Apparatus and method for specifying and obtaining services through an audio transmission medium
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- receiving an audio request, via an audio-transmission medium, from a user seeking service providers from a wide array of fields of service;
when the audio request includes a field of service desired by the user, providing the user with an audio list of one or more service providers stored in a service provider database which match the field of service desired by the user;
determining a selection from the user for a selected service provider stored within the service provider database; and
connecting the user with the selected service provider for a live conversation via the audio transmission medium.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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receiving an audio request, via an audio-transmission medium, from a user seeking service providers from a wide array of fields of service;
when the audio request includes a field of service desired by the user, providing the user with an audio list of one or more service providers stored in a service provider database which match the field of service desired by the user;
determining a selection from the user for a selected service provider stored within the service provider database; and
connecting the user with the selected service provider for a live conversation via the audio transmission medium. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12)
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11. A computer readable storage medium including program instruction that directs a computer to function in a specified manner when executed by a processor, the program instructions comprising:
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receiving an audio request, via an audio-transmission medium, from a user seeking service providers from a wide array of fields of service;
when the audio request includes a field of service desired by the user, providing the user with an audio list of one or more service providers stored in a service provider database which match the field of service desired by the user;
determining a selection from the user for a selected service provider stored within the service provider database; and
connecting the user with the selected service provider for a live conversation via the audio transmission medium. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An audio portal service provider system comprises:
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an audio transmission medium to connect a user to the system;
an audio recognition engine for receiving an audio request from the user for a service provider stored in a service provider database; and
a processor to receive a selection from the user for a selected provider from the audio recognition engine, and connect the user with the selected service provider for a live conversation via the audio transmission medium. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification