Information assistance system and method for effectively consulting multiple resources to assist a user to perform a task
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for providing an information assistance service, comprising:
- receiving a call from a caller, the call including a request for information for performing a task satisfying one or more criteria;
accessing a record associated with an identifier of the caller, at least one of the criteria being specified in the record;
in response to the request, searching a plurality of information sources, at least one of the information sources being specified in the record; and
providing the caller with a search result containing the information.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention allows a user to access an information assistance service provider for information to perform a task, e.g., purchase of a product. In response, the service provider may consult multiple resources based on the caller'"'"'s request and criteria which may be systemic or specified in a user profile. The resources used may be those information sources specified in the user profile, public databases, and vendor and enterprise databases that include information related to products, including product information and product pricing, availability, shipping costs and times, product and activity reviews, and business reputation information.
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Citations
70 Claims
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1. A method for providing an information assistance service, comprising:
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receiving a call from a caller, the call including a request for information for performing a task satisfying one or more criteria;
accessing a record associated with an identifier of the caller, at least one of the criteria being specified in the record;
in response to the request, searching a plurality of information sources, at least one of the information sources being specified in the record; and
providing the caller with a search result containing the information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for assisting a user to perform a task, comprising:
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receiving a call from a caller, the call including a request for assistance to perform the task;
accessing a record associated with an identifier of the caller;
in response to the request, searching a plurality of information sources, at least one of the information sources being specified in the record;
providing a search result including a recommendation satisfying the request;
determining whether the caller accepts the recommendation; and
modifying the record based on the recommendation when it is determined that the caller accepts the recommendation. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A system for providing an information assistance service, comprising:
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an interface for receiving a call from a caller, the call including a request for information for performing a task satisfying one or more criteria;
a processor for accessing a record associated with an identifier of the caller, at least one of the criteria being specified in the record; and
a mechanism responsive to the request for searching a plurality of information sources, at least one of the information sources being specified in the record, the caller being provided with a search result containing the information. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52)
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53. A system for assisting a user to perform a task, comprising:
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an interface for receiving a call from a caller, the call including a request for assistance to perform the task;
a first processor for accessing a record associated with an identifier of the caller;
a mechanism responsive to the request for searching a plurality of information sources, at least one of the information sources being specified in the record, the caller being provided with a search result including a recommendation satisfying the request;
a second processor for determining whether the caller accepts the recommendation; and
a controller for modifying the record based on the recommendation when it is determined that the caller accepts the recommendation. - View Dependent Claims (54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70)
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Specification