreadsheets whereby data of a record is automatically reformatted and loaded upon issuance of a recalculation command
US5264929A (en) 1990-12-28 1993-11-23 Sony Corporation Video switcher
US5351186A (en) 1991-01-16 1994-09-27 Bullock Communications, Inc. System and method for obtaining information concerning a product or a service
GB9103907D0 (en) 1991-02-25 1991-04-10 Beaumont Maxin International L Interactive transaction processing system
US5341374A (en) 1991-03-01 1994-08-23 Trilan Systems Corporation Communication network integrating voice data and video with distributed call processing
US5323445A (en) 1991-03-07 1994-06-21 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Multi-location television conference system
JPH06503218A (en) 1991-04-16 1994-04-07 バラス,ジョン Method and apparatus for placing orders from remote locations
US5283638A (en) * 1991-04-25 1994-02-01 Compuadd Corporation Multimedia computing and telecommunications workstation
US5283819A (en) * 1991-04-25 1994-02-01 Compuadd Corporation Computing and multimedia entertainment system
US5270920A (en) 1991-05-13 1993-12-14 Hughes Training, Inc. Expert system scheduler and scheduling method
US5455903A (en) 1991-05-31 1995-10-03 Edify Corp. Object oriented customer information exchange system and method
US5241587A (en) 1991-07-03 1993-08-31 Teltone Corporation Polling controller
US5740035A (en) 1991-07-23 1998-04-14 Control Data Corporation Self-administered survey systems, methods and devices
US5323315A (en) 1991-08-02 1994-06-21 Vintek, Inc. Computer system for monitoring the status of individual items of personal property which serve as collateral for securing financing
US5426281A (en) 1991-08-22 1995-06-20 Abecassis; Max Transaction protection system
JPH0564185A (en) 1991-08-29 1993-03-12 Fujitsu Ltd Two-screen transmission display system in multi-point conference
JP3226945B2 (en) * 1991-10-02 2001-11-12 キヤノン株式会社 Multimedia communication equipment
US5937086A (en) 1991-10-04 1999-08-10 Canon Kk Color communication apparatus and method
US5237499A (en) 1991-11-12 1993-08-17 Garback Brent J Computer travel planning system
US5557518A (en) 1994-04-28 1996-09-17 Citibank, N.A. Trusted agents for open electronic commerce
US5502636A (en) 1992-01-31 1996-03-26 R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company Personalized coupon generating and processing system
US5375055A (en) 1992-02-03 1994-12-20 Foreign Exchange Transaction Services, Inc. Credit management for electronic brokerage system
US5239462A (en) 1992-02-25 1993-08-24 Creative Solutions Groups, Inc. Method and apparatus for automatically determining the approval status of a potential borrower
US6608636B1 (en) 1992-05-13 2003-08-19 Ncr Corporation Server based virtual conferencing
US5329578A (en) 1992-05-26 1994-07-12 Northern Telecom Limited Personal communication service with mobility manager
US5583928A (en) 1992-06-19 1996-12-10 British Telecommunications Public Limited Company Detecting local exchange failure and resultant control of a communications network
US5371534A (en) 1992-07-23 1994-12-06 At&T Corp. ISDN-based system for making a video call
US5392223A (en) * 1992-07-29 1995-02-21 International Business Machines Corp. Audio/video communications processor
US5412416A (en) 1992-08-07 1995-05-02 Nbl Communications, Inc. Video media distribution network apparatus and method
US5367273A (en) 1992-09-11 1994-11-22 At&T Corp. Adapter for video and audio transmission
US5353218A (en) 1992-09-17 1994-10-04 Ad Response Micromarketing Corporation Focused coupon system
US5406324A (en) 1992-10-30 1995-04-11 Roth; Alexander Surveillance system for transmitting images via a radio transmitter
US5440624A (en) 1992-11-10 1995-08-08 Netmedia, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing adaptive administration and control of an electronic conference
US5491797A (en) * 1992-11-30 1996-02-13 Qwest Communications Schedulable automatically configured video conferencing system
WO1994013107A1 (en) 1992-12-09 1994-06-09 Discovery Communications, Inc. Advanced set top terminal for cable television delivery systems
US5452289A (en) 1993-01-08 1995-09-19 Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Computer-based multifunction personal communications system
CA2108872C (en) 1993-01-28 1997-09-16 David B. Smith Audio/video telephone communications
US6323894B1 (en) * 1993-03-12 2001-11-27 Telebuyer, Llc Commercial product routing system with video vending capability
