Apparatus and method for ensuring a real-time connection between users and selected service provider using voice mail
US7289612B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2215/7457
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus are described for ensuring a real-time connection between users and selected service providers using voice mail. The system enables seekers of a wide array of services to select, contact, converse, and pay for a service provider using a communications device such as the telephone. A seeker locates a service provider by providing the name of a profession, which is recognized by the system's software. Once a service provider is selected, the system connects the seeker with the service provider for a live conversation. However, during service provider unavailability, the system enables the seeker to leave a voice mail message for the service provider and reconnects the user and service provider once the message is reviewed by the service provider. The system automatically bills the seeker for the time spent conversing with the service provider and compensates the service provider.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.