Apparatus and method for specifying and obtaining services through an audio transmission medium
US7475149B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2242/22
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for specifying and obtaining services through audio commands, resulting in a live conversation between a user and a selected service provider using an audio-transmission medium (the telephone). A service seeker locates a service provider by entering a keypad code corresponding to a field of service or by speaking the name of a profession, which is recognized by the system. The seeker can then specify, via voice or keypad entry, a price range, quality rating, language, and keyword descriptors of the service provider, such as a service provider code number. In response, the system offers currently available service providers. Once an available service provider is selected, the system connects the service seeker with the service provider for a live conversation. The system bills the seeker for the time spent conversing with the service provider and compensates the service provider accordingly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.