US5495284A (en) * 1993-03-12 1996-02-27 Katz; Ronald A. Scheduling and processing system for telephone video communication
US5689553A (en) 1993-04-22 1997-11-18 At&T Corp. Multimedia telecommunications network and service
US5369571A (en) 1993-06-21 1994-11-29 Metts; Rodney H. Method and apparatus for acquiring demographic information
US5794207A (en) 1996-09-04 1998-08-11 Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership Method and apparatus for a cryptographically assisted commercial network system designed to facilitate buyer-driven conditional purchase offers
AU677393B2 (en) 1993-07-08 1997-04-24 E-Talk Corporation Method and system for transferring calls and call-related data between a plurality of call centres
US5440336A (en) 1993-07-23 1995-08-08 Electronic Data Systems Corporation System and method for storing and forwarding audio and/or visual information on demand
US5537590A (en) 1993-08-05 1996-07-16 Amado; Armando Apparatus for applying analysis rules to data sets in a relational database to generate a database of diagnostic records linked to the data sets
US5583763A (en) 1993-09-09 1996-12-10 Mni Interactive Method and apparatus for recommending selections based on preferences in a multi-user system
US5581479A (en) 1993-10-15 1996-12-03 Image Telecommunications Corp. Information service control point, which uses different types of storage devices, which retrieves information as blocks of data, and which uses a trunk processor for transmitting information
US5481294A (en) * 1993-10-27 1996-01-02 A. C. Nielsen Company Audience measurement system utilizing ancillary codes and passive signatures
US5528513A (en) 1993-11-04 1996-06-18 Digital Equipment Corp. Scheduling and admission control policy for a continuous media server
EP0653885A1 (en) 1993-11-17 1995-05-17 ALCATEL BELL Naamloze Vennootschap Video server
CA2130395C (en) 1993-12-09 1999-01-19 David G. Greenwood Multimedia distribution over wide area networks
US5451998A (en) 1994-04-04 1995-09-19 Hamrick; Daniel C. Home shopping video catalog
US5534912A (en) 1994-04-26 1996-07-09 Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. Extended range video on demand distribution system
US5845265A (en) 1995-04-26 1998-12-01 Mercexchange, L.L.C. Consignment nodes
US5793413A (en) 1995-05-01 1998-08-11 Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. Wireless video distribution
US5758328A (en) 1996-02-22 1998-05-26 Giovannoli; Joseph Computerized quotation system and method
US5973722A (en) 1996-09-16 1999-10-26 Sony Corporation Combined digital audio/video on demand and broadcast distribution system
JP3658471B2 (en) 1996-09-30 2005-06-08 株式会社日立製作所 Presenting method of shopping basket function in electronic shopping system and electronic shopping system
US6802062B1 (en) 1997-04-01 2004-10-05 Hitachi, Ltd. System with virtual machine movable between virtual machine systems and control method
US6418211B1 (en) 1998-12-28 2002-07-09 Ericsson Inc. Adaptive call screening method
US20020120554A1 (en) 2001-02-28 2002-08-29 Vega Lilly Mae Auction, imagery and retaining engine systems for services and service providers

Patent Citations (101)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3246082A (en) * 1962-03-26 1966-04-12 Levy Alfred Telephone hold program system
US3253689A (en) * 1964-04-07 1966-05-31 Jack M Thompson Insurance vending machine
US3445633A (en) * 1965-03-05 1969-05-20 Defense Electronics Inc Automatic ticketing system
US3794774A (en) * 1973-01-19 1974-02-26 Courtesy Communications Corp Telephone audio program system
US3881060A (en) * 1973-06-04 1975-04-29 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Emergency reporting system
US4186438A (en) * 1976-03-17 1980-01-29 International Business Machines Corporation Interactive enquiry system
US4070698A (en) * 1976-05-10 1978-01-24 Curtis Donald W Point of sale automatic announcing system with preprogrammed capacity
US4141006A (en) * 1976-07-14 1979-02-20 Braxton Kenneth J Security system for centralized monitoring and selective reporting of remote alarm conditions
US4194242A (en) * 1976-09-22 1980-03-18 Patricia Ann Cotts Method and system for determining interest rates
US4190819A (en) * 1977-01-31 1980-02-26 Michael J. Femal Motor vehicle audio information system
US4150254A (en) * 1977-05-04 1979-04-17 Licentia Patent-Verwaltungs-G.M.B.H. Telephone system for selecting and reproducing text on a screen
US4137429A (en) * 1977-06-29 1979-01-30 Napco Security Systems, Inc. Digital dialers for use in the security field
US4193114A (en) * 1977-06-30 1980-03-11 CIR- S.p.A.-Divisione Sasib Ticket-issuing system
US4090038A (en) * 1977-07-14 1978-05-16 Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated Audio signal on hold circuit
US4270042A (en) * 1977-08-01 1981-05-26 Case John M Electronic funds transfer system
US4262333A (en) * 1978-07-25 1981-04-14 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Holding of a transaction identifying signal in a teller machine
US4247759A (en) * 1978-10-10 1981-01-27 Cubic Western Data Self-service passenger ticketing system
US4424572A (en) * 1979-09-12 1984-01-03 Etablissement Public De Diffusion Dit Telediffusion De France Device for the digital transmission and display of graphics and/or of characters on a screen
US4451701A (en) * 1980-10-30 1984-05-29 Oclc Online Computer Library Center, Incorporated Viewdata system and apparatus
US4449186A (en) * 1981-10-15 1984-05-15 Cubic Western Data Touch panel passenger self-ticketing system
US5109414A (en) * 1981-11-03 1992-04-28 Personalized Mass Media Corporation Signal processing apparatus and methods
US4450477A (en) * 1982-03-31 1984-05-22 Lovett Bruce E Television information system
US4496943A (en) * 1982-11-18 1985-01-29 Portable Terminal Corp. Portable information display
US4566030A (en) * 1983-06-09 1986-01-21 Ctba Associates Television viewer data collection system
US4493948A (en) * 1983-06-27 1985-01-15 The Inteleplex Corporation Transparent secondary information transmission system for an information transmission system
US4577067A (en) * 1983-10-05 1986-03-18 Alfred Levy Remotely controlled telephone hold program system
US4903201A (en) * 1983-11-03 1990-02-20 World Energy Exchange Corporation Automated futures trading exchange
US4734858A (en) * 1983-12-05 1988-03-29 Portel Services Network, Inc. Data terminal and system for placing orders
US4734858B1 (en) * 1983-12-05 1997-02-11 Portel Services Network Inc Data terminal and system for placing orders
US4652998A (en) * 1984-01-04 1987-03-24 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Video gaming system with pool prize structures
US4720849A (en) * 1984-01-18 1988-01-19 Kou Tayama Information display apparatus
US4833710A (en) * 1984-02-15 1989-05-23 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Pay television system
US4656654A (en) * 1984-04-11 1987-04-07 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Computer assisted graphic teleconferencing method and apparatus
US5309355A (en) * 1984-05-24 1994-05-03 Lockwood Lawrence B Automated sales system
US4567359A (en) * 1984-05-24 1986-01-28 Lockwood Lawrence B Automatic information, goods and services dispensing system
US4654482A (en) * 1984-10-15 1987-03-31 Deangelis Lawrence J Home merchandise ordering telecommunications terminal
US4727243A (en) * 1984-10-24 1988-02-23 Telenet Communications Corporation Financial transaction system
US4739478A (en) * 1984-11-21 1988-04-19 Lazard Freres & Co. Methods and apparatus for restructuring debt obligations
US4641127A (en) * 1985-01-30 1987-02-03 Hogan Dennis R Security and fire protection system
US4739510A (en) * 1985-05-01 1988-04-19 General Instrument Corp. Direct broadcast satellite signal transmission system
US4807023A (en) * 1985-07-29 1989-02-21 Zenith Electrics Corporation Mapping method for impulse pay per view system
US4635251A (en) * 1985-07-31 1987-01-06 At&T Bell Laboratories Meet-me conference with control capabilities
US4742457A (en) * 1985-08-27 1988-05-03 Trans Texas Holdings Corporation System and method of investment management including means to adjust deposit and loan accounts for inflation
US4897867A (en) * 1985-09-30 1990-01-30 American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories Method of and an arrangement for forwarding a customer order
US4907160A (en) * 1986-01-09 1990-03-06 Econolite Control Products, Inc. Intersection monitor
US4805134A (en) * 1986-01-09 1989-02-14 International Business Machines Corporation Electronic system for accessing graphical and textual information
US4591906A (en) * 1986-02-12 1986-05-27 Morales Garza Fernando Wireless transmission from the television set to the television station
US4745468A (en) * 1986-03-10 1988-05-17 Kohorn H Von System for evaluation and recording of responses to broadcast transmissions
US4745468B1 (en) * 1986-03-10 1991-06-11 System for evaluation and recording of responses to broadcast transmissions
US4799156A (en) * 1986-10-01 1989-01-17 Strategic Processing Corporation Interactive market management system
US4922520A (en) * 1986-12-31 1990-05-01 M. A. Kempner, Inc. Automatic telephone polling system
US4893248A (en) * 1987-02-06 1990-01-09 Access Corporation Monitoring and reporting system for remote terminals
US4910676A (en) * 1987-03-30 1990-03-20 Alldredge Robert L Processing system for managing bi-media investments
US4893326A (en) * 1987-05-04 1990-01-09 Video Telecom Corp. Video-telephone communications system
US4823265A (en) * 1987-05-11 1989-04-18 Nelson George E Renewable option accounting and marketing system
US5191410A (en) * 1987-08-04 1993-03-02 Telaction Corporation Interactive multimedia presentation and communications system
US4928177A (en) * 1988-04-11 1990-05-22 Cooper Industries, Inc. Two-way data broadcast networks
US4825457A (en) * 1988-04-25 1989-04-25 Lebowitz Mayer M Cellular network data transmission system
US5485370A (en) * 1988-05-05 1996-01-16 Transaction Technology, Inc. Home services delivery system with intelligent terminal emulator
US4916435A (en) * 1988-05-10 1990-04-10 Guardian Technologies, Inc. Remote confinement monitoring station and system incorporating same
US5117354A (en) * 1988-05-24 1992-05-26 Carnes Company, Inc. Automated system for pricing and ordering custom manufactured parts
US4926325A (en) * 1988-08-23 1990-05-15 Moneyfax, Inc. Apparatus for carrying out financial transactions via a facsimile machine
US5204670A (en) * 1988-08-29 1993-04-20 B. I. Incorporated Adaptable electric monitoring and identification system
US4893325A (en) * 1988-09-23 1990-01-09 Rockwell International Corporation Integrated public safety answering point system
US4992940A (en) * 1989-03-13 1991-02-12 H-Renee, Incorporated System and method for automated selection of equipment for purchase through input of user desired specifications
US4989233A (en) * 1989-04-11 1991-01-29 Evanston Enterprises, Inc. Systems for capturing telephonic mass responses
US5101353A (en) * 1989-05-31 1992-03-31 Lattice Investments, Inc. Automated system for providing liquidity to securities markets
US4992866A (en) * 1989-06-29 1991-02-12 Morgan Jack B Camera selection and positioning system and method
US5109399A (en) * 1989-08-18 1992-04-28 Alamo City Technologies, Inc. Emergency call locating system
US5870724A (en) * 1989-12-08 1999-02-09 Online Resources & Communications Corporation Targeting advertising in a home retail banking delivery service
US5020129A (en) * 1990-04-16 1991-05-28 General Instrument Corporation Addressable control system for CATV program distribution
US5606496A (en) * 1990-08-14 1997-02-25 Aegis Technologies, Inc. Personal assistant computer method
US5285383A (en) * 1990-09-14 1994-02-08 Plains Cotton Cooperative Association Method for carrying out transactions of goods using electronic title
US5093718A (en) * 1990-09-28 1992-03-03 Inteletext Systems, Inc. Interactive home information system
US5305200A (en) * 1990-11-02 1994-04-19 Foreign Exchange Transaction Services, Inc. Financial exchange system having automated recovery/rollback of unacknowledged orders
US5191613A (en) * 1990-11-16 1993-03-02 Graziano James M Knowledge based system for document authentication
US5481605A (en) * 1990-11-27 1996-01-02 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Private branch exchange capable of analyzing information received from ISDN
US5202759A (en) * 1991-01-24 1993-04-13 Northern Telecom Limited Surveillance system
US5193056A (en) * 1991-03-11 1993-03-09 Signature Financial Group Inc. Data processing system for hub and spoke financial services configuration
US5206803A (en) * 1991-03-15 1993-04-27 Vitagliano Francis M System for enhanced management of pension-backed credit
US5289275A (en) * 1991-07-12 1994-02-22 Hochiki Kabushiki Kaisha Surveillance monitor system using image processing for monitoring fires and thefts
US5410343A (en) * 1991-09-27 1995-04-25 Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. Video-on-demand services using public switched telephone network
US5712906A (en) * 1991-09-27 1998-01-27 Bell Atlantic Network Services Communications systems supporting shared multimedia session
US5727164A (en) * 1991-12-13 1998-03-10 Max Software, Inc. Apparatus for and method of managing the availability of items
US5283731A (en) * 1992-01-19 1994-02-01 Ec Corporation Computer-based classified ad system and method
US5742931A (en) * 1993-01-15 1998-04-21 Ss&D Corporation System and method for allocating resources of a retailer among multiple wholesalers
US5402336A (en) * 1993-01-15 1995-03-28 Ss&D Corporation System and method for allocating resources of a retailer among multiple wholesalers
US5412708A (en) * 1993-03-12 1995-05-02 Katz; Ronald A. Videophone system for scrutiny monitoring with computer control
US5604487A (en) * 1993-07-30 1997-02-18 Lockheed Martin Tactical Systems, Inc. Apparatus and method for user-selective data communication with verification
US5500793A (en) * 1993-09-02 1996-03-19 Equitrade Computerized system for developing multi-party property equity exchange scenarios
US5384841A (en) * 1993-10-27 1995-01-24 Rockwell International Corporation Automatic call distribution network with call overload system and method
US5515424A (en) * 1993-12-13 1996-05-07 At&T Corp. System and method for providing selected video images to local telephone stations
US5592375A (en) * 1994-03-11 1997-01-07 Eagleview, Inc. Computer-assisted system for interactively brokering goods or services between buyers and sellers
US5606359A (en) * 1994-06-30 1997-02-25 Hewlett-Packard Company Video on demand system with multiple data sources configured to provide vcr-like services
US5602905A (en) * 1995-01-23 1997-02-11 Mettke; Richard P. On-line communication terminal/apparatus
US5721832A (en) * 1995-05-12 1998-02-24 Regal Greetings & Gifts Inc. Method and apparatus for an interactive computerized catalog system
US5602908A (en) * 1995-05-18 1997-02-11 Fan; Yuan-Neng Calling party identifying apparatus and method therefor
US5724646A (en) * 1995-06-15 1998-03-03 International Business Machines Corporation Fixed video-on-demand
US5710887A (en) * 1995-08-29 1998-01-20 Broadvision Computer system and method for electronic commerce
US5729594A (en) * 1996-06-07 1998-03-17 Klingman; Edwin E. On-line secured financial transaction system through electronic media
US5884272A (en) * 1996-09-06 1999-03-16 Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership Method and system for establishing and maintaining user-controlled anonymous communications

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USRE44732E1 (en) * 2002-03-22 2014-01-28 Foremost Technologies Llc Video-voicemail solution for wireless communication devices
US20100182945A1 (en) * 2003-04-14 2010-07-22 Cvon Innovations Limited Method and apparatus for distributing messages to mobile recipients
US8477786B2 (en) 2003-05-06 2013-07-02 Apple Inc. Messaging system and service
US8036689B2 (en) * 2003-05-14 2011-10-11 Apple Inc. Method and apparatus for distributing messages to mobile recipients
US8280416B2 (en) 2003-09-11 2012-10-02 Apple Inc. Method and system for distributing data to mobile devices
US8745048B2 (en) 2005-09-30 2014-06-03 Apple Inc. Systems and methods for promotional media item selection and promotional program unit generation
US8700613B2 (en) 2007-03-07 2014-04-15 Apple Inc. Ad sponsors for mobile devices based on download size
US8464315B2 (en) 2007-04-03 2013-06-11 Apple Inc. Network invitation arrangement and method
US8671000B2 (en) 2007-04-24 2014-03-11 Apple Inc. Method and arrangement for providing content to multimedia devices
US9367847B2 (en) 2010-05-28 2016-06-14 Apple Inc. Presenting content packages based on audience retargeting
US20220368799A1 (en) * 2020-12-08 2022-11-17 T-Mobile Usa, Inc. Call origination validation for incoming calls within a wireless communication network

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20040076275A1 (en) 2004-04-22
US8315364B2 (en) 2012-11-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7835508B1 (en) Commercial product routing system with video vending capability
US8111279B2 (en) Commercial product routing system with video vending capability
US8315364B2 (en) Commercial product telephonic routing system with mobile wireless and video vending capability
US7433459B2 (en) Methods and apparatus for providing telephone support for internet sales
US5479491A (en) Integrated voice-mail based voice and information processing system
KR100336091B1 (en) Communication system
US20020120545A1 (en) Commercial product routing system with video vending capability
CA2460488C (en) Interactive system for telephone and video communication including capabilities for remote monitoring
Ackerman et al. c12) United States Patent
JPH04342399A (en) Extension routing control system
JPH11187124A (en) Telephone dealing device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: TELEBUYER, LLC, CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KATZ, RONALD A.;REEL/FRAME:013596/0023

Effective date: 20021218

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